5th February 2026 : Bunbury (mod)

Today’s meet was at Rose farm and the weather as forecasted was wet, windy and cold, and just like most of the last three weeks, the weather gods were against us, but we were forewarned so it was really our fault for venturing out!

 

The turnout was as follows: Clive in civvies, Ray S who was blown in on his bike from Chester, and Dave M showcasing his electric motor powered bike but all three were only out for the coffee. Toby arrived on his bike and then Trevor arrived but had other things to do so was just doing his own bike lap. This just left the three of us i.e. myself, Toby and the crazy modern day Industrial Revolutionary, Dave H. In wet weather readiness Dave had been manufacturing the previous day/ night, a new paper Garmin map holder manufactured out of cardboard covered with a plastic tarpaulin cover for water resistance, and now available on Amazon for a respectable sixpence with free delivery. 

So we set off into the weather with a plan to cycle heading to Nantwich then Bunbury via Eaton,  Reese Heath then onto Spurstow arriving back at Tilly’s for lunch. The route took us down lots of mud-strewn lanes and mainly with the cold wind in our cherubic faces. At the cafe, we found seats easily due to the weather keeping most people at home watching "Loose Women". We ordered the usual cafe fare discussing lots of subjects from "why so many Vikings died not with battle honours, but with tooth decay causing sepsis" to "dog training techniques". Eat your hearts out fast lads and mod pluses, I think we have trumped you all with today’s topics or was it due to the fact we had a mod plus member who was amazed at the intelligence of us mods bringing our knowledge to the table. 

The route out was twenty miles out so the route back was going to be much shorter due to the conditions with the wind slightly more in our favour. So we returned back via Tilston bank heading towards Oulton Park,  Cotebrook then around  the lanes towards Rose farm. This was only a ten mile jaunt but with the weather forecast and riding conditions not the best, it was still a nice little bimble around considering we didn’t think we would be getting any miles in at all. 

So a thanks to my two cycling buddies who brought so many new lunch time topics and for taking turns at the front "taking the wind" I think the term is. So the moral of today's ride is don’t be fooled by the establishment telling you the weather is going to be too awful to cycle.

KB

22nd January 2026 : Bunbury (mod +)

Well it was the hardy group of Keith, Dave H, Clive, Dave M, Alan and I that sat down in the Station Cafe to be educated on Dave’s medical procedures, his new dog and Dave M’s second E bike project. 

No one seemed put off by the rain which to be fair had abated, keeping its best downpours for when we left the cafe ! Whilst we waited for Dave H to find his paper maps, Last Minute.com arrived with a trainee Last Minuter in tow,Toby. Apparently Toby had rolled out of bed at 09:55 following a late evening of fixing a leak on his fish tank pipework. Chris’s precision of arriving at 10:30 on the dot could be compared with Luke Littler’s ability to hit 180 time after time.

So we bade farewell to the two Dave’s and their carer Keith, and set off on one of the Whisperer’s routes to Bunbury. A mere 35 miles, but given the weather and the fact the three Chester lads would be knocking on the door of 55 miles plus with the above., it was enough for today. 

The issue with this route is that it takes in the Whitegate Way. A glorious leafy ride in spring or summer but not in slutchy January day. However our secret weapon, Clive, prevailed and led us through Coddington despite Steve H taking us up a private drive LOL!

Following Steve’s hopeless navigation, we were soon buzzing along Clay Lane towards Little Budworth. It’s fair to say all the lanes were in poor condition and dirty along with remnants of hedge cutting and the inevitable pot holes. 

A quick photo opportunity by Knicker Brook followed a steady ride through Ruston, Tilstone Bank and then to Bunbury. Clive spotted a new venue here which we must try in the future. Tilly’s was empty apart from Clarrisa-Sunrise, Juniper Saffron and India drinking their matcha’s whilst five sweaty wet cyclists tucked into jacket potatoes, Vegan options specials, or in Chris’s case the staple egg butty. 

Alan is hidden behind the lens!

On leaving Honey’s, it was reassuring to see the rain had held off, but it was cold. You can’t underestimate how cold the first two or three miles feel after a warm cafe stop when wrapped in damp clothing and sodden gloves! Soon we were zooming around Beeston and plunging down to the Shady. Not content with nearly wiping me out with a Kamikaze descent , Chris tried to squish a lone squirrel. Fortunately the squirrel was faster than Chris (some say not hard to achieve!) and all five of us crested Bates Mill Lane and set off down Crib Lane. 

The lanes of Eaton and Cotebrook quickly warmed us up with the few steady climbs this ride affords .It is a Neil T ride eg no wind no hills -  LOL. Just prior to the straight into Delamere, Clive led Toby and Chris on a more direct route to Chester via Waverton. 

A pleasant 35 miles from the cafe but a more challenging 57 for the Chester lads, with plenty of banter and enjoyable company. 

See route map and/or gpx file download

Steve H 

13th February 2025 : Bunbury (mod+)

Well a hardy seven Easy Riders were easily outnumbered three-to-one by walkers at the cafe today. All parking spaces were taken and most of the indoor seating as well. However a table came free allowing Dave H, Dave M, Trevor, Ray, Clive, Alan and Steve Hu an opportunity to warm up. 

Dave M was in civvies as the required temperature of plus two degrees Celsius had not been achieved, plus he had been out on Wednesday. Trevor took the opportunity to discharge some of his community service hours and accompany Dave H as a small mod duo. Clive had a ride but it was a tad long so we went with a ride developed by Neil (fair weather rider) T to Tilleys. 

We were all ready to set off when Clive realised a pair of gloves he had arrived with had disappeared. Initially blaming the walking group, the blame quickly turned on Dave H. Whilst his initial pleas of “I've only got one of them” may work in the Frodsham branch of Clarks shoe shop, it didn’t persuade Clive. On searching the mighty Berlingo, a second errant glove was discovered. 

So replete with all PPE, we set off towards Hatchmere and took a right. The original route takes in the Whitegate Way, but since it has been muddy and Ray had just cleaned his steed from head to toe, we followed Clive’s diversion through Cuddington and towards Sandiway. Clive was setting a blistering pace only matched by super domestique Ray, whilst Alan and I grovelled in their wake. A rare navigation error at Sandy Lane by Steve firmly re-asserted Clive as ride leader as he safely routed us through Clay Lane and into Little Budworth. 

From now on the Cheshire lanes hummed under our wheels at a modest 14.5mph however it felt quicker  possibly due to the one degree headwind (hence no Neil T) all the way to Bunbury. Tilley’s provided an excellent fayre as usual, with Ray eating his body weight in baked beans whilst mushrooms, chips and sausages made up for the rest of us.

At Beeston Castle's gatehouse

A quick diversion to Peckforton allowed us to turn North and whiz through Beeston (photo opportunity) and then on towards Tarporley. Ray left us at this time with Clive peeling off just after Eaton. The last two miles to Delamere seemed hard despite the low average of 14.2 mph and 1800 ft of climbing the route felt tough today. 

Thanks to Clive & Ray for navigation. 

See route map and/or gpx file download

S Hu

Photo SHu

29th February 2024: Bunbury (mod +)

On this a leap year many of the CER faithful leapt at the chance to visit Delamere on this nice day sandwiched between yellow weather warnings. An additional bonus was seeing Steve Ha out and joining in the craic with Dave H and the guys. 

The turnout was sufficient for two groups and thus a mod + group was formed of Matt, John M, Neil T, Alan and Steve Hu. Prior to leaving Delamere Stn cafe the assembled crew were captured on Alans “soft focussed bokeh camera ;) “ 

Neil had promised Matt T a clean and mud free ride, which to an extent he delivered. Choosing a route that ordinarily takes in the Whitegate Way he safely navigated us up to Hatchmere and along the pleasant mud free B roads towards Cuddington. A quick diversion through Sandiway brought us out on Dalesford lane at the head of the Whitegate way. 

Photos by AO

Normal lanes resumed we meandered through the towns of Little Budworth crossing the Shropshire Union Canal just outside Calveley. Looking forward, if the high prices experienced yesterday at Tilly’s becomes an impediment, then the farm/cheese shop at Calveley offers a superb cafe as a possible future lunch venue.

Replete with sandwiches, eggs benedict and other exotica the decision was taken to return via Beeston. This allowed Neil T to divert to Tanner Town and Matt to head off to Chester. The plunge to the now renamed “Shady” was followed by a pleasant ride through Tarporley and back to Delamere.  A modest 33 miles but excellent company and thanks to Neil's guidance a mud free route. 

See route map and/or gpx file download

Steve Hu 

Mod + ride No 2 

Not to be outdone our foreign correspondent Steve T embraced the spirit of Thursday CER rides with a Lanzarote epic. Braving winds of 30 mph he completed a 49 mile loop and added in 3300 feet of climbing for good measure. all of this on a hire bike. 

Not content with his cycling achievements , Steve went on to form a CER outreach group in the local bike hire shop consisting of himself Elwyn & Fiona. What are the chances of meeting other members of our highly regarded club. The reach of Easy Riders knows no bounds. 

Thanks for the mini ride report Steve.   

5th May 2022: Bunbury (mod 2)

Ride Vuelta de Oulton Park 

The earlier rain in the week had clearly not deterred the CER crew which had an excellent turnout at Delamere Station Carpark.

As I arrived the fast lads were off on a 100+ miler. The mod group were getting ready for a ride and Neil was discussing his ride to Tilley’s. 

I joined Neil and Ray who was convalescing after a cold on a second mod ride. 

The route took us up to Hatchmere and along School Lane to Cuddington Lane. At this point we joined the lovely Whitegate Way. The surface was superb unlike earlier in the week when Neil had reccied it, when he described it as a “dust bowl”. 

Photos by Steve Hu

The Whitegate Way meandered Lobslack Wood passing lots of sand quarries now flooded until we broke off at Clay Lane. Now we entered the picture postcard village of Little Budworth where I’m sure the Wisteria owners club must reside, judging by the displays. From here it was easy lanes to Tilston and our lunch stop at Bunbury.

Replete with Eggs Royale we sidled around Beeston Castle (a good Cafe but no toilets apparently) and crossed the Shropshire Union Canal, before heading back towards Oulton Park for the second time today. A quick spin down Oulton Mill Lane took us to Cotebrook. 

At this point our intrepid leader Neil left towards Kelsall and Ray and I drag raced along Tarporley Road to Nunsmere were we resumed more in keeping CER lanes. Following our outbound route we returned to Hatchmere. A nice 36 miles with some spirited riding by Neil and Ray ensuring I had to keep up at the back. 

Steve Hu.

See route map and/or gpx file download

3rd February 2022: Whitchurch (mod)

Another decent turnout at Rose Farm this morning on a day that promised to be dry, relatively warm and with light winds. The fast lads were off probably somewhere far away and at great speed, which left myself Fiona, Elwyn, Neil, George, Mike and Dave H to form the moderates.  I had two suggestions: either a route to Marbury or one to Whitchurch, both a little over 40 miles.  

Photo by EJ

Whitchurch was most popular, and so we set off towards Clutton and then Tattenhall.  To the surprise of some, we climbed all the way up to Harthill (Fiona had asked for a hill climb to warm her up), and then No Mans Heath and another climb up to Malpas.  This section included “road closed” signs and several traffic lights but we pressed on regardless. From Malpas we simply followed the B road to Grindley Brook and then the A41 to reach the centre of Whitchurch.  The short stretch on the A41 is busy and not pleasant, and an alternative route following the Llangollen Canal into town is much better in the drier months.

We hadn’t decided where to eat in Whitchurch, but the first place we approached was the Black Bear so Dave suggested this and we all agreed. This has been a favourite in the past and it didn’t disappoint.  We were accommodated on a couple of tables and the food arrived quickly, so it was soon time to leave.

I had led the morning route from memory, but turned on the satnav just to make sure of the return. I kept getting a message on the screen over the map saying I wasn’t connected to the internet, something I’d never had before.  We stopped in Marbury for me to correct this, but my iPhone then began launching apps and changing the screen at random. (Has anyone else ever had this?).  Switching the phone off, we continued relying on my memory.   This was not ideal as we missed a turn, and not heeding Neil’s warnings, we ended up crossing the A49 at Bickley and had to make our way back via Cholmondley, where Neil left us to head direct for home.  We soon picked up the intended route through Chorley and Bickley. Around Spurstow, a café stop was suggested and so we called into Tilley’s, where hot drinks and some cakes were consumed. Fortified we made quick progress towards Beeston, then the Shady Oak and into Tarporley.  Soon we were back at our starting point.

I had been a wonderful day’s weather that at times felt like Spring, with some bursts of warm sunshine.  Maybe this encouraged us to take our first afternoon café stop since winter descended.  Our unexpected detour had added about four or five miles onto our journey, and we completed a total of 48 miles, again the highest “mod” mileage since September I think. And for those who asked, I recorded 2,417 feet ascended.  I know it’s unlikely, but it would be nice to have some more ‘Spring-like’ days before Spring actually arrives.

See route map and/or gpx file download

SHa

PS. I learn that Nantwich recorded the country's highest temperature on the day of our ride at 13 degrees.

15th October 2020: Bunbury (brisk)

I seemed to have landed the top job again, even though I turned up at Delamere station cafe just to say hello and do my own thing, due to a heavy ride the day before.

Only 5 of us turned up today, no doubt a lot couldn’t make it due to the latest ‘lock down restrictions’.

No complicated counting, this week. Dave was able to quickly come to a decision, of 2, including himself, in the moderate group and yours truly to lead the fast group or shall we say; they simply followed my less than brisk pace, because there wasn’t a better offer. I always had a plan of an easy 50 mile round trip, from home, so the 2 fast lads were simply tagging on (I did raise my pace a little bit, even though they probably didn’t know it)

Anyway, we set off, once I managed to get my Garmin rebooted again ( the on/off button has fallen out and after the cafe stop, it had shut down. That meant I had to find a suitable stick to switch it on because I had lost my Bic biro top - lol)

So, after a minor false start, we hit Norley and head for Sandiway and Little Budworth beyond. After that we head around Oulton Park race way, so we can take in my favourite series of smooth lanes, leading to Bunbury, via the lovely little lock at Tilstone Fearnell.

We arrive at Tillies, where we find we are not allowed in, because we 3 were not of the same family of course (pandemic controls had changed the day before)

We were offered a seat outside of course, which was fine for about 15 minutes and then it got chilly, as we cooled off. So, I threw down my Eggs royal, which was lovely and off we trot, through Spurstow, avoiding the heavily mudded lanes on the other side, of Bunbury, which I had ridden the day before hence, my specific route change. 

Didn’t take long for us to reach the turning for the ice cream farm, where my faster companions turned right to head back home to Chester & beyond.

I got home 5 minutes later after a lovely day to be fair-  no rain, a bit of sunshine, good company / conversation and 49 miles all in all, for me that is.

NT