12th June 2014: No Mans Heath (mod)

Bryan, Dave & Liz, George, Mike, Trevor were joined at Manley Mere by Brian Mac, recently back from the other Manly in NSW.  I had decided to lead a ride, as I could then set the pace and distance while some strong riders were doing their midsummer 100 miler. I had noticed that most rides from Manly went east towards Knutsford, but fancied a pub to the south that had good reports.  The route out took us without incident, south through Kelsall, Huxley, Tattenhall, to Broxton Hall, home of Mr Iceland himself, where we had a photo stop. Then onwards to The Wheatsheaf at No Mans Heath, 2 miles east of Malpas (tel 01948 820 337) Dave, Liz and Bryan had all peeled off before lunch, leaving just four doing an easy 13 mph average, in true leisurely CER fashion.

To my knowledge, CER had never been to This Wheatsheaf before, but what a find.  Capitals shouldn’t be used here, but LIME & SODA WAS 40p.  Beat that.  Then it got better.  See the picture of the Specials Board.

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

Yes, you read correctly, £3-50 for 2 courses!  Would anyone like to see on past CER reports, if that is an all-time bargain?  While portions were tasty but small, with limited choice, there was enough to eat for a hot summer ride.  I suspect we have overlooked this pub before, as it’s too close to the nearest Meeting Cafes of the ICF or Utkinton.  But I think the 4 of us would all recommend it again, maybe riding from the Little Roodee or Alwyn.

Having promised riders a 50 miler on a sunny day, we all felt short-changed arriving at the pub with only 21 miles covered and a shorter route home.  So with my very able deputy Trevor and assistant-deputy ride-leader George, we added more miles by returning north through Tilston, then west through Farndon, Churton, Tattenhall to the ICF, where Brian stopped for afternoon tea and the others returned to Chester.  Later on in Kelsall, I was map-checking when who should jump out in front of me, but Glennys.  Invited back for tea with John, we caught up on old rides and old riders; sadly some no longer with us.

Back at Manley Mere with 53 hot miles on the clock, I reflected on a classic Chester EASY ride...........average of 13mph, plenty of puff to chat, gloriously sunny day, light wind, capped by a £3-50 two-course lunch.  What more could you ask for?

BMac

12th June 2014: Long Ride to Tibberton

Seven of us (Colin, Tom, Steve, Dave R and H, Paul and myself) are ready for the off at 07:59 outside Chester Station. No Ivan yet: he arrives at 08:00 expecting coffee before the 08:30 start! So off we go up City Road and out of town via Pearl Lane to Christleton. Here we pick up the school run rush, but soon leave it behind as we pass through Tattenhall and down to the A41. A quick dash down the A41 and first left gets us to Brown Knowl and out to Hampton Post. The plan is to weave round the A41 before entering Whitchurch at 25 miles at 10:00. All goes to plan, and we arrive at the empty cafe in the High Street pedestrian area. Soon it fills up with locals and more cyclists appear (End to Enders). Worth a re-visit at some time. 

It’s now warming up as we exit Whitchurch the back way to Ash Magna via Edgeley. I can’t resist a deviation via Brown Moss nature reserve and we rejoin the route at Ash Parva. At the next village of Ightfield, we turn south for Prees Higher Heath to locate the NCR45. We follow the cycle route through the lanes to Marchamley climbing higher to its heady 168m summit. There is a lovely downhill section now, through the dapple shaded trees that hide the extensive Iron Age hill fort of “Bury Walls.” At Stanton upon Hine Heath, we are cycling so well that I decide to add in a loop to Ellerdine on the fly hoping the group will not notice. All goes well but I am undone when the short cut lane we want to take looks suspiciously agricultural, so deciding that we don’t need any incidents or accidents, we plough on along a slightly longer deviation via Osbaston. Rejoining the route at Little Bolas, we then pick up a group of manic contract silage tractor drivers who decide that the lane is theirs and no one else’s. Very intimidating and unnecessary behaviour, especially if you are caught up between them. The smell of beer is in the nostrils as we arrive in Tibberton at the "Sutherland Arms" with 57 miles completed. As in April, the pub does not disappoint, and we while away a pleasant hour or so outside in the sunshine.

 

Photographs by Ivan Davenport and Clive Albany

I promise no more loops on the return, and we head off down beautiful lanes towards Cheswardine. Here we take the bypass, and come across a curious mile marker obviously erected by a cyclist. The route via Chipnall to Market Drayton is one of my favourites down “Elephant Grass” valley. Outside the town, we have a steep climb up to the canal path to effect a bypass of the town. All goes well as we motor on to Norton in Hales and out and up over the hills to the outskirts of Audlem. It’s then a quick dash along NCR70 to Wrenbury. The village shop’s coffee machine is broken, and I detect a slight cheer as we go to the nearby Cotton Arms for “tea”. 

Dave H decides he wants to take it leisurely back to Chester, so we leave him bound for Cholmondeley via Bickley. The sun must have gone to our heads because as we get closer to Tattenhall the faster we are cycling. Post Tattenhall, Dave R and Steve split off home, and as we enter Guilden Sutton, the "Bird in Hand” beckons Ivan and me, whilst Tom and Paul go home with 100+ miles on the clock. Reflecting on the great day’s ride, the paraphrased lyrics of Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day” came to mind “Just a perfect day, Drink beer in the pub, And then later, when it get’s dark, We go home”. You can’t beat the English countryside in high summer. The official route clocks up at 108 miles, but most of us achieved more than that!

CA

5th June 2014: Oswestry (mod)

At last, a dry day forecast, after a series of somewhat damp Thursdays, to enhance our departure from Chirk.

The new café proved to be a surprise, with white tablecloths and smiling, efficient waitresses - not what we are used to at all! A  reasonable sized group of eight met at 10 o’clock sharp to discuss destinations. The brisk group decided to head for Llangollen, while the moderate group of Mike G, Petar, George and myself set off for my circumnavigation of Oswestry. 

The route was something of an experiment as it had been chosen straight from the map without any prior recce, so it could have been a disaster. As it happened, it worked out very well, with a fairly hilly morning followed by an undulating afternoon. The route took us south to Weston Rhyn and up to Offa's Dyke past the Old Racecourse. The views were impressive along the ridge and we stopped several times to enjoy the panorama and to try to identify the hills to the south. A detour through  Creosau Bach took us in a loop round Trefonen and through a ford to give Petar’s new bike a good work out.

Photographs by Mike Gilbert

Eastwards to Morda took us to the south of Oswestry and on to lunch at the Navigation Inn at Maesbury Marsh. The local brew, Shropshire Lass, proved popular with some, and the food was very good quality. Definitely a recommended stop. 

Mike could remember much of the return route from one of the CTC longer rides, so we set off still eastwards for Stanwardine in the Fields. Turning north in the village we swept through pleasant lanes up to Lower Frankton and Welsh Frankton, before crossing the A5 at a busy traffic island and then taking the old main road back to Chirk.

Nearly 43 miles, and not a drop of rain in sight. Perhaps Chirk isn’t too bad a starting point after all! 

JD       

5th June 2014: Llandderfel (brisk)

Ivan suggested a 40+ miler to Cynwyd, and as this was close to my suggestion of Melin Rug, Tom and I were happy to take Ivan’s route. So after a quick orientation ride around Chirk to get the Garmin acclimatised, we set off up the Ceiriog valley in sunshine and a brisk westerly wind, which we would come to rue later on in the ride. At Castle Mill, where Edward II was beaten by the locals in the 12C, we turn sharp left and up, and then up and up again! We climb a 1,000ft in 4 miles to magnificent mountain and valley views all around. The lanes are getting smaller and rougher and then at a sharp bend, the Garmin says straight ahead across a wide mountain track. We consult to the OS map and decide tiny lanes are better than farmer’s tracks so we head on down towards Llansilin via some exhilarating smooth descents. The Garmin still insists we should go straight over the Berwyns but we ignore it and head westwards along the Tannat Valley and Llangynog. Here we enjoy the second 1,000ft climb over 4 miles of the day with stiff westerlies cooling us down. We top out near 1,600ft ready to enjoy the fast downhill towards Bala.

Photographs by Ivan Davenport

At 35 miles near to Llandderfel, the Bryn Tynion pub comes into view, and, as its way past lunchtime, we decide to take lunch anyway. The pints were welcome as was the promptly served food. It’s now about 15:00 and we take the B4401 towards Corwen skirting the Dee valley. Passing through Cynwyd, we notice that both of the pubs are closed and we have cycled 41 miles already! “Only 20 to go now” says Ivan. We take the easy option along the A5 back to Llangollen and then the bone-dry towpath virtually to the Pontcysyllite aqueduct. As we get very near the end of the towpath there are barriers barring our way, so we have to take the footpath down onto the road by the aqueduct. Here Tom admits to being a little acrophobic, so we give the walk across the aqueduct a miss and get back on the towpath via the road. We motor on all the way back to Chirk on the tow path having completed 62 of Ivan’s 40+ miler ride with nearly 5,000ft of climb and quite a few 20% gradients - but it was all worth it; new lanes and roads and magnificent vistas. As Ivan and I enjoy and ice cream at Chirk station waiting for the 17:48 Arriva train, our legs remind us of the 13.5 mph average speed.

CA

29th May 2014: Destination unknown

Awaiting ride report.  Would any member out on this ride submit a ride report for inclusion on the blog.

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

15th May 2014: Bradfield Green (brisk)

Today was the first day that bare legs and arms were possible, so, what’s not to like about nearly 80 miles of Cheshire countryside in the sunshine. There were a lot of us at Holt, so a foursome (Ivan, Steve, Tom and myself) set off as the "Brisk Group" bound for Bradfield Green – “Where?” - was the universal cry. North of Leighton Hospital – “Ah, I know where you mean now!” I had led a ride to this destination not quite 2 years ago, so I used the existing gpx plus a few mods on the fly. So up the A534 to Cock o’ Barton and a fast run to Tilston where we turn down Duckington Lane in formation. Around the delightful shoulder of Larkton Hill, we head out for Cholmondeley Castle. Here we go off-piste via the lanes to Bickley Town crossing the A49 at Higher Nab. We loop off the NCR45, past the Cotton Arms and out through Wrenbury bound for Sound Green. Off Mickley Hall Lane, we stop briefly at the Hack Green Secret Bunker tourist attraction (we were the only ones apart from some workmen) before heading north to Nantwich. 

Photograph by Clive Albany

There is no pretty way to easily avoid Nantwich if you want to go due North that is, but we tour round around Nantwich Lake and the Weaver meadows before dragging through suburbia to the Sainsbury’s roundabout on the A51. Ivan’s sister, who lives locally, says there is a new cycleway to Middlewich running parallel to the A530 and she is correct. It’s a wide path that runs for about a mile. We then cross the road and explore its extension which unhelpfully goes NE and we want N. We find our way back via a housing estate to the A530, then past Bentley Motors and Leighton Hospital to the Coach and Horses pub. The pub didn’t disappoint 2 years ago and it didn’t today either - definitely the best pub chips around. 

After the long repast (it was 31 miles) in which we covered world events from the AZ-Pfizer deal to potato stealing by railway employees, we head off bound for Church Minshull. Tilly’s is in prospect, but seeing we are going to arrive quite early, I add a loop in on the fly via Tilstone Bank just to warm up the legs before tea and cakes. The route back to Holt would be straightforward and rounds off at 58 miles, but as we all are Chester-bound, we head for Tattenhall where Steve heads for the hills and the three of us head for the Greenway. As I turn into the driveway, I’ve 79 mile on the clock, and no doubt Tom has a few more when he’s back in Connah’s Quay

CA

15th May 2014: Hindford (mod)

With a sunny dry day forecast a goodly number of members met at Hildegard’s for morning tea and coffee.  We were joined by newcomer Lyn Arnold who was out to build his fitness after some years out of the saddle.  Clive offered a 56 mile ride going east to Bradfield Green while others favoured an easier paced ride heading south.

After some discussion, and the promise of help from Dave H, I led off the moderate ride with Ye Olde Boote Inn at Whittington as the provisional destination.  Crossing the Dee and up through Farndon the group comprising Dave H, Keith, George, Dave & Liz P on the tandem, Lyn and myself kept up a steady pace as we headed south through Shocklach and Worthenbury to Holly Bush.  At this point Lyn left us to return home via a different route while we continued south to Dudleston Heath where we entered a network of lovely narrow lanes through New Crickett, Crickett and Old Marton with Dave H more than fulfilling his promise of help with the route finding.

At Hindford immediately after crossing a branch of the Shropshire Union Canal we stopped to check directions and noticed the entrance to what looked like an interesting old pub we hadn’t visited before: the Jack Mytton Inn.  Although only a mile and a half short of Whittington curiosity got the better of us and we turned in to grounds of the Jack Mytton Inn a converted Victorian farm building with extensive grounds.  With Stonehouse and Six Bells ales on tap and a good menu we were soon ensconced in the conservatory.  The food proved to be both substantial and well above the average pub quality with prices perhaps a tad higher than some are used to.  All in all, well worth another visit.

The plan for the return journey was to pull in some more of the delightful lanes before heading back through Overton and Bangor on Dee.  From Hindford we set off westwards before swinging north to the edge of St Martins.  Here we joined more of the lanes following an arc until we turned north at Dudleston to Shelbrook Hill where we joined the road to Overton, then past the racecourse to Bangor on Dee.  The smell of Hildegard’s coffee got the better of some at this point and the group fragmented as we made our way through the familiar back lanes to Holt.

With everyone back by 16:00 there was plenty of time to chat over coffee and cake before wending our respective ways home.

A great day out in lovely weather with excellent company and with 40 miles done or 60 for those Chester bound.

BW

8th May 2014: Aston

Keith, Tom, Dave R, George, Martin and Steve assembled at Rose Farm facing a forecast of incessant rain for the day - quite a change from the hot temperatures Martin had faced on his recent cross-USA ride.  Jim who was there to collect subs, declined to join us on the ride, understandably given his drenching last week.  In view of the prospects, we elected for a relatively short ride to a reliably popular destination – the Bhurtpore Inn at Aston. 

Accompanied by light rain we headed out eastwards, crossing the A49 at Cotebrook, skirting the walls of Oulton Park, making for Wettenhall and then Nantwich.  From there it’s a relatively short journey out on Route 74 to Wrenbury - in fact so short that we were in danger of arriving at the pub before opening time.  We opted to explore a few of the nearby lanes before reaching our destination at 12:30.  We weren’t the only ones to choose the pub as a party of 15 ramblers arrived at the same time.  Getting our orders in first, we were soon enjoying the curries, pies and other fare, washed down by the usually excellent beers.

Photograph by Steve Haywood

Surprisingly the weather was dry as we left Aston, heading northwards through Chorley and crossing the Nantwich-Wrexham road at Brindley, to make for Tilly’s in Bunbury.  Coffees, teas and chocolates consumed we struck out again under dry skies to assemble outside Beeston Castle for our photo.  We crossed the Shropshire Union Canal by the Shady Oak, travelling through Huxley to Clotton where we said goodbye to George and Dave, finally arriving back at Rose Farm just before 3:30, luckily half an hour before the heavens opened.  

A much better day than the forecast had predicted, we covered around 42 miles.

SH

1st May 2014: Loggerheads

The six of us, George, Dave H, Keith, Tom, Petar, and Jim were joined by Trevor for morning coffee to the hits of Cyprus, courtesy of Spiros and internet radio. All very Mediterranean, except for the weather, which actually wasn’t too bad while we planned the day’s ride. I had an idea for a change to the usual thrash up towards Prestatyn by swinging west towards Cilcain and Llandegla. A bit hilly, but should give us good views of the Dee valley and surrounding hills. Everyone seemed to like the idea, so, with the exception of Trevor, who had just joined us for refreshments, we set off into the light patter of occasional raindrops. Not too bad, I thought, if it stays like this we’ll be ok. Unfortunately, the forecasters were right and I was wrong, for as soon as we reached Northop the intensity of the rain increased, necessitating a stop for waterproofs before joining the A55 briefly at Halkyn.

We steadily climbed up to Halkyn Mountain to views, not of the Dee Valley, but of misty hilltops and glowering cloud. Once on the top, we went southwards through Rhes-y-Cae and Moel-y-crio to cross the Mold-Denbigh road and head steadily upward to Cilcain. 12:15 was too early to stop for lunch, though by now we were pretty wet through, as the rain hadn’t stopped once, so we pressed on towards Loggerheads. The road, which skirted the east flanks of Moel Fammau, was by now streaming with brown water, grit and sand, though the local drivers didn’t seem to think it much of a problem as they sped past throwing huge waves of water skywards.

The original plan of going to Llanferres was abandoned in favour of Café Florence and it was with some relief that we entered the Country Park some time later, only to see the café in darkness. Our hearts sank as we began to prepare to mount up and ride up to Maeshafn. However, one of the staff came out to tell us that they had had a power cut, but could offer hot drinks, soup and toasties.

Saved again! We wrung the water out of our gloves and joined the only other customers near the window, as it was too dark further inside.

Carefully unpeeling our sodden maps, we plotted the return journey, and decided to cut out any thoughts of visiting Llandegla in favour of a short, speedy return to the car park. Accordingly we set off uphill through Cadole and Gwernaffield, skirting round the west of Mold to Soughton. We then picked up our outward route at Northop where George left us for an early bath.

The rain had eased a little by the time we had loaded the cars but we were too wet to care at that stage.  Only about 30 miles but far enough for the conditions. 

JD

24th April 2014: Prees Heath to Tibberton

Five of us met at the Raven transport cafe just south of Whitchurch for today’s Special Ride. It’s a big place with good cheese on toast and coffee, so this set me up for the day’s 61 miles. We i.e. Roy, Dave H, Dave P, Steve and myself, set off promptly in the early morning mist bound for Calverhall. It was a bit chilly, but I was hopefully that it would warm up. We take New Street lane and the long 5 miles to Market Drayton. Out eastwards briefly on the A53, we dive off up the long rise to Hales. We are looking for the Offleys - be it Bishop’s, Rock, Hay, Marsh or Brook. Clearly Offley was an important local - perhaps a corruption of the Mercian King Offa? At Bishop’s Offley, I can’t resist a detour through a steep sandstone canyon then down Jackson’s Lane to Walk Mill valley. Soon we turn at The Star pub, our lunch stop on last year’s 100 miler, bound for the last Offley i.e. High Offley, which is just next to Grub Street - an oddly named hamlet in the middle of the countryside. We are running south now with a bit more sun on our way into Newport. Out through Edgmond and we have completed the 34 miles to the Sutherland Arms in Tibberton.

Photographs by Clive Albany

Just as I arrive there’s a text from Steve who has a puncture. I ride the mile or so back to assist and a while later we are all sitting around our pre-booked table. The food comes promptly and is of good quality and price. Suitably revived, we set off in the sunshine westwards ho. At Stanton under Hine Heath, we intercept the NCR 45 that will take us back to Whitchurch. Dave H enquires the name of the hills up ahead, and I’m not sure but I determine it’s Marchamly Hill at 160m and there’s a single chevron on the OS. Dave P makes it despite his fixie rig, the rest of us grind up through the trees. At 15:44, we have to wait for the 15:49 train to pass at the Prees Station level crossing. The way back is easy to the Raven where good cake and a coffee is just £2. This ride has taken us through acres of good Salopian valleys and fields, and you would be hard pressed to find better riding locally.

CA

17th April 2014: Llanarmon DC

It was a surprise in a spell of good weather that only 4 turned up at the Chirk Tea Rooms: Dave & Liz P on the tandem, Paul R who had cycled out from Chester, and Steve. After a discussion, the tandem decided to head off to the Queens Arms on a relatively level route, while Paul & Steve headed for the hills. Each had brought a route, but decided to follow Steve’s out to Llanrhaeadr, over the tops and back through the Ceiriog Valley.

The start foretold the hills to come as we climbed steeply up Chirk Bank, and then headed SW through Selattyn and Rhydycroesau, where we left the B road and headed along the lanes via Llangadwaladr with superb views southwards and towards the hills ahead. After some hard work we dropped down into Llanrhaeadr, which seemed very sleepy with both pubs closed on Thursday lunchtimes. It was still relatively early and we pressed on, leaving the town up the lane heading to Pistyll Rhaeadr, before turning right and starting the ascent over the southern flank of the Berwyns. 

After a long steep climb we reached 439m, and then enjoyed the long descent to the Hand Hotel in Llanarmon. We both tucked into gammon and eggs, and chatted to a fellow customer who told us about his cycling days long ago with the Wrexham Wheelers. From Llanarmon it’s a relatively fast and straightforward ride down the valley back to Chirk, although we chose to meander pleasantly along several side roads for variety, except for the lane from Graig to Bronygarth which was long steep, very rough and should have been avoided. 

Photograph by Steve Haywood

 

We arrived back in Chirk for a couple of coffees and a quick photo for the blog, before Paul cycled back to Chester, and Steve to home the easy way by car.  A relatively short 36 miles but over 1400m of ascent had made for a good day out.

SH

10th April 2014: Market Drayton

The Ice Cream Farm was busy with preparation for a heavy day of families freed by the Easter holidays.  Seven of us turned up: Paul R, Dave H, George, Keith and Steve, as well as Dave M who announced he was babysitting and couldn’t join us.  No one had arrived with a route, so after some debate we took Dave M’s suggestion of the Joules Brewery Tap at Market Drayton as our objective.  As Dave M wasn’t coming, this meant the rest of us had to work out a route, so between Paul and Steve navigating, we found our way there and back again. 

The weather was good, the route fairly flat and fast, as we headed out through Bunbury and Brindley to pick up Route 552 at Ravensmoor. This led us through Audlem and then further south to arrive at our destination at 13:00 in good time for lunch.  As we sat enjoying our food and drink, conversation turned to Health & Safety as we watched a digger at work only inches away on the other side of the wall we sat beside.  Next a couple of pallets of malt arrived, placed precariously close to our bikes. 

 

Photograph by Steve Haywood

The worst didn’t happen, and we left to weave our way through the Market Drayton streets and pick up the lane to Longslow, which led us naturally to Calverhall, Ash Magna and into Whitchurch. Following our traditional practice of heading the wrong way up the one-way street by the church, we picked up the natural route through Marbury, Bickley and Cholmondley, the main discussion being which café we would head for. Paul chose Burwardsley and after climbing past Harthill, we arrived at the Teddy Bear Tea Rooms. None of us had been there before and we enjoyed hot drinks and cake, while we admired the incredible views northwards over Cheshire towards Ellemere Port and Liverpool. 

From Burwardsley it was a short fast downhill to Tattenhall, which we sped through and then went our separate ways around Huxley and Hargrave.  An enjoyable and thankfully uneventful ride with a popular destination that gave us 55 miles cycling, though by the final end of our journeys, most of us had clocked around 70 miles, with Tom coming close to the magical 100.

SH

Brian Mac's 65th Birthday Cake

3rd April 2014: Mersey Meander

An overcast day partly helped by the Sahara dust as nine turned out at Ness Gardens for Brian Mac’s tour of the Mersey estuary. Besides Brian, there was Clive, Ivan, Steve, Tom, Dave H, Keith, Mike G and Jim. Dave M had been released for a short ride but was unable to come, as it was his wedding anniversary.
We set off just after 10:30 at a brisk pace for the Mersey Ferry passing through Neston, Raby and Thornton Hough (where the intricate skills of the stonemasons could be observed at the church entrance). Brimstage followed then onto Storeton dropping down to the Mersey estuary via Higher Bebbington and Prenton. We arrived at the Birkenhead Ferry having circumnavigated our way around Cammell Laird in time to catch the crossing and were joined by a large party of school children.
The crossing was uneventful and the views were greatly limited but sufficient to enable us to see the two ‘Liver Birds’ on top of the Cunard Building; the female we were advised was looking for the returning seafarers whilst the male was seeing whether the pubs were open.


Photographs by Brian Mac and Mike Gilbert

On through Albert Dock, following the estuary to Otterspool, then onto Cressington, circumnavigating our way in and around Garston before passing through Speke and finally picking up the Trans Pennine Trail that took us on to Hale for our lunch stop at the ‘Childe of Hale’ where we were suitably well served.
After lunch we again followed the Trans Pennine Trail to Widnes where we were able to experience the aroma from the Granox factory. Keith advised that Granox and Widnes have such a long history you know you are in Widnes because of the distinctive smell.
At the Runcorn Widnes Bridge Dave H took over the navigation to make sure we didn’t end up at the local hospital lost and wondering where we should go next. He took us via Runcorn Hill, Weston Village then via various cycle routes and footways to the A56 and Route 5 to Frodsham. We had a delightful café stop at the Castle Park Arts Centre in Frodsham before splitting into two groups; those
making for Ness and north of Chester (Clive, Ivan Brian, Tom and Mike G) and those for south and east Chester (Dave H, Keith, Steve and Jim).
Return to Ness Gardens was about 56 miles but for most of the group they would have covered in excess of 60miles.
Overall a very pleasant cycle ride with its mixture of interesting urban and industrial features.  Also a big thank you to Brian and Dave H for navigating us all safely through such a complex area.
MG

27th March 2014: Hanmer (mod)

A good-sized group of 15 assembled at Hildegard’s for the usual effusive welcome. Dave M was in short ride mode and set off for home the long way.  Clive, Ivan and Paul set off for a brisk ride southwards, while the remaining group of Mike G, Bryan, Ray, Andy, Tom, Steve H, Dave H, George, Dave & Liz P, and Jim set off for a moderate ride to Hanmer. We were a little disconcerted to be informed that the Hanmer Arms had recently undergone refurbishment and might not be open. However, plans had been made so we set off optimistically down the lanes towards Ridleywood, Sutton Green and Bangor on Dee. The weather was chilly but dry and we looked forward to a reasonable day. However, we had overlooked the fact that after a very wet winter the local farmers had all set out to get the spring ploughing done while the weather was dry. Consequently, the lanes were covered with a layer of glutinous mud that found it’s way into the gap between tyre and mudguard, and quickly became an irritation in both noise and drag terms. The first of a number of stops took place while we poked around with bits of stick to clear away the offending material.

Leaving Bangor on Dee, we continued southwards to Penley and Hampton Wood. Turning too soon out of Penley, we had to cross the very steep little valley by Brookmill, but pressed on regardless through Hampton Wood towards Bettisfield. 

Turning back northwards we soon reached Hanmer Mere and the Hanmer Arms. To our relief the pub was open for business and offering an exceptional choice of ales and reasonably priced soda & limes. The food was well cooked and priced, and we were soon back on the road, after once again clearing huge gobs of mud from our machines.  We crossed the A525 at Eglwys Cross, and followed the signs for Higher and Lower Wych: always a grind crossing the valley.  Keeping to the west of Malpas, we passed Cuddington Heath, and Chorlton Lane before entering the last part of the journey through Shocklach and Farndon. Ray, Mike G and Andy left us here and a few minutes later the heavens opened!  We had a tasty coffee and cake back at Hildegard’s before setting off home.  A mainly dry ride of 37 miles, or 60 for those from Chester.

JD

27th March 2014: Ellesmere (brisk)

Is it that I’m getting lazy as I get older, or, is it that I am applying the wisdom of advancing years? It was obviously the latter as I selected on the fly, a May 2010 Bryan route to Ellesmere. It was Bryan who introduced me to this myriad of Shropshire lanes and every time I ride them I am content: whatever the weather. The "Three Cycleteers”, a.k.a. Paul R, Ivan and myself, set off via the dirty lanes to Bangor on Dee. Up and out we head for Cloy and Sandy Lane. We then cycle through the quaintly named Cricketts (new and old) via Dudleston Heath, then onto the Franktons via Perthy, and finally into the Red Lion in Ellesmere. 

As ever the Red Lion does not disappoint. I decide to amend the route back so we set off bound for Welshampton and veer off left proceeding NE to the Hanmer Arms. It’s just past 14:00 and we espy an unruly crowd of cyclists discharging from the pub. Oh no, it’s the Moderate Group! After exchanging pleasantries like “ How was the food” we decide not to hang around and head off north, bound via Little Arowy for the outskirts of Threapwood. A right down Back Lane then finds us at Cuddington Green. If we had taken the route back to Holt via Shocklach we would have ridden 45 miles, but we decide to head for Chorlton and Edge Green ready for the slow climb up to Brown Knowle. At Bolesworth, the rain and hail arrives with a vengeance, and we hammer away with it stinging our faces on our way to the Ice Cream Farm for a cuppa at 15:30. It tries to rain a little more as we exit Christleton bound for our homes. 

The Three Cycleteers managed 70-75 miles each at 15mph, and the rain held off for most of the day, and the Shropshire lanes remain attractive whatever the weather.

CA

20th March 2014: Aston (mod)

A hardy group of five, consisting of Dave P, Dave H, Mike G, Bryan and Jim, assembled at Rose Farm, despite the strong winds and forecast of heavy rain.  With no respite promised from the SW wind all day, a route was planned to mitigate the worst effects by heading south towards the Bhurtpore Inn at Aston for a fairly stiff morning, but followed by a wind assisted return-maybe!

The route out took us through Rhuddall Heath, and Bunbury, and to the east of the A49 to Brindley. Heading towards Nantwich we then went south through Ravensmoor, Sound and Wrenbury Heath. The direct route to Aston took us past Woodcotthill Farm, a lane that has in the past proved somewhat muddy. We were fortunate that the track had dried out a fair bit in the last few weeks, and after a short walk, we were back in the saddle and speeding over the last 500 yards to lunch. As usual, the curries were tasty and some of us enjoyed the local brews.  Dave P, not wanting to waste any remaining Poppadoms, cleared the plate, and we set off north-eastwards for the return. The rain started soon after leaving Aston, but as expected it was mainly behind us. Skirting Chorley Bank and Larden Green, we soon picked up our outward route back to Bunbury, and a brief stop at Tilly’s.

Mike and Dave P went their separate ways from here and the three of us headed back to Tarporley in steadily increasing rain.

Back at Rose Farm we loaded up the cars, fortunately in a brief dry spell and set off for home. 

35 miles, or about 60 from Chester.

JD

Mike Morley 1944 to 2014

It is with great sadness that I must report that Mike Morley, a founder member of Chester Easy Riders (CER), passed away peacefully on Sunday morning.  Mike had been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer last summer and yet in a manner so characteristic of him he continued to join the group for morning coffee whenever he could; his ready smile and humour brightening our day.  Mike’s humour was also in evidence on his Twitter feed with his last tweet just days before he passed away.  

Mike spent his life in Chester; he attended the old Chester City Grammar School before joining Nationwide where he worked for nearly 30 years, was a Partner with Yates & Co and finally spent the last few years working part-time with Cestrian Financial Planning Services.  His passion though was for Chester FC and he still managed to attend the occasional match throughout his illness.  

Mike Morley, Swettenham ride May 2009

He was a lifetime cyclist starting at an early age.  He rode with C&NW CTC, led rides for the Chester Section, led groups on the annual Vets’ 100 and contributed regularly to C&NW CTC Link magazine.  He helped run CTC and charity events, encouraged others to take up cycling, and over the last five years was heavily involved in Bikeability training to local school children.
Within CER I remember Mike for his humour, unchallengeable knowledge of local hostelries, and great rides.  When Mike was leading you knew you were in for an interesting day.  Mike led two of my all time most memorable rides: first his ride to Goostrey on 29th April 2010 exploring all the lanes he could find to return cold, wet and sodden but still smiling with 70 miles clocked and second his Pistyll Rhaeadr hilly epic on 2nd September 2010.  Both were superb.

Mike was above all a great friend to all who knew him.  Our thoughts go out to his friends and family.

Thanks for everything Mike, we will certainly miss you.

Bryan Wade

Mike Morley's funeral will be on Friday, 28 March at 13:45 pm at St Oswald's Church, Church Lane, Backford, Chester.  Then on to the crematorium and finally for a glass or two in celebration of his life.  Josie and her family have said that they would like it to be a celebration of Mike's life and have asked that people wear bright clothes.  Donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Charity.

13th March 2014: Gronant (brisk)

A crowd of CER met at The Gallery where I had planned a fast ride to Denbigh.  So I set off west on a cold foggy day looking for the sun, along with Clive, Ray and Steve, also looking for a faster ride.  Once on top of Halkyn Mountain, the cold mist was blown away to reveal a sunny 15˚ C.  Glorious weather, the warmth made up for the fast pace.  

Unfortunately, for the third week in a row, after an hour my gears refused to move from the top two cogs, despite repeated visits to C O C to adjust/fix/cure it. Delayed now and as both Clive & Ray did not want to be too late home, it was agreed Denbigh was miles too far, so Plan B was started.  Past Babel, we crossed over the A55 on a footbridge at Rhuallt Hill, before dropping down into Dyserth, where the fog arose again.  

A fast descent on the old rail track which now doubles as the northern end of Offa’s Dyke path, took us into the CBD of Prestatyn.  It seemed to be closed, save for a car-boot sale in the old goods yard.  Continuing east along the North Wales coast, we crossed the links golf course and exited onto the old coast road at Gronant for our lunch stop.  Cheap & Cheerful was best way to describe The Bells of St Mary’s Carvery at LL19 9TB.  They don’t take bookings as its pile it high and sell it cheap.  The one real ale was dearer than the carvery + all-you-can-eat veg & spuds.

Photograph by Brian Mac

Suitably stuffed with food, we chose the easy option home along the monotonous A548 Coast road through downtown Mostyn, Greenfield and Flint.  Here we had a bomb burst as Ray & Clive went over the “new” Dee bridge (if you look close at the photo, you can just see them). Steve set off for Hawarden and Brian Mac to Wetherspoons.  A hilly, fast, hot and cold 48 miles in total back to the cafe.

BMac

13th March 2014: Gwaenysgor (mod)

Brian Mac’s promise of a ‘fairly flat’ ride to Denbigh was greeted with some scepticism by the moderate group of Andy, Dave H, George (back in the fold after an extended Xmas and New Year), Mike G, Jim and new recruit Tom.

A shorter ride to The Eagle and Child at Gwaenysgor was agreed upon and we set off to follow the usual route through Ewloe, Northop and Halkyn.  The cold anti-cyclonic gloom stayed with us right across the top of the ridge and only a few minutes of sunlight graced the rest of the journey down through Brynford, Gorsedd, Whitford and Llanasa. 

The warmth of the Eagle and Child was very welcome as we perused the menu, and after a very pleasant meal set off for the return.

The usual route through Babell was discarded in favour of a less hilly alternative to the north of the A55 through Trelawnyd, past Llyn Helyg, through Lloc and back to Gorsedd and Brynford. We then headed south up to Windmill, Halkyn and Rhosesmoor to drop back down to Northop and retrace our route out. We arrived back at Hawarden just after the café had closed and had to set off home without the customary cake and coffee.

An undulating 43 mile ride, or 63 for those from Chester. Not much in the way of sun to speak of, but at least we didn’t overheat.   

JD

6th March 2014: Churton (mod)

The staff were friendly, and it was warm and comfortable at the Windsurfing Centre. Those favouring a less demanding ride were Jim, Petar, Keith, Liz & Dave P and myself. We decided that it would be easier not to ride in the direction of the Weaver for once, but to ensure a returning tailwind and fewer hills by cycling south. The provisional route was Jim's. Dave Matthews wasn't planning a full ride today, as he was breaking-in his summer shoes for Morocco. Evidently these shoes are made to order by Jimmy Choo using the specially selected scrotum skins of forty-four meerkats. They are then perforated by hand 1,500 times by Jimmy's Auntie Lill with a darning needle over a period of eleven weeks, and, finally, cured in conker vinegar. Nevertheless, Dave kindly offered to lead us until close to Tattenhall. 

We used the A56 to Mickle Trafford to avoid possible roadworks on the lanes. Dave left us at Waverton for Tilly's, and we were soon meandering around Greenlooms heading for Tattenhall via Hargrave. Liz pointed out a lovely, large circle of crocuses planted around a tree in a Tattenhall garden. We crossed the A41 turning right at Chowley and cruised through Coddington, reaching Churton in good time.

The food at the White Horse was very nice and the service prompt and friendly. The landlady shone a lamp down a very deep glass covered well for us. It was actually in the rear dining room where we were sitting. However when we came to pay some of us finished up paying more than we had thought. Perhaps VAT had not been added to the menu or the lager was really liquid gold! 

We returned by the back Aldford route past the lovely estate cottages with their tall and handsome chimney stacks. One was a work of art with its red bricks spiralling into the sky like sticks of high-class barley sugar. We turned right at Bruera and cruised back through Gatesheath, Huxley and Hoofield, then past the café at The Fifty Pence shop and the small nursery. I can recommend the café, I had a mountain of beans on toast and a pot of tea there earlier in the week for less than half a crown. From Old Moss Farm we circumnavigated Tarvin via Oscroft, and were soon humming along the excellent road surface to Hollowmoor Heath, Little Barrow, Long Green and Dunham Heath. Dave Pipe seemed happy that I had persuaded him that we didn't have to grind around Kelsall's lumpy terrain to reach Manley Mere. 

The lanes had been quiet, our pace had been pretty good, and we had been able to relax and smell the flowers. We had time to put the world to rights over cake and coffee, and then went on our separate ways.  Just over 40 easy riding miles.

DH

6th March 2014: Wybunbury (brisk)

Earlier in the year I had downloaded all 180 CER routes (to end November 2013). Via the magic of 3G, Dropbox and Apple, and whilst drinking my coffee, it was easy to scan through any route starting from Manley Mere. It was obvious that two groups were needed so Brian, Ivan, Ray, Stephen, Dave R and myself set off bound roughly for the other side of Nantwich - details to be finalised as we approached the town. I was using, as a guide, the October 2009 route to Barthomley (all 83 m!). Out towards Mouldsworth, Brian realised he was minus a water bottle, so the route was adjusted to go to the shops in Kelsall via Ashton. We then take the Old Coach Road up Kelsall Hill and turn right by the Farmers Arms bound for Summertrees. Brian is struggling a bit, and it transpires that his gears aren’t working properly despite C.O.C. “servicing" them after last week's similar issues. So he heads for home as we continue along the top to Tirley Hill and then down through the lanes to Cotebrook. The way is then straight to Wettenhall via Rushton. To break the lane familiarity, at Cholmondeston we turn left, and then head south on the main drag towards Nantwich but hang a right through Aston-juxta-Mondrum to arrive eventually at Welshmen’s Lane a.k.a. the back lane into Nantwich town.  A quick pow-wow here establishes that lunch is needed sooner rather than later. So over the water meadows it is, then an easy run to Wybunbury. 

After 28m, we arrive at “the other pub”, the Red Lion - this is the pub Ivan intended us to go to when we came this way back in September 2013 but we went to the Swan instead! The food was plentiful with good ale, and, fortified with two courses, we head back onto the dry, cool but dry lanes bound for Hough. We turn west to run parallel back into Nantwich exiting over the water meadows to take the lane to Ravensmoor. Half way along we turn right up Dig Lane and onwards to Swanley. A left towards Larden Green finds us peeling off right and up Whitehaven Lane. A left and a right along the A534 takes us towards Bunbury. We decide to head for the Ice Cream Farm café and taking the first left we arrive on the A49 just south of Spurstow. Here it is a familiar ride back to the ICF arriving around 15:30. As no one needs to get back to Manley, we head back the usual way home. If we had gone back to Manley, it would have been a 63 miler with no rain and dry roads but little sun. Chester riders would have had 75 mile on the clock today.

CA

27th February 2014: Llangollen

The ride from Alyn Waters was planned with the slower riders in mind with the intention of enjoying the views over the Dee Valley from the Panorama Walk with the minimum effort possible. Not an easy task as the gain in height to Panorama Walk is 700 feet. However selecting the steadiest gradients, avoiding any unnecessary descents, and limiting the mileage to a sensible 16 miles to lunch plus a flat return via the Llangollen canal path seemed a practical solution. 

Eight of us met at the Alyn Waters café. Not enough to practically split into two groups so the slow ride was accepted by all. Bryan W had ridden out from home just for the chat leaving Clive, Brian Mac, Steve, David H, Jim and Dave & Liz on the tandem to set out for the hills.

We headed through the western suburbs of Wrexham and Rhostyllen to cross the bridge over the A483 and emerge into countryside and start the climbing. By Penycae Clive was starting to feel the cold and decided to continue on a longer ride at a brisker pace, and shortly afterwards Brian Mac decided his slipping gears were too annoying and warranted a return visit to his cycle mechanic. 

The weather forecast was for a sunny morning and showers in the afternoon. As we approached Panorama Walk sure enough the sun broke out of the black clouds that had threatened all morning and left us with splendid views over the Dee Valley and Castell Dinas. A good excuse for a stop to admire the views and a quick photograph.

Photograph by Dave Pipe

The sharp descent down the 1 in 5 past Castell Dinas was covered safely and after 2 hours of hard but enjoyable riding we arrived at the Corn Mill in Llangollen. The table for five in the conservatory with splendid views of the Dee in full spate and good food and beer compensated for the above average pricing of this establishment.

The afternoon rain had started during our lunch stop but had cleared as we prepared to leave. Dave H spotted a shortcut to the canal that looked promising until we arrived at 20 or so steep steps to the canal path. Not daunted the bikes were shouldered and the tandem manhandled up the steps and the gentle ride commenced along the canal path and across the Pont Cysyllt Aquaduct to pick up the canal path again for the last mile to Pentre for the run back via the B5605 and the lanes by Erdigg to retrace the outward route around Wrexham for the last few miles.

A total of 32 miles with a 700 foot climb and splendid views. 

DP

20th February 2014: Whitchurch

Despite a very mixed forecast for the day a group of nine assembled at the Ice Cream Farm to discuss destinations. By coincidence, Bryan W, Brian Mac and Jim had all thought Whitchurch a reasonable target for the day. Joined by Paul, Ray, Dave H, Keith, Steve H and Dave M (who set off in pursuit of personal business) the group departed at the stroke of 10:30.

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

We followed the regular lanes to Tattenhall, Clutton, Carden and then south to the west of Malpas. The breeze was a bit stiff at times but at least it would be behind us on the return. Apart from a brief shower or two, the morning remained for the most part dry as we crossed the Wych valley heading for Whitewell. Here we had a short length of A road before taking the scenic route (the leading group missed the left turn into town!) to the Black Bear for lunch.

As usual there was a good choice of ales and the food was of a very good quality, if a little pricey for CER. We were soon heading back northwards towards Marbury, Cholmondely and over Harthill.  The last few miles back to the Ice Cream Farm were a blast for those with energy to spare before we settled down to tea/coffee and cake with 38 miles done or 60 for Paul and Bryan heading back to Chester.

JD  

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 

5th February 2014: The Plassey

With a belt of severe rain forecast to arrive by mid afternoon, the group, consisting of Dave H, Dave M, Ray, Roy, Clive, Steve H, Jim, and Dave & Liz on the tandem, set off sharply from Hildegard’s for the delights of Wrexham Industrial estate, with the aim of getting to Gobowen and back in the dry. As usual the journey through the estate was fragmented with traffic islands and HGV’s but the group finally re-assembled on the lane leading southwards. At this point, Clive, feeling that progress had been a bit on the slow side, decided to leave the group and set off on his own. 

We then had a change of plan, nominated Dave M as leader and set off again with the intention of lunching at the Plassey craft centre. Dave led us out down a whole series of delightful Welsh lanes to the east of Wrexham arriving at the venue in good time for a relaxing lunch. The return journey was more direct, through Bangor on Dee and Worthenbury, where Dave left us to head off towards Malpas. With the wind behind us we made good time back to Holt, in fact Ray was going so fast he melted his mudguard bracket! 

Back at Hildegard’s, we just had time for a quick coffee before loading up the cars in a light drizzle-arriving dead on time at 15:00.

For the Chester riders about 55 miles: a bit further from Runcorn!

JD

30th January 2014: Chelford

It was a raw and a very grey day but dry: a rare event, being dry that is, this January. I’d been looking for ride inspiration and found the May 2011 ride to Little Warford. That day, I recall, had been very wet indeed. I looked at the route and modified it to go to Chelford, and added in a few twists and turns to skirt the edges of Northwich, Middlewich and Winsford. So eight of us set off (Paul R, Ray, Paul W, Roy, Stephen, Dave H, Ivan and myself) for the 26m outward leg via Little Budworth village. The road bridge at Whitegate Way was closed off, but we squeezed through to take the right at Marton into Salterswall. Here we skirted the town through drab suburbia to exit at Clive Green bound for more suburbia at Middlewich. Paul R peels off, needing to get back in the early afternoon. Finally, we are back into countryside along the Dane Valley Way towards Goostrey. Here, Dave decides we are not going to get back before sunset, so peels off. He needn’t have worried since we get back to Rose Farm by 15:30. More fresh lanes find us arriving at the Egerton Arms on the main road East of Knutsford. What a find! They allocate us a table, by a radiator, take our food and beer order at the table, and bring it all in double quick time; and it was very good and it was a busy pub to boot. Worth a re-visit in the summer, methinks. 

Photograph by Clive Albany

It hasn’t warmed up (about 3˚C) as we travel towards Knutsford, and at Ollerton, turn SW on the run to Lower Peover and Lach Dennis. It’s a fast run to Davenham, and then a ride along the side of the busy dual carriageway towards Sandiway. Here the only excitement of the day occurs as Stephen repairs a broken chain link. Along Cuddington Lane, Roy points out Gary Barlow’s former stately pile - is this the second piece of excitement I ask myself? No reply comes back. At the Vale Royal Abbey Arms, Roy peels off bound for Runcorn, and Ivan heads directly home for an early shower. Soon Stephen heads up Heaths Lane hill bound for home, and we remaining three get back to Rose Farm at 15:30 after 50 very cold, but dry miles. Ray and I motor for Chester, and arriving back home an hour later, I find I’ve clocked up a satisfying 77 miles.

CA

23rd January 2014: Cilcain

Ray led out Dave H and Brian (who agreed to do the write-up) from The Gallery through Northop, over Halkyn Mountain and down to Lixwm.   The village was said to have been given it’s unusual name by miners who moved to the area from Derbyshire; in their dialect "likesome", or "licksome", was an adjective meaning "pleasant”.  At 3˚C temperature and 22 mph westerlies today, "pleasant” was not how I would describe the area. After a brief sprint along the A541 Mold road, we turned south into the hills for Cilcain, It was only a short ride to the White Horse Inn at Cilcain arriving at the pub for opening time, where we were able to relax over a pint and a cuppa and a choice of hot food and babs.  And superb ginger sponge and custard.

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

Over lunch, Brian tried his David Bailey skills – the results are attached.  Beer & Lunch was served quickly, unlike last week.  The Smithy House opposite dates from 1572 and the lintel was a log that had solidified like marble.

After an hour in front of the log fire, we reluctantly continued south to Llanarmon, before joining the Corwen road at Rhydtalog for the very fast descent down to Penyffordd.  We turned back north through Bilberry Wood, across the footbridge over the A55 for the final run back to Hawarden, where Dave H left us.  Gallery afternoon tea completed, Ray and I continued with the wind behind us down to the Queensferry Bridge, where we went our separate ways.  Well, we may not have covered many miles but with the wind against us on the way out we deserved some treats!  A round trip from Hawarden of 34 miles on a dry and sunny winter’s day.
BMac

16th January 2014: Bickerton

I’m glad I phoned the intended lunch pub on Tuesday night to warn them about us coming today – I said I would confirm definite numbers at 10:30 on Thurs morning, which I did.  The Cunning Plan was to ride a giant O, clockwise to The Bickerton Poacher, but we ended up as a Capital D.  But more of that later.  All my recent rides as leader have had sunny weather and today was no different.  With a large cash win at Christmas in my local pub quiz, plus a sunny dry day forecast, I felt on top of the world today.  The prospect of some of this (sun, not cash) rubbing off onto the others resulted in eleven turning out, which I think is a record for this time of year.  Andy, Clive, Borneo Dominic & his Pop, Dave’s M & H, Jim, Ray, Steve, Trevor & yours truly. 

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

The morning ride of 24 miles went without incident, travelling clockwise through Delamere Forest, Cotebrook, Oulton Park, Wettenhall and dog-legged the A51 to Bunbury.  We then crossed the A49 at Spurstow and continued SW to arrive at the pub just a few minutes late.  

I had cribbed this route from a previous one of three years ago that I had not ridden and simply reversed the direction.  Likewise I chose The Bickerton Poacher as I had often heard of it but had never visited.  If the landlady had told at 10:30 this morning that there were going to be 25 – 30 “poachers” in front of us, I would have chosen elsewhere on the day.  A 70 minute wait for our food when winter daylight is limited, was simply met with more beer drinking.  When the food came, comments I heard were “small portions for the price” and “fish & chips in the fryer too long”.  I for one will not be returning.

Leaving at 14:20, I upped the pace back in a northerly direction, shedding riders left & right as we passed Peckforton & Beeston Castles, Huxley and one of 2 Cheshire Burtons, Gowy as opposed to Burton in Wirral. 

Continuing North through the Tarvin Metropolis, we passed both the Great & Little Barrows (I couldn’t see any difference in size).  Finishing back at Manley, we still had time to ride home in daylight, having clocked 39 miles at an average of 12.9 mph.  And riders thanked me with a smile on their face, which makes it all worthwhile.

BMac

9th January 2014: Overton Bridge

It’s been wet and miserable every day this week but the forecast for today is that it should clear up and stay dry from mid morning onwards.  It was probably this forecast that encouraged eight of us to turn out for a hilly ride from Alyn Waters Country Park where we met for tea and toast.  By 10:30 the numbers were complete: Steve, Brian Mac, the two Pauls, Ray, Clive, Andy and myself.  Being the only one with the outline of a route, albeit short and hilly, it was agreed that I would lead although mainly from the back on the hilly parts!  At this point Clive and Paul R announced that they wouldn’t be joining us, as they needed to get back early and would do a short ride back to Chester.

It was still overcast when we left the Country Park to cross the main road and start the climb up Windy Hill.  By the top of the climb a layer of clothes had been shed and we joined the long drag up “the steps” to Minera under a brightening sky.  After a short rest to allow me to recover from the exertions of the climb we continued on to New Brighton to start the lovely downhill run along the winding lane with wonderful views across the Cheshire Plain to the Peckforton/Bickerton hills.  A sharp right just before Talwrn puts us on the road to Penycae with the sun shining and practically no traffic.  In Penycae we take the Ruabon road and before long find ourselves navigating a sea of thorns strewn across the road from recent hedge trimming.  Then just past the Wynstanley Arms in Ruabon Andy punctures.  While Andy works to change his front wheel inner tube the rest of us stand around discussing the pros and cons of different tyres.

Photograph by Brian MacDonald

At this point we decide to shorten the ride by heading directly for our planned lunch stop at the Cross Foxes pub at Overton Bridge arriving at about 12:45.  There’s a good choice of ales, although not all are “on”, necessitating a visit to the cellar before we are all served with our respective choices.  The pub is popular and it takes a while for the food to appear but whether it was a sandwich, wrap or “main” all were well received.

By 14:00 we were ready to leave, taking the main road towards Overton before turning off to Bangor on Dee and then Cross Lanes.  Here Ray leaves us to head back to Chester via Farndon and Holt.  The remaining members of the group continue on towards Wrexham skirting the town before crossing the A483 on the footbridge and thence back to Alyn Waters for coffee and cake.

A short but hilly ride with friends clocking up just over 30 odd miles but with 800 m of ascent.

BW

2nd January 2014: Bangor on Dee

Happy New Year to all readers of the Chester Easy Riders blog. The New Year had started in Chester with the prospect of strong winds and driving rain – not the best conditions for cycling. But what a difference a day makes. Thursday the 2nd was a calm, dry day with the prospect of sunshine – a perfect day for our second ride of 2014.

I rode to the Ice Cream Farm at Tattenhall with an idea in my head for a 36 mile cycle to the Buck Hotel at Bangor on Dee. It was a ride we had done about 3 years ago and since only 4 members had turned up on that occasion I reckoned that not many would remember it. On this occasion 8 people turned up these being Clive, Martin, Ray, Roy, Paul W, Petar, Stephen and me (Trevor). Over tea and coffee (our usual fare of toast/toasted teacakes was dispensed with due to the over-indulgence of the Christmas festivities) it was decided that I would lead the ride. I suspected however that due to my lack of recent cycling I would end up leading from the back. (My excuse being that I wanted to make sure I didn’t lose anyone at the back).

We turned right out of the Ice Cream Farm and circled round the back of Tattenhall heading for the rear of Bolesworth Estate then right towards Brown Knoll. Then over to the Old Coach Road, following it until it turned towards the A41 at No Man’s Heath. From here we headed towards Malpas joining up with cycle route 70 down Mastiff Lane. At this point we realised that we would be arriving at the Buck Hotel to early so we turned left heading towards Lower Wych, Tallarn Green and Holly Bush before turning back towards Bangor on Dee.

The Buck offers a value-for-money “Over 55” menu: a two-course meal plus coffee and a real ale pint for under £10. However we were good again and all opted for something from the “light-bites” menu instead.

My plan was to head back to Tattenhall via Worthenbury, Shocklach, Tilston, and Coddington. However with the weather still holding up (we hadn’t seen so much of the sun since summer) we cycled beyond Worthenbury turning left towards Chorlton and Kidnal before crossing back over the A41 at Edge Green. It was on the hill up to Duckington that we had our only unfortunate incident of the day. On the mud-and-leaf strewn road Martin suffered wheel-slip and fell off taking Clive with him. Fortunately no one suffered any injury and after minor adjustment to Martin’s brake lever we carried on.

We crossed our morning’s route out and circled the south edge of Bickerton Hill to join the A534. We made a short dash down the main road to the Bickerton Poacher before returning to the Ice Cream Farm via Peckforton and Beeston. The extensions to my route added up to a 42 mile ride and made a great start to the year. Thanks to Clive for navigating the diversions on his fancy gadget that saved me from having to keep stopping to look at my map.  

TC

1st January 2014: Tilston

It’s the start of the New Year and looking out of the bedroom window this morning I was delighted to see that, although overcast, the weather was dry and there was no frost.  The forecast was for some wind and rain from 11:00 onwards but it didn’t sound too bad.  That was it then, decision made; it was off to the New Year’s Day meet at The Carden Arms in Tilston via the Blue Moon Café.  By 10:00 as I was preparing to leave home it started spotting with rain.  By 10:15 on the way to the Blue Moon it was definitely raining!  With one bike parked outside when I arrived I guessed that I could at least count on some company on the ride to Tilston.  I joined David Mathews with a cup of tea and we chatted while watching the rain get heavier.  By 10:45 David decided that he was going home to get changed and then drive to Tilston!  I decided to cycle: it’s only rain after all.

Leaving the warmth of the Blue Moon I headed through Handbridge to take Lache Lane south to Dodleston and on to Pulford.  By now the wind was picking up, the rain was unrelenting and progress was slow.  A left in Lavister took me onto the exposed road to Holt straight into the wind driven rain, making riding distinctly unpleasant and leaving me wondering if I shouldn’t have tried an alternative route.  In Holt I resisted the temptation to stop for a coffee in Hildegard’s and crossed the swollen River Dee into Farndon to take the usual route along Wetreins Lane to Tilston in the continuing rain.

There were no more than a dozen bikes outside the Carden Arms this year, clearly demonstrating the effect of the adverse conditions.  In my case sodden gloves that when rung out released a waterfall of rainwater and “waterproof” cycling boots that squelched at the slightest movement.

Photographs by Sue Booth

Inside a goodly number of CTC Chester Section members had just arrived and were drying themselves out.  Numbers from the other groups: Mold, Wrexham, Two Mills and Wednesday were sadly few in number this year.  Food was limited to stew or stew but proved to be both appetising and warming.  Just right for a day like this.

After an hour and a half of chat catching up with the latest news and gossip it was time to leave.  By now the rain had stopped and I joined the Chester group for the ride back.  With Sue leading and the wind behind us we made good progress to complete a memorable first ride of 2014 with 35 miles done.

BW