20th March 2025: Farndon (mod+)

 What a gorgeous day for our Walk Mill  meet.

There was a real sense of Spring and Summer on it’s way. Surprisingly,  that didn’t encourage a massive turn out, for what ever reason. There was a dozen or so of us. The head count was tricky, as there was a split, with the majority deciding to sit inside, despite the stunning sunshine and a barmy 13 degrees outside. That aside, the groups still managed to form, all be it small ones. DH possibly had the majority, which included, none other than ‘three times in a row’- George!- Lol. The fast group was at least three or four, which included the deserter, Chris, who was clearly confident of keeping up, no doubt due to his recent ascent of Hill Lane (Helsby) This was as a consequence of me pointing it out on last weeks ride. So, he had clearly decided he was too good for the Mod + group anymore - Lol.

That left just Fiona and Elwyn for my group. 

Steve Hu had chosen to stay at home and watch paint dry apparently and the ‘Rayban Mugger’ (Alan, for those who might not of read last weeks blog) had a stomach issue or at least that’s what his last minute text said, but we all know he can’t ride without his pal, Steve- Lol.

 

We set off on one of my local small hill meanders involving the Sandstone Ridge. 10 minutes gone and we are in DM’s patch, settling in to a steady pace toward Chapel Hill, not that I intended climbing it.

However, before we could even reach it, we caught a young mountain biker.  As I pulled along side, I remarked about how laden his bike was and asked where was he heading. Well, the next few minutes was about his journey on LEJOG. He was a young German, on a gap year and spoke excellent English. He was not only on his lonesome, completely unsupported, but camping at the road side, unless he got offered a bed for the night. He told us of an App that offers a free bed to LEJOG riders, if you can be in the right place at the right time of course (who knew) He was a very pleasant young man, who we all wished the best of luck and left him in Kelsall.

Now climbing up Quarry Lane, although not before the obligatory costume change,  from Fiona this time. Half way up, Elwyn remarked about the hill, thinking he had never climbed it before, but then Elwyn never knows where he is- Lol. We swing right at the top and almost immediately right again at the Farmers Arms and continue our climb up onto the top of the Sandstone Ridge. We pass Chapel Hill, which was closed, but it is rideable, as I rode it last week ( nobody is working it, as usual, I wonder how long that will be).

We start to feel a bit of headwind, now on top of the ridge line. However, I let F&E know that we were not far from my favourite high speed downhill, which took the edge off the light headwind. I attack the downhill, as was my plan for the day ( no work on the uphill bits, but max effort going down, due to a still iffy hamstring. Once regrouped, we get back into a steady pace and meander our way through Eaton, Tarporley, Brassy Green, Beeston, via the ‘Shady’ pub and skirt around Tattenhall via Harthill, but the easy way- Lol. We then descended into Brown Knowl for yet another short climb and subsequent downhill blast. We make a right turn to allow us to get across to cross the A41 towards Tilston, where I tried to encourage Fiona to step on the pedals and follow me downhill ( one day she’ll let those brakes off- Lol)

 

Once in Tilston, it was time to discuss our options for lunch, either Carden Arms, Manorwood cafe, Lost Barn, which are all within half mile or so. Or push on another 3 miles to Lewis’s cafe in Farndon. As Lewis’s is a favourite of F&E, there wasn’t much discussion- Lol. This meant that poor old me had to ride back on our route, into the wind, to get home, because I knew the road to Bruera was closed for 4 days. F&E had fallen foul of the road closure on their way to Walk Mill, when an awkward labourer turned them back ( I never let them know about the closure, as they were supposed to get to Walk Mill via the Chester option, which is shorter for them, but alas they didn’t - Lol) That said, did they care that I would have to back track into the wind-? not a bit - Lol, Lol.

 

So, after another cracking ‘full gaz’ dash,  down Wetreins Lane, we naturally regroup near the end of the lane, after I caught a woman who was on her first ride for months (forgotten why it was her first, but left her as she turned left to Shocklach and we went right, of course)

 

Lewis’s was quiet, so we got served instantly, once we found somebody who could cook a poached egg (- Lol, the staff had to discuss their capabilities). F&E had their usual scrambled version, which did look good. Conversation seemed to revolve solely around my buggered shoulder and the ridiculous pain I was having every time I lifted my arm from the table. Thankfully the most comfortable place for me is on the bike, so I was keen to get going again and face the uphill headwind of Wetreins Lane - Lol. While F&E had the much easier fast tailwind dash of Rossett Road all the way to their door in Lavister.

I had 9 miles to get home and all up, as I decided to go through Stretton, Carden Park and Tattenhall of course. I got home with 48 miles on the clock and just over 2000’ of assent, which was less than expected - Lol. I think F&E just tipped over the 50 miles.

 

What a cracking day out, in lovely sunshine, a tad warmer than expected, with light winds, which meant we were all a bit over dressed. It was no less a day, despite not having the Chuckle Brothers with us, sat on the back of the group, verbally abusing everybody’s ears- Lol, the silence was bliss- Lol, Lol, Lol.

 

Cheers guys,

Till next time,

 

The Wind Whisperer.

See route map and/or gpx file download

22nd April 2021: Ellesmere (mod)

Gorgeous, but chilly start and the venue was Lewis’s cafe. A quick head count revealed 20! This included a new face, to me at least and, it appeared, was a genuine ‘L’Eroica’ cyclist, complete with handlebar moustache (very dapper indeed). With so many, I think we split into 4 groups, with a few going off doing their own thing as usual. I had a backup route to the Boathouse cafe at Ellesmere, which opened on the 15th, so something a little different, especially as I had modified my existing route with a few stunningly smooth new lanes, much to Fiona’s delight- Lol. As usual, it took a while to actually get the groups sorted. It was reminiscent of the school playground and the captains of the day, picking their football teams in turn - Lol, which left me with a right rum lot (just kidding- Lol)

Off we trot (Fiona, Elwyn, Steve T, Andy, Mike & yours truly, so only 2 women in the group- Lol). We set off at a nice steady pace, although it felt a bit tough at times, on the front. There was a light headwind, virtually all the way to the Boathouse. The route out inevitably meant finding a way around the infamous Hanmer lanes and was well received, up until that point, as the more colourful lanes came into focus- Lol.

At least there were a few smiles on arrival at the Boathouse, as we waved goodbye to John & Nick, just leaving. Mike had not been to the Boathouse before, so he found it interestingly different & a tick for me- Lol. We settled into the rear garden benches, only to find the Boathouse was fully booked and only the kiosk available for take away. This meant a limited choice on food, but we all managed to get something and of course a stunning lakeside view.

A good mix of conversation ensued, which included Andy’s realisation of a larger water bottle, after spotting my 900ml bidon, which he proceeded to try on his bike (where has he been all these years- Lol). It turns out, you just can’t please everybody, despite me slaving all night over the route and lunch stop- Lol. Not to mention any names, but one of the disgruntled was female and the other one lives with her-Lol.

Photo by Elwyn

The return leg was short and fast at times, with a nice tailwind, although there were a few very short steep bits. One of which was particularly tough, due to us all being in the wrong gear when we rounded the corner, only to spot a horse up ahead. Momentum suddenly lost, there was nothing to do but grind the wrong gear, out of the saddle. Mike had to turn around and head back down to get his gears sorted- Oops. I was pushing so hard and nearly stationary, that I thought I was going to snap the chain. Of course, I got the blame for that as well, having only just dried my tearful eyes from the earlier abuse; “that was more like a sea bed, not a road” was one of the comments shouted from behind, after leading the group through what I like to think was a more authentic Cycling lane - Lol.

Anyway, the little kickers now behind us and no sooner than wink, Shocklach was upon us and the traditional wind up to the finish, accept I was sabotaged, having been moaned at for the pace. Traditionally it is every man/ woman for themselves. However, I considerately slowed down and got jumped, can you believe and left behind (despicable trick- Lol).

All joking apart, it was a gorgeous day, with great company. And for the first time, all of the group arrived back at the start for a final coffee, after 41 colourful miles- Lol. The surprise was the total ascent of nearly 700mtrs, no wonder I felt a bit tired riding home. I thought this was a flat-ish ride originally, so nice one everybody, especially Mike, as he has a lot less miles in his legs than most of us in the group.

See route map and/or gpx file download

NT

22nd April 2021: Whitchurch: ride 2 (mod)

It lifted the spirits to see such a big turnout at Lewis's. Jim was riding out with a mutual friend, and Dave Matthews had made the effort, but like Electric Peter they were not out for the day. It was great to see Ken in such good fettle, but he still needs to avoid group rides for the present. It was heartening to see so many of the Welsh contingent. It was not possible to catch up with everyone, whilst trying to sort out who would like to go where, but this should be possible in the weeks ahead. I totally overlooked the eccentric figure in vintage cycling gear with a waxed moustache. I had clocked him, but presumed that he was the owner of the shop opposite. He then introduced himself as our old mucker Runcorn Roy. It turns out that he has a garage full of vintage bikes, and his choice for the day was a cool Carlton with Weinman centre-pull brakes and period Michelin tyres. He has successfully entered events on this machine.

Photo by Alan

Our moderate group for my meandering route to Whitchurch, constituted jolly Steve Hughes, Vintage Roy, Alan and myself. They were warned that the pace would be slow, but were very relaxed about this. Alan was having some breathing issues diagnosed, so was particularly happy to have a truly easy ride.

We headed for Crewe-by-Farndon before turning left towards Tilston. At Tilston we headed east for Duckington before climbing the lovely, little lane on the side of Larkton and Bickerton hills. Next up was Cholmondeley Castle, and on to Wrenbury via Chorley Bank. The sky was blue and the sun was bright. It was a fine day to be cruising through the Cheshire countryside. Our route then followed the national cycle route 45 on its quiet, undulating course past Oss Mere, Black Park and Blake Mere into Whitchurch.

Lunch was taken outside at the back of the White Bear, after we had obtained decent sandwiches from Walker's across the road on the advice of two friendly young women, also having a drink, who worked for MacDonald's. Steve Haywood's group were then sighted on the pavement eating, thirty yards up the hill. They seemed quite happy tucking in, warmed by the sunshine. Our conversation at lunch covered Steve and Roy's interesting description of great routes in north-east Scotland. I didn't have a note pad, but one of the routes they had tackled was, I think, The North Coast 500.  Steve had been on a motorbike. Alan was talking about promising young British riders, and also about the recent amazing four stage wins of Mark Cavendish in The Tour of Turkey. Perhaps I need to subscribe to Eurosport, as I can't usually access any cycle racing that is programmed on my television.   

Our route back climbed out of Whitchurch up to Wirswall, and the smashing view across the plain in the direction of the Peckforton Hills. Roy told us a tale, although once again, I am not sure that I am up to the Boris standard of forensic recall. Roy had accompanied a female cyclist as far as Shrewsbury before deciding that he had better return to Runcorn. His journey back had taken him past the cemetery on the road we had started out on from Whitchurch. For some reason, I can't recall, e.g., he had given all his money to this woman for personal services, or perhaps all the pubs had closed, he finished up using the cemetery tap to fill his water bottle! 

We headed for Malpas after swooping down to cross the Llangollen Canal near Marbury and riding across theA49 to Bickley Town and on to No Man's Heath. Avoiding the centre of Malpas we dropped down to the Bishop Bennet Way. Here, we dropped in briefly to my favourite Renaultsport specialist, Birchdown Autos at Peacock Farm. The little lanes north of here were really cushy as we drifted down to Shocklach with the sunlit Welsh hills to our west. I put the pedal to the metal on the straight fast run to Farndon. Pedal to the metal as in a Morris Eight, rather than as in a Noble M600. It was quite chivalrous of my companions not to sweep by, but of course, Alan was having to take it carefully. Talking about being considerate, Steve is the perfect support rider for bumbling about and exploring less obvious routes, as he always knows exactly where we are, and is available with discreet prompts. What he doesn't do, is interfere, question your sanity, tell you that he has a far better alternative, and offer unwanted advice, which experienced riders can't always resist giving at times. I know I have been guilty of this on someone else's ride occasionally. 

Steve Tan was waiting at Lewis's so some of us had a coffee and chat before heading home. I felt guilty about not offering Roy a lift home, particularly as a couple of past rescues in his Big Van in atrocious conditions will live in my memory for ever. I know, however, that without my carrier, three whole bikes and three passengers in my Berlingo requires a great deal of rehearsal, and plenty of extra straps, and that's without mudguards. I was also worried about damaging his special steed. Of course, if conditions had been bad, it would have been done with six wheels off. I hope his missus managed to get across from M&S to save him the long ride home. Interestingly, Steve Hughes told me that cyclists had been fined £120 by police around Holt for breaking Welsh rules, so I am glad that I rang Helen and gave Cleopatra's a miss, hopefully for the last time.

Forty idyllic miles in excellent company, and in great cycling weather.

DH

22nd April 2021: Whitchurch: ride 1 (mod)

 A good number of members turned up at Lewis’s of Farndon, well over 20 was the guess. Lewis’s was chosen because Covid restrictions in Wales had ruled out Cleopatra’s, the scheduled venue for the day, though Lewis’s gave us a very good welcome. Sun was forecast for the whole day, but unfortunately the seats at the front in the sun were already taken, so we gathered at the side. Among the members here was Ken, who we were all pleased to see out again, though he was cycling back home.

Confusion initially reigned over who was going with whom to which destination, though in good CER fashion, eventually three mod routes emerged led by Neil, Dave H and myself.  There was scope for further confusion as both Dave and I were headed to Whitchurch. I led off with George, Mike G and David M. We first headed south for Shocklach and then Cuddington Green to approach Malpas from the west. It was a pleasure to join a virtually traffic-free B5069 as the road was still closed to traffic by St Oswald’s in the town – the second time in two meets I had led along this stretch.  In the town we had our first stop for delayering:  despite the sun, it was a cold start and we had a slight headwind, so extra layers had been initially worn.

We left Malpas and took the road to Higher Wych, then turning by Iscoyd Park to pass by Whitewell Church and the only stretch of really rough road on the route (it wouldn’t be a proper CER ride without some bad surfaces). Somewhere along this section I had the rare sight of a hare crossing in front of me.  The days where there was ‘a hare in every field’ are long gone. Crossing two A roads, we passed Alkinton Hall and headed into Whitchurch.

Now I remember Dave H saying that he had phoned the White Bear in Whitchurch to check it was open and I remember him saying there was an outdoor terrace at the back.  I therefore headed to a pub I remembered had a terrace.  This turned out to be The Wheatsheaf, which was closed.  Consulting locals, we were told of several possible pubs. We tried the White Bear, which indeed was open, but not selling food.  The Black Bear, an old favourite was not due to open until May 17^th.  Someone had suggested the Horse and Jockey, said to be “close”, but actually out by Grindley Brook.  We concluded that a pub was out, but there were plentiful cafés to sample. Food and drink having been purchased we settled on the steps outside the Civic Centre in the sunshine. While here, we saw Dave H’s party arrive, but they went their separate ways.  Before heading off, more delaying took place, and bare legs were seen.

Photos by Mike G

From Whitchurch, we took a traditional CER exit, travelling the wrong way up Claypit Street, then on to Wirswall. I notice that we pass a house called "Witts End". At Wicksted Hall we paused to take in the wonderful view over Marbury’s St Michael’s and Big Mere. We crossed the A49 at Bickley and took the road up to Cholmondley Castle, where David M left us, and then on to Hampton Post (and a final shedding of clothing). Most of the return was very pleasant with the sun and the wind behind us, and from here it speeded up as we passed though Duckington and Tilston.  Finally, Wetreins Lane took us back to Farndon and Lewis’s.  Here waiting for us were Neil’s party, and, a pleasant surprise, Dave and Liz Pipe with their tandem.

Only 37 miles travelled, though on a really good ride with excellent company and conditions.

See route map and/or gpx file download

SH

22nd October 2020: Marbury (mod)

A small group of 5 riders met at Lewis’s in Farndon, to be joined by Ray and Dave M who were out for a short ride. The five, Neil, Eric, Keith, Dave H and myself decided on a meandering route to the Swan at Marbury, and we duly set off towards Churton. Turning south we followed the lanes down to Barton and Tilston before skirting the eastern edge of Bickerton Hill. Here we turned south for Cholmondley, crossing the A49 towards Wrenbury. After a few miles we turned right onto an interesting little lane, well up to Clive’s standard. In fact we were very pleased that the weather was dry or there might have been some ‘incidents’ in the inch deep soil covering the whole surface. However, we reached Marbury unscathed and soon arrived at the Swan, almost exactly 20 miles from Farndon. 

There was ample room on the patio but little sun to provide warmth, and we were left musing how much longer we could go on eating outside. Perhaps we need a change of plan fairly soon. The service was excellent and the food very welcome after only a short wait. It was a pleasure though to go inside to the Gents for a warm! Back in the saddle for a shorter return journey, we crossed the canal towards Bickley, then No Mans Heath, before skirting the edge of Malpas along Mates Lane. The long downhill back to Tilston was very welcome and we were soon on Wetreins Lane  heading for Crewe. Back in Farndon Eric and Neil continued on for home, Keith took some time to inspect a very interesting field of grass, and Dave and myself returned to the café.

Regular readers of this blog will know that most ride reports feature an incident where Dave loses his car keys, hat, gloves ,glasses or map. No such thing happened today. However, Dave did have a little trouble locating his credit card in the café and did a quick circumnavigation of the premises to try and track it down. Fortunately a kind member of the public had found it on the floor and handed it in at the till. Another problem solved then!

Not a long ride - a touch under 35 miles, but very pleasant, and at least we kept dry.

JD