2nd November 2017: Goostrey (mod)

Twelve Easy Riders gathered at Rose Farm, Utkinton on a grey, autumn morning.  Dave M was in civvies, John W was there for coffee, and the 10 others set off east ably led by Steve H.  Dave H true to form soon lost something, this time a £20 note.  He turned back scouring the undergrowth, not knowing that Andy had found it.  Clive went back looking for Dave, but not finding him returned. Mike G then took up the search and failed to return. Dave H rang to say he would join us at lunch. We assumed Mike and Dave had met up, so we carried on past Oulton Park.

The morning ride was otherwise uneventful and Steve T departed early at Winsford, with Andy B departing a little later, now leaving six: Andy W, Clive, Dave P, Ray, Steve H and yours truly on his first CER ride for 7 months.

Photos by Macca

With a mix of brisk and mod riders, the pace to Goostrey was slightly faster than normal, but that may have been due to me recovering from a broken rib from a crash on a NSW badly maintained cycle path.  Cycling through Winsford, across the M6, by 12 noon we safely reached The Crown, Goostrey (01477 532 128).  Shortly after arriving Mike joined us, making the numbers up to 7 again, but without Dave, whose whereabouts remained a puzzle.

Lunch time discussion was on the usual state of all our aches, pains, injuries and operations: plus ça change for CER then.  We returned via Davenham and Oulton Park to Utkinton, having ridden 74 kms at an average of 20 kph, so not particularly fast overall.

To add a bit extra here, I thought I would include a link to 2 cycle accessories recommended to me and purchased recently.  First, a Cateye BM45 Bar End Mirror, £11-69 from tredz.co.uk; I have found turning my neck increasingly difficult and this universal-fitting small mirror has been a god-send.  Secondly, I defy anyone to refit Continental tyres without pain, suffering, sore thumbs and much cursing.  They are all in the past if you purchase a Koolstop tire mate from SJS Cycles for £17-49.  I receive no commission for writing this.

Macca

14th September 2017: Scholar Green (mod)

We were sitting in Rose Farm Café watching the rain come down when Steve T reminded us, with utterly unfounded optimism, that our last outing from here had started wet but turned into a fine day. So it was that as the rain stopped, Steve T, Trevor, Clive, Andy B, Dave H and myself, left David M in the café to recover from a cold, and took to the highway: destination The Rising Sun at Scholar Green.

The route took us through some tedious streets in Winsford and Middlewich before hitting open countryside as we passed through Brereton Green.  Approaching Spen Green, the bulk of Mow Cop rose above us. We had done a similar ride to this in 2016 when the party had split, with half taking the ‘easy’ route up Mow Cop and the remainder heading direct for the pub.  This time, as we approached, Andy B and Steve T left us to take the 'hard' way up Mow Cop.

The sensible four arrived at the pub and were tucking into good and substantial sandwiches and drinks, when our ‘summit party’ joined us, with tales of their successful ascent. At that point the heavens opened and we looked out from the safety of our ‘base camp’ at torrential rain. We hoped that this shower would be all that nature would offer and hoped that Steve’s earlier optimism had been justified.

Foolish us! The return soon confronted us with a strong gusty northwesterly headwind.  It did however remain dry as we passed Rode Heath, Wheelock Heath and skirted the north of Crewe. We paused near Bradfield Green to decide which café to call at later. Then travelling through Church Minshull our luck broke and we were hit with a strong gusting hail storm.  This eased but spasmodic rain continued through Wettenhall until we arrived at the Shire Horse Centre Café at Cotebrook just in time at 4.10pm (it closes at 4.30pm).

Having recovered with coffee and cake, it was a short ride back to Rose Farm, clocking up a total of 53 miles, albeit a much longer one for those who had to cycle home especially for Andy.

SH

12th May 2016: Mow Cop and Scholar Green (mod)

I arrived at Rose Farm to find Dave H, Steve T and George at a loss for where to ride other than the ‘same old destinations’. Luckily I had a route in mind to the Rising Sun at Scholar Green, just beneath Mow Cop, which included an optional extra 4 miles climbing up Mow Cop.  We were joined by Charlie, Jane, Mike McC, Chris and just in time Dave & Liz P.
The weather was promising – over 20 degrees forecast but with a good enough breeze to keep us cool. We cycled through Cotebrook, and Little Budworth to pick up the Whitegate Way at Marton Green.  This deposited us in Winsford, from where we passed through Clive Green on our way to Middlewich. Zigzagging through its housing estates, we emerged back into the countryside and onto a good road through Brereton Green and Spen Green, then a short section of busy A34, before we followed a lane to Great Morton Hall.

Photographs by Steve Haywood

Here we had to choose: who wanted to take the short pleasant ride beside the canal to the pub, and who wanted to climb up Mow Cop. The party split evenly, with the foolish five – Steve T, Chris, George, Mike McC and myself – choosing to grind up the long climb onto the ridge and follow it southwards into Mow Cop.  Short of breath we assembled at the magnificent viewpoint beside the Gritstone Trail for a photo and admired the surrounding land. The group were disappointed to hear that the climbing was not over, for as we continued into the village, we turned right up a steeper if shorter hill up by the radio mast.  The group were again disappointed to hear that this had been the ‘easy’ way up.  But now it was downhill, but very steeply, before joining the others in the pub.
The other group were awaiting us, well into their meal, for although the climbers had only travelled an extra few miles it had taken us a long, long time. The Rising Sun had given us a friendly welcome, a room of our own, good filling food and tasty beer. What’s more, splitting our party on the ride had allowed Dave & Liz plenty of time to indulge in two courses.
The return required a route that avoided as much of Alsager and Crewe as possible. We passed Rode Hall, headed for Wheelock Heath, and skirted the north of Crewe after travelling over some very rough surfaces. Passing behind Leighton Hospital, we crossed the lights at Bradfield Green and on through Church Minshall, then Cholmondeston and Rushton, making for the Shire Horse Centre café for essential refreshments. Then back to Rose Farm with 56 miles completed for those doing the extra loop: pleasant lanes, good weather, a good pub, and good company. Let’s hope the summer brings many more such days.

SH

18th July 2013: Goostrey

My recent e-mail suggestion for a volunteer to write the weekly CER Report was met with deathly silence, as was Bryan’s request to the group when we met up in Rose Farm; so, I thought that I’d start the ball rolling as the Pipe Duo were leading this ride out to Goostrey.   It was good to see both Bryan and Mike M for coffee before the start, where Bryan reminded us to sign up for the Special Rides coming-up soon.  

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

Andy, Brian, Dave M, Dave P, Dominic, Lizzie, Paul, Ray, Roy, Steve and Trevor all assembled for a disjointed group photo outside (pic 1).  Dave M initially led us at a smart pace out past the Race Track to the start of the Whitegate Way, where he peeled off home. A meander along the shaded former rail line (pics 2 & 3) brought us out near the canal in Winsford.  We continued east via Davenham (pron: Dave – n – ham, I was told), crossing the old Roman road that is now the A530.  Ten of us arrived at The Red Lion at Goostrey without a booking, but the manager didn’t mind, as they had served 50+ cyclists “much older than us” the previous day, with no problem.  

Our resident chemist Andy gave us good news when he announced that beer at 3.6% hydrates in this hot weather, but at > 4%, it doesn’t.  Question:  Can I have a skinful then at 3.4%?  I thought that the beer at the pub was better than the food, but it was good value, considering that the place is in the Manchester commuter belt.  

We took a southerly route back, led by our newest and youngest member, Dominic. After skirting Holmes Chapel, we passed to the south of Middlewich; for those who studied Latin, it was named “Salinae”, as the town was their largest supplier of that precious commodity, salt. A helmet-cam would have been useful here, when a plonker driver of a skip-lorry blasted his air-horn right next to us, causing Dave P to take to the hedge, fortunately without injury.  Unfortunately, it all happened so quickly, no one took his reggo or business name.

Passing through Church Minshull, we were all gasping in the very high temperatures by the time we reached The Shire Horse Centre at Cotebrook for a cuppa.  Continuing on the final leg, Liz and Trevor peeled off to their cars at Utkinton, after a very hot 50 miles, whilst the remainder went downhill to Chester, clocking about 75 miles.

Some lessons learned today for future leaders and writers of these Reports:

1 Make a note of who is riding before you set off, as you won’t remember a few days later.

2 Ask the leader where we have been, BEFORE you go home

3 Write it up asap, when details are still fresh

4 It doesn’t take long to scribble something down; this took < an hour

5 Bring an OS 1:50,000 map and a pencil.  It worked for Dave P & Dominic today.  Garmins are not compulsory

6 Leading by committee actually can work.  Most members have some local knowledge of an area, and don’t even need a map; just ask 

BMac

3rd May 2012: Warmingham (mod)

David M had a moderate route planned, of which the main feature was "out against the brisk east wind and get blown home".

Dave Heath was the first to volunteer for a shorter day, followed in rapid succession by Mike, Trevor, George and Liz.  We set out over Cotebrook, and then followed a series of lanes past Calvely school, through Church Minshul and then to Hopley House farm Cafe.  On arrival at the cafe we were greeted by an ominous silence and large banner that proclaimed that the cafe had been shut (due to red tape) since February 4th.

Nothing daunted, we then set off to Warmingham where Mike remembered there to be an excellent pub: The Bears Paw.  Pub is excellent, beautifully refurbished, friendly staff and served us an excellent meal.  Definitely one for future visits!

Return was via Middlewich, Bostock and "the bridges" to Whitegate.  Stiff hill out of Whitegate led to more excellent lanes (including Shays Lane) and then the Shire Horse Cafe (now known as Ray's Rest following his bonk out on a previous ride) for a cuppa.  There are two secret roads on the return from this cafe.  We opted to climb up the A49 to secret road 2 past the small lake and deep ravine before returning to Rose farm via Cotebrook.  A round trip of approx 40 miles in the cold but dry May weather.

DM

26th May 2011: Little Warford

Wet, wet, wet was the forecast for today’s weather plus some gusty wind for later.  Contrary to the usual outcome today’s forecast turned out to be spot on.  It rained most of the way out to Utkinton, not heavy mind, but enough to be uncomfortable.  I settled down in Rose Farm café to tea and toasted teacake while first Clive arrived in full wet weather gear, followed by Ivan (just down from his new job in the Lake District to join us for the day: there’s dedication!) and finally Norman on his second outing with us.  That’s it for today, just four brave souls willing to take on the elements.
I suggested a ride out to Little Warford near Alderley Edge which would clock up about 50 miles round trip from Utkinton.  The only response from those present was Little ……?  And so Little Warford was agreed with The Stags Head earmarked for lunch.  I led out on the well-used route through Cotebrook, passing Oulton Park motor racing circuit and on to Whitegate where we turned right to use the wooden bridge crossing of the Weaver Navigation.  From here we took the rough track under the west coast main line up to Moulton where we rejoined the lanes to Davenham, Lach Dennis, Lower Peover and eventually Great and Little Warford to arrive in good time at 12:15.
There were two removal vans outside The Stags Head when we arrived and the pub tables were being loaded into the first of the vans.  “Have you closed?”  “No we’re just taking the tables away.  They’re reopening this lunchtime.”  Inside we found that the refurbishment was slightly behind schedule and that we were the first customers.  Judging by the plush new upholstery, new tables, polished timber floor and carpets we were not the type of patrons they were aiming to attract.  This is practically Alderley Edge after all!  That aside, we were made more than welcome as we discarded wet clothes, and the choice of ales put aside any lingering doubts on our part.  Food service was a little on the slow side but we had plenty of time and when it came, the quality justified the wait.
We left The Stags Head at 13:30pm in the rain and headed south to Goostrey with the choice of continuing on to Holmes Chapel or Middlewich.  I decided on Middlewich with the intention of trying the link over the River Wheelock to Stanthorne Mill that looked doable on the map.  In Middlewich we were forced to go through the centre, eventually reaching the turnoff for the Wheelock.  “It’s a no through road”, followed by “No it’s a Harry route.”  Well it looked OK; a wide grassy lane that led us down to the bridge after which the track narrowed eventually becoming an increasing narrow footpath.  After 50 yards of pushing we reached the Mill and continued the ride on to Winsford and the Whitegate Way.  By now talk was about where we should stop for afternoon tea.  We decided on the Shire Horse Centre café but Ivan, in a hurry to get home, left us just before Cotebrook.
The remaining three of us relaxed in the café over tea and carrot cake while discussing the implications of Brian Lowe’s resolution passed at the CTC national AGM.  When we emerged the rain had stopped but the wind was getting stronger!  It was only a few miles from here to Utkinton where we left Norman to collect his car while Clive and I fought the strong head wind back to Chester.
Today proved once again that despite the damp weather CER provides a great day out.  A round trip of 50 miles from Utkinton or just over 70 miles for those of us riding from Chester.
.
BW

16th December 2010: Alvanley Arms

The icebox conditions had returned today and the forecast was for worse to come.  It was therefore understandably difficult to summon up the energy for the ride out to Manley Mere in the hail!  Once there, things improved with the friendly faces of Jim, Dave Heath, Ivan, Martin and Liz making six in total.  After a chat and a hot drink the maps came out and we planned a short looping ride through the Forest with a potential stop at Cotebrook.  From here we would have the option of taking a longer route south towards Nantwich or a short route back to Manley Mere.
It was getting on towards 11:00 by the time we were on the road leading up to the Delamere Forest where a left turn after the railway bridge took us onto the lumpy road through the Forest to Hatchmere.  By Norley the weather was changing and it was beginning to warm up a little, with feeling started to return to frozen fingers.  Through Whitegate, Marton Green and Little Budworth it was really quite pleasant and such a surprise given the weather forecast.  However with our late start it was after 12:00 by the time we approached Cotebrook and the decision to stop for lunch at the Alvanley Arms was not in dispute.

Photograph by Martin Donaldson

Inside we grabbed a table near the fire and made ourselves comfortable.  Robinsons Cumbria Way bitter proved tempting to most of us although Dave favoured the Pims No 3 Brandy Cup Winter Warmer to some derision from the beer drinkers.  Not enough brandy though for Dave’s taste so with encouragement from Ivan the landlady made him a brandy winter warmer special!  With everyone now satisfied, excellent food and good conversation it was soon time to leave the warm.
Outside it had turned cold again and with darkening skies we braved the trucks on the A49 before the first right brought us back on the lanes.  It also brought snow: light at first but rapidly increasing as we headed towards Willington Corner and Oscroft.  Today the weather wasn’t going to settle into a predictable pattern and before long the snow was stopping and it was warming up again!  By Hollowmoor Heath the group had split into two with Ivan, Martin and Liz in the leading group and Bryan, Jim and Dave in the second slower group.  Back at Manley Mere there was no sign of the lead group so after saying goodbye to Dave (heading back to Warrington) Jim and I set off on the final leg back to Chester to find the lead group coming back towards us having taken the B road from Great Barrow.
Only a short circular 29 miles from Manley Mere but nevertheless a very enjoyable day out.

BW

3rd June 2010: Bucklow Hill & Tatton Park

It was a good turnout at the windsurfing centre with 7 solos and one tandem.  The centre was fraught with activity with a long line of huge cars disgorging single children for a watersports event.
Sat in the sun: it was almost difficult to get on the bikes and I agreed to try and deliver a route to Brian's chosen destination of Tatton Park.
The outward leg, almost immediately precipitating a peel off from Ray H, took us to Hatchmere, Norley and Acton Bridge and I admit, I didn't really know where I was at some points.  We followed the CCW signs, then to Great Budworth.  My first new route took us through the manicured parkland of Arley Hall where of course we all walked the short stretch of tarmac that was a path rather than bridleway.
Failing to find a pub at the right time, we eventually found the Swan at Bucklow Hill where good value 2 course meals at two for £12 were demolished.  The lime and soda ranged between 51p and free!  That's a new one on me.
The afternoon started with a splendid ride through the summery Tatton Park to Knutsford, then into the series of lanes to Lach Dennis and Moulton where the group unintentionally split with the back markers seeking out the track under the railway to cross the Weaver.  Those off the front reappeared just after Whitegate.
The dawdlers opted for an ice cream at the Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre just minutes before they shut up for the day, with departures to parked cars or riding home from there.  Jim and I were impressed however to find a previously unnoticed lake by Lime Tree Farm on our way back to Utkinton.
A successful day in grand summer warmth was pleasing all round and thanks go to all those who followed my erratic leadership.

DHill

27th November 2008: Acton Bridge

Three riders met up for tea at the Manley Mere Windsurfing Centre looking forward to a good day out. The more distant options were quickly ruled out in order to ensure we would be back in daylight. It was agreed to head towards Acton Bridge and then south through the lanes with the decision on the lunch stop to be made later. From Manley Mere we headed east to New Pale to the high point at Newton savouring the views of the Mersey on the way then it was a fast descent down to Kingsley losing all the height we had gained in a few seconds. The back lanes towards the Weaver Navigation, with views of the Dutton Viaduct, were as quiet as ever and then it was under the railway bridge for the final pull up to Acton Bridge. Feeling a few spots of rain and fearing that there was worse to come we decided on an early lunch and made for the Maypole only to arrive just as a coach discharged its last passengers. Undaunted we headed inside to find the pub already at bursting point and without any draught beer! This proved too much of a deterrent so we made a quick exit and headed for the Hazel Pear Inn down the road where we arrived just as the weather worsened. A leisurely and excellent lunch was taken while we waited for the torrential rain to abate before resuming the ride through Cuddington and Little Budworth. By the time we reached Cotebrook rain was starting again so although it was still early afternoon tea was taken in the tea room before the last leg home via Duddon to arrive well before darkness set in.
Distance from Chester and back 41 miles.
BW

13th November 2008: Cotebrook

Although it was a poor weather forecast the morning was only slightly wet. The breeze was a little troublesome, however, on the way to the start at the Ice Cream Farm where there was the welcome sight of another bike. Glennys was already sampling the coffee and then she joined me in a round of toasted tea cakes. We settled into a long discussion before getting off late on an easy ride with the aim of taking lunch at Cotebrook. The rain had ceased and the wind was down to a whisper as we headed towards Beeston where the autumn shades graced the castle and the Peckforton hills. Then we headed through Bunbury and down the hill to Tilstone Fearnall where the flood had increased in depth again after the night's rainfall. With the sky brightening we passed along the beautifully quiet lanes of Oxheys, The Hall and Kings to take the Rushton crossroads into Cotebrook. Sandra, the proprietress, was her usual welcoming self, aided and abetted by Dave as we ordered a light lunch and a beverage together with a liberal helping of repartee. Then once more out of the comfort zone to ride out through the reds, yellows and browns along Stable Lane and left towards Kelsall. Taking the steady climbs the rain made its entrance again but only to refresh and not to trouble us. Glennys turned off for Kelsall and I continued to try my luck with the Yeld from where the Cheshire Plain could not be seen through the thickening mist. By Mouldsworth the weather was behaving again and the comfortable ride back into Chester was marred only by a hedge cutter trimming both sides of Salters Lane, prompting me to carry the bike through to Picton Gorse to avoid the inevitable. Home with only 40 miles completed but immeasurably enjoyable and we certainly passed muster as Easy Riders.
RH

3rd July 2008: Acton Bridge

Although the weather forecast was poor, four regular riders were joined by Glennys Hammond (Chester & North Wales CTC Secretary) for elevenses at the Manley Mere Windsurfing Centre. After tea and a chat all five set off up hill towards Manley Common and New Pale and thence to Newton via Birch Hill before a fast descent down to Kingsley. From here we took the back lanes towards the Weaver Navigation to emerge in Acton Bridge for lunch at the Maypole Inn; and all without any hint of rain. A leisurely lunch was taken in the garden with a clear sky promising a good afternoon. Riding south from Acton Bridge we skirted Cuddington and passed the Forest View Pub towards the A49. Then while negotiating the back roads to Oulton Park the forecast rain caught us for the last few miles to the Cotebrook tea stop. Although the proprietress had clearly not had a good day we enjoyed our tea and cakes with conversation at a much higher cultural level than normal, thanks largely to Glennys presence. Once we had exhausted a discussion of the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition followed by a debate on the Stuckist movement it became apparent that it was time to leave. From Cotebrook it was straight back to Chester via Duddon and Christleton with Glennys heading off to Kelsall.
Distance from Chester and back 41 miles, mixed.
BW