23rd January 2025: 'Tour de Cafe' (Mod)

Well, I’m calling todays moderates blog 'Tour de Cafe'.

 At the beginning it was me, Ray and Nick from the other mob haha (fast lads), plus D Mathews and Clive also dressed in smart casual attire. I left the first cafe (Rose Farm) and, as discussed earlier, with Ray and Nick went toward Duddon via a road that looked like I had gone to Mars, with a council officer marking the craters as they had gone beyond potholes, plus more mud on the road than in the fields. I then passed the second cafe (Walk Mill) heading towards Waverton; from here I decided to head to  Christleton, then the metropolis  of Guilden Sutton as the weather started to turn from a cold drafty morning to, let’s say wet, then a monsoon so I headed for Meadow Lea cafe  -  my third of the day. 

I decided to have a early lunch waiting for the monsoon to pass . I left after the owner came to me and said all the cycles outside where lying down flat, which they were as a domino effect had happened as the first untethered bike knocked all the others down as nobody had been arsed to lock them due to the rain. I needed to get back to my car which I’d left in Delamere, so I braved the A56 so I could veer off towards Manley Mere but I passed this cafe due to it being closed plus I was having a sulk due to the local flooding after the rain which had made the roads sketchy. 

Anyway, I headed through Mouldsworth heading through Aston Green, my first mis route calculation as I ended on the busy Tarvin bypass heading towards Kelsall, another village growing in size.  Anyway I cracked on through the town heading back towards Delamere on a longish detour back tracking earlier roads I’d been down which where now covered with lakes and mud which the passing vehicles seemed to have great pleasure trying to drown me but they needed to get up earlier than that as I could see the look in their eyes. 'Pay back it’s a cyclist he’s getting it ha.' Anyway I finished cycling through the forest to the last cafe (at Delamere Visitors Centre), my last of an enjoyable solo ride. 5 cafes, 3 used, a belly full of tea, muddy but you know what, happy, as I was out cycling. 35 ish miles .

KB

26th December 2024: Knutsford (mod)

There was a grey blanket over the landscape, and it was Boxing Day, and it was a new venue, so would anybody turn up for a bike ride? Keith and I had parked by the station, and as we cycled into the impressive newish Delamere Forest Café site we were joined by Trevor and Dave Matthews, who had both cycled from home. Trevor and Dave were returning home, but it was pleasing that they had made the effort, and we enjoyed a coffee and chat for half an hour.  The service had been instant, and it was a pleasant space to sit in complimented with modern toilet facilities and a convenient place to lock your bike. On asking Trevor, I was impressed to find that he had ridden sixty miles last Thursday; a decent achievement for a “moderate” rider with limited winter daylight hours available. Keith and I had a more modest mileage target as we set off for Knutsford into the fog.

                Although the forecast temperature was not too bad for the time of year, we felt chilly heading downhill for the A49 swing bridge over the River Weaver. Keith’s Christmas celebrations from the night before had him feeling less than robust, and I was regretting leaving off an extra layer of clothing. Never mind, the climb over the Trent and Mersey Canal up to Little Leigh warmed us up and we started to get “into the zone”! Visibility was reduced everywhere, and our glasses continually misted up with condensation, but with our lights on we didn’t feel particularly vulnerable as motorists should have been able to see about 350 metres. We headed north past Cogshall Hall to Frandley and Antrobus before turning right for Budworth Heath, Bate Heath, and crossing Chester Road adjacent to the M6. We entered Knutsford from Tableyhill. Costa was our chosen destination. It was easy to lock our bikes up at the back and it was less likely to be a coveted lunch destination for Knutsford’s Le Chameau welly wearers and Ferrari paraders. The staff were friendly, and we found a table right away. It was a better-appointed environment than my familiar Frodsham Costa.  

              Our return route took in Pickmere, Great Budworth and Comberbach. It appeared that the Spinner and Bergamot was open, and people were sat at tables outside The George and Dragon at Great Budworth. It was likely that to be served lunch inside at pubs open on Boxing Day we would have had to book ahead, so in the circumstances the certainty and quick turnaround of Costa had been a good choice. Well, it would have been a quick turnaround if we hadn’t had a cake as well and had an old guys’ discussion of the sort of things and type of people we couldn’t be bothered engaging with anymore. Then we had both limped out, with our various age-related lower limb damage to unlock our bikes; a post Last of the Summer Wine pairing. Back to the never-relished prospect of hard climbs to Acton Bridge, and from lovely little Onston hamlet to Norley, as the mist seemed to thicken. We reached the Berlingo at Delamere Station at about 3.30p.m.  Thirty-eight miles was enough on such a day, and we agreed that it had been enjoyable and well worth the effort.

DH

20th April 2023: Delamere (mod+)

Today saw a good turnout at Alison’s on a lovely sunny day, although fairly windy. I think there were approx 14 of us, which included Jim on his stunning new electric Ribble, ( most of us didn’t even realise it was electric, which I believe weighs an incredible 12k - that’s half the weight of Paula’s Orbea- Lol)

I had a 50 mile route in mind, around my favourite Sandstone ridge, via the Whytegate way, if no other options. However, Nick & Clive, fancied my route and as there were no other fast boys we agreed to make a Mod+ group (agreeing that us mere Mods would try to step up a bit, but they also had to throttle back a bit- Lol). So the Mod + group were 5, with the addition of Alan & Steve Hu, heading for Delamere Forest cafe ( not the railway station cafe) 

Photos by NT

We set off to the right out of Alison’s and therefore straight into the winds. Once heading directly toward Beeston Castle and a full headwind, Nick stepped up and took the front, as there would be no way of us keeping the pace up in those stiff winds. That said, we were soon  into Bunbury, diverting around the back of the village and Tilly's cafe, due to the road past the Dysart Arms (superb pub & food BTW) being closed. I was aware of the roadworks, but expected them to be finished (semi prepared- Lol). The detour lead to the discovery of a nice bit of resurfaced lane (Bunbury Common, leading into Tilston Bank lane), which until this ride has always been a stinker. 

Anyway, well on route and now, whizzing down over the river Gowy for the third time and through my all time favourite road section of Tilston Bank (a cracking half mile stretch of sweeping hilly bends over a couple of narrow bridges, into a gorgeous canal lock setting). Just as we hit the lock bridge, we have to abruptly pull up, owing to a couple of builders blocking the road. As we scramble to get around the van, struggling for the right gear, somebody cursed our loss of speed, just as we all climbed out of the saddle for a very short 15% gradient- Lol.  ( think it was Clive cursing, as he passed me- Lol)

It was not long after that Steve piped up,  thinking about his stomach as usual ( I refused to tell him how far and where our lunch stop was, which didn’t stop him bending my ear still further- Lol). The next few miles to Oulton Park raceway, were simply a delight as always, apart from the headwind. This is a lovely stretch of very scenic, open countryside lanes, on gorgeously smooth tarmac. Nick again lead us through the headwind, making it much easier and not even batting an eyelid- Lol. Now past an unusually quiet Oulton Park, it wasn’t long before we were upon the Whytegate Way. We joined it at the quaint Station House cafe & proceeded at a steady meander, as there were a few walkers and horses about. The gravel path of the Whytegate Way now behind us, we  start our gradual assent of the ridge, along a few of the best lanes in the county, one of which, according to Clive, was where Gary Barlow used to live ( famous pop star for those who have never heard of him-Lol)

We are now not far from our Lunch stop and the worst bit of our journey ( that dreadful rough, potholed road through Hatchmere, which is the only route into the cafe in Delamere Forest ( on this route, before anybody cry’s out “ no it’s not”-Lol) What’s worse is that we had to ride out on the same road, despite Clive requesting that we take the gravel track that leads out of the forest, to the opposite side and into the bottom of Yelds lane ( also happens to be where the Kelsall bike repair cafe is located)

The big advantage with Delamere Forest Cafe is the size, space, speed of service & quality of the food. However, much to mine and Nick’s despair, they won’t do poach eggs after 12 ( “sorry, breakfast has finished” was the explicit reply) but that wasn’t the worst of it. Alan & Steve had ordered the potato hash, which came with a poached egg on top, can you believe- What!! No doubt you can guess the conversation I will have with them, the next time I drop in- Lol. Anyway, lunch was served in a flash and was considered by all to be very good. My somewhat forced choice of a jacket potato was a cracker in fact, as they oven bake them over night. We sat outside, but the wind was almost howling through the pagoda we were sat under, so we didn’t waste any time and were soon on our way again.

Photo by AO

Now ripping through Delamere Forest, chasing Clive, who decided to show us a clean set of heals ( clearly doesn’t get cafe legs- Lol) We in fact thought he had taken off for home, as he had mentioned leaving us, but he was waiting at the next junction. We turn left, up another short sharp hill, heading for Kelsall. This was another loop on the route, that would lead up to Manley Mere cafe, just so I could fit in another favourite stretch of lanes, much to Clive’s confusion. This also meant we would pass the fabulous Blue Bell cafe, which I point out to Nick, who had not heard of it.

Anyway, we are rapidly through there and heading up through Tarvin and past 2 more cafe’s ( not tried them yet- Lol). We cross the A49 and speedily approach the river Gowy again for our 4th or 5th? crossing, once we manage to trip the traffic lights, by me doubling back- Lol. Now feeling the pace ( me at least) we pass Walk Mill cafe ( have you noticed the cafe theme yet- Lol Lol) Steve obviously did as he asked me if I had deliberately planned this as a sight seeing cafe route. It just so happens that the  amalgamation of the best local lanes, from numerous routes of mine, does in fact also take you past most of the local best cafe’s ( honest gov- Lol)

This is where we lost Alan & Clive, who headed off home, through Waverton to Chester and beyond in Allan’s case. This left the 3 amigo’s, to weave our way across the wind through to Hargrave and on to Tattenhall. My legs were now toast, clearly my fitness is not quite where I thought it was. We head straight into Tattenhall, now with the prevailing tailwind, which was very welcome and made for a nice easy finish. We got to Alison’s shortly after 2pm with 48 miles on the clock. 

Steve decided to call in for a coffee, leaving Nick & I to head off home. I said cheerio and a big thanks to Nick, only a few hundred mtrs later, as he departed up the hill for Tilston, which left me 1 mile to home, down Frog Lane. I only had a couple of extra miles on the clock with a total of 51. I am guessing Nick must have got roughly 65 miles in. As for the others I’m not sure of their totals, but still a fair bit more than me. As for Steve, he was again using CER to get a 100 miles in ( silly bugger- Lol)

Lovely day, if a bit tough towards the end. Some great scenery and a good group. Till next time ladies

NT

15th November 2018 : Sandbach (brisk)

After an hour's riding covering 15 miles, I was ready for a decent cup of coffee and the Delamere Park cafe certainly provided that (compared to the station cafe) . We shall have to see if the coffee improves in line with the anticipated make-over. 

The weather was much better than advertised, being sunny intervals as opposed to blanket cloud. This put a spring in my pedalling feet for the 52 miler to The George at Sandbach. Our group today was a lonely three consisting of Nick, Ken and myself. John M was out but not feeling 100%, and Ivan was at home recovering from being de-biked by a passing car at 18mph in Helsby on Tuesday. He is recovering well though. The bike was unscathed!

We follow the Mods out  and branch off at Flaxmere and take Norley Lane, where the vista over the Cheshire plain is resplendent in the November sunshine. It is now a rapid succession of Croxton, Acton Bridge, Weaverham and Winnington to pass by the Anderton Boat Lift. I take the Comberbatch bypass as the locals are anti-MAMIL, and circle round to Pickmere.

Onwards, passing The Smoker pub (named after the local brook), we speed through plummy Plumley and "upper-class"  Lower Peover. The crossroads in Goostrey are blocked up, but pavements are then very useful. Up the side of the Dane Valley,  we are soon through Holmes Chapel and negotiating a housing estate to exit on a very narrow "Broad Lane" and thence on-track, via various tiny lanes, to enter Sandbach Market Place and The George.

The George is a Wetherspoon's establishment and was packed at lunchtime but we got a table; and as ever, the quality, service and price was very good. It was a listed coaching in apparently. The town was granted a Royal Charter by Elizabeth I in 1579 and Foden truck manufacturing started at the end of 19C and closed down in 2006. The Market Crosses are worthy of note as well ( see photo)

Sandbach Market Crosses

After a lunchtime diet of Brexit, we are ready for the return via Elworth and Occlestone to circle around Winsford. I favour the tiny Blakeden Lane which runs behind the County Police HQ to take a short stretch of the A54 before turning for Little Budworth.

At Cotebrook, Nick takes the short return to Delamere via the Fishpool Inn and will have completed the 52 miles circuit. Whereas Ken and I take the usual route back via Utkinton and Waverton. Ken will have more than 90 on the clock today and I had just over 80 miles. 

So thanks to Ken and Nick today for taking the wind off me at the front. Hopefully Ivan and John will be back to their usual full strength next week.

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

Photo by KP

15th November 2018: Marston (mod)

This was our second start from the Delamere Visitor Centre rather than the Station Café. Steve T tells us that the Station Café refurbishment will be finished this weekend, so next time we depart from Delamere we can try it out and maybe decide which of these two adjacent starts is best. Dave H was present collecting Xmas meal choices and feeling much better but not riding today.  This left half a dozen moderate riders for a route to the Salt Barge at Marston: George, Keith, Steve T, Bob, Neil and myself.

Our route out was across Acton Bridge and then heading north to cross and re-cross the A49 and pass through Higher Whitley, Antrobus and Pickmere before arriving at our destination. The Salt Barge is a favourite and we were not disappointed with a friendly welcome, decent food and drinks. While last week the mod’s lunchtime discussion had centred on engineering in the energy industry, today we brought our collective expertise to bear upon trust law and tax. If this serious trend continues what might we cover next week!

Our return took us through Ashton’s and Neuman’s Flashes, meeting a lot of vehicle traffic on these footpaths and cycle tracks. We passed Marbury Park to reach Comberbach and Little Leigh, returning through Norley to arrive back at Delamere.

An uneventful ride after last week’s punctures, but through lovely November weather: dry, often sunny, mild and with little wind.  We covered a little over 35 miles, which didn’t really justify the cakes that tempted some of us back in the café.

See route map and/or gpx file download

SH

27th September 2018: Peover Heath (mod)

The Station House Cafe at Delamere was closed, so we eventually cycled down to Delamere Cafe at The Visitor Centre.  Jim, Mike Evans, Trevor, George, Dave Matthews, Dave Pipe, Keith, Clive and myself  were soon ensconced outside in the sun supping tea. I made the mistake of talking chain lengths with Dave, who, of course, could write a PhD on the subject. To be fair, like Dave Pipe and Ray Hardman, Dave is very knowledgable when it comes to the technicalities of bikes. He also often uses his skills to sort out members' machines, Clive being the  latest beneficiary of help from Cheshire's version of Richard Hallett.  When Dave started linking gear tables and penny farthings, however, I began to wonder if he was auditioning for the BBC 'Would I Lie to You?' programme! As you might expect, after one thing or another, we started our ride late. I felt that Bryan would not have been impressed!  Those able to ride with us for the day went with my suggestion of The Dog as our destination. Clive agreed to lead out, and I would take over for a return route.

We eased our way to Norley, as so often, but then turned up the narrow, attractive Gallowsclough Lane. I remember riding along here with Jim, I think, when a breathtakingly beautiful woman on a lovely horse stopped and engaged us in a very pleasant, if short, chat. She was very posh, perhaps the Lady of the Manor trying to show kindness to a couple of poor, old commoners in their sad mix of cheap Muddy Fox and Aldi clothing? It remains my longest contact with a authentic member of the Cheshire Set. Perhaps I just imagined it? I must check with Jim! Then we passed Gary Barlow's former pad at Delamere Manor. Clive continued  through Cuddington and Whitegate. We were soon crossing the Weaver, and pedalling the perilous rocky path up to Moulton. Pretty Davenham was next, and just over the M6  and before Swan Green, Clive led us down Baker's Lane in a south westerly loop to Goostrey, and then north on small lanes to lunch.  The route had been attractive, and the blue sky cloudless. The food and service at The Dog was spot on, as usual.

Our way home took us past a polo club, reaching the A50 at Radbroke Hall. A young female driver then shouted at us and sounded her horn as we turned right. Yet another driver unreasonably aggravated by having to sometimes share tarmac with cyclists. I did have more adventurous options for the route home, but settled for the familiar Plumley Moor Road. Previous experience told me that it was essential to cross the dangerous A556 Roman road as pedestrians at the lights. We then rode to Linnards Lane on the footpath. From here onwards the roads would be quieter as we headed  west through Pickmere, Great Budworth, Comberbach and Little Leigh. At the A49 we cycled beside the glimmering Weaver to the picnic area at Dutton Lock. Here we took a break, chatting to an elderly couple, as we sat on rustic benches in the rays of the still warm, but slipping sun.

Photos by CA

There remained some steep banks ahead, as we headed for Cooksongreen. Just before Norley village we turned up a small  lane with lovely buildings including The Paddocks and Norley Hall. At Delamere Clive headed home, but George, Keith, Dave Pipe and myself enjoyed cake and coffee back at The Visitor Centre. I had the last big piece of proper cake with icing and a cherry. I offered half of it to the others for 70% of the price, but they all said they would rather have No Deal than a bad deal. So, they all munched lesser cakes in cellophane! Another thoroughly enjoyable day in the sunny Cheshire countryside with good friends. About 48 miles covered. Thanks to Clive for the morning route and the photographs.

See route map and/or gpx file download

DH