26th April 2018: 10th Anniversary Special Ride - Chester and the Wirral (brisk)

We all gathered and rode out together at the Roodee café Chester for today's top billing of the year as Bryan led the 10-year anniversary ride to Ness Gardens. 

After coffee and speeches, the Brisk group consisting of John M, Nick and myself rode on to Frankby and thence meeting up with the Mods at the “Old Rathbone” (formerly the “Farmers Arms”) who were keeping to the original route of ten years ago.

Our route out, via Parkgate and with clear blue skies the view across the water to Wales, was very spectacular. We kept left of the A540 skirting the mega houses on this peninsular side and negotiating Oldfield Drive which must be the only unadopted steep path/road on the Wirral. We stopped for a photo shoot at the top, one to get our breath back and also to take in the view on offer.

Top of the "climb"

It was then on to Irby before dropping into Frankby and the 'Old Rathbone”. It was surprising that we were there first, but the remaining group arrived 10/15 minutes later minus 3 riders. Have to read their blog for further info!

After a good lunch and speeches by Bryan and Dave H, we set off on a different course home again from the main group and did a loop around Frankby up to Greasby and Woodchurch. I had a cycle route through this area but was unable to locate the route; too many houses new and old.

We crossed the busy A552 and headed up Landican Rd. The mods were also heading out this way but they were either too fast or to slow as we didn’t meet or catch sight of them. Carrying on through Pensby and Hesswell to Brimstage and then turning for Thornton Hough.It doesn’t seem to take long to get out of the one half of the built-up Wirral before entering the opposite half which becomes mainly fields thankfully. Raby Mere was next before heading down Rivacre Valley.

We had the wind behind us most of the return ride and were enjoying this particular stretch of road. We are overtaken by a car who slows to a stop on passing us before starting the climb out of the valley. As we get up to the car it set off at full gas !!!! We now have the ride through the port and this town will never win architectural awards either. Crossing over the main street we head down Cromwell Rd which is now a massive new housing estate.

We take a “Clive short cut” at the end of Thornton Rd and pass under the M53 and up to the main roundabout for Cheshire Oaks. As soon as we arrive at Stanney Mill Road the traffic is very noticeable with queuing traffic either direction. Pavement riding up to the old Cheshire Oaks Cycle shop (now closed) we circle anti-clockwise round the roundabout via the cycle way and crossing lights.

After negotiating the standing traffic, we are on Little Stanney lane heading home. Through Stoak and Wervin and into Upton where we say farewell to John. Nick and myself ride on to Brook lane where we join the greenway and branch off along the canal to Telford's Warehouse and the Roodee café.

Today’s Wirral ride was a 60-mile ride out and back which was a little further than the inaugural ride of 45 miles. With 18+ riders taking part today with two groups of riders to mark the event, it was every bit as special as that first ride 10 years ago.

Well done Bryan

See route map and/or gpx file download

ID

Photos by J Mills

26th April 2018: 10th Anniversary Special Ride - Chester and the Wirral (UPDATED)

Ten years of Easy Riding! What a surprise when Clive enlightened us some time ago, but here we were at the newly opened Roodee café to repeat the inaugural ride to the Wirral.

A good sized group consisting of Bryan, Ivan, John M, Trevor, Nick, John B Graham and Vicky on the tandem, Andy W, Clive, Dave H, Keith, Dave P and Liz (in the car), Steve H and myself set off round the racecourse heading for Blacon. Soon we left the outskirts of Chester and after a brief burst along the A540 turned onto quieter lanes at Puddington, arriving at our coffee stop at Ness Gardens pretty well on time. Brian Mac, unable to ride after a knee operation, had arranged with the management for some reserved tables and a separate refreshment counter, which enabled us to get organised fairly quickly. We were also joined by Glenys and David M for elevenses.

I took the opportunity to formally thank Bryan for all the work he has put into getting the club off the ground and ensuring its smooth running. It is significant that we now have 5 volunteers taking on the various tasks that Bryan did on his own. Brian Mac then presented Bryan with a bicycle themed gift, organised courtesy of Ivan, and engraved with a short inscription.

Bryan informed us that he was not leaving the universe - just going to be commuting between properties. We were pleased to be updated on the progress of Steve Tan and we send him all our best wishes for a continual recovery.

Photos by Macca

Then it was time to hit the saddles again, into Neston and onto the Wirral Way. We were making good progress until we approached Caldy, when John B picked up a puncture. As we were near to our lunch stop, Clive, Dave H and Dave P stayed behind to assist while the rest carried on to The Old Rathbone at Frankby. We were joined by Brian Mac and Glenys for lunch but had nearly finished our meal when the puncturees arrived. Despite the considerable skill of all 4 members John’s wheel could not be fixed and he had to phone for transport home. Dave H, wearing his team manager’s hat, gave us all an individual aspirin sample to put in our wallets in case of any future medical emergency of the sort that a group of elderly cyclists might encounter!  Bryan then informed us that his remaining role, of club secretary, was being taken over by Dave H, who then made a short speech confirming his commitment to the ethos of the Easy Riders.  Admin sorted, we set off towards Irby and then Landican where Bryan decided to follow the scenic and at times very muddy Landican Lane as per the original ride. Fortunately we only encountered a couple of muddy sections and soon emerged on the lane at Storeton. From there it was south through Brimstage, Thornton Hough, Raby and back to Ness Gardens for afternoon tea. Here Graham and Vicky left us to return by car while we took the boardwalk and Greenway back to Chester. The group separated again outside the college with the residue continuing to the end of the Greenway.

Approx 52 miles of pleasant, steady, typically Easy Riders riding.

Here’s to the next ten years, and thanks again Bryan.

See John M's video 

See route map and/or gpx file download

JD

17th December 2009: Frankby

Extra layers were definitely called for today. It was cold enough first thing but the forecast was for a cold north-easterly in the afternoon taking the wind chill down below zero. Despite the forecast four of us met up for elevenses at Ness Botanic Gardens in surprisingly good humour. Over tea and teacakes we decided on a moderate ride with the aim of getting back to the Botanic Gardens no later than 3.00pm. Bryan suggested we ride up the centre of the Wirral returning down the Wirral Way to give us some protection from the wind in the afternoon.
With the route agreed, Bryan led off towards Neston before turning inland in Ness to take the lanes across the A540 heading for Raby. From here it was the well-established route through Thornton Hough and Brimstage to Storeton, however instead of taking the rough track to Landican, today we reached Irby via Barnston and Pensby. So far so good: the weather had turned out to be much better than forecast – cold but clear with good views across to the Dee Estuary from the high spots.
The last couple of miles to the Farmers Arms in Frankby were made in conditions suggesting that the weather might turn but we reached the pub all right. A good choice of ales and food from all day breakfast to the day’s special were available. Clive and Dave debated why the “special price” for two meals was 1p higher than the cost of two separate meals. Luckily they asked before ordering as the “special” included drinks!  Noting that the 2010 rides list was now on the blog conversation turned to the special rides.  A repeat of the Mersey Estuary ride was thought a good idea. Dave agreed to lead another ride in the Ribble Valley and Jim offered to lead one in the Peak District.
Leaving the pub we emerged to find that the weather was still being kind as we dropped down to Caldy and onto the Wirral Way.  From here it was a very pleasant ride back to Ness Botanic Gardens to finish off with afternoon tea and a mince pie before the final leg back home to Chester.
Distance from Chester and back an easy 48 miles.
BW

Inaugural Ride 24th April 2008: Frankby

Five riders met up for elevenses at Ness Gardens for the inaugural ride of the Chester Easy Riders cycling group. Despite a poor weather forecast the three solos and one tandem started off in good heart through Neston and on to the much improved Wirral Way. The weather gradually cleared opening up views across the Dee Estuary to the Welsh hills beyond. By the time Caldy was reached the sun was out offering the prospect of a glorious spring day. It was then time to turn inland along the lanes to Frankby where the attractions of the Farmers Arms terrace proved to difficult to resist. After a leisurely lunch soaking up the sun it was time to follow the lanes through Irby, Landican, Storeton, Brimstage, Thornton Hough and Raby before making a pleasant stop for tea and cakes in Willaston. Then it was on to the final stretch back to Chester via NCR 56, Woodbank and a very busy A550 slip road before joining the Millennium Cycle Path.
At the end of the day all the riders agreed that the inaugural ride had been a great success and had proved the concept of Chester Easy Riders.
Distance from Chester and back 45 miles, flat.
BW