26th June 2025: Whittington

 Maggies was my venue, for a Mod+ group, despite the published Chirk. 

This group ride was not planned by me, as my original ride was my usual solo alternative, when I can’t get to a venue like Chirk, due to no car. However, it turns out virtually 90% of the club couldn’t make it to Chirk either, which is how I ended up gaining 6 ‘Kling-ons’ and I don’t mean the type you see in Star Trek- Lol.

 

Regrettably, Chris underestimated the headwind and didn’t make it in time, despite me giving him an extra 5 minutes because I am a lovely man- Lol. Steve Hu was champing at the bit to get going, but I ignored his cry of “sod him, it’s 10:30, let’s go”- Lol.

 

So we were 5 in the end- Clive, Elwyn, Fiona, Steve Hu and yours truly.

 

I did not intend to submit a blog, but the general consensus in the group was that we should, as there would otherwise be nothing documented against the scheduled event. Plus, they weren’t writing it of course- Lol. So I will keep this  brief, for a change-Lol.

 

Suffice it to say, we completed 45 miles at a very easy pace to ‘The Kitchen’ at Whittington Castle, which reopened only last week, under new management, after a refurb.

 

The only significant ride happening, apart from the glorious lanes and fellowship - Lol,  was that we lost Elwyn, due to a puncture, not that Fiona noticed or cared- Lol. It was a mile and half before I noticed they were missing, that’s Steve Hu as well, who gallantly stayed with Elwyn and proved to him that you don’t need tyre levers, if you do it right- Lol.

Once Fiona had said “sod them” we got going again -Lol. I left her and Clive, 7 miles later, at the top of Wetreins Lane and headed home. They were hoping to meet Steve & Elwyn at Holt.

 

I got home with 57 miles on the clock at a casual 14.3 kph, after a warm one, with only one extremely brief smattering of drizzle. A cracking day out, to be fair, although a stiff south westerly was blowing, but the route was well suited to it. There was the usual banter, that I simply can’t repeat- Lol. And more than the usual chit chat. I mean, Fiona and Steve, together! I reckon they produce more watts off the tongue than they do at the pedal - Lol, Lol

It was a lovely route to the castle, even though I say so myself, although the return leg left something to be desired, due to a few rough lanes- I winged the return- Lol. I will sort a better return for next time- Lol.

 

Anyway, enjoyed it immensely- till next time folks

Neil

See route map and/or gpx file download