18th July 2019: Caerwys (mod)

By 10:15, The Gallery coffee shop was packed out. In addition to the 15 (yes, 15!) Easy Riders, there was also another large group (walkers?), so you could barely hear yourself think, let alone hear what anyone was saying to you. We split into Brisk (5), Moderate (7) and Leisure (3) groups, the ‘Mods’ consisting of yours truly, Andy B, ‘the e-bikers’ (Bryan and Graeme) Dave Pipe and Neil, who had brought with him a guest rider, Fiona, who normally rides with Marford Gresford Velo Club.

After some discussion about possible destinations, steepness of hills and distances, it was agreed to ride out to The Piccadilly at Caerwys, one of our favourite pubs. So we set out by our usual route, climbing up through Buckley and Sychdyn, which got everyone nicely warmed up in the morning sunshine. On reaching the narrow lanes around Mynachlog, we deviated half way up the very steep climb, going left along the lane to reach the B5123 at Tyddyn-y-gwynt. This lane is less steep, but you still have to climb the same amount in the end! We paused to re-group near Rhosesmor (re-grouping was quite a thing today), only to find that Dave P was ahead of us and not behind as I had thought!

Climbing further through Rhes-y-cae and Pen-Ucha’r Plwyf we had finally gained enough altitude to give us a nice downhill run across the B5121 and then up the little short-cut lane to Babell, where we re-grouped once more. At Pant we go straight on to avoid the steep hill near Caerwys Hall and approach Caerwys from the north. Incidentally, Andy asks how steep that road really is; perhaps we’ll go that way next time.

For once it was warm enough for us to sit outside at The Piccadilly – see photo taken by a friendly waiter. As usual the food was good and the ‘light bites’ substantial. 

Photo Steve T

Suitably replenished, we head north-west from Caerwys, crossing the A55 at Pen-y-cefn by zig-zagging through several layers of Armco barrier as we do so. This has to be one of the most awkward road crossings that we use. Passing through Chwitfford and Gorsedd, we pressed on through Brynford to begin the climb up the Halkyn Mountain. Reaching Windmill, we pause to admire the views over the Dee estuary and the Cheshire Plain. We start our descent down Middle Mill Road, passing the now-famous location of my ‘off’ 16 months ago. Another minor diversion from the usual route takes us over Wat’s Dyke and on to the minor road leading into Northop.

From here we take the road past Northop Hall and down to Ewloe. In the process, we lose Fiona, as she gets stuck behind some traffic coming around a mini-roundabout. Re-grouping at a bus stop, Neil and Fiona head for home and the rest of us decide to go for a cuppa at The Hawarden Estate Farm Shop.

‘Only’ 40 miles, but with 3000 feet of climb and at an average (moving) speed of 12.5 mph, this was quite a strenuous ride for the ‘mods’.  The batteries of the e-bikes still had charge left in them, even if the legs of the rest of us did not. Thanks to Neil for introducing us to Fiona; we hope that she enjoyed the ride and that she’ll come along again soon for a ride with ‘the OAPs’!

See routemap and/or gpx file download

ST

1st June 2017 : Llanarmon-yn-Lal (brisk)

A good dozen or so Easyriders gathered at The Gallery Coffee shop for todays rides.The weather forecast promised a good day with light winds, no rain and a sunny 20c. Perfect. I had cobbled together a route that headed out towards Ruthin before returning back over Llandegla to the flat lands of Cheshire, hopefully providing  an easier ride for the end of the day. It was this ride that the group consisting of Steve T, Andy B, Tom and myself embarked upon.

We commenced on the  standard route  up into Buckley, along Wood Lane, with the  sun warming our backs we soon settled into a steady pace.The steep descent down Padeswood Road meant we quickly left Buckley behind and entered the quieter lanes leading up to Eryrys.  At this point Andy had to stop to free off his seized front mechanism - a combination of dirt and a lack of TLC meant that front gear changes could only be achieved by a sharp tap with his foot.

After the long climb up to Eryrys, we turned right onto School Lane whose gradient allowed us to get our breath back before joining the A494. Heading towards Ruthin, we enjoyed the long fast descent before regrouping at the turn for Graig-Fechan. A short stop here allowed Andy to delve into his pack and try free off and lubricate his front gear mechanism once again. This pit stop also provided time for me to make use of his maps to check we were still on course. On the road to Graig-Fechan, we met a hedge cutter which gave us a few anxious moments, but luckily, we emerged puncture-free and then continued by following a “white road” before picking up the B road leading up into Llanarmon.

PHOTO TAKEN WITH STYLE (STILE) by Steve T

Unfortunately, Steve started to struggle  on the hill into the village and indicated  he was running on empty.  Luckily, the door to The Raven pub was open so we decided it was a perfect time for a lunch stop but were then informed the pub was only opened for a pre-booked pensioners lunch and directed to the next door  shop.  The shop keeper made coffee for us whilst we selected a mix of pies, crisps, and home-made cakes which we ate sitting at the tables outside the shop.

During our lunch, we learnt that the pub and village shop are now both run by the local community and, judging by the steady stream of customers, it appears well supported. There was also work being undertaken on St Gamon's church which dates back to the 13th century, presumably by the community group. Whilst munching the snacks, our lunchtime chat covered calories, BMI and the age of Andy’s maps- one of them is so old it doesn't even show Llyn Brenig!

Back on the bikes, our route now took us up past Graig Quarry towards the main A5104. At this juncture Steve  experienced severe leg cramp so we stopped to rest for a few minutes before continuing  at an easier pace. On reaching the main road, we carried straight on and enjoyed the  the long descent past the stone zoo through to Llanfynydd. This lovely quiet road is probably one of my favourites, with lovely views which were enhanced by with the beautiful weather. We then took the quieter road/lanes  route to  Dodleston where Steve’s cramp returned. As Andy delved into his pack again to reveal an assortment of energy bars for Steve, Mrs ‘Ken’ passed us on her bike but only stopped after being shouted at! (How she did not recognise me after living with me for 35 years  is a mystery!!)

After introductions were made, she advised that tonic water (without the Gin : -boring) was good for cramp as it contains quinine and then quickly departed to continue her ride. Back on the bikes, we quickly passed through Bretton and Broughton before having a coffee stop at Hawarden Farm Shop.
Plenty of good weather, quiet lanes and an unusual but pleasant lunch stop, made for an enjoyable and entertaining day out. Steve’s gizmo recorded 3,550 ft of ascent over 53 miles.

Thanks Steve, Andy, and Tom for a great day.

See route map and/or gpx file download

KP