29th May 2025: Aston

 There were enough riders at Rose Farm for a three-group sortie into the sun and wind. Neil was hiding under the kitchen table at home. But who was that extravagantly bandanad character in the corner? As he walked over I realised that it wasn’t Jack Sparrow, but a Keith Richards look- alike and that wasn’t the only similarity, as Clive is also an enthusiastic guitar player.                                                                                        

Our very moderate group consisted of Big Ray, Mold Andy, and myself. Trevor, Jim Dale and Dave Matthews were not out for the day. As we were leaving we ran into Dave Pipe, who wasn’t oven-ready, so we arranged to meet him for lunch at “The Bhurty.”

 My route was deliberately meandering: south of Cotebrook we cruised the little lanes passing Boothouse Farm before heading for Alpraham and crossing the A51 for Bunbury. At the lovely old school house we stayed left for Haughton and Radmore Green. After a short spell on the main road we were back on familiar lanes at Gradley Green, before heading to Ravensmoor. With perfect timing Dave Pipe arrived at the crossroads having picked the fastest route he could to catch us up; I think that his electrical assistance was supplied by Tesla. We arrived at Aston expecting very good food in an attractive environment, and we were not disappointed. We had an interesting discussion including about the career routes and whereabouts of our adult children. Turn the clock back twelve years or so and Dave Pipe would probably have ordered spotted dick at The Bhurtpore in an extended lunch stop. No time for second courses today but Dave appreciated that the new owners have continued the tradition of stocking a wide range of strong ales.

Our return had us cycling a quiet loop initially alongside the Llangollen Canal before turning north at Gauntons Bank and heading for Chorley and Brindley. We took an excursion down to the site of the old spa, having had to scream to call Ray back as he had sailed too far ahead. Ray is trying to curb his enthusiasm but these days he is a bit too hot for his pants. It was a novel route for Dave Pipe, and we dismounted to look at the old salt and bath house. We negotiated the A49 and continued to Peckforton via Spurstow. The stretch of wooded hillside toward Beeston is studded with attractive old properties with lovely views. We decided to take a late break at the outdoor café at Beeston Castle. Andy provided a good excuse, as with another thirty miles to go into a strong headwind, he would particularly enjoy coffee and cake before battling to Mold. Andy also enjoyed a discount with his English Heritage card. The last few miles from here via “The Shady” involves a fair bit of uphill slogging, but we finally arrived with the patient Steve Tan waiting at Rose Farm. Clive was probably at home now playing Time is on My Side on his guitar having completed a much longer ride. Never mind, it had been a thoroughly enjoyable sunny day for us with over forty-two miles covered.

DH