19th December 2024: Audlem Marina (mod)

There were just six of us turned up at Tilly’s. Tables had been reserved for us, staff were very friendly, the interior revamp attractive, and the free car park was handy. We were a bit of a mixed ability group, and on top of that, Ray had special needs in terms of directional knowledge and pace matching.  Trevor, Kevin, Steve Tan, Keith and I completed the party.

The weather forecast wasn’t great, but it was enjoyable to be out as we climbed up to the Church and the Dysart Arms before swooping down and up again past Bunbury Locks. I knew that my only problem navigating on the way out was likely to be on the narrow lanes after Alpraham. Taking the correct turns was made more difficult by this area being on the join of my 117 and 118 OS maps. Kevin offered to help with this, but because my route was not one that AI would likely recommend, I chose map juggling and the metaphorical flipping of a coin. Fortunately, we didn’t go wrong and worked our way around Calveley to reach Cholmondeston. We were soon heading south past Venetian Marina and Steve’s painful impression last winter of Ann Widdecombe on ice. From Rease Heath college, where we once could ride past the old hall fronted by a picturesque lake, we crossed the A51 to Henhull Hall. It was sobering to see all the surrounding green fields being churned to mud by developers offering maximum profit housing. I could see no evidence of affordable homes for young people. On the flip side, Nantwich is an attractive, growing town with interesting architecture and history, and its good to see businesses thriving in the town centre on a Saturday. I just wish that half of the new residents wouldn’t stand in front of me in The Cheese Shop tasting slivers and pontificating about the relative merits of Brie de Meaux compared with Italian Taleggio; all with that confident, middle-class demeanour, expressed in loud braying voices asserting their well sub-gourmet judgements. They show a selfish lack of awareness of, or lack of concern for those plebs waiting behind who are in a hurry to return home and get the coal in before the day turns dark.

We wended our way south-west from Nantwich to Ravensmoor before turning south to Sound and on to the moated Hall o’ Coole before reaching our lunch destination: Café At Bridge 80 alongside the Shropshire Union Canal at Overwater Marina. It was snug inside and most opted for the big breakfast option, and did somebody eat giant pigs in a blanket in a muffin? Anyway, it was hot comfort food, because it hadn’t been a too warm couple of hours, and we had been a bit damp at times.

Our return was prefaced with a photograph outside the café in a tearing, cold wind. Earlier, in the car, Steve Tan had floated the thought of a circuitous route from Bunbury to Meadow Lea, with the advantage of a strong tailwind after lunch. I could see his point more now, as we set off straight into the headwind. There was some respite as we headed south towards Back Coole Lane before turning for Aston and passing “The Bhurtpore” sign. It was tempting to go inside our long-time favourite watering hole and eat pudding and swig strong beers and order a taxi back.  I took stock at Wrenbury, and decided as we were close to the shortest day of the year the most direct route back was via Ravensmoor and Brindley. Usefully, Kevin’s Garmin agreed. Trevor had a different route in mind for cycling back to Guilden Sutton, so took his leave. On reaching Tilly’s the Runcorn branch stayed for coffee and cake together with Kevin. Steve, with minimal body fat was feeling the cold. I made sure the Berlingo heater was on full blast on the way home. I think everybody was glad that they had made the effort. The company was enjoyable, and it was good to have Keith’s big personality regularly back in the group.  It was also a chance to get to know more about Kevin and appreciate his team-player approach. Ray’s continually improving cycling performance is an eye-opener, but we must find a way of stopping him being first in the queue at lunch every time. A reasonable thirty-six miles were covered, and Trevor must have managed well over fifty, I guess.

DH 

See route map and/or gpx file download

20th June 2024: Audlem Marina (mod+)

There was a good turnout of CER members at Rose Farm café. It was especially good to see Steve Haywood, who had cycled from home to join us for coffee. He’s making slow but steady progress and hopes to join us again for coffee the next time that we’re on this side of Chester.

I’d planned a mod+ ride down to Audlem Marina (or Overwater Marina, Touring Park and Glamping, to give it its official but lengthy title). My companions for the day would be Steve Hu, Shane, Neil and (once he’d scoffed his scone, jam and cream breakfast), Alan.

Turning left out of the car park, we ran down the now smooth hill before turning right into Wood Lane, which, as Neil was soon to complain, is anything but smooth. Crossing the A51 at Clotton, we were soon whizzing down Corkscrew Lane, heading for Huxley and Brassey Green before dropping downhill to cross the Shropshire Union canal by the Shady pub. (Does anyone know why they dropped ‘Oak’ from the pub name?)

There then followed the long drag up past Beeston Castle and the pleasant lane through to Bunbury Heath, where we crossed the A49. Riding past Tilly’s Neil suggested that the business is up for sale, but Dave H and the mods stopped there on their way back today and no mention was made of this.

Pressing on, we crossed the A54 at Brindley and swept on through Larden Green and Chorley, heading for Wrenbury. On the way there, we came across ‘Road Closed’ signs but were allowed through by the bored-looking watchman provided that we got off an walked the bikes through. This turned out to be unnecessary as they were just patching potholes using a fancy machine which finished off the repair using chippings which would soon be worn away.

Passing through Wrenbury and Sound, we soon arrived at Audlem Marina and headed to the Bridge 80 Café for a spot of lunch. This was soon ordered and bacon and egg barms, scrambled eggs on toast and other delicious offerings arrived, including a full breakfast for Alan, who must have been starving, having not eaten for….two hours! The food was good and it was delightful to sit in the sunshine watching the barges pass by on the canal.

Lunch over, we headed north along Cool Lane, past the (not so) Secret Nuclear Bunker at Hack Green, heading for Nantwich. Skirting the town via the lakeside park and housing estate we emerged on the north side of the town and picked up Welshman’s Lane to cross the A51 and run past Rease Heath college. Crossing the Shropshire Union canal (again) at Venetian Marina we continued north to Cholmondeston, where Neil and Shane peeled off to head home. The three musketeers pressed on to Eaton and up the steep incline to the summit at Tarporly Road. Taking the little lane towards the A49 by-pass, we realised that we had not taken the traditional group photo, so, with apologies to Neil and Shane, we stopped for a selfie.

Photo by AO

Having nipped across the A49 to reach Utkinton Road, it was now a short stretch back to Rose Farm. Alan and I headed there for a well-deserved ice cream, but Steve Hu was on a promise in Denbigh, so he headed to Waverton, where he’d left his car.

44 miles covered at a typical mod+ pace of 14mph. Today, it really felt like summer had finally arrived…..on the longest day of the year. Thanks to Alan, Shane, Neil and Steve for their company and encouragement on a day when I was testing to see how my now permanent (?) AF might affect my cycling.

See route map and/or gpx file download

ST

12th October 2023: Audlem (mod)

There  was a great turnout at Rose Farm. New rider Shane joined the moderate group consisting of  George, Ray Baird, Mike Gilbert, Andy, Trevor and myself. I had checked out the Bhurtpore the night before, and I doubted that they would be staffed to deal with seven of us effectively. The alternative venue was the same as Steve Hughes and Alan had planned for their group: Cafe Bridge 80 at Overwater Marina near Audlem. We headed down to Cotebrook and alongside Oulton Park to Wettenhall, passing the track to where my wife's car electrics were being sorted by Matt's brother-in -law! It was ideal weather for cycling, and we made good progress toward Reaseheath College, where until recent years we could ride through the college grounds, past the grand old hall and the pretty lake. I was introduced to this route by the late, very popular Mike Morley. About four years ago the college management blocked access on the grounds of  “safeguarding”. 

Our route took us west of Nantwich by way of Acton and the delightful Ravens Lane. At Ravensmoor we continued directly south crossing the A530 and passing the moated Hall o'Coole. Steve Hughes' quicker group were finishing their lunch when we arrived, which was convenient timing. The food was very tasty, and the staff friendly and efficient. This attractive venue on the banks of the Shropshire Union Canal is becoming one of our favourite lunch stops. It was good to have George, Trevor and Mike back on board, and for us to get to know Shane, who fits in very well, and we hope he continues to enjoy riding with us.

Photo by Mike G

Our return route was via Back Coole Lane to Aston, then Wrenbury, and taking the familiar north-west loop to Brindley. I had to give Tilly's a miss, as I needed to get back to collect my wife from Chester and then pick up her car from the aforementioned outback of Wettenhall. I was surprised, however, that nobody else stopped, particularly Andy who so enjoys refuelling, whether on an Audax ride or not! There was a bit of climbing to do before reaching Utkinton, involving Tilstone Bank, and the haul up Sapling Lane and Heath Green out of Eaton. Back at Tilstone House, I had intended to head straight for Tarporley by the back lane at Tilstone Fearnall, after going down the main road for  a short distance. The trouble was that some of  the revolting troops, with Big Ray as the ringleader, had already crossed the A51when I arrived at the junction. To be fair, the alternative was safer, quiet and scenic, if longer with more climbing. 

Overall, it was a very enjoyable ride in good company as usual, at a pace which allowed us to relax, enjoy the scenery and be sociable as befits the Easy Rider's  culture. A slightly surprising nearly 47 miles covered.

DH

12th October 2023 : Audlem Marina (brisk)

What a turnout at Rose Farm Utkington, a minimum of seventeen riders PLUS a new member. Shane joined us this week for a first club ride, welcome Shane. 

The sheer force of numbers suggested two groups ironically with the same lunch stop in mind. Ken was undertaking family duties so the remaining briskers decided to join the mod plus group and up the speed a tad. So in no particular order Ray S, Nick, Clive Alan and the two Steves T & Hu set off for Audlem Marina. I thought this route would work well today as it was a calm day, the return leg of this route can be difficult in our traditional westerlies wind. 

We left the cafe and navigated the bomb-shelled surface of the road before plunging down Utkinton Road. The sharp rise before and then leaving Tarporley never fails to warm up the legs. This being required today as some riders has seen temperatures as low as six degrees Celsius on the bike computers riding in. What a change from eighteen to twenty only two days ago. 

The road conditions were mixed as we proceeded through Eaton towards Wettenhall, the ploughing and general maintenance of the fields and hedges meant care had to be taken with thorns and mud. 

Before long we were wizzing through Nantwich and number of comments were being levelled at Steve Hu as ride leader questioning the use of banned substances and other speed related assistance. At Ravensmoor we create a lower loop as we will cross this road again on our north western return loop.The villages of Wrenbury and Aston whistled under our wheels as Clive, Ray and Nick took turns on the front keeping the pace up to mod +++ standard. 

Proof positive - a happy band.

The marina was, as always, welcoming and we were promptly served a variety of sandwiches and Staffordshire wraps. We had not long ordered our food when the mod group of CER arrived. So the cafe was well and truly full of cycling folk. 

Replete and ready to go we undertook a quick half mile reversal of our route back to Hollingreen Lane and the north western trajectory we would take back to Beeston and beyond. Passing Ravensmoor for the second time today we continued on towards Faddiley and home of the famous Tilley's cafe in Bunbury. From here the road is slightly undulating affording lovely views of Beeston Castle them climbs slightly to skirt the castle. 

Nick departed the group and this point and the remaining five plunged down to the Shropshire Union Canal past the newly renovated Shady (Oak) pub. After Huxley the road follows the canal back into Waverton and lastly to Guilden Sutton. 

At this point Steve T, Clive and Ray S continued home and Alan and Steve rejoiced in the 300 yds at 12 mph to awaiting cars. 

A very spirited ride for the mods and seemingly enjoyed by the fast lads. An average speed of 15.5 mph is non too shabby for this late in the year with 51 miles covered. 

Steve Hu

See route map and/or gpx file download for a circular route 

See route map and/or gpx file download  for the "as ridden" route

6th July 2023: Audlem (mod+)

Rose Farm or should I say “Coffee House @ Rose Farm”, as it is now known, was the venue of choice today. It was a lovely morning, so we all sat outside, approximately 10/11 of us, I believe.I had a speedy mission in mind, which appealed to Allan and Steve Hu. We must have all had a wannabe moment, with no fast boys making an appearance today, although we briefly saw John. So it was that we three quickly became the Mod++ group- Lol. This left the others trying to decide where to go and who to follow. I did hear the Cock O Barton mentioned, which is a favourite local of mine in fact- Lol.

We set off left and straight into that nasty little hill to Tarporley, where we immediately turn left for the easier, but much longer climb up to Portal golf club. We bear left at the golf club,  for the fast downhill into Eaton and Nantwich beyond. This made for a change to the normal club route, I believe, and a chance for Steve to point out a cafe I didn’t know about, which was at the traffic lights, just on the edge of Nantwich. We were skirting the very edge of the town, running parallel to the canal. I’m guessing the cafe was up on the canal bank  ( can’t remember if he gave me a name- had a sleep since then- Lol.) We had cracked on at a fair pace, with me setting the rhythm. However, we now turned more into wind, in the direction of Wrenbury and full on headwind. So it was time for a bit of team work on what I consider fairly exposed lanes. Both Steve and Allan got there heads down and we all pushed on; almost reminiscent of a TDF team - Lol, although it was more like a minute on the front, as opposed to 10 seconds each -Lol. We briefly sat up to pay homage to the Bhurtpore Inn, at Aston. It was like a ‘rest in peace’ moment, as DH wasn’t with us of course- Lol, in fact he wasn’t with anybody today, but we did spare you a thought Dave, assuming you will read this-Lol.

This area of the county, around Wrenbury, is some of my favourite cycling, as it is more open and flowing, although not so keen when the wind is up like today hence, our teamwork, which paid off in the end. We were soon turning with the wind for the final approaches into Overwater Marina, which I always thought was named Audlum Marina- Lol.

No sooner done when, you guessed it, Steve asked how far to lunch. Although to be fair, he was on one of his 100 milers again. We found the Marina fairly quiet, although most of the tables inside were taken. Although no sun and windy, we still sat outside, after a little adjustment to the table and chairs- Lol. We all tucked into a full English, which was absolutely fab, probably the best I have had in any cafe, although Jamoleys comes a close second because of the value. Don’t get me wrong, it’s good and large, but the quality of the Marina breakfast is top dog, with the perfect triangular hash browns as well, which didn’t go down well with Steve & Allan, as it appears you only get them on the Veggie breakfast- Lol. 

Suffice it to say, most of the conversation revolved around the awesome breakfast/ brunch. We also chatted over upcoming and past cycling endeavours, as Steve filled us in on his recent 5 day adventure with a mate, in Kent, putting in some good rides indeed. Upon the arrival of a very well ladened bike, I was prompted to mention the incredible LEJOG endeavour of my friends from Oz, who were starting it the following day. It had particular relevance as I planned to join them to Runcorn; Yes, that’s right Dave, I was going to brave Runcorn for the first time, as I always stop at Frodsham, when I head north on the bike. I have since completed that ride, in shocking rain as well.

Must thank Steve T for his confirmation of my route through to the Silver Jubilee bridge, where I was dropping off my friends. Next time any of you have a bit of a tough ride just think about this; One of my friends is a 70 year old type 1 diabetic and he, by all accounts, was far from the weakest in the 5 man LEJOG group, which saw the so called strongest drop out after the first Cornish stage. They rode 235k, with, get this, 3600 mtrs of total assent- incredible, but another 6 days to go. 

Anyway, back to the story and lunch now over with a fly past by 2 Oyster catchers, which stole our attention and confirmed as such by our expert ornithologist- Lol ( Allan is a bit of a twitcher, but we won’t hold it against him in these modern times of LGBTZWPM or what ever- Lol,Lol). The Marina has now provided more bike racks and just as many signs, ordering you not to lean your bike against the ornamental rope fence, as we have all done in the past,  which I still managed to miss, until gestapo Steve pointed it out, just as we were trying to get a team photo- Lol. By the way the ladened bike guy, turned out to be trialling his new saddle & frame bags as he was also starting LEJOG next Thursday ( small world). A very interesting lunch indeed, for many reasons and soon forgotten, as we set off on a slightly adjusted route, as we realised there was no need to return to Rose farm. Allan was parked at Guildon Sutton, so I set off for Ravensmoor, via the immediate Hollings Lane, which was supposedly closed- Lol. We came across several vehicles with people sat inside and nothing going on as usual and annoyingly still a cross wind, although only for a few miles, then all was good from then on.

 

Photo by CER

We were rapidly through Ravensmoor and up to Brindley, when Steve requested a drug test, inferring that the pace was a bit quick. I thought it was due to the tail wind, but then realised it must have been the veggie sausages Lol- Lol. We ease off a tad and carry on to Bunbury, still enjoying a lovely tail wind. We cruise through Bunbury, while waiting for Steve to catch up- Lol. To be fair, I shouted straight on when in fact we turned right into Bunbury. I think that was my only mistake of the day- Honest Gov- Lol. We soon pick up the pace again and heading down Moss Lane, we couldn’t help but admire Beeston castle, as the sun had just come out, which lit it up like a beacon. Past the little cafe in the field and main entrance to Beeston, we are zooming down toward Bates Mill Lane, where I leave both Allan and Steve, but not before stopping the Garmin to check our average speed, as a group and surprisingly, our initial wannabe ambitions were not that far off, as we averaged 16 mph - move over ‘fast boys’- Lol, Lol.

I say cheerio to them both ,heading West for my 6 miles home and now a cross wind leaving them two to their lovely tailwind back to Guildon Sutton. However, Steve would then have to finish his ride home into the cross wind (he’s a strong old boy though- well old at least- Lol) Seriously though, well done on another great ride Steve. I got home just after 2:30 with 58 miles on the clock and a little tired- Lol. Hopefully you guy’s made it home without incident. 

Great day out again with a few good laughs, some on me as usual.

Till next time,

Neil.

18th May 2023: Audlem (mod)

It was warm and still enough to sit outside Rose Farm cafe for coffee at ten. I think Neil was offering to lead one of his interesting circular rides, which are usually moderate plus in pace and  climbs. Nick and Steve“Yozza”Hughes joined him. The remaining motley crew consisted of Steve Tan, Dave Pipe, Ever Ready Ray, Trevor and myself. Steve offered to lead as he had a route to Audlem, and this could be adapted for our chosen destination of  Cafe at Bridge 80, 

Photo by Steve T

We headed down through Clotton where I recalled to Trevor sliding down the lane on an icy day decades ago. I had managed to use a spoke key to partly straighten a very buckled  front wheel, and with the brake disconnected, rode back to Runcorn relatively unscathed. Unusually, we hit the A49 at Tiverton, went south for a short stretch, turned right to Beeston, then crossed to Bunbury and rode on to Haughton Moss, passing The Nag's Head, which always looks attractive, but you can't be sure if it's operating. Dave and Liz have enjoyed eating there in the past. At Burland Hall we headed left toward Nantwich on the A534, before turning south to Sound, via Ravensmoor on familiar lanes. The weather was sunny, and this was Chester Easy Riders at our best, cruising through lush Cheshire countryside, chatting to friends, and pace not being a pressure. 

We turned off Coole Lane, and ate a tasty lunch sitting next to the Shropshire Union Canal . The staff were friendly, and the company was convivial. I can't remember much of the conversation apart from enjoying some banter with big Ray, and asking Trevor where he got his excellent teeth from. They turned out to be his own! The ride back started on a south west loop including a stretch on the Audlem to Whitchurch road before heading to Aston, Pinsley Green, Wrenbury, Chorley Bank, Brindley and coffee and cake at Tilly's. Tilstone Bank provided its usual challenge. At the A51 Dave Pipe deemed heading up toward Eaton as the safest route, and then we slogged up to the top of the by-pass before crossing into Heath Green. Somewhere along the way, Trevor made his own way back to Guilden Sutton. The awful road surface had to be dealt with on the short, stiff climb to Rose Farm, but everybody was happy to have covered fifty one miles in good company on a fine day. Many thanks to Steve for taking the responsibility for leading once again.

See route map and/or gpx file download

DH

1st September 2022: Audlem Marina (mod)

Arriving at Rose Farm at 10am, there were already a host of bikes outside.  There were so many Easy Riders that we’d taken over two large separate tables at each end of the café. Maybe a combination of good weather which was expected to break at the weekend and the onset of Autumn.  I’d heard on the radio that morning that 1st September was the first day of Meteorological Autumn, which apparently is different from Astronomical Autumn which is the 22nd of September. If that’s confusing, consider sunrise and sunset, which differ between astronomical, nautical and civil. The mod riders were Dave H, Steve T, Dave P, Steve Hu, Alan O, Trevor, George and myself.  Jim and David M were out, but not joining the ride. Dave H suggested Audlem Marina as a destination which found favour as a new lunch stop for many. However, Dave hadn’t worked out a route so I offered to lead the way out.

Photos by AO

We headed towards Clotton and with Steve T in the lead were about to turn into Corkscrew Lane, when a cement lorry heading towards us swerved onto our side of the road before making the same turn.  Steve would have been under the wheels if he hadn’t dodged the vehicle. Just the incident when a helmet cam would have provided footage for the police. The rest of the ride was less eventful.  We passed by the Shady Oak and up to Beeston Castle before taking the lanes to Bunbury, then south to Brindley, Larden Green and Chorley Bank to enter Wrenbury. From here we made for Sound before Dave took over the lead to guide us onto Overwater Marina on the Shropshire Union Canal about a mile north of Audlem town. The site looked idyllic in the bright sunshine with water lapping and geese swimming. 

We sat outdoors on two tables as the food was prepared At Rose Farm, Nick had recommended the Staffordshire Oatcakes which I chose and were very tasty. Conversation at my table inevitably centered on the wasps that made lunch less than totally idyllic, but we stoically carried on.

SHa.

After a very relaxed light lunch, socialising in the sun, we meandered lethargically from the canal to Coole Lane. Our aims on the way back were to avoid any part duplication of our lanes out, and to have slightly shorter, but pleasant return route. Perhaps, we would have time for a coffee before the end? The main road just south of Nantwich wasn't too busy, but we soon turned off on the well-maintained grit paths the other side of the little lake.  Although I take the dog for a walk by the river about twice a month when visiting Nantwich food and vintage markets, I hadn't been on these particular paths for a while. Trevor inspired confidence just ahead of me, and soon we were leaving the parkland and heading for Welsh Row. Welsh Row is full of buildings of character and history. The website “A Dabber's Nantwich” provides plenty of interesting historical information about this road. We then wiggle our way back into the countryside passing Henhull Hall before crossing the A51 and reaching Reaseheath College. It seems a shame to see so much house building going on greenfield sites around Nantwich. I haven't seen any that looks affordable for young people. A familiar route directly north takes us over the Shropshire Union Canal at Venetian Marina and up to Cholmondeston. The weather is warm, and the lane is rural and easy going, but for too long there have been stretches of poor road surface to take the shine off for cyclists. The Drays Coffee Shop would seem a good place for a nice cake and coffee sitting at the back looking across the fields. I just need to check my map, as my instinct is to turn right towards Rushton, but my domestiques rein me in, and who needs a map when we have our trusty local yokel, and master guide, Steve Ha. The people at The Drays are very friendly, and their coffee and juicy berry flapjacks are just the job. This is a first visit for some, and I am sure their reviews would be very favourable. Passing some young polo ponies on our way out, we climb straight up to Portal and across the Tarporley by-pass. We are soon back at the rough little bank before Rose Farm. We have covered forty-five very enjoyable miles in excellent company.

DH

See route map and/or gpx file download

24th March 2022: Audlem (mod)

Todays meet; Rose Farm and normally I am 1st there but this week I arrive to see George already tucking into his 1st bit of cake for the day-Lol. 

Despite the incredibly good weather, the gathering was smaller than usual, approximately 10 I think. Only 2 fast boys ( Clive & Nick) The rest of the Mods became my responsibility for the day, as I was the only one with a route option (2 in fact, but nobody was going to go for my hilly one- Lol)

Our esteemed leader declared he had no ideas, although I think he just wanted a day off- Lol. 

My plan, mainly due to the gorgeous sunshine and more importantly, very low winds, was Audlum Marina. A cracker on a day like today ( later echoed by most, including the Doppleganger Nick- Lol)

 

Off we trot, all 9 of us, once we managed to get George away from licking his cake fork to death- Lol.

So, ‘the 9’: Andy ( sporting another new day glow jacket) what’s come over him, he’s looking very dapper these days-Lol. Allan, George, Dave H, Trevor, Mike, Mike G & finally the other Dave (M), who of course went his own way after only a mile or so I was told. 

 

I forgive you Dave for abandoning without letting me know, after those fantastic tickets to the ‘Planet Earth 2’ concert. Both Paula & I thoroughly enjoyed it ( the orchestra was over 100 strong- stunning sound)

 

As usual, I digress, but the story is always more involved than one first thinks, however, I will endeavour to stay on track- Lol.

 

Our first departure from the main drag was up my favourite little short cut ( over the A49) This was to avoid riding through Tarporley, which didn’t go a miss with Andy.

However, my main reason for heading this way was to introduce the group to a very quaint cafe in Eaton, which virtually nobody seemed to be aware of (Dray’s) Lovely little place, although small, but the outside seating has a fabulous view across the vale.

We moved on and head toward Wettenhall, on a very open route with great views across the county and apart from a few pot holes, is a good route to be fair, even the stretch around the outskirts of Nantwich, following the canal, is not bad. Nantwich done and now heading for Aston, via , Ravensmoor, we meander through some lovely lanes and cross the canal yet again, which was the intent of my route. I believe we cross the canals at least 8 times on this route.

Not long before we hit Aston where we pass DH’s beloved Bhurpour Inn ( I’m sure I heard a faint cry of disbelief at the fact we weren’t stopping there-Lol)

Anyway, not far from our destination and the usual queries start coming as to how far is lunch, “couple of miles” was my response, but beware as the drive way in to the Marina is not far off a mile-Lol. However, it’s one of the nicest bits of tarmac in Cheshire. 

 

The majority, if not all of the group had not been to Audlum Marina before so they all got a pleasant surprise, as it is a little gem. The food choice and quality is very good and then there is the view.

No sooner had we got there, when we noticed Nick sat with his mates - Lol ( already finished his lunch) He had ridden there on his own, after Clive left him almost immediately to head home. Some say Clive was never with him from the start and that he simply rode off on his own choosing not to lower himself by riding with the feeble moderate group -Lol. Not being prejudice and feeling brotherly warmth toward Nick, as he was all alone, we decide to split in to 2 tables and keep him company, despite his snub- Lol.

 

With the stunning weather and scenery, conversation was not short and a lot of it was to do with the food. The majority of the group going for a breakfast, including me, although veggie. However, there was strong praise for the savoury oat pancakes from at least 2 of the group ( correction, 1 of the group and the interloper-Lol)

Once all posed in front of the bikes, a friendly bystander took a team photo, which hopefully I remember to include in the blog- Lol

 

Photos NT 

 

After an extremely enjoyable lunch we set off again for the 21 mile return journey, immediately heading for Bunbury, via Ravensmoor ( the only repeated village on our route)

We settle into a very easy pace with plenty of complimentary comments being banded around about our lunch venue. It wasn’t long before the discussions started about where to bail out for home and so it was that Andy bailed first, just outside Bunbury, as he headed for Mold and 100 miler no doubt (chapeau).Then surprisingly, I heard a shout of “we’ve lost Dave, George & Mike”. Turned out they stopped at Tilly’s ( apparently the rest of us weren’t invited-Lol)

Anyway, we press on around Beeston and across the canal again, down past the Shady Oak. 

At the next junction we lose Trevor, heading for Guilden Sutton via Huxley, which left 3 of us heading up through Tarporley for Rose Farm, which was in fact a slight short cut on my route, but Mike thought we were getting close to closing time and I needed my choc cake fix, which is one of the best at Rose Farm.

So, from 9 down to 3, which is not my worst, as I returned to Cleopatra’s once with just Allan in tow-Lol. We made it for 3:15, so loads of time and there was 2 slices of cake left-Lol, as George was not with us.

According to Allan he had 44 miles total.

Time to set off for home and I decide to accompany Mike G to Waverton, after leaving Allan loading his bike into his car. Mike decided he hadn’t had enough for the day and decided to push the pace up a bit, so it didn’t take us long before part ways and I head down the canal road to Tattenhall & home. I arrived with exactly 70 miles on the clock, but I couldn’t help feeling for Mike with possibly a 100 miler still to finish & a train to catch to Conwy ( again Chapeau, rather you than me- Lol)

What a fab day out for all!!!!!

 

PS: not so fab later that night, when I got a chronic cramp in my hamstring that had me yelping for 10 minutes trying to shake it off. 

I think the last 10 miles with Mike did for me-  Lol not!

 

Neil.