12th December 2024: Christmas Lunch Ride To Gresford (mod)

 I've lost count of how many years we've been going to the Pant-yr-Ochain at Gresford for our annual Christmas Lunch but once again Dave H booked it. And once again he asked me to lead the moderates ride. With only a few of our starting venues near enough to reach Gresford in time it should have been easy to plan a ride there. Simply look at a previous year's ride and follow that. But oh no! Dave likes to throw a spanner in the works one and this year's spanner came in the form of a change to the timing. So although we were starting from Maggie's for the second time in a row the meal was now booked for half an hour later. Back to the drawing board, then, to find a route with about 5 more miles.

 It would be easy to have a moan about Dave's erratic planning but I won't. Truth is I soon came up with 2 alternatives which would fit the bill and besides he was recovering from a stressful day the day before the ride. Storm Darragh had roared in the weekend before leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Amongst other things power lines feeding the pub had been brought down and the electricity supply hadn't been restored until Tuesday evening. As a result ,much of the food bought in to feed us had gone off and had had to be thrown away. Dave got to know about it on Wednesday morning and a stressful day followed. After much toing and froing of emails it was decided that we would continue with the ride but we didn't know what we would end up eating.

 Those of us who were riding assembled at Maggie's in Holt and after the usual coffees and teas we split into 2 groups. No mod+ ride this week so I led a larger than usual group of 12 riders on a tour of the Cheshire countryside. We crossed the River Dee into Farndon then followed a clockwise route which took us to Churton, Coddington and Barton before returning to Farndon via Wetreins Lane. A circuit which should have provided us with lovely views but which unfortunately did not due to a mist which had descended during the night and which refused to clear all day.

 After passing Maggie's we headed towards Gresford taking a loop via Hoseley on the way. This caused a break-up of the group as some of the faster riders had opened up a gap between themselves and the rest of us. In doing so they missed a turning and although we shouted for them to come back they were too far away to hear. We had no alternative but to carry on without them but I was relieved to see them turn up at the Pant-yr Ochain not long after we did.

The staff at the pub had pulled out all the stops to replace all the food that had been ruined and with the exception of one of the main courses we were all able to to enjoy what we had pre-ordered. An amazing 28 members sat down to a sumptuous meal, the largest turnout ever for a Christmas lunch. I didn't know that we had that many. There can't have been many missing. Steve T got up offer Dave a well-deserved vote of thanks for all the hard work (and stress) that went in to organising this year's Christmas lunch.

I led an even smaller group back to Holt after lunch. Just 3 of us with 2 more not far behind having done 22 miles. Not many but then its more about the lunch and getting as many of us as possible together than the ride itself.

It only remains for me to wish all our blog readers a Happy Christmas and all the best for 2025.

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12th December 2024: Christmas Lunch ride to Gresford (brisk)

A few Fast Lads were out on Tuesday visiting some of the obscure roads, cycle ways, disused railway cuttings and canal paths on a satisfying ride to West Kirby and the Spoons pub. I offered to put together two rides for today's ride from Holt to the Pant-yr-Ochain. We chose the shorter one which became even shorter on the day.

Maggies Cafe became very crowded as probably 20 of us were supping a hot drink trying not to notice the gloom and drizzle outside. For those riders who had ridden out it was tales of wet weather gear and frequent wiping of the cycling glasses.

So John M, Ray, Ken, Ivan, Nick and Matt were led out to "race" around the Wrexham Industrial ring road to Cross Lanes. We took stock here as it was clear that a re-plan was needed to ensure we maximised drinking time at the Pant, sorry, meant to say, "Get there by 1200" as we were required to do.  So with the local knowledge expert to hand aka Ken, we re-route on the fly through Erddig parklands with the sad spectre of several fallen trees post last weekend's big storm.

At the Ruabon Road junction, we take the Booker Wholesale estate transfer onto Foxwood Drive and the memory is stirred for the route to the Sainsbury's roundabout and the dive down under the railway bridge to shimmy through the edge of Greater Wrexham. A walk over the footbridge brings us out within a very short ride to the Pant arriving about 1150. We had had enough of the miserable weather and lack of light and felt the pull of the bar for a refreshing pint but had only ridden 16.5 miles.

As ever, the Pant does not disappoint the 28 or so of us today. Despite their loss of power and freezer contents, the menu was only very slightly curtailed.  The range of real ales was tempting and the food was top-notch. It was soon time to go and we head out for Gresford centre passing The Flash but have to divert via Pikey Lane due to tree felling activities. At the lights, Nick and some others head back to Holt to their cars.

The rest of us ride off down Marford Hill exceeding the 20mph Wrexham to Chester speed limit keen to get home before it is dark. As ever, a satisfying ride of about 40 miles for those who rode out from Chester.

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CA

14th December 2023: Christmas lunch ride to Gresford (mod)

There are numerous traditions associated with Christmas. Christmas trees, mince pies, turkey and Santa, of course, to name but a few. To these, CER members can add the Pant-yr-Ochain at Gresford which seems to have become the venue of choice for our annual Christmas lunch ride. We've always been pleased with the food and service there so Dave H booked it again this year but this time he booked the meal for mid-day so that we wouldn't be cycling home in the dark. This meant that there were only 2 possible starting points for a ride out which would get us there in time and since we had ridden from Alison's last year we started from Maggie's in Holt this year. 

The weather forecast was good which resulted in a good turnout for the rides. After the brisk group had departed there were 11 of us left for the moderate ride. I left heading south towards the main road followed by Alan, Andy B, Dave H, David M, Jim, Mike, Neil, Ray, Shane and Steve Hu. Its only 5 miles from Maggie's to the Pant-yr-Ochain so I'd had to devise a route to get there at the right time and not an hour early. In the end I came up with a route including 2 large circles which would get us there at about the right time. So on reaching the main road we turned left then immediately right where we were confronted with a view of the fields completely covered by water. It looked more like the Lake District than the Cheshire countryside. Steve insisted on us stopping for a photo and risked life and limb by standing in the middle of the road to get one.

Photos by Steve Hu

After the photo shoot we turned right into Francis Lane and followed it until we reached the new dual-carriageway which carries traffic to the industrial estate. We wanted the road straight across but had to follow the cycle path down to the roundabout and back up the other side. A circular tour of Clays Golf Centre brought us to another roundabout which we crossed to get to Borras Hall Lane. At the top of this lane we turned right and right again, heading towards Commonwood, and in the direction of Holt. Before we completed the circle we turned left up towards Rossett, left through Hoseley and left again into Hoseley Lane. Before completing the second circle we turned right again. Some carried on here while some of us waited for a few of the others to catch up and and it was nice to see Peter. He had ridden out to wish us a Happy Christmas but had missed us at Holt. We carried on along Vicarage Lane towards Gresford and turned into the Old Wrexham Road for the final mile to the Pant-yr-Ochain, arriving with only 12 miles done and with 10 minutes to spare.

As we enjoyed our lunch we were reminded of why we keep going back to the Pant-yr-Ochain. Great food, great service and great company.

No messing about on the way back. We took the short route back retracing our route along Old Wrexham Road, Vicarage Lane then down through Commonwood back to Holt. At 17 miles its the shortest CER ride that I've ever done But then today was more about the lunch than the ride and we certainly enjoyed that.

Many thanks to Dave H for organising the lunch and for all the work he does for the club throughout the year. Happy Christmas to him and all our readers. 

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TC

14th December 2023 : Christmas Lunch ride to Gresford (brisk)

So popular is the CER Christmas celebration that Maggie’s at 10 am was bursting at the seams with virtually the full CER membership in attendance. The Christmas lunch is once again being hosted by the Pant-y-Ochain in Gresford, our venue of choice for a number of years and a real favourite with us all.The weather today was overcast and warm, a total contrast to last years event which was held on a very cold and icy day. 

Trevor led the mods on a loop heading south while I took the brisk group on a loop in the opposite direction to the north. I had five for company Ray S, Nick, John M, Clive plus Richard -who was out only for the ride as his planned golfing jolly had been cancelled. Ivan, one of the main pillars of the brisk group, is recovering well from his knee surgery but unfortunately not yet fit enough to attend. We will look forward to seeing him out on the bike in the new year.

The short route today is along roads that we are all very familiar with, visiting the villages of Dodleston, Kinnerton and Llay. I had posted the route earlier in the week but this was not the route we took. I decided that some extra resistance training (hills) to help sharpen our appetite’s would be beneficial and this detour was made easier by Clive’s request to visit Alf Jones’s bike shop. 

After leaving Holt, we headed out to Rossett and turned off  into Gamford Lane to join Wrexham Road at Lavister. After a few hundred metres we turned off onto  the muddy road that goes through Dodleston to Lower and then into Higher Kinnerton. At the junction of Sandy Lane, we began the detour going up Sandy Lane to Shordley where we  turned left gently descending the very wet roads to Llay at the junction with the Crown Inn. Skirting around Llay we crossed over the dual carriageway and up the very steep short climb to Gresford's 15th century Church -its  bells are classified as one of Wales Seven Wonders. (The bells are  also included in a rhyme dating back to the 18th century. See here for more information.)

We turned into Pant Lane which brought us to Alf Jones shop where Clive completed his purchase and Nick received help from the workshop to free off the seized bolts in his brake callipers. Great service from our local bike shop. Following which we continued to the ‘Pant’ with only 18 miles ridden.

The ‘Pant’ with Dave H’s help were very well organised and quickly had our group of 19 seated, fed, and watered. Plenty of noisy banter, accompanied by good food, provided a great atmosphere. A perfect way to start the Christmas celebrations.

After lunch we set off down Marford Hill where soon I turned off for home and John, Ray and Clive motor towards Chester homeward bound for a 35 + mile round trip

Dave, thanks for steering the the club so brilliantly through 2023 your hard work is really appreciated by  all members.

Happy Christmas everybody, and I'm looking forward to burning off the Christmas calories!

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KP

15th December 2022 : Gresford - Christmas Lunch Ride (brisk)

I'd offered a little while ago to lead a brisk Christmas ride from Tattenhall to the Pant. Not knowing how the weather would be on the day, I had prepared three routes – a direct run of 15 miles, a longer loop of 35 miles, and one in the middle at 22 miles. So this is the one in middle at 22 miles.

I wasn't altogether happy with riding all the way out to Tattenhall, thence to Pant, and thence to home after lunch in the gloom as this would have been 50 miles in sub-zero temperatures – but this is what John W did of course! Under some pressure about being careful on the roads, I hit on the idea of asking Ken if I could park at his house and then ride out with him to Tattenhall for coffee at Alison's. This would mean that on the ride out to coffee from Rossett, Ken and I would each have a ride-buddy in case anything untoward happened. Ken was happy to oblige me.

So I arrived at Ken's at 0900 with -7.5C showing on the car's outside temperature gauge. Ken offered a cuppa so that we could defer starting out for 30 mins or so to allow the weak sun to “warm up the air”. We set off out of Rossett to Farndon then to Churton where we decide to take Pump Lane towards Coddington. There was little evidence of serious icing; the real problem was the deteriorating road surface of this lane. So riding cautiously, we end up a Chowley Oak, crossing the A41, and thence into the warm arms of Alison's cafe.

There were quite a lot of Mods already there – some in civvies who would join us at lunch. John W arrived at 1100 after the Mods had left, now making the Brisk Triad for the day. Ivan was hoping to come, but a nasty chesty cough prevented him from joining us on his bike.We set off back towards the A41, then running south on it for a mile or so before taking the shortcut up the Old Coach Road and then up the hill to Duckington. We were glad of the hills today to warm up our legs. The roads were actually surprisingly clear as we enter the gridlocked Malpas High Street. Out on Wrexham Road, we decide to just take this all the way to Bangor-on-Dee as it was well salted with extremely light traffic.

A burn along the A525 to the new road into the Industrial Estate finds us riding the long uphill road around Caia Park. It's now 10 mins from lunch and we take extreme care over the icy footbridge onto the Old Wrexham Road and the Pant. The pub is very busy but there is already a Brisk Formation drinking team at the bar aka Ray, Nick, Ivan and John M. Richard was planning to come but the lure of a dental appointment back in the Lakes was too much for him to ignore.

You know what it is like in crowded restaurants when the adjoining table is being loud and boisterous. There were 18 of them! - some in fancy dress of cycling attire! Good to see some “old” faces that we haven't seen for a while though.

The Pant looked after us royally with the food being very good indeed considering how busy the kitchen must have been. Time was marching on as the the Mod group were now leaving around 1500 with certainly three of them riding back to Tattenhall. Our brisk group decided to leave around 1545 with a certain electric trike, piloted by Matt, taking up the rear as we zoomed down Marford Hill towards Chester. John W and Matt pedalled onto Chester as Ken and I broke off in Rossett heading towards his house.

It was only -1.5 C now, but I was glad to be driving back to Chester as the sun sunk below the horizon. So only 22 miles from Tattenhall, but 40 miles in total ridden in sub-zero temperatures; nonetheless a very enjoyable experience all round especially the warmth of the Pant and that first pint of Titanic Plum Porter. 

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CA

BTW: If the Mods were wondering what happened to their inclusive mince pie at the end of the meal, the Brisk Group had to decide how to dispense these out - and it was achieved!

15th December 2022: Gresford - Christmas Dinner Ride (mod)

There were five moderate riders at Alison's willing to give it a go in risky, icy conditions. Alan was recovering, but still game, and it was great to have Big Roy back. Mike's hardiness had been honed in the Welsh hills, Steve Tan was positive as ever, and I was wearing my old helmet in case my new one was scarred by freezing tarmac. Ken and Clive had already been for a cold spin and were waiting for John Wilkie for further forays. Dave Matthews was in civvies, as was Neil with his wife, Paula. Dave and Neil would be driving over to join us for Christmas lunch, later. Trevor was a bit under the weather, so he had sent us his route the day before, and Steve had downloaded it. I had one of Mike's maps from the bundle that he had kindly donated to me the week before, so between us we were unlikely to go wrong. It was a bit of a wrench to leave the warm and friendly hospitality of Alison's for the face-cutting cold air outside.

Photo by Mike G

We headed in the direction of Huxley before turning north-west alongside the canal to Waverton. We were riding steadily, with reckless overtaking by the odd driver causing more concern than the road surfaces. Steve was sure that his Garmin's temperature reading was too low, but my dentist, who lives at Tattenhall, told me that her car registered -7°C on Thursday morning. Farndon via Saighton was our next target. We stopped at the toilets next to the ancient Dee bridge. In this sheltered spot we briefly enjoyed the warmth of the brilliant sun, set in a clear, cold-blue sky. The road from Holt was straightforward, but we were not sure if the smaller lanes up the hill would be rideable. Some of the surfaces looked threateningly slippery, but we made it to Pant-yr-Ochain on schedule. It was good to see Matt on his tricycle continuing his recovery from being smashed off his bicycle by a turning car many months ago.

Our hopes of a prompt start to our meal, in order to ensure we had time to return to Tattenhall before dark were undermined by a couple of still- empty seats after a quarter-past-one. A misunderstanding about the time of the booked meal I believe. Never mind, we were served promptly when all had arrived. Everyone seemed to enjoy the food and the socialising. It was good that our hosts had managed to accommodate the brisk group in the library, adjacent to the originally booked main table. I was pleased to see Jim again, who has now ordered his electric bike from Ribble Cycles. Trevor had also made it, but I apologise for not chatting to some people at all, because I needed to pay the bill, and join the fabulous five as quickly as possible at the end. It was a really good turnout, so I hope everyone was pleased that they had made the effort to attend, even those who had to suffer Roy's jokes at our end of the table.

Photos by Steve T

The ride back was as direct as possible. We retraced our steps as far as Churton then headed east to Coddington and Chowley. Steve and I like this route, but many think that the road surface is too rough. The thin coating of frozen mud and  patches of ice needed some care as twilight advanced. Roy yelled a warning at one stage as his vintage steed had a slippery moment. It was a relief to cross the busy A41 and reach the car park at Tattenhall before it became properly dark. As so often, were all glad that we had ridden, and enjoyed the challenge. Three courses, and thirty three miles covered on a memorable day in very agreeable company.

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DH

16th December 2021: Christmas lunch ride to Gresford (mod)

We've had to wait two years for our 'annual' Christmas lunch ride thanks to Covid and even now the pandemic has had an effect. Many venues have put a limit on the size of any one group and our usual venue of Pant-yr-Ochain at Gresford was one of them. So for the first time the moderate and brisk groups had separate lunches, although we were able to meet up together for coffee at Meadow Lea before setting off on our separate rides. Eight moderates (Andy B, Alan, Dave H, Mike, Roy, Steve Ha, Steve T and I) assembled for the ride and lunch with Fiona, Elwyn and Neil joining us just for the ride.

It was a dull cloudy day and mild for the time of year, but no rain was forecast and with little or no wind we set off towards Guilden Sutton and the A51 beyond. The shortest route was reserved for the return journey which only left one option that would get us to the Pant-yr-Ochain in time. Crossing the A51 we cycled through Waverton and then crossed the A41 to take us through Saighton and Bruera. At Aldford we avoided a section of the main road by taking the back road and did the same at Churton. We carried on along the main road to Farndon and dropped down to the bridge which took us over the River Dee into Wales.

In Holt we turned right to pass Cleopatra’s and followed the road straight through Commonwood to Borras. From here we were following the road signs to Gresford but Neil advised us to avoid the left turn into Vicarage Lane and instead we took a short diversion via Hillock Lane to reach the village. From here it was a short run along the Old Wrexham Road to arrive at the Pant-yr-Ochain.

Photos by AO

Jim had cycled straight from home and we had expected to catch up with him along the way but when we arrived he was already well into his first pint. Also with him was our special guest, Bryan, the founder and Honorary President of Chester Easy Riders. Nice to see you again Bryan. The arrival of Dave & Liz on their tandem made up a round dozen and we settled down to our meal. Dave had chosen ‘The Pant’ as it has always provided us with a warm welcome, good food and good service. Despite the difficulties faced by the hospitality industry during the pandemic it did not disappoint. Clive and Dave M joined us from the brisk group as we were waiting for our puddings as they wanted to say hello to Bryan.

After lunch Andy B, Mike and Steve Ha went their own ways home. They were replaced by Clive, Dave & Liz for the return journey. We headed through Rossett and Pulford and turned right towards Eccleston and Handbridge. Several riders left us along the way as they made their own ways home and by the time we had cycled up Hoole Lane and through Guilden Sutton only two were left to make it back to Meadow Lea. Only 32 miles ridden but managed before darkness fell.

It only remains for me to wish all our blog readers a Happy (and safe) Christmas with the hope that you all get what you have asked Santa for. Me? I've asked him for a new bike...........Fingers crossed!

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TC

6th August 2020: Gresford (mod)

It felt strange after being locked down since March for CER to be meeting up again.  We gathered outside at the Meadow Lea café, with about 10 members assembling.  In discussion with Dave H beforehand, we had planned to form small groups of no more than four members for each ride. Clive, Steve T and myself each had planned destinations. Mine was to the Pant yr Ochain at Gresford, and I was accompanied by Dave H, David M and prospective new member Eric, who had only moved up to our area during lockdown.

We set off towards Tattenhall, passing through Waverton and Hargrave. Then it was out to Carden before swinging westwards through Stretton and Wetreins Lane to reach Farndon and Holt. Into Wales, and our destination was only a few miles away. Being COVID-cautious, we had intended to sit outside on such a fine day on the pub’s terrace looking out over the lake.  However even though we arrived at 1230, those outside tables were taken.  After a brief consultation we headed into a largely deserted indoors, following the pub’s strict COVID protocols. No gathering at the bar today – straight to our allotted table where our orders were taken by masked staff. As usual we discussed many topics, including the Welsh Government’s guidance on our visit which Dave had researched.  Were we in compliance given we came from more than two households, or were we covered by the permission for up to 30 people to engage in sporting activity?

After our lunch we set off on our shorter return journey, down the main road through Marford, Rossett and Pulford, before turning onto the road to Ecclestone. Part way David M struck off to return home via Holt.  The rest of us entered Chester, crossing the Old Dee Bridge, then followed the river past the racecourse, before joining the Greenway and quickly back to our start. Back at Meadow Lea, we bumped into Glennis and enjoyed final drinks and cakes.  An unambitious 40+ mile ride on generally quiet roads in dry, warm and sometimes sunny conditions marked a welcome return to CER’s programme.  Let’s hope for another dry day next week.

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SH

12th December 2019 : Gresford - Christmas Lunch Ride (brisk)

The Met office prognosis for today was  dire - low cloud with heavy rain forecast for most the day; this, adding to the accumulation  of several days of very heavy rain,  probably meant that  pedalo’s rather than pedal cycles should have been our vehicle of choice. 

Nick joined me on ride from home for today's ride with both of us hoping to burn off a few calories in advance of the CER Christmas lunch at the Pant yr Ochain. A good dozen CERS turned out for the pre-lunch ride  meeting at the Gallery coffee shop where we were  given the sad news by the owner that from March next year he would be selling the business due to ill health.  He will be sadly missed as he has been an excellent host over the years.

Today's ride suggestion was via Buckley, Summerhill, and Wrexham to the Pant Yr Ochain ; a route of 40km. Three brisk riders took up the offer i.e. Clive, Ray and  Nick  but then we pressed-ganged Steve T  taking our group total to five including myself. Departing promptly, we  headed off towards Buckley on wet roads but at least it wasn’t raining. A good start, although one malcontent was heard to comment that if you concentrated really hard you could just about see your front wheel disappearing into the mist.

Navigating our way through Buckley, we were caught up in slow moving traffic caused by people queueing for the polling station, eventually we exited onto Padeswood Road  passing the deserted golf courses on our way to Hope and Caergwrle. As we left Caergwrle, on Ffrwd Road towards the only hill of the day, the rain arrived along with the only mechanical of the day. Steve dislodged his chain at the start of Bellan Road hill and, in the true spirit of Christmas, the rest of the group rode off to wait for him at the top.

With Steve’s chain problem solved, the going was all downhill  along with  the weather. The heavy rain  spurred us on down the aptly named Top Road and with a quick zigzag to cross the A483 we entered Wrexham. Here the  time and weather forced us to shorten the ride, and take a more direct route through town which brought us out onto Borras Road and into Gresford  arriving at the Pant just after 12:00. The moderate riders had already arrived along with another dozen CERS who had  opted for  a warmer  and drier form of transport.

A fuzzy photo - just like today's view through cycling specs!

Thanks to Dave H, who was in full headmaster mode, for producing a wonderfully organised event, everyone was issued with pieces of paper listing their meal choice and, of course, to The Pant who performed to their usual high standard. A perfect end to the day and after a pint or two of Penny Porter the wet weather of the morning faded away quickly.

Today"s route was cut short from the original 40km to 33 km with 320 mtrs of ascent and was  ridden on very waterlogged  and muddy roads in heavy rain,  hopefully it was enjoyed as much as it was endured.

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KP

Photo KP

13th December 2018: Gresford - Christmas Lunch Ride (mod)

You know it’s getting near Christmas when someone mentions the annual Christmas lunch ride. Dave H got the ball rolling by booking us into the Pant-yr-Ochain at Gresford – a popular choice of venue that we have visited several times before for Christmas lunches. Still recovering from his op, he wasn’t able to cycle himself so I volunteered to lead the moderate group. Twenty members were booked in for the lunch and about a dozen of us assembled at Meadow Lea for the ride out. After the brisk riders had set off seven of us (Andy B, Bryan, Jim, George, Mike, Steve H and I) were left for the moderate ride. It was a bright day, which in winter also means that it was a cold day and a strong, biting wind was blowing in our faces as we set off towards Guilden Sutton.

We saved the shortest route for the return journey which only left one option that would get us to the Pant-yr-Ochain in time. Crossing the A51 we cycled through Waverton and then crossed the A41 to take us through Saighton and Bruera. At Aldford we avoided a section of the main road by taking the back road and would have done the same at Churton except that two riders at the front missed the turning. We carried on along the main road to Farndon and dropped down to the bridge over to Holt, reopened now after its recent refurbishment.

In Holt we turned right to pass Cleopatra’s and followed the road straight through Commonwood to Borras. From here we were following the road signs to Gresford and when we reached the village we turned left, passing The Flash to arrive at the Pant-yr-Ochain in good time. We had got there before the brisk riders but to be fair they had gone the long way round.

We met up with several members who, for various reasons, had chosen to arrive on four wheels instead of two. Soon the brisk riders arrived and finally Dave & Liz on their tandem. We all settled down to our meal. Dave had chosen ‘The Pant’ as it had always provided us with good food and this year was no exception. The only disappointing aspect was the standard of jokes in the crackers but isn’t that the nature of cracker jokes?

After lunch Andy B, Mike and Steve H went their own ways home leaving four of us to take the direct return route. We left before the brisk riders, heading through Rossett, and made it to Pulford before they came charging past. Bryan left us here too leaving three of us to return to Meadow Lea via Eccleston, Handbridge and Hoole Lane. We managed to make it back before darkness fell having ridden 32 miles.

Thanks to Dave H for organising the lunch, which I know from experience is not an easy task, and a Merry Christmas to all.

TC

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Photos below by Mike G

13th December 2018 : Gresford - Christmas Lunch Ride (brisk)

Given there were likely to be quite a few riders today at Meadow Lea Farm cafe, I decided to offer a short brisk ride. This started out as being 37 miles long to lunch, but it was pointed out that we had to get to the Pant y Ochain by 1230, so I shortened it to 33 miles. It then transpired we had to be there by 1215, so more trimming on the fly was necessary.

Ray, Ivan, John M and Nick joined me on a route round the back of Barrow to Ashton Hayes. A shimmy across the A51 found us heading for Kelsall Hill where I took the lower road towards Willington, curiously named Flat Lane, thence via Green Lane, and up a short incline to run down to Willington.

Crossing the A51 and now down Corkscrew Lane, we are heading rapidly towards Tattenhall. Now up Rocky Lane we cross the A41 thence down Dog Lane. By now my bike and I needed a little maintenance, so Ray stopped to wait with me whilst the Frantic Three zoomed on. We had agreed to take stock in Coddington to decide if we had time to take Beachin Lane for the Churton to Holt loop. So by the time Ray and I got to this decision point, there was no one in sight! As Ray and I had lost about 10 minutes, I made an executive decision to head for Barton and then via Wetreins Lane to enter Holt.

Ray and I ploughed on through Holt and out via Borras Road - a long and boring stretch into the wind. There is a short hill at the end and, just before this, I noticed that the Borras Anti-Fracking camp had been disbanded at last. It was now just a short sprint down Vicarage Lane and the Old Wrexham Road to get to the pub where we found the Frantic Three just locking up their steeds. Their official route was the same length as my diversion at 30 Miles.

We were all in time for dinner, magnificently organised by Dave H who enjoyed reverting to his former school master role in reminding all what they had ordered. The Pant staff were excellent as was the food. The few pints of Titanic Plum Porter really put me in the Christmas mood!

The route back was even more frantic as we sped down Marford Hill and then into the back of Chester via Eccleston. Going back to Meadow Lea would have been 44 miles as the sun went down.

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CA

1st June 2017: Gresford (mod - short)

Among a busy CER gathering at the Gallery Tea Rooms, three of us, for various reasons, were looking for a shorter ride today.  Bryan, Jim and I decided to make for lunch at Pant yr Ochain, though our initial concern was to avoid arriving before it opened.  We need not have worried, for less than a mile out Bryan suffered a puncture. After close examination of tube and tyre by each of us, no reason for the puncture could be found, so fitting a new tube, we moved on.

We crossed the A55 and following Lower Mountain Road, skirted Penyffordd and stayed on lanes until just north of Llay where we crossed over the A483 and headed up through Marford.  Whenever I’ve passed through Marford I’ve noticed the unusual architecture of many buildings: strange roof lines, rounded shapes and Gothic windows. The web suggests that either these were built as part of the Trevalyn Hall estate in nearby Rossett or that they reflect a European style of building that came with an influx of refugees in the late 18th Century.

From Marford we cycled along the edge of the escarpment giving fine views of Cheshire’s sandstone ridge to the north and east, before meandering towards Pant yr Ochain. I believe we had last been here for a Christmas lunch some years ago. Today we sat outside in the sunshine and enjoyed decent beer and good food.

Bryan led our return into Chester, through Rossett and Doddleston, along Lache Lane and over the Grosvenor Bridge.  Here we said goodbye to Bryan, while Jim and I cycled past the river and through Boughton for him to reach Guilden Sutton and myself to stop at Meadow Lea café for coffee and cake.  Here the route recording ends: a total of 28 pleasant miles in good weather.

SH