26th May 2016: Woodside (mod)

We hardy nine met at Ness Gardens on what promised to be a “seepy rain” day or “camping weather” day, as one rider said.  Jim, Dave M and Dave P just came out to say hello and we welcomed back Kate whom we had not seen since 2011.  She was so keen to join us again that she took a day’s leave from work.  As the prospect of our unique lunchtime pub wetted the appetite of the fast riders, we were also joined by them today.  Bryan, George, Ivan, Kate, Mike Mc, Ray, Tom, Trevor and myself set off down through the back lanes of Neston to Parkgate promenade.  Instead of heading inland up Boathouse, we continued north along the coast to include some off-roading to Gayton.  Only try it when dry in early Spring if you want to avoid the undergrowth.

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

On, on through Lower & Upper Heswall we continued to Irby and Thurstaton where the cry went up that we had lost Mike.  Bryan phoned him and we eventually met up as agreed at Hoylake RNLI station.  He’d had a P@@@@@@@ when back marker.  From the subsequent inquest we learned: (1) shout if you have a puncture, in the hope that help comes, (2) have a ride-leader who can count past 8 - there were 9 riders, (3) keep your mobile charged and switched on.

While waiting for Mike, three of the fast guys decided to go ahead to reserve our pub table ( !! )  After 5 –10 minutes Mike rejoined us and we then went at a fair lick towards New Brighton helped by a following wind and dry throats.  The sand encroaching over the cycle way both at Leasowe & Wallasey Golf Course was heavier than in previous trips, but that’s Government cut-backs for you.  After leaving the wide prom at Seacombe and crossing the Penny Bridge into Birkenhead, Trevor pointed out a new route along the Mersey which avoided the commercial traffic and gave us a view of a guy stranded while slack-lining.  For those who want to know more follow this link. 

After 25 miles, Woodside ferry with the unique Gallagher’s pub + barbers was reached where we found the three speedsters tucking into burgers.  Trip Adviser states it’s the “Best food pub on Merseyside.”  I think some may agree if you had had a skinful and ONLY liked burgers; the beer and decor were good and service was OK, if a little slow.  Unusually CER lunchtime conversation did not involve the 3 PPP of the Premiership, Prostates and Politicians and for that we have to thank Kate for bringing a bit of decorum to the group.  

The three musketeers were replenished well before us Moderate six; so set off back to Ness themselves. With heavy burgers slowing us down we “bimbled” south along the Mersey shoreline to Eastham and as time was pressing, from there we headed west towards Ness.  Both Trevor and Kate peeled off just before Ness, while Bryan, George, Mike and I had afternoon tea among the ladies that lunch back in the University Gardens.  All in all, another pleasant 40 mile CER ride at 12mph.  And for Steve’s Egon Pub guide, Gallagher’s does not make the cut, so it will be back to The Refreshment Rooms next time from Ness. 

BMacca

1st August 2013: Birkenhead

With the long ride happening today, only a select group was expected at Little Roodee. It turned out to be very select with just Brian Mac and Steve, though Bryan joined us for coffee at the start. 

Brian proposed a tour of the Wirral and we set off along the River Dee to Hawarden Bridge and then across Burton Marshes (PIC 1) before striking out NW for the Mersey shore by way of Port Sunlight. Passing the Lever Art Gallery our eyes were caught be the sight of a dozen new and shiny cycles, including a tandem, set out on the grass.  With a small detour we discovered a young guy who’d just launched a cycle hire enterprise (www.wirralcycle.weebly.com).

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

Shortly after we hit the shoreline and followed this on generally quiet roads and tracks to Birkenhead and a photo stop (PIC 2) with Liverpool and the Three Graces behind us. Just up the road was Gallagher’s Pub and Barbers. Yes a barbers!, though drinking and having a haircut at the same time don’t mix – you get hairs in your pint. It has the distinction of being a CAMRA Merseyside pub of the year. It served good beer, but unfortunately not food, although they were open to customers bringing their own from the café at 32 Market St. 

After our stop we headed for the seaside and the crowds, passing a pirate ship made from driftwood swarming with children (PIC 3), as we followed the Wallasey shoreline to New Brighton and loads of families enjoying the hot sunshine. Weaving carefully through the crowds we then followed the north Wirral coast to West Kirby, there picking up the Wirral Way and heading speedily down to our afternoon tea stop, Elephant Coffee in Neston, winner of the Café Society’s Gold Award (PIC 4).

Being on his doorstep, Brian headed home shortly after and Steve continued back until meeting the Greenway and heading home to Kelsall. If we’d returned to the Little Roodee it would have made a 62 mile round trip.

SH