I always look forward to riding from Meadow Lea. Not least because, being my closest starting point, I get to have a lie-in on a Thursday. Although it was going to be a cold day the prospect of a rain-free day with little wind was enough to attract a good number of riders. Seven of these were moderate riders, these being Andy W, Dave H, David M, Keith Mike G, Ray and me. Dave had a ride in mind but was quite happy to go with mine – a 41-mile trip to Whitegate with without too many hills.
We took the usual route out via Wicker Lane, cycling through Waverton and down Martins Lane. After passing through Hargrave and reaching the Tattenhall road we ignored the 'road closed' signs and turned left. However we did our best not to ignore the numerous holes in the road as we cycled up towards Huxley. We then cycled through Tarporley and on to Eaton where David was seduced by the smell of coffee and lured into The Drays Coffee Shop never to be seen again. (Not really – I made that last bit up).
The remaining six of us rode on through Darnhall to the outskirts of Winsford where we wound our way through the backstreets to reach the big roundabout at the bottom of High Street. We usually use the underpass to get across the dual carriageway safely but it had been fenced off and replaced with a light controlled crossing. Having got across we cycled up past the old salt mines heading for the end of the Whitegate Way. We had intended to cycle along this but it was clear that it was going to be muddy. I decided that staying on tarmac would be a better idea. An extra mile or two and a few more ups and downs but a lot less scrubbing of the bikes afterwards. The diversion took us through Whitegate village and brought us close to our intended lunch stop at the Whitegate Station House Cafe.
When we arrived at the cafe the lady at the till was already looking flustered. She admitted that several groups had come in at the same time and the cafe was full. She had just finished doing this and the arrival of six hungry cyclists did nothing to help. Anyway she managed to hold it together and took our orders and by the time that was done we had managed to find seats. It is a community-run cafe and the staff (all local volunteers) were brilliant and soon had the simple but delicious food in front of us.
We always forget to take a photo for the blog. I was determined that we would have one this time so after lunch I rounded them all up in front of the old station sign and took a selfie of the group. I only noticed Mike's pose afterwards. I didn't know what he was doing but Mike did offer a suggestion – which I can't possibly print it here!
Our return was by way of a more direct route. We carried on along Clay Lane, crossing the A54 and passing the main entrance to Oulton Park. We crossed the A49 at Cotebrook and headed up towards Utkinton, passing close to Rose Farm. From there we carried on to Duddon and past Walk Mill before reaching the top end of Martins Lane. We were then retracing our steps from the morning back to Meadow Lea.
With about 400m to go I left the group. There were a few disgruntled mutterings about leaders not leading to the end of the ride, but I ignored them. I had every confidence in their ability to find their way back without getting lost. It was a good day out with almost 43 miles under our belts.
TC
No comments:
Post a Comment