Chester Easy Riders

26th January 2012: Wrenbury (mod)

2012-01-28T20:27:00.000Z

The sun was peering feebly over Beeston Castle ramparts as the six of us co-agulated at Rose Farm on a typical 'Sheila Ferguson' day (that's ‘3 degrees’ for you youngsters). The five of us, Jim, George, Trevor, Mike M and Dave H were surprised to be joined by Dave M after his bike surfing experience on the ice recently but he assured us he was only coming for a 'short loosening' up ride.

The plan was to go to Marbury via Beeston - first mistake! The bridge by the Shady Oak is closed to all traffic - including cyclists, and the pub in Marbury seems to have taken on erratic opening hours.

Plan B it was then, so we set off up that dratted hill into Tarporley and ably led by Dave M skirted round the east and crossed the A51 to reach Bunbury as planned. Then the usual route through Brindley, Chorley and Larden Green took us to the Dusty Miller, at Wrenbury, for lunch at 12:30 with only one short rain shower to speak of.

Dave was feeling suitably 'loosened up' by our classic Easy Riders pace and decided to stay with us as we retraced our steps back via Cholmondley, Peckforton and Tiverton. At this point Jim and Mike split for the ostrich farm while the main group went back to Utkinton for an early bath. A total of about 35 miles or 50 plus for those of us from Guilden Sutton and a very reasonable pace. All in all, a classic Easy Riders day out.

19th January 2012: LLanasa (brisk)

2012-01-22T12:43:00.000Z

When we reached Northop the group divided into two with Clive, Dave P, Ray and Martin going on ahead. We followed the usual route up onto the Halkyns past the Britannia. At Brynford Ray turned back as he had to visit his father in hospital. The remainder continued along NCN Route 5 into a stiff westerly wind that made for hard going. At a fairly early hour we arrived at Llanasa where an open fire in the Red Lion was a welcome sight. The usual 2 for 1 offer was on offer and the food perfectly acceptable. A little later the “slower” group joined us. The route back took us along to Dyserth and then the scenic road around the side of the hill to Rhuallt. At last we had the wind behind us, but this did not make the long climb up Rhuallt hill seem any easier. Onto the tops and a straightforward ride back to Hawarden with a brief stop at Windmill to take in the view across the Dee Estuary. 43 miles and 1100 metres of climbing, arriving back at Hawarden by 2:45pm.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
MD

19th January 2012: Llanasa (mod)

2012-01-22T12:39:00.000Z

The four easier Easy Riders (Brian, Dave H, Jim) led by local Boy George went out the usual way towards Prestatyn through Northop. The fast 100-metre sprint along the A55 to Halkyn village passed without incident. Then on to Brynford, through Whitford to the Red Lion pub at Llanasa where the three speed merchants (Clive, Ivan and Dave P) were well in to their 2 for £10 meal.

After lunch we skirted Axton, crossed the A55 again & returned via Halkyn Mountain with a threatening downpour fast approaching. At Northop, George turned off for home, just before the rain arrived. At Ewloe, Dave H picked up a puncture and with the rain very imminent, Brian left Jim & Dave fixing it. A hilly 38 miles.

BMac

12th January 2012: Great Budworth (mod)

2012-01-13T17:46:00.000Z

I arrived early at Manley to see Mike Gilbert struggling to secure his mount in the cycle rack due to a fierce westerly wind. Before I had undone my own cycle from the back of my car, an arriving employee was telling Mike off for propping his bike up elsewhere. When I placed my bike against a plain brick wall, sheltered from the wind, she came out to tell me that it was “against the rules”, and that wasn’t the end of it! I then thought it unlikely that we would be welcomed in, five minutes before opening time, so waited. Inside at 10.01 was both warm, and for me, distinctly frosty.
A great turn out today, partly thanks to Jim texting the not so slim and spritely set, that there would be a leisurely ride available to enjoy, whatever their post Christmas condition. Good to see the legendary Mike Morley, The Great Imbiber, return for a short ride. Mike Evans finally made it on his luvvely personalised machine, having been assured that today some of us would not be undertaking any ride that could remotely be called ambitious in terms of distance, pace or ascent. Nice to meet Tony Hill, a very welcome addition to the fold. Cute and petite Glennys arrived in her new, cute, but far from petite Mini. It was great to see her in good health, and hopefully she will be riding with us once again in the summer. Bryan Wade was missed, and we all hope he returns to at least old person’s levels of good health very shortly.
Riders made their choice between The Contenders’ ride to Alsager with Alpine trained Dave Matthews, or The Also-Rans’ ride to Grappenhall with also-ran Dave Heath. It was explained that the latter ride might not even achieve its intended destination (and it didn’t!).
Dave & Liz, George, Tony, Mike M, Mike E, Jim, Trevor and myself wound steadily up Sugar Lane, and meandered north-west via Simmonds Hill, Bushell’s Lane and Crow Mere to the memorial viewpoint high above Frodsham and The Mersey. We steeply descended, and were soon bowling along towards Aston, Dutton and past Lewis Carroll Wood. We crossed the A49 and passed the picturesque duck pond and farmhouse at Higher Whitley where Trevor’s cousin lived. Trevor hadn’t been on his bike for two months and his legs were tiring a little. My original planned route via Lymm was already looking a little too far, so after a brief consultation we headed for The George and Dragon at Great Budworth, via Antrobus. Lunch was excellent, and the company was convivial.
We mounted for our return journey in this beautiful village with the church clock striking 2:00pm. Thankfully, the strong wind which had assisted us so far had died down, so wasn’t the anticipated problem on our way back. Indeed, the weather had been really bright from early on, and it was a bonus to have a warming sun all day on a mid-January ride. The return route was through Comberbach and Little Leigh, up to Acton Bridge. We turned up the quiet little lane through the hamlet of Onston, slogged up Norley Bank and then onto the Delamere Forest rollercoaster road. Right, past the Goshawk, the last climb of the day, and for those a little rusty and tired, I was glad we hadn’t gone any further. 35 sociable miles, no pressure, newcomers certain to return, and everybody happy.
DH

12th January 2012: Malkins Bank, Alsager (brisk)

2012-01-13T17:42:00.000Z

At least 12 of us arrived at the wind surfing centre in windy (NW) and spotty rain conditions. Fortunately the weather forecast predicted improving conditions and moderating winds for the rest of the day.

There were one or two new riders present, so we agreed to split with the slightly faster group heading out to the cafe at Malkins Bank golf course near Alsager.

We (David M, Ray, Mike, Paul and Alan) set out on a lumpy route to Hatchmere and then via Darnhall to Church Minshull. A left turn here took us over towards Warmingham where we turned south through lots of minor roads until we arrived at Hassall Green (where we saw the sad sight of "The Romping Donkey” boarded up) and shortly to Malkins Bank. The facilities here are much improved and we enjoyed a good welcome and an excellent lunch.

Malkins Bank Golf Course cafe

Photograph by Alan Jeffs

Return route went out to the A50 and a hard ride back against the still strong wind to Middlewich. We navigated a few busy roads here to return to Hatchmere through Davenham and Acton Bridge. More lumpy stuff through to Mouldsworth got us back to Manley Mere just as the light was going sometime after 4:00pm.

Ride distance was 100k (62m), from Manley and back to Manley at an average riding time speed of 22kph (14mph). Most of us had covered around 120k by the time we got home. A great use of all the available daylight and an excellent hard training start to the year.

5th January 2012: Overton

2012-01-06T18:29:00.000Z

The weather was foul, with very high winds and threatening rain. Anyway we are CER riders, so I met up with Ivan at the Old Dee Bridge for the 12 mile ride out to the Expresso Café via Marford and Llay. Battered by the wind and the rain, we arrive an hour later like drowned rats. Tony H (a potential new rider) was waiting for us as we ordered at the Expresso Café. Martin turned up a few minutes later and we discussed a route I had planned. We agreed to curtail the 42 miler due to the adverse conditions, so a 35 mile loop to Overton for lunch was settled on. Leaving under rain threatening skies, we were soon battered by cold rain as we took the back lanes down to the Sainsbury roundabout. Turning right, the wind suddenly became very severe and I decided to get shelter in the nearby shed city. Correct decision as we allowed the squall to pass by. Martin had had enough so decided to call it a day. We three ploughed on via the hospital and towards Bersham. The idea was to zigzag the A483 down to Ruabon then Newbridge and onto Chirk. Taking Colliery Lane in Chirk gave us access to the lower Ceiriog Valley as here the river joins the Dee. The rain had gone but the wind was as strong as ever. We climbed out of the valley via the double chevroned lane to emerge on the B5069 a few miles south of Overton.

The White Horse Inn turned out to be a Joule’s Brewery pub (ex Market Drayton) and was nicely appointed with good food and a warm welcome. Suitably warmed, we set off in sunshine to Bangor and the Wrexham Industrial Estate ring road. Taking the golf course lane, we ran parallel to the main road joining it at the five way roundabout. Right down through Borras, we end up walking over the A483 pedestrian bridge to emerge a half a mile from the start point with 35 miles under our tyres. Tony is in car assist mode, so Ivan and I return to Chester via the Gresford lanes and Eccleston. We now had completed 65 exhausting miles at 13.2mph – not bad for the windiest ride I have ever been on. Crazy to go out- maybe a bit- but it was all worth it!

See route map and/or gpx file download.

1st January 2012: Carden Arms, Tilston

2012-01-02T21:31:00.000Z

Despite late night/early morning celebrations to see in the New Year, four members met at the Little Roodee for the annual ride to join all the other local cycle groups at the Carden Arms in Tilston. The group of Dave M, Dave B, Clive and I set off at just after 10:00 heading for Hildegard’s in Holt for elevenses via Overleigh school and the cut through to eventually emerge onto Lache Lane before we were on the lanes through Dodleston and Pulford. Clive and Dave M decided to pull in a few extra miles before elevenses and sped off up Marford Hill while Dave B and I took the Lavister turn for the direct route to Holt. Not long after a yellow jacket in the distance heralded another cyclist making for Holt. It was Tony Small, who had just passed Harry making use of a handy field.

By Holt it had started to rain so bikes were quickly locked as we made for Hildegard’s usual warm welcome. Within a few minutes we were joined by Clive, Dave M and Harry followed soon after by Dave & Liz P and Ray. Dave M announced the sad death of Jim Skelding, one of the founding members of C&NWCTC, and who as President for ten years in the 1990’s had contributed so much to cycling in the area.

By 11:45 it was time to leave but today members were intent on doing their own thing and in dribs and drabs we left Holt for Farndon and Tilston. At Crewe by Farndon the main group was down to just three as Clive, Dave B and I made our way south to Shocklach before turning north to arrive at the Carden Arms at just after 12:15. Most groups including Chester, the Fabulous Ladies, Wrexham, Mold and Watson’s Wanderers were already there plus a sprinkling of others. With numbers around the 45 to 50 mark the mood was lively, even with the inevitable wait for food.

This really has to be the best way to start the New Year and renew friendships with members from other groups. Then followed the presentation of the awards for the CTC TC after which it was time to depart.

We left with a large group comprising Chester, Fabulous Ladies, CER and some others for a relaxed ride back to Chester with the wind behind us. What a great start to 2012.

29th December 2011: Nantwich

2011-12-30T20:47:00.000Z

The last ride of the year and six stalwarts meet up at the Ice Cream Farm (Bryan, Ivan, Dave M, Ray, Liz & Dave and I). The weather promises a few showers and this is exactly what we get – what it didn’t say was that they would be ice cold showers. Out via Beeston Castle, we are bound for the Red Cow in Nantwich. Avoiding the obvious way via Bunbury, we take Dean Bank before the castle to access the A49 just before the Wild Boar Hotel. Right towards Whitchurch, we warm up the legs up the hill to take Bunbury Common lane and on toward Alpraham. A quick right and left into Hilbre Bank, we head north towards Eaton. The pack is waiting for a right turn to take us to Wettenhall, but I add in a loop out through Eaton and then skirting Oulton Park before taking the long run down to the outskirts of Nantwich. It starts to rain as we cross the A51 down Manor Lane into Nantwich town.

Bikes securely under cover in the Red Cow car park, we find inside a roaring fire in the bar and several interesting ales. We all order quickly then kill time by discussing the merits of Christmas TV. The lunch takes a while to come but we are not really in a hurry as we arrived quite early and with only 22 miles under our tyres. As we leave, the rain comes down coldly but thankfully briefly as we head out of town through the park and towards Ravensmoor. The strong westerly wind slows us as we turn right into Dig Lane. Here the tandem duo decide to wend their own way home so we five mono-cyclists head up the muddy lane bound for Swanley. Along the straight towards Chorley, the strengthening wind slows us down almost to single figures so we pull up at the Faddiley turn to take stock.

Bryan, Dave and Ray elect to go back via Peckforton whilst Ivan and I head off for Cholmondley and Broxton. We run up past Bolesworth Castle and into Tattenhall taking a left towards Gatesheath and the A41 Chester bound. The A41 was the better option than Saighton given that it was lightly trafficked and afforded some protection from the westerly wind. The round trip from Chester was around 60 miles but the westerly wind must have surely added an extra 10 miles on top of this. This was my 47th CER Thursday ride of the year and 3067 miles ridden, and, like all others considerable enjoyment all round.

The Peckforton three made good progress through Brindley, then bypassed Bunbury to take the scenic route via Peckforton to Beeston anticipating the downhill run from there back to the Ice Cream Farm. Not today though: with the wind gathering strength it was hard work to just keep moving. Back at the Ice Cream Farm we chatted about the day over a huge pot of tea before at just after 16:00 starting the final leg back in the dark. A 39 mile round trip from the Ice Cream Farm and 60 miles overall from Chester.

See route map and/or gpx file download.

22nd December 2011: Northop

2011-12-22T21:40:00.001Z

Hawarden Castle

Dec 22nd and one day after shortest day in deepest winter: 14C clear, sunny and dry – what is happening to our weather! For the penultimate ride of the year, eleven of us assembled for the off at the Roodee (Dave & Liz P, Martin, George, Dave M, Dave B, Ray, Andy, Alan, Janet and myself). I had proposed a novelty “Five Castle tour”, a flat 41 miler, and so we set off over the Dee and out to Lavister via Eccleston. Taking the lane out past Burton Green we cycled ever upwards against a freshening wind to Caergwrle.

St Peters, Northop

The first castle hid behind the woods on the hill overlooking Caergwrle. Built by Llewellyn’s brother in 1277, it was taken in 1282 without a fight by Edward I and renamed Hope Castle. Out round the back of the village into Stryt Isa, we spin towards Penyffordd. Just before the lane end, Alan picked up a puncture, which gave me time to book lunch at the Red Lion Northop. Off again, we took the lanes to Bilberry Wood and the fast run down to the second castle on the tour at Hawarden. The local Welsh prince, the one from Caergwrle castle, attacked the castle on Palm Sunday 1282. In familiar territory now we take the main drag to Ewloe and pause beside the road to look at the “Ewloe Castle This Way” sign pointing across the fields. Built in 1257 by Llewellyn, it is apparently the oldest surviving Welsh-designed and built castle in Wales.

Flint Castle

By this time the smell of beer was in the nostrils as the pack headed for the Red Lion. Although the lime and soda was expensive at £1.80, the two course “two for a tenner” menu was very good. Fortified with chips and pudding, we grind up the old main road, over Wat’s Dyke, and take the first on the right to get us over the A55. Admittedly this lane had seen better days, but soon we were freewheeling down the Halkyn Road into Flint and towards the magnificent Flint Castle. Built by Edward I at a cost of £7,000 in 1277, this was similar to those later found at Rhuddlan, Conwy and Harlech i.e. all capable of being re-supplied by sea. A short diversion along the front found us reading about Charles Kingsley’s poetic prowess before taking the main drag back towards Connah’s Quay. Here, by the Eon power station is a very odd 29mph Franco-Welsh road sign.

Photographs by Alan Jeffs and Clive Albany

Dave B left us here as the rest of us took the back lane down Dock Road to access the cycleway to get over the Hawarden station stop railway bridge. Martin and Janet peeled off here, and the rest of us made our way back along the Dee. Dave M however took the greenway towards Oscroft. The Chester Big Wheel came into view as we completed an easy 41 miles. So with Chester Castle we had completed the “Five Castle” tour but in fact had only actually seen two castles; nonetheless a very satisfying “winter” cultural sojourn.

See route map and/or gpx file download.

15th December 2011: Chirk

2011-12-16T17:19:00.000Z

Dave M, Ray, Andy, Alan, George, Norman, Mike G, Martin, Dave H, Jim, Dave & Liz P gathered at the always welcoming Hildegard’s Café, Holt, on a cold but dry and sunny December morning. The latter four, for differing reasons, chose to do their own thing. Dave M suggested the main group should ride to Chirk and that met with approval. We rode to Chirk via Bangor, Overton, Street Dinas, down to cross the Dee and up the other side of the valley. The chosen lunch venue was the cafe in Chirk main street. So for a change no beer today! Ivan would not have approved but if it was good enough for Eddie Izzard (his picture is on display from a visit to the cafe on his multi-marathon escapade) it is good enough for the CERs.

After a satisfactory lunch we headed uphill past Chirk Castle to Newbridge, Ruabon, Eyton, past The Plassey and swiftly down the straight mile to Bangor, Worthenbury, Shocklack and then Farndon. Here Dave M and Mike G peeled off and the remainder returned to Hildegard’s for tea and cake, arriving before 3pm leaving plenty of time for the ride back to Chester in daylight.

42 miles, 570m of ascent, no punctures, mechanical problems or lost riders. An unusual CER outing but a very enjoyable one on a pleasant, short winter's day.

See route map and/or gpx file download.

8th December 2011: Christmas Lunch Ride

2011-12-10T18:23:00.001Z

Photographs by Andy Whitgreave and Clive Albany

An easy ride in prospect for today but would the weather cooperate? The forecast was bad with wind and rain promised, rising to gale force in the afternoon. A number of members had already called to say that they would be driving to the lunch venue rather than riding. As it turned out, the ride out to Rose Farm was really quite pleasant particularly with the wind behind and before long Clive had caught me and we completed the ride together arriving at just gone 10:00am. Dave Hill was already there and soon we were joined by Mike G, Ivan and Dave & Liz P. An easy route of about 18 miles was agreed and just after 10:30 the seven of us set off through Tarporley heading for Beeston. From Beeston we turned southwest for Tattenhall into a distinct head wind and with a darkening sky ahead. By the time we crossed the A41 it had started to rain and we stopped to cape-up before continuing on to Chowley and Coddington in good humour. By Churton the rain had eased and with the wind behind us again, we swept effortlessly along the road to Aldford with the prospect of Christmas Lunch spurring us on.

We arrived at the Grosvenor Arms by 12:15 to find the rest of the club at the bar well into their first pint. The Grosvenor Arms had just managed to squeeze all 19 of us onto one large table: a good job we are all fairly slim though! The meal was excellent as the photos show and even the collection of the monies was accomplished without problems. The Christmas Lunch is always a good opportunity to chat to those members not able to get out with us as often as they would like: and so it was today. Where was Dave Browne though?

All too soon it was time to leave with the riding group heading back to Chester via Saighton where Clive left us to put in a few extra miles before it got too dark. The rest of us continued back in pleasant cycling conditions with no sign of the forecast gales. Mike G was heading for the station to get a train back to Rhos on Sea, but given an enforced hour wait, Ivan and I took the opportunity to join him with a chat over a jar or two while he waited.

Another great day with Chester Easy Riders, more social than active, but with a modest 36 miles done.

1st December 2011: Maeshafn

2011-12-03T16:01:00.001Z

We were meeting at the Gallery Coffee Shop in Hawarden today so it was an easy, unhurried seven mile ride out. Norman was already enjoying his tea when I arrived. Before long we had taken over the café, with Clive, using the excuse of being hot, to strip down to an outfit suggestive of an S&M club. With eleven of us riding (Martin, Norman, Ray, Dave M, Clive, Dave H, Jim, Dave P, Andy Ivan and myself) we decided to split into two groups with lunch at the Miners Arms in Maeshafn. I had come with a meandering hilly ride of some 43 miles that I hastily shortened to give us the original route for the brisk group and a shorter 38 miler for the mod group. Martin agreed to lead the brisk ride and I took the mod.

We all set off together and at the initial short but steep climb up to Bilberry Wood split into groups. Dave M decided to do his own thing preferring an easy ride before a forthcoming long audax. At the top of the Bilberry Wood climb Jim was clearly suffering and rightly decided to call it a day leaving Dave H, Andy, Norman and me to make up the mod group. At the far side of the A55 footbridge we met Dave P who had been left behind by the brisk group while checking for stragglers!

From here we had a nice run down to Penyffordd, over to Padeswood and Llong before heading southeast past Leeswood Hall for the first real climb of the day. A delightful fast descent down to Pontybodkin set the pattern for the rest of the day. No more than a quarter of a mile on the main road and we were back on the lanes climbing the flank of Hope Mountain to Coed-talon then down to Llanfynydd, over the main road and up the chevroned climb to the stone zoo for a photograph.

The Stone Zoo

Photograph by Bryan Wade

Comments concerning my ability to seek out every hill in the vicinity were now becoming more frequent so I missed out the planned descent down to the ford, and associated climb back up, to take the flattish direct route to Graianrhyd and Eryrys. From here on it eased off and we had a pleasant run to Maeshafn arriving just after 12:30 with 700 metres of climbing recorded!

Having arrived ahead of the brisk group we were able to order drinks and food in good time from the surprised bar staff who coped admirably with the unannounced arrival of five cyclists. The brisk group delayed by a puncture arrived not long after, but behind two tables of locals, and fared less well in the swift delivery of food. By 14:00 hours it was time to leave so we, the mod group, regrettably left the brisk group waiting for their food while we took to the road. Dave P decided to swop groups at this point: rumour has it that it was the option of a pudding that was decisive.

The route back took us down to Llanferres and along the Alyn valley to Cilcain where Andy’s rear gear cable snapped at the lever. With help from Dave H the cable was extracted and the rear mech stop was adjusted to give a middle sprocket to run on for the rest of the ride. We then took the roller coaster route along the Alyn to Rhyddymwyn before joining the well-trodden route back through Soughton and Buckley to arrive back at the now closed Coffee Shop at 15:45 with 38 miles done.

It only remained to make the final stretch back to Chester in the twilight to complete a great day out with 52 miles clocked overall. Thanks to Martin for leading the brisk group at very short notice.

See route map and/or gpx file download.

PS It can now be reported that after their relaxing lunch the brisk riders freewheeled back to Hawarden by the shortest route to to arrive at 15:15 hours in time to partake of coffee and cake.
BW

24th November 2011: Knutsford

2011-11-25T22:41:00.001Z

The Manley venue had been revamped and we sat in new chairs and cushions warming ourselves around an attractive fire feature. Clive's chair was like a throne: he quite liked the title of "King Clive". Clive had an innovative route around Grappenhall, Moore and Weston, but he went along with my alternative to Knutsford. Paul, one of our new faces had returned. We were eight altogether: Paul, Alan, Dave M, Dave B, Martin, Clive, Mike G and myself. I was soon leading from the rear as I hauled my 15 stones plus up Sugar Lane. We then headed north in the direction of Frodsham, right after Simmonds Hill and meandered off the main drag onto the small lanes, through Newton Hollow, and left at Crow Mere to Lord of the Manor, Djibril Cisse's property. At this point I decided that a further detour to a viewpoint at the memorial above Frodsham was out, as we needed to press on. I had decided that a brisk, no frills ride was now required to get to Knutsford and back in daylight. We dived down to the A56, across the Weaver, turning right along Aston Lane. Soon we were cycling around the picturesque duckpond at Higher Whitley, swishing through Antrobus and rollicking along in the direction of Tabley Hill. It was pleasantly warm again, and all this pressing on had me desperate for a drink by the time we hit Knutsford, just on 12:30. We marvelled at the McLaren showroom. Someone deludedly wondered if you could order a carbon fibre bike rack with your £168,000, 205 mph, 12C! Lunch was at the White Bear where they unlocked the beer garden for our bikes. The staff were friendly, and the food and drink was fine, if unremarkable.
Dave Matthew's had an interesting proposal for a route back, so we went with it. We set off at a quarter to two, after slowish service and some extra coffees. Would we make it back in the light? Dave's route back was a belter! We set of at a good pace down the main road in a southerly direction, and then headed off right on a rural route to Davenham via Lower Peover and Lach Dennis. Beer, extra coffees and some enlarged prostates required an early toilet stop. We also had to negotiate a closed road, but the workmen were helpful as we edged through on the pedestrian route. We passed some lovely old properties as we threaded through Davenham. We then went through the woods after Hartford Bridge on a leafy route alongside The Weaver. We came up through the golf course at Vale Royal on the Abbey site, and through a luxury toy town housing development close to Whitegate. We then headed for the beautiful Mill Pond, just past Oulton Park. From Cotebrook to Utkinton was hard uphill work, but we were soon ramming down Willington Road, as Dave M. took his leave near his house at Oscroft. It was becoming dusk, but modern bike lights are reassuringly bright and we were close to home now. Through the sandstone cutting at the back of Barrow, and back to Manley just on official lighting-up time, around 4pm. Over 53 miles clocked up: pretty good for a winter ride!
See route map and/or gpx file download.
DH

22nd November 2011: Welshpool (Tues)

2011-11-23T17:54:00.001Z

The weather was ideal and the scenery well worth the 4,000ft of climb. Ray, Ivan and I set off from Chester at 07:30 for Welshpool and, by 08:45 we were having a pre-ride drink in the Coco café in the High Street. Dave M was down with the lurgy so regrettably missed what was a very rewarding if not extremely hilly ride. The hills started immediately out of the town and with cold legs we ground up and out bound for Four Crosses via minute lanes up and down dale. At Four Crosses, we rode across the flat Severn River valley floor. Espying a monument on the top of Breidden Hill (1,056ft) Ivan was keen to ride up to “Rodney’s Pillar” named after Admiral Rodney of Cape St Vincent Battle fame in 1779. This was not to be as we were bound round the back of it for Long Mountain and 1,265ft. From the ridge road there are extensive views of the Long Mynd, Stiperstones and Clee Hills to the East and the mountains around Lake Vyrnwy to the West. Soon we were running fast downhill towards Montgomery. This delightful but small county town is on a hill and overlooked by a Parliamentarian ruined castle.
Photograph by Ray Stigter

The main hotel was expensive and the other pub did not offer food so, asking a local, the Ivy House Tea Room was suggested. This quaint tea-room cum deli was ranked 1st in Wales and 17th in Britain. The lunch was wholesome and good value, although the sweets were a bit of a let down according to the “sweet pair”. After this early lunch, the sun came out as we ground up the hill out of the back of the town bound for Abermule. A short diversion was planned to try to find Dolforwyn Castle but all we found were more steep hills! Turning for home we now followed the 81 through Bettws Cedewain and Aberrriw. As I stopped to replace the Motorola battery, Ivan spotted the local and nipped in for a swift half and Ray decided upon a precautionary change of the rear tube in the churchyard. Continuing with the 81, we were up and down dale finally passing the gates of NT Powis Castle. A short burst up the main rode and over a wee canal bridge found us back to the Old Station car park. Here in exchange for free parking, we honoured our promise of being a customer at the café as the sun started to set. Bike Route Toaster stats gave the cumulative height gain as 4,000ft – my legs agreed – interestingly it was 1,800ft hillier than last Thursday’s Llangollen ride! A wonderful 55 mile ride enjoyed by so few.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
CA

17th November 2011: Llangollen

2011-11-18T18:14:00.001Z

The new venue, the Expresso Café in Gwersyllt, was busy as Ivan and I arrived a little late from Chester. Dave H was already there and Dave S, a Café Hopper rider, had just turned up. Brian Mac arrived a bit later having cycled from Neston and, because of problems on the trains, explained that Janet would not be coming, and he was not out for the whole today either. So where to go! I had come prepared with a 44m ride to the Wild Pheasant just outside Llangollen. All the hills would be before lunch with a nice flat 10 miles after lunch. All agreed and we set off to navigate our way out of largely unfamiliar territory bound ever upwards for Coedpoeth via Southsea (however did it get that name!). Dave H picked up a puncture here so, a bit delayed, we set off for the Llandegla forest and the roundabout to the Ponderosa on the A5104. The lane off the roundabout runs parallel to the A5014 and affords magnificent views to the left and right of the Vale of Clwyd and the sea, and the Berwyns the other way. With good visibility and the weather that we had today, this is a perfect place to view some stunning countryside.

Photographs by Ivan Davenport

Dave S knew the route well and just turning down to the A5104 at Carrog, we stop at a boundary monument erected in 1400 to recognise a short-lived land “agreement” between Owain Glyndŵr and Henry IV which lead to the razing of Ruthin and the Welsh Revolt of 1400-1415 – amazing what you come across in the countryside. Running down to Carrog, we take the Old Coach Road for a pleasant if not surprisingly hilly run along the north side of the Dee until the Chain Bridge Hotel at Berwyn. A quick left down the A5 found us at the Wild Pheasant. Here Dave S pressed for home, whilst we three were ready for a late lunch after 28 very hilly miles. Good fare at reasonable prices – but tough if you want salad today – they had run out. Setting off well after 14:00, I promised us a flat 10 miles to the Pontcysyllte aqueduct along the recently resurfaced canal towpath. We had an extremely pleasurable fast and level cycling with few walkers and time to digest our repast to boot. The mostly familiar way back was via Cefn Mawr, Ruabon and the Sainsbury’s roundabout at Wrexham that found us going along Summerhill Road and back to café arriving at 16:00 with 44 miles on the clock. Dave was in car assist mode whilst Ivan and I, in the gathering gloom, wended our way back via Llay and Kinnerton to Chester. For two lone souls with headlights ablaze down the Dee cycle path, we had nearly 80 miles on the clock and had experienced what a well known octogenarian rider would have exclaimed to be “Magic”.

See route map and/or gpx file download.

10th November 2011: Aston

2011-11-13T22:28:00.001Z

Today was the first ride since last Thursday’s discussion and with notes of the meeting already circulated it was great to find so many members present at the Ice Cream Farm with their pre-prepared rides at the ready. Jim and Mike G discovered that they had come with almost identical rides employing a circuitous route to the Dusty Miller at Wrenbury. Ivan suggested we go the extra mile to the Bhurtpore Inn at Aston for the ale, so with that Jim and Mike got down to combining their rides.

By 10:30 eleven of us were more or less ready to depart with Dave Heath struggling to ensure his rack pack stayed attached. Then with Jim in the lead we were off (Jim, Mike G, Ray, Martin, Andy, Clive, Ivan, Bryan, Brian Mac, Dave Heath and Trevor). Jim led us out through Tattenhall, Chowley, Clutton, Lower Carden and Tilston before turning left towards Malpas. At Simmonds Green we took a surprise left to Hampton Heath to negotiate the lanes through to Cholmondeley with the group staying together absorbed in conversation. Somewhere along here Mike G took over at the front and we continued at the same steady pace to Wrenbury past the Dusty Miller and on to Aston and the Bhurtpore Inn.

The Bhurtpore did us proud, yet again. Is there anywhere round here that offers a better selection of ales? And who can resist the fantastic selection of curries on offer? When it came to deserts many were tempted but no one succumbed, possibly considering the need to get back before it got dark.

The return journey was made back through Wrenbury and north to Ravensmoor, thankfully with no one suggesting the shortcut through the ford. We then navigated the jumble of lanes to Brindley followed by the well-ridden route back to the Ice Cream Farm through Bunbury and Beeston arriving at an unbelievable 14:30pm. Well the wind was behind us. No mishaps today unless you count Ivan’s rear wheel puncture with only a mile to go.

A great ride and plenty of time to sample the coffee cake at the Ice Cream Farm before the final stretch back to Chester. 37 miles there and back from Ice Cream Farm and 55 miles clocked in total back to Chester.

See route map and/or gpx file download.

3rd November 2011: Eastham Ferry

2011-11-05T16:06:00.001Z

Me and my big mouth...After my Question 2 weeks ago to discuss having two groups, Bryan asked if I could choose a Wirral pub to host today’s meeting promptly at 12 noon. Living for many years on The Wirral, I find it easy to plan a ride here on its limited quieter roads. A big turnout was expected and with a decent forecast, I was overwhelmed to have sixteen at the start. I won’t list them but you can see them lined up in the photo below, standing outside my back garden gate. Ray is missing as he was taking a picture of the security camera watching us.

We set off south, only to stop after 300 yards to have a mini lecture from me on the historical significance of the “Holloway” and medieval hospital at Denhall. Circling north towards Ness, a further stop was made to admire an “erratic” boulder outside The Wheatsheaf, deposited over 10,000 years ago when the glaciers receded to the northwest. As my geographical gems were now receiving some abuse, I set off at a faster pace through the back of Neston village centre and along the bracing Parkgate Prom. Continuing north we entered Gayton (the posh part of Heswall) where some houses could not be seen from the road, as they were behind locked gates.

Photograph by Brian MacDonald

Down through Lower Heswall (passing an early Beatles venue in 1962), a little spice was added by climbing the long, twisty hill up to the town centre. Who said Wirral was flat? Crossing the A540, we skirted Heswall Common (who saw a much larger erratic there?) and under the Wrexham line at Heswall Hills Station. We traversed the peninsula along the busy B road through Brimstage to Clatterbridge. Crossing the M53 we cycled through Spital Cross, down past the Dibbinsdale river at Spital Dam and up through a huge sandstone cutting to cross the A41 at Bromborogh Pool. Sensing the pub was near, people sped up through the ever expanding Bromborough Industrial Estate and down past the old moorings for the Ship Canal. We were met at the Eastham Ferry Hotel by Alan on his bike and Liz again acting as a taxi driver for Martin.

The 2 for 1 meals proved as popular as ever, except for Clive who had a 5p reduction on his. Unfortunately, the 5p was delivered inside his dinner. The beer was good but with a more limited choice than usual. Replenished, Bryan called the room to order. For absent friends, the gory details of the meet can be found elsewhere.

As darkness was earlier after the clocks went back last week, we departed before 3pm up through Eastham Village and back across The Wirral via Childer-Thornton, Willaston and Burton. Dropping many Chester bound riders along the way, eventually five of us finished back at Ness for afternoon tea in the rather elegant Visitors Centre, having completed an easy and pleasant @@ (28??) miles.

If anyone fancies leading a ride for the first time, please email me for some ideas or advice.

See route map and/or gpx file download.

BMac

Editor: Yes 28 miles confirmed. Is this a record?

27th October 2011: Queens Head

2011-10-29T18:19:00.001+01:00

The weather was supposed to improve but that was just Scotch Mist as it rained on and off all the day: not heavy, but enough to be annoying and guaranteeing that you would need to wash the bike when you got home. There were twelve apostles this week at Hildegard’s café i.e. Brian, Paul, Janet, George, Ray, Alan, Dave M, Dave P, Martin, Mike G, Ivan and myself. Jim was out just to collect £5 Christmas lunch deposit and Liz was acting as a one-way chauffeuse for Martin. The route was sausage-shaped heading for the eponymously named pub at Queens Head: a near flat 50 miler.

The route out was via Worthenbury, then to Holly Bank to cross the A525 bound for Dudleston Heath. There then comes a list of odd named hamlets such as Perthy, Crickett, The Ridge and Welsh Frankton. A short section of the A595 got us over the canal bound for Babbinswood and the Queens Head pub. A fast 23 miles in about 90 minutes. The fare at the Queens Head was judged to be very good and excellent value for money.

Queens Head

Photograph by Alan Jeffs

Off we set from the car park when Ivan realises he has a potential puncture. A re-inflation sorts the problem out and we set off again. Just up the road with Ivan and Dave P racing up the lane to Rednal, I hear a ping sound and thinking it is a stone in the mudguards, carry on only to stop a little further up the road to find a spoke has gone in the rear wheel. Luckily only a minor wobble in the rim, so I vow to use low gears to get home rather than standing on the pedals in high gears. Up the road we find Ivan changing the recently re-inflated rear wheel. In no time we head for Ellesmere and then into the bandit country on the English Welsh border around Penley. Rather than head straight back via the Shocklach road, I plan a deviation via Threapwood, Chorlton and Tilston before taking Wetreins Lane back to Holt. Here quite a few head off for home leaving Brian, Janet, Martin, Dave P and myself tucking into cake at Hildegard’s again. Not quite a three puncture ride like the last two weeks, but with Paul having a rear wheel puncture on his second outing with us (just like his first time), it was nevertheless a classic CER ride. Returning into Chester with Dave P on his fixie, I managed 75 miles overall and am glad that the rear wheel held for the 40 miles home from Queens Head.

A relatively incident free ride this week. The most noticeable thing was that we all kept together and it was overall a fast ride. A lot of riders commented on this.

See route map and/or gpx file download.

20th October 2011: Whitchurch

2011-10-22T11:08:00.001+01:00

With the promise of dry weather, I planned a route as Bryan was away. Speaking to a friend in Wem, I asked his opinion of a good pub; try “The Tilley Raven” he said. I rang the landlord and 12 cyclists were duly booked in for 1 pm. That was the beginning of things not going to plan; I then read the previous blogs this morning only to see we had been there only 6 weeks ago. I didn’t remember, as I seemed to be behind a camera that day. About 10 riders were ensconced in Rose Farm at 10:00; is that a record? Twelve set off by 10:30 (another record?) Alan, Andy, Brian, Clive, Dave M, Dave H, Ivan, Jim, Martin, Norman, Ray and a mystery rider. Who’s missing?

The route took us through Bunbury, Chorley, Wrenbury and on to Marbury. After three punctures delayed us badly, we found ourselves in Whitchurch after 1pm and I decided democratically to alter the plan. We headed to our usual miserable hostess with the good beer and excellent Pensioners lunches. Was she interested in feeding 12 hungry cyclists in her (empty) pub, I asked politely? Was she heck! If you think I’m being unkind, see Blogs of 12 May 2011 and 24 June 2010.

Hungrily we followed Clive down to The Dodington Lodge Hotel further south on the old A41 roundabout. Is there any pub he does not know? Another excellent choice of Shropshire beer and lime & soda, if a little limited. The food was good and quickly served. The return leg was quicker through the Wychs, Malpas, Peckforton, Beeston, Tarporley and finally Utkinton. A sunny if somewhat slow 47 miles.

Summary: I think that all on today’s ride would agree that 12 cyclists together were too many.

Question: Should we split into two groups in future? Discuss.

See route map and/or gpx file download.

BMac

13th October 2011: Lloc

2011-10-14T14:33:00.000+01:00

Bryan, Brian, Dave H, Jim, Andy, Trevor and Ray were already at the Gallery Café as Martin and I arrived together. Brian was at last back from Scotland. Bryan was solo on the tandem and only out for coffee because his Campag shifters were being repaired. Trevor was only out for coffee as well. Bryan had offered a 40 miler to Nannerch consisting of climbing up and down the Moel Arthur and Moel Fammau passes – but as he wasn’t coming with us, so we saved it for him on another day. I offered a 53 miler to Gronant returning via the Dyserth cycleway. Just as we were leaving there was a call “I am at so-and-so, where are you all meeting today” – no, it wasn’t Ivan (he was at a motor show) it was Mike G. No problem I said, we’re going to the Bells of St Mary you can meet us there. We set off going the usual back way towards Northop Hall. Rather than going the direct way to Halkyn, I had plotted a deviation via Flint Mountain. I should say at this point that this was a day of “threes”. The lane looked like a lane on the OS but as it deteriorated, I recalled that I had been down it before and the rough track would eventually turn into a metalled surface. With the confidence of knowing that I had been down it before, the rest followed. With slightly dirty wheels, we pushed on taking the lane on the left that took us down and up a single chevroned minute lane. “Take the first left,” I instruct Ray and Martin. They steam past it so I race after them to get them to turn back. We meet the back markers coming towards us and turning back, we all take the rough farm lane (it looked OK on the OS) which will get us over the A55. Pausing here to check the mud on the bike, Martin finds he has a front wheel puncture. No fault can be found but a new tube goes in and before we know it, the tyre has gone down again. After minute inspection, and a lot of stroking of beards, another tube is used and all is well. This all takes some time and Jim and Brian are getting restless and start talking to the young bull in the field opposite. Brian wants to try to find out if bulls really do not like red rags – but it was not a fair test- he was the other side of the barbed wire from the bull!

Photographs by Clive Albany and Martin Donaldson

We are off again, briefly on the A55 then up past the Britannia Inn. I think about stopping to wait for the others but also think that we have stopped for long enough already so I keep going staying on the main road at a very leisurely pace. Eventually, we are all strung out but in view as Martin and I pull up in Pentre Halkyn. He has a third puncture on the same tyre! No sign of Jim and Dave; meanwhile Andy and Ray have gone back to try to find them. Brian’s phone rings but he is too late to pick it up and there is a message from Jim saying that they are at the Windmill (having turned off the main road at the Britannia Inn and gone up the steep hill) and will find a café somewhere. Brian texts that we are giving up on Gronant and going to Lloc and the Misty Waters pub. Tyre fixed, we set off at a pace up and across towards Brynford and down to Gorsedd. The phone rings – its Mike saying he was at Gronant and where were we. Profuse apologies follow from me, but he was nonetheless happy to meet us at Misty Waters, which he said he knew. At Misty Waters, three of us have pints of Titanic ale, which after a few sips is confirmed as being “off”, so three pints of Guinness are supped instead. The food comes quickly but Mike doesn’t appear and my phone has no signal. I plot a route back and up the road decide to phone Mike. He’s just up the other road at the other pub in Lloc. Remembering and adapting Oscar Wilde’s quote “To lose one part of the group may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose two parts looks like carelessness” I give Mike the local directions, and in a few minutes he is with us bound for Caerwys. To do this we need to get over the A55 so I find a nice farm lane with a requisite bridge. The lane says it a “No Through Road” – the OS disagrees, so I go down it and the rest reluctantly follow obviously thinking “Here we go again down lane No 3”. Well we were both right, it wasn’t a dead end but it was the dirtiest lane this year. We came out with bikes covered in cow’s muck and spent a few minutes cleaning the wheels with grass.

The evidence

I promised a main road now as we headed for Caerwys but take the lane on the bend towards Ysceifiog and the double chevroned lane thereto. Just checking if a double chevroned was OK, or did we want to go to the Pet Cemetery for tea, we went for tea. With pots of tea and cake we rationalised that it was going one of those easy days today. Just before we leave, I spot an employee cleaning the animal hearse – five minutes later most of us have hosed down the bikes to get the worst of the muck off. Feeling inwardly and outwardly refreshed, we set off via Brynford to pick up cycle route 5 which will get us down into Flint. Eschewing the main road, we take the parallel road through the housing estate and press on towards Shotton and Hawarden. Martin wends his way up to Hawarden as Brian takes the train. We remaining four take the back way past Yvonne’s café and over the Dee onto the Greenway to Chester. The day was in threes – new dirty lanes, sub-groups, punctures, bad pints, and comestible stops. The circular route was “only” 41 miles but what fun it was, now that we are all home that is.

See route map and/or gpx file download.

6th October 2011: Lake District Special Ride

2011-10-12T15:38:00.000+01:00

So, the day had arrived at last. Possible route variations had been previously reconnoitred in weather varying from pleasant to glorious. This Thursday the forecast was horrible: very stormy. Norman was quite open about it - he didn’t take his carpet slippers off when the weather was bad. Trevor had sprained his ankle playing badminton! But any of us could have been excused a touch of Tevez on such a day. The committed, brave and stupid were in the Grange car park early: Mike G, Bryan, Andy, Ray, Martin, Liz, Clive, Ivan, Jim and myself.

We set off along the promenade ahead of schedule despite Mike having to sort out a shopfull of extreme weather gear. The view across Morecambe Bay was lovely. Soon we were winding steeply up the quiet lane to medieval Cartmel and coffee. Cartmel Priory is claimed to be “the most beautiful church in the North West” with a fascinating history. There is also a racecourse and a Michelin starred restaurant, L’Enclume, which featured on ‘The Trip’ with Steve Googan and Rob Brydon. The staff at the Mallard Tea Rooms were friendly and efficient.

Photographs by Ivan Davenport

Now warm and not wet, we continued uphill to Haverthwaite, north along the beautiful Rusland Valley, through Grizedale Forest passing Breasty Haw on our left, and then Ray punctured. This gave Ivan a chance to photograph the group in the narrow lane while a rogue driver attempted to use us as skittles. Down we whooshed to Esthwaite Water and soon reached pretty town of Hawkshead. Hawkshead is an ancient town that has flourished from Norse times. It is a village of higgledy-piggledy houses, archways and squares with strong connections to Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. We meandered through the tourists and headed for Outgate and the climb to the Drunken Duck for lunch.

It was warm, a nice environment, fine beers, good quality food (if a bit pricey) and, when it came to a doorstep ham-sandwich in greaseproof paper, a bit pretentious. Exactly as expected in fact! We were just about to go back out when the rain hammered down, but five minutes later and nine of us were ready to go. Where was Mike? We found him struggling to pull his overshoes on and trying to get his arctic wardrobe in order.

We were soon grinding up to High Cross and then plunging down to the lovely undulating road alongside Coniston Water. The lakeside ride was a highlight; a beautiful unspoilt stretch of water with the Old Man of Coniston towering over the far side. Talk with Martin turned to Donald Campbell who had piloted Bluebird down this stretch of water at over 300 mph before disaster struck in 1967. From Brantwood, the former home of John Ruskin we cycled south past Peel Island, the inspiration for Wild Cat Island in the Swallow and Amazons books of Arthur Ransome.

Then followed a leisurely few miles meandering down the Crake Valley. At Spark Bridge we realised that Liz and three others were not in tow. Mobiles were either switched off or unable to connect. In the absence of a crate of carrier pigeons on the back, Martin gallantly cycled back uphill to find out what the problem was. It turned out Liz’s chain had exploded, damaging the front changer at the same time.

We eventually arrived at Penny Bridge and Greenodd for coffee and cake at the Bridge Deli. They are caterers for weddings etc. so not properly set up as a café. Service was quick and friendly and the coffee was spot on, even if there weren’t enough chairs. Mike had been delayed messing with his headset so chose to sit on the carpet rather than a metal keg.

This part, and the next part of the route, had only been cycled by Jim and I two days before, in an attempt to travel southwest without a gruelling roller coaster ride. We crossed the river Leven and followed a dodgy Sustrans Route 20 stretch before an easy ride alongside the river to just south of Haverthwaite. The B5278 was fast and flattish going south, but it was a longer route and quite hilly from Cark to Grange, so Jim had convinced me that ‘Killer Hill’, as he referred to it, was the best option. We rode down a couple of miles to Stribers then made an acute left up a quiet, sheltered and very hard climb. The fit chaps and Liz were waiting patiently when the walkers and very slow grinders eventually made the T-junction at the top. Down past the mucky farm and alongside Cartmel racecourse, through Cartmel, with the weather becoming more consistently damp and murky by now. Then past Headless Cross and residents of Headless Close, left at the top of Allithwaite, along pleasant, quiet Wart Barrow Lane across the hill and finally back down to the coast road close to Martin and Liz’s caravan. About 46 miles completed and still an hour to go to lighting-up time.

The weather didn’t really bother us: I didn’t even use my proper waterproof, and the sheltered valleys and lanes meant that we didn’t have to battle against the wind all day.

Two thoughts struck me sitting in the car: the actual weather when cycling is often nowhere near as bad as the forecast, and if I was Martin Whitmarsh I would never employ Mike Gilbert (only pulling your leg Mike).

Thanks for your support and company on the day, I hope you all enjoyed it; also thanks to Jim for partnering me on a number of scouting missions beforehand and providing sound advice.

See route map and/or gpx file download.

DH

Author's corrections: it was Andy that punctured, not Ray; despite my Tevez aspersions, and Trevor's apparent good humour, his lawyer informs me that he has irrefutable medical evidence of a dicky ankle.
Note to editor: I may have a tendency to use marginally iffy words, but I think you were wrong in changing 'shopful' to 'shopfull'.
P.S. This week, regrettably, Mike confirmed his unsuitability for employment with McLaren by turning up at the wrong circuit.
DH

29th September 2011: Ruthin

2011-10-01T10:24:00.001+01:00

Caergwrle rides mean hills and this week’s ride featured a lot, 3000ft of ascent according to Bike Route Toaster. The weather was mid 20’s and rising and the sun shone all day with hardly a cloud in the sky. An extraordinary summer’s day – but in autumn. The lunch stop was the Anchor in Ruthin, and rather than going up the Minera Steps, I thought a meander up Summerhill and Brymbo to get to Bwlchgwyn would make a nice change. OS maps don’t seem to indicate chevroned roads here and there were a lot of them as there were also curiously, a lot of pubs. Up, around, along, down then repeat the sequence until finally we passed the old ironworks that Brymbo is known for. Here Norman was struggling with the heat and wisely decided to call it a day. We also seemed to have lost Dave Hill, who was out for the café breakfast, and Liz and Martin who also disappeared.

Bwlchgwyn

Photographs by Alan Jeffs

So we six (Alan, Dave B, Dave P, Ray, Janet and myself) continued up again to meet the Minera Steps road. Heading through the Llandegla Mountain bike centre, we made it out to the A5104 bound for the roundabout just before the Horseshoe Pass Road. Taking the quiet lane on the right, and at 1200 ft, we now enjoyed nearly 5 miles of ridge riding with magnificent views of the Clwydian range to the right and the Berwyns to the left. Taking a right at the T, we accelerated off the hills and down via wooded valleys towards Llanfair Dyffryn. The hedge cutters had been out, so caution was needed along some of these lanes.

Llandegla Forest

The Anchor was quiet and the £5.95 menu fair was served up promptly. A few lime and sodas were also downed to reset the fluid balance. We discussed the return route, which originally included the steep ascent to Moel Fammau. With the temperature rising, we acknowledged that we would re-route by going toward Nant-y-Garth. A loop out of the town to warm up the legs found us out of Llanbedr and then the B road to Graigfechan. Rather than take the main pass road, we took the 3 mile long ascent out of Pentrecelyn to the top of the pass.

Top of the old Nant Garth road

Decision point: which way home? Loggerheads for tea was agreed upon, and we sped down to Llanarmon and onto Caffi Florence, just getting our order in before closing time. Leaving for home, Dave B split off to get back to Connah’s Quay as the rest of us cut across country via Swan Lane back to Caergwrle. The lanes at “going home” time are a particular hazard as a few scraps with vans and cars evidenced. Ray and I split off to go back to Chester via Kinnerton as Janet took the train at Penyffordd; Dave P went back to Chester another way and Alan picked his car up in Caergwrle. The out journey to Ruthin was 25 miles but the return was 29 miles making a 54 miles extremely enjoyable, if hot and thirsty ride. Thanks go to Dave P for being the back marker for most of the day and well done to Dave B for not giving up on the hills. For me, it was just short of 80 miles as I reached home with the sun low in the sky.

Addendum: Three times during the day my Motorola Defy satnav and phone was shaken loose from its bike holder by the potholes and bounced down the road. Not a scratch on it, and still working. Ray had a front wheel puncture in Kinnerton and changed it in record time.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
CA

22nd September 2011: Audlem

2011-09-24T12:00:00.000+01:00

On my way out to Tattenhall, I overtook a rider in Chester who seemed to follow me all the way to Waverton. It transpired this was Paul R who was trying us out for the first time. The ride to the Ice Cream Farm was therefore used to inform Paul of our ethos and paucity of rules and regulations. We arrived early just as Dave M arrived – he was only out for the coffee as he was still in “Audax Recovery Mode”. There were a lot of us out today: Janet, Trevor, Ray, Alan, Liz and Dave, Ivan, Norman, Martin, myself, Peter (out for his second time) and Paul. I suggested a ride of about 63 miles to Pipe Gate (“Where?” they all cried. “South of Woore”. “Where?” they repeated) and in sheep mode, we set off bound for Carden and Tilston.

Carden Arms

Photographs by Alan Jeffs

At Carden my phone rang, it was Janet “I’m near Beeston Castle, where are you?” – we had left without her, as she was still in the loo! I gave her some directions to meet us at No Mans Heath and we ploughed on. A mile up the road, Norman was having problems with his panniers so the lead group waited at the Carden Arms. Onwards via Tilston and Ebnal Lane, we arrived at the A41 No Mans Heath rendezvous. I called Janet but she had decided to head homewards, so “Group Apologies” to Janet for not realising you were not with us. Off again towards Aston but a puncture halted us after a half a mile. This provided the time to try and fix Norman’s pannier (which had a missing fixing screw) using a cable tie. At this point I decided to abandon the planned route to the Chetwode Arms and go for the Shroppie Fly in Audlem. However I now planned an indirect route to take in the flight of locks at Cox Bank. So out of Aston we headed for Burley Dam and Wilkesley.

Arriving at the flight of locks, a few decided to take the direct route into Audlem along the canal whilst the rest of us kept turning left until we hit the canal again in Audlem town centre. The food came swiftly and during lunchtime Norman fixed his bike courtesy of the local bike shop, and Alan had repaired a slow picked up earlier. As the sun warmed us we left within the hour for a yet more circuitous route back. For us all lots of new lanes were cycled as we negotiated Nantwich bound for Tilley’s at Bunbury. Hedge-cutting season had started so occasionally it was a hazardous ride crossing our fingers that no further incidents occurred. At Bunbury, Ivan shot off to get home early and the rest of us acquired our Tilley Loyalty cards. Arriving back at the Ice Cream farm with not quite 60 miles on the clock, three of us were Chester bound with over 80 miles ridden and a dry day again.

See route map and/or gpx file download.

15th September 2011: Southport and beyond

2011-09-16T21:16:00.000+01:00

In a departure from the usual cycling round Cheshire and Wales, this special ride explored the workings of Merseyrail before a pedal was pushed in anger. After Norman, Bryan, Ivan, Dave Hill and Janet survived the rigours of the lifts and escalators at Liverpool Moorefields station, we travelled to Freshfields on the Southport line, where we were joined by Dave Heath and Jim (who had used a car and had cycled from Lydiate).

Setting off north from the station, we recrossed the railway line at an unmanned crossing, and then braved flying golf balls before entering Formby woods (a red squirrel reserve). We then joined the last few miles of the Trans Pennine Trail, along an old railway track, but now a busy road with an adjacent cycle track. We passed along the sea wall at Southport, with much use of bells to clear ambling late season tourists out of the way before heading further north along the coast, with clear views of Blackpool Tower, St Annes and the edges of the Trough of Bowland.

At Crossens, we hit the road proper, passing the large Environment Agency pumping station that keeps this part of Lancashire from returning to a lake. It was noted how low the houses were in relation to the cycle path, which is the top of the dyke: we were on a level with their bedrooms! We then passed through Banks. The land here is suited to market gardening on an industrial scale, and we passed fields of greens, and large areas of glasshouses. Although the lanes were narrow, there were lots of 38 ton wagons on them, transporting the goods to the supermarkets (along with very large tractors with spiky things sticking out from them!)

Crossing the busy A565, we lunched at the Legh Arms, Mere Brow: probably the last time CER members sit outside this year. Food and ale were good, although a sudden descent of seven riders on a sleepy Thursday gave the chef apoplexy, and the service was slow.

Photograph by Dave Hill

Ready for the return journey

Heading south-ish, we weaved our way through Holmeswood, passing Martin Mere, and skirting Burscough and Ormskirk. Soon we hit the hill challenge for the day, climbing to 56 metres above sea level on the Clieves Hills, for stunning views of our route. Coasting back down the hill, we meandered the lanes again, crossing and re-crossing the canal, passing through Lydiate, and then rejoining the TPT, which is called the Cheshire Lines path in these parts. Dave H and Jim left us here.

We re-emerged from off-road cycling to join rush hour traffic on the road from Maghull to Seaforth. However, turning off the main road after a couple of miles, we reached the inner city oasis of Rimrose Valley Park, which took us away from the hustle and bustle to within a few hundred yards of Seaforth station, and back to the delights of the Underground for the journey home with 42 miles completed.

See route map and/or gpx file download.

8th September 2011: Tilley

2011-09-10T15:59:00.000+01:00

The weather promised to behave itself, and it did, with only a few spots of rain in the morning and a warm afternoon. Eleven of us (Ray, Bryan, Brian, Trevor, Alan, Janet, Dave & Liz P, Mike G, and I along with newcomer Peter) set out from Holt heading for Tilston by way of Wetreins Lane. The first hurdle came on the main road to Tilston that was closed due to hot tar operations; and hot it was, as we walked by on the grass verge. This was one of a few such closures as various lanes were being surface improved.
Photographs by Brian MacDonald

Out via Horton Green to Oldcastle Heath, we snaked our way to Big Arowry and into Bettisfield Park, and through the “blink and you will miss them” hamlets of Wolverley, Noneley, Rue Wood and finally into Tilley just south of Wem. The Raven in Tilley is a real find; the landlady was friendly but warned of a 30 min food delay because “everything is cooked freshly prepared” – true to her word the food arrived as predicted and very tasty it was. Coupled with a wide range of guest beers, it is worthy of a return trip at a later date for sure. Brian was back briefly from Scotland and the Orkneys and selflessly played the 11th man role for a good part of the day.

Photograph by Alan Jeffs

As we left the sun came out and we set off via Wem town for lanes anew and yet more hamlets, in a figure of eight in the English-Welsh badlands intersecting at Tybroughton. I have to confess I like this tripartite area of Cheshire, Shropshire and Wales – there are lots of lanes and few hills to worry about. There were mutterings of an afternoon tea stop so we ended up quite early back at Hildegard’s for tea and cake. Peter did well on his first outing, and promised we would see him again. A 49 miler from Holt, but 70+ miles for those Chester bound.

See route map and/or gpx file download.

1st September 2011: Bangor-on-Dee

2011-09-04T18:29:00.000+01:00

An unusually fine and sunny day was in prospect as eight Easy Riders gathered at Rose Farm garden centre, Utkinton. The roll call was Clive, Dave H, Dave and Liz, George, Trevor, Jim and myself. Dave offered the Buck House Hotel, Bangor-on-Dee as a destination and with a clear sky we freewheeled through the warm breeze towards Beeston where Clive departed to attend an afternoon engagement. We cycled on toward Bickerton as conversation flowed about George’s recently completed LEJOG.
As we enter the pub a vast array of ceramic teapots confronted us, apparently 1500 in total, belonging to the landlady, they must have had an influence as Dave H ordered tea!
A return route via Shocklach, Horton Green and Tilston was agreed and the group set off once again into the hazy, sun-drenched lanes. This is the life! Three riders peeled off as we got nearer to Utkinton with only four returning directly to Rose Farm, 50 fresh air miles earned. A mid-summers day climate on 1st September: could this be the start of an Indian summer?
DB

25th August 2011: St Asaph

2011-08-27T20:45:00.002+01:00

I had pre-planned a route to St Asaph and since the weather promised to be good, a ride over the Halkyns was in prospect. There were eleven of us (Liz and Dave, George, Alan, Norman, Martin, Ray, Janet, Ivan, Jim an myself) as we said goodbye to Dave Hill at the Gallery café. The usual route was taken to Northop but at Halkyn, the left turn at the Britannia was taken up the hill to get us onto the top for the run to Rhys-y-Cae. Here the tandem sailed on, as we turned left towards Lixwm. A text message said “See you at the Plough”. I thought “See you later on the Babell road” since we were going the long way round via the Lixwm lanes. As thus it was that as we emerged on the Babell road near Racecourse Lane we were all together once again. Continuing straight on this road until we hit the A55 we then took the farmers bypass to get us to the top of Rhuallt Hill on the old road. A fast descent right through the village took us to the cycleway running parallel to the A55 and over the purpose-built cyclist’s bridge onto the old A525 and upwards into St Asaph. Having been to the Plough 10 days earlier, this seemed to be the only decent and decently priced pub in town. It took awhile to get lunch served but all appeared happy with the fare.

At the summit above Gwespyr

Dave Hill had mentioned that the Dyserth to Prestatyn cycleway had now been tarmaced, so, I re-routed out of St Asaph and we were soon wending our way slowly uphill to its entrance. We dropped a few here but caught them in time as they sailed by the cycleway entrance. This was to be a feature for the rest of the day! The cycleway is nearly 3 miles of gently downhill rolling heaven. In Prestatyn it started to rain, so we donned waterproofs as we accessed cycleway 5, sailed though the golf course and past thousands of mobile home to emerge at Talacre. My original plan was to be sympathetic to the group after a steady morning’s hill climbing by returning to Hawarden via the coast road. Yes, it is not pretty but it is flat and I thought this would have group appeal especially with a drink stop at the nice café behind Sainsbury’s in Flint. A long discussion ensued as the choice was given between a flat ride or going up the single chevron lane to Gwespyr and Llanasa followed by the eventual climb to Halkyn Windmill (all of 850ft of ascent).

Photographs by Alan Jeffs

Surprisingly, the challenging ride was chosen and some literally agonising minutes later we were all resting after the first 400 ft of ascent through Gwespyr’s chevroned lane. The rest of the afternoon saw the same pattern repeated as we went up and down hill through Llanasa, Whitford, Gorsedd and onwards to Calcoed. It was here we lost the tandem again. I had stayed at the back at Gorsedd issuing instructions to the passing stragglers to take the next left on the cycleway 5 to Calcoed. The tandem sailed right on and at Brynford a phone call confirmed that they would find their own way back.

By this time it started to rain again, and a few of the stronger riders were itching to head for home, so as they sped off ever upwards, Alan and I held back to shepherd Jim and Norman back to base. The ride was 57 hilly miles but nonetheless enjoyable in that new roads were accessed and the Dyserth cycleway ridden without the bone shaking ride that Ivan and I had had last time we rode it. For those heading back to Chester, it was a 70+ mile round trip.

See route map and/or gpx file download.

18th August 2011: Croft

2011-08-21T21:41:00.000+01:00

Although cool first thing this morning the temperature had risen to a pleasant 19°C by the time the group of 13 met for tea at the Manley Mere Windsurfing Centre. Bryan announced that he had planned “a bit of a mad ride” to visit territory we had not tried before. The plan was to cross the Mersey and make a circuit of Warrington threading our way through the lanes just to the south of St. Helens, Newton le Willows and Golborne returning via Lymm. Dave H would meet us on the outskirts of Runcorn and guide us over the Runcorn/Widnes bridge. For lunch Bryan had identified a number of possible pubs, with the General Elliot in Croft being top of the list. So just after 10:30 the group of Bryan, Omry, Martin, Liz D, Trevor, Alan, Clive, Norman, Ray, Dave & Liz P set off. Ivan and his grandson were there to see us off, while Dave M planned to ride with us for the first half hour and then head back.

As usual, from Manley Mere, we started the day with a stiff climb up to Riley Bank and then down to Frodsham to join the main road to Runcorn. Here Dave M left us, as we met up with Dave H to take the scenic route up to the Runcorn/Widnes bridge and across to join the Trans Pennine Trail on the other side. We then followed the St Helens Canal for a couple of miles before taking the second bridge to cross into the Moss Bank industrial area heading north along the eastern edge of Widnes to Clock Face. Here Norman’s local knowledge proved invaluable in guiding us through Clock Face Country Park. Once back on the lanes we made good progress through Burtonwood and Winwick to Croft where we quickly found the General Elliot. The newly refurbished and upmarket pub provided a warm welcome and friendly service with a Senior’s Special menu (starter and main) for £6.50. The food was all you could wish for in quality and presentation and with Timothy Taylor’s Landlord on tap provided a perfect lunch. With 12 of us to cater for one might have expected some delay in getting back on the road: but not today. Within an hour of arriving we were back on the road conscious of the need to get back before the Windsurfing Centre locked the gate to the car park.

Culcheth marked the halfway point and from here we turned south to Glazebrook and Rixon where we crossed the Manchester Ship Canal for a brief excursion into Trafford District before returning to Cheshire for a short stop in the centre of Lymm. Back on home ground we headed for Antrobus and Acton Bridge. Dave H left us just before the crossing, to make his own way back to Runcorn. The rest of us continued up past the Maypole pub to Hatchmere and the forest route back to Manley with Omry peeling off along the way. Then with less than 100 yards to the Windsurfing Centre Liz P was stung by a wasp!

What an interesting day: exploring the northern fringes of Cheshire on lanes we haven’t ridden before with plenty of variety en-route. Thanks to Dave H and Norman for their help in guiding us through the area and to The General Elliot for their friendly and efficient service combined with a great lunch.

Total distance from Manley Mere was spot on 60 miles with some 75 plus miles for those riding from Chester.

See route map and/or gpx file download.

11th August 2011: Dolgellau special

2011-08-15T14:47:00.000+01:00

Bryan, Janet, Ivan, Clive, Trevor, Allan, Lizzie and Martin met in the café by the car park in Dolgellau at 10:30 am on another grey and gloomy August day. As we left it was just starting to rain and this would continue for the next 3 hours. We rode through the town and then immediately began a 200 metre ascent that Bryan described as "cruel". At the top, the normal splendid views were largely absent as the hills were enveloped in cloud down to the 300 metre level. From here it was downhill back to the valley bottom and after crossing the main Bala road it was up again towards the Coed Brenin forest. We rode up one side of the raging Afon Wen surrounded by huge trees and then down the other side and eventually back to Dolgellau.

Whether mist or condensation this says it all.

Photograph by Martin Donaldson

The first section completed we embarked on the second which again began with a stiff climb up the Cader Road. At this point hunger and unremitting rain were causing spirits to flag so we were all relieved to reach the Gwernan Hotel. Welsh Rarebit proved the most popular choice for lunch. We learnt from the kitchen that this dish was so named because in then past the ordinary Welshman was prohibited by the landowners from catching rabbits and so cheese was used instead. Who needs Wikipedia!

By now the rain had stopped and the sun appeared, so with improved mood we continued the climb with great views of the Cader Idris crags to our left. Eventually we arrived at the Cregennen Lakes where superb views of the Mawddach estuary opened up. Then a steep descent with Bryan managing to skid on one particularly tight bend but expertly avoiding disaster. On to the main road and then a touch of wheels and Ivan was down thankfully without serious damage to body or bike. An everyday hazard in the life of the peloton!

Next we crossed the estuary along the railway bridge and, to avoid the horrors of Barmouth in August and the £1 toll, we doubled back and picked up the Mawddach trail. This follows a former railway line and provided an easy, flat and scenic route back to Dolgellau arriving just in time for tea and cakes.

41 miles and 1600 metres of ascent. A route I think that was enjoyed by all but which would have been so much better if the weather had been kind.

See route map and/or gpx file download.

4th August 2011: Ellesmere

2011-08-06T21:50:00.002+01:00

The weather forecast was for light rain until 10:00 and then a clear day – no, wrong!; raining until 12:00 and then progressively clearing up until the sun appeared at 16:00. Still, a little bit of rain was not going to spoil a potentially enjoyable and “flat” ride from the Ice Cream Farm to the Black Lion in Ellesmere. Six of us left in the rain (Martin and Liz, Ray, Ivan, myself and Bill on his first outing with us) taking a near straight-line routing to Whitchurch. Dave M came for the tea only and then went home as we left. The idea for the first 15 miles to Whitchurch was to ride as close to the A41 as possible but minimising the actual use of the A41. The original plan had been to go up to Burwardsley then Harthill but given Bill was on his first outing, I re-routed via Bolesworth Castle to hit the A41 for the first time at No Mans Heath. Taking the first left, we looped back to the A41 to go left then first right to pass by the “Bell o’ th’ Hill” pub and then cross the A41 to take the lane opposite to re-emerge at Grindley Brook. Joining the canal and negotiating the flight of locks here, we took the largely good towpath to a lifting bridge to exit into Whitchurch (thus avoiding the A41 itself). Out towards Alkington, the rain had now stopped and the pleasant lanes took us to Welsh End where we left the way-marked cycleways bound for Lyneal and Colemere. Taking the A528 into Ellesmere, we took a surprisingly hilly Sandy Lane to access the town centre after 30 miles and the Black Lion beckoned. The pub has had a bit of welcome makeover since we last visited in May 2010 but still has a good range of food and reasonable prices. With 25 miles to go, the afternoon would be a pleasant spin through the Welsh borderlands. And so it was as the temperature rose, we negotiated the twists and turns from Ellesmere via Hampton Wood and Haighton to Threapwood. Similarly the NE track out took us past the wooded Overton Scar and Edge Hall to cross the A41 at Duckington. Up the Hill towards Brown Knowl it was then all downhill back to the Ice Cream Farm for tea at 16:15. The last mile or so ended up as a sprint as Martin shot off at 25mph with three of us in pursuit. For Bill it was a long but hopefully a pleasant 55 miles, and as the three of us took the usual way back to Chester we knew we would notch up 75 miles for the day.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
CA

28th July 2011: Wirral Wander

2011-07-31T20:56:00.003+01:00

Part 1
I always look forward to the start from Ness Gardens Cafe, as I can have a lie in. Not so, the other 7or 8 who were all there before me: Alan, Dave H, Dave & Liz, Ivan, Norman and Trevor. A late guest appearance saw Jim & friend, just back from Le Tour, but they weren’t joining us for the ride today.
The route was – Leighton, Thornton Hough, Irby and (unusually) to bits of Wirral not covered before, Arrowe Park, Upton in Wirral, Noctorum and down through Birkenhead Park to Seacombe Ferry. Here we stopped for our resident photographer Ivan to capture a picture of The Ferry across the Mersey, aka the cruise ship “Crystal Serenity”. She was on an 11 day British Isles cruise and berthed across at Pier Head, the ship was a fitting backdrop to today’s photo. I had a meeting to attend, so left the group just before the lunch stop at The Egremont Ferry. Dave H / Norman were going to take over leading back round the North and West coast of the peninsula.

BMac

Photograph by Ivan Davenport

Part 2
The meal was excellent as usual but believe it or not the Cains ran out on the first pull. We returned via the sea front and Wirral Way with only a threat of rain to put us off diverting via the jetty and footpath in West Kirby. Another great day out.
DP

28th July 2011: Pistyll Packing Momma Audax

2011-07-31T18:24:00.001+01:00

Just Ray and I turned up for this bumper fun day to check the route of the forthcoming "Pistyll Packing Momma" Audax. We left Tattenhall at 07:55 into a cool and overcast day. Chirk was the first stop which we reached by 10:00am: 10 minutes less than when we rode "Momma's Mountain Views".

From here we rode up Glen Cerriog, through Llanarmon DC and over the tops to Pistyll Rhaeadr for a good lunch. The route then took us to Lake Vyrnwy over the southern Hirnant Pass and over the dam to the cafes. The weather became threatening at this stage and dropped some rain (as it did again after Bala): but nothing too wet.

We left Lake Vyrnwy over the North Hirnant Pass which gives a spectacular descent to Bala and another cafe stop. Beyond Bala we followed the main road north for 8km until turning off at Bethel. We then followed a relentlessly hilly route past Melin-y-Wig, Pentrecelyn and over the Shelf to Llanarmon-yn-lal. Much of the road around Melin-y-wig and beyond is in terrible condition, but due to be resurfaced this August.

After Llanarmon-yn-lal we picked up the "Momma's Mountain Views" route again to Llanfynydd where we had a much needed and appreciated hot bowl of soup at the Cross Keys. Finally we climbed over Hope Mountain and returned to Tattenhall through Hope, Holt and Bruera, arriving at 21:30 pm in the gloom. Distance was around 210/215km (just over 130 miles) with 3000m climbing.

We had a hard but ultimately very satisfying day out. Many thanks to Ray who could have got round an hour quicker, but waited for me after he had sprinted over the big hills.

21st July 2011: Whittington

2011-07-22T21:03:00.003+01:00

Four elements combined to make the ride from Holt to Whittington and back a CER classic – good company, weather, comestible venues and unspoilt country lanes within the borderlands of Offa’s Dyke country. There were eight of us (Bryan, Brian, Alan, Ivan, Trevor, Janet, Ray and myself) assembled at Hildegard’s new café in Holt. This has recently opened and at Martin’s suggestion last week, we decided to try it out instead of Bellis. A very warm welcome was evident both at the start of the ride and at the end. Janet (Two Mills group) was out with us for the first time, and Dave M made a brief appearance before saving himself for the upcoming Audax “extreme” ride into Wales.

Chirk Castle gates

Photograph by Ivan Davenport

The route out circumvented Wrexham via Sontley and Gyfelia thence onto Ruabon. The run down past Cefn Mawr is always exhilarating despite the road surface, and, the gradual climb out to the A5 seemed easier than before. A left and right on the A5 found us riding past the Chirk golf course and the back entrance to Chirk Castle. A short stop here allowed me to check the shortcut route through the side of the caravan park and onto the Glyn Ceiriog road. The planned left turn was blocked by road works so a hastily re-routing took place as we headed up the valley. Next left took us up a single chevroned hill right on the line of Offa’s Dyke and back into England. A steady climb took us around the eastern side of Selattyn and then down to Gobowen and Park Hall Camp to Whittington.

There are three pubs in Whittington and the “Ye Old Boote Inn”, a 16C coaching inn, opposite the 13C community-run castle was certainly the right choice. They promptly set a table for us and drink and food came swiftly. Excellent value and tasty food pleasantly presented and served. A return visit sometime is on the cards.

The return route was “all downhill” and we were soon diving down the pretty lanes of Hindford, Crickett (old and new), Seven Sisters and Trench onto the broad lane to Penley. Back across the border once more at Bangor-on-Dee, Brian and Janet left us to push on to Wrexham railway station, while the rest of us made the familiar way back via Bowling Bank to Holt and Hildegard’s.

The weather had behaved itself all day and, as three of us rode back to Chester, the wind freshened and rain could be seen over the Welsh hills. A 50 mile, moderately taxing, circular ride from Holt, and 70+ miles for those Chester bound.

See route map and/or gpx file download.

14th July 2011: Mow Cop

2011-07-16T18:00:00.001+01:00

The good weather that had been forecast for today certainly brought out the numbers with 13 members meeting for morning coffee at Rose Farm Garden Centre Café although Dave Hill was only there to stretch his legs before returning to work. Marc, from Germany, had joined us again for his second ride with us. So with Andy, Ray S, Martin, Liz D, Clive, Alan, Dave & Liz P, Ivan, Trevor, Brian Mac and me that made 13 of us riding.
Ivan had first talked about a ride to Mow Cop something like a year ago but there was always something against it. Today was the ideal opportunity with a warm, sunny dry day forecast and clear skies promising good views from the top. Yes, there would be a slight headwind against us on the way back but this was as good as it was going to get. After a bit of ‘selling’, “it’s flat all the way there and back” and “it’s a lovely route along the lanes” and “there’s an easy way up for those, like me, that don’t fancy the direct 1 in 4 or 25% assault to the top”, it was agreed. So Mow Cop it was after a year of indecision.
With Marc desperately trying to scoff a scone it was a little after 10:30 when I led out towards Tarporley before taking the left at the top of the hill to cross the A49. Just after Eaton we came to a halt as Marc punctured. Once the flat was fixed we made good progress with the group staying together as we cruised through Wettenhall, Church Minshull and down to brush the northern tip of Crewe before continuing east to Wheelock Heath. Clive gave the pub a call at this point to warn of our arrival (good move Clive) before we continued to the edge of Hassel Green and Rode Heath with the mass of Mow Cop and its castle folly dominating the skyline ahead. At the A34 in Scholar Green we stopped to split into two groups with those favouring the direct ascent following Ivan while I led a select group of four up the ‘easy’ way (as shown on the route map below).
The ‘easy’ way from the southwest provided a steady climb along pleasant lanes winding round as we gradually ascended to The Ash Inn at the top, thinking of the others struggling on the straight mile of unrelenting ascent. The Ash Inn proved to be a good choice with Bombardier on tap to satisfy the ale drinkers and an excellent £4.50 two-course pensioner special. Service was certainly friendly, if a little slow, and although it was past 15:00 when we left, everyone was satisfied.
Given the need to get back to Rose Farm before the gates were locked at 18:00 we gave the sights a miss this time and headed straight to the top of the direct descent for an incredibly fast drop to the bottom: more like going over the edge of a cliff than a road descent. We regrouped at the bottom, took the opportunity for a photograph, and started the journey back.

Photograph by Brian Mac and Alan Jeffs

I had planned an easy route back but somewhere after Brookhouse Green Brian Mac suffered a front wheel puncture. Martin, Liz D and Marc decided to press on back to Rose Farm alone anxious that their cars would be impounded. Once Brian Mac had sorted out the puncture the remaining ten of us continued on the lanes through Brereton Green towards Middlewich where we took the usual loop south before making for Winsford, along the side of Bottom Flash and up to Whitegate Way. Halfway along and Brian Mac’s tyre was flat again! This time a faulty valve was diagnosed, but with time running out Dave & Liz P, Trevor and Alan abandoned the group and heeded back for the 18:00 deadline. Only six left now to complete the ride once Brian had borrowed a new tube from Andy. Back on familiar lanes we reached the turn off for Utkinton with ample time in hand, Brian left us in Duddon to collect his van while the remaining five rode back to Chester to complete a perfect day.
A round trip of 57 miles of wonderful Cheshire lanes and just over 80 miles for those of us riding from Chester. It just doesn’t get better.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
BW

7th July 2011: Graigfechan, Vale of Clwyd

2011-07-10T17:54:00.002+01:00

Ivan, Dave M, Alan, Ray and Martin met at the Gallery Cafe, Hawarden on a day when heavy showers were forecast. We welcomed, for the first time to my knowledge, a guest rider from abroad. Marc is German, living near Frankfurt, and was taking a 4 week holiday in the UK. In his first week he was staying in Little Sutton. He had heard of CER and contacted Bryan W who invited him along to the ride. CER has gone global!
We decided to cross the Halkyn and Clwydian hills, take lunch at the Three Pigeons, Graigfechan and then return over the Shelf. After a minor hiccup when Marc’s light fell off on the Ewloe roundabout we rode on through Northop and then started the climbing up to Rhys y Cae. Marc showed his climbing ability even matching Ivan. Then on to Lixm and a fast descent to the Mold Denbigh road, which we crossed, followed by an immediate steep, short climb to Nercwys. The climbing continued with a crossing of the Clywdian hills by the most northerly road that, I think, is commonly referred to as London Bridge for reasons that are obscure. The descent down the other side into the Vale of Clwyd was steep, potholed, gravely, damp and in parts darkly shaded but none of this deterred Dave who went down as if he was still in the Pyrenees. Others were rather more cautious and took it a slower pace.
We regrouped at the bottom and then headed south along the lovely lanes of the valley to Llanbedr D. C. and over the main road and on towards Graigfechan. The sky was now darkening and clearly rain was on the way. Consequently the pace picked up so we could make the pub before the heavens opened. It became apparent that Alan was off the back and after a wait he did not appear. Ivan rode back a fair way but no sign of Alan! We could only presume he had decided to cut the ride short as he has good knowledge of the local roads. (See Alan’s story below.)
We reached the Three Pigeons just as the rain started. Lunch there was excellent in all respects. Definitely worth a repeat visit. Conveniently when we were ready to leave the rain had stopped. From here there was a fast paced climb up the Shelf (one of my favourite climbs in North Wales) with Ivan in the lead as always. A short rest at the top to repay the oxygen debt and then down to Llanarmon-yn-lal. We returned to Hawarden via Loggerheads, Gwernaffield, Soughton, Alltami and Ewloe in increasingly sunny conditions.

Photograph by Martin Donaldson

After a stop at Martin’s house for tea and cake the others continued on to Chester. We had covered 45 miles from the cafe with 1350 meters total climb. The pace up the many hills had been fast and the day had felt rather more like the “Chester Proper Hard Riders”! Marc turned out to be excellent company and a strong rider. I think he had enjoyed riding the quiet, scenic road of North Wales, which he would never have found without local help.
MD

Alan’s story: …….. we headed south along the Clwyd valley aiming to reach a pub called the 'Three Pigeons' which was apparently near to the start of the 'shelf' road up to Llanarmon-Yn-Ial. I did not know exactly where the pub was, but just followed everyone else. After going through Llanbedr D.C I was feeling a bit tired and started to drop back a bit, but could still see the others up ahead, till there was a bend in the road. As I came round the bend, there was no sign of anyone and the road split in two directions. Which way to go? I knew that the left turn led up the 'shelf', so I went that way. After a mile or two I couldn't see any sign of the others, or of any pub, so I turned round and went back to the junction and tried the other way along the B5429. I still couldn't see anyone, or a pub, so I decided to head back via Pentre Coch and over the ‘shelf’. I got halfway up and the heavens opened! I scrambled for shelter under a small tree until the rain stopped, and then continued on till I reached the cafe at Loggerheads. After some much-needed rest and refreshment, I finished the last leg back to Hawarden. I had told the others that I knew the area very well, so I hope they realised that I would not get lost! All’s well that ends well and as Bryan has now given me a list of everyone’s mobile numbers it shouldn’t happen again.
AJ

30th June 2011: New Mills

2011-07-03T20:28:00.000+01:00

There were eleven of us (Dave and Liz P, Dave M, Dave B, Trevor, George, Brian Mac, Ivan, Dave Heath, Ray and myself) assembled at Manley with the promise of sun and a rain-free day out exploring the outer reaches of Cheshire. New Mills near Mobberley and the Railway Inn were the target and the outward journey was uneventful. Out via Norley, Delamere and Hartford, and onwards via Lach Dennis and thence to Knutsford.
Getting through Knutsford to Mobberley can be a trial but I had found a way via a back lane and the mere park to access the B5085 to Mobberley. The Railway Inn was well signposted and was situated right by Mobberley Station. The 25 miles out had taken just two hours but we were ready for a pint or two. A table had been reserved in the snug so we all ordered and after a reasonable wait the food arrived. It was judged as to be tasty, unlike the sour disposition of the waiting staff. The pub is very close to the end of the second runway at Manchester airport so we were able to very nearly read the serial numbers of the planes as they took off. It was quieter than I anticipated perhaps due to the Border Agency strike at Immigration Control.
Leaving at 14:00 prompt, we waited at the level crossing for a 30 year old diesel passenger train (according to Ivan’s expert knowledge) to pass through; then we took a loop out to try and find the end of the runway but were not able to see it. The route back was essentially using route 70 but with some variations. At Bucklow Hill, Dave H who was ahead of us at the lights, went straight across on the cycleway. Despite attempts to contact him, the rest of us continued left on the planned route. Dave appeared 5 minutes later via Hulse Heath Lane to rejoin us. As we approached the back way in to Arley Hall, local knowledge via Dave H advised that tea was only available if you paid to enter Arley Hall so Dave M offered the Ice Cream Farm in Great Budworth. Off we went with Dave in the lead, and amongst confusion at the first sign to the Ice Cream Farm, half of us went on and the rest turned to follow the sign. “It’s all right says Dave – it’s two sides of a square”: and so it was as we all joined up for afternoon tea. Out through Comberbatch and along the canal at Acton Bridge found us at Kingsley and up the appropriately named Dark Lane into the hills to take us back to Manley. At Birch Hill Dave M suggests a left turn via New Pale since it is prettier than the right turn to Buck Oak. However with a few riders already down the hill towards Buck Oak, we split again to rejoin at the entrance to Manley mere. It all turned out OK in the end with a 55 mile circuit through rural Cheshire in dry and sunny weather. Thanks to Brian Mac for being the back marker all day.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
CA

23rd June 2011: Hendrerwydd, Vale of Clwyd

2011-06-25T18:28:00.001+01:00

Eight members met up at the Tudor House Café in Caergwrle in somewhat mixed weather conditions with light drizzle prevalent and sun and showers forecast for later. Dave & Liz P planned to do their own thing and Jim announced that he wouldn’t be riding but had come along for a chat and to collect outstanding membership subs. Once we had paid up we got down to planning the ride. I had come along with a hilly route in mind but I wasn’t at all sure I was up to it. The route can be summarised as up the steps, down the shelf, along the Vale of Clwyd and back over Moel Arthur. The others were happy with the challenge however, so everything was agreed.
With that five of us set off (Martin, Alan, George, Ivan and me) to Cefn-y-bedd where we turned right and started the drag up the steps. At the top we took the Bwlchgwyn road and the back lanes towards Llandegla before joining the A525 for a fast run to the Llandegla turnoff. Having reached the top of the Clwydian Hills we could now start to look forward to the descent down to the Vale of Clwyd and what a descent it turned out to be. From a height of 350 metres down to 80 metres in one long continuous sweeping descent: wonderful!
Once in the valley we contoured north above Ruthin through Llanbedr-Dyffryn-Clwyd and on to the White Horse at Hendrerwydd for lunch. The White Horse proved to be a great choice with real ale and an excellent menu from which the group chose omelettes and battered Llyn Brenig trout. The food came promptly as we enjoyed the views of Moel Famau and poured scorn on the latest medical pronouncement that all over 65’s should be tested for drug and alcohol abuse!

Photograph by Alan Jeffs

All to soon it was time to leave and we took the back lanes towards the all to prominent Moel Arthur. Martin had warned that the start of the climb from this side was steep and so it was; not helped by a car and van trying to squeeze by on the narrow road. Within half a mile the others were out of sight some way ahead as I struggled slowly up. We regrouped at the top and then enjoyed the fast descent down to the A541. Martin decided to continue back to Hawarden on the main road while the remaining four of us took the more interesting, (code for hilly) option. First we negotiated the lanes through to Nant Alyn, up to Gwernaffield-y-Waun, Gwernymynydd, Leeswood Hall and on to Pontybodkin to arrive back in Caergwrle with 40 hilly miles clocked, or 60 plus for those of us riding from Chester.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
BW

PS A completely refurbished SatMap made its reappearance after it's unfortunate 'accident' on the Stone 110 ride when the rear mount sheared off. Many thanks to SatMap for the fantastic service in repairing and returning the unit free of charge in just three days.

16th June 2011: Audlem

2011-06-21T21:27:00.001+01:00

Ride details to be posted when received.
If you were on this ride please contact Bryan or supply a brief description for the blog.

9th June 2011: Chirk Castle

2011-06-12T14:50:00.000+01:00

Eight of us turned up at Bellis and we decided to ride to Chirk Castle via Overton and return via Newbridge and Sontley. Seven of us progressed beyond Bangor on Dee and six of us returned via Sontley after Martin elected to return home via Wrexham after Johnstown.
Weather was dry with a brisk headwind going out which turned over lunch to become a brisk headwind on return.
Bellis only return was just under 50 miles with Chester riders clocking 70 plus miles for the day.
DM

2nd June 2011: Stone 110 ride (long)

2011-06-05T17:53:00.000+01:00

An early start today for our annual ‘long’ 100 plus ride! Ivan was busy fuelling up when I arrived at Chester Station café just after 07:30. Within a few minutes Clive, Dave Hill and Mike G had joined us, leaving only Dave P unaccounted for. Leaving it until the last moment Dave P and his son Dominic (planning to ride with us for the first hour) arrived just before 08:00. With everyone accounted for there was just time for a photo before Clive led out down City Road.

Photographs by Bryan Wade

The weather forecast predicted ideal cycling weather: a warm but cloudy morning followed by a sunny afternoon with temperatures in the low 20’s and best of all no wind. Clive’s planned route bore no resemblance to a normal CER ride apparently including some 12 miles of urban riding through the centre of the Potteries from Barlaston in the south to Kidsgrove in the north. It says something about CER members to accept Clive’s assurances that we were in for a great day out: but that’s for later. To start, we headed out of Chester along the canal towpath to Waverton where, with only a few miles done, my SatMap handlebar mount sheared off releasing the GPS to bounce at an alarming rate back down the road. Unlike Clive’s experience a few weeks earlier the SatMap did not survive its ordeal. A fractured screen amongst other damage signalled the end.
Back on the road we were soon going through Tattenhall, passing Bolesworth Castle, where Dominic left us, and on towards No Mans Heath where we turned left with Clive ensuring that we had one decent hill, over Wirswall, before entering Whitchurch for our morning stop. Clive had chosen Jones Coffee House and with its impeccable and speedy service (from baked beans to toasted tea cakes) it was easy to see why. An excellent choice.
The next leg was to take us along beautiful lanes, most of us had never ridden before, to Market Drayton and on to the upmarket village of Eccleshall. From here the route took us past Drake Hall prison over the M6 and into Stone to complete a wonderful two hours of cycling from Whitchurch. In Stone we headed for Wetherspoons for lunch just as the sun started to break through. With some 50 plus miles done I couldn’t resist a pint of the ‘Stone the Crows’ ale from the local Lymestone Brewery to go with the steak and kidney pudding, chips and mushy peas. Service could have been friendlier but was certainly quick and the meals substantial: just what was needed for a long day in the saddle.

By 14:00 it was time to leave and we set off heading through the lanes to Barlaston where we joined NCN route 5 to follow the Trent and Mersey Canal towpath north. What followed was 12 miles of truly enjoyable leisure cycling through the heart of the Potteries, ducking under the ridiculously low bridges and squeezing through the anti-motorcycle ‘gates’. It all took time as we cruised at a sight seeing pace taking in the familiar names, Wedgwood, Etruria, Stoke City ground, and then on to Middleport and Longport where the remains of the old mills lining the canal (Oliver’s Mill, Middleport Mill and Port Vale Mill) suggest how different things were in the heydays of the early 1800’s when they were built. Further on the Westport Lake Country Park was full of families enjoying the sun as we rode by on the last mile to the start of the Harecastle tunnels where we left the canal to continue along the lanes.

After such an interesting section of the route one might be forgiven for thinking that it would be ‘downhill’ from now on, but no Clive had a number of other surprises in store for us as we continued to Alsager before getting on to more familiar lanes to Barthomley, Wybunbury and Nantwich. Our afternoon tea stop was now overdue but Ivan had arranged a special treat for us, so rather than a stop in the town centre we headed to his sisters house on the edge of town to be greeted with plates of sandwiches and cakes and a choice of beverages: absolutely wonderful, many thanks indeed.
“It’s all downhill from here” says Clive with a smile “Acton, Brindley, Spurstow and home” he says. I remind him of a slight undulation he has forgotten to mention. “It’s at least two chevrons,” I say. “There are none on the map” he replies. “That’s because it hardly qualifies as a track let alone a road. In any event its virtually unrideable” I protest. With that Ivan looks up with a gleam in his eye and you know he’s up for it.
We follow the route back but by now I’m slowing down on every hill, dropping back and catching up on the flat. Time is going on and just outside Bunbury, and despite the offer of a free birthday pint, Dave Hill and Mike G decide to take the direct route back via Beeston. In the circumstances I decide to join them rather than face a struggle over the Peckforton Hills. The three of us make good time past the Ice Cream Farm, Gatesheath and Bruera. By Saighton we are caught up in a time trial and our insignificant 16 mph speed counts for nothing as the constant ‘whooooo se’ of passing time trialists testifies. Not far now though and 20:00 sees us safely back in Chester with just over 110 miles clocked.
The remaining three of Clive, Ivan and Dave P continue on the original route through Spurstow and Peckforton before taking the track over the Peckforton Hills. Here Ivan attempts the track, the top part of which is surfaced with setts the size of loaves of bread, only to fall off muttering about not getting out of the cleats quickly enough! At The Pheasant the three take a pint while watching the sun go down over the Cheshire Plain. “A fitting finale to the days ride” says Clive.
What a great ride! Who would have believed it was possible to cycle the full length of the Potteries on such a fabulous route. There were also lots of surprises all the way along. A ride to remember: well done Clive.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
BW

2nd June 2011: Abergele to Shotton (short)

2011-06-03T21:20:00.001+01:00

The weather forecast had promised the hottest day of the week as we assembled on Shotton lower station waiting for the 10:04 train to all points west. The four of us, Brian Mac, Trevor, Norman and Jim were well covered in the necessary lotion but had some misgivings about Arriva Wales's intentions to accommodate us. The web site declared their support for cyclists as long as there weren't more than two per train. A plan was hatched and we stood in pairs at the opposite ends of the platform as the train arrived. Not wishing to show any signs of hesitation we pushed on board before anyone could say “you can't bring that on here”. In no time we were rattling along past the fleshpots of Prestatyn and Rhyl to arrive at Abergele half an hour later. No sign of the promised sun though! Only a cool breeze and the hilltops covered in cloud. We set off' uphill of course (this is Wales after all) along the A548 towards Llangernwy (no I don't know where it is either). After about 2 miles we turned left (more uphill) onto the lanes traversing the north side of the Afon Elwy valley.
If you are ever tempted to scoot down these narrow lanes without a care in the world-don't. Round the next corner lurked a road sweeper, filling the whole road. Hardly had we squeezed past him before a local farmer roared up behind us with a silage trailer, and then came his mate in the other direction. At last they turned into a field and we were safe, but no, the dustbin wagon. We were beginning to think that there was some sort of conspiracy taking place but eventually we were left alone to make our way to Trefnant just south of St Asaph. From there we crossed the Clwyd Valley and climbed up the other side to Treheirchion and lunch at the Salusbury Arms. The specially brewed local ale was well recommended by Don in his personal chair by the bar but all too soon we had to set off, uphill of course, towards Babell and Halkyn.
From there we swept down to Northop and finally Connahs Quay. By now the sun was out and so were the local young mums with their muffin tops. A quick coffee at Weatherspoons and Brian and Norman left to collect their vehicles leaving Trevor and Jim to set off along the fortunately flat Greenway back to Guilden Sutton. A good ride of 34 hilly miles, or 55 for those from the wrong side of the tracks.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
JD

26th May 2011: Little Warford

2011-05-28T18:37:00.000+01:00

Wet, wet, wet was the forecast for today’s weather plus some gusty wind for later. Contrary to the usual outcome today’s forecast turned out to be spot on. It rained most of the way out to Utkinton, not heavy mind, but enough to be uncomfortable. I settled down in Rose Farm café to tea and toasted teacake while first Clive arrived in full wet weather gear, followed by Ivan (just down from his new job in the Lake District to join us for the day: there’s dedication!) and finally Norman on his second outing with us. That’s it for today, just four brave souls willing to take on the elements.
I suggested a ride out to Little Warford near Alderley Edge which would clock up about 50 miles round trip from Utkinton. The only response from those present was Little ……? And so Little Warford was agreed with The Stags Head earmarked for lunch. I led out on the well-used route through Cotebrook, passing Oulton Park motor racing circuit and on to Whitegate where we turned right to use the wooden bridge crossing of the Weaver Navigation. From here we took the rough track under the west coast main line up to Moulton where we rejoined the lanes to Davenham, Lach Dennis, Lower Peover and eventually Great and Little Warford to arrive in good time at 12:15.
There were two removal vans outside The Stags Head when we arrived and the pub tables were being loaded into the first of the vans. “Have you closed?” “No we’re just taking the tables away. They’re reopening this lunchtime.” Inside we found that the refurbishment was slightly behind schedule and that we were the first customers. Judging by the plush new upholstery, new tables, polished timber floor and carpets we were not the type of patrons they were aiming to attract. This is practically Alderley Edge after all! That aside, we were made more than welcome as we discarded wet clothes, and the choice of ales put aside any lingering doubts on our part. Food service was a little on the slow side but we had plenty of time and when it came, the quality justified the wait.
We left The Stags Head at 13:30pm in the rain and headed south to Goostrey with the choice of continuing on to Holmes Chapel or Middlewich. I decided on Middlewich with the intention of trying the link over the River Wheelock to Stanthorne Mill that looked doable on the map. In Middlewich we were forced to go through the centre, eventually reaching the turnoff for the Wheelock. “It’s a no through road”, followed by “No it’s a Harry route.” Well it looked OK; a wide grassy lane that led us down to the bridge after which the track narrowed eventually becoming an increasing narrow footpath. After 50 yards of pushing we reached the Mill and continued the ride on to Winsford and the Whitegate Way. By now talk was about where we should stop for afternoon tea. We decided on the Shire Horse Centre café but Ivan, in a hurry to get home, left us just before Cotebrook.
The remaining three of us relaxed in the café over tea and carrot cake while discussing the implications of Brian Lowe’s resolution passed at the CTC national AGM. When we emerged the rain had stopped but the wind was getting stronger! It was only a few miles from here to Utkinton where we left Norman to collect his car while Clive and I fought the strong head wind back to Chester.
Today proved once again that despite the damp weather CER provides a great day out. A round trip of 50 miles from Utkinton or just over 70 miles for those of us riding from Chester.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
BW

19th May 2011: Llanasa

2011-05-20T17:33:00.000+01:00

A fine day in prospect and so it was with plenty of sunshine to illuminate the Clwydian range of hills. At the Gallery café, Jim suggested the Red Lion in Llanasa, so a route was quickly plotted and off went the nine of us (Dave and Liz, George, Dave M, Jim, Dave H, Alan J, Norman and I). Plotting the usual route to Northop via the back lanes of Ewloe Green, we took it steady up to Halkyn and Pentre Halkyn and across the Brynford golf course.
Fine views of the Dee estuary and the Clwydians were in prospect. Crossing the A55 at Calcoed we idled through Gorsedd before dipping down through Whitford. The small lane on the left took us on NCN 5 around the base of the hill with the site on top of the supposed Roman watchtower or lighthouse now replaced by a folly-type tower. From the top of the tower you can get panoramic views across the water to Liverpool. At the bottom of this lane behind the hedge hides the “Maen Achwyfaen” Celtic cross that is supposed to be around 1000 years old. After a brief stop to view this scheduled ancient monument, we “ancient relics” got back on our bikes bound for Llanasa.
What a pretty village this is; and the Red Lion has an elevated position in the village centre. Food and drinks were quickly ordered and we sat outside in the sunshine, and after a decent wait the decent food arrived. As only 19 miles was under our belt, a longer return journey was soon plotted over the hill towards Trelawnyd. After a short diversion in the village centre, we were soon down the lanes towards the A55 bridge crossing. Dave M recognised the lanes as part of the Clwydian Audax route. So the map reading was back on track.
I wanted to take the pretty lanes at the top of the hill above Tremeirchion since this gives three miles of delightful “flat” countryside to cycle through before turning right on to the road to Babel. This road dips and rises over 400ft for 5 miles before you arrive at Pentre Halkyn Windmill at 900ft. Dave M suggested that we take the usual run down the back lanes towards Northop but bear right towards Alltami and Buckley and then into Hawarden. The “Two Daves” set off down the lanes at a pace but were nowhere to be seen at the right turn lane towards Alltami. George peels off to Northop and the rest of us make our way back via the Buckley suburbia. Only Jim and I are bike-bound to Chester as the rest reflect on 44 miles of peaceful lanes and pretty Welsh villages. Norman did extremely well on his first outing so we may see him again!
See route map and/or gpx file download.
CA

12th May 2011: Whitchurch

2011-05-13T18:03:00.000+01:00

Six of us (Liz & Martin, Jim, Brian, Andy and I) debated the likely weather patterns and noted the wind was stiff and a westerly, so going east from Manley would mean all the way home with the wind on our front wheel. Where to go – Jim offered Whitchurch! I had planned out a possible route to Mobberley so going to Whitchurch was contra-directional. After a prompt, that there were not so many hills, we all concurred with Whitchurch and then Brian and Jim busied themselves finding a route. Manley to Oscroft to Bunbury to Faddiley – after that Jim’s geography was vague, so I offered Larden Green to Chorley to Norbury to Marbury to Osmere to Whitchurch and the Old Town Vaults pub.

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

The weather was cool with lots of cloud that threatened the odd shower. The pace was brisk with Jim in the lead and the terrain “flat”. As so we busied along via Beeston where we found an “End to Ender” puzzling over his ancient low resolution road map bound for Warrington this night. I hope he made it! At Norbury there is a steady climb up towards Whitchurch followed by a short run down into the town and to the Old Town Vaults. The side gate was opened up and bikes tucked out of sight of the road. We all went for the Senior Citizen’s Special, which for two basic courses plus a hot drink with a pint of Joules IPA (one of the other seven real ales) was under £10. Liz of course was ineligible for this menu but ate half of Martin’s apple pie and custard anyway. A promptly delivered meal that was tasty and very welcome – but as before, a smile from the owner would have completed the experience.

The way back was plotted over lunch and via Wirswall we ran roughly parallel with the route in to Whitchurch before picking up the NCR 45 to Bickerton. Jim did not fancy Harthill, so Reading Room Lane took us into Brown Knowl and across the A534 past Bolesworth Castle and the usual route to the Ice Cream Farm for tea and cake. As Liz, Martin and Brian had to get back to Manley, we all set off for Huxley with Jim peeling off towards Waverton. The roads here were wet after a recent downpour and although it threatened a few times, all we had was a few spots of rain all day. Andy and I peeled off in Little Barrow to go Chester bound whilst the car-assist three returned to Manley with 61 miles on the clock. The Chester Three had around 75 miles.

NB: I can attest that the Motorola Defy smart phone that I use for route navigation is really tough. At one point whilst rolling down a longish downhill roughly surfaced lane the phone holder bounced off my bike and, upon hitting the road the phone split away from the holder only to be unavoidably ridden over at some speed by Martin. Not a scratch on the phone and it was still working. There are issues with the phone holder though!

See route map and/or gpx file download.

5th May 2011: Carrog

2011-05-07T21:23:00.000+01:00

Tudor Café - fuel up for the hills to come - and so it was as ten of us (Mike M, Dave & Liz P, George, Bryan, Brian, Andy, Ray, Alan and I) set off bound for the “The Grouse” at Carrog. Taking the Cymau road to Ffrith, the legs were nicely warmed up thanks to two single chevron sections. A second left along the B road eventually took us upwards via quiet lanes to Rhydtalog, followed by a slow climb past Llandegla to the Ponderosa roundabout. The back lane off this roundabout, which runs roughly parallel to the A5104, offers stunning views over the Vale of Clwyd and out to sea - or would have done if the weather was clearer, but nonetheless a veritable feast of Clwydian hills were on view. Rejoining the A5104 briefly, a quick left took us up a slow climb around Llantysilio Mountain to 1400 ft.
Pausing to regain our corporate lungs, and to admire the view over the Dee Valley and the Berwyns, we set off down the very steep descent to the Old Coach Road that would take to Carrog and the pub; - or would have done if my rear wheel had not been punctured - still, as everyone lay on the grass and let me get on with it, I mused that this was the first puncture I had succumbed to in 5300 miles of cycling. Rapidly descending, we were soon in warmish sunshine on the Old Coach Road and near our lunch stop.

Photographs by Alan Jeffs

The Grouse pub had an attractive outdoor covered seating area that gave panoramic views of the Dee Valley, the A5 and the smoke from the steam train at Carrog Station. Lunch for 10 was promptly served and tasty it was too. One to come back to in the future methinks. “Are there any hills after lunch?” - well “Yes” is the answer to that question, and we were soon on the back lane out of Carrog ever upwards to rejoin the A5104 at Bryneglwys. The Tandem Two left us here bound for Westminster Park. Whereas we briefly rejoined part of the route out to join the Nant-y-Garth pass road near the top of its winding path. Mike M was the second defector making his way Delamere bound. The rest of us took the lane to Llanarmon-yn-Lal as the rain started. They have the right idea here - the local pub was the polling station for the day - a perfect combination of politics and beer. “Do you want to go home via Caffi Florence or via no café direct to Caergwrle?” - and so left we went via Llanferres to Caffi Florence. By this time the forecasted light rain came down a bit harder as we sat with our “Coffi a chacen”. Eventually we had to leave in the rain, climbing up the main road towards Mold before taking the near hidden right by the pub towards Nercwys. The rain had stopped as we made our way to edge around Hope Mountain by Leeswood and on to Caergwrle. Brian shot off to the station and was soon into his first pint awaiting the Wirral train. Alan and George were car-assisted, and so the remaining four took the familiar route back via Kinnerton to Chester. The loop from Caergwrle was 45 miles with lots of climbing and the Chester group had nearly 70 miles on the clock.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
CA

3rd May 2011: Momma’s Mountain Views (Tues)

2011-05-04T17:52:00.001+01:00

Dave M and Ray S met up at Tattenhall in fabulous, if chilly, conditions for an early start to the Momma’s Mountain Views Audax. We reached Chirk at 10:20 hoping to meet up with other members opting for the shorter version of the ride, but none were there to meet us: a pity on such a great day. The mountain views were stunning throughout the ride and we arrived back from this hilly 134K (83 mile) challenge in 9 hours 55 minutes.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
DM

28th April 2011: Market Drayton (mod)

2011-04-29T21:40:00.000+01:00

A dry but slightly cooler day than last week was the forecast for today. Mike and Brian Mac had been in touch to say that they had each prepared a moderate ride, so not being sure which ‘brisk’ riders would be out I worked out a suitable 58 miler for them and set off to the Ice Cream Farm. Just before the canal I met up with Mike M at the side of the road texting a friend about tickets to a Man U game: enough said. Another good turnout today: Mike, Andy, Dave Heath, Dave M, George, Jim, Trevor, Brian Mac, Graham & Jane T (just returned from Egypt) and Alan (on his second ride with us). Including me that made a total of 12 riders: just about at the limit for a single group.
While Mike and Brian Mac discussed their respective ride options I quizzed the ‘brisk’ group on their intentions, eventually offering my 58 miler to Market Drayton plus an offer to lead, but at a moderate pace. This was quickly accepted by all present so with everyone onboard we agreed to keep together and ride as a single group.
We set off at an easy pace, then warmed up over Harthill before taking the easy route past Cholmondeley to Wrenbury. The sound of continuous conversation from behind told it’s own storey and the group kept together as we cruised through Aston, Royal’s Green and Wilkesley. I really don’t know why we don’t do this more often as the countryside round here is ideal cycling country, particularly on a glorious day like this. Then on past Shavington Park it wasn’t long before we were on the outskirts of Market Drayton.
Coming in from the west we headed for the town centre butter market and, after Brian Mac had consulted a knowledgeable local, we made our way to the nearby Red Lion pub attached to the recently opened local Joules brewery. Joule’s Pale Ale and Slumbering Monk: what more can you ask for? This is a find and a half to be sure. I would gladly do this ride again just for the lunch stop and those who did last year’s Shrewsbury 110 will no doubt also recall the delights of the Buttercross Tea Room!
All good things come to an end and after a relaxed lunch it was time to follow NCN 75 out of town to Norton in Hales and Audlem. Dave M left us here to take the main road back while the rest of us took the lanes north to Nantwich with Graham & Jane T peeling off for the more direct route. Once we had negotiated the edge of Nantwich the plan was to continue on to Venetion Marina for afternoon tea where we arrived just before they closed for the day. After the canal side break, soaking up the sun, we set off again before turning east at Cholmondeston for the final stretch, leaving Mike to head for home via Wettenhall. We were soon passing through Bunbury and Beeston to arrive back at the Ice Cream Farm just before 17:00 hours having completed 58 glorious miles in perfect cycling weather. For those of us cycling out from Chester the computer was nudging 80 miles on the return, marking Trevor’s longest ride to date!
See route map and/or gpx file download.
BW

21st April 2011: Oswestry (brisk)

2011-04-23T21:46:00.000+01:00

It was clear that there would be a good turnout at Bellis given the forecast for excellent weather; and so it was that 14 of us split into two groups. The Moderate group lead by Brian Mac would be heading for The Greyhound at Street Dinas and the Brisk group to Wetherspoons emporium in Oswestry. So Andy, Ray, Dave M, Alan Jeffs (joining us for the first time) and myself set off down the familiar lanes to Shocklach and Threapwood. Exiting to Sarn and crossing the A525 we found ourselves in the beautiful border territory close to Penley. The sharply folded landscape hereabouts marks the border and provided the only hilly challenges of the day. Taking the lane out of Penley, we passed The Trench, shimmy across the A528 at the Seven Sisters and The Cross and on to Elson. The lane to Frankton passes New Crickett and Crickett itself, then onto Ridge and Perthy before exiting onto the A495 west of Welsh Frankton. A short burn brings us into delightful Whittington with its moated castle.

Photograph by Clive Albany

Rather than going into Oswestry the direct route, we circle south running in along the old coach road to the rather busy roundabout at the A5/A483 junction. Turning left to the town centre, a newish-looking pub was offering 2 for £11 but as there were 5 of us this wouldn’t work so a short tour of Oswestry town centre found us at the Wetherspoons. An ideal choice as it turned out, with prompt good food and three pints of lime and soda for 60p in total (due to a barman’s incapacity to operate the till correctly despite reiterated three pints please!).

The return ride took us out behind the impressive Iron Age hill fort then past the Gobowen Orthopaedic hospital bound for Hindford and lanes to Overton. This is really beautiful countryside around here and picture perfect on a 20+°C afternoon. Out of Overton towards Bangor soon found us on the familiar back lanes route to Bellis except for a surprise re-routing via Erla’s Lane and the Wrexham Industrial Estate – just to balance out the day scenically! Down Francis Lane and a mile from the end, we find Brian Mac riding back to his car having left the Moderate Group drinking tea in the sunshine at Bellis. Returning back to Bellis, Alan has done very well on this 52 miler and as he heads Wirral bound, we take tea on the terrace with Mike M and Dave P. For the Brisk riders 52 miles from Bellis and a round trip Chester bound of 75 miles in quintessentially English summer weather and spring green countryside.

See route map and/or gpx file download.

21st April 2011: St Martins (mod)

2011-04-22T21:20:00.000+01:00

A sunny morning with a pleasant forecast was always going to guarantee a big turnout. Sure enough, by 10:05, ten of us were tucking in at the Bellis Garden Centre Café.
By 10:30, we had sixteen & decided to split into two groups. The only decision was what to call us. The “quickies and the dregs” were the politest terms. Brian led out the dregs, assisted by the sub-committee of Mike with Jim who provided maps and we elected for The Greyhound at St Martins. It was good to see Dave Heath back after his Op. Nor was it a surprise that the dregs comprised the bigger group with tandem Dave & Liz, Dave, George in serious training for his E2E and Trevor on his new go-faster Scott.
We felt it fitting with our image that we should ride at a steady 12-13 mph, chatting and enjoying the scenery in classic CER style. Shocklach, Worthenbury, Cloy and Overton were passed without incident, reaching the pub at 12:15. The landlady remembered us from our previous visit – a cold, grey, damp winter’s day; in contrast, today we sat outside soaking up the sun. Is this our summer? In usual CER style, talk over lunch ranged from the merits of AV to Dave’s skills as a dog whisperer. The beer was good; the food, not so. Lime & soda was 50p; beat that.
The return leg through Penley and Threapwood was the usual post-prandial jaunt (guess who did Latin at school). After Shocklach, the heat must have gotten to Dave & Liz, for having been tail-end-Charlie all day, they suddenly led us back at 16 -18mph. There was no stopping them. A warm 38 miles ended a classic EASY ride with tea and cake at Bellis again.
But what shall we call the two groups?
BMac

14th April 2011: Berwyns

2011-04-19T21:16:00.004+01:00

It was a strange experience ‘leading’ a novelty ride for the first time, not knowing who or what to expect from riders more used to the Cheshire flat-lands.
Nine assembled in a drab and damp free car park at Llangynog (where the toilets even had hot water on tap) including a newbie Alyn from Ruthin. His sparkling carbon frame gave it all away though – this guy could ride fast. Others with conventional and significantly heavier bikes turned up as planned and we set off on the dot to cover some of my favourite roads in the whole world.
We started by taking the narrow, gravelly back lane to Penybontfawr, then straight across on the B road, soon to fork off left and skywards. Here a major rush of traffic caused by bin day interrupted the solitude. A steady climb soon caused layers to be peeled off, perhaps showing Mike’s choice of shorts to be not that optimistic. This lane bounded by banks of primrose and violets, with cute lambs gambolling in the fields, was crested all too quickly.

The whizz downwards to rejoin the B road was brisk but not mad and we regrouped shortly before turning across the dam wall at Vyrnwy. Here we were well catered by efficient service at the Old Barn cafe. Sausage sandwiches and cake consumed with passion and some speed.
From there, we turned downhill from the cafe to cross an aluminium footbridge below the dam and I tried my best to take a direct path back to lakeside. 10 minutes later with serpentine wiggles confusing even the best GPS map, we made it having viewed some marvellous sculpture in the Vyrnwy Sculpture Park.
The passage along the north shore of Lake Vyrnwy was the closest we got to riding as a group and very enjoyable it was too – a gentle pace, brightening skies, little traffic and superb scenery.

The main climb of the day followed at the lake end, where those of us with appropriate gears changed down as the road rose to tackle the lofty Hirnant pass. This is a special place for me; such beauty, rugged rock, trees and sky with gurgling mountain streams. The sharp climb through huge towering conifers was heavenly and the descent down the cwm a delight with dry roads and clear lines of sight allowing one to ‘let go’. The further descent towards Bala with trees springing into life, was as idyllic as ever and now bathed in a balsamic scent of blossom wafting in the light breeze.

We regrouped in chilly downtown Bala with the Goat’s £2.99 menu tempting us in. Basic food and basic pub atmosphere but perfectly serviceable.
The short afternoon for many was spent pass storming the long but gentle climb of Milltr Gerrig. For those who rode with the leader, we encountered a little dampness but no real rain, to enjoy an exciting run down the dramatic U- shaped valley back to Llangynog.

Some faster riders had already left for home by the time we had rolled in. The pass was new to some and I hope enjoyed by all. Being only just after 3 o’clock on arrival, I led 4 of us along the valley to soak up the quietness and solitude of Pennant Melangell chapel with its mediaeval shrine and 2000 year old yews. Well worth the extra 4 miles.

Guys, I have to say, those who didn’t turn up missed a classic ride. Perhaps some of those that did missed part of it too, as in my view it is best savoured slowly like a glass of fine port or a pint of good ale.

Next time we’ll try the Bwlch y Groes and I’m sure I would lead that from the back too.

See route map and/or gpx file download.
DHill

12th April 2011: Conwy Valley (Tues)

2011-04-13T11:14:00.001+01:00

This was the first official CER “Tuesday” ride with the weather perfect, cool but sunny all day, and what a rewarding stunning ride it was. Ivan and I took the train to Colwyn Bay and, after a short warm up along the sea front to Rhos (OK- to a café!), we were warming up the thighs up the hillside and into the quiet Nant Groes valley behind Colwyn Bay. Once on the top road, we rode the smooth-surfaced B5113 for the next near traffic-free 25 miles all the way to Pentrfoelas. The views of the Snowdonia range were stunning with Tryfan and Snowdon clearly in view and a long view north back to the Conwy valley head at Conwy itself. Taking the quiet A5 towards Conwy at Pentrefoelas, we spun along in the sunshine on smooth roads until a left at the old bridge at Bro Garmon took us along wooded lanes towards Betws-y-Coed.

Photographs by Clive Albany

Crossing the B4460, the next lane gave us access to the Conwy Falls (in need of some water) until coming down to the main road to Blaenau Ffestiniog aka A470. The narrow lane on the bend took us the back way into our lunch stop. This wooded lane will be stunning in a few weeks time and worth another visit later in the year. Betws-y-Coed was humming with OAP coaches and a quick loop of the town indicated that all the tourist cafes were unappealing. Then remembering local advice courtesy of Mike G, we found the Buffet Coach Café that is parked across the main line tracks from the station proper. What a find!

Ivan was in his element with a rolling stock café serving steak and kidney pies all in one – he had to call home. The route back to Conwy was a delight – the B5106 hugs the western side of the valley all the way into Conwy. By now we were searching for a well-earned pint and the Liverpool Arms at Conwy quay fitted the bill nicely. Given we had plenty of time, we headed off for Llandudno and a loop of the Great Orme. Toll-free to cyclists, this private toll road circles the Great Orme in an anti-clockwise direction. It is uphill all the way to the tip and then a glorious downhill run back in Llandudno. Wonderful marine panoramas towards Anglesey and the Wirral were in prospect – along with a stiff headwind. To get back to the station, we just had to cycle the Llandudno seafront and follow the cycleway signs and hence arrived back at CB station with 5 minutes to spare before the train arrived. We had ridden 62 miles with 3400 ft of ascent but it was truly worth the effort for a memorable ride through beautiful countryside in perfect weather conditions.

See route map and/or gpx file download.

7th April 2011: No Mans Heath (mod) & Jodrell Bank (brisk)

2011-04-08T21:57:00.010+01:00

A first today: two planned rides to cater for the ‘moderate’ and ‘brisk’ riders amongst the growing CER membership.

No Mans Heath (mod)
With Dave Heath rejoining us for his first ride after his hip operation Bryan had promised an easy 35 mile’ish flat route to welcome him back. After waving off the brisk ride from Rose Farm the moderate riders comprising Bryan, Mike M, Dave & Liz P watched as Dave Heath stowed his walking stick and with a somewhat unorthodox procedure mounted his bike. Once on board everything was fine as we cruised familiar lanes through Clotton, Huxley and Tattenhall en route to No Mans Heath. Just after Tattenhall Mike M left us to return home for another engagement. The remaining four of us continued south through Clutton and Tilston where we took the Malpas road deep in conversation. At Simmonds Green we nearly missed the turning, remembering just in time to head through Ebnal and on to No Mans Heath in the spring sunshine.
The Wheatsheaf Inn is always worth a visit with its choice of ale and good food. We passed up the sausage board today in favour of the two mains for £10 together with a pint of ale. After a relaxing chat it was time to make a move. Once on the road we enjoyed the quiet lanes through Bickley Town, Chorley and a circuitous route to Brindley. It was great to soak up the Cheshire countryside at an unhurried pace with daffodils lining the verges and blossom on the trees. The promised afternoon tea stop was Tilly’s Coffee Shop in Bunbury where we settled down to coffee and coffee cake. Then it was the final leg to Tarporley and back to Rose Farm Garden Centre.
A great day out at a steady 11 mph overall average and 37 miles covered. Dave Heath had confirmed to us all that he was making good progress and would soon be back riding every week.
It was then time for me to leave the others for the ride back to Chester. A circuitous route back today but with the sound of the new born lambs in the fields a great way to end a wonderful day. Distance from Chester and back exactly 60 miles.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
BW

Jodrell Bank (brisk)

Six of us set off from drizzly Rose Farm (Ivan, Mike G, Andy, Ray, Martin and myself) leaving the others who were going on the “Dave Heath post-op ride”. We were heading for Jodrell Bank area today. A feature of this ride was the off-road sections down Cheshire cycleway routes 71 and 73. We by-passed Tarporley by taking Heath Green and then via Eaton on to Wettenhall and Winsford. There is no easy way around Winsford and finding the 71 eastwards was a small challenge. Taking the canal path off Clive Green Lane, we headed north into Middlewich only to find the path under repair resulting in a deviation through acres of suburbia. Eventually we left the urban sprawl behind, taking the 71 over the M6 to Brereton Hall. The Hall lane soon deteriorated into a farm track, yet it is still the 71, and just rideable in the dry. Turning left we headed for Davenport Hall – a certain rider’s country seat (dream on!). The imposing gravelled drive continued into a hard surfaced old lane going down into the lovely Dane river valley and then pops up close to the Swettenham Arms (worth a visit next time). Taking Sandy Lane (deep ford notice alert) half of us braved going through the ford. Soon we were in Trap Street, Lower Withington and the hopeful welcome of the Red Lion. The food was nicely presented, a bit pricey but tasty unlike the sour-faced manager! The sun was now out, and getting ready outside after lunch we noticed a duck on its nest in the pub window box – totally ignoring all of us.

Photograph by Clive Albany

Soon we were passing down the lane behind Jodrell Bank that boasts the largest Sky+ dishes in the UK. Given that we were early away from lunch, a tea stop was agreed upon to top up the somewhat meagre lunch portions. So we headed via Blackden Heath and the just rideable farm lane that is the short cut to Townfield Lane to get over the M6. Onwards through Davenham and a shimmy under the Northwich by-pass found us on the cycle path along the Northwich bound side of the A556. Up into Cuddington and Norley we were soon at the Delamere station café for bread and butter pudding and tea. Martin shoved off back to Utkinton and he will have rode 50 miles, while the rest of us went via Ashton to the greenway. The Chester group put in a 75 mile round trip in dry and overall pleasant weather conditions.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
CA

31st March 2011: Cilcain

2011-04-02T22:54:00.000+01:00

I leave home this morning for the ride out to Hawarden with a lovely 40 mile circuit planned out over Bwlch Penbarras, through the Vale of Clwyd and returning over Moel Arthur. Half a mile down the road with a gale force head wind to contend with it was quickly apparent that something less strenuous was called for. The struggle up the river Dee path was difficult enough but over Ferry Lane Bridge it was dismount or be blown over the railings. The gusting wind continued past the AirBus Factory where with head down I could only manage 5 mph! Thank goodness things got easier on the climb up to Hawarden where the woodland and houses provided some protection.
Considering the weather conditions the turnout at the Gallery Tea Shop was pretty good with Clive, Dave M, Ivan, Ray S, Andy and Brian Mac all present. Seven of us altogether but only five doing the ride as both Andy and Dave M had already had enough. We decided that a shorter than normal ride was more appropriate to the conditions perhaps with a longer than normal lunch stop to discuss the email I had circulated with some pressing CER issues.
I led out along Bilberry Wood, across the footbridge over the A55 and down to Penyffordd. The wind was still gusting quite hard but it wasn’t to bad on the sheltered roads although we were pleased to leave the open section on the A5118 to enjoy the lanes up to Nercwys. Time was already getting on as we crested the short two-chevron climb before Gwernymynydd: this was hard work and we had only covered a few miles. As a form of consolation however the sun was now shining, the sky had cleared and we were treated to great views across the valley as we contoured round above Mold. Rather than the direct route from here to Cilcain, today I thought we would try the ford across the Alyn to emerge on the Loggerheads to Cilcain road at Maes-y-groes. Not having done this before I wasn’t sure what to expect: the zigzag descent down to the ford was both steep and rough but the ford itself was only a few inches deep today so there was no need to use the footbridge.
Once back on the lanes it was only a short ride to the White Horse Inn at Cilcain where we were able to relax over a pint or two of ale and a choice of hot food and babs. Unusually for CER today’s discussion was more akin to an AGM as we discussed ride start times, the Tuesday ride proposal, splitting the larger Thursday groups, the need for more ride leaders, finance and the circulation of mobile phone numbers. It wasn’t all business though and a lively conversation with an 80 year old at the next table, who described her cycling exploits, added to the enjoyment of the day.
The return journey started with a long enjoyable descent down to the A541, followed by the climb up Moel-y-crio where we turned right to Rhosesmor. From here we opted for the Alltami/Buckley route back to Hawarden to arrive in plenty of time for tea and a choice of Greek cakes/deserts. Well, we may not have covered many miles but with the wind against us on the way out we deserved some treats! A round trip from Hawarden of 30 miles.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
BW

24th March 2011: Lymm

2011-03-26T20:42:00.002Z

Spring has sprung! – sunshine, shorts and bare arms – the first opportunity of the year. There was a cyclist’s dozen soaking up the sunshine at Manley mere as we set off for Lymm – exact pub to be defined when we arrived there. The original plan was to access the Trans Pennine way from Runcorn all the way to Lymm. However serious stroking of beards effected a reversal of the planned route – i.e. we would go out the way I had planned to return and find another way back from Lymm.

Trevor was sporting his new Scott Speedster and the rest of us (Mike G, Mike M, George, Liz and Martin, Dave H, Andy, Ray, Dave M and myself) all set off to access route 70 via Delamere, Pickering’s and Dutton’s Locks and Acton Bridge along the Weaver canal. Heeding Trevor’s plea not to get his new bike too dirty, we sped down quiet lanes to Little Leigh with Dave M having now peeled off to get back to fitting his kitchen. On through Antrobus and ignoring Arley, we accessed Swineyard Lane via the edge of the old airfield to Sworton Heath. Over the M56 we joined the A56 top road through Lymm. The Crown was offering “2 for £10” so that would do nicely and nicely it was – even better since it was a certain doctor’s very big birthday – cheers Martin!

After lunch the warm sunshine enabled us to motor back quickly via cobbled Grappenhall, and on through Appleton and Stretton. It was all going too well but Andy helped us out with an unexplained puncture. The wheel was changed in lightning speed, and we were soon through Hatton and across the A49 and in the outskirts of Moore. The Bridgewater canal provided a very pleasant route passing the Daresbury Laboratories and also a way under the M56 at Preston Brook. There is no pretty way back to Frodsham and the Cottage Tea Shop, but the warm sunshine even made the Frodsham bike by-pass aka cycleway 5, pleasant. Mike M eschewed tea and cakes and made off home to Delamere. Out of the town towards Helsby, there was a request for the novelty route through the geological park off the Old Chester Road. Last time it was unrideable, but this time Martin and Ray made a brave attempt to cycle to the top. A final push up the hill past Alvanley and a fast run down back to Manley mere was in prospect. A round trip of 47 miles in sunny and warm conditions – the first of many hopefully.

See route map and/or gpx file download.

17th March 2011: Brynford

2011-03-19T18:29:00.000Z

Overcast with light rain at lunchtime - the forecast for Caergwrle was exactly right as four of us (Martin and Liz, George and myself) set off bound for a pub (yet to be determined) in Holywell. Paraphrasing the Daniel Day-Lewis film title “There will be hills” and hills aplenty there were. A short ride around the back of Hope warmed up George’s legs, and then we were off up the hill to Pontybodkin. Across the main road we took the twin single chevroned lane towards Trueddyn only to stop suddenly as Martin had picked up a glass puncture. Whilst this was being repaired, there followed a long story from George about a discussion at Cheshire Oaks Cycles re the choice of tyres for his end-to-end ride. Martin favours Gators whilst I favour Armadillos – yet both are a bit heavy. A comic interlude distracted us as the rubbish collection lorry arrived and proceeded to destroy part of the entrance to the house it was collecting the weekly rubbish from. Just as we were leaving the householder returned but we decided we had tarried long enough! Onwards and upwards towards Nercwys we took the mercifully short double chevroned lane to Gwernymynydd. Taking a left at the main road, we battled up the hill as the wind was picking up and the clouds started to look like the rain-bearing variety. Taking the lane at Loggerheads and then the right towards Cilcain, we might have thought we were on a motorway for all the traffic on this small lane. Taking the direct route to Rhys-y-Cae and yet another chevroned lane, we discussed a possible lunch stop before Holywell given the supposed dearth of decent eateries.
As the drizzle started we found that each pub we passed was firmly closed: a familiar story in this part of Wales. At the crossroads in Brynford, George was almost certain the pub in the hamlet had closed down (he was right) but the one just up the hill may be opened at lunchtime. Executive decision time: based upon L&M’s expert local knowledge, we went to the only café in town, that being at the Pet Cemetery (see the review at http://www.northwales.co.uk/cafes/the-pet-cemetery-brynford/). What a good place for lunch: good and inexpensive food on floral china and friendly service combined to give it a Michael Winner “historic” cache. After lunch, the drizzle had stopped and, passing the pub that might have been open (it looked firmly closed down), we sped back to Pentre Halkyn and the back lanes towards Northop before turning towards Altami. George and I peeled off to get back to Caergwrle whilst L&M turned towards Hawarden. Only a 38 mile ride but 750ft of height difference and 2500ft of total ascent.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
CA

10th March 2011: Whitchurch

2011-03-11T18:07:00.000Z

Cold, showery and windy with gusts up to 30mph was the forecast for today. Despite that five members met for morning tea and coffee at the Ice Cream Farm. George was already there, mending a front wheel puncture, when I arrived. An ominous sign I thought.
By 10:30 we were ready for the off, having decided on Bryan’s suggestion of a 50 mile round trip to the Dog and Bull at Coton with the option of cutting the ride short for lunch in Whitchurch if the weather turned really bad. On the road the group comprising Bryan, Ivan, Ray S, Trevor and George covered all of ¾ of a mile before a call from the back heralded George’s second puncture of the day: front wheel again! With assistance from Ivan and Ray the puncture was soon dealt with and the tyres (note the plural) inflated, during which there was some pointed but good-humoured banter about tyre quality and track pumps. It would be nice to say that, with two punctures out the way, the rest of the ride proceeded without incident. Unfortunately it was not to be and just past Lower Carden George had his third puncture: rear wheel this time. While Ivan searched the tyre case for the cause (a small shard of glass) the inner tube was marked up for George to repair over lunch. Bryan supplied a new tube as George had used up his stock and amid more banter regarding the quantity and quality of chain lubricant the wheel was fixed and we were ready to go. An hour into the ride and we still hadn’t reached Tilston!
We continued heading south through the lanes making for Dymock’s Mill but with Whitchurch rather than Coton as the intended lunch stop. It’s a while since I’ve done Dymock’s Mill and I tend to treat it as a summer route only but the loose, stony uphill track I recall on the south side has been transformed. It’s still a track but the surface is good and firm, the loose stones have gone and there are no potholes to be seen. From here it’s not far to the A525 and a short main road section to the outskirts of Whitchurch. But this is no ordinary day and after a mile on the main road we are faced with a few cars backed in the middle of the road and a smashed up car, upside down on its roof. This is serious, but there is nothing we can do so we press on. Within a few hundred yards a speeding adrenaline fuelled police car approaching on the wrong side of the road with lights and sirens blaring tries, unsuccessfully, to take out Bryan. A near miss that!
The Old Town Vaults in the centre of Whitchurch provided a great range of ales while we waited for food to be served. George borrowed the landlady’s pen to fill the back of a beer mat with his birthday wish list: track pump, tyres ………. Then while discussing his forthcoming LEJOG the punctured inner tube was repaired.
Back on the road we head north up NCN route 45 in lovely sunny conditions before turning left to go through the picturesque village of Marbury. By Cholmondeley the weather had worsened and the wet roads indicated we had just missed a heavy downpour. The final section took us over Harthill on the usual route back to the Ice Cream Farm where we arrived in time for afternoon tea and cakes before the final leg back to Chester.
Not your usual CER ride but one that will certainly be remembered. A round trip from the Ice Cream Farm of some 35 miles or 57 from Chester and back.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
BW

3rd March 2011: Hartford

2011-03-04T18:13:00.000Z

Foggy and cold the day started but it ended up bright and sunny as we met at the Little Roodee Café. As sheep-mode was engaged, Bryan, Dave B, Ivan, Andy, Ray S, Trevor, George, Martin and Liz and me set off promptly for a route which was planned to take in the local industrial heritage on our way to a new pub in Hartford. Dave M still looked poorly and excused himself. The Tandem Two arrived just as we were setting off but mysteriously off-loaded once they knew that Ince Marshes were on the menu.
Wending out of Chester on highway no 5, we scooted down through the zoo and out onto the towpath towards Stanlow. Bryan had advised that the aptly named Oil Sites Road was open so we cycled through the local industrial heritage that is Stanlow Oil refinery into the surprisingly quaint Ince village. Marsh Lane started off quite well – Bryan had advised that it was rideable in dry conditions but somewhat rough. Well it was dry-ish and it was rough! The lane is being “improved” by laying recycled old tarmac and eventually it will be compacted but today it was more like porridge than tarmac. I took the executive decision to cut and run so we headed for Helsby rather than continue for even more mud toward Frodsham. Why do slick tyres pick up so much mud?
Taking Howey Lane, we climbed out of Frodsham onto the Kingsley Road with the sun emerging out of the cold fog. Taking Ball Lane out of Kingsley, we headed for the Weaver towpath, or were we? Just before the end of the lane, a sharp right confusing marked as a No Through Road takes us out to Acton Bridge. Hanging left at the railway station and onwards to Weaverham for more industrial heritage on the outskirts of Winnington. Cries of “Are we nearly there” are rewarded with the Hartford Hall Hotel coming into view. The “2 for £10” menu was on offer and we all partook of it: the well-presented and tasty food came quickly and although Lime and Lemonade was £2.60, the soda variant was £1.10- a useful lunch stop for future rides.
The return journey employed a muddy NCR5 to get us across the Weaver near to Meadowbank and onto local route 71 aka Whitegates Way. At Cotebrook, the creperie café was closed, so Summertrees it was for afternoon cake and tea – ‘but which way to go?’ - the direct ascent via Tirley Lane or the psychologically “less hilly” route via Hollins Hill, Knights Lane and Quarry Bank. The cake stimulus spurred the group the take the actually hilly indirect route with 350ft of ascent. The fast spin down to Willington and Oscroft was short lived but Ivan sped off into the distance missing the Tarvin turn in Oscroft. There we found Dave M with his flat cap on, supervising his building works. Wending our way back to Chester either to the canal or the greenway, we ended up with a 54 mile circular route that was even muddier than last week’s ride around Penley!
See route map and/or gpx file download.
CA

24th February 2011: Hanmer

2011-02-26T20:32:00.001Z

For a change the forecast for the day was good and consequently there was a good turn out of 12 riders at the Bellis Garden Centre Cafe, Holt. The roll call was Ivan, Clive, Ray, Mike G, George, Jim, Lizzie and Martin D, Dave and Liz P and Andy. The first four rode to the cafe from Chester and, in Mike’s case, Connahs Quay. Jim reported that Dave H had his new hip popped in last week and was making a satisfactory recovery. We hope to see him back on his bike next week! The group was thrilled to see that Ray’s new bike - a Van Nicholas Yukon - was being given its first official ride. This model is rapidly becoming the all-purpose bike of choice for the discerning cyclist!
A decision was made to ride to Hanmer via Penley and Ellsmere. We set out at comfortable pace through Farndon and heading south to Shocklach. The temperature was rising well into double figures and a stop had to be made for removal of clothing layers. At Tallarn Green the road appeared impassable where a bridge was being rebuilt but we were able to dismount and walk along a temporary pathway. Towards Penley short climbs began to appear and Ray’s Van Nicholas showed an impressive turn of speed on one of them. We passed though Penley and then skirted round the north of the mere at Ellesmere until we finally arrived at the Hanmer Arms for lunch at 12:45.
The 2-course menu at £7.95 proved popular and was generally rated as excellent. The service was fairly rapid, so often a problem with larger groups. The meal and increasingly warm and sunny weather meant that a degree of lethargy had to be overcome but we started rolling again along narrow country lanes where we passed more horses and tractors than cars. Near Lower Wych Ivan called a puncture but mysteriously there appeared to be no discernible problem with either the tyre or the inner tube. Some privately thought that it was a ruse on Ivan’s part to gain a respite form the fierce pace! Several riders were having problems with a build up of drying mud between tyre and mudguard and improvised tools picked up from hedgerows were used to remove the accretions.
Eventually the Malpas church appeared on the hill top and we continued though the village and on to Tilston where the Chester boys peeled off and the remainder rode back to Bellis’ where we had a cup of tea in the hot and sunny cafe.
A pleasant meander of 40 miles through quite country lanes on what felt like the first day of spring
See route map and/or gpx file download.
MD

17th February 2011: Audlem

2011-02-19T20:10:00.000Z

A grey cool day and thus it remained all day except for a brief glimpse of the sun around lunchtime. Setting out for Rose Farm, I caught up with Liz and Dave on their tandem close to the café. Waiting there were Andy, Liz and Martin, Trevor, Ivan and Dave M. Dave M was still poorly from his Oz holiday flights, so came along for companionship and coffee. Dave and Liz were not going the full distance today, so we six set off for the Shroppie Fly pub in Audlem. A minute down the road I realised I had left something behind, so asking the group to carry on I returned to the café saying I would catch them up. Setting off again, I charged down the hill towards Tarporley and up the other side. A quick change down to bottom gear resulted in a crashing of gears and a dead stop. The rear mech was not adjusted properly (mea culpa) and the chain was caught solid. Trying to sort this out on the hill was not clever so I carried the bike to top of the hill where the Famous Five were patiently waiting. Borrowing a screwdriver from a local resident, the gearing was sorted out and we all set off bound for Eaton the back way out of Tarporley. Thankfully the rest of the ride was incident free.
Into Winterford Lane and a few left and rights then found us on the A51 a mile north of Barbridge. Taking the lane there, we eventually ended up near to Reaseheath and crossing the static traffic on the A51 we were quickly in the centre of Nantwich. Going via Queens Drive and the cycle path along the River Weaver, we were soon out and on the Hack Green Secret Bunker road towards Audlem. This is a long quiet lane and comes out a mile south of Audlem. Up the hill and a quick left at the canal found us at the pub – only 21 miles ridden but we were ready for lunch. Good service and excellent fare refreshed us as we set off with 28 miles to do. Out along a brief stretch of the Market Drayton road, we were soon back to hedge debris lined lanes towards Wilkesley. The route back was very straightforward once we arrived in Aston. Taking the NCR 45 we seemed to bowl along getting to the Ice Cream farm by mid afternoon. After the customary sampling of the cakes, Liz and Martin wended their way back to Rose Farm with just short of 50 miles ridden. The remaining four took the customary route back to Chester. For me a round trip from home of 70 miles.
See route map and/or gpx file download.

PS: On this ride, I was using my Android smart phone with ViewRanger OS maps and route planning. It worked very well – it will be more seamless once I have a bike mount for it, rather than having to keeping stopping to look at the display! Apologies to the group today and thanks for your patience.
CA

10th February 2011: Tremeirchion

2011-02-12T18:25:00.001Z

After a short ride out to Hawarden in pleasant cycling weather it was good to see I wasn’t the first to arrive. George had already ordered and Dave H was just locking up his bike. We settled down to tea and toasted teacakes as the others arrived: Jim, Dave B, Clive, Dave & Liz P and Dylan joining us for the first time. Nine of us today but none of us had any firm ideas on where we should go or how we would get there. The Bells of St Mary’s at Gronant and the Eagle and Child at Gwaenysgor were considered but eventually the decision was made to try somewhere new and so we settled on the Salusbury Arms at Tremeirchion. Hills didn’t appear to be flavour of the month today so Bryan agreed to lead a route avoiding the worst.
Leading out, we headed west through Ewloe and Northop until a short section on the A55 brought us to the Britannia Inn. Dylan left us at this point while the rest of us continued to the Brynford turnoff where we headed up into the hills past the golf course, through Brynford, the Friary and on to Gorsedd. At the boarded up Druid pub we took a left and checked out The Rock pub at Lloc and Misty Waters at Pen-fford-llan (both look possible for future rides). From here we had a straight ‘run’ down to Tremeirchion: or so we thought! As we ground to a halt at the A55 we realised that in fact the only way across was literally to ‘run’ across the carriageways through the gap in the central barrier. Not ideal by any means but the tarmacked path showed that this was the approved way to cross. Safely over, we continued on to the steep descent down to the Salusbury Arms arriving just after 12:30pm.
Once the drinks were ordered (Marston’s ales and lime and soda at an unbelievable 25 pence a pint) we were shown into the lounge where food orders were taken and served. What a contrast with last week’s venue. The Salusbury Arms will certainly be on the list for future rides. All we needed now was to decide on the route back. While discussing the possibilities Dave H remarked that it would probably be the death of him, to which a voice from the table behind piped up to offer his business card – he was the local undertaker! After more discussion Clive’s suggestion that we go back up the way we had come and then cut through to the Babell road was agreed.
The climb back up proved much easier than we had anticipated and before long we were on easy lanes heading east to Babell, across the Halkyns and down to Northop. George and Dave B left us here while the rest of the group returned to Hawarden via Ewloe Green, arriving well before 16:00pm to finish the day with coffee and cake at the Gallery tea shop.
Another wonderful day in great cycling weather: neither to hot nor to cold. A round trip of 38 miles from Hawarden or some 55 miles from Chester and back.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
BW

3rd February 2011: Wimboldsley

2011-02-04T18:03:00.001Z

An impressive turnout of 17 met for tea and coffee at Manley Mere Windsurfing Centre on a bright dry day. For the record, given the record attendance: Bryan, Clive, Andy, Dave H, George, Jim, Liz, Martin, Ray S, Trevor, Mike G, Dave & Liz P, plus a non-riding Dave M newly returned from Oz with his laptop to give us a slideshow of his Australian audaxes, and three newcomers Mike (a friend of Jim who would join us to Hatchmere) and Chris and Jackie who had met up with Mike G on the way out.
With strong winds from the southwest forecast for the afternoon Bryan suggested we head past Winsford, for lunch at The Verdin Arms at Wimboldsley. We should then have the wind behind us on the return. With no other suggestions on the table Wimboldsley was agreed and after seeing Dave’s slides (many thanks for bringing them in Dave) we set off for the Delamere Forest. Mike left us at Hatchmere while the remaining 15 continued on through Norley, Cuddington and Sandiway. Jackie and Chris left us at Foxwist Green to make their own way home for lunch. Bryan led us through Whitegate to the Weaver Navigation, which we crossed on the wooden bridge before turning right on the river path admiring the industrial archaeology of the salt industry. A first time for all, except Bryan, this section was clearly the highlight of the day. All to soon though we reached the main Winsford bridge and rejoined the roads to bypass most of the town on one of the few cycle friendly roads in the area. Of course it couldn’t last and eventually we were forced onto the busy A530 for the final leg to The Verdin Arms.
What can one say about the Verdin Arms? Good ale, but dining pretentions far beyond their capabilities. 13 of us just proved too much for the kitchen, and front of house insisted on treating us as three separate tables rather than as a single group. Table one had finished their meals well before table three had even a hint of food. Even a humble sandwich proved to be a problem taking three attempts!
Once outside and ready to go, we were still short of three riders (table 2 no less, who had unwisely decided on puddings). While Dave and Liz P decided to stay longer, I have never seen anyone polish off a pudding as fast as Mike G. It was by then past 14:00 when the remaining eleven of us set off for Church Minshull, Wettenhall, and Cotebrook. The Cotebrook café was closed when we arrived, as too was the Rose Farm Garden Centre café in Utkinton. No afternoon tea and cake today. The final leg through Oscroft back to Manley Mere was completed without incidence.
A great day out clocking 42 miles on the ride or just under 60 miles to and from Chester
See route map and/or gpx file download.
BW

27th January 2011: Sun Inn, Trevor

2011-01-28T15:05:00.000Z

Cold (0°C) but dry and a hint of sunshine - just right for going over Horseshoe Pass. I arrived at Tudor Café first, to find it firmly shut for the day. Off up the High Street, I found the “Deli” which offered hot fare and a few seats – this will have to do. Andy and Dave H were de-biking their cars in the car park so they went to the Deli while I went back to Tudor Café to find two lost souls looking for more cyclists. This was repeated a little later with a further two lost souls. We were nine in all, Dave H, Mike M, Ivan, Liz and Martin, Andy, Ray S, Brian Mac and I. A circular route stopping at Sun Trevor pub was agreed. It would be hilly on the way out and “flat” on the way back- only 34 miles but those hills take it out of your legs.
Setting off behind the car park was a small lane that would cut the corner off and save half the slog up the Minera Steps. A slight hill climb practice up a no through road set us up for the long 20% climb proper up and onto the top to Cymau village. After apologising for the rather hilly start (there was no mention of chevrons on the OS map!) we ducked out of the village down the steep twisting River Lane ending at a ford. A couple of brave bikers rode it, but the rest of us took the bridge. An equally steep twisting ascent took us up to the Steps road – Ray S decided to change his front inner tube by the ford so we regained our breath whilst we waited for him. The rest of the route of about 10 miles was all up hill. Cutting right of the Steps Road into Bwlchgwyn (translates as “White Pass”) and across the A525, we reach the top and onto the Old Road. Taking the lane to the Llandegla outdoor centre, we ran parallel to the Ruthin Road. A left at the traffic lights took us up to the roundabout signposted left for the Horseshoe Pass. We agreed to stop at the Ponderosa to regain our legs. It became noticeably cold and windier as the advance guard arrived ready to use the facilities. Once the rest arrived, an unscheduled tea-break ensued. Good for morale I reflected, after a lot of climbing to get here.
Dave and Mike decided to take the main road down and meet us at the Sun Trevor Pub on the Wrexham side of Llangollen. After carefully briefing the remaining riders about the steepness of the old Horseshoe Pass road and the fact we would take the first left to access the Panorama road, we set off down the lane brakes well engaged. A certain slim Trek rider zoomed past and into the distance and out of view. We six all took the left lane to get us to the Panorama road. It became quickly evident that we were missing a slim Trek rider. Ten minutes later my mobile rings – “Where are you? I’m at so-and-so”. New directions were given via the main roads to the Sun Trevor. Meanwhile we six enjoyed the panoramic views of the Llangollen valley and Dinas Bran ruins. Arriving at the Sun Trevor we were very soon joined by the errant three. There is always a warm welcome at the Sun Trevor with good real ale and fare with a window seat to boot. The return route took us past the Bryn Howell Hotel and down the back lanes passing the aqueduct canal basin and into Cefn Mawr high street (very sorry state) and onto Ruabon. There is nothing pretty around here so the back road to Wrexham found us twisting this way and that around the A483, finally arriving at the Sainsbury’s roundabout. The Summerhill road beckoned and it gradually went uphill and largely parallel to the busy Wrexham to Hope road. A short stretch of this road found us back at the start with the Deli café shut. Four of us set off back for Chester via Sandy Lane Kinnerton making a 60 miler with lots of hills.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
CA

20th January 2011: Bangor on Dee

2011-01-23T20:12:00.002Z

As I left Chester the sun was shining brightly through the early morning fog and although it was -4°C, I was confident the sun would burn the fog off and we would have a sunny cold day. How wrong can you be! The only other bright lights seen today were the car headlights in the freezing fog! I espied Ivan ahead going towards Greenlooms on the way to the Ice Cream farm, he was cycling uncharacteristically slowly. The reason was icy lanes around Christleton and unplanned de-bike manoeuvre. As soon as we got into Martin’s Lane, it was clear that there was no grip and cycling would have been positively dangerous, so we walked most of it (about 1.3 miles) until it felt safe to cycle again. By the time we arrived at the café, it was close to 10:30 but Mike M and Trevor were just getting their drinks so we agreed to relax until 11:00 when the sun would of course have burnt the fog away. A call from Ray S came in to advise us he was not coming to the start but “where were we thinking of a lunch stop”. The Buck Hotel in Bangor–on-Dee was chosen so off we set on a modified back lane route. Out through Tattenhall and down to the A41, we eschewed the Bolesworth way to Brown Knowl by cutting up off the A41 into Coach Road and then across the A534 into the continuation of Coach Road and into Old Coach Road. This normally scenic route was limited to a gloom with only 200m visibility. Over the crossroads at Old Hampton Post, we once again hit the A41. Taking our life in our hands, we ventured across the traffic, continuing along the truncated Old Coach Road and into No Man’s Heath. “Can we stop here” came a cry as we passed the Wheatsheaf pub – no answer from the front – just a right hand signal and down the lane towards Malpas. Cutting left we then followed the cycle route 70 down Mastiff Lane et al until we arrived close to Worthenbury on the B5069. It was then a short run then to the Buck Hotel. Ten minutes later, Ray S arrives covered in hoar frost from a solo ride out from Chester. What value for money the Buck offers in its “Over 55” menu– a two course meal plus coffee and a real ale pint for under £10 – promptly served and tasty fare. The big news was that Ray’s Van Nicholas had been delivered but he came out on his “old bike” in case he scratched the titanium frame in an untimely de-bike activity. Back into the cold damp gloom the route back was the familiar run of Worthenbury, Shocklach, Tilston, and Coddington. Trevor and Mike split off to go back to Tattenhall having completed a 35 mile run and the remaining three of us went back to Chester via Churton, Bruera, Saighton and Waverton having clocked up nearly 60 mile round trip from Chester. The day was not as planned but nevertheless an enjoyable ride even though we saw very little of the Cheshire countryside.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
CA

15th January 2011: Revolution

2011-01-16T16:12:00.002Z

The 2010/11 Revolution Champions were decided this evening at the Manchester Velodrome in an evening packed with non-stop action. A party of eight CER were there to enjoy the racing as Maxgear Racing picked up the trophy.

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

A great evening thanks to Brian Mac who organised the trip.
BW

13th January 2011: Egremont Ferry

2011-01-16T15:03:00.000Z

With 11 riders meeting at 10:00 at Ness Gardens, is it New Year resolutions or has the CER been on a recruitment drive? Whatever.
It’s always encouraging to see so many, and a warm welcome back to some faces not seen for a while, like Mike, Kate and Dave B.
With a SW breeze, the best route to New Brighton was clockwise via Thornton Hough and the Viking settlements of Pensby, Irby, Greasby, Frankby and Hoylake. Then it was that very easy ride along the sea wall, past the new £60m development of lido, hotel and shops, which hope to bring the punters thronging back to regain New Brighton’s glory days. A photo stop ensued at Perch Rock Fort (unfortunately the passerby recruited to take the snap suffered from uncontrollable camera shake requiring the later use of the delete button). The fort has been guarding the Mersey entrance for nearly 200 years but with walls 24 feet thick, it only ever fired its huge guns twice; and that was in peacetime.

Photograph by Ivan Davenport

Lunch was again at The Egremont Ferry Hotel, where a quality pint of Cains is always served, while enjoying the views over the city opposite and the river below. The TV was showing Everton’s recent 5 goal spree......... bliss.
The route back is easy if you know Birkenhead; Duke St Bridge, through The Park, Manor Hill, Storeton Rd, and down to Thornton Hough. Then back through Raby and Neston for tea and cake at Ness Gardens. An easy, pleasant, if uneventful ride round the Peninsula, of some 37 miles or around 60 miles for those riding from Chester.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
BMac

6th January 2011: Street Dinas & Overton Bridge

2011-01-09T20:37:00.001Z

a. Street Dinas
A magnificent turnout at Bellis heralded the first ride in the New Year with12 bikes and 13 riders. The suggestion of a route towards Chirk and a potential lunch stop at the excellent Greyhound at Street Dinas was approved and we set off via the back lanes towards the Wrexham Industrial Estate. There is no pretty way to get to Cross Lanes so an amble past the WDA sponsored businesses (some now closed!) brought us to Cross Lanes lights. Going straight across onto the B1530 we bisected the A528 and A525. At the A528 junction we went straight across into the quiet and occasionally icy Welsh lanes. Given the numbers riding, we stopped at the top of Bwgan ddu Lane to call the pub and after some hesitancy they welcomed us for lunch at around 13:00. Turning right out of Bwgan ddu Lane – which roughly translated by Google means “The specter of black (sic)”, we went straight across the B road and through Crabtree Green to come to a halt at the A539 Overton to Ruabon road. The leading pack of seven had taken a right turn just before the main road and unfortunately the trailing group was too far behind to see the turn and had gone straight on. Mystified why the second group had not appeared, phone calls were made and Ivan offered to ride off to try to find the group. After 15-20 minutes, the leading group decided that as the lunch venue as known (and it being only 8 miles away by main roads) we would ride on. Down through Ruabon, we took the Newbridge road and after slogging up the long slope from the new bridge over the Dee, we headed for Chirk. Taking the first lane on the left, we ended up near MacDonald’s just off the A5 at Halton. After 16 miles, the pub was very close now, only 2 miles as the crow flies but double that for these very small winding Welsh Lanes, and for good luck adding in a 20% gradient lane with running water, field debris and ice, no wonder most of us walked up this steep section. The Greyhound was welcoming and the food was promptly served. After lunch, we took a meandering sedate ride back through the lanes to Overton and cut right via Hollybush Lane towards Worthenbury for the traditional route back via Shocklach. Arriving back at Bellis for afternoon repast, we were reunited with the rest of the group. We had clocked up 41 miles and as the dusk settled three of us took the Churton Road back to Chester. The route from Bellis was 40 miles making it a 60 mile round trip from Chester.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
CA

b. Overton Bridge
Deep in conversation as we progressed south from Crabtree Green the leading group had been out of sight for some time as the following group of six approached the A539. Not realizing that the lead group had already turned off the lane some half a mile back we expected to see them at the main road: but there was no sight of them. Which way had they gone: right on the main road or straight on? Surely they would have waited if they had turned right? So we headed straight on across the main road onto a lane I had not ridden before. After a further mile and still no sight of the others I was wondering where this lane led. Did Clive know of some short cut or was this a dead-end? The SatMap indicated a dead-end so we stopped and consulted a passing horse rider. “No it’s not a dead-end but it disintegrates into a potholed rough track which comes back onto this lane.” So it’s a dead end then!
By now it’s 11:45am so it’s back to the main road and left to Ruabon to try and catch the others, or right to Overton Bridge and the attractions of the Cross Foxes. By common consent the Cross Foxes had it and we rejoined the main roads and then the back lanes through Erbistock to Overton Bridge. Once inside we chatted away happily until it was time to leave and then decided on the scenic but short route back rather than the longer Worthenbury/Shocklach alternative. By 14:45pm we were back at Bellis ready for coffee and cakes having completed a 28 mile round trip or 50 miles in total from Chester and back.
Another great if interesting day with CER.
BW

1st January 2011: Carden Arms, Tilston

2011-01-09T20:33:00.000Z

Some half a dozen CER members met up with the Chester section of the C&NWCTC for the annual ride to the Carden Arms. Somewhat unusually Martin decided on the short route, normally reserved for poor weather, this year. Consequently the group was the first to arrive at the Carden Arms well before noon. Before long the other groups appeared including those travelling by car (Bryan and Erla included).
This annual pilgrimage provides a great opportunity to meet up with friends in other groups and is always a good way to start the New Year.
BW

30th December 2010: No Mans Heath

2011-01-02T16:57:00.000Z

It was a grey dull overcast day with light fog, forecast to last all day, but hey the snow and ice had gone and it was great to be out and about again. Six of us met at Rose Farm Garden Centre in Utkinton (Brian Mac, Dave Hill, Clive, Dave Heath, Ivan and Bryan) to find that frozen pipes meant the café was closed. After waiting until 10:15am we left a note on the door to say we were off to the Fire Station Café in Tarporley for tea. Unfortunately Dave and Liz P arriving later didn’t see the note and decided on a different café in Tarporley.
The Fire Station Café proved to be somewhat too welcoming and it wasn’t until around 11:00am that we got away. We had agreed on a ride to the Wheatsheaf at No Mans Heath with Clive navigating on a route programmed into his new Memory Map SatNav. With that we headed off for Eaton, before looping south to Alpraham and eventually Bunbury where Dave Hill left us heading back to Chester. The remainder continued on the empty lanes to Brindley where to vary the usual route Clive took us along the main road to Faddiley before rejoining the lanes. Soon we were on NCN 45 for a few miles before the signposts reported No Mans Heath was only a few miles ahead.
The Wheatsheaf beckoned but as we locked up the bikes Clive noticed a group of walkers descending on the pub and with almost improper haste we made straight for the bar to get in first. A good job we did as it turned out for with 20 of them pre-booked we would have been waiting for some time.
Now the Wheatsheaf specialises in sausages and their plate sized Yorkshire pudding filled with three sausages of choice, mash and gravy proved irresistible, along with the ale, of course. Over lunch we discussed, amongst other matters, family tree research including a fascinating account of the problems of ‘incorrect’ birth certificates recounted by Brian Mac. I had a brief chat with Barry Davis, ex C&NWCTC Rights Officer, out for the day with the 20 ramblers but still waiting for their food to be served. Then we agreed a return route back via the Ice Cream Farm.
Out on the road the light fog was still in evidence, so it was on with the lights for the return journey just as they had been on the way out. The Old Coach Road took us straight to Broxton Old Hall where we made a right turn to Brown Knowl and the usual route to the Ice Cream Farm via Bolesworth Castle. Then while most of us settled down to an afternoon coffee and cake Brian Mac joined us with an overflowing ice cream cornet for the last chat of the day. It was quietening down when we left, but Melanie reported that she had seen more cyclists over the last two days than the previous month. Like us they had been eager to get out again once the snow and ice had disappeared.
With only a few more miles to go back to Utkinton or Chester we wished each other a Happy New Year and bid farewell. Another great year of the Chester Easy Riders.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
BW

23rd December 2010: Moel Famau “Ride”

2010-12-23T21:54:00.002Z

Due to sub-zero temperatures, snow and icy conditions today’s ride was cancelled. Not to be out done an intrepid group of six met at Loggerheads for the walk up Moel Famau with not a bike in sight. Lunch was taken at The Druids Inn, Llanferres.

Photographs by Ivan Davenport & Clive Albany

See the route as recorded on Clive's new Memory Map Adventurer 3500 gps.

16th December 2010: Alvanley Arms

2010-12-18T22:56:00.000Z

The icebox conditions had returned today and the forecast was for worse to come. It was therefore understandably difficult to summon up the energy for the ride out to Manley Mere in the hail! Once there, things improved with the friendly faces of Jim, Dave Heath, Ivan, Martin and Liz making six in total. After a chat and a hot drink the maps came out and we planned a short looping ride through the Forest with a potential stop at Cotebrook. From here we would have the option of taking a longer route south towards Nantwich or a short route back to Manley Mere.
It was getting on towards 11:00 by the time we were on the road leading up to the Delamere Forest where a left turn after the railway bridge took us onto the lumpy road through the Forest to Hatchmere. By Norley the weather was changing and it was beginning to warm up a little, with feeling started to return to frozen fingers. Through Whitegate, Marton Green and Little Budworth it was really quite pleasant and such a surprise given the weather forecast. However with our late start it was after 12:00 by the time we approached Cotebrook and the decision to stop for lunch at the Alvanley Arms was not in dispute.

Photograph by Martin Donaldson

Inside we grabbed a table near the fire and made ourselves comfortable. Robinsons Cumbria Way bitter proved tempting to most of us although Dave favoured the Pims No 3 Brandy Cup Winter Warmer to some derision from the beer drinkers. Not enough brandy though for Dave’s taste so with encouragement from Ivan the landlady made him a brandy winter warmer special! With everyone now satisfied, excellent food and good conversation it was soon time to leave the warm.
Outside it had turned cold again and with darkening skies we braved the trucks on the A49 before the first right brought us back on the lanes. It also brought snow: light at first but rapidly increasing as we headed towards Willington Corner and Oscroft. Today the weather wasn’t going to settle into a predictable pattern and before long the snow was stopping and it was warming up again! By Hollowmoor Heath the group had split into two with Ivan, Martin and Liz in the leading group and Bryan, Jim and Dave in the second slower group. Back at Manley Mere there was no sign of the lead group so after saying goodbye to Dave (heading back to Warrington) Jim and I set off on the final leg back to Chester to find the lead group coming back towards us having taken the B road from Great Barrow.
Only a short circular 29 miles from Manley Mere but nevertheless a very enjoyable day out.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
BW

9th December 2010: Christmas Lunch ride to The Pant yr Ochain

2010-12-10T18:44:00.002Z

After 10 days of bitterly cold and icy weather the temperatures rose above freezing in time for our Christmas Lunch celebrations at The Pant yr Ochain. Now don’t get me wrong, it was still cold but it felt positively balmy compared to the previous week. Five of us cycled out to Caergwrle (Clive, Brian Mac, Mike G, Ivan and I) for a hot drink and toasted teacake. The plan was for an easy ride to The Pant yr Ochain and we soon agreed a route of just over 12 miles sticking mainly to the B roads.

Out on the roads we took it easy, with a loop round to Hope and then the B road to the Llay crossroads before heading to Rossett where we crossed the railway line at the pedestrian crossing point. From Rossett it was a simple matter of following the B5102 before a right at the T-junction had us heading back through Borras to Gresford and The Pant yr Ochain where we arrived at 12:15pm.

Photographs by Brian MacDonald
and Ivan Davenport

Today wasn’t about the ride though and with the recent bad weather this was to be an opportunity to catch up with friends before, during and after the eagerly awaited Christmas lunch. Inside it was good to see that Jim and Dave H had already made themselves at home with glass in hand. It wasn’t long before the others started to appear with Mike M, Dave & Liz P having cycled direct. The impressive range of ales caused some problems in deciding where to start. For my part the stout proved irresistible.
With so much to talk about amongst the 14 of us we were a little late settling down to eat, but once we had, the starters appeared and were quickly demolished with considerable approbation. A few photos later and it was time for the mains: all superb and served with aplomb. By the time puddings and coffee had been served time was moving on and with darkness less than an hour away it was time to leave for the ride back to Chester.
What a fantastic day: great to be out on the bike again, a superb meal and great company. It’s hard to imagine a better Christmas lunch. Well done Pant yr Ochain: we can’t recommend you too highly.
BW

2nd December 2010: Ride Cancelled

2010-12-03T17:15:00.000Z

Due to adverse weather conditions and icy roads today’s ride was cancelled.

25th November 2010: Eastham Ferry

2010-11-27T18:31:00.007Z

Wonders never cease. With the prospect of -5º C temperatures and snow, I would not have been surprised if I was the only rider out today. But CER are made of sterner stuff. The even bigger surprise was that even with the new 10:00 winter start, we had seven riders at the Little Roodee as the cafe opened. Clive, Dave & Liz, George, Martin, Ivan, Ray and Brian set off by 10:30 with Dave who was going to do a short ride. Thursday was one of those rare ones in winter that you just grab; it was bright, crisp & clear, perfect for an Easy Ride.
As we had a Northerly, we set off along The New Cut to Hawarden Bridge. From there, taking the dry roughish track thro Shotwick, we crossed the Wirral peninsula, thro Hooton, Raby Mere, Bromborough, stopping for lunch right on time at the Eastham Ferry Hotel.
The “Sneck Lifter” from Cumbria (nothing to do with Martin) was well thought of, as was the 2 4 1 Lunch. Opinion was that The Ferry was worth repeating, especially with the generous portions. After lunch, a bright photo shot of the group in front of a huge red oil tanker on the high tide, turned in to a picture of the pavement. No David Bailey today.

Photographs by Ivan Davenport

The return ride with the wind behind us took us thro Eastham, which turned in to a 1970s nostalgia trip for Ivan & Clive. On thro Raby and Thornton Hough, we found ourselves back on the banks of The Dee Estuary at Parkgate. The obligatory ice cream & coffee was taken at Nicholls award winning Parlour. No guesses as to who sneaked off for a quick pint in The Ship. With the light fading we pressed on back to Chester, via Little Neston & Puddington on Sustrans NCR 56, to end a most enjoyable 47 miles.
This week’s Question...................... How many extinct ferry ports did we visit? For the Answer, come next week.
B Mac

18th November 2010: Aston

2010-11-21T21:11:00.002Z

The weather forecast was rain (almost certainly) but cycling out from Chester to Holt, the rain held off despite the murky vistas. There were seven of us (Liz and Martin, Dave M, George, Brian Mac, Ray S and myself) for the pre-ride hot drinks at Bellis’s café. Two potential rides were discussed; one west via Wrexham to Loggerheads, which was discarded because it meant hills and rain, and a south easterly one to Aston. CER had last visited Aston’s Bhurtpore Inn (for it’s history see http://www.bhurtpore.co.uk/history.htm) just over a year ago (5th November to be precise). Although I was the only rider present to have visited it last year, the prospect of a menu of real ales and decent food was the clincher. Just as we were leaving my mobile rang – it was Ivan – he had just realised he was at the wrong venue and “where were we heading for lunch?” He knew the pub since he was one of the CER group from last year’s visit. “I’ll meet you in the bar”, says Ivan. We all thought – if he can find it from the other side of Chester!
Off we rode through Shocklach and the back way to Chorlton. A rare event then occurred; a motorist stopped to say the road ahead was strewn with thorns and the offending tractor, when it saw us, stopped hedge trimming to let us past – such consideration which was immediately dashed by the white van driver who refused to slow down in the narrow lane and forced us all into the side of the lane. Ignoring the correct right turn in Chorlton, we went left and had to double back a bit outside Malpas down Sunnyside (it wasn’t!) to get onto Dog Lane at Oldcastle Heath. Heading for Lower Wych, the lane takes you down into the folded valley which marks the Welsh/English border. Up the steep climb and out to Wigland we went down to Higher Wych, later passing Iscoyd House (ideal as a wedding venue apparently). At Redbrook Maelor, we turned left onto the A525 towards the outskirts of Whitchurch. Turning into Chemistry (such an odd road name), it started to rain as we threaded our way through Whitchurch town seeking the cycle route 45 to Wrenbury. Once out on Black Park lane passing Blakemere, through Hollyhurst and Pinsley Green, and with Dave M leading the way, the Bhurtpore pub soon appeared.
The Bhurtpore lived up to its reputation with a wide choice of real ales and food, all served very promptly at the table. Just then a text arrived from you-know-who; the contents of which will not be made public to spare the sender’s blushes – suffice it to say we seven did not become eight for lunch. The rained had stopped as we made our way back via Wrenbury to Cholmondeley Castle gates at which point four split off to go back to Bellis’s via Tilston to pick up their cars. Their round trip was around 42, incident–free, miles. We remaining three made our way towards Gallantry Bank where Dave M split off for home leaving Ray and myself to slog up Harthill in order to justify the coffee and cake at the Ice Cream farm. The Chester round trip was 65 miles and considering the weather forecast, very little rain but still a murky mid November day.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
CA

NB: Next week’s ride from the Little Roodee will be led by Brian Mac and will leave at the new earlier time of 10:30 hours.

11th November 2010: Bickerton Poacher

2010-11-16T22:01:00.002Z

The big question for today is ‘what will the weather bring?’ Early in the week the forecast was for heavy rain all day but later on this changed to heavy showers and strong winds. Last night the forecast was for showers and gale force winds gusting to 80 mph. With such a forecast it was surprising to have a respectable turnout of eight members with six riding. Bob and Dave McW there for a chat over elevenses and Clive, Ivan, Mike G, George, Martin and myself riding. Given the uncertainty over the weather we decided a circular route staying within easy distance of home was called for. I proposed lunch at the Bickerton Poacher by way of Eaton, Bunbury, Brindley and Cholmondeley, with the return route to be decided over lunch.
With the route agreed we paid our respects to the war dead of past and current conflicts with a two minutes silence on this Remembrance Day. Then it was time leave, heading to Cotebrook with the wind behind us before turning south and the back lanes through Eaton to cross the A51 at Tilstone Fearnall. After Bunbury Clive and Ivan took up the lead as we headed through increasingly muddy lanes to Brindley. From here on we were heading eastwards into the wind passing Cholmondeley Castle before the final stretch north to the Bickerton Poacher.
Although only just over a power cut the staff soon had the kitchen up and running again while we sampled the ale. The Theakstons Old Peculiar went down well, as did the other ales and not a single lime and soda in sight! (As an aside I even had an email from Trevor the other day reporting the price of lime and soda in Thailand: 40 baht apparently. What have you started Ray!) The proposed change to the ride start time came up over lunch and with 15 votes in favour of an earlier start the majority view was clear. It was agreed to implement the change on the 25th November when we will meet at the Little Roodee Café at 10.00am for a 10.30 start.

Photograph by Ivan Davenport

Dragging ourselves away from the convivial surroundings of the pub, where Ivan was threatening to stay all afternoon, we climbed back up Gallantry Bank before circling Bickerton Hill clockwise. Once past Bolesworth Castle it was downhill to the Ice Cream Farm for coffee and cake before starting the final leg back to Chester against the wind.
What started as a journey into the unknown, weather wise, turned into a great day out on lovely lanes not far from home. Yes it did rain, and the wind did get up, but only after we arrived home. What more can you ask for?
Distance from Chester and back 52 miles.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
BW

4th November 2010: Llanferres

2010-11-05T12:11:00.000Z

The weather forecast was not wrong for once today: bright earlier on with rain in the afternoon. All those riding today agreed with the suggested route that would get us to the Druid Inn at Llanferres for lunch. A few riders were just out for the teacake and hot drink – but only one had a valid reason for not riding out today! So, seven bikes (eight riders) set off a little later than normal. The route took us out through Ewloe and the usual back lanes way to Northop. Brian Mac unexpectedly dropped off in Northop – not sure why, but we hope all was OK with him. It was unseasonably very mild and most riders had too much gear on for the climb out of Northop to the top of Halkyn Mountain. When the sun came out, the autumn trees were very picturesque, and several lanes were covered with pine needles, which were showering down like rain in the strong wind. Although the sunken lanes gave us some protection until we hit the top, we were not really prepared for the Force 10 gale “on the nose” on the exposed ride to Rhes-y-Cae and Lixwm. Missing the planned right turn (a current feature of my map reading), the group climbed back up across the main A541 to explore the delightful village of Nannerch. Wikipedia describes the village thus: “Nannerch is one of the ancient parishes of Flintshire, made up of the townships of Trellan, Trefechan, Trecwm and Tre Penbedw. It is a quiet and attractive ancient village, sitting on a bedrock of carboniferous limestone, overlain by glacial boulder clay with glacial hollows”. You never do know what you’re cycling over! Back on the A541, the Cilcain turn soon came up and the ever-climbing undulating road brought us to the White Horse crossroads. “Is this the lunch stop?” cried a few voices – “No, it’s a little bit further on” came the leader’s reply. Very soon we were on the thoughtfully provided counter-directional “cycle path” alongside the A494 that took us straight to the Druid Inn (alt. 260m) in Llanferres. There was a warm fire and an extensive menu, promptly served, and although tasty, a little bit over-priced or small portioned. However there were several beers to choose from and the lime and soda, at £1.40, was mid-priced.
Discussing the return route and looking at the wind and the rain outside, a less hilly route to get onto the A5104 at Treuddyn, was plotted i.e. we took the B5430 rather than climbing up to Eryrys. Thankfully the rain stopped after about an hour. The long fast downhill run to Pontybodkin and on to Penyffordd brought us eventually to the top of Bilberry Wood where Dave and Dave and Liz went back to their cars in Hawarden. The remaining four of us took the usual way back to Chester via the Saltney Ferry crossing. Although the circular route from Hawarden was only 34 miles, the Chester loop added a further 16 miles and there was 650ft of straight climb with most of the route uphill fighting against a very strong headwind. Cycling back along the Dee cycle path, Chester looked very foreboding against the dark cloud backdrop pierced by the big white fun wheel being erected in Castle Square.
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CA

28th October 2010: Anderton Boat Lift and Stretton (M56)

2010-10-30T22:03:00.001+01:00

I had a plan for this week’s potential ride that was based upon five possible lunch stops around the Stretton - Daresbury – Moore triangle and an industrial heritage flavour to the ride. The route was approved and a cyclist’s dozen (10 regulars plus a Bristolian guest, Steve) set off from Manley Mere – the tandem duo, who arrived for coffee, had a date with the dentist so eschewed today’s ride. The route took us the familiar way through Sugar Lane and out through Delamere Forest to Norley and onto the NCN 70 towards Onston Lane. Apart from a minor down Moss Lane to rectify a navigational error, we ignored Onston Lane and headed straight for the A49 junction outside Weaverham. A shimmy across the A49 took us up Gorstage Lane and into Weaverham proper – or so I thought. A wrong turn at the roundabout soon gave us a fine view of the A49 again! Undeterred, we doubled back and found Well Lane, Church Lane and finally Wallercotes Road on our way to scenic Winnington. Scenic that is, if you like working chemical plants along with a fair few abandoned ones. This is the industrial heartland that is Northwich environs! Over the Weaver canal and turn right and soon we were at the Anderton Boat Lift visitor centre admiring the ingenuity of the Victorian canal engineers of 1875 vintage. For loads of facts about it visit http://www.andertonboatlift.co.uk/VisitorsArea/AboutUs/history.html. Pushing on through Comberbach we headed for Antrobus crossing the A559. Taking Fogg and Stockley Lanes, we ran parallel to the A road joining it just before Lower Stretton.
First choice for lunch was the Stretton Fox at J10 of M56. A quick reconnoitre found the place heaving, so a quick run down the redundant Spark Hall Close took us to the “Cat & Lion” at Stretton traffic lights. The “two course plus soft drink” £5 menu was snapped up by all and, despite a slip up with a partially frozen “hot” pasta dish, all agreed that it was an enjoyable lunch venue. Pushing on down Hatton Lane, past the “Hatton Arms”, and ignoring the turn to the “Ring of Bells” at Daresbury, we crossed the A56 bound for Moore passing the “Red Lion” pub. The initial plan was to try to navigate around the western edge of the Norton suburb of Runcorn along the canal path. However Brian Mac recalled that the Bridgewater Canal was rideable, so we looked for a suitable entry point in Moore – but missed it. A slight double back towards Daresbury found the canal entry point and we were soon cycling along the towpath of this very wide canal opposite the Daresbury physics laboratories and Science Park. Going under the M56 at the Preston Brook marina, we had no choice but to ride the main road back towards Frodsham. On the outskirts we took the NCN route 5 round the less-than-pretty backside of the town emerging, one puncture repair later, in the centre of the town. Out up the hill towards Helsby, we took a short diversion right to get off the main A56 road emerging again in time to turn into the Old Chester Road. Ignoring the obvious route of going straight up Alvanley Road, I hunted out the semi-rideable footpath that is the former Helsby Quarry. This quarry is partly a geological educational resource with its sandstone entrance tunnel and sectioned sandstone rock faces. Emerging after a short walk onto the Alvanley Road, the route back to Manley was an easy mainly downhill ride. Although only a circular route of 42 miles, we had seen a good selection of the local industrial chemical heritage: Rock Savage works (steaming away across the M56), Winnington chemical plants, Anderton canal boat lift, and the first canal in England (1761) financed by the 3rd Duke of Bridgewater. Oh, and it was pleasantly warm and dry – not bad for the last ride before the clocks change.
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CA

21st October 2010: Bodidris Hall

2010-10-24T18:30:00.001+01:00

I’m grateful to Clive for planning today’s route some weeks ago. Nine set off from The Tudor Cafe anti-clockwise, with a view to enjoying the £5 lunch at Bodidris hall up on the Llandegla Moors. We’ve passed it often enough in the past and as today was a lovely sunny autumnal morning, it was an ideal time to visit. As the clocks change back in a week, there won’t be many more days with so much daylight.
The ride started fairly straightforward past Penyffordd, then west through Nercwys before climbing southwest to Eryrys. It then looked completely different doing this ride in the opposite direction to previous visits, as we climbed up and over the ridge of Offa’s Dyke, down into the old drovers village of Llanarmon yn lal. We followed the old cattle drovers’ lanes down through Llandegla & out onto the edge of the moors, entering Bodidris Hall by the tradesmen’s entrance.
Bodidris is unique in that the county boundary between Denbighshire and Flintshire literally runs through the centre of the hall, and the county boundary stone can be seen outside the front door. Yes, it was that old rock the bikes lent against. The Hall is alleged to be haunted by a monk, a soldier, a boy, a well-dressed woman and a dog. I don’t remember seeing the dog at lunch. The £5 lunch was well received, but portions were a little small, I thought.
Afterwards, we were met outside on the lawns by literally hundreds of pheasants, which were being raised for the slaughter later in the year on the surrounding moors. Indeed, as we then cycled over the moors, the guns were out, blasting away. It was interesting to see a group hunting the old fashioned way, with birds of prey waiting for the dogs to flush out the game (?) from under cover. We continued the circular ride over Four Crosses, through Bwlchgwyn, down the Stepps and back to Caergwrle. Though it was a short 45 kms, we had climbed 553 metres and felt we had done another good CER ride.
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BMac

14th October 2010: Wettenhall

2010-10-15T20:25:00.000+01:00

A cloudy and dry day in prospect, albeit only 12C, found a baker’s dozen ready for the off from the Ice Cream Farm. A rear wheel puncture had delayed Bryan and he arrived with 5 minutes to spare so the route was hastily agreed. The riders were a mix of the usual suspects plus the recently joined members returning for some more pleasure and pain. Except for one or two, we were in our winterised clothing – and needed it was. The route was designed to warm us up gradually, culminating in a decent climb at Willington. Out via Huxley, Hoofield and Clotton and on to Chapel Lane in Willington, we started to climb up passing Summertrees Café near the top of Primrose Hill. Usually the panoramic view from Tirley Lane is exceptional, but today, with mist and grey cloud, it was a shadow of its best. On along the ridge bearing right into Quarry Lane then Knights Lane, the roller coaster route took us down to Cotebrook. The plan was to take lunch at the Boot & Slipper pub in Wettenhall. An earlier phone call confirmed that they could take us OK so we continued through Little Budworth to seek out Whitegate Way. This is part of NCR 71 that follows the old railway line towards the Weaver canal in Winsford.

Photograph by Brian MacDonald

The plan was to negotiate through Winsford (as quickly as possible!) using cycleway 75. Winsford will not win any town beauty competitions so once we espied the blue cycleway signs and we were soon out on our way to Wettenhall. We arrived on time at 13.15 with 22 miles under our belt. An hour and half later we emerged having had a decent, albeit slow-to-arrive, meal apiece. Just as we were setting off another rear wheel puncture was spotted by Graham on Jane’s bike so there was a slight delay before we set off on route 75 bound southwards towards Nantwich. Briefly using the busy main roads around Burford, we soon found Swanley Lane and then Springe Lane bound for Chorley. At the A49 crossroads the Cholmondeley Arms pub looked inviting on this cold grey afternoon but we pushed on skirting Cholmondeley Castle on our way to Harthill. The 375ft of descent down from Harthill is a real pleasure especially as we were carrying straight on to Tattenhall rather than turning right half way down at Dark Lane. Those going back to the Ice Cream farm for their car assist trip home had cycled 44 miles, while those of us heading back to Chester would have rode 65-70 miles. The weather could have been better but at least there was only a little drizzle in the air – no doubt good for mid October.
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CA

7th October 2010: Ludlow

2010-10-08T17:03:00.001+01:00

Seven of us (Liz and Martin, Bryan, Ivan, Dave H, Jim and Clive) gathered in Church Stretton at Flinders Café at 0900 for a 0930 start. It was marginally chilly but given it is early October, the rest of the day did not disappoint at all. Taking the B road out to Little Stretton, we were soon into the narrow and rather mucky lanes that characterised the majority of the riding for the day. Although about 3 miles out we were still not warmed up sufficiently for the short single chevroned hill in Minton. The largely downhill run to Horderley did not really warm us up either for the coming long hill by Ridgeway Hill up to Edgton. We were certainly warm after it though! A left and right took us down the quiet Hopesay valley to Ashton upon Clun.

Photographs by Ivan Davenport

Pausing to read about the ancient tree in the village, we were off via Beambridge towards Twitchen but going off-piste by taking the much wooded (debris on the tarmac that is) and narrow Clunbury “bypass”. At Hopton, we stopped briefly to look at the castle ruin sheathed in scaffolding and plastic sheeting as it was in the process of being restored thanks to lottery money – it has featured on Time Team in 2009 (see http://www.hoptoncastle.org.uk/). Up the lane to Bedstone, we came upon the cyclist nemesis – a tractor trimming the hedges! Squeezing past, we pedalled the next mile slowly in trepidation of picking up a puncture; but thankfully the whole ride was incident free. Taking Jay Lane out of Bedstone, we crossed the river Clun valley into Leintwardine. Keeping to the north of the river into Pipe Aston, we had a pleasant run as the sun came out from behind the mist. From here to Ludlow is 4 miles and 400ft of slow climb up followed by an exhilarating long run down to the viewpoint overlooking Ludlow Castle.

Arriving a little earlier than I expected with 29 miles completed, we took a turn around picturesque Ludlow before arriving at the Charlton Arms by the bridge over river Teme. The Charlton Arms did us proud with wholesome food and beer promptly served at reasonable prices – we even had a table already laid for us. The next 18 miles to the Wenlock Edge pub at Hill Top, right on the Wenlock Edge road, was extremely pleasant with the warm wind behind us and the sun shining. This route up Corvedale winds through hamlet after hamlet, and despite a couple of route queries from the SatMap users, we ended up at the pub without mishap.

Dave and Jim decided to take the direct route back to Church Stretton along the ridge; so we said goodbye to them as we had our afternoon drink. Setting off for Church Stretton, we dived off the Edge down towards Longville in the Dale crossing the disused railway line that forms part of the Jack Mytton long distance footpath. It is named after Jack Mytton (1796–1834) a Shropshire landowner, MP, horseman, foxhunter, gambler and Regency rake who was also known as Mad Jack. It typically takes a week to ride on horseback. Enough of Wikipedia: after Cardington, there were just a couple of hills to get over to enable us to get around Caer Caradoc (459m) that looms majestically over Church Stretton. Arriving back at 1615pm after 58 miles, we set out to find Dave and Jim whose car was still in the car park. They were found at Acorn Café, were we all decided on an end of day tea and cake at this quirky whole food café before the journey back to Chester. Being the last Special Ride of 2010, this ride complemented the other Special Rides this year in the finest traditions of CER.

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30th September 2010: Sleap

2010-10-02T10:41:00.001+01:00

A bright last day of September beckoned with autumn definitely in the air – sunny and largely dry as promised by the forecasters. This brought out 11 riders to Bellis Garden Centre café (Dave M, Dave H, Brian, Graham and Jane, Liz and Dave, Peter, George and Trevor and I). I had planned a route with an unusual lunch destination south of Wem, taking in an eponymously named village for vanity’s sake. With everyone in sheep mode, we were off out round the back of Farndon, and then to Tallarn Green and Sarn via Shocklach and Dog Lane.

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

It was tempting to go via Dymock’s Mill but the longer route to Painter’s Green was selected instead. Down passed Fenns Bank, we headed for Whixall and Waterloo and eventually into Wem itself. Out of Wem on the main B road towards Shrewsbury, the original plan was to take a short diversion via Clive village and then double back to Sleap. However with the rumbling sound of many stomachs drowning out the traffic on the B5476, I decided to go to Sleap directly. Turning north for the first time the signs for the aerodrome came into view and, 29 miles from Holt, we arrived for lunch.

Sleap Aerodrome website mentions a restaurant but this was definitely a café. Nevertheless the prompt service and elevated view over the airfield of light aircraft landing and taking off coupled with pilots from the nearby RAF Shawbury practising hovering in helicopters, made up for the rather meagre lunch portions. After getting permission from local air traffic control, we were allowed to circle the airfield on the original WW2 aprons to exit the airfield and start our way NW to Holt.

A short length of old road found us out of the airfield and onto very quiet and level lanes on our way to Loppington. Shimmying through the village, we headed for Welshampton via Lyneal. At Welshampton, Dave M struck out solo for Oscroft via Malpas direction as the rest of us continued NW to Penley.

The usual way back was employed to get to Bangor via Cloy and then down the various lanes to Farndon. With a group of this size, there were inevitable delays and incidents, apart from a few stops for directional corrections. Graham was bitten by a horsefly and attacked by a rather large farm dog, whilst Dave H suffered a rear wheel puncture, and the tandem picked up a slow on the rear wheel within a few mile of Holt. With only a few drops of rain late in the day, the round trip was just short of 54 miles, with those going back to Chester running up around 80+ miles.

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CA

23rd September 2010: Calverhall

2010-09-24T18:14:00.001+01:00

A rainy day is in prospect as the seven of us (Dave M, Brian Mac, Trevor, Andy, Dave H, Ray S and Clive) set out from Rose Farm. We are heading for Calverhall but this is a tale of two shortcuts and three pubs. The original plan was to head south of Whitchurch for the “Horseshoes” at Tilstock with the “White Lion” at Ash Magna as backup. Both however shut at lunchtimes - but the landlady at the “White Lion” said try the “Olde Jack” at Calverhall – so Calverhall it was. The route took us through and out of Tarporley emerging briefly on the busy A51 at Tilston Fearnall, which led us swiftly into Bunbury. Sliding round the back of Bunbury, we were soon into sunshine spinning down Brindley Lee Lane to Faddiley. A right over the canal at Swanley found us seeking the first shortcut at Wrenbury Heath to cut round the back of Wrenbury Station. Woodcotthill Lane firmly stated it was a “no through road”, and it is this time of year since the road deteriorated to a very rough muddy track. Retracing our route we headed off to Aston passing a house with what looked like a very large T-Rex head emerging out of the front wall. Across the Whitchurch Road, we headed down the lanes for Burleydam and Ightfield and at last, the “Olde Jack” just down the road at Calverhall. Arriving just after 13.00, we found the car park virtually full and the pub full of people in black apparel. There was a funeral wake on, and everybody was having lunch in the restaurant. Service was understandably a little slow, but the comestibles were judged to be good quality, with lime and soda at £1.00/pint and an “all-smile” service.
A brief shower of rain had fallen over lunch as we left for Prees Heath. However soon after, it poured for five minutes as we crossed the busy A41 on our way to Alkington. The route home was planned as a gentle arc via Painters Green and Threapwood and Chorlton. Dymock’s Mill beckoned as the second shortcut. The wide track down was not encouraging, but over the stream at the bottom, a smooth tarmac road took us sharply up and out of the wooded valley thus enabling us to shortcut Threapwood. Although the obvious way back was via Tilston, I liked the sound of Kidnal and Edge Green and the route was picturesquely rewarding as we passed Overton Scar. Somewhere along here a suicide-bent squirrel tried to take out the leading pair of cyclist and itself – luckily it failed. Crossing the A41 at Duckington, we steadily climbed the shoulder of the Bickerton Hills; down Hall Lane and across into Bolesworth Hill Road. The vantage point gave a panorama of heavy rainclouds approaching across the Cheshire Plain: time for jackets to be put on. Down past the Trout Farm, the rain lashed down as Trevor, Brian, Dave H and Andy split off going via Beeston back to Rose Farm. The remaining three of us headed off back to Chester.
The circular route was 61 miles from Rose Farm with a surprising 500m of cumulative ascent. Well-done Trevor! The weather was much better than forecasted (only about 30 mins of rain), the third choice pub was a first choice pub, and a couple of (new for the group riding) shortcuts were investigated. Arriving back in Chester, where it had bucketed down during the day, I had clocked 83 miles and had experienced yet another classic CER ride.
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CA

16th September 2010: Gwaenysgor

2010-09-19T21:12:00.001+01:00

There was an autumn nip in the air and a strong head wind as I headed out to Hawarden this morning. Dave Heath was locking up his bike as I arrived to be joined almost immediately by Brian Mac extolling the benefits of the Aldi special cycle clothing offers where he had just purchased a new winter jacket. Before long we had filled the corner of the café as first Andy, joining us for the first time, then Clive, George (great to see you again George), Dave Matthews, Liz and Martin arrived. Two routes were on offer, Bryan proposed a ride to Gwaenysgor, above Prestatyn, and Clive suggested a ride to Llandegla with lunch at Bodidris Hall (the attraction being the £5 lunch deal). After some half-hearted discussion it was decided to postpone Clive’s ride until our next ride from Hawarden. Having agreed the route it was time for Dave & Liz P to make an appearance, followed by Peter joining us for the second time. Twelve of us today then: if we go on at this rate we’ll be running two groups soon!
At last we are off: heading west we pass straight through Ewloe tracing the well-used route through Northop onto the lanes. Unfortunately Brian Mac is suffering mechanical problems with his new rear wheel and is forced to retire, returning home to get it fixed. The rest of us continue on until we join the A55 for a brief stretch past the motel and up to the Britannia Inn. From here on we can enjoy the views to our right across the Dee Estuary marred only by the head wind forcing a heads down riding position.
After Brynford we cross the A55 and cruise past the Friary only to find we are missing half the group as Dave H has a rear wheel puncture. While Dave H and others set to work the rest of the group stand around realising just how autumnal the weather is. Then we are back together but with less than a mile done Dave H punctures again! This time we leave the “puncture repair team” with a map and spare tube before continuing on to Whitford and the lovely lanes through Llanasa to our lunch stop, the Eagle and Child, in Gwaenysgor.

Photograph by Bryan Wade

The welcome here is friendly and we are invited to take over the snug where the landlord sets the tables for all eleven of us. A good selection of food, with jacket potatoes the most popular choice, is served quickly. Almost everyone is on beer today: most unusual, until someone points out that lime and soda is well over £2 a pint! The puncture group arrive to report that the problem was down to a hole in the tyre fixed by fitting a patch to the inside of the tyre and a new inner tube. Brian Mac then texts to say that the hub of his one-day-old new Mavic rear wheel had collapsed!
By 14.30 we are ready to leave but first we ride up to the viewpoint looking out over Prestatyn and the offshore wind farm. The route back through Dyserth causes Bryan, following his SatMap, some problems. The SatMap route shows straight ahead but half way down Bryan realises we aren’t on the right road so its back up a hundred yards to the last turning, then within a further quarter of a mile of more climbing he realises that this isn’t right either. Back at the original junction the only other option is a track heading steeply down. Bryan takes this and as there is no further sight of him everyone else follows. Back on the right road we contour round towards Rhuallt, the sun comes out and we enjoy wonderful views to the right over the Vale of Clwyd. After Babell its time to sample some new lanes so with a shout of "right here", we turn into a slimy slurry covered track. Martin is convinced it’s the entrance to a farmyard but after a few yards we emerge from the slurry, without mishap, onto the track. New lane two comes a mile later bypassing Rhes-y-cae but with a surface woefully short of traction. From here it’s up the last significant hill of the day before descending to Rhosemor and the descent down towards Northop where George leaves us, as we continue back to Hawarden via Soughton, Buckley and Dobs Hill.
What a wonderful day. Andy has made himself one of the group from the start while Peter, on his fixie, has been an inspiration to us all. If you can mange today’s 49 hilly miles, Peter, then you can manage anything we can do.
This group just gets better and better.
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BW

9th September 2010: Dunham Massey

2010-09-15T14:58:00.002+01:00

Trevor’s return was a heart-warming sight, after his tough baptism on the steep Welsh climbs of Mike’s exhilarating Pistyll Rhaeadr route. Another welcome newcomer was Peter, bravely riding a fixed wheel vintage Viking, which he’s kept so long that it’s now retro cool. Also good to see Kate back with her beautiful, warm smile. However it’s been so long since I’ve ridden with Brian Mac, that I swear that he didn’t recognise me at first! I appreciated Clive’s diligent efforts to plan something different, but I was already ‘pencilled in’ to lead this week and had a route in mind, which, as it happens, was not a million miles from Clive’s. No need for arbitration then!
After the first steep climb up New Pale we meandered along the narrowest lanes through Kingsley, then followed the twinkling Weaver to Dutton Locks and beyond. The warm wind wafted us along as we drifted past Cogshall Hall, up to Frandley and through Antrobus. We were soon circling Arley Hall on Back Lane, careful over the smooth cobbles to Arley Green, with its pretty pond and black and white timbered buildings.

Photograph by Kate Williams

We continued to flit through quiet, undisturbed lanes up to Hoo Green, and Booth Bank with its Wesleyan connection. Lunch is at ‘The Swan with Two Nicks’ in Little Bollington. The food, drink and setting are fine, but Dave and Liz were not totally convinced about the attitude towards customer service. Dave had to settle for begging, whilst seriously considering strangulation, in order to obtain cutlery! Mike Morley was just sublimely satisfied to be supping good ale, as ever.
After lunch we squeezed over the Bollin footbridge and climbed over the wall into delightful Dunham Massey. Dave showing off his muscle power, and once again proving that there is very little off limits for determined tandemists. Kate managed to persuade a friendly couple to take a group photograph, with sunbathing deer in close company. Off through Dunham Town past Lavender Barn Tea Shop at Dog Farm – a great place for a break if you’re in a cycling group which doesn’t have alcohol dependency. We are soon spinning along the Trans-Pennine Trail, and slip into Lymm village via a very Ray-repelling grassy bridleway. A brief stop, a couple of half drunk cappuccinos (my thanks to Brian Mac), sat next to the ducks and lurking, large fish.
Then we wind our way back, across the derelict Admiralty WW2 Stretton Airfield. We are usually sheltered from the headwind by lush high hedges. Kate spots a pattern: left, right, left, right – a steady rhythm of back lane turns. Like a shoal of fish, colours catching the sun as they constantly deflect from danger – in our case main roads and juggernauts.
Eventually The Big Effort looms – the steep bank up from the Weaver a taste of what’s to come. A little more light, rhythmic pedalling along Ball Lane, then, the beginning of the end: up through Kingsley, up Hollow Lane, up and up to Newton Firs. The new lads are feeling it: fifty miles up and hard climbing, Peter without gears, Trevor with a heavy frame and wide tyres – who could blame them. But they’ve stuck at it, and we have covered many pleasant, easy miles today to look back on. Someone says, ‘We’ve all been there!’: some of us surprisingly recently, when we first joined, often using a bike, gearing and a pair of legs that were less than ideal. That tandem’s made it again, although Dave has been cautioned for over-use of the whip.
Finally a whoosh down to Manley with just a couple of short, steep bits. Nevertheless, the vastly experienced, allegedly intelligent, and normally likeable Bryan Wade is caught out in completely the wrong gear turning left up the bank at Simmonds Hill. This is due to bad Karma for flatly refusing to carry any of my maps earlier in the day.
The weather was great, the company was great, and we’ve covered about 54 miles of lovely, traffic-free lanes. Can’t wait for next week!
See route map and/or gpx file download.
DHeath

2nd September 2010: Pistyll Rhaeadr

2010-09-04T16:24:00.001+01:00

This being the August Bank Holiday week the numbers registered for Mike’s ride from Chirk over to the Rhaeadr Falls was down on our usual turnout. With many regulars away on holiday it was encouraging to hear from two new riders, on the day before, that they intended to join us. Then while unloading my bike in Chirk, Dave Heath pulled up with his bike on the back and within a few minutes Trevor, riding with us for the first time, was introducing himself.
We headed off to the Coffee Shop to find Dave Hill eating breakfast having cycled all the way from Chester. Then Mike and Clive arrived, and finally Dave Matthews to make the numbers up to a respectable seven riders. After a few minutes of chat Mike brought us to order and led off towards the impressive Chirk Castle gates where a left turn onto a track immediately stamped his signature on the ride. We then followed the Ceiriog Valley out to Glyn Ceiriog and Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog with a minor deviation along another track enjoyed by just three intrepid riders while the rest stuck to the road. This was easy riding, through beautiful countryside in perfect conditions engendering, what was perhaps, a false sense of what was to come: but not for long!

Photographs by Mike Morley and Bryan Wade

Immediately out of Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog the road ahead rose uphill into the distance: gently at first then steepening and finally maintaining a constant gradient for another mile. We all made it, although I suspect Trevor was beginning to wonder what he had let himself in for. After a brief stop and a photograph to mark the occasion we continued up the last section of the climb before a long swooping descent down the other side touching 40 mph. With little traffic we enjoyed the meander along the Afon Iwrch before turning up over the shoulder of Moel Hen-fache through a farm and down to the Afon Rhaeadr for the final stretch to the Falls.

The Rhaeadr Falls café, although small, offered a good choice of food all quickly served at tables looking out over the Falls. Tea, coffee and cold drinks were the order of day here; so the beer drinkers had to go without for once. A small price to pay for what was already a superb ride. By 2.00pm it was time to leave the café for the short walk down to the bottom of the Falls and then the ride back.
The first part back along the Afon Rhaeadr to Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant in perfect sunny weather was simply stunning. I began to seriously consider spending an hour or so at the side of the road taking in the views. Sanity prevailed and we continued into the Tanat Valley before turning off at Llangedwyn to head north uphill towards Llansilin. A few miles further we stopped by Bwlch-y-rhiw Farm to read the plaque dedicated to those who lost their lives when a Wellington bomber on a training exercise from RAF Harwell crashed on the farmhouse in January 1943 killing the family and entire aircraft crew. This was followed by another stop to admire the false OS grid reference painstakingly etched on the gatepost of Rhydycroesau Village Hall.
There was one more climb to go but once over Offa’s Dyke it was downhill virtually all the way back to Chirk arriving at just gone 4.00pm in time for afternoon tea. 43 miles done, back on time, perfect weather, fantastic route and scenery and we even had a bit of culture and history: how do you do it Mike? A truly wonderful day.
And for Trevor not the easiest of first rides but judging by the way you coped we hope you are up for more. Manley Mere next for a more typical Easy Riders ride.
For the record the SatMap recorded 2,024 m of ascent!
See route map and/or gpx file download.
BW

26th August 2010: Coton

2010-08-27T21:23:00.001+01:00

What a grey day! I had taken the scenic route to the Ice Cream Farm through Brassey Green and up to the back of Beeston Castle so had a brisk 13 miles on the clock when I arrived to find Dave Heath unloading his bike. Tempted by a slab of fruit loaf I sat down to enjoy a large pot of tea and was joined by Dave whose cake resistance had also crumbled. In no time Ivan, Liz & Martin and a little later Liz & Dave Pipe arrived to be regaled by Liz and Martin’s tales of what sounded like a particularly grueling North to South JOGLE – mainly against the prevailing winds and incorporating practically every hill in the UK (According to Liz!).
No one had a route planned so I suggested a trip to the newly refurbished Bull and Dog at Coton near Whitchurch. As Clive can attest there are obvious dangers of trusting Morley with a map or indeed any sort of directions but the first part of the route was very straightforward – out through Chowley Oak, Clutton, Tilston, Malpas and the Wyches to Painters Green. All went swimmingly despite Dave Heath’s sabotage of the Pipes by having them heading off up a right turn that was not part of the route thereby causing the loss of any momentum they may have had for the approaching hill.
Once over the A495 the land is very flat and part of the NNR Mosses of Whixall and Fenns Bank – not terribly scenic on such an overcast day but good territory for making progress on two wheels. We crossed the canal and pressed on through Whixall arriving at Coton in good time. The Bull and Dog is now resplendent following its refit and we were shown by Max to a large oval table presided over by a portrait of Max’s Grandfather, Sonny, who was married to Liz’s mother’s best friend – it’s a small world. We achieved a hat trick of good food, service and beer and also Lime & Soda only £1.00 so a very good pub to put on the agenda to join those visited in the previous two weeks.
Time to leave and although no actual rain the atmosphere was very damp and what wind there was seemed against us whatever direction we were headed. Over to Prees and under the A49 thence over the A 41 to Ightfield and up via Royals Green to Aston and Wrenbury. I had elected then to have change from the Spurstow/Bunbury return route electing instead for the Cholmondeley and Egerton Green that would furnish us with a couple of decent hills to keep us warm in the increasing chill. Just leaving Wrenbury by the scenic route along the canal we lost Dave & Liz – on seeking them I found them both searching the grass verge - the Bike Computer had jumped off its mount bounced on the road and disappeared, sadly never to reappear! The rest of the journey up the back of Harthill passed uneventfully and we just made it back to Newton in time for a large pot of tea, courtesy of Liz and Martin and cake courtesy of Ivan – thanks for that you guys. A round trip of 51 miles that gave me a door to door mileage of 74 miles – a good grey day after all!
See route map and/or gpx file download.
MM

19th August 2010: Peak District Ride

2010-08-21T22:05:00.002+01:00

An early start today to join Clive and Kate at Ivan’s house for the drive over to Waterhouses in the Peak District. Once the bikes were loaded we were off, with Ivan driving and retelling his recent motorbike test experience. Not enough lifesavers seemed to be the problem: and I thought lifesavers were found on the beach or swimming pool! Well there was no need of lifesavers today and we arrived at 9.50am, having made good time despite the density of speed cameras. Within half an hour we were all assembled and ready to ride: Jim, Dave H, Mike M, Clive, Ivan, Kate, Dave & Liz P and me. Jim promised us a lovely day out although with a couple of steep hills to start and about 1500 ft of ascent (more on that later).

With Jim leading it was out the back of the car park onto the main road and the start of a steady climb, easy at first, then left onto a minor road and the climb steepened. This was only the start and we were already strung out, but the view as we reached the top made it worthwhile. Another climb followed, until by Blore we were ready for the exhilarating descent down to Ilam to take morning tea at the beautiful Ilam Hall.

Photographs by Ivan Davenport

After a refreshing break, with time for photographs, it was time to continue on to Dovedale and a brief diversion to see the famous stepping-stones. Then retracing our steps we left Dovedale for the climb up to Thorpe. Halfway up the climb it was suddenly apparent that our numbers were somewhat diminished. Ivan headed back down to find that the others had been separated from the advance party by a large tractor blocking the lane. Once all together again the going got easier as we headed to Tissington to join the Tissington Trail. Here we joined the many families making use of the old railway track for a family cycle ride through the most beautiful of scenery. What a great way to get the kids cycling! In a few years time they may even be joining their local cycling club.

After a few miles on the flat we left the trail and rejoined the lanes, uphill at first then down to Heathcote. This was perhaps the pattern for the day: a stiff climb, long but not too steep, with the double reward of beautiful views from the top followed by fast swooping descents. And with perfect cycling weather and practically no traffic what more could you ask for?

After the gradual climb through Long Dale we eventually emerged at High Needham for the descent down to our lunch stop at Crowdecote. Jim’s choice of the Pack Horse was truly inspired: a friendly welcome, great ale, good food, fast service and lime and soda at £1 a pint. The bar staff even stopped serving to listen to Ivan recounting the adventure of his lost wallet and a night spent drinking!
After leaving the pub we crossed the Dove for the second time to begin another climb up to Sheen Hill ridge followed by the last descent of the day down to Hulme End where we joined the Manifold Way Trail back to Waterhouses. With just over two miles to go Dave H, blazing our trail at the front, disputed the right of way with a dog and ended up on the trail. With no harm done we pulled in at the next tea place for a well earned tea and scone before completing the ride as a light drizzle descended to remind us how lucky we had been with the weather.
What a wonderful day out: only 40 miles done but everyone truly enjoyable. And the climbing: 3,383 feet of ascent! A great ride Jim. Thanks for all the work planning it.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
BW

12th August 2010: Street Dinas & Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

2010-08-14T16:01:00.005+01:00

We were meeting today at Bellis’ Garden Centre with rain first thing and a mixed day forecast. Turning to the map, some of the lanes to the east of Chirk looked quite interesting and worthy of exploration. Combined with the added bonus of being able to try The Greyhound Inn at Street Dinas I was hooked. The others soon arrived Clive, Ivan, Mike, Jim and Dave H although sadly Jim wouldn’t be joining us for the ride today. Ivan had to get back early so my proposed ride of lunch at Street Dinas then the lanes round Chirk before heading north to cross the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct was ideal. With luck we should be back in time for afternoon tea.
Setting off just after 11.00am we headed south through the lanes down to Bangor on Dee, over the bridge and on through Overton. With very little traffic on the roads conversation flowed and we made good time on the familiar roads: even the rain held off with just a few spots now and then.
South of Overton we were back on the lanes, a descent to Shell Brook and then the lovely winding lanes requiring extra concentration to keep on the planned route, finally skirting Dudleston to join the main road 100 yards north of the pub at 12.30pm. Although not the most attractive of places on the outside, the Freehouse sign was most encouraging. Inside The Greyhound Inn provided everything a cyclist could ask for. Good ale (Stonehouse Cambrian Gold) and if you are reading this Ray, lime and soda at 50p a pint! A great choice of food, from which I chose the OAP’s plaice, chips and peas at less than £4.00. Having had a discussion of prostate cancer on the ride down we quickly dispensed with the cholesterol issue and moved on to reminisce about bread and dripping and Camp Coffee! No youngsters out today, you will note. The excellent service (another plus here) meant we were back on the road by 1.30pm.

Now the interesting bit: lots of unsigned narrow lanes until we reached the top of the descent down to Afon Ceiriog. Not having done this before I led the way down somewhat cautiously; a narrow, windy, gravel strewn lane (two single chevrons on the map) with the occasional pothole, which seemed to go on and on. Half way down Ivan flew past before reappearing in a field gateway having failed to make a very sharp right-hand turn. From here it was plain sailing up to Halton before joining the A5 for a couple of miles to the canal towpath and cycleway. Crossing the aqueduct was easy today with very few walkers about and we were able to take our time and take in the views while Ivan recorded the ride for posterity.
Photographs by Ivan Davenport

At this point Dave had a puncture and with a band of onlookers used a somewhat unusual technique to remove and replace the whole tyre and inner tube simultaneously. Say no more: it worked and with two thorns removed we were back on the road to Ruabon. Onto the lanes again, north to Farmworld, Sontley, Kings Mill (where Ivan skidded on loose gravel) and finally Erlas lane and the road back to Holt.
We arrived back at 4.00pm in plenty of time for afternoon tea having done a very enjoyable round trip of 42 miles from Holt and with 60 miles clocked by the time I arrived home in Chester. Another great day with Chester Easy Riders.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
BW

5th August 2010: Barthomley

2010-08-07T21:26:00.002+01:00

A good turnout today at Rose Farm in Utkinton – there is Mike, Jim, Ivan, Jane and Graham, Dave H, Bryan, and Omry. Three routes are proposed; a 60+ miler to Mow Cop, and 52 miler near to Mop Cop and a 48 miler on the flat to the other side of Crewe – no prizes for guessing that the flat route was opted for. The Mop Cop route will be attempted the next time we are at Rose Farm so you have been warned. Ivan said it takes 6 minutes to get up the final 25% gradient, about the same time it would take to walk it. Graham tells me it took him four visits to be successful! Mike is not able to come today – he’s an appointment elsewhere – but he did tell us that he turned up an hour late for the start of the Bickerton challenge recently – hope you made your appointment on time Mike. Just as we are leaving, Liz and Dave P turn up, so we promptly set off for Wettenhall via Cotebrook and the regular lanes on our way to Occlestone Green. Turning south we skirt Warmington en route to Winterley. Out past Oakhanger we take a very narrow lane down to level crossing and just get across before a train rattles by. Omry makes two good suggestions The first is to go to a pub he knows in Barthomley (I had planned the White Lion in Weston, or the White Hart in Hough) so we go and have look-see. The second related to the potential source of a very annoying rattle on my Trek (see PS). A couple of locals outside the White Lion say the beer and food are good so we de-bike into the al fresco dining room. The locals were correct; the food was not only very good, but reasonably priced and very quick as well. The route homeward saw us trying to avoid the main roads around Nantwich as far as possible and, with Bryan guiding us through; we were on the Ravensmoor Road in no time. A shoot up Dig Lane got us to Swanley and a shimmy via Faddiley found us on the back lanes to Bunbury. We are tempted by the new café in Bunbury called “Tilly’s”. All agreed it was worth noting for future rides. The usual route via Beeston Castle was taken to get Dave H, Dave P and Liz back to their cars at Rose Farm. While Jim, Bryan, Ivan and I head for home with Dave and the tandem duo splitting off: meanwhile in some confusion, Jane and Graham and Omry go back via the Ice Cream farm. We expect to meet them at Huxley but they are nowhere to be seen. So we four head off via Waverton all bound for Chester. The circular route from Utkinton was 48 miles and with the 25-mile extra from Chester environs made a 73 mile, rain-free, if somewhat cool, largely flat, pleasurable ride.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
PS Omry, you were right - it was a broken shim in the cassette – fixed on the spot at TBF!
CA

29th July 2010: Holt

2010-08-07T20:50:00.003+01:00

I set off from Chester without considering a route and cycled to the Gallery Tea shop at Hawarden. On arrival I was surprised to be first as it was 10:45!! Oh no I thought, wrong place again! Quick check on diary confirmed correct start so it was Ivan on his own.
No more ER's arrived so I bid farewell to the staff and decided to set off. Again this was without map or any navigation so went with instincts.
Turn left through the village into Wood Lane - the only lane name I can remember and down to Buckley. Carried on along a very narrow lane passing the Padeswood golf course to Pontblyddyn and the A5104. A right hand turn put me on course for the A541. I have now got accustomed to lane cycling and decided to get off and head into the rolling hills running alongside the road. This was up to Coed Llai (Hope Mountain!!) which was a testing hill - the Mow Cop of the area as it has a couple of chevrons.

Photograph by Ivan Davenport

Photo shoot at the top and enjoyed a brief down hill but decided not to go all the way to the bottom but carried on below the top passing Waun Llyn Park. This road ran all along the top and I came off at Cefn-y-bedd. A great down hill to the lights, then took a right and left turn on route to Llay. Now back on previous explored roads I was targeting myself to get home around 16:00 so carried on towards Gresford and another great down hill ride. On arrival at Holt thought I would have early lunch as I was doing a BBQ on arrival home and went into a Black and White pub which sold real ale!!! Never asked about lime and soda. After replenishing myself it was out towards Farndon, then Crewe by Farndon and round to Bickerton and headed back towards Chester arriving home slightly early but enjoyed the ride.
Found out the following week I may have had company if waited a little longer at the coffee shop unfortunately Jim had a puncture that delayed his arrival.
All in all about 50+ miles and max speed of 47mph (Gresford bank).
ID

22nd July 2010: Lower Peover

2010-07-23T15:24:00.000+01:00

With wet weather forecast for the day I wondered how many members would be meeting at the Windsurfing Centre for today’s ride. My concerns seemed well founded when Kate called to say she wouldn’t be coming, and then Clive emailed to say he wouldn’t be there either. The ride out in pouring rain even had me wondering whether it was worth the soaking! By ten minutes to eleven only George (on his third ride with us) and myself had made an appearance, but Ivan soon made the numbers up to a respectable three. So at just gone eleven the three of us set out in waterproofs up the sandstone ridge to Newton before descending to Kingsley and up to Acton Bridge by the back lanes. The usual fast descent down to the Weaver Navigation was slowed by the head wind by at least we could hope for help later in the day on the way home. At the turn off for Little Leigh we stopped to swop waterproofs for windproofs: yes the rain had stopped and it was drying up. By Comberbach and Great Budworth the day was warming up and a further stop was needed to discard the windproofs.

The plan was to lunch at The Dog Inn at Peover Heath but by 12.45 it looked that bit too far so instead we opted for The Bells of Peover at Lower Peover where we arrived at 1.00pm. Although hardly your normal cyclists pub we were made more than welcome with good beer, good food and friendly fast service: just a pity one had to take out a mortgage in order to pay the bill!

Photographs by Ivan Davenport

By 2.00pm we were ready to leave the pub and cross to the beautiful timber church dating from 1269 (one of the oldest timber churches in Europe) with its stone bell tower. We decided on the direct route back making time for afternoon tea at Summertrees, so after exploring the lanes round Lower Peover we head off for Lach Dennis, Davenham and the Whitegate Way in glorious sunshine. From here it was an easy route through Little Budworth and Cotebrook followed by the hard slog up to Summertrees where we arrived at 3.45pm to enjoy a well-earned tea and slice of lemon cake.
Ivan took the lead for the remaining section back to the Windsurfing Centre via Oscroft, Tarvin Sands and Little Barrow to complete a wonderful round trip of some 52 miles. From here the group split up to make our own ways home with me heading for Mickle Trafford to join the Millennium Greenway back to Chester. If today teaches us anything it’s not to be put off by even the worst forecast. What appeared to be a terrible day in prospect had turned into a glorious cycling day.
Distance from Chester and back a good 64 miles.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
BW