17th October 2019: Bickerton (mod)

There was a fine turnout at Delamere Station Cafe. It was good to see Steve Haywood, who is hopefully on the mend. There are a number of us who have had an enforced absence from club rides for medical reasons, so we can empathise with the frustration felt by Steve. We are missing Steve's major contribution in not just posting all moderate ride write-ups, as he continues to do, but in his willingness to seek out routes and new pub stops, and to so often lead and write up the rides. As well as missing his usefulness, we just miss his company. 

The route was great, originally created by Ken, with Paul Rose and Steve Tan in tow. Steve led with Fiona, Andy, daft Andy, Bob, George, Mike the voice, Dave Pipe and myself.

We turned left at Hatchmere, and left again toward Kelsall, and right down the delightful, little, leafy Grange Road to Ashton Hayes. Unfortunately, Bob was ahead and missed the turn. Eventually we were reunited, and passed through Oscroft and Waverton. Andy B. had a puncture before Saighton. Mike kindly offered to chase Bob and George who were off the front. Andy's rear tyre was as thin as a wafer of graphene, and I think he realised that it needed to be junked when he got home. In the tradition of true farce the lead three returned, as we unwittingly missed them on the Churton to Coddington back lane. As the main peloton were now running late we lunched at the delightful Mannerwood Country Caravan Park cafe. The young women serving were friendly and efficient, and the food was very tasty.

Our route back was through Tilston, Bickerton and Bunbury. Dave Pipe and myself were severely tempted by Tilly's, but we all ploughed on to Eaton via the tough Tilston Bank. I needed to get back home, so I haven't yet found out what happened to the breakaway group. I hope their lunch at The Bickerton Poacher was enjoyable! The weather was ideal, so I am sure we all enjoyed the day despite the unintended split. When I returned I found that I had lost one of my new flashing heel clips. Ah, well! They were half price! 43 relaxed miles in excellent company. Thanks again to Steve for resurrecting this picturesque route. 

See route map and/or gpx filedownload

DH

7th December 2017 : Bickerton (brisk)

Eight riders  assembled at Delamere Station cafe and were joined by Bryan, Dave and Liz, for coffee. Dave M also arrived on his bike and was buying a Christmas Tree - good luck getting that home in one piece Dave!

Three of the eight riders were keen for a brisk ride despite the threat of Storm Caroline heading our way. So taking account of the prospect of strong north westerly winds I decided on a route that would take us west as far as Alford and then south to Tilston before turning north east after lunch.

From the cafe Steve T ,Paul and myself headed out to Hatchmere then left through Ashton before crossing A54 into Oscroft- no sign of Dave and his Christmas tree.

Our good pace on familiar roads meant the journey from Oscroft through Waverton and Alford was soon covered , it was surprisingly pleasant given  the wind and cold forecast had not yet materialised. In Churton we turned left down Pump Lane into Coddington , at the junction of Mill Lane and Broxton Road, we decided to see if there was route through Carden Park Golf Resort as this would provide a nice shortcut into Tilston. The  Hotel and golf course all appeared very quiet and the way through the estate was easy to navigate providing the  short cut we had hoped for. Still enjoying fine weather and dry roads we made easy work of the lanes through Duckington and Bickerton before  arriving at our lunch venue.

The Bickerton Poacher has had a facelift since I was last here and seemed all the better for it. The staff were very welcoming, we were quickly seated with both drink and food orders taken at the table, the food arrived promptly and was excellent. Lunch topics included Christmas travel plans and Paul’s new Tifosi  cycling glasses bought from Evans cycles for £16:00, including three interchangeable lens -bargain!

Back on the road our route through Peckforton and Bunbury passed quickly but it was here that a brief senior moment meant I missed the turning to Bunbury common so we had a small detour through Alpraham and Long Lane. Fortunately it went unnoticed by both Paul and Steve and only added  a little more mileage. 

With a little help from ‘Caroline’ the ride back through Eaton to Delamere passed without incident. Here we all parted company, Paul and Steve both cycling home while I had an easy drive home. 

Although today’s route was on roads familiar to CER riders we had a pleasant 44 mile ride, in part due to the absence of the threatened weather. However, in our haste to beat ‘Caroline’ we didn’t stop for a photoshoot.

KP

16th January 2014: Bickerton

I’m glad I phoned the intended lunch pub on Tuesday night to warn them about us coming today – I said I would confirm definite numbers at 10:30 on Thurs morning, which I did.  The Cunning Plan was to ride a giant O, clockwise to The Bickerton Poacher, but we ended up as a Capital D.  But more of that later.  All my recent rides as leader have had sunny weather and today was no different.  With a large cash win at Christmas in my local pub quiz, plus a sunny dry day forecast, I felt on top of the world today.  The prospect of some of this (sun, not cash) rubbing off onto the others resulted in eleven turning out, which I think is a record for this time of year.  Andy, Clive, Borneo Dominic & his Pop, Dave’s M & H, Jim, Ray, Steve, Trevor & yours truly. 

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

The morning ride of 24 miles went without incident, travelling clockwise through Delamere Forest, Cotebrook, Oulton Park, Wettenhall and dog-legged the A51 to Bunbury.  We then crossed the A49 at Spurstow and continued SW to arrive at the pub just a few minutes late.  

I had cribbed this route from a previous one of three years ago that I had not ridden and simply reversed the direction.  Likewise I chose The Bickerton Poacher as I had often heard of it but had never visited.  If the landlady had told at 10:30 this morning that there were going to be 25 – 30 “poachers” in front of us, I would have chosen elsewhere on the day.  A 70 minute wait for our food when winter daylight is limited, was simply met with more beer drinking.  When the food came, comments I heard were “small portions for the price” and “fish & chips in the fryer too long”.  I for one will not be returning.

Leaving at 14:20, I upped the pace back in a northerly direction, shedding riders left & right as we passed Peckforton & Beeston Castles, Huxley and one of 2 Cheshire Burtons, Gowy as opposed to Burton in Wirral. 

Continuing North through the Tarvin Metropolis, we passed both the Great & Little Barrows (I couldn’t see any difference in size).  Finishing back at Manley, we still had time to ride home in daylight, having clocked 39 miles at an average of 12.9 mph.  And riders thanked me with a smile on their face, which makes it all worthwhile.

BMac

7th June 2012: Bickerton Poacher (mod)

It was Liz’s idea to put on a shorter ride for members not wishing to sign up for the Club’s annual ‘long ride’.  Great idea if it hadn’t been for the weather.  The forecast was for rain all day.  Sure enough it was raining at 09:10 as I left home for Manley Mere Windsurfing Centre and it was still raining when I arrived.  The thought did cross my mind that it might be drier doing a session of windsurfing than a day riding!  Who is going to turn out on a day like this, but true to her word Liz made an appearance and we settled down to a coffee while discussing what we should do.  I had a route down to Hanmer of some 60 miles (nice pub the Hanmer Arms) and we agreed a couple of bailout points for if it got bad.

With no one else making an appearance the two of us left Manley Mere at 10:30 up towards the Delamere Forest, through Kelsall, past Willington Hall, Clotton, Huxley, the Shady Oak and Beeston Castle.  In truth it wasn’t all wet and with time to chat we made good progress.  Then the rain started again as we made our way south through Peckforton.  By the time we reached the Bickerton Poacher the temptation to stop was just too great and as it was already past noon we convinced ourselves that it was perfectly acceptable.  So much for our pre-arranged bailout points.

A light bite of ham, egg and chips washed down with a pint of Flying Scotsman from the Caledonian Brewery made for a perfect lunch on such a dismal day.  With no need to hurry we had time for a coffee before venturing back out into the wet.

Our route back took us round Bickerton and Larkton Hills past Broxton Old Hall, down to the A41, Chowley, Tattenhall, Hargrave and Tarvin.  In Tarvin we avoided a standoff between a bus and a line of cars by taking to the pavement.  Then a few more lanes and we were back at Manley Mere having completed 37 miles.  Although wet this will be a day to remember.  Thanks to Liz for getting me out.

BW

11th November 2010: Bickerton Poacher

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.

BW

23rd July 2009: Bickerton Poacher

Elevenses today was at the Little Roodee car park Café and as most of the regulars were away on holiday or working I had planned an easy ride. Ray was already at the café when I arrived so at least I wouldn’t be riding alone. After catching up with recent events Dave Mann joined us for his first ride with Chester Easy Riders. Once the introductory formalities were complete the discussion turned to Twitter, blogs, Harry the Bike and Ray’s prestidigitation: all good stuff but it was soon time to leave.
We head off along the Dee Promenade and make good progress through Christleton, Hargrave and Huxley narrowly avoiding a van as we negotiated the canal bridge by the Shady Oak. Then with everyone happy with the pace we leave Peckforton behind and pull into the Bickerton Poacher car park for lunch. It’s quite a while since we stopped as early as this for lunch and almost as punishment for this misdemeanour we are forced to wait for our drinks while a large business group are served food. My phone beeps and it’s a text from Jim announcing that he’s just got to the top of Mt. Ventoux! Now that’s serious stuff: a little different to our efforts today. Outside we sit under cover just in case it should rain and sure enough it does just as we were about to leave. Dave queries Ray on sundry bike maintenance issues and chain life during the half hour we are forced to wait for the rain to ease. At least we haven’t got on to the average gradient of today’s ride; I think to myself.
After the rain it feels unseasonably chilly as we start off but by the top of Gallantry Bank we are warmed up for the circuit of Bickerton and Larkton hills passing Broxton Old Hall and on towards Bolesworth. Thoughts of tea and cake at the Ice Cream Farm begin to fill my mind but no carrot cake today so I make do with an excellent coffee cake instead. We settle down to a relaxing break with plenty of time in hand and somehow or other a debate begins with Ray asserting the pre-eminent nature of science in moving the world forward, which leads on to issues of communism, capitalism, religion, tribalism, greed and the cultural divide. This is not the normal Chester Easy Riders fare but who cares.
The final leg home is made via Saighton with a brief but fascinating stop at the architectural salvage dealer by New Russia Hall.
Distance from Chester and back, a short but enjoyable 36 miles.
BW