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

1st October 2015: Cefn-y-bedd (mod)

An impressive turnout of 13 Easy Riders met at the Roodee Café to be joined by guest rider Chris on a very chilly morning but with the promise of sun later.

The brisk group had had a long ride on Tuesday and decided to join us for the ride originally planned for Pant-yr-Ochain, but just as we were about to set off Brian M spotted a puncture: rear wheel of course! Then Ray noticed a broken spoke and set off home for a change of bike. Meanwhile, Martin, Dave H, Dave M, Trevor, Keith, George, Jim, Clive and Dave & Liz, helped fix Brian’s tyre. 

Several minutes later we set off for Handbridge, Kinnerton and Hope. Crossing the Alyn valley, we continued upwards round the flank of Hope Mountain and onto the Corwen road at Treuddyn. With most of the climbing done we sped down the Cegidog valley towards Ffrith. A ‘road closed’ sign was ignored and we continued to within a few yards of ‘The Steps’ to be informed by the workers that the road was indeed closed due to several large holes that had appeared: we couldn’t even walk through.  Reluctantly we retraced our route to the diversion through Ffrith: uphill naturally. Much to our surprise we met George at the junction. He had had a slight mechanical problem and got a bit off pace due to our rather enthusiastic downhilling. By now, time was also speeding away, and we decided not to head for our original destination, but to go to Cefn-y-bedd. There we found the Hollybush - ‘food served all day’. Ideal for us, and the staff were not phased by such a large group.  The meals were well priced and a good choice: will definitely go there again. Chris left us at this point to take up grandparent duties. I hope he enjoyed his first foray with CER.

Ivan's Corner, Llay

Photograph by Clive Albany

Martin peeled off a little later as we took the back road through Llay for a photo stop at ‘Ivan’s Corner’. Clive recommended a very nice lane parallel with the A483 that took us to Marford but without having to climb the steep hill up into Gresford. Here it really was all downhill and we soon reached the Cleopatra’s in Holt. Too soon for some, but the general feeling seemed to be for coffee and cake, so we reclined in the afternoon sun taking in the bustle of Holt Main Street. The return was through Farndon and the Churton and Aldford by-passes, before we split again at Saighton. The Chester group continued on to Sandy Lane, while the rest headed for Waverton and Guilden Sutton.

About 45 miles in total, and a very sunny afternoon. Met men right again!

JD

25th June 2015: Bunbury (mod)

Ten riders set out for the moderate ride from the Little Roodee Café in Chester. The Dysart Arms in Bunbury was the destination with a southern loop in the morning and a northern loop in the afternoon. 

We set out along the riverside by the Groves and picked up the canal path for a short while to escape Chester via River Lane and on to Aldford and Churton where we detoured around the back lanes of the villages to admire the old cottages and pretentious Victorian chimney pots. In Farndon we again diverted into the back lanes to admire the church then took the old road south, now a byway cut by the Farndon bypass, to emerge in Crewe-by-Farndon. Onwards via Tilston turning left for Bickerton and a little bit of climbing to stretch the legs before skirting the Peckforton Hills on the east side and on to Bunbury and the Dysart Arms with about 25 miles covered. The sun was glorious and so were the garden and the food.

Photograph by Dave Pipe.

 After lunch we headed down to Tilston Bank to cross the railway and canal then the payback for the descent to climb up from the canal and on to Cotebrook via a meandering route taking in as many narrow lanes as possible. The Cafe at Cotebrook was closed for the day but the suggestion of pushing on to Walk Mill was an excellent choice. Open until 5pm – worth noting for future sunny day rides.

After a relaxed stop we headed back to Chester via Waverton and the canal path. 50 miles round trip.

Note: Cotebrook cafe is only open in the middle of the day according to the chap in the house opposite when we passed on Tuesday afternoon. The Shirehorse Centre 300 yards South on the main road is a good alternative.

DP

25th June 2015: Calverhall (brisk)

I wanted a “recovery” ride after Ivan’s fast 100 miler to Macclesfield at 16.3 mph on Tuesday. Ray was back from Spain and, after 10,000+ metres of climbing the Spanish hills in 30˚+C heat; he also wanted a recovery ride. So with John and Tom we set off out via Eccleston bound for the Old Jack at Calverhall.
A left in Rossett takes out to Holt and on, via Wetreins Lane, to Tilston. Grange Lane takes us back to the A41 that we cross back and forth via No Mans Heath. Onwards through Bradley to Oldhall Street to a run down to Grindley Brook. A saunter along the canal then takes us into Whitchurch town. Out on the Alkington road, we veer off to Prees then Prees Higher Heath. Taking Prees Road, we edge up to Calverhall at 39 miles, but not before my front wheel slowly deflates to spoil the otherwise idyllic cycle through lane after lane.
The Old Jack has never disappointed and we all opt for the generous plate of Steak and Onion baguette. The return is replotted since there were issues*** with the inner tube that I used to repair the front flat and it was a bit under-inflated. So a right in Ightfield takes up a truly delightful run to Burleydam via the Combermere Arms to Aston. I opt to go back via Marbury, Bickley, and Bickerton to get to the Ice Cream Farm for 16:00. Suitably refreshed we roll back into Chester via Saighton where I pick up a nasty sting in my neck, and Tom's front wheel has a slight buckle. Hopefully that's the end of issues for the day. A 75 miler through the cream of Cheshire and Shropshire lanes; you’ll not find better!

CA

*** There were two problems with Yak inner tubes. After Tom’s tyre blow out on Tuesday, he fitted one of my Yak tubes. In Winsford, 30 mins later, he replaces the worn tyre with new one at Cyclone bike shop. They then had to replace the Yak tube since the valve fell apart on reflation. On the ride above, upon reflation of my slow, I couldn’t unscrew the pump flexible tube from the valve stem. I had to snap the valve stem and the broken part of the valve stem remained inside my Topeak Race flexible pump connector making it unusable; yet the tube valve held for the 40 miles home. I phoned Merlin Cycles who immediately credited me for the 5 that I had bought, and not wanting me to return the unused ones. I then ordered some Contis from them. Good customer service from Merlin Cycles. PS: I managed to get the valve bits out of my pump head when I got home as well so it is useable again.

19th March 2015: Pant yr Ochain (mod)

A good-sized group assembled at the Roodee café, no doubt encouraged by recent forecasts of warmer weather at last. Dave H even broke out the shorts!

The moderate riders were Dave and Liz on the tandem, Trevor, Keith, Dave H, George, Liz D, Brian Mac, Dave M and Jim.  Dave H had to adjust his back brake before we set off, which appeared to be catching on the rim. Closer inspection revealed a slight warp on the rim. No problem as long as he didn’t use the back brake, and we were heading up into Wales!  Undeterred, we set off over the Old Dee Bridge towards Handbridge and then took the lane to Higher Kinnerton and then Hope. We crossed the Alyn valley here, and after a short distance along the Mold Road, turned up unto the lane that took us up over the shoulder of Hope Mountain. Coming down the other side into Treuddyn Dave made another inspection of his rim to find a small crack about an inch long. As Dave P hadn’t put his welding kit in his bag this week we pressed on cautiously westwards as far as the B5101 towards Ffrith. We then crossed over The Steps into Windy Hill and then down to Alyn Waters Country Park. We continued through the park and into the Wrexham suburbs of Bradley and Gwersyllt before crossing the footbridges over the A483 and a short run down the lane to the Pant yr Ochain. A more detailed inspection of Dave’s rim led to the conclusion that it was not safe to be ridden any further and he would have to stay at the pub until we came back with the van. Life is full of little inconveniences!

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

The restaurant was very busy, but we were soon sitting down at a table for 12 where we had our Xmas lunch a few years ago. The food was good quality if a little pricey and plans were drawn up for the afternoon. Trevor, George and Dave M were to continue with the original ride down to Holt returning past the Ice Cream Farm, while the rest of us set off for the shorter ride down Gresford Hill and along the Pulford Road to Chester. Brian Mac and Liz left us here for the bridge at Queensferry, while Dave and Liz P peeled off at Queens Park leaving myself and Keith of the original 10.

We picked up the van and set off back towards the pub along the Eccleston Road just in case Dave had managed to fabricate some sort of temporary repair. We had just reached the Old Dee Bridge when he appeared pedalling towards us, having managed to strengthen the rim with some garden zip ties! Quite an interesting afternoon of about 37 miles or 42 miles or 47 miles depending on which route was selected for the journey back. 

JD

19th March 2015: Marbury (brisk)

Arriving at the Roodee café it was overflowing with keen riders even though the morning was chilly and with a fog.  Hopefully the weatherman will be proven right and a glorious days riding should be enjoyable.

With Clive returned from Norfolk the brisk group consisted of Clive, John, Tom, new rider Lee Scragg (Tom’s neighbour) and Ivan.  I had a route covering 35 miles for lunch at the Swan Inn at Marbury followed by 45 in the afternoon.

Leaving the Roodee we cycled along the riverbank heading for Boughton following the river Dee to Alford. We diverted via Saighton as the B5130 direct to Alford was covered in fog so took the quieter lane. Reaching Churton we took the left route bypassing Farndon and on to Shocklach. The lanes were dry and quiet and by 11:30 the sun was out and the fog lifted. We were pacing along passing through Wrenbury and Aston and skirting Whitchurch before heading to the Swan Inn.

I had contacted the pub previously to enquire if they were open and available for food and advised yes but we have a funeral party in from 11:00.  Our expected time of arrival was 12:30 - 13:00 so not a problem.  On arrival and ordering a pint of station ale the landlady advised they could only cater for sandwiches - OMG we have to leave!!!!  

Fortunately the partner saw £s and rushed to the kitchen to see what can be rustled up - we were provided with reasonable food and the beer was good as was tea and juice for others.

After lunch we returned to our bikes in warm sunshine and were soon heading out via Wirsall to arrive into Whitchurch from the south then out via Ash Magna, Ighfield and Royals Green.

The season is progressing and already the hedges are showing green and with lambs bleating it is great to cycle through the seasons although we don't enjoy the wet and cold days. 

We pass through Aston again and head towards Ravensmoor but had a little diversion from here out via Burland and Long Lane to Bunbury where we stopped at Tilleys for milk shakes and cakes (Dave take note!! all wanting to partake).

We then took the usual route home to Chester via Beeston, the Ice Cream Farm and Waverton.

The ride was minimum 78 miles for me but 80+ for the other riders with an incredible 3,192 ft of ascent - we did notice a couple of rolls but surprised at the elevation.

An enjoyable day at 16.9 mph average. 

ID

4th December 2014: Christmas Lunch Ride

The first Thursday in December is traditionally our Christmas Lunch Ride and this year was no exception. In a moment of madness I volunteered to organise it. However, it did give me the opportunity to choose a venue which would leave me with a fairly short ride home after a large lunch - so maybe not so mad after all! I chose the Stamford Bridge Inn near Great Barrow. Apart from it being close to home it is also a sister pub to the Boathouse at Parkgate where we had enjoyed our Christmas lunch the year before so I anticipated that the food would again be good.  

Photographs by Trevor Coates

Seventeen of us had signed up for the lunch. Unfortunately one of us was taken ill overnight (hope you get well soon, Brian Mac) and with 5 riders choosing to make their own way to the lunch 11 of us set off from the Little Roodee. These were Andy, Bryan, Clive, Dave H, David M, George, Ivan, Ray, Steve H, Tom and myself. We headed out along the banks of the River Dee and skirted round Grosvenor Park to emerge on to Boughton. A short dash along the main road took us past the impressive new Waitrose building before turning left into Hoole Lane, which would take us in the direction of the Stamford Bridge.

Now since the Stamford Bridge is only 6 miles from the Little Roodee a bit of a diversion was called for to avoid arriving at 2 hours too early. So, after crossing the A41 we turned right into Hare Lane and headed past the rugby club and across the A51. Then we headed into Christleton and on into Waverton. From there we took the Martins Lane route towards Tattenhall. After turning on to the Tattenhall road we immediately turned left again and cycled up to Huxley. Here we turned left again and in Hoofield turned right into the aptly named Corkscrew Lane. Back across the A51 here and then it was on to Willington & Kelsall.

From here we followed Hollands Lane towards Mouldsworth and from Mouldsworth we headed towards and past the Windsurfing Centre at Manley Mere. A left and right turn took us into Barnhouse Lane, which is the quieter back road into Great Barrow. A short stint down the B-road brought us to our final destination where we met up with Martin & Liz D, Dave & Liz P and Mike.

Here we tucked into an excellent Christmas Lunch thanks to the Stamford Bridge Inn, washed down with one or two selections from their great range of beers. After lunch we all made our own ways home. Thanks to a fairly flat ride we managed 25 miles before lunch. Anyone making their way back to the Little Roodee would have had a 31-mile round trip.  

TC

28th August 2014: Hildegard's Holt

Three members turned up at the Little Roodee: David M, Andy and Tom.  Rode over to Kinnerton via Bluebell woods---then Hildegard's and home.  Stiff wind on road from Rosset to Hope.

DM

22nd May 2014: Malpas and beyond

Two Boyos on Bikes.  Today saw two of the club's resident Welshmen sitting in splendid isolation in the Little Roodee café as the rain came gently down.  Jim joined them very smartly attired, obviously not cycling today, as he doggedly pursues those club members who have still to pay their subs for this year.  No names, no pack drill but you know who you are and Jim is talking about sending round the heavies.  As 10:30 approaches options are discussed.  As the two don't have a GPS gismo or even an OS map between them these options of necessity are going to be somewhat limited.  They wouldn't know how to use them anyway, I hear you cry.  A little harsh but probably true.  George tentatively suggests he might remember the way to Malpas.  So after checking with Jim how to actually get home from Malpas our two intrepid Welshmen set off, a little apprehensively for the wilds of rural south Cheshire.  Young Tom fresh from his triumph of last week when keeping pace with the "brisk" group and old George for whom getting out of bed is something of a triumph these days.

Through Handbridge, Eccleston and Pulford.  Turning left we head towards Holt.  We pass Hildegard’s, no cyclists sitting outside in the warm sunshine today, although it has stopped raining.  Over the Dee at Farndon and then across the A534 heading south towards Shocklach.  Bowling along on traffic free drying roads, it is great to be out on the bike.  Turning left at Threapwood, through Oldcastle Heath and up Malpas main street to what used to be the Fire Station café.  25 miles done reports Tom as we enter this re-branded and refurbished establishment.  George orders a baguette from the welcoming member of staff.  Said member returns a few minutes later to report, rather sheepishly that they are out of baguettes and so is the supermarket across the street.  Not a baguette to had in Malpas that day.  A Panini it is then.  Tom had gone for a more exotic option with a side order of chips.  Good chips he announces.

By this stage our two Welshmen are starting to miss the hills of their homeland so the return leg will take in what passes for hills in this part of Cheshire.  Out of Malpas towards Hampton Heath, crossing the A41 headed towards Bickerton.  Around Larkton Hill and Bickerton Hill and back over the A534.  Up Harthill and then right at the bottom.  Up the short climb, always steeper than you think, to pass the Teddy Bears café at Burwardsley.  A long straight run into Tattenhall before turning north over the canal.  We decide to take the scenic route to Waverton as the weather is still holding.  So Huxley, Hoofield and Burton are left behind as the rain finally makes another appearance.  This helps us keep the cadence up as we roll into Waverton and turn north once again for Guilden Sutton and the afternoon tea stop.  Suitably refreshed we join the Greenway.  The rain has now ceased and the Greenway is surprisingly free of dogs and their owners.  George drops down onto the canal to go back into the centre of Chester while Tom carries on for home.  Just over 60 miles for George and approaching 70 for Tom.  A very enjoyable days cycling and, as is often the case, the weather much better than forecast.

GW

13th February 2014: Aston

After the wildest weather ever on Wednesday, it took real faith in the forecasters to get up for a bike ride on Thursday.  There was a good turnout in the circumstances: Martin returning from a cruise, Dave R, Steve, Andy, and usually last, but never least: Liz & Dave P.  In addition to the day's riders, Brian Mac turned up for a cuppa before leaving to see his father.  Aston was the target, and responsibility was amicably shared for leadership and route.  We headed east along the river from The Little Roodee, passing through Huntingdon, Saighton and the back road at Aldford.  Although Steve was thoughtfully keeping the tandem company, we slowed down too late and Dave & Liz had decided to take their own route at an easier pace.  From Churton we headed generally south-west toward No Man's Heath.  The weather was great and the back lanes pretty and quiet.  We encountered our first large fallen tree and clambered across whilst having a cheery chat with the householder whose garden it had landed in.

Photographs by Martin Donaldson

Our feet were worryingly close to the still-live power cable that had been dragged down in the fall!  Turning right at Wrenbury by the special bridge over the Llangollen Canal we encountered our first flooded road. A Range Rover slowed for some banter, but we were able to show him that one-wheel drive was perfectly adequate to negotiate this particular hazard.

The Bhurtpore Inn was candlelit, but had gas to cook our lunches.  Andy and Martin had interesting veg and herb-packed curries.  Steve had battered whale and chips, and having been served first had to suffer our unseemly, slavering interest in his meal.  Martin told us of the Asda Valentine's meal for two that he had bought but had largely eaten himself before the day. Very romantic, Martin!

Our return was largely into the wind, and the weather was not as bright, but we worked well as a unit and made effective progress.  We did ignore another "Road Closed" sign, and on passing a cut- up tree cleared to the roadside thought we'd got away with it.

A mile later we were stopped by a very large tree which we almost needed climbing gear to surmount.  Anyway, we managed it, some of us in a more ungainly fashion than we would have chosen.  From Chorley Bank we headed to the challenge of Harthill.  It may not be The Alps, but if you are old and 14st 6lbs it's hard work!  Hanging onto Dave's wheel aided progress past the Ice Cream farm with Dave and Steve heading in Kelsall direction at the crossroads.  Andy, Martin and myself continued to Gatesheath and Saighton where we ran into the expensive car school run around the college.  I was a little uneasy at these two-ton Tonka toys barreling around the small lanes.  One yummy mummy was texting with her phone in the middle of the steering wheel as she loomed towards us at a fair lick.  Martin was beginning to feel his month off the bike; three months riding across America should improve his fitness shortly.  Many thanks to Andy and Martin for their navigation.  After the last climbs into Boughton we parted ways at about 16:00. Roughly 55 miles in very convivial company. 

DH 

7th November 2013: Overton

With the promise of a fine day ahead I decided on a 13 mile loop via the Greenway and back along the river cycle path to the Little Roodee to warm the legs up.  Upon arrival new rider Paul White was already there and keen for the day ahead. Thirteen riders assembled at the café: Bryan, Clive, Ray, Roy, Stephen, Dave H, Trevor, George, Ivan, new rider Paul W, Dave M, Dave R and myself. I put forward a ride to Overton and the White Lion pub, which was accepted by Bryan, and was happy for me to lead my first ride. Dave M and Dave R were only out for coffee.
So eleven of us set off over the Old Dee Bridge via Handbridge for Eccleston, we pick up the old Wrexham road bound for Marford hill and left past Gresford flash and across the foot bridge and down into Wrexham. We then make our way along Cefn Road to Bedwll Road left at Cross Lanes heading for Bangor-on-Dee, where we stop on the cobble bridge for Bryan to wipe his nose [sorry Bryan] we take the Overton Road out of Bangor onto Cloy Lane and into Overton for about 12:30pm, food was promptly served from the two for £9.95 menu.

Photograph by Paul Rose

We set back out at 13:45 returning down Cloy Lane but keep on this road for Hollybush and Theapwood out onto the B5069 and left through the lanes to Tilston left at the Carden Arms left again along Wetreins Lane and into Holt for afternoon coffee at Hildegard’s. Ivan, Stephen, Trevor, and George head back to Chester via Aldford the rest head back along the Rossett Road to Pulford onto Dodleston turning right along Lache Lane and back to the Little Roodee café completing the 49 miles or closer to 60 miles for those cycling home.  Yet again another great Easy Riders day with good company and friends.

PR

3rd October 2013: Delamere

The weather forecast was dreadful, and the thought of being drenched in the hills above Chirk did not appeal. So given that there was a fine weather window locally, a modified Roodee ride was cobbled together this morning at 07:30. The idea was to meet at the Roodee but cycle out to the end of the Greenway to sample the new café at Meadow Lea Farm before then riding in a loop not too far from home, just in case the deluge came earlier than expected. The café is in a brand new building and the fare was good - perhaps an alternative start point for Roodee or Manley rides? So Dave H, Dave R, Steve, Ivan, Andy and I set off bound for Delamere station café for lunch. Liz and Martin were back from their high altitude training in Bolivia and Peru, but were only out for coffee today. 

It was not an obvious route out in that we went north to Cheshire Oaks Cycles then down the aptly named Oil Sites Road to Ince and Elton. "Are we going over the marshes" - "No, we're going to Manley!" So over the motorway we go, then up onto the Avanley Road past Manley School and onto to the Delamere forest road. At the junction at Hatchmere, I turn left to cries of "the cafe is the other way". All in good time! We now ride down two idyllic lanes (except for White Van Man!) towards Crowton, then back round the loop through Norley to Hatchmere again and, this time, turn left to the Delamere Station cafe arriving around 13:00 with 25 miles completed. 

Anxious not to push our weather luck, we leave before 14:00 bound for Kelsall via Eddisbury Hill. In Kelsall, Steve drops off to go home, while I notice that Dave H is missing. Apparently, he wanted to make his own way back to Mickle Trafford where his car was parked. We now head for Mickle Trafford via Oscroft (where Dave R heads for Waverton) and then Barrow. There was a little rain in the air now, but as Andy, Ivan and I enter Mickle Trafford on the A56, the heavens open and the promised heavy rain has now arrived. Andy presses on to take the Greenway whilst Ivan offers to run me home from his house where we are now bound. He was locked out (don't ask), apologies profusely, but there was nothing for it for me now to press on in the rain while Ivan headed for the Royal Oak to keep warm and out of the rain. The route was 39 miles and as I arrived home early at 15:00, I decided to wash the bike there and then - the first time in what seems months.

CA

PS: Please ensure you have registered for the Shrewsbury Special Ride next week.

1st August 2013: Birkenhead

With the long ride happening today, only a select group was expected at Little Roodee. It turned out to be very select with just Brian Mac and Steve, though Bryan joined us for coffee at the start. 

Brian proposed a tour of the Wirral and we set off along the River Dee to Hawarden Bridge and then across Burton Marshes (PIC 1) before striking out NW for the Mersey shore by way of Port Sunlight. Passing the Lever Art Gallery our eyes were caught be the sight of a dozen new and shiny cycles, including a tandem, set out on the grass.  With a small detour we discovered a young guy who’d just launched a cycle hire enterprise (www.wirralcycle.weebly.com).

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

Shortly after we hit the shoreline and followed this on generally quiet roads and tracks to Birkenhead and a photo stop (PIC 2) with Liverpool and the Three Graces behind us. Just up the road was Gallagher’s Pub and Barbers. Yes a barbers!, though drinking and having a haircut at the same time don’t mix – you get hairs in your pint. It has the distinction of being a CAMRA Merseyside pub of the year. It served good beer, but unfortunately not food, although they were open to customers bringing their own from the café at 32 Market St. 

After our stop we headed for the seaside and the crowds, passing a pirate ship made from driftwood swarming with children (PIC 3), as we followed the Wallasey shoreline to New Brighton and loads of families enjoying the hot sunshine. Weaving carefully through the crowds we then followed the north Wirral coast to West Kirby, there picking up the Wirral Way and heading speedily down to our afternoon tea stop, Elephant Coffee in Neston, winner of the Café Society’s Gold Award (PIC 4).

Being on his doorstep, Brian headed home shortly after and Steve continued back until meeting the Greenway and heading home to Kelsall. If we’d returned to the Little Roodee it would have made a 62 mile round trip.

SH

17th January 2013: No Mans Heath

Rising early to ride required real resolve on a stone cold day.  Ivan, Ray, Bryan, myself and the recovering Clive arrived at the Little Roodee Café.  Martin turned up tanned from his skiing at Chamonix. He was resting today, his quest for fresh snow not quite stretching from the lower slopes of Monte Blanc to those of Larkton Hill. 

A route in the direction of Malpas was agreed, partly because any chilling breeze was likely to come from the south east and so assist our passage home.  Clive led, as his intimate knowledge of these lanes would be of benefit, and, being Clive, he obviously would incorporate some interesting extra meandering loops.  We headed out along the river, behind The Boathouse, past Huntington Hall toward Aldford via Saighton. Clive was supposedly not 100%, but his pace was, by my moderate standards. A lone approaching cyclist had shouted an ice warning. Reasonable caution and good gritting meant that ice wasn’t a real worry for the rest of the day.

Unfortunately, a tractor on Chapel Lane was cutting a hedge and sprayed thorns all over the road. I duly picked up a puncture and we all had a very cold 15 minutes, as I double checked my tyre and replaced my inner tube. Ivan earned a pint for being particularly helpful. We were soon turning left at pretty Churton. Peaceful little lanes took us south east through Coddington to Clutton, where we became semi-detached. Ivan did his usual eager sheepdog-on-a-bike act, and soon we were together making steady progress south to Cuddington Heath. A straight route left to Malpas was shunned for a nice, quiet detour to Oldcastle Heath and north east along Bishop Bennet Way.  Bryan wasn’t feeling like a spring chicken, and it was a little hilly and a lot cold. Ray and Ivan went ahead, partly because Ray requires a good toasting every two hours in order to survive the cold. (And Ivan needs two pints of beer every two hours to survive, period).       

We finally made the familiar Wheatsheaf after 26 miles, more than ready for food and warmth. Sausages in Yorkshire puddings were no longer on the menu, but the food was fine. The new owners were very friendly and our conversation was convivial.  Circulation was a theme: Ray prays every Thursday that winter can be turned into summer because of his perceived poor circulation, Bryan’s fingers go white in his own living room, and we discussed the theory that continually circulating train routes may reduce the need for more lines.

We were a little late heading back, and with light, cold and possible wintry weather considerations, took the fast way back via the Old Coach Road to Broxton Old Hall. We reached Tattenhall and considered a coffee, but we had already been riding through some fine, snowy precipitation and it was becoming a little murky. We crossed the A41, and at Saighton the frisky three took off, and Bryan and myself cruised into Chester via Boughton. 

A thoroughly enjoyable day, which despite the natural speed differentials was managed without a problem. Winter brings both its stark and sparkly charms to our beloved Cheshire lanes. I for one was glad that I made that early morning effort to get up and out. Many thank to Clive for leading.

DH   

29th March 2012: Overton

Another cloudless, sunny spring day brought out Dave & Liz P, Andy, Ray, Mike M., Paul, Clive, Dave, Martin & Liz D.  In addition we welcomed a new rider, Mike from Vicars Cross.  At the Roodee cafe a ride to Overton was decided upon.  We took the usual route through Rossett, Holt, Shocklach, Worthenbury, Bangor and Erbistock.  Clive and Dave had other commitments and turned back at Bangor.  Lunch was taken at the White Horse where service was rather slow but understandably so as they were catering for a funeral gathering.  No hurrying the dead!  We were all glad to get going again as it was colder inside the pub than it was in the sun outside.  Basically the same route back but via the lanes to Worthenbury.  New Mike showed good form and the group held together well.  Mike M. peeled off at Farndon whilst the remainder off us could not resist Kaffee und Kuchen at Hildergards Cafe.  Finally the usual routes back to Chester to finish off a satisfactory day.  If only we did all our riding in such good weather.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
MD

22nd December 2011: Northop

Hawarden Castle

Dec 22nd and one day after shortest day in deepest winter: 14C clear, sunny and dry – what is happening to our weather!  For the penultimate ride of the year, eleven of us assembled for the off at the Roodee (Dave & Liz P, Martin, George, Dave M, Dave B, Ray, Andy, Alan, Janet and myself). I had proposed a novelty “Five Castle tour”, a flat 41 miler, and so we set off over the Dee and out to Lavister via Eccleston. Taking the lane out past Burton Green we cycled ever upwards against a freshening wind to Caergwrle. 

St Peters, Northop

The first castle hid behind the woods on the hill overlooking Caergwrle. Built by Llewellyn’s brother in 1277, it was taken in 1282 without a fight by Edward I and renamed Hope Castle. Out round the back of the village into Stryt Isa, we spin towards Penyffordd. Just before the lane end, Alan picked up a puncture, which gave me time to book lunch at the Red Lion Northop. Off again, we took the lanes to Bilberry Wood and the fast run down to the second castle on the tour at Hawarden. The local Welsh prince, the one from Caergwrle castle, attacked the castle on Palm Sunday 1282. In familiar territory now we take the main drag to Ewloe and pause beside the road to look at the “Ewloe Castle This Way” sign pointing across the fields. Built in 1257 by Llewellyn, it is apparently the oldest surviving Welsh-designed and built castle in Wales.  

Flint Castle

By this time the smell of beer was in the nostrils as the pack headed for the Red Lion. Although the lime and soda was expensive at £1.80, the two course “two for a tenner” menu was very good. Fortified with chips and pudding, we grind up the old main road, over Wat’s Dyke, and take the first on the right to get us over the A55. Admittedly this lane had seen better days, but soon we were freewheeling down the Halkyn Road into Flint and towards the magnificent Flint Castle. Built by Edward I at a cost of £7,000 in 1277, this was similar to those later found at Rhuddlan, Conwy and Harlech i.e. all capable of being re-supplied by sea. A short diversion along the front found us reading about Charles Kingsley’s poetic prowess before taking the main drag back towards Connah’s Quay. Here, by the Eon power station is a very odd 29mph Franco-Welsh road sign. 

Photographs by Alan Jeffs and Clive Albany 

Dave B left us here as the rest of us took the back lane down Dock Road to access the cycleway to get over the Hawarden station stop railway bridge. Martin and Janet peeled off here, and the rest of us made our way back along the Dee. Dave M however took the greenway towards Oscroft. The Chester Big Wheel came into view as we completed an easy 41 miles. So with Chester Castle we had completed the “Five Castle” tour but in fact had only actually seen two castles; nonetheless a very satisfying “winter” cultural sojourn.

CA 

3rd March 2011: Hartford

Foggy and cold the day started but it ended up bright and sunny as we met at the Little Roodee Café.  As sheep-mode was engaged, Bryan, Dave B, Ivan, Andy, Ray S, Trevor, George, Martin and Liz and me set off promptly for a route which was planned to take in the local industrial heritage on our way to a new pub in Hartford.  Dave M still looked poorly and excused himself.  The Tandem Two arrived just as we were setting off but mysteriously off-loaded once they knew that Ince Marshes were on the menu.
Wending out of Chester on highway no 5, we scooted down through the zoo and out onto the towpath towards Stanlow.  Bryan had advised that the aptly named Oil Sites Road was open so we cycled through the local industrial heritage that is Stanlow Oil refinery into the surprisingly quaint Ince village.  Marsh Lane started off quite well – Bryan had advised that it was rideable in dry conditions but somewhat rough.  Well it was dry-ish and it was rough!  The lane is being “improved” by laying recycled old tarmac and eventually it will be compacted but today it was more like porridge than tarmac.  I took the executive decision to cut and run so we headed for Helsby rather than continue for even more mud toward Frodsham.  Why do slick tyres pick up so much mud?
Taking Howey Lane, we climbed out of Frodsham onto the Kingsley Road with the sun emerging out of the cold fog.  Taking Ball Lane out of Kingsley, we headed for the Weaver towpath, or were we?  Just before the end of the lane, a sharp right confusing marked as a No Through Road takes us out to Acton Bridge.  Hanging left at the railway station and onwards to Weaverham for more industrial heritage on the outskirts of Winnington.  Cries of “Are we nearly there” are rewarded with the Hartford Hall Hotel coming into view.  The “2 for £10” menu was on offer and we all partook of it: the well-presented and tasty food came quickly and although Lime and Lemonade was £2.60, the soda variant was £1.10- a useful lunch stop for future rides.
The return journey employed a muddy NCR5 to get us across the Weaver near to Meadowbank and onto local route 71 aka Whitegates Way.  At Cotebrook, the creperie café was closed, so Summertrees it was for afternoon cake and tea – ‘but which way to go?’ - the direct ascent via Tirley Lane or the psychologically “less hilly” route via Hollins Hill, Knights Lane and Quarry Bank.  The cake stimulus spurred the group the take the actually hilly indirect route with 350ft of ascent.  The fast spin down to Willington and Oscroft was short lived but Ivan sped off into the distance missing the Tarvin turn in Oscroft. There we found Dave M with his flat cap on, supervising his building works.  Wending our way back to Chester either to the canal or the greenway, we ended up with a 54 mile circular route that was even muddier than last week’s ride around Penley!

CA

25th November 2010: Eastham Ferry

Wonders never cease.  With the prospect of -5º C temperatures and snow, I would not have been surprised if I was the only rider out today.  But CER are made of sterner stuff.  The even bigger surprise was that even with the new 10:00 winter start, we had seven riders at the Little Roodee as the cafe opened.  Clive, Dave & Liz, George, Martin, Ivan, Ray and Brian set off by 10:30 with Dave who was going to do a short ride.  Thursday was one of those rare ones in winter that you just grab; it was bright, crisp & clear, perfect for an Easy Ride.
As we had a Northerly, we set off along The New Cut to Hawarden Bridge.  From there, taking the dry roughish track thro Shotwick, we crossed the Wirral peninsula, thro Hooton, Raby Mere, Bromborough, stopping for lunch right on time at the Eastham Ferry Hotel.
The “Sneck Lifter” from Cumbria (nothing to do with Martin) was well thought of, as was the 2 4 1 Lunch.  Opinion was that The Ferry was worth repeating, especially with the generous portions.  After lunch, a bright photo shot of the group in front of a huge red oil tanker on the high tide, turned in to a picture of the pavement.  No David Bailey today.

Photographs by Ivan Davenport

The return ride with the wind behind us took us thro Eastham, which turned in to a 1970s nostalgia trip for Ivan & Clive.  On thro Raby and Thornton Hough, we found ourselves back on the banks of The Dee Estuary at Parkgate.  The obligatory ice cream & coffee was taken at Nicholls award winning Parlour.  No guesses as to who sneaked off for a quick pint in The Ship.  With the light fading we pressed on back to Chester, via Little Neston & Puddington on Sustrans NCR 56, to end a most enjoyable 47 miles.
This week’s Question......................  How many extinct ferry ports did we visit?  For the Answer, come next week.
B Mac

13th May 2010: Little Neston

This should have been advertised as the "Easy Lunches - Not", but more on that later.  Ten of us set off from the Roodee, including George for the first time, plus Liz D, Dave & Liz, Clive, Ray, Ray(zor), Mike, Ivan and all led away by Brian Mac.  The ride was advertised as an easy one, finishing by 4pm, as some of us were off later to see Mark Beaumont, the lad who raced round the world, give a talk at Rhyl.
The route along the canalised Dee to Sealand was taken at a gentle pace, to break George in.  I hope we didn't give him a false sense of security, as the wind was behind us.  Turning inland towards The Eureka area, we were on a newish path alongside the widened A550, which a number had not seen before.  Capenhurst quickly arrived, only for Ray(zor) and Ivan to drop off the back.  North through Ledsham and back down to the Dee Estuary, passing through the quaint village of Burton.  (It’s hard to believe now, but on the 1801 Census, it was the 2nd biggest settlement on The Wirral.)  Along the dry marsh track, we arrived on schedule at The Harp, located alongside the old mining port of Little Neston.
Even though I had been in the night before to confirm numbers for lunch, the sole girl serving was completely unprepared for us "walkers".  When the Timothy Taylors finally arrived, all was forgiven.  Unforced extended lunches seem to becoming a habit, so leaving one and a half hours later left us no time for the promised Time Trial at Denhall.  This will be run at Ness Gardens when the weather is kinder.
A faster return took us via Willaston Mill, Hooton and Ledsham down to Sealand.  Here those going to the lecture later on, took the quick way along the Millennium Way back to the start, while four others went off to Connahs Quay, with George still smiling.  An enjoyable, if shorter, ride of 36 miles.
BMac

4th February 2010: Delamere

Another grey, overcast winter's day, with rain forecast.  Why am I here at The Roodee, I ask, when I could have stayed another month in sunny Australia?  Clive and I set off for Delamere, via the new extension to the Millennium Cycle track and Manley.  The cafe at Delamere Station was surprisingly busy, considering the rather uninviting day.  The portions served were HUGE, which probably explained why it was so popular.
After lunch, we headed south past Roses Tea Rooms & then through the lanes to join the canal path at Waverton and on to Chester.  A pleasant 38 miles, despite the greyness.  Roll on summer.
BMac