3rd April 2025 : Overton (brisk)

I met Ivan at the Blacon Old Station on the Greenway for the ride via Ferry bridge and Aerospace to The Gladstone Library cafe where there were a few EasyRiders already by the time we arrived. Slowly more arrived and welcomed Ivan back into the fold after his Spanish "adventures". Next time we see him on a bike, it may well be an electrifying experience!

I’d cobbled together a ride taking the easterly wind direction into account as fairly strong winds were forecasted for late in the day. I also didn’t fancy a lot of hills as I hadn’t been in the saddle for two weeks or more. With this type of wind-slipping route in mind,  I’d dressed for the part today with a multi-coloured snood thus emulating the Wind Whisperer - Lol, lol !

So Nick, Ray S and Chris followed me out of the Gladstone café and down the A550 road towards Wrexham. The Mods were just turning left off this road to take the rough uphill track to access the A55 footbridge. This is where we also wanted to go but I decided to stay on the main road and then, at the A55 roundabout, cut back up onto this tired old lane to “overtake” the Mods - and this we did as they were arriving at the bike gate, we were through it and on towards the footbridge.

Onwards and upwards we take Lower Mountain Road in glorious, if a bit chilly, sunshine to the Kinnerton Road where a left and right takes us down Sandy Lane - the surface here is really bad so it’ll live up to its name in time. We peel off right down Shordley Lane into the countryside taking a right and crossing Greenford Road then diving down into Caergwrle. 

Heading towards Wrexham, we peel off left and up the hill and turn into the ominously named Blast Lane. This is an excellent example of the state of our country lanes so we travel sedately before diving down Bradley Lane to Barrett’s Hill - a short but sharp uptick into the back of Gwersyllt. Running parallel to Mold Road, we access the back side of Wrexham arriving alongside the football ground for a swift transfer down and out via the hospital grounds.

Following  the old railway track cycle way, it's a shimmy route to arrive at the Wrexham Road running southwest to turn off left towards Erddig to cycle right through the grounds and out into the poor quality lanes towards Cock Bank and the A528 Overton Road.

Chris decides to take the lead here as we motor down to Overton Bridge for the slog up and into Overton passing one of the Seven Wonders of Wales to arrive after 23 miles at The Two Doves cafe at 1230. The rear gates are unlocked and the bikes are parked out back as our table is found “ Reserved” inside.  Always best to phone ahead here as the cafe is often quite full with “Ladies that Lunch”  and “ Laptops on the table and a single coffee all morning” workers. 

Bangor Bridge stop

After the usual lunch banter we head out into full sunshine 1330. The route out has been largely a straight line due south to ride 90 degrees to the wind. However the route back is via Bangor on Dee, the tiny lanes next to the Dee and Holt. So there is a bit of an angle in it to negate the easterly wind. Nick does a sterling job on Rossett Road pulling us along at 20 mph until he turns off to ride back and uphill to his car in Hawarden with 46 miles ridden. 

We three head for Chester via Dodleston and Lache Lane with 55 plus miles ridden at 15 mph average. The sun is still shining on my bare knees today for the first time this year. So thanks to the peloton for being dragged down so many badly surfaced lanes but it was rewarding riding the byways on such a beautiful Spring day.

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CA

3rd April 2025: Holt (mod)

 Another sunny day in prospect and another low turnout. Slightly better this week though with 10 members turning up for coffee. It was nice to see Ivan out again but understandably he was only out for the coffee and intended to cycle straight home. That left four for the brisk ride and five for the moderate, the latter being Andy B, Keith, Mike D, Steve T and me. I had come prepared with a couple of rides which would take us up into the Welsh hills but Steve was still trying to get his legs working following a winter when he wasn't able to get out much. I therefore offered to lead a ride which would take us down onto fairly level terrain with the aim of having lunch at Maggie's in Holt. I didn't have a route prepared but we would be on roads that I was very familiar with.

We set off down the Wrexham Road before turning for the climb up to Bilberry Wood and the footbridge across the A55. Then we followed Lower Mountain Road turning right towards Shordley. I would normally turn down towards Burton Green just after Shordley but we would be returning that way later in the day so we continued on the high road to Croes Howell. We crossed the main road here to pass the quarries then turned left to drop down to and then over the A483. Immediately we turned left into Marford Wood which was resplendent in the sunshine with its carpet of Wood Anemones and Celandine.

We were heading up towards Hoseley Bank now where I had intended to turn towards Holt and our lunch stop. However when we arrived there it wasn't yet noon and we hadn't covered nearly enough miles to justify lunch so a loop was required. A trip around Clays Golf Centre was the answer so we carried on down Borras Hall Lane, round the golf centre and narrowly avoided Wrexham Industrial Estate before heading towards Holt via Francis Lane. Still too early and still too few miles so I added a second loop down to Ridleywood. Satisfied now that we had earned our lunch (Actually I was hearing a few grumbles from behind me and didn't want to get lynched) I led my followers into Holt and to Maggie's.

It was warm and sunny and for the first time this year we were able to sit outside for our lunch. The service was incredibly fast. I was the fourth to place my order and I had hardly sat down before the first of our meals was arriving. I made the mistake of ordering a cold meal and ended up being served last (but still quickly). I'll know better next time.

After lunch we cycled up towards Rossett, making good time with the wind behind us. We made similarly good progress as we turned up to Burton Green and then on to Kinnerton. There it came to an abrupt end as we turned into the wind, making slower progress as we rode on to Bretton. Andy bade us farewell soon after but as we turned into Saltney Ferry Road we came across Chris, returning home after his trip out with the brisk group.

I wasn't intending to return to Hawarden myself having done the climb up there that morning. As it turned out Keith and Mike had also ridden out so we left Steve to complete the ride on his own. He would have returned to Hawarden via Rake Lane having ridden 36 miles.

TC

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7th November 2024: Rossett (mod)

 The mods group at Hawarden today consisted of Dave and Liz on tandem, Ray(B), George and Dave H. The planned route was to be a circuit of Hope Mountain with lunch at the Alyn Pub in Rossett. We set off on the usual route south crossing the A55 on the footbridge. From here we headed south along the ridge to drop down to Hope and pick up the anticlockwise circuit around Hope Mountain. At Pontylyddn we turned southwest for the well graded snaking 2 mile climb up to the turning onto the B5101 for the scenic ride along the western slope down to Ffrith with a short climb up to the B5102. From here it was lovely long descent to Cefn-y-bedd and on to Rossett.

The Alyn is currently the best of the 3 pubs in the area for food and good service. After lunch we took a direct route back over the gated pedestrian rail crossing and a series of flats and staggered climbs back onto the ridge route we used in the morning.

Good company, good food and a dry somewhat cloudy day

 27 moderatly hilly miles at 10.5 mph. 

 DP

7th November 2024 : Caergwrle (brisk)

A bumper crowd gathered at the Gallery in Hawarden including two new inductees, Paul and Chris, who were served their commission papers by Mr Heath. There were enough of us to make up mod, mod+ and brisk groups today. Surprisingly there were eight folks undaunted by the silly number of hills in my proposed route to Hope (that I'd dug out from my pre-covid archives) with Clive, John M, Nick, Shane, Ray S, newbies Paul and Chris all up for the challenge of the short (40mi) but hilly (3350 ft) Flintshire ramble.

As normal, we left slightly late and after a brief pause when Clive dechained, climbed up through Ewloe towards Buckley on the first of our 11 (ELEVEN!!) categorised climbs. Some gentle ups and downs took us along surprisingly dry and mud-free lanes through Alltami and Sychdyn and past Polly's Brewery. Here, a brief split occured as three of us stayed on the tarmac and everyone else risked the leaf-covered short cut onto the A541. A familiar lane brought us to Gwernaffield Road, and onto the much less familiar Maes Garmon Lane. At the bottom of this lane, we were confronted by a mud-laden climb which probably explains why it's not a familiar road to most of us. MTB/cross-country/gravel-biking skills came into play and we all made it up ... eventually.

Maes Garmon  - or in English "Very Muddy"

Following the mudfest, we headed south through Gwernymynydd and onto the A494 where I missed the turning before The Swan, like I always do! After Swan Lane came a climb up Ffordd Las, which initially met with some disapproval, but in the end turned out to be a mere 7% for just 1km - child's play! There followed a couple more punchy climbs - called that, possibly because a few riders may have wanted to punch the route-planner at this point. At Llanfynydd, we realised we were short of two riders. After a phone call, it transpired that Shane had punctured somewhere on the up and down between Rhyd-y-Ceirw and Llanfynydd. Fortunately John M had hung around to assist him with repairs. They made their own way to Honey's.

As Paul warned us, the next climb was a bit of a monster over Hope Mountain, but at least the clouds had cleared enough to enjoy the views over the Flintshire coast. At the top, considering we were a bit late for our lunch booking, we all reluctantly agreed to bin the planned second ascent of Hope Mt, this one a 10.5% average mile-long Category 3 beast; a real shame that we couldn't fit that one in! So instead of being Hope-ful, we ended up being a little Hope-less (ba-dum tish!)

As Clive, Nick and Ray sped off to Honey's, I waited awhile for Paul and Chris, for rather longer than they could possibly have taken - given they'd been a fair bit faster than most of us to that point - and eventually I realised they must have gone a different way. Sure enough, when I arrived at Honey's in Caergwrle they were there, and Shane and John rolled in shortly after me.

All down hill after lunch

Lunch talk included Ray's Spanish adventures, Paul's experience of time trialling and sportives in Essex, the sad news about Chris Hoy, how to stay hydrated when cycling in cold weather and the art of timely consumption of calories on challenging rides.I think we all enjoyed the food and the excellent, friendly service at Honey's, and I'd suggest it would be a good venue for future lunch stops, especially in the summer with its outdoor seating beside the river. Worth noting they don't accept cards for transactions less than £12, so bring some cash, or you'll have to grab a cookie for the journey home to make up the total!

There was one more climb after lunch up through Caer Estyn, where we passed Dave's mod group heading the other way. From there it was mostly downhill; Clive leading the way at an energetic pace, through the Kinnertons to Saltney Ferry, where the Chester-bound riders bid good day to the folks returning to Hawarden. Despite the hills, I think we all enjoyed a testing but fun ride. If we do this route again during winter months, it probably needs a tweak to miss out that Maes Garmon mud though.

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MT

7th November 2024: Cwm (mod+)

 Its rare to see 21 CER riders in one place apart from our Christmas Meal. So arranged on a banqueting table (see photo) the three groups plotted different routes and options whilst enjoying coffee teacakes or in Matts case someone’s birthday cake and ice cream !

A healthy group of 8 briskers set off for a “Club du Cinglès Hope Mountain”. The mod group were contemplating a “Tour du Hope Mountain” leaving Alan, Steves T & Hu plus Kevin to go west into the nice weather.

 Alans plan was to climb and then stay high before dropping down to the coast for the short dash home. A busy route through Hawarden in the rush hour (if such a thing exists with WFH) led to the old A5 road where the roads became noticeably quieter. We rode through Northop and then paralleling the A55, before starting our trek up to the Halkyn Mountain. Alan took us up what can only be described as a farm track. Apparently a favoured route of Ivans, it takes you off the main road through a farm with an equally excited sheepdog and his owner, then pops you out just below Halkyn village.

 The road is deceptive from Halkyn through Pentre Halkyn onto the Windmills it rises and falls. Fortunately for us today we had a tail wind on this slightly uphill section. Using quiet lanes we crossed the A55 then descended into Cwm. When we say descended it was just that !14% downhill for about half a mile. “We are coming back this way” announced Alan……..you could hear a pin drop!

Refreshed with a variety of hot sandwiches at the Blue Lion, we stopped for the obligatory photo and then set off up the hill. Alan can be seen in the photograph, powering up the 14% with effortless ease, whilst the rest of us suffered in silence.

 The road meandered down to Trelawnyd where we discovered the previously flattering tail wind was now a head wind. With Kevin and Alan specks in the distance, Steve T and I realised our state of the nation discussion should cease and we should put our cycling heads back on!

 At Holywell I remembered a lovely descent through the woods by Greenfield Valley. The last time I climbed this route was in the spring with CER. Dave Heath was telling me something memorable, I’ve forgotten what it was LOL. So, after creating bow waves of leaves we plunged into Greenfield. A short section of the busy “bottom” road took us to Bagillt where we could re-join the cycleway.

 At Flint our ride leader Alan set off for home and shortly after Kevin carried on to Graham Weighs in Shotton, en route to his home in Chester. Steve T and I took Paper Mill lane which pulled all the way back up to Northop Hall.

 Hawarden was just a ten minute breeze under our wheels. I recorded an enjoyable 44 miles with 3,232 feet of climbing, so a punchy little route.

 As always thanks for leading Alan and to Kevin and Steve T for the company.

 Steve Hu 

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1st August 2024: Foulk Stapleford (mod)

There was a reasonable turnout at the Gladstone despite some not being available for various reasons. As far as the mod group were concerned, Dave Matthews had a car to pick up from a garage, Dave Pipe relished a lone challenge of the Welsh hills with electrical assistance and Jim was riding home where he  had workmen arriving. Then there were two little piggies left: Andy Barber and myself. I had had a strenuous day attacking my back garden in the heat, followed by losing sleep because of the dog being unsettled by the overnight thunder. I was too knackered for a day in the hills. So it was that we decide on Walk Mill as a lunch destination

Dave Matthews threaded us through Queensferry, and then we cycled down the side of the Dee to Chester racecourse. Dave was first to take his leave, later followed by Jim as we split off for Christleton at Piper’s Ash. Andy then suggested an off-piste route that he had been introduced to by Clive. I had been interested in this possible exploration before, but not being local had not got around to it. I was glad we made the effort, but since Andy and Clive’s last visit the path through Hockenhull Platts has become a jungle in parts. If you fancy trying this route it is a very attractive diversion through a nature reserve but take a machete. It is situated on a continuation of Plough Lane where cars must turn left for Cotton Hall and Stamford Mill, but pedestrians and cyclists can carry straight on. The River Gowy section is crossed by three old, cobbled packhorse bridges. It is part of the Baker Way which links Chester and Delamere railway stations and is named after Jack Baker a former footpaths officer for Cheshire. Stung by nettles and bloodied by thorny bramble, we eventually reached Walk Mill. It was a relaxed lunch with friendly, efficient service and decent grub. Our conversation was wide ranging and included  discussing cycling in France in the Luberon Valley and up Mont Ventoux. Andy’s experience was extensive compared to my own forays on hired hybrids. We returned via Waverton and Christleton  before reaching the river  below Grosvenor Park. The Groves were filled with people enjoying the sunny holiday weather, licking ice cream and taking boat trips. We crossed the river  at Saltney and skirted the airport before heading up to Hawarden by way of Rake Lane. We finished up back at the Gladstone café with coffee and a sweet. A shortish but very enjoyable ride in interesting company. 

Photo by DH

DH

1st August 2024: Overton (mod+)

About nine CER members gathered at The Gladstone Library café in Hawarden on a bright, sunny day that promised to be very warm and a threat of thunderstorms (the Met Office had put out a ‘yellow’ warning).

The mod+ group was Clive, Fiona, Elwyn and myself and the plan was to ride down to the Two Doves café in Overton using a route first conceived by Alan. We set off down the hill past the castle car park, revelling in the new smooth road surface. Then up the steep road/track at the side of Bilberry Wood to reach the footbridge over the A55.

Having climbed some more along Old Hope Road to cross the Mold road near Penymynydd, we were soon flying down Lower Mountain Road, crossing Kinnerton Road and swooping into Golly and Burton. Here we crossed the railway line using the rather awkward (for cyclists) gates. Heading along Chester Road we only had to climb a short way up the hill before peeling off left down Hoseley Lane. Somewhere along here we came across two huge tractors pulling slurry tankers which had met each other head on down the narrow lane. There followed a bit of a shuffle as they manoeuvred around each other, after which we followed one of them along the lane – but not too closely!.

After negotiating the roundabout on the A534 at Llan-y-pwll, we followed some more lovely lanes which skirted around Wrexham Industrial Estate and popped us out on the A525 at Cross Lanes. From there is was a short run down to Bangor-on-Dee and the bridge over the river, where the traditional group photo was taken.

Photo by EJ

From here it was but a short climb into Overton and the Two Doves, where the back gate was open and we found a cool shady spot to sit for lunch. As usual, the menu provided a wide range of offerings, including the all- day breakfast, which Clive took advantage of. Others chose more modest fare.

Now fed and watered, we were soon ready for the off, re-tracing our route  back to Bangor. Here, Clive left us to head off to consult Dave (The Bike Doctor) Matthews to sort out an annoying ‘click’ which he’d had all morning. Fiona led us through a housing estate in Bangor so that we could get back onto the A525 without going the ‘wrong way’ over the old bridge there.

We were soon off the main road and on Creamery Road and then on to the tiny side roads which run roughly parallel to Holt Road, but have almost zero traffic on them. In the winter, these often get flooded or are very muddy.

Emerging from the lanes, we crossed the A534 and headed into Holt. Heading out of there along Borras Road, the north-westerly wind was now quite strong, so Fiona volunteered Elwyn to lead us up the B5102 towards Lavister. ‘Keep it to 17’ she shouted to him. 17 mph!!! I was only able to keep up as long I was no more than two inches from his back wheel.

Fiona and Elwyn live in Lavister, but they offered to come a bit further on with me, so that they could get more than 50 miles in for the day. So, we pressed on through Dodleston to Higher Kinnerton, where we parted company.

That just left the last five miles for me to get back to Hawarden, but what a tough five miles it is, coming at the end of a forty-odd mile ride. The climb from Higher Kinnerton to Chester Road at the top must be at least 150 feet over about two miles and it took all my remaining energy to do it. The short ride past Rough Piece Wood was followed by the plunge down Tinkersdale to complete the ride.

45 miles covered on some fabulous lanes in warm sunshine and excellent company. And no hint of a thunderstorm!

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ST

13th June 2024: No destination (mod)

Jim and I had been keeping an eye on today's weather forecast all week and it looked like Thursday afternoon was going to be wet, wet, wet! By Wednesday afternoon it didn't look any better so we decided that we would cycle up to the Gladstone Library at Hawarden for coffee and then cycle home by whichever route would get us back before the rain came. Dave H was in two minds as to whether to venture out or not but eventually decided to join us.

I don't usually describe our journey to the starting cafe – it's not part of the ride – but the reason for writing the following will soon become clear. The three of us set off towards Chester eventually reaching the River Dee at The Groves. From here we followed the river, round the Roodee racecourse and along to Ferry Lane bridge. We crossed the bridge turning right to go past the Airbus factory then left up Rake Lane. At the top we turned right for the climb up to Hawarden.

There were more members at the library than we had expected (we hadn't expected any) but all had an eye on the afternoon's weather. As a result no-one was going to lead a moderate ride and therefore our ride out became the moderate ride. Hence the route description thus far. David M had driven to Holt and ridden up from there so joined us for part of the ride as we left Hawarden. We turned down the Wrexham road then up to the edge of Bilberry Wood before crossing the A55 via the footbridge. Lower Mountain Road took us south before dropping down to Lavister. Here we decided to turn left – a wise decision as it turned out – to return via Eccleston and in order to avoid Handbridge I navigated a route through the houses to cross the river by the Queens Park bridge.

Now it was simply a matter of retracing our route back to the start. No lunch out this week but just over 31 miles ridden. The rain started just as I cycled onto my drive.  

TC

25th April 2024 : Rhyl (brisk)

Today's ride was from Gladstone Library Café in Hawarden. I was not expecting any other Brisk riders to be out today as they were mostly on holiday elsewhere but on arrival, I was the only rider for 20 minutes!! Eventually, Alan arrived then at 10:27 Dave P turned up ready to ride. 

I had route to Rhyl and the motion was carried and we set off.  Departing the café, it started to drizzle so we had a quick pit stop to put on our jackets. On setting off again through Ewloe, there were now only two of us as Dave decided to do his own ride. 

Rhuddlan Castle and this ride's peloton.

Clwyd River Path to Rhyl

The route is through Northop and the Halkyns and then on to Trefnant. From St Asaph, we join the cycle way along the busy A525 to Rhuddlan which is a very good cycle road and a lot less potted than the roads. It's then along the Clwyd river cycleway into Rhyl and the ever-popular "The Sussex" Wetherspoons pub for lunch of fish and chips and a golden beer from all the way from Bonnie Scotland.

From Rhyl, although we did not have the history tutor, I was suitably informed of the Sustrans involvement in maintaining the cycleway and Alan's commitment to the Sustrans voluntary work force. On departure from the Spoons pub, we ride the road to Prestatyn before joining our next cycleway through the golf course and Prestaven Sands holiday park.  Again, Alan has been involved along this track only last week, shovelling all the sand back from the wooden section. 

We rejoin the main road (A548), and I realise I am solo and pull over and wait for Alan. When he arrives, he advises me that he’s lost his seat bag. It's quickly established that he hadn’t had one as he swopped bikes and didn’t transfer his kit! I mention that I hope we don’t have a puncture as now no tools. Omen!!! 50 yards along the road he hits a pothole and a snakebite – pop!!  He quickly fixes it and we were rolling again.  

On arrival at Shotton, I head for home via the Greenway. Due to bike malfunction on leaving home and swopping his bike, Alan must now return to Hawarden to collect his car. So a 58 mls route round from Hawarden with thanks to Alan for his company on the ride.

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ID

7th March 2024: Caerwys (mod)

Quite a crowd of us met up at our first visit to Gladstone Library, Hawarden, with its lovely architectural features and good coffee. Jim and DaveM had cycled out before a return home. The Brisk contingent consisted of Clive, Ken and Ivan who were off to investigate the north Wales terrain, Steve and Alan of the Mods+ were to visit Llandegla and the remaining 6; Andy, DaveH, George, Electric Tandem duo Dave & Liz plus myself eventually forming a group and would go with Dave’s planned ride to the Piccadilly Inn, Caerwys. Our route out via Northop Hall and Northop was largely wind assisted and we did not feel too cold. Dave & Liz then demonstrated the advantages of electric assist by taking us to Rhosesmor where gradients of 16% plus encountered. We thought Dave was trying to get the record for the most climbing in the fewest miles. The wind was with us as we progressed via the ‘Big Dippers’ on Halkyn Mountain to Babell. The lunch at the Piccadilly Inn was quite pleasant the group having a variety of sandwiches and cottage pie. Discussions took place on the Bert Bailey 100, recent Budget (that lasted less than a minute) and other topics.

Dave didn’t have a route for our return. So Andy came up with a cunning plan, which we dutifully followed going through Babell, then picking up the route we came out. Unfortunately, it was against a very cold strong southerly wind. It wasn’t helped by the low cloud. And we suffered. At Rhosesmor Andy decided to head home in Mold, the remainder of us returned to Hawarden via Steve Tan’s lane, Northop and Northop Hall. We survived, even though we had to stop whilst we navigated around one of those modern tractors that take up the whole width of the lane. We returned safely to Hawarden having covered 31 miles and all looking forward to getting warm. 

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Mike G

7th March 2024 : Gwaenysgor (brisk)

There was a good turnout at Gladstone Library cafe on a cold overcast day. We had “Reserved Tables” no less! The staff are always pleased to see us and service was brisk.

Talking of brisk, the brisk ride today was put together by Ivan as a useful personal test post knee surgery. The only other taker was Ken, so the three of us set off the usual way out to Northop Hall and onto Northop proper. We take the long slow hill up towards the A55 but thankfully avoid this busy and fast section of the expressway by taking a No-through road westwards up the hillside. 

Ivan had taken this route before and had met the farmer, whose private road this was, but was allowed to continue. We hoped today would be similar. Round the bend the farmer is there herding a few ewes and their lambs into a trailer. We wait patiently and somewhat subserviently hoping permission is granted for us to take the very private concrete farm track up the hillside and passed the farmhouse. All is well as we grind our way up and out onto a lane which looked somewhat familiar. It was in fact very close to where Steve T had his very nasty accident a few years ago.

The route now is the familiar “Ride of the Halkyns” passing though Babell and beyond. We take an awful tiny lane the surface of which gets progressively worse as we speed alarmingly downhill to pass over the A55 via the pedestrian bridge at Ruallt Hill. Pleased to be down, a sharp right soon takes us up again and on to Cwm and Pentre Cwm before hitting the main road at Dyserth.

More upwards knee punishment is in store as we dive down Pandy Lane and then ever upwards passed the old lead mines until the turn for Gwaenysgor thankfully appears. Upwards again we are soon supping a pint in the Eagle and Child pub. Hot food comes pretty quickly as we now have recently enjoyed a little warmth with misty sunshine over the last few miles. 

Knowing that the hills are almost over, there is just one more incline up to the car park overlooking Prestatyn. I take a memorial photo of the 33% downward decline that we shall now “enjoy” providing our brakes work well and there is not too much trafffic.

The best hill of the day is behind us!

Ivan swoops down as Ken and I take a more controlled descent. At this time, I realise my front derailleur is stuck on the small chain ring so it’ll be going round quite quickly on the way home. Ivan makes the executive decision that, in the gathering gloom and increasing cold headwind, we would eschew the usual route via the golf club, caravan park and Talacre amusements and just motor down the A548 Mostyn Road. This was not much fun as we take turns to be the domestique as the cold headwind blunts our speed.

It is a grind but it served the purpose of getting back to Connah’s Quay without having to think about it. Here, Ken carries on to the Queensferry Interchange and onwards to Rossett. Ivan and I take the Greenway back towards Chester.

So a successful day for Ivan’s knee as we all get 60+ miles ridden. If we had gone back to Hawarden it would have been about 45 miles. So thanks Ivan for the route planning today.

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CA

11th January 2024: Holt (mod)

There was a good turnout at Hawarden. The Pursuit Café was closed, so we enjoyed our coffee in the impressive Gladstone Library building.  Steve Tan was prepared to ‘have a go’ with the brisk group, despite still recovering from his icy accident. The moderate team for the day consisted of Big Ray, George, Trevor, Andy and me.  It was good to have Andy back off the bench, another one of us without a real clean bill of health but enjoying riding if at all possible. Trevor kindly agreed to lead, either to Pant yr Ochain by a roundabout route, or Maggie’s at Holt, or even Bangor on Dee if we had time. Trevor’s local knowledge was very effective once we had cleared the climb through Bilberry Wood. The little downhill lanes took us past Burton Tower and on to Rossett. Various deviations were taken around Marford and Gresford which linked a number of narrow lanes in a green lacework of a route skirting Wrexham and its industrial estate. 

George and I talked about the unnecessary risk taken by many football teams of insisting on intricate passing out from the back. If only Guardiola had us on his coaching staff!  By the time we were passing Clays golf course the decision had already been made to take lunch at Maggie’s.  Another quiet lane had us on a fast-track northeast to Holt. After safely negotiating the iffy dog leg at the A534  we pass Bellis’ garden centre, which for those who have been in the club a long time, associate with Hildegard, the former lively hostess of what became Cleopatras. Some of us had the full breakfast at Maggie’s, whilst the seemingly more moderate orders of George and Roy were spoilt by their late rush for ‘afters’! Andy told us of his recent trespassing ride with Clwb Seiclo Ruthun which aroused the wrath of the resident Welsh farmer. Trevor’s planned flight in a Spitfire sparked a lot of interest. Ray was still trying to convince us that paying for days getting to somewhere while surrounded by hundreds of status conscious strangers and heaving salt water, was preferable to relaxing in a private villa for a fortnight.

George offered to take us the most direct way back to Hawarden.  The weather had been  pleasantly quiet for cycling so far, but the slight breeze in our faces after lunch was cold. We ate up the miles on George’s route via Dodleston and the cycleway to beyond British Aerospace. Along the way, Trevor had left us to return to Guilden Sutton. The last pedal pressing past Hawarden Castle wasn’t too onerous after such an easy return. I was able to return to Runcorn in time to get Harry the dog out; just as well, because Lynne was in the pub! About 32 miles covered.

DH

11th January 2024 : Kinmel Bay (brisk)

After finding the Pursuit café closed, we all crossed the road to the very grand ‘food for thought’ restaurant in Gladstone library. Probably the noisiest customers they’ve had in a while!

A good turnout for a Hawarden start and good to see Steve Tan back in the saddle after his tumble. With seven briskers, Clive, Ken, Matt, Shane, Steve H , Steve T and myself we set of west towards (not so) sunny Rhyl's Kinmel Bay.

Unfortunately Steve T was having mechanical issues (the mudguard again) and was forced to retire near Northop. Shortly afterwards we hauled our way up Middle Mill lane, and up over the Halkyns. No one was complaining of being cold after this! Shortly after Babell, Steve H had to retire; he had been suffering from a virus all week, so he set off for a coffee in Caerwys and an early bath!

A fast decent down to Rhuallt found us then on the Cwm road with its panoramic views all the way to the Great Orme. A great view despite the grey winter's day as we head for Rhuddlan. As we all know Clive can’t resist a "caarstle", so we follow him on a slight detour down to the very nice one at Rhuddlan for our customary group photo. Wiki link to the castle here

At Edward 1st's Rhuddlan Castle

We now head along the River Clwyd path towards Rhyl. As we pulled up at the Hub café in Kinmel Bay, it was nice surprise to see Mike Gilbert albeit briefly as he was just leaving the cafe. 

So after a welcome lunch, we wound our way through all of the repair works on Rhyl prom, and then along the sketchy sand covered cycle path to Prestatyn. A quick ride through the golf club then the holiday park brought us to Talacre and thence a turn around the Point of Ayr former coal mine but we avoided the muddy section of path after Talacre  and then join the main drag back to Flint. 

Onwards we charged through Mostyn via the unavoidable A548. It was at this point, as the group's flashing rear lights grew ever distant, that I realised why it is called a brisk ride! 

I headed homewards in Flint, and later learnt that nobody did take Papermill Lane back to Hawarden. In Shotton, Clive and Matt headed for Chester via the Greenway whilst Ken and Shane headed vaguely towards Rossett.

A minimum of 53 miles today and more for some and thanks to Clive for route assistance and his extensive historical knowledge!

AO

See route map and/or gpx file download

14th October 2021: Rossett (mod)

Well what a sorry sight greeted Megan and I as we approached The Gallery Coffee Shop start point. Three fast lads and three mods with Alan bemoaning the fact The Gallery was closed due to holidays and “no ride can start without coffee”

 As we waited, Dave Pike’s other half brought news that the Gladstone Library was open and more and more CER riders started to appear.

The fast group departed and Neil who had ridden over also did his own thing. The rest of the group then de camped 100 yds to the library.

Photo by AO

So, having consumed beverages cakes and more than a little culture the 14 strong mod group set off. 

Herding cats/ juggling monkeys or herding jellyfish must be easier than keeping this group together.

Alan led the group out of Hawarden through Buckley and Mynydd Isa down Rose Lane to Llong leaving suburbia behind and into the Welsh countryside.

The lovely experience of whizzing along quiet tree lined lanes suddenly changed when the going went vertical. By the time the group reached the summit of Treuddyn comments such as “is that the climbing for today” and “boy, that was long and are we there yet” resounded from the group.

A quick plunge into Llanfynydd through Frith and then a further drop to The Ffrwd. In Cefn y Bedd we took the back road around Alyn Waters Country Park. Bordering on Llay we took the Gresford Road turning before the railway tunnel to take the old road to Rossett, paralleling the A483 on a road which the farmer was kindling cutting his hedge.

One man down, Andy B succumbed to a freshly cut thorn, prompting Peter to say “that was the fastest tube change I have ever seen”. Always the modest man Andy replied “I’ve had enough practice”

In Rossett we dined under a Teepee at the Golden Lion. Whilst the food service was slow, the food when it arrived was first class. Dave Heath you would have loved it there, and please get well soon.

At Rossett we bade farewell to Trevor, Steve Ha and Peter.

Crossing the railway line, we headed up towards Kinnerton. A quick spin along Lache Lane and tempting close to Chester we turned left again and headed for the The river Dee.

At one point we lost Mike and Andy and the intrepid groups went from seven to five and finally three as Steve T, Megan and myself returned to Hawarden.

Thanks to Alan for devising a not too hilly route from Hawarden.

 SHu

See route map and/or gpx file download