30th December 2021: Ravensmore (mod)

 It was an inauspicious start to our final ride of the year from Utkinton – Rose Farm Café was closed, from 24th December to some date in January. Gathered outside with me were Alan, Andy B, Clive, Dave H, David M, and Keith who it was good to see, but who was only there to say hello. We discussed our options – basically finding another café that would be open. Tarporley seemed the best bet, likely to offer several choices. We waited to see if any other members arrived, but it had started to rain, so at 1015 we set off in search of coffee. Just into Tarporley High Street we found our first café, which was good enough – “Ginger and Pickles” opposite the bakery of the same name. We squeezed into what was a more upmarket establishment than we are generally used to, but this was Tarporley. 

Our needs met we left, saying goodbye to Clive and a short while later goodbye to David M. Our destination was The Farmers’ Arms at Ravensmoor, which I had previously confirmed would be open and serving food. We headed through Eaton towards Oulton Mill, turning right to head for Wettenhall and southwards into Nantwich. The southwesterly wind gave us little trouble and although the early rain had ceased, it started again as we passed through Nantwich, but by then we had only a couple of miles to reach our destination. 

A sign outside announced “under new management” and we were served fairly promptly. We chose from the light lunch menu, but Dave H and I were disappointed that the liver and onions had run out.  Nonetheless we enjoyed decent meals, although the lasagne choice we deemed to be a little small. Overall I quite liked the place. We checked the weather forecast and confirmed there would be rain for the rest of the day, though of the ‘light’ variety so the forecasts claimed.

The route back took us past Swanley Bridge, then Brindley, Bunbury and Beeston.  After the Shady Oak we split, with Dave H heading into Tarporley to rejoin his car, while the rest of us made for Huxley where we bade farewell to Andy.  That left Alan and me to follow the twists of Corkscrew Lane to Clotton and then past the turkey farm to Utkinton. In total we had travelled 35 miles.

So we ended 2021. A Happy New Year to all members, and a hope that Covid will be less of a constraint on our rides in 2022.

See route map and/or gpx file download

SH

17th January 2019: Aston (mod)

A cold and icy start, with temperatures only slightly above zero, but sunshine forecast, brought out four moderates among the CER members gathered at Rose Farm. I suggested a ride out to the Bhurtpore Arms at Aston, as our last attempt to visit in November had failed due to a power cut in Aston village.  I was joined by Andy B, Steve T (recently relieved from spousal chauffeuring duties) and Dave H (getting back into the swing of cycling).

There were ice patches in the Rose Farm car park, so we started gingerly following the usual route to Cotebrook, and onwards to Wettenhall, Nantwich and Wrenbury.  Passing Wrenbury Station we arrived at the Bhurtpore as their clock chimed 12 o’clock. Settling in to their welcoming food and drink we remembered how much we enjoy this pub, though only Dave indulged in a curry.  We discussed DIY and the problems of domestic appliances.  In answer to one question raised by an old sale poster on the wall, I can confirm that Imperial measures of area are the acre, the rood and the perch.  The clock chimed 1 o’clock and our lunch hour over it was time to move on.

We took a short loop along Pinsley Green Road to re-emerge in Wrenbury and make our way northwards towards Larden Green. Cycling gently along the narrow Hearn’s Lane we met an HGV that refused to move over for us, despite there being space on its side of the road. After being squeezed dangerously, if slowly between the truck and the road margin I record his details – look out for a white 7.5 toner MX58LBJ!

No more events were to trouble us.  We passed through Haughton and noted that the Nag’s Head had re-opened, then it was through Bunbury and around Beeston Castle, where we were surprised to still see some sheet ice.  We entered Tarporley from the west and called at the Old Fire Station café for refreshments.  As we left we examined the large old CTC badge in relief on the front of the Swan Hotel.

We arrived back at Rose Farm with 40 miles completed on a good winter’s day.

See route map and/or gpx file download

SH

24th December 2015: Churton

I swung by Ivan’s new abode to ride out with him on his first CER ride post his “Christmas Lights” incident. Wincing on and off as each bump aggravated his healing process, we made our way out to Rose Farm in the gloom. Arriving on time we found the cafe firmly shut. However a very nice man had left a message with the staff that any riders should go on to The Old Fire Station in Tarporley. We found Andy tucking into his toasted teacake and set about doing the same. John soon turns up; once he had realised it wasn’t Manley today. Dave M completed the motley numbers, but he was in the VW and not the bike. 

We took our time over coffee and the teacakes, but eventually we all departed: Andy and Dave for home, and “We Three Kings” for a round about route to the White Horse in Churton. So swinging around the town, we ride through Tiverton taking the right back towards Huxley. Down past the Shady Oak, we ride steadily on through Tattenhall bound for Chowley Oak and Cuddington. The rain clouds are gathering as we make it into the White Horse before they can drop their load. The weather improves and, after an abstemious single pint, we head for home. The sun is out now, but it was not shining on John today. Twice we stopped to try to fix a very dodgy bottom bracket with the bolt holding the left pedal on was coming loose. John waved us on just outside Huntingdon, as he no doubt proceeded slowly into Halfords for repairs. So only 32 miles out and back but we were at least out!

CA

30th July 2015: Aston (mod)

There were only four of us available for a ride from Rose Farm, and we didn't know where to go. Aston, by my slightly longer route was chosen, as it was unlikely to tax our navigation skills, and we like the pub. Over the last twelve months, I think I have visited the Bhurtpore on my bike more times than I've driven to Asda Runcorn in my car. It is still an enjoyable, easy-rolling, relaxed route to look forward to, even if it is familiar.
Keith, Paul, John and myself were soon heading down to Cotebrook, careful of the gravel at 'Jim's corner', when turning left into Smithy Lane. We headed for Rushton on the quiet, narrow lanes below Oulton Park. Wettenhall, Venetian Marina and Reaseheath were cruised past before hitting the attractive Welsh Row. We turned off through parkland before the A534 avoiding traffic and coming out by 'The Big Lake'. A short stretch of main road, and then we turned left towards the not so secret Secret Nuclear Bunker. After a steady stretch in a southerly direction down Coole Lane we made the acute turn right at Brickwall Farm, and meandered the last few miles to our lunch stop.  The fish were big, and the curry hot and filling at the friendly Bhurtpore. I can't remember if Keith had his usual cheese and onion butty, but he had no complaints.  
We came back via Ravensmoor, Swanley and Brindley, and with an extra little loop from Paul, we were soon passing Tilly's and heading for Tilstone Bank. I am not in great cycling nick at the moment, mainly due to enforced slavery on a garden transformation project at home. I was grateful for the lads' patience and pacing. John's wheel was a welcome lead into the wind on our return to Tarporley. We received the familiar warm welcome at the Old Fire Station café, with offers to fill our bottles, and an invite to take our bikes through to the back. We sat in the sun, and had a laugh. It was good to get to know John as he is usually up the road with the fast riders. Paul is now a familiar friend with the relaxed group, and Keith is an addict when he can get off work. Unfortunately, I won't be riding this coming Thursday, as the missus' Wendy House is due to be installed in our garden! About 42 dry miles were covered from Rose Farm in excellent company.      
DH

11th June 2015: No Mans Heath (mod)

A fine sunny day encouraged a good turn out as we all gathered at Rose Farm Garden Centre, Utkinton to await the 10:00 am opening of the café.

The default position of two rides was quickly agreed and Clive had a venue in mind for the “brisk” group consisting of himself, John, Ivan, Ray and Tom with his knee heavily strapped a worry with only a few weeks to go to his inaugural End2End.

The “moderate” team decided that after the more demanding terrain of Mike’s excellent ride of last week through the Conwy Valley, a traditional Easy Riders route would be a good plan for today.  I suggested a run down through Malpas to the Wheatsheaf at No Mans Heath.  All were content.  Dave H, Steve T, Keith, Trevor, Dave & Liz on the tandem Mike G and yours truly therefore set out for a gentle ride south through the Cheshire Plain.  Crossing the A51 at Duddon we bowled along in the sunshine through Hoofield and Huxley before picking up the Cheshire Cycle Way to Tattenhall.   Here we continued south across the A41 before I suggested we swung west to add a few miles.  Through Coddington to Churton and then turning south again to skirt the eastern edge of Farndon to Shocklach, where we rejoined the Cheshire Cycle Way into Threapwood.  There was general consensus that these are the days that make cycling worthwhile and get us out on our bikes.  The sun on our backs, quiet country lanes and panoramic views across rural Cheshire to the Welsh hills in the distance, this is truly a green and pleasant land.

 Due to my indecisiveness and Dave’s eagerness to get to lunch we missed the right turn in Malpas and so did a slight detour before arriving at the Wheatsheaf at No Mans Heath (what a wonderful name).  On our previous visit we were competing with a large group of ramblers but fortunately we were the only sizable group today and had the undivided attention of the staff.  Drinks and food were quickly ordered and a 40p for a pint of lime and soda and meals for £5 you can’t beat it for value.  The usual eclectic mix of topics was discussed over lunch and then we were back in the saddle having already clocked up 30 miles.  To avoid the Pageant taking place at Cholmondeley Castle we continued eastwards re-crossing the A41 and then the A49 before turning north to Chorley and through the lanes to Bunbury, now basking in the reflected glory of its recent fame as a location for a TV series.  Our destination for afternoon tea was the old Fire Station café at Tarporley, which meant a climb up Tilstone Bank.  We had lost the tandem at Bunbury where Dave & Liz had succumbed to the call of their favourite afternoon tea stop.  The reminder of us arrived to a warm welcome from the staff at the former Fire Station.  Afternoon tea and cake were enjoyed in the warm sunshine of the rear courtyard accompanied by our usual gentle banter.  A little reluctantly we got back on the bikes for the final few miles back to Utkinton.  50 miles ridden and surprisingly 1800 feet of ascent climbed.  The Cheshire Plain is not as flat as it appears.

GW 

5th March 2015: Whitchurch (mod)

It was well before 10:00, on a cloudy, coldish day when I arrived at Rose Farm to find one or two fellow CER waiting for the cafe to open its doors.  By 10:30, 16 cyclists were poised but two went home early, leaving five to embark on a brisk ride and nine of us to ride leisurely anti-clockwise to Whitchurch.  Our group was composed of many with “excuses” needing to keep the pace down to a leisurely 12-13mph average.  The reasons were either medical (not surprising considering our age) or because at least two had recently returned from NZ and were well out of practise.  Andy, Brian, Bryan, Dave H, Jim, Keith, Paul, Petar and Trevor set off south while the speedsters headed east.

A rather uneventful pleasant ride took us through Clotton and Clutton to Tilston, where the old pub was now a row of luxury detached houses with ornate filigree woodwork.  My original plan was to loop further west but as time was pressing we simply headed south up the long drag to Malpas.  Forking right we flew down through Higher Wych passing Iscoed Park which had been requisitioned, like many stately homes during WW ll, for use as a US Military hospital and POW camp.  We soon found ourselves in Whitchurch, which like many settlements in England, was founded by the Romans as a half-way point between the major camps of Chester and Wroxeter (near Shrewsbury).

This market town has a few decent CER pubs already but Jim suggested a recently renovated one by the parish church.  I’ll try anything once and The Cock & Greyhound (SY13 1LL) did not disappoint.  Not sure about the name though: it’s one of a chain of 10 pubs in the “Atwillpubs” group of Chester that have “Cock” in the pub-name.  As we were the only folk for lunch between 1 – 2pm, they are going to have to trade a long time before the investors recoup their expensive outlay.  The food and blond was excellent, as was the beer of that name.

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

Suitably refreshed, we set off NE to Wrenbury, then tacked north past the three prominent castles and the Shady Oak for a well-earned afternoon tea at The Old Fire Station in Tarporley.  As my earlier photos of the group were rubbish, I took a picture of this flowery VW outside the cafe.  After negotiating round the Bentleys and Range Rovers, we returned to Utkinton, while Paul and I headed for Chester.  An enjoyable CER day with a bonus mile ridden above the original 45 promised.

BMac

20th November 2014: Aston (mod)

We were in Keith's big black van when we spotted a rider on a black and white bike striving up Wood Lane. The cyclist wasn't George, the Boardman flash of yellow told us that, but he was heading to Rose Farm in order to join us. His name was John and he had already, inadvertently, completed a Tour de Delamere in trying to reach our meeting place. John was made very welcome, and I hope we see him again. On hearing our estimated average speeds he chose to give the fast group a try. Jim and Dave M. had turned up but were not riding with us today. 

The moderate group consisted of Dave & Liz P, Brian Mac, Andy, Keith, Steve H and myself. Dave Pipe was delayed at the start; I think it was his wardrobe manager demanding a productivity bonus before signing up with the tandem for the winter season. We were soon wafting down to Cotebrook and then Rushton on the southern, crumble-brick boundary of Oulton Park. The roads are pretty flat to Nantwich via Wettenhall and Rease Heath, and it was great to chat and take in the scenery without any pressure of pace. Welsh Row has such a delightful variety of historic architecture that I often find myself wandering which house I would most like to live in. We peeled off to go through the park and avoid the lights, crossing the River Weaver in doing so. Shewbridge Road then took us alongside Nantwich Lake, and we were now on a leg of the route that I had little or no experience of. However, once we had turned left off the A530 onto Coole Lane, everything was relatively straightforward. The route in my head remembered from my paper map, and a reasonable sense of direction, had us turning right at Back Coole Lane and again at Sheppenhall Lane without the need for checking. Andy was trying to be useful, but with the limitations of his GPS and his lack of local knowledge, I may as well have asked Ed Miliband the way forward. 

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

We reached Aston at a brisk rate, with the tandem easing off to avoid breaking their thermostats. The curries at The Bhurtpore Inn met with approval and the battered fish were huge. 

Andy led us out in the afternoon in the direction of Bunbury via Ravensmore and Brindley. We decided to ride to The Fire Station Café in Tarporley for afternoon tea and cake, where we received a warm welcome. It has to be noted that it was exceedingly difficult to pass Tilly's, and head for Tilstone Bank instead!  On reaching Rose Farm, fresh tarmac was being laid right across the entrance, and Keith had to use his charm!!! on the workmen in order to retrieve his van. A very relaxed, true easy ride, and another good turnout. About 40 miles return from Utkinton. Let's keep this up throughout the winter if we can.       

DH

2nd October 2014: Aston (mod)

Steve Tan was my passenger from Runcorn. Road works in Frodsham meant a u-turn and a diversion down the motorway, and another about turn was required for a blockage when trying to head up towards Kelsall from Helsby. We were running a little late by the time we arrived at Utkinton. It was an easy decision when faced with our admirably fit and fast comrades on their best bikes, to decide to just relax and do a familiar, pleasant route to the Bhurtpore at Aston at an easy pace. The reality was, that I was about 24kg. heavier than Ray, and Steve's hybrid was about 9kg. heavier than Ivan's Willier, and that's before comparing our relative cycling fitness levels!  A unified ride just wouldn't have worked. Although it did make me determined to lower my calorie intake, and up my training before the Lake District ride.          

It was yet another ideal cycling day, and the tinge of autumn colours added to the pleasing rural landscape unfurling before us. Our route took us to Eaton and Wettenhall, and on to Ravensmore via Reese Heath and Acton. I tried to use my map to direct a lorry driver to a farm, but accidently sent him the wrong way, and also lost my gloves. This was made worse, because they were two odd gloves, so I now have two matching, now useless, gloves at home!  

The Bhurtpore was welcoming as usual, but the curry wasn't cheap and was just below average in quality. I'd already got lost around Sound on the way, and a similar casual attitude had us turning west too early at Chorley on the route home. We headed briskly up the A49 from the Cholmondeley Castle entrance to Spurstow, and then rode to Tarporley through Peckforton, Beeston and Birch Heath. The service was exceptional at the Old Fire Station, and we enjoyed coffee and cake in the sun at the back. We also had a long chat with a very elegant old lady, with Steve exchanging stories of Yorkshire towns and Leeds University, with which they were both familiar. We soon whacked up the last climb to Rose Farm and my now clean car. We had covered a very relaxed 40 miles, savouring every mile of lovely Cheshire countryside and the blessing of an Indian summer.

DH

26th September 2013: Wybunbury

On arrival at the Ice Cream Farm Clive and I were greeted by Mike M holding open the gate for us to pass and join the group already waiting for coffee.  Mike was himself joining us for coffee and promising to get the bike out!

Already gathered were Dave M and Andy, both out on their bikes but also only joining for coffee.  Well-done Dave (wife and friends) on his contribution for the MacMillan fund raising cake morning and raising £230.00.  Andy back from his epic 1,500 mile cycle ride but sadly not joining the group today.  Harder ride looming Saturday.

Two routes were proposed for today by Dave H and Ivan, and the saunter to Wybunbury won the vote!  Ready for a prompt start were Dave H, Steve T (out for his second ride), Kevin, Dave & Liz on the tandem, Clive, Dave Raynor and Ivan.  So with a turn right on the road we say farewell to the coffee hoppers and set off towards Beeston.

It was a lovely autumnal morning and the Tandem was cracking the pace on the front.  Passing Beeston Castle and heading towards Bunbury and doing a loop round Dob lane we join Cappers lane to Brindley, Baddiley and passing the secret bunker (French lane), into Nantwich and on to Wybunbury.

Arriving at the Swan at 12:30 and ready for lunch.

As a new venue for CER the pub offered good food although half the menu was not available.

As the group had sprinted the outward leg of 23 miles in good time it was agreed that Clive would increase the return route back to the ICF so after lunch we set off again towards Wrinehill.  Thursdays would not be the same if we only encountered country lanes so before long we were bumping along the grassy verge of Gonsley Green lane to Chorlton.  On through Hough, Shavington and Nantwich and taking a right hand diversion along Welshman’s Lane and the well cycled route through Wettenhall, Eaton and afternoon tea at the Old Fire Station at Tarporley.

After the welcome tea and cake stop we happily set off for the final miles home.  At the junction of Brassey Green we split with some riders going back to the ICF and Clive, Ivan and Dave sprinting back to Waverton and Chester.

The round trip from and to the ICF was 53 miles and for the Chester riders 72miles.  An enjoyable good days riding with the bonus of lovely autumn weather.

ID

3rd January 2013: Aston

We met at the Old Fire Station in Tarporley as Rose Farm café was closed.  It was a good turnout: Martin & Liz D, Dave & Liz P, Jim, Bryan, Brian Mac, Dave H, Dave M, and Andy. In addition, Big Roy of Runcorn was a welcome returnee.  I don’t know if some of us were wearing new Christmas gear, but Dave M. was sporting a particularly snazzy top, and Brian Mac a daft Everton hat.

We meandered up Eaton road and bumbled through the village of Eaton heading out in an easterly direction with Jim in the lead, before turning right just past Townfield Farm towards Wettenhall.  The riding was easy, the atmosphere relaxed, and there was a chance to chat.  Liz’s description of her and Martin’s recent Vietnam cycling experience was both fascinating and disturbing.  Reaseheath College was soon passed and shortly after we were in Nantwich, along Welsh Row, noted for the variety, history and character of its buildings. We turned right shortly after Malbank School, through a residential area, right again over the Shropshire Union Canal, and then headed for Wrenbury Heath.  Some risked the short, muddy track through Woodcotthill Farm and over the nascent River Weaver.  A local man walking two dogs informed us that the water had recently submerged the bridge.  Some of us chickened out and rode the long way around on tarmac.  We all finished safely in the friendly and familiar Bhurtpore Inn, with its luvvely curries and strong ales.  Ray arrived shortly after having been delayed by punctures before he had even got to the start and hence being forced to make his own way to Aston.

Home was via Wrenbury, Chorley and Brindley to Bunbury.  Someone shouted “Left” at Larden Green, and thereby some of us were split from the main group, but we were soon reunited.  Jim punctured, and Dave Matthews kindly proffered ‘a proper pump’.  This was a vintage lightweight inflator of a particular length that exactly fitted his exotic, old cycle frame. Unfortunately, in trying to help Jim, I was too enthusiastic and destroyed it (see photograph).

Photograph by Martin Donaldson

Tilly’s coffee and cake in Bunbury was very welcome.  We then headed for Beeston, and most of us to Chester through Brassey Green, Huxley, Waverton and Christleton, with variations.  Roy, Martin & Liz D returned to Tarporley for their cars. It was getting dark, but it still wasn’t cold.  Jim and I started and finished at Guilden Sutton, clocking up over 58 miles; with just over 60 miles for those from Chester.  The Tarporley-Aston-Tarporley ride proper came in at an easy 38 miles. It was a very relaxing, convivial day. Many thanks to Jim for leading once more, let’s hope that he doesn’t break a leg skiing!

DH

12th February 2009: Wettenhall & Tarporley

It was a bitterly cold wind from the north, only 2 - 3 degrees C, so I was not surprised when no one else had appeared at Rose Farm tea rooms. Ray had said he would not come if it was icy & where vehicles had splashed in the kerbside pools, they left a thin sheet of ice along the quiet lanes for 50 metres. Ray had made a wise decision as I spent the whole ride with my eyes glued to the road looking for the telltale smooth surface change.
I set off east past Oulton Park, then south through Wettenhall towards Nantwich. I kept a fair pace up just to keep warm, but never warmed up properly all day, even with 4 layers on top and 3 on my legs. Then it was back to Bunbury, Beeston Castle, Tattenhall and Tarporley for a late lunch before finally heading back to the Garden Centre. 25 miles in less than two hours.
My first ride "with" Chester Easy Riders, but not my last. I do like the idea of seeing places further a field from my home area of Little Neston which this group provides. It can be a bit monotonous covering the same lanes to / from the Eureka.
BMcD