A very sunny day in prospect, albeit with a chilly start and light winds, which brought nine riders out to Delamere Station cafe. Dave H’s email regarding the Hatchmere crossroad closure had no doubt put a few riders off driving out, but as you will see, those who persevered were treated to a gem of a ride.
I had a penchant to ride
to Jodrell Bank Observatory. We had been there previously in 2011
then 2013 and 2014 - how time flies!
I’d taken half a wind-whispering
lesson and arranged the outward 25 mile leg to be against the wind with the 20
mile return hopefully being wind-assisted; and I think it worked. So here is
the august list of riders: Steve T, Toby, Alan, Ray S, Chris, Dave P and a new
rider, Anthony. Andy B was also at the cafe, but I don’t know if or where he
rode to.
So we ride off to Jodrell Bank
Observatory in the usual direction to scotch the rumour that Hatchmere
crossroads are closed. Station Road was eerily quiet as we slid over its
partially smooth surface. There was a serious amount of heavy construction
equipment at the crossroads but pedestrian and bike access was available in all
directions. We cycle on towards Kingsley to take Forest Lane and then Beech
Lane downhill towards Crowton. My plan was to take the Weaver canal path to the
swing bridge and very pleasant it was too in the sunshine and wild flowers.
The quiet suburban back streets of
Weaverham allow us to move onto to Tata Chemicals Industrial park with the
sharp uphill Soot Hill giving glancing views of the Anderton Boat Lift. Marbury
Park is the next target and some riders hadn’t been there before and for others
it was a long time ago. The pretty bit over, we pedal up through the Wincham
industrial estate taking a right at the crossroads then the next left to
Wincham Village.
Idyllic countryside beckons as we ride
the back roads through Plumley to Lower Peover. We cross the A50 at Boots Green
where the satnav points us down a clearly marked “No Through Road”. We stop to
take stock, and an executive decision is made to take the No Through Road as
Plotaroute confirms that bikes can pass this way, plus the fact that the
alternative is a longish diversion via Goosetry and its nearly lunchtime!
Withington Lane, as it is named, is a
pleasant tarmacked lane with large properties alongside but after about a mile
tarmac gives way to gravel which then soon gives was to a woodland path. This
was fine as a helpful notice confirms access to walkers, cyclists and horse
riders. We exit after a bumpy half mile which was fine in the dry weather, but
not recommended if it had rained!
Jodrell Bank looms into view at just a
mile away. The car park is pretty busy with quite a few large double decker
coaches so I am now concerned about the length of the lunch queue. I needn’t
had been as the cafe is at best half-full. Service is brisk and we are soon
seated and eating our repast under the cleverly sun-shaded outside space.
Steve T turns for home via Kingsley at
Gorstage Lane as we climb Bag Lane. Hatchmere Crossroads presents no problems
for us to access Delamere Forest road. Anthony has his car at the crossroads so
drops off and despite our best efforts, he would like to ride again with us!
There is the usual lust for speed through Delamere Forest sylvan roadway. Alan
picks his car up at the forest carpark and the rest of us re-gather at the
Mouldsworth crossroads.
Dave P has had a brilliant ride in his
self-engineered electrified vintage Thorn and now decides to take it a bit
easier back to Chester. We four hammer on via the usual lanes back to
Mickle Trafford with about 65-70 miles ridden.
A great day out with great company in perfect cycling weather – and hopefully more days like this to come during the year. So thanks to all the peloton for not complaining at all about being pulled down No Through Roads to somewhere! It was just like the old days with only the leader knowing the route, and it being a surprise for the peloton.
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