6th March 2025: Bangor-on-Dee

The sun was shining, hardly a cloud in the sky, and with a forecast of temperatures in the mid-teens it was hardly surprising to find Meadow Lea teeming with cyclists. Mostly CER members but supplemented by a group from the local CTC. It was particularly good to see Ivan, back home safely after his recent Spanish 'adventure'.

I'd heard that Dave H wouldn't be there this week. As it happened he did turn up but clearly not dressed for cycling. As expected the others turned to me. Had I got a ride? Fortunately, I had come prepared with a ride to Bangor-on-Dee. The Royal Oak is right next to the old bridge and river and a lovely spot on a sunny day. The wind was also a factor with a strong southerly wind in our faces on the way down but behind us for the return.

Six riders (Andy B, George, Mike D, Jim, Ray and myself) set off towards Guilden Sutton and turned right into School Lane.  We crossed the A41 and over into Hoole Lane heading for Dee Lane and the river. We crossed the river by the 14^th century Old Dee Bridge, passed through Eccleston before turning left onto the Rossett road. This can be quite a busy and fast road so I avoided some of it by turning down the Straight Mile, rejoining it in Pulford. We turned left just before reaching Rossett then took the country lanes to take us up to Hoseley Lane.

At Borras Head we went straight on and down to the new roundabout near Wrexham Industrial Estate. We crossed this and found our way onto the little lane that skirts round the edge of the estate. At the far side we got onto another new and busy road but quickly found the old road which would take us up to the traffic lights at Cross Lanes.

Lunch was beckoning and from the lights it’s not far down the A525 to the Royal Oak at Bangor-on-Dee. Despite the pub being virtually empty service was quite slow but when it came, the food was good. After lunch I thought we should have a group photo (we hadn't had one for some time) and what better backdrop than the old Dee bridge. However, we crossed the road to find the banks of the river piled high with debris, presumably washed down after the winter storms. It spoiled the view of the bridge somewhat but I managed to hide most of it behind the wall.

I had been right about the wind. We had battled all the way down into a head wind. Now as we left Bangor-on- Dee we could feel the wind coming in from the side. After passing through Worthenbury we turned north and now the wind was behind us. Our pace increased and we were soon passing through Shocklach to reach Farndon. Andy B left us here and the rest carried on towards Aldford. We passed through Saighton and Waverton before crossing the A51 to return to Meadow Lea, having completed 42 miles.

TC 

See route map and/or gpx file download

26th October 2023: Bangor on Dee (mod)

Last time I led a ride from Meadow Lea no less than 18 members turned up. Today there was the same number there and the place was buzzing. I had thought of leading a ride and had started to plan one before leaving but the outward route was coming out in excess of 26 miles. Thinking that would be a bit much, I abandoned the idea and hoped that someone else would have a route. They didn't. I could see Dave studying his map but eventually he gave up and came over to ask me if I had any ideas. It occurred to me that there were possibilities for shortening the route so I volunteered and as a result here I am writing up the report. To be fair Dave did say that he would help to write it up but after his eventful day (you'll have to read on now) I said I would do it all.

Eight riders (Andy B, Andy W, Dave H, David M, George, Jim, Ray and myself) set off towards Guilden Sutton although we knew that Andy W would be leaving us early. In the village we turned right and as we cycled along School Lane Ken passed us on his way home and soon disappeared in the distance. We carried on across the A41 and over into Hoole Lane crossing over the railway and then the canal before reaching the traffic lights at Boughton. As the lights turned green Ken turned up from the left. He had obviously taken the 'scenic route' but he joined us for a short time as we turned down Dee Lane and headed for the river.

As we cycled along the river it was noticeably swollen following the previous week's Storm Babet although the path at the edge was now visible. It hadn't been when I passed there on Tuesday. We crossed the river by the Old Dee Bridge, built in the 14th century to replace the old Roman bridge and still carrying traffic today. We turned left to pass the college at which point Ken cycled off into the distance and Andy W left us too. Seven of us continued at a more leisurely pace passing through Eccleston and turning left onto the Rossett road. This can be quite a busy and fast road so I avoided some of it by turning down the Straight Mile, rejoining it in Pulford. I had intended to turn right when we reached Lavister but a local dog walker told is that the road was flooded. After a bit of quick thinking we took the next left instead. George thought it might be closed but it turned out not to be. We turned right onto the country lanes to take us up to Hoseley Lane, having avoided the long drag up Gresford Hill.

We were now back on my original route and at Borras Head we went straight on and down to the new roundabout near Wrexham Industrial Estate. We crossed this and found our way onto the little lane that skirts round the edge of the estate. At the far side we got onto another new and busy road but quickly found the old road which would take us up to the traffic lights at Cross Lanes.

Lunch was beckoning and from the lights its not far down the A525 to the Royal Oak at Bangor-on-Dee but as we arrived there were only five of us. Jim and Dave were missing. Apparently they had got stuck when the lights changed to red but they knew where we were going and they knew the way. We quickly got sat down, ordered our drinks and got chatting and it wasn't until our drinks arrived that we realised that Jim and Dave still hadn't turned up. Bangor-on-Dee isn't the best place to get a phone signal and it took some time before Andy managed to get hold of Dave. Just as he did so Jim arrived on his own and the story came out. As Dave had braked whilst coming down the hill he had suffered rim failure. His bike wasn't going anywhere and as a consequence neither was Dave. So we had to leave Dave to try to find some way of getting back to Chester while we got on with our lunch. While we ate Andy explained the mechanism of rim failure (something most of us weren't aware of) and before we finished we got the news that Dave had befriended a builder working at a nearby house who had offered to take him and his bike back to Meadow Lea. He just had to wait a few hours until the job was finished!

Photo by Andy B

So just six of us now setting off for the ride back. This was along familiar lanes through Worthenbury and Shocklach to Farndon. We lost David here. As I turned towards Farndon he preferred to carry on up the B road, a stretch of road that I don't like. From Farndon it was up to Aldford and then Bruera. As we approached the hill up to Saighton I heard a van come up behind us. I waved it past but instead of passing it pulled alongside me I heard a familiar voice urging me to pedal harder. It was Dave with his new-found builder friend. It didn't seem right that he would now be getting back before us but it was good to know that he was OK.

It was a short run from Saighton to Waverton and just a few miles more to cross the A51 and head back to Meadow Lea. An eventful ride but everyone home in one piece having done 42 miles, either by bike or bike/van.

See route map and/or gpx file download

TC

8th December 2022: Bangor on Dee (mod)

Despite Alan going to the trouble of preparing a route, and Steve Hughes checking it out on his bike, neither were going to be at The Gallery Tea Rooms. Alan has Covid, and for some unfathomable reason, Megan Hughes preferred having Steve in one piece rather than enjoying his insurance payout. The ice and cold forecast was indeed concerning, but we had a very good turnout on the day. The group consisted of Ray, Steve Haywood, Mold Andy, Mike Gilbert, Clive, Ken and myself. With the Lone Ranger and Tonto of the back alleys of Queensferry and beyond unavailable, we decided on a simple route to Bangor on Dee.  This decision was made easier, by the fact that Ken had arrived on his bike from Rossett without ice issues, so we could retrace his route towards Holt with some confidence. We left with more than a passing thought for Spiros, and a word or two with Alison, who I know appreciates our support.

We would never have attempted Bilberry Wood in these conditions without Ken's assurances. As it was, only the central metal drain grid on the walkway over the A55 gave any particular cause for concern. It was good to see relative newcomer, Ray, turning out so regularly in winter conditions. It was also pleasant to share a rare unified ride with Clive and Ken onboard.  It was cold, but nice and bright as we proceeded via Higher Kinnerton, Dodleston,and Lavister, before reaching Holt. Clive peeled off at this point. I'm not sure if he was getting cold at our gentle pace, or perhaps he fancied a coffee and chat with Helen at Cleopatra's!

We proceeded around the outskirts of Wrexham Industrial Estate on the B5130 before a left down Talwryn Road, and passing the familiar Maelor Creamery. There was the usual short stretch on the main road before heading for the old bridge over the river to the High Street at Bangor on Dee. I was wary of the shiny looking stone setts on the bridge, but we all arrived safely at the back of The Royal Oak. Last time we passed here we were not sure if it was open, or serving food, so we carried on to Overton. Today the cold and short daylight meant that alternative was not on the agenda. I think Ken broke in through the back door like a gunslinger in a western, because the doors were open, without being unlocked, and Ken had disappeared inside to track down the guy with a black Stetson.

We settled down on a couple of tables, Andy cannily grabbing a seat next to the radiator. Food and drink soon appeared as we talked about the difficulty pubs are currently facing and how we were lucky to find one open on a midweek lunchtime.  Before long we had to take our leave and pose for our group picture – a passing cyclist was kind enough to take the photo for us, and then we were on our way.

Photo by Mike G

Ken used his local knowledge to guide us back through the western edges of Wrexham Industrial Estate to emerge near the bottom of Marford Hill and on to Rossett.  We left Ken as we passed by his house and rejoined our outward route at Higher Kinnerton. Crossing Mold Road was challenging due to really blinding December sunshine, but we climbed back up to Bilberry Wood, said goodbye to Andy, and descended back to the car park in Hawarden.

Our expectations at the start of the day were poor, but we ended up with an excellent ride in sunny cold conditions, a good lunch stop, and 36 miles covered. This write up is a joint effort by Dave and Steve Ha – you may guess who wrote which bit!

See route map and/or gpx file download

DH/SHa

26th May 2022 : Bangor on Dee (brisk)

John and I rode out from Chester to Holt for JW to pay his CER subs then a little ride around the area is our commitment today. On Tuesday Ken, John and I enjoyed a car assist from Chester to Battlefield to explore the Shropshire roads from Shrewsbury to Craven Arms. Our route from Battlefields took us out to Minsterley then riding over the west side of The Long Mynd. We had a couple of showers and every time we stopped to put our coats on it stopped!!! 

Arriving Craven Arms our recommended café was closed but another quickly sourced, and a good lunch enjoyed. Departing Craven Arms, we rode east towards Much Wenlock encountering an exceedingly small part of Johns LEJOG route he will be riding July.  Today no such problem with café at Holt as Cleopatras was open and busy with 9 riders already seated  

Although we are only few (Briskers) in numbers it would be unusual for any Brisk rider to not be in possession of a route for the day. Today although 9 moderates, no one had a plan. This reminds me of my early railway training where it was drummed into us 6 P,s – Proper Planning Prevents P Poor Performance. With Dave on hand and always handy for conjuring a route, today they also had Mike for assistance. 

A route was worked out and John and I departed for our ride to Bangor on Dee passing the garden centre towards the A534 main road and crossing it to head towards Cross Lanes doing a little loop out to Plassey before heading back towards Bangor on Dee. Onwards to Shocklach taking the road out to Tilston and Horton. Passing Nick's residence, we shouted good morning but not sure if he was home! We had a tail wind from Plassey roundabout and were coasting at 28mph to Bangor on Dee. 

 The tranquil River Dee

When looking at Strava segments later we were not the fastest on the day!! A 33mph rider was head of the leader board.  Through Tattenhall and towards Long Lane, the wind was now full face, and we were struggling at 12-14mph so diverted via Hargrave to Guy Lane and Waverton  

Although not a long ride today we both enjoyed the sprint around prepping John for his 400k Audax taking place on Saturday. Good luck John and hope the weather is kind to you. 

Today's round trip was for me 46 miles and John 52 miles at an average of 17.5 mph due to the wind assistance. 

See you all in three weeks.

See route map and/or gpx file download

ID

25th February 2016: Bangor-on-Dee (mod)

It was a cold and frosty morning as I met up with Jim and Dave H for the ride out to the Ice Cream Farm for this week's ride. We carefully made our way out of the village along icy roads before deciding against our usual route down via Martins Lane, opting for the safer Long Lane route instead.
There were 15 riders at the Ice Cream Farm and it was soon decided that there would be 2 groups. The moderate riders were happy to follow me on a 40 mile ride that would take us to lunch at the Buck Hotel at Bangor-on-Dee. Bryan announced that he was only on a short ride out and cited a new excuse that no one had heard before. He had 'been on holiday too long'!
We all set out together turning right along Newton Lane. When we reached the T-junction Bryan turned left on his solo ride home and the brisk group, who had managed to keep up with us until then (well done lads!), also turned left. That left 10 of us - Steve T, Steve H, Mike G, Mike McC, Dave H, David M, Jim, George, Chris and myself. I tried to lead our group to the right but as I turned out I hit a patch of ice and went down. Fortunately there was no damage to either the bike or me so we were soon on our way. I quickly had to rethink the early part of my route to avoid roads that would still be icy and in doing so inadvertently ended up leading us up Harthill. A climb usually avoided from the Tattenhall side.
We all made it to the top and from there we headed over the A534 and into (another) Long Lane. Passing Bickerton we eventually turned left into Old Coach Road and back on to my intended route. At No Man's Heath we crossed the A41 and turned up towards Malpas where we joined cycle route 70 and headed down Mastiff Lane. We soon turned left heading towards Lower Wych. Just before Tallarn Green we turned sharp left and headed towards Holly Bush before turning back towards Bangor-on-Dee.
The Buck Hotel has recently changed hands and has undergone a refurbishment. The black telephone box still stands in the rear foyer but the teapots that used to hang from the ceiling have gone. The whole place looks brighter though but the only criticism was that the new air-blade hand dryer in the men's toilets seems to have been installed by a 7ft giant. Ordinary sized mortals such as us could have done with a stool to stand on. The service however was excellent, as was the food, and the conversation flowed. The highlight of our lunch break was undoubtedly a rendition of Cilla Black's 'You're My World' by Dave H. The voice was so good you could almost believe Cilla was in the room. What a shame that 'Stars In Their Eyes' is not still on TV.
Our return route was less hilly than the morning's ride out. We retraced our route for about a mile before swinging left to Worthenbury and then on to Tilston and Stretton. We crossed back over the A534 at Barton and passed through Coddington and Chowley Oak before crossing back over the A41. A short run through Tattenhall brought us back to the Ice Cream Farm. The icy roads had disappeared after lunch. So too, unfortunately, had the sun but it had stayed dry for a very pleasant 40 mile round trip.

TC

2nd January 2014: Bangor on Dee

Happy New Year to all readers of the Chester Easy Riders blog. The New Year had started in Chester with the prospect of strong winds and driving rain – not the best conditions for cycling. But what a difference a day makes. Thursday the 2nd was a calm, dry day with the prospect of sunshine – a perfect day for our second ride of 2014.

I rode to the Ice Cream Farm at Tattenhall with an idea in my head for a 36 mile cycle to the Buck Hotel at Bangor on Dee. It was a ride we had done about 3 years ago and since only 4 members had turned up on that occasion I reckoned that not many would remember it. On this occasion 8 people turned up these being Clive, Martin, Ray, Roy, Paul W, Petar, Stephen and me (Trevor). Over tea and coffee (our usual fare of toast/toasted teacakes was dispensed with due to the over-indulgence of the Christmas festivities) it was decided that I would lead the ride. I suspected however that due to my lack of recent cycling I would end up leading from the back. (My excuse being that I wanted to make sure I didn’t lose anyone at the back).

We turned right out of the Ice Cream Farm and circled round the back of Tattenhall heading for the rear of Bolesworth Estate then right towards Brown Knoll. Then over to the Old Coach Road, following it until it turned towards the A41 at No Man’s Heath. From here we headed towards Malpas joining up with cycle route 70 down Mastiff Lane. At this point we realised that we would be arriving at the Buck Hotel to early so we turned left heading towards Lower Wych, Tallarn Green and Holly Bush before turning back towards Bangor on Dee.

The Buck offers a value-for-money “Over 55” menu: a two-course meal plus coffee and a real ale pint for under £10. However we were good again and all opted for something from the “light-bites” menu instead.

My plan was to head back to Tattenhall via Worthenbury, Shocklach, Tilston, and Coddington. However with the weather still holding up (we hadn’t seen so much of the sun since summer) we cycled beyond Worthenbury turning left towards Chorlton and Kidnal before crossing back over the A41 at Edge Green. It was on the hill up to Duckington that we had our only unfortunate incident of the day. On the mud-and-leaf strewn road Martin suffered wheel-slip and fell off taking Clive with him. Fortunately no one suffered any injury and after minor adjustment to Martin’s brake lever we carried on.

We crossed our morning’s route out and circled the south edge of Bickerton Hill to join the A534. We made a short dash down the main road to the Bickerton Poacher before returning to the Ice Cream Farm via Peckforton and Beeston. The extensions to my route added up to a 42 mile ride and made a great start to the year. Thanks to Clive for navigating the diversions on his fancy gadget that saved me from having to keep stopping to look at my map.  

TC

31st January 2013: Bangor on Dee

The weather was forecasted to be very windy and I had a little niggle that the day may turn out not as expected.   I met Ray at the Old Dee Bridge at 09:15 and Ivan arrived shortly afterwards. As they were slightly unsure of the route to Alyn Waters I led them out via Lache Lane to Dodleston and Pulford. We turn towards Marford and take Springfield Lane running parallel to the bypass. Here Ray is leading and knows that it is a right turn over the bypass then slightly downhill then a left turn at Pentre Lane ready for a sharp single chevroned grind up to Llay.  At the Pentre turn, Ivan comes off his bike as Ray starts up the lane. I'm at the rear and manage to miss Ivan who is on the road and the bike is elsewhere. It is immediately obvious that his injuries are more than road graze.  A call is put out to 999 for an ambulance. Several cars stop and soon there is a queue of young ladies proffering blankets and a cushion for his head. Ivan clearly is in great pain but wants to know if his bike is alright. After what seems hours, a paramedic arrives and quickly decides not to move him and get some morphine into his bloodstream. Another car stops; it is a local doctor, but he agrees there is nothing more to be done right now. After what seems another long time, the ambulance finally arrives. They get him into the ambulance and start to make him comfortable. Meanwhile I phone Marilyn to tell her the bad news and suggest she goes to Wrexham Maelor A&E. By this time Dave and Liz arrive in their car and collect his bike. Martin and Roy also arrive from the Alyn café. There is nothing to do but to ride to the Maelor A&E where we find Marilyn and her daughter. Once we know Ivan is in A&E we decide to make a short ride out to the Buck at Bangor on Dee. We decide to return to Holt via the back lanes and I notice that the fields near the Dee are well flooded. There is a short section of flooded road soon followed by a long section that Roy bravely offers to check it out. We three see that as he fades from view, the water is over his boots. We turn back to ride the B road and meet up with him at the Holt bypass. The water was only half way up his calves apparently!  We decide to stop at Hildegard's and take a hot drink - and wholly underserved, two of our number take cake as well. Roy and Martin head for Pulford and Ray and I head for Chester. Only 45 miles but what drama - a day we shall not forget easily. "There before the grace of God go I" comes to mind.

PS: It’s 16:23 and I'm at home and a text comes in from Ivan!  Have fractured my hip, shoulder and hand - being operated on soon and home next week sometime; will be out of action for 4-6 months. If you have his mobile number, I'm sure he will appreciate a text from you to wish him well.

CA

1st September 2011: Bangor-on-Dee

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

20th January 2011: Bangor on Dee

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.

CA

11th March 2010: Bangor on Dee

A bright sunny beckoned and it held all day – glorious spring weather but a little cold – Ivan, Dave Pike, Ray Stigter and Clive set out from Rose Farm at a fast pace bound for the Buck pub in Bangor. Sailing through Tarporley then via Beeston Castle, on to Peckforton along a very badly rutted Stonehouse Lane, took us eventually onto the A534 at Bulkeley via a left down Mill lane. After a 5 minute stop at Yew Tree Farm to check out the café for future rides, we were off up the incline on Wrexham road finally turning left down Long Lane to Larkton. A left here took us down to the No Man’s Heath turn on the A41. Ignoring this and heading south, we turned first right towards Bradley and then onto to Lower Wych. This is a little hamlet in a folded valley – fun going down but a climb out, followed by a long run until turning right after Lower Barnes towards Tallarn Green. A quick left before the bridge took us through quiet lanes and glorious views via Mulsford before making the final climb and descent into Bangor. 27 miles from Rose Farm in just over 2 hours – we were ready for a rest. The Buck did us proud with an excellent lunch and also providing spectacle-mending facilities for Clive. All were agreed that we should make best use of the weather and an indirect return leg was plotted out. With Dave leading we found ourselves back via the smallest lanes into Farndon. A dash across the Wrexham Road took us via Wetreins Lane to Stretton, then round the back of Carden Hotel and into Chowley Lane in Clutton. All were agreed on a drink’s stop at the Ice Cream Farm in Tattenhall before setting of at 16.30 via the usual route back to Chester. This was a 70-mile round trip from Chester averaging just shy of 14 mph with 2388ft of ascent and a highest point of 488 feet. All agreed it was a “Grand Day Out”.
CA

18th February 2010: Bangor on Dee

With my central heating boiler back in action again I start today’s ride reasonably warm.  But hey, yesterday evenings snow has already disappeared and it’s really quite pleasant outside.  I arrive at the Tudor House Café in Caergwrle to find a couple of bikes parked outside: always a good sign.  Omry introduces himself.  He’s ridden out from Chester on Ray’s recommendation to join us for the first time today and is already enjoying his tea and teacake.  Ivan and I order ours and then Jim and Dave H arrive.  After more introductions you would think that Dave and Omry were lifetime buddies given their mutual contacts and friends.  Brian Mac has texted to say that he won’t be with us today as he is off to the Royal Liverpool to see his wife Pauline who has just had a hip operation.  We wish her a speedy recovery.  Liz, and Martin (joining us for the first time) make the numbers up to seven before Dave P arrives just as we prepare to leave.  Ivan fancies a ride to Llangollen over Worlds End but I’m not sure what the roads will be like up on top today and with low cloud we won’t get any views either.  After considering the options we decide to go up “the steps” to Minera before taking the back lanes to Penycae and Ruabon returning somewhere round the other side of Wrexham.  Martin suggests The Buck at Bangor on Dee for lunch and with that we are off.
I miss out the climb to Cymau across the shoulder of Hope Mountain and we reach “the steps” the easy way via Cefn-y-bedd.  Then it’s the usual slog up to Minera down to the bridge and up the other side.  Its lovely on the lanes to Penycae until suddenly cries of “ICE” as we descend, but it’s a false alarm and what looks like ice turns out to be slush.  Its 12.30pm when we reach the Wynstanley Arms in Ruabon our first possible lunch stop but the majority view is to continue until 1.00pm.  We take the minor road north before turning east on to the B5426 past The Plassey and as Liz points out a field of newly born lambs to arrive at Bangor on Dee just after 1.00pm.
The Buck always serves up a good lunch and today was no exception.  Hot pot with bread and pickles was the popular choice together with Stonehouse Station bitter: a very nice pint indeed!  Ray would have approved of the price of lime and soda, at least at the favourable rate achieved by Dave H.  Ivan announced that he had joined the CTC and even had the card to prove it, while Dave H let slip that he had bought a new bike but it was still in its box.  Next week then Dave!
It was well after 2.00pm when we left.  Back over the pack horse bridge, up to Cross Lanes and eventually left into Redwither Lane to skirt the industrial estate on the way to Marford.  Then, with the sky darkening, we negotiated the lanes through Burton with Omry and Dave P leaving us for home while the rest of us continued back to Shordley where we finally spit up with Dave H and Jim returning to Caergwrle, Liz and Martin to Hawarden and Ivan and Bryan to Chester.
Distance from Chester and back an enjoyable 53 miles.
BW

25th June 2009: Shrewsbury to Chester via Ellesmere

Photographs by Glennys Hammond

A train assisted ride from Shrewsbury back to Chester was the plan for today. With a hot sunny day in prospect even the early start didn’t seem to matter as I arrived at Chester station in time for the 08.22 train to Shrewsbury. Glennys was already there and we got our tickets and checked the situation re the bikes. It appeared that there might already be one bike reservation but this didn’t seem to be a problem to the clerk. Graham T and Dave P joined us on the platform where there was indeed another cyclist waiting to board. As it turned out, our four road/touring bikes easily fitted into the allocated bike space designed for two bikes and even with the fifth one stowed there was plenty of room. Relieved we took our seats pleased that we could all travel together.
The journey to Shrewsbury was uneventful and before long we were drinking coffee in the station buffet awaiting the arrival of Brian travelling from Wirral on the Bidston line. There is clearly something important about Shrewsbury station: first a specially chartered Leeds to Aberystwyth train pulls in packed full of rail enthusiasts followed by an “Orient Express” luxury excursion train heading south. Brian arrives on a standard service but still no sign of Dave H until my telephone rings and its Dave ringing from Wem. Resisting the temptation to ask why he is in Wem when we are in Shrewsbury we arrange to meet up by the church in Baschurch en route to Ellesmere. And so we make ready to leave.
Across from the station is a sign for the road we want and within minutes we are leaving Shrewsbury behind and heading north through open countryside following the river Severn. By Fitz we are on delightful back lanes, with almost no traffic, and the intention of sticking to them for the rest of the day. Dave H is waiting for us in Baschurch, and with the group united we head through Lower Hordley and on to Ellesmere where we make a short diversion to view the lake and the new information centre/café due to open in August. Graham T suggests we walk along the lakeside, which we do before we remount to follow him through the centre of Ellesmere to the courtyard of the Black Lion Hotel. Here we relax in the sun with Marstons Ale on tap and a huge choice of lunch time meals. On the advice of one of the patrons most of us opt for the small size meal which proves to be more than enough. A great choice of venue Graham.
Once out of Ellesmere we are immediately back on the quiet lanes to Penley with a couple of hills to add some variety to the ride. From here it is more back lanes until we reach Brynhovah Bank with its wonderful view across the Dee valley then down to join the B road past Bangor on Dee race course and into Bangor on Dee itself. On home territory now the groups splits into two as we head to Bellis’s for afternoon tea and cake. Once refreshed we make for home with Graham T and Dave P heading to Pulford, Brian and Glennys to Chester via Alford and Dave H and me to Tattenhall where Dave has parked up.
A truly delightful and easy route in wonderful weather. Shrewsbury to Holt 38 miles. Shrewsbury to Chester 56 miles.
BW

16th April 2009: The Club House, Wrexham

Starting from the Little Roodee car park café in Chester we were rather spoilt for choice in terms of possible destinations and routes. Working round the table no one had any strong views. Ray came up with a route to The Club House on the Wrexham Industrial Estate which had undercover bike parking in case the predicted heavy afternoon rain came early. This was a new venue to most of us and eager to try something new the suggestion was quickly seized on. At 11.20 Ray led the group of nine (Ray, Jim, Mike, Graham, Vicky, Dave, Liz, Brian and Bryan) out along Chester’s River Dee Promenade towards Saltney Ferry bridge. Then following a route familiar to those who had ridden the Spring 50 we passed through Marford and from there on round the Wrexham Industrial Estate to The Club House (previously the Pirelli Social Club). Sure enough we parked the bikes undercover for a change and on entering the Club I was immediately reminded of the works canteen of some 40 years earlier. All that was missing was the snooker table! The choice of cooked meals was extensive, the quality excellent and the prices good.
Over lunch we discussed future rides including the Panorama route proposed for one of our rides from Bellis Garden Centre and an autumn ride to Graham’s seat from the Tudor House Café. Then with the weather still unsettled we headed south to Bangor on Dee before turning for Shocklach, Farndon, Saighton and back to Chester.
Distance from Chester and back a modest 42 but pleasurable miles.
BW

8th January 2009: Pant-yr-Ochain

The Little Roodee Café Chester was the designated elevenses meeting place today. As this was the first time we had met there, it came as something of a relief to find three members already waiting when I arrived after a two minute ride from home. Over tea and coffee we engaged in an interesting discussion of iPhone problems, blogs, the Chester & North Wales CTC website and the proposed rail assisted ride planned for June. After a full hour of debate those out for the days ride left heading south towards Wrexham via Eccleston, Rossett and Gresford with the intention of sticking, as far as possible, to the gritted roads. At Gresford we took the Old Wrexham Road to Pant-yr-Ochain where with little hesitation, given the late start, we stopped for lunch at the impressive country house pub of Pant-yr-Ochain. Good beer, excellent service and food to match made it a good choice. We were even invited to bring our bikes round to the back where they would be safe.

Photograph by Ray Hardman

On leaving the pub we continued to the footbridge and then made our way along the eastern edge of Wrexham past the entrance to the Industrial Estate to eventually emerge at Cross Lanes. With plenty of time in hand we joined the main road to Bangor on Dee before turning for home via Shocklach and Aldford. No afternoon tea stop today, but the uplifting quality of the light from the sinking sun behind us against a cloudless sky made the home leg particularly enjoyable nonetheless.
Distance from Chester and back 36 miles.
BW