My last ride was 3 weeks back, which meant I was a tad apprehensive, having had a minor surgery that makes engagement with the saddle a touch tricky-Lol. However, I made it to Alison’s, all of 2 miles-Lol and subsequently felt I could manage a short one of 30 miles.
There were approximately 15 in
attendance, although I half expected to be riding on my own, as I did not know
how many miles I could manage, which didn’t seem to bother the usual Mod +
crowd. However, to my surprise I ended up with even more than usual-Lol. So, my group became
the CB’s, The Thief ( back from his climbing sportif in Scotland), Clive, Nick,
Last min.com, Toby aka Teflon and for today ‘Biggles’ -more on that later-Lol.
And last but not least was the new slim lined Steve T- Lol.
We set off to the left and out of Tattenhall
via the easy hill, otherwise known as Rocky Lane, towards the A41. We crossed
over and headed for Carden Park, all of which provided natural cover from a
south westerly, although not to strong. I think it was around here when Biggles
came along side and then took the lead into a lifting headwind, but not before
we caught up on what’s been happening. Biggles weekend was far more interesting
than mine, as he got to fly in the back seat of a Spitfire (nice one Biggles!-
Lol)
It wasn’t long before we arrived in
Tilston and turned left toward Malpas, however, less than a mile later we
turned left again into one of my favourite easy climbs (Scar Lane) which is a
steady one for about a mile or so, leading us to the A41 again for the 2nd of 3
crossings, the other being at No Mans Heath, where we took the little walk
through up to the recently resurfaced roundabout. We headed off right, downhill
towards Malpas and then climbed the ‘Cross O’ th’ Hill Road’- yes that is
the correct spelling and name- Lol. I actually find it an annoying hill and not
because it is super steep or long.
Anyway, no sooner said than done we descend into Malpas and take the one-way system to our next left turn, the steep awkward little turn, literally around the ‘old cross’ monument, which has been there since 1873.
After a lovely quick descent, which saw me chase down Nick, just before turning right through Cuddington Heath, where we all regrouped before the next quick descent into Chorlton. After jumping the red lights on yet another load of roadworks with nobody working them, we turn right into Purser Lane, en route to Shocklach.
A few miles later we were through
Shocklach and regrouping again after a bit of a spurt from me and Chris, but
not the customary CER blast to the Farndon junction. I then realised Nick had
already departed us, as he had to get home for 1pm.
Steve T then came along side, breathing slightly heavy, but riding well, remarking that he didn’t think the days pace was particularly slow, as he had been lead to believe it would be (I responded with “you can never believe anything Steve Hu says”- Lol). Our pace was in fact a little slower than usual, due to my last ride being nearly 3 weeks previous.
After crossing the very fast Wrexham
to Nantwich road and incurring the wrath of a dick head in a car, we headed up
the road to Churton and Aldford beyond. Our pace was picking up, due to
the light tailwind we now had, which was still helpful, even after turning
right to Bruera.
Platts Lane saw us slow a little as we
turned right again and fully across the wind. The inevitable conversations then
ensued about our lunch destination and who was going to stop or not.
Chris and Biggles decided to carry on for Chester, via the canal road, so they left us just as we entered Tattenhall.
The remaining 5 of us arrived at Alison’s after 31 miles and an average speed of 14.2 MPH. We sat outside and our orders were swift as is usual at Alison’s. Plenty of conversation and cross table banter was had, not that I can remember any of it, apart from me taking the mick out of Shane’s little ride in Scotland- Lol.
Anyway, another cracking day with the club, great company on a lovely dry day - not a hint of rain either-Lol.
Till next time gents.
Neil.
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