30th October 2025:Wrenbury (Mod++)

A chilly start for some (6 degrees on my Garmin, as I left home for Maggie’s) Yet again we took over the place with 19 of us in total, including Ken in his civvies. Our Leader DH, must have still been on holiday.

This week saw a classic CER shambles outside the cafe with people not knowing what group to join or if they even wanted ride-Lol. In the end I just shouted “I’m off, get a grip”, which as you know is very unusual for me to be so forthright- Lol. I had a route that was specific to the day, due to the expected south easterly winds at 1pm. A small hill meander that would ensure a cross tailwind all the way back from the cafe. As we subsequently discovered, the wind did pick up, but never got really strong until 4 pm that day.

 We set off down toward the bridge and immediately got into a sprint to catch traffic lights, which put us right on the tail of the easy riders, being lead by George, I think! He was at the front, as we went past and up the hill, with a bit of friendly banter of course- Lol.

As the winds were still light we headed straight into it for a 4 mile stretch to Shocklach. Even a light headwind requires help and thankfully Kev was the first to come forward, if a bit fast (slowly teaching him, but ‘such a nice man’-Lol). Then ‘the thief’ aka Shane took over, so it wasn’t long before we were beyond Shocklach and turning left at Chorlton, heading for my first favourite steady haul upwards (Scar Ln, Edge Ln & Hampton Ln, all cracking lanes) After a few miles we were rapidly descending toward the A41 and a short blast of 500mtrs along the hard shoulder (too much hassle crossing the A41 twice, through No-Mans Heath.)

 So, we were quickly through Bickley Wood and again descending past Bickley and Bickley Moss before we cross our second major road. This time we cross into Common Ln, roughly heading for the Llangollan canal crossing and the bridge under the Shrewsbury and Crewe railway line beyond. However, conscious of the expected winds and possible rain, I decide to shortcut that idea and turn left to Wrenbury at Gauntons Bank, thus avoiding Marbury and the planned crossings above. In less than 3 miles we were pulling into Berries, having only had 2 short stops for ‘the chatter box’, bless him. 20 miles instead of 25, which was a bit shorter than I originally planned, but it ensured we would beat the weather, that never actually arrived -Lol. 

We arrived at our lunch venue and ride in around the back. Steve Hu promptly corralled everybody into chaining all the bikes together, after producing a chain lock that was fit for mooring the Queen Mary- that fanny bag of his is like a Tardis- Lol.

The cafe was unusually quiet, so we were able to get a big corner table and soon made our orders, a mix of sandwiches and jacket spuds. However, the Chatterbox was not happy with his choice, as he ironically laid claim to the ‘thiefs’ lunch order, until the ‘thief’ turned his order back. This in turn caused the waitress to point out that the Chatterbox had his meal, who was now sheepishly back pedalling on his claim-Lol.

Conversation seemed to cover everything , although the chatterbox was leading most of it and, at one point, was intent on giving us all a history lesson, on what I can’t remember, because Shane starred with one of his wise cracks, mid sentence, from the Chatterbox, who suddenly spouts out, “parochial”. This caused us to look at each other, all wondering if we really understood the meaning, just as Shane had us all in tears again-Lol. Time was evaporating, so I eventually had to tell ‘the chatterbox’ to “shut up and eat”, as everybody had finished- virtually-Lol.

Finally finished, we get out of there and much to our surprise, the expected strong wind was more of a moderate blow and no rain, bar a few drops on my visor. Despite the cafe legs we were able to tap out a fair pace, due to the tail wind of course, and quickly found ourselves passing the Cholmondely Arms, which was my option stop for lunch ( fabulous pub, if you haven’t been then it’s worth a visit- voted top 100 in UK; could have been the local Bitch & Stitch club mind you- Lol.) 

As we passed Cholmondely Castle I asked the ‘very nice man’, what he thought 'parochial' meant. His definition seemed plausible, as it was along the lines of what I was thinking- Lol.

Only a mile or two later and before the Cholmondely business park cafe, we turn left along a few of my favourite tractor lanes, which are in great condition. We come out on Bickley Road, heading to No-Mans Heath, for the second time.

 Malpas was only a few miles away via a nasty little uppy bit that always seems to kill my legs and yet it’s not more than 8% That done, we were soon through the suburbs of Malpas and heading out on Mastiff Ln, which was when CB1 pulled up along side querying how we would get around Malpas. At least he was aware of what bit of the county he was in-Lol.

We were now on a nice little descent, with the wind behind, so it wasn’t long before we headed north toward Shocklach, on Old Castle Ln, which we noticed is now one way and not the way we were travelling-Ooops!

I was now canvassing the group for their final destination, as I knew Shane would prefer to steer toward Tilston and home, which was perfect for me as I had to pass his house to get home. The CB’s and Kev needed Holt, as they were parked near there and Kev could ride straight on up to Chester. So, at Chorlton, I turn right for Horton Green and Tilston beyond, which meant I could go straight home and drop Shane off, after the CB’s and Kev turned down Wetreins Ln.

 I got home with 50 miles on the clock and a more modest AS than usual, which was mainly due to the hills and wind. However, it was a cracker of a day with great company and the usual banter.

The group route was 40 miles, with 1800’ of assent.

Till next time ladies,

NT.

See route map and/or gpx file download