2nd November 2017: Goostrey (mod)

Twelve Easy Riders gathered at Rose Farm, Utkinton on a grey, autumn morning.  Dave M was in civvies, John W was there for coffee, and the 10 others set off east ably led by Steve H.  Dave H true to form soon lost something, this time a £20 note.  He turned back scouring the undergrowth, not knowing that Andy had found it.  Clive went back looking for Dave, but not finding him returned. Mike G then took up the search and failed to return. Dave H rang to say he would join us at lunch. We assumed Mike and Dave had met up, so we carried on past Oulton Park.

The morning ride was otherwise uneventful and Steve T departed early at Winsford, with Andy B departing a little later, now leaving six: Andy W, Clive, Dave P, Ray, Steve H and yours truly on his first CER ride for 7 months.

Photos by Macca

With a mix of brisk and mod riders, the pace to Goostrey was slightly faster than normal, but that may have been due to me recovering from a broken rib from a crash on a NSW badly maintained cycle path.  Cycling through Winsford, across the M6, by 12 noon we safely reached The Crown, Goostrey (01477 532 128).  Shortly after arriving Mike joined us, making the numbers up to 7 again, but without Dave, whose whereabouts remained a puzzle.

Lunch time discussion was on the usual state of all our aches, pains, injuries and operations: plus ça change for CER then.  We returned via Davenham and Oulton Park to Utkinton, having ridden 74 kms at an average of 20 kph, so not particularly fast overall.

To add a bit extra here, I thought I would include a link to 2 cycle accessories recommended to me and purchased recently.  First, a Cateye BM45 Bar End Mirror, £11-69 from tredz.co.uk; I have found turning my neck increasingly difficult and this universal-fitting small mirror has been a god-send.  Secondly, I defy anyone to refit Continental tyres without pain, suffering, sore thumbs and much cursing.  They are all in the past if you purchase a Koolstop tire mate from SJS Cycles for £17-49.  I receive no commission for writing this.

Macca

14th September 2017: Scholar Green (mod)

We were sitting in Rose Farm Café watching the rain come down when Steve T reminded us, with utterly unfounded optimism, that our last outing from here had started wet but turned into a fine day. So it was that as the rain stopped, Steve T, Trevor, Clive, Andy B, Dave H and myself, left David M in the café to recover from a cold, and took to the highway: destination The Rising Sun at Scholar Green.

The route took us through some tedious streets in Winsford and Middlewich before hitting open countryside as we passed through Brereton Green.  Approaching Spen Green, the bulk of Mow Cop rose above us. We had done a similar ride to this in 2016 when the party had split, with half taking the ‘easy’ route up Mow Cop and the remainder heading direct for the pub.  This time, as we approached, Andy B and Steve T left us to take the 'hard' way up Mow Cop.

The sensible four arrived at the pub and were tucking into good and substantial sandwiches and drinks, when our ‘summit party’ joined us, with tales of their successful ascent. At that point the heavens opened and we looked out from the safety of our ‘base camp’ at torrential rain. We hoped that this shower would be all that nature would offer and hoped that Steve’s earlier optimism had been justified.

Foolish us! The return soon confronted us with a strong gusty northwesterly headwind.  It did however remain dry as we passed Rode Heath, Wheelock Heath and skirted the north of Crewe. We paused near Bradfield Green to decide which café to call at later. Then travelling through Church Minshull our luck broke and we were hit with a strong gusting hail storm.  This eased but spasmodic rain continued through Wettenhall until we arrived at the Shire Horse Centre Café at Cotebrook just in time at 4.10pm (it closes at 4.30pm).

Having recovered with coffee and cake, it was a short ride back to Rose Farm, clocking up a total of 53 miles, albeit a much longer one for those who had to cycle home especially for Andy.

SH

12th May 2016: Mow Cop and Scholar Green (mod)

I arrived at Rose Farm to find Dave H, Steve T and George at a loss for where to ride other than the ‘same old destinations’. Luckily I had a route in mind to the Rising Sun at Scholar Green, just beneath Mow Cop, which included an optional extra 4 miles climbing up Mow Cop.  We were joined by Charlie, Jane, Mike McC, Chris and just in time Dave & Liz P.
The weather was promising – over 20 degrees forecast but with a good enough breeze to keep us cool. We cycled through Cotebrook, and Little Budworth to pick up the Whitegate Way at Marton Green.  This deposited us in Winsford, from where we passed through Clive Green on our way to Middlewich. Zigzagging through its housing estates, we emerged back into the countryside and onto a good road through Brereton Green and Spen Green, then a short section of busy A34, before we followed a lane to Great Morton Hall.

Photographs by Steve Haywood

Here we had to choose: who wanted to take the short pleasant ride beside the canal to the pub, and who wanted to climb up Mow Cop. The party split evenly, with the foolish five – Steve T, Chris, George, Mike McC and myself – choosing to grind up the long climb onto the ridge and follow it southwards into Mow Cop.  Short of breath we assembled at the magnificent viewpoint beside the Gritstone Trail for a photo and admired the surrounding land. The group were disappointed to hear that the climbing was not over, for as we continued into the village, we turned right up a steeper if shorter hill up by the radio mast.  The group were again disappointed to hear that this had been the ‘easy’ way up.  But now it was downhill, but very steeply, before joining the others in the pub.
The other group were awaiting us, well into their meal, for although the climbers had only travelled an extra few miles it had taken us a long, long time. The Rising Sun had given us a friendly welcome, a room of our own, good filling food and tasty beer. What’s more, splitting our party on the ride had allowed Dave & Liz plenty of time to indulge in two courses.
The return required a route that avoided as much of Alsager and Crewe as possible. We passed Rode Hall, headed for Wheelock Heath, and skirted the north of Crewe after travelling over some very rough surfaces. Passing behind Leighton Hospital, we crossed the lights at Bradfield Green and on through Church Minshall, then Cholmondeston and Rushton, making for the Shire Horse Centre café for essential refreshments. Then back to Rose Farm with 56 miles completed for those doing the extra loop: pleasant lanes, good weather, a good pub, and good company. Let’s hope the summer brings many more such days.

SH

17th September 2015: Goostrey (mod)

Despite earlier warnings of the tail end of the Hurricane reaching Cheshire by Thursday morning, a fair sized group of easy Riders assembled at the welcoming Rose Farm café at 10:00. The moderate group, consisting of Bryan, Andy, Mike G, Steve H, Dave H, Trevor and Jim decided to head for the Red Lion at Goostrey. Dave and Liz arrived just as the group were setting off and decided to follow on when ready. We followed a well-recognised route past Oulton Park and Little Budworth down to Whitegate and crossed the Weaver by the locks. The rough track up to Moulton is still as rough as ever but we rode it valiantly and then sped down through Davenham, Lach Dennis and Lower Peover. We made good progress, helped by a slight tail wind and what seemed to be a generally downhill route. (Perhaps the training is beginning to pay off!) 

Arriving in Goostrey there was no sign of the pub, but fortunately a passing local knew the area well, so we were practically the first customers in at 12.15. The local beer, Hancocks, a new one to most of us, was well recommended by Bryan and Steve, and we had just ordered our meals when Dave and Liz arrived.

The return journey took us south towards Holmes Chapel, where we followed a lane of slightly dubious quality across the River Dane and up into the village. A short spell of main road followed until we took the lane south of Sproston Green and to the south of Middlewich. This is sometimes used as a short cut for drivers also wanting to miss the town centre, as we witnessed when one nearly flattened the tandem with his impatience. 

Following another short section of main road near Wimboldsley, it was with some relief that we reached the turning for Church Minshull, and the quieter lanes up through Wettenhall and Oulton Mill. At this point the lure of afternoon cake was too much for the two Daves and together with Bryan, Steve, Mike and Liz they took off for the café at the Shire Horse Centre, leaving Andy, Trevor and Myself to head straight back to Rose Farm. 

Despite a slight occasional headwind on the return, a very pleasant 45 miles, or just short of 70 for those from Chester.

JD

18th July 2013: Goostrey

My recent e-mail suggestion for a volunteer to write the weekly CER Report was met with deathly silence, as was Bryan’s request to the group when we met up in Rose Farm; so, I thought that I’d start the ball rolling as the Pipe Duo were leading this ride out to Goostrey.   It was good to see both Bryan and Mike M for coffee before the start, where Bryan reminded us to sign up for the Special Rides coming-up soon.  

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

Andy, Brian, Dave M, Dave P, Dominic, Lizzie, Paul, Ray, Roy, Steve and Trevor all assembled for a disjointed group photo outside (pic 1).  Dave M initially led us at a smart pace out past the Race Track to the start of the Whitegate Way, where he peeled off home. A meander along the shaded former rail line (pics 2 & 3) brought us out near the canal in Winsford.  We continued east via Davenham (pron: Dave – n – ham, I was told), crossing the old Roman road that is now the A530.  Ten of us arrived at The Red Lion at Goostrey without a booking, but the manager didn’t mind, as they had served 50+ cyclists “much older than us” the previous day, with no problem.  

Our resident chemist Andy gave us good news when he announced that beer at 3.6% hydrates in this hot weather, but at > 4%, it doesn’t.  Question:  Can I have a skinful then at 3.4%?  I thought that the beer at the pub was better than the food, but it was good value, considering that the place is in the Manchester commuter belt.  

We took a southerly route back, led by our newest and youngest member, Dominic. After skirting Holmes Chapel, we passed to the south of Middlewich; for those who studied Latin, it was named “Salinae”, as the town was their largest supplier of that precious commodity, salt. A helmet-cam would have been useful here, when a plonker driver of a skip-lorry blasted his air-horn right next to us, causing Dave P to take to the hedge, fortunately without injury.  Unfortunately, it all happened so quickly, no one took his reggo or business name.

Passing through Church Minshull, we were all gasping in the very high temperatures by the time we reached The Shire Horse Centre at Cotebrook for a cuppa.  Continuing on the final leg, Liz and Trevor peeled off to their cars at Utkinton, after a very hot 50 miles, whilst the remainder went downhill to Chester, clocking about 75 miles.

Some lessons learned today for future leaders and writers of these Reports:

1 Make a note of who is riding before you set off, as you won’t remember a few days later.

2 Ask the leader where we have been, BEFORE you go home

3 Write it up asap, when details are still fresh

4 It doesn’t take long to scribble something down; this took < an hour

5 Bring an OS 1:50,000 map and a pencil.  It worked for Dave P & Dominic today.  Garmins are not compulsory

6 Leading by committee actually can work.  Most members have some local knowledge of an area, and don’t even need a map; just ask 

BMac

17th May 2012: Warmingham (mod)

David M, Ray and new rider Roy from Runcorn met at the Ice Cream Farm in cold, wet, dreary conditions.  Fortunately the weather relented to dreary as we headed off east into the headwind for Bunbury and Alpraham.  We then continued to Church Minshull and on towards Warmingham and Hassal Green.  The intention was to ride on to Malkins Bank, but a few miles beyond Warmingham David M suffered a late reaction to last Tuesday's remedial massage and had to stop for 10 minutes to recover.  In the circumstances, we retraced to the excellent Bears Paw at Warmingham for a super lunch, having covered 25 miles from the ice cream farm.  

Return was by the usual route through Bostock & Whitegate to the Shire Horse Cafe (v. expensive!!).  The party then split with David M returning through Cotebrook to Oscroft, and Ray guiding Roy back through Eaton to the Ice Cream Farm.  Total distance 55m.  Roy seemed to enjoy himself and is to join us again, as and when his shifts allow.

DM

3rd May 2012: Warmingham (mod)

David M had a moderate route planned, of which the main feature was "out against the brisk east wind and get blown home".

Dave Heath was the first to volunteer for a shorter day, followed in rapid succession by Mike, Trevor, George and Liz.  We set out over Cotebrook, and then followed a series of lanes past Calvely school, through Church Minshul and then to Hopley House farm Cafe.  On arrival at the cafe we were greeted by an ominous silence and large banner that proclaimed that the cafe had been shut (due to red tape) since February 4th.

Nothing daunted, we then set off to Warmingham where Mike remembered there to be an excellent pub: The Bears Paw.  Pub is excellent, beautifully refurbished, friendly staff and served us an excellent meal.  Definitely one for future visits!

Return was via Middlewich, Bostock and "the bridges" to Whitegate.  Stiff hill out of Whitegate led to more excellent lanes (including Shays Lane) and then the Shire Horse Cafe (now known as Ray's Rest following his bonk out on a previous ride) for a cuppa.  There are two secret roads on the return from this cafe.  We opted to climb up the A49 to secret road 2 past the small lake and deep ravine before returning to Rose farm via Cotebrook.  A round trip of approx 40 miles in the cold but dry May weather.

DM

15th March 2012: Goostrey (mod)

12 members gathered at Rose Farm Garden Centre in surprisingly cold weather.  I had already put on an additional layer but it was still cold.  Oh well, we would soon warm up and the forecast for the afternoon promised that the sun would break through.  “Where are off to then?”  “Does anyone have a route?” silence “Well I have a moderate ride in mind to the Red Lion at Goostrey but it involves some tracks: how does that sound?”  The nods of assent signified agreement.  

With the ride agreed it was time to leave in something of a large group comprising Andy, Ivan, Liz D, Martin, Dave M, Dave & Liz P, Dave H, Ray, George, Trevor and me.  Mindful of the shambles earlier in the month we kept together through Cotebrook and Little Budworth before turning on to the Whitegate Way for a pleasant run down to the Weaver Navigation.  We crossed the Weaver by the wooden bridge and took the rough track up to Moulton and on to Davenham where a right turn put us on the road to Lach Dennis and Goostrey.  The steady conversation from further back in the group suggested the pace was about right and we made good progress.  At Lach Dennis a surprise left turn indicated that we weren’t going straight to Goostrey today.  By Boots Green we were on unfamiliar lanes particularly as we continued along an increasingly rough track signed as a dead-end.  The highlight of the day was soon revealed as the track turned into a one-mile long bridle path peppered with mud traps to test the groups riding skills.  Once through it was only a short ride to Goostrey and the welcoming sight of the Red Lion.

It’s quite a few years since I was last there and I’m pleased to say the welcome was as good as I remembered.  It’s not easy to serve 12 hungry cyclists who arrive without warning but the Red Lion coped admirably and food was soon coming out of the kitchen while we sampled the Black Sheep and Hobson’s ales.  It was soon time to leave and, sad to say, the weather outside was no warmer.

On our way we negotiated the back lanes and a short track to emerge in the centre of Holmes Chapel before more lanes to Middlewich.  Back on home ground my services as ride leader were no longer required as the group took the familiar route back via Church Minshull and Wettenhall to Eaton.  Here we stopped to select today’s tea stop.  Was it to be the Fire Station Café in Tarporley, the Shire Horse Centre or back to Rose Farm?  The Shire Horse Centre won the vote and within a few minutes we had settled down with tea and cake for a relaxed chat before the last few miles back to Utkinton having completed 45 enjoyable miles.

BW

26th May 2011: Little Warford

Wet, wet, wet was the forecast for today’s weather plus some gusty wind for later.  Contrary to the usual outcome today’s forecast turned out to be spot on.  It rained most of the way out to Utkinton, not heavy mind, but enough to be uncomfortable.  I settled down in Rose Farm café to tea and toasted teacake while first Clive arrived in full wet weather gear, followed by Ivan (just down from his new job in the Lake District to join us for the day: there’s dedication!) and finally Norman on his second outing with us.  That’s it for today, just four brave souls willing to take on the elements.
I suggested a ride out to Little Warford near Alderley Edge which would clock up about 50 miles round trip from Utkinton.  The only response from those present was Little ……?  And so Little Warford was agreed with The Stags Head earmarked for lunch.  I led out on the well-used route through Cotebrook, passing Oulton Park motor racing circuit and on to Whitegate where we turned right to use the wooden bridge crossing of the Weaver Navigation.  From here we took the rough track under the west coast main line up to Moulton where we rejoined the lanes to Davenham, Lach Dennis, Lower Peover and eventually Great and Little Warford to arrive in good time at 12:15.
There were two removal vans outside The Stags Head when we arrived and the pub tables were being loaded into the first of the vans.  “Have you closed?”  “No we’re just taking the tables away.  They’re reopening this lunchtime.”  Inside we found that the refurbishment was slightly behind schedule and that we were the first customers.  Judging by the plush new upholstery, new tables, polished timber floor and carpets we were not the type of patrons they were aiming to attract.  This is practically Alderley Edge after all!  That aside, we were made more than welcome as we discarded wet clothes, and the choice of ales put aside any lingering doubts on our part.  Food service was a little on the slow side but we had plenty of time and when it came, the quality justified the wait.
We left The Stags Head at 13:30pm in the rain and headed south to Goostrey with the choice of continuing on to Holmes Chapel or Middlewich.  I decided on Middlewich with the intention of trying the link over the River Wheelock to Stanthorne Mill that looked doable on the map.  In Middlewich we were forced to go through the centre, eventually reaching the turnoff for the Wheelock.  “It’s a no through road”, followed by “No it’s a Harry route.”  Well it looked OK; a wide grassy lane that led us down to the bridge after which the track narrowed eventually becoming an increasing narrow footpath.  After 50 yards of pushing we reached the Mill and continued the ride on to Winsford and the Whitegate Way.  By now talk was about where we should stop for afternoon tea.  We decided on the Shire Horse Centre café but Ivan, in a hurry to get home, left us just before Cotebrook.
The remaining three of us relaxed in the café over tea and carrot cake while discussing the implications of Brian Lowe’s resolution passed at the CTC national AGM.  When we emerged the rain had stopped but the wind was getting stronger!  It was only a few miles from here to Utkinton where we left Norman to collect his car while Clive and I fought the strong head wind back to Chester.
Today proved once again that despite the damp weather CER provides a great day out.  A round trip of 50 miles from Utkinton or just over 70 miles for those of us riding from Chester.
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BW