9th April 2009: Blue Bell Inn, Bell o’ th’ Hill

The forecast was for a 20mph SSE wind and showers; or in cyclists' terms, hard work in waterproofs making for an uncomfortable day.
I arrived at Bellis’ as Jim was dropping anchor, sharing the same thoughts about the headwind: but no rain yet. As we started our first cup Dave H arrived, soon to be followed by Dave P and Graham. After giving the weathermen a bad name it was decision time for our destination; two choices - The Blue Bell or home. The Blue Bell won. We took to the shelter of the narrow lanes with hedgerows down to Sutton Green but as we headed for Bangor-on-Dee it became a headwind. Time for the rule book – if they stop chatting the pace is too fast. And so all was well through Tallarn Green but as we were nearing Lower Wych Dave had a phone call which he had to deal with, dropped off a bit and missed his next turning up past Wigland Hall. We waited but finally decided he was lost for the day so on we went. Slow progress to Grindley Brook and then heaven; a sharp turn down the A41 gave us a tail wind. Five hundred yards and then a right to take a lane once more, keeping the tail wind all the way to the Blue Bell. As we were parking the bikes and taking a photo who should appear from the back but Dave – what a bloodhound!



Photograph by Ray Hardman

The Blue Bell Inn



Declining an overpriced lime and soda I opted for an aptly named pint of Wrye Smile bitter and set about choosing something light from the menu. Jim followed suit whereas the other three opted for quantity and disappeared, later, behind a mound of carbohydrate and protein, some of which was washed down with several scoops of laughing liquid. And so it was, after only slightly rearranging the world, we set off in a happy state and soon become even happier as the tail wind persisted. Bradley Green was new territory for me but we were soon onto the well worn route through Oldcastle Heath. From Threapwood to Farndon the sun came out, the wind strengthened on our backs and spirits rose; 22mph, no problem – and we’re still chatting. Glorious; and not a shower in sight!
Back to Bellis’ for ten past four to celebrate our good fortune with tea and cakes only to find that after a short while we were the only ones in there and the staff were brushing up around us. Apparently they stop serving at 4:15pm – another lucky break. Then back to Chester with Jim for a 64 miler. The word for the day: invigorating.
RH

30th October 2008: Bell o’ th’ Hill

Summer time ended at the weekend so this was the first ride of the autumn with reduced hours of daylight. That together with a cold north easterly wind and the sight of snow on the hills left no doubt that we were well and truly heading into winter but undaunted four riders met up at the newly expanded Bellis Garden Centre Café. This week we were joined by Sarah for an interesting ride through Shocklach and Threapwood, over Sarn Bridge and then into the lanes following the Wych Brook to Higher Wych. From here we continued onwards, to join the B5395 where we dropped down to Grindley Brook. After a short section of the very busy A41 we turned off onto the old coach road for the final run up to the Blue Bell Inn at Bell o’ th’ Hill for lunch. Here we relaxed in comfort and warmed ourselves next to the open fire while the weather deteriorated outside. With the DA AGM due in a few days time conversation inevitably turned to current DA issues and how the DA had managed to find itself so divided. Finding no solution but hoping that matters would be settled amicably at the AGM we left the warmth of the bar and donning an extra layer continued north on the remaining parts of the old coach road to No Mans Heath, Hampton Post, Ashton Cross and Broxton Old Hall where we turned right to Brown Knowl. From here we followed the well established route past the back of Bolesworth Castle and on to the Ice Cream Farm where a further hour was spent putting the world to right before the final leg home.
Distance from Chester and back 52 miles.
BW