12th November 2015: Loppington (brisk)

A grand day’s weather in prospect with high winds forecast, and they were right for once. We four, Ken, John, Tom, and myself, set off on a straight up-and-down route that was designed to get most of the climbs and 60% of the miles over by lunch and then enjoy the wind-assist 20 miles run back to Holt before the promised rain arrived. So, out the normal way to Bangor-on-Dee and then off passed the racecourse dodging left through to Cloy. Always into the wind, we press on through Dudleston Heath, through Crickett and Perthy bound for Tetchill.  Now we make an anti-clockwise loop through these tiny lanes to Hordley bound for Cockshutt. 

We arrive at the Dickin Arms in Loppington with 30 miles spent. The pub could do with a make-over, but the staff are welcoming and the fare quickly presented. The run back via Lyneal is at rocket speed as the wind is with us all the way back now. The game birds spread before us, and buzzards flap off their lookouts, and mushrooms abound in the leaf filled lanes; a proper November landscape. At Welshampton, I go off piste slightly to arrive at Tarts Hill and then onto Pigeon and Peartrees Lanes. These have to be the poorest surfaced lanes in the area as we bone-shake our way towards Sarn. It’s a short motor now along through Shocklach back to Holt where, after 50 miles, we arrive at 15:00. 

The sky looks threatening and so Ken peels off towards Rossett and we three head for Chester. Arriving in Chester, the light rain starts and the gloom descends. So 75+ miles, glorious morning sunshine, deserted Shropshire lanes and good company. No one could ask for more out of ride.

CA 

5th November 2015: Marston

The weather forecast was for heavy rain for the afternoon, so I was surprised to see a small crowd at Rose Farm.  It soon became clear that only three of those present were riding out today. The others were “just out for coffee” - like we really believed it!  So Bryan, Dave P and myself set off in the dry bound for the Salt Barge pub at Marston.
I’d been out on Tuesday with Ivan and Tom and we had arrived at the Salt Barge too early, so I fancied a return ride to sample its fare.  We weaved out through Cotebrook via an unconventional route to access Whitegate Way all the way into Winsford.  Out via Wharton, we were riding the main roads a bit before sliding through Bostock Green bound for Davenham.  Out past Davenham Church all was going well until Dave P had a puncture.  By this time it was clear that we were going to arrive 30 minutes behind schedule at the Salt Barge; the schedule being to be in the pub before the rain started. So, on the fly, I re-route to Lostock Green.
As we hit the A556 dual carriage crossing, Bryan spent a few greasy minutes sorting out his chain, cassette and front chain ring. Off across the dual carriage we slide through Lostock Graham noticing the first signs of its industrial heritage i.e. brine fields.  At the lights I shoot off down the hill, being just a couple of miles from the first pint, that is, until Dave P on his fixie, pedals furiously past me to say Bryan has another transmission malfunction.  Back up the hill, Bryan demonstrates a masterclass in removing the chain split link to re-thread the chain through the rear hanger.  The rear hanger looks decidedly dodgy, so Bryan elects to minimise gear changes from henceforth.
We arrive at the Salt Barge just as the rain starts around 13:00. The pub is very quiet, and soon three pints of Tatton Brewery’s “Yeti” ale are pulled in double quick time.  Mein Hostess takes our orders, and soon we are tucking into wholesome fare.  Having put the world to rights and re-sampled the Yeti, we set off on a hill-avoiding modified return track.  We take the track through Marbury Park, which is quite delightful in the late autumn rain.  Cogshall Lane brings into Little Leigh.  At Acton Bridge, it’s up through Weaverham to Gorstage.  Here disaster strikes once again for Bryan, as the rear hanger breaks away completely and Bryan comes to an abrupt halt.  Quick as a flash, there is another masterclass from Bryan in converting a 30 geared bike into a free-wheeling fixie! So delayed again, we start off even more gingerly through Sandiway.  Bryan’s car is at Rose Farm, but he quickly realises that gradient and time is against him to retrieve it, so we progress at a leisurely pace along the main road to Old Kelsall Hill road.  A diversion to Tarvin takes us back to town via Waverton and Pearl Lane.
By this time its proper dark, but we are all back into Chester safely.  So we end up with three bikes returning; one original fixie, one free-wheeling fixie and 22 speed compact. Oh, I need to mention that the rain was not torrential, and only lasted a couple of hours.  Mindful of the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Agincourt, and with due apologies to Shakespeare lovers, those in the warm and dry at home this Bonfire’s Night day might like to enjoy the following verse which has been freely adapted from Henry V’s rousing battlefield speech.  I’m sure Bryan felt like it was a battle today!

(Cue rousing music)
We few, we happy few, we band of riders
For he today that gets his boots wet with me
Shall be my co-rider; be he ne’er so vile,
This day shall improve his fitness level;
And CER riders then at home in the warm and dry
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here
And hold their saddles cheap while any speaks
That rode out with Bryan, Dave P and Clive
To Marston upon that Bonfire Night’s day.

CA

29th October 2015: Gronant (brisk)

The rain caught me just before arriving at the Gallery where six of us (Brian M, George, Ken, Tom, Martin and myself) ended up in the warm but a bit wet. Liz D was also out “breaking in” her healing fractured foot on the bike. I proposed a ride over the Halkyns to Gronant via St Asaph, 51 miles around. So we set off under leaden skies with the rain clearing going the usual way towards Northop. Down Magazine Lane, we espy an enormous waste lorry slowly making its way down the very narrow lane towards us. After we managed to get past via the stinging nettles in the verge, we find out why the lorry was going slowly. It was acting as a branch slayer. We had to stop many times to remove broken branches off the roadway. Out through Northop, I elect to take The Green up towards the Bluebell pub. We sensibly agree to go at our own pace and further agree to meet at the Bluebell pub. Ken, Martin and I arrive to find Tom already there! He had been at the back and hadn’t heard the routing instructions, but nonetheless had figured out where we would be. We wait for 15 minutes or more, and Ken goes back down the lane (twice) to try to find George and Brian whilst I send George an explanatory text. After 20 minutes, we four decide to ride on to Rhuallt via Babell.

Photographs by Clive Albany

The sun is out now and the visibility is extensive. At Pant, I decide to go off-piste by taking the lane to Sodom. This lane is almost level with a kick up to the top of the hill outside Tremierchion. A few more turns takes down the tiny dead-end lane to overfly the A51 and down into Rhuallt proper. Running parallel to the A51 we fly down to ride the wide footbridge over the A51 and up into St Asaph. Here we follow cycle route 84 northwest towards Rhyl, before going through Rhuddlan bound for the “Bells of St Mary” at Gronant. The castle built by Edward I in 1277 is magnificent in the sunshine as are the “Three Knights of the Road” posing by the Medieval homage sculpture at the bridge over the Clwyd river. 

The pub is heaving as it is Half Term week but service is brisk as we tuck in after 32 miles. The return is along the coast road with a few shimmies to get us running parallel but not actually on the road. Coffee and cake is at the cafe behind Sainsburys. A few more wiggles and we are in Connah’s Quay where we four go our separate ways home. So, not a spectacular routing, a mystery as to where George and Brian got to, but nonetheless an enjoyable, almost dry, bright day over the Halkyns to 900ft and back.

CA

22nd October 2015: Cholmondeley (mod)

After the excellent turnout of the last two weeks, a total of 8 riders braved the wind and met at Manley Mere this week. With a strong westerly forecast for most of the day, Dave’s plan to visit the hanging gardens of Grappenhall was abandoned for a route south to Cholmondeley, with the wind on our right for the outward journey and on our left for the return. At least no rain was forecast, so Ray, Steve T, Keith, Dave H, Tom, Jim, Brian M and Dave M meandered along the back lanes towards the Motor Museum and Ashton. A quick sprint took us across the Kelsall by-pass and up onto the Utkinton road. Here Dave M departed on grandchildren duty and the remaining 7 skirted Tarporley to the east to cross the A51 at Tilstone. The autumn sun appeared briefly from time to time and the wind appeared to be suspiciously behind us as we continued south through Bunbury, even passing Tillys coffee and cake emporium, much to Dave’s disappointment. 

Just north of Brindley we came across a couple of fellow riders whose journey had been interrupted by an incursion of hedge cuttings. Fortunately an alternative route was available and despite a short section on main road we were soon heading south again towards Larden Green. Here we turned to the west and into the teeth of the wind, but fortunately for only a short distance before we reached our lunch stop at the Cholmondeley Arms, a pub/restaurant using the former village school building. The prices were a little above our usual budget but acceptable for good quality food. However, Ray was decidedly underwhelmed by his steak, which would have made an excellent seat cover, but to the credit of the management, a refund was agreed. 

Skirting Cholmondeley Castle Deer Park we steadily turned northwards and here Ray and Tom decided to sprint ahead, while the rest of us made our way towards Beeston. The wind showed no sign of easing off so we took the lane to the east of the ridge to gain some shelter, and from Beeston continued downhill to the Shady Oak and the Shropshire Union canal. After a brief climb we were into the wind again, but generally the hedges gave us good protection as we went through Burton, and to the rear of Okells Nurseries.  Crossing the A51 at Duddon took us into Tarvin and then over the A54 towards Barrow, where we passed to the east of the Barrowmore Estate and the last lane back to Manley Mere.

Total distance 42 miles or about 60 for those from Chester and Runcorn. Considering the strength of the wind a good day’s riding.   

JD

15th October 2015: Ruyton-XI-Towns (brisk)

I hadn’t seen so many riders at a previous CER meet, especially one from Chirk, which is always more of an effort to start from.  Clive volunteered to lead a brisk ride into Shropshire again on what was his 6th Anniversary as a member of CER.  On the promise of small hills, I joined him along with Darren, Ivan, Steve T and Tom and agreed to write the ride up.

As we rode in a giant figure of eight, it was not long before Clive suffered a p@@@@@@@ due to the seasonal hedge trimming.  He was then supervised by the others while changing his tube.  (See photo)

Photograph by Brian MacDonald

Passing the Queens Head PH, we continued south, skirting the shop at Knockin and headed along unfamiliar lanes around the north side of The Wrekin escarpment.  Turning back north, we completed about 60% of the ride before searching for the only pub in Ruyton-XI-Towns to have lunch but found it was closed for renovation.  We then stopped at a lovely place on the old A5 at Cafe Eleven, Ruyton-Xl-Towns, SY4 1LA, tel: 07976 024 654. 

The day, as promised, stayed dry; always a blessing at this time of year.  As the brisk pace continued after lunch, after skirting Ellesmere, I decided to veer off at a more sedate pace & arrived back at the Chirk cafe with 56 miles at 15 mph on the clock.  A pleasant final ride from Chirk till next year.  

Brian Mac, now known as Macca, so as not to be confused with the new member Brian M

BMac

15th October 2015: Burlton (mod)

A large group of Easy Riders plus two guests met at the café in Chirk, for our last departure from here this year. We were also honoured by the presence of Dave M who had ridden from Holt to join us for coffee but had to return home to Oscroft for a prior afternoon appointment. The ten moderate riders of George, Trevor, Dave H, Keith B, Bryan, Brian M, Petar, Dave & Liz P, and Jim, were joined by guest riders Chris and Dave R. 

The plan was to depart via the attractive Ceiriog Valley and then descend into Shropshire for some pleasant ‘lane riding’. Prospective member Dave R used his skill to winkle out a lunch stop at Burlton and all went well until we got to Whittington, where we followed the B 5009 south to West Felton. The road was wide straight and boring: clearly the old main road downgraded after the opening of the A5. To the local drivers this was an opportunity to make good progress without much traffic. For those who enjoy main road riding, fine, but not for us. I would recommend a change of route in future. However, we were soon onto the lanes after the village, and began to make good progress until Bryan picked up a puncture. This was soon repaired and we continued eastwards towards Wykey and Stanwardine in the Fields. The chilly autumn weather was briefly relieved as the sun came out for part of the route to Marton and our lunch stop at Burlton. 

The Burlton Arms turned out to be a real find: newly re-furbished with a range of beers and good choice of food. Soon we were back on the road again, this time to the north and Loppington, where we took a sharp left to English Frankton and Colemere. Continuing westwards, we passed the sailing dinghies on White Mere on our way to Welsh Frankton. By the time we got to Hindford we had another puncture, this time to guest rider Dave R. While this was fixed Brian M spent some time talking to the owner of the land we had stopped on and he learned that the owner is in the process of constructing an outdoor snack bar and food area for canal boaters and cyclists. A stop to look out for in the future.

Soon we were back in Gobowen and the road to Chirk. The traffic island on the A5 was an experience, but we all survived to reach the village car park at about 16:30. 

A total distance of about 43 miles on mostly pleasant lanes and above all another dry day. How long can this go on?          

JD

8th October 2015: Whitchurch to Shawbury Special Ride (mod)

With the promise of another dry day our biggest group yet met at Sainsbury’s café in Whitchurch for a day out in Shropshire. The CER members of Dave H, Dave M, Keith, Bryan, George, Trevor, Andy, Dave & Liz P, Petar and Jim were joined by two guest riders, Jane and Keith M.
The most difficult part was finding Alkington Road out of town, but Andy and Dave M skilfully led us in the right direction (by following the signs!) and we were soon heading south towards Whixall.

However, hardly had we exited Alkington before we came across a ‘Road Closed’ sign. Mindful of our experience the previous week, we ignored it again and found ourselves faced by a raised canal bridge. AND, a canal bridge that looked like it was not going to be lowered for some considerable time. Fortunately, the canal narrowed substantially at this point, presumably to reduce bridge building costs, and a narrow boat, the Ottar, was slowly moving through the pinch point. Much to our delight, the ‘bargees’ Jeff, Jim and Peter suggested that we simply cross onto the barge and onto the bank opposite. Without further delay, we passed our bikes and bodies over the cut and in no time at all had defeated the road closure. Southwards we went, into Whixall Fen, an area with a very interesting WW2 history. The lanes were well-surfaced and coupled with the lack of traffic, the ride through Waterloo, Horton and Loppington was a delight. We soon arrived at Burlton, where the brisk group had gone south but we were heading east. A short stretch of main road led to us to Myddle where we got into a bit of a muddle on a hill and found ourselves ‘tandemless’. Keith retraced our route, and using the modern miracle of the wireless telephone we agreed to meet up further along the road. Passing through Harmer Hill and Yorton, we were soon all back together again, and continued eastwards through Grinshill and Acton Reynald.

Photographs by Andy Whitgreave and Bryan Wade

A short diversion found us posing for photos outside the sadly ruined Moreton Corbet Castle, and then skirting the boundaries of RAF Shawbury, we arrived at the ‘Elephant and Castle’ as the brisk group were finishing their meal. We were given a very pleasant reception by the hotel staff, who had even organised a ‘cyclists special’ menu for us, and were not at all put out by having a group of 13 appear for lunch mid-week. Service was good, and we were soon ready for the return. Dave M had set off in advance as he had matters of state to attend to, leaving the remaining 12 to the climb up Marchamley Hill. To their credit, most of the group rode to the top, though some of us took the opportunity to have a gentle stroll. From then on it was mostly downhill north to Prees Heath where we crossed the A41 and up to Ightfield, then Ash Parva and Ash Magna to the Whitchurch ring road.
45 miles on some of the best lanes we have ridden on for some time. An excellent route and great autumn weather: a day to remember.      
JD

8th October 2015: Whitchurch to Shawbury Special Ride (brisk)

I hadn’t quite expected 21 riders out for the last Special Ride of the year, but the numbers kept rising in the last few days; some I knew were coming, and some I didn’t! - but all were well rewarded by quite the best ride of the year - but then I’m biased! Firstly, my thanks to Jim who kindly agreed to lead the Moderate group out. No doubt a mammoth job with 12 bikes and just an unfamiliar squiggly line on his bikenav.

The Brisk group, consisting of Ivan, Ray, Paul, Steve T, Ken, John, Tom and myself, set off around Whitchurch and out bound for Alkington. There is a steady climb out of Whitchurch over 3 miles before we dropped down through familiar villages before skirting Loppington and arriving at Waterloo. Then there is 7 miles of quiet tiny lanes before Myddle. Here as the Moderate group would go eastwards, we were turning south through the middle of Myddle just passing the middle of our outward ride. From thence onward it was all new lanes to all of us, and what lanes they were. Fourteen miles of tiny yet fast lanes with fabulous Salopian countryside to enjoy in the sunshine. The Garmin riders lead the ride for me here, eager to get to the pub.

Photographs by Clive Albany

We arrive in under two hours with 30 miles up. The “Elephant and Castle” were ready for us with tables set and stoves ready. Given eight orders went in, they came out quite promptly and were appreciated by all (I think?). A useful venue for future rides perhaps. Leaving at 13:30, we set off north and briefly stopped at Moreton Corbet castle ruins. What a site it must have been in February 1216 when William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, besieged it on the orders of King John. The Elizabethan additions were also magnificent in the sunshine. So we now head inexorably for Marchamley Hill, the only obstacle on the way back. Although most of the route back was familiar to me, the sunny countryside was magnificent in its autumn colouration. At Prees Higher Heath, a nip across the A41, sends on our way via Ightfield, back to Sainsbury’s for a drink and cakes by 15:00. For me Shropshire seems to be a cyclist paradise of quiet lanes and big views without too many big hills, so maybe more away rides will be planned there in the future. As we got into our cars, Paul was joined by John on his ride back home to Chester - a 100 up today for Paul. Hopefully Keith M and Jane maybe tempted out again with us in the future.

CA

PS: Thanks to Sainsbury’s Whitchurch store for allowing us to park at the store.

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

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

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

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

Ivan's Corner, Llay

Photograph by Clive Albany

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

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

JD

24th September 2015: Ellesmere (mod)

There was an excellent turnout at Cleopatra's in Holt: Ray, Brian Miller, Dave Matthews, John, Clive, Jim, Keith, Dave and Liz, Mike, Steve Tan and myself.  John wasn't riding with us today, probably going to track down a car driver who had invaded his space in order to have a therapeutic rant!  Dave Matthews was able to make it today.  We did feel privileged.  It was like having Prince William agreeing to go with you to watch the rugby.  

Jim had a route to Ellesmere that I also had been thinking of, so he agreed to lead, and I offered to write the ride up.  The rest of the group was happy to go along with the suggestion.  It was a pleasure to have everybody out together: just like the good old days, before Jeremy Kyle and electric handbrakes.

 After crossing the river to Farndon we were soon bowling along south through Shocklach and Threapwood toward Hanmer.  We made steady progress.  The late summer scenery looked lovely, and there was only marginal slowing for dress adjustments.  I think Dave and Liz must have been practising their routine like the Mercedes pit- stop team.  It is that time of the year, in terms of cool starts that could stay chilly or become warmish.  Shorts or tights?  Long or short sleeves?  Shell outer or not?  Or, increasingly with our group, the burlesque-like unzipping and peeling off of sleeves from Aldi gilets.

Hanmer Mere looked attractive in the sun, then we climbed alongside Bettisfied Park.  The narrow, rolling lanes around Cole Mere and White Mere were delightful.  It is a great pleasure to pedal, buried in Shropshire's warm, late season lushness.

We decided on The Black Lion for lunch with Keith falling off in his eagerness to reach the back entrance. Steve thought that an attractive lady on the pavement had distracted him, not the first time he's fallen for a blonde, I bet! 

Lunch was fine for most, but Ray and I endured the most underwhelming chili con carne of our lives. Talk about no frills!  No real chef would have had the face to present this as an acceptable dish. Do you remember Vesta meals?!  And, they forgot my pot of tea!  Our return was via Penley, Holly Bush, Bangor on Dee and north up the B5069.  After climbing up from the River Clywedog, Steve and Keith took off for the now traditional last few miles thrash.  Mike waited to take to the little lanes up from Sutton Green with half the group.  I speeded up, with the pull of cake and coffee getting ever stronger. 

Clive and Ray caught up just before Holt, and a number of us ended the day relaxing in Cleopatra's where they treat us just fine.  Forty very scenic and social miles.

DH

17th September 2015: Audlem (brisk)

A large number gathered at Rose Farm and it was obvious that we would need to split into two groups. The ‘moderates’ had at least two routes to choose from, but the ‘briskers’ – comprising of John, Tom, Ray, Steve T. and Ken – did not have a route as, neither Clive nor Ivan, the usual leaders, had turned up due to other commitments. John consulted his Garmin and offered a 70km ride to Audlem. So, 10 minutes after the moderates had left, we set off, only to find the moderates waiting at the entrance to Rose Farm where Dave P had lost his helmet!

We went along Utkinton Lane and down through Cotebrook, passing the ‘Knickerbrook’ entrance to Oulton Park race circuit. Then on through Rushton and Wettenhall, with John setting a good pace and navigating with great confidence. All went well until we reached Reaseheath College, where ‘Garmin’ was telling John to take the road through the college grounds. Dave Heath later told me that this was possible, but we were not confident, so continued down Wettenhall Road, across the A51 and into Nantwich via Welshman’s Lane and Welsh Row. We threaded our way through the centre of Nantwich with John following the satnav’s instructions – whereupon we found ourselves at the other side of Reaseheath College - the clever thing had re-routed to take us back to where we had departed!

After a good 10 minutes consulting various Garmins and Google Maps, we deduced that we needed to be on the other side of Nantwich, heading out on the A529/A530. So, completing a circuit around the town we picked up the A529 and then A530 and then headed off towards Audlem down Coole Lane. Half way along, we came across the signpost to the ‘Secret Bunker’. Built in 1950 the 35,000 square foot underground bunker would have been the centre of Regional Government had nuclear war broken out. It was declassified only in 1990.

We arrived in Audlem at about 12.30 and decided to see if there was room at The Old Priest House café. Squeezing the five of us onto a table for four, we ordered our food and admired the many cycling photos, including one of ‘Harry the Bike’ as he marked his 500,000 miles in the Guiness Book of Records. Apparently he averaged 280 miles to the pint!

Photographs by Steve Tan

Although a little slow to arrive, the meals were excellent and enormous, especially John’s ‘Mega-breakfast’. Suitably restored we set out for home, retracing our route from Audlem back to Coole Lane.  About one-third of the way along, we turned left towards Broomhall Green and Sound, crossing the A530 there. Thence on to Wrenbury, where we had to stop, as the bridge over the Shropshire Union Canal near the Dusty Miller pub had been raised to allow a barge through. This allowed us a short breather, as John had been setting a furious pace, fuelled no doubt by his ‘mega-breakfast’. This continued as we zoomed through Bickerton and across the A49 at The Cholmondeley Arms, heading past Cholmondeley Castle Gardens to Bickerton and then over Harthill to Tattenhall. John was still flying, fuelled by a desire to catch up with and berate the driver of a Land Rover and trailer combo that had nearly taken him off. Luckily for the driver, the chase was in vain.

Reaching Hoofield, John, Tom and Ray peeled off to head back to Chester leaving Ken and Steve to wend their way along the aptly-named Corkscrew Lane back to Rose Farm, arriving just in time to  enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake.

A total of 50 miles/80 km at an average speed of 16.4 mph, this was a definitely a proper ‘brisk’ ride.

ST

17th September 2015: Goostrey (mod)

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

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

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

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

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

JD

10th September 2015: Cwm (brisk)

An Indian Summer’s day had riders galore at The Gallery, but Jim and Martin only came for coffee.  Steve had re-cycled a 2012 route and decided to lead a ride to “the 2012 pub find of the year” at Cwm near Dyserth. Bryan started with us to Halkyn, but the hills got to him and he pealed off, leaving Steve, John, Clive, Paul, Tom and myself on a fast ride.   After passing through Babell and past the monastery, Steve announced that the pub only served food from 13:00, so an extra 10 miles were added near Trelogan.  With perfect timing, we rolled up at 13:05.  The jury in my opinion are still out on The Blue Lion, Cwm LL18 5SG tel: 01745 289229. I didn’t think it was that special and Trip Advisor reviews have 44 Excellent but 9 as “Terrible”, so you decide.

Photographs by Brian MacDonald and Clive Albany

The return up over the steep climb that crosses the A55, saw just Steve and Brian going for afternoon tea after a sunny fast CER ride with 3,800 feet of ascent and 48 miles round trip back to the Hawarden Estate Garden Centre for coffee and obscene-coloured cake.  If ever The Gallery is closed, this place on the old main road east of the town is very pleasant with plenty of parking

BMac

3rd September 2015: Little Bollington (mod)

Chilly, but a bright start today so first time for the long-johns for me at Manley Mere. The start time came and went and then Steve H offered “The Swan with Two Nicks” and we were late away, except he didn’t have a route! So, recycling a lot of the outward Cheshire Cycleway Long Ride route, we i.e. Steve’s T and H, Dave and Liz, Mike G, Ray, Dave M, and myself, set off via Delamere, then down to Croxton, bound for Comberbatch. The ride is uneventful until we get to High Legh where I realise I need to look at a map to navigate the lanes down to the pub. It’s not far now as we pass the John Wesley monument under the M56. The pub doesn’t disappoint and the food arrives promptly. At 14:00 and after only 26 miles, we set off homebound via the Trans-Pennine Trail aka NCW62. This sounded like a “good idea" because it’s flat, bypasses areas of no outstanding beauty i.e. Warrington, and is new to most of us. Ivan had cycled this Merseyside route so I know we could get through.
So off over the trip-trap bridge, we edge round Dunham Massey to try to find the access to the trail. The OS shows a tiny lane, which then finds us gingerly cycling around the edge of a gas pipeline enclosure and then scrambling down a bank to finally get on the former rail track. Anyway it’s an adventure! The track is muddy in parts and there are groans from some riders about binding brakes etc but I don’t care since I’m on my winter bike with disc brakes. The signage is poor, and a few times we have to guess which is the right way through Warrington.

Photograph by Clive Albany

Here Steve T comes into his own and offers to lead us out of the mess. So ducking and diving through former industrial areas, we end up riding for miles along the side of the defunct St Helen’s canal and the Manchester Ship canal. We go past Ferry “marina” and Fiddlers Ferry power station before stopping to view the new coffer dams with their cranes, which are busily building the new Runcorn bridge. Steve acts as an excellent guide as we have to take a diversion around the works to access Runcorn Bridge. After two hours riding covering only 18 miles, we are now ducking and diving around Runcorn as Steve leads us out on yet another new way around the town. Steve drops off now as he is only 30 yds from home so we then run down to Costa in Frodsham. The way back to Manley is easy now and with 56 miles up, this has been a very interesting if somewhat novel ride. So, the day started out with no idea where we would go and ended up with 75 happy miles, yet without Steve T, we might still be finding our way out of Runcorn!

CA

27th August 2015: Montford Bridge (mod)

I was first to arrive at the Chirk Tea Rooms soon followed by Brian Miller on his second outing with CER. Later Paul, Tom, Steve T, Trevor, Liz & Dave P turned up, as well as John fresh from his Paris-Brest-Paris success. I say fresh; which was remarkable seeing that he told us he’d only managed one hour’s sleep a night through the whole four days.
Trevor intended to ride directly back home, which left the rest of us. I’d planned a ride based on Clive’s brisk group outing to Shrewsbury last month because it sounded an interesting route. However, instead of the full distance I intended to avoid the town itself by lunching at Montford Bridge. Reversing the route and making some other minor changes completed the plan.
Having promised a flattish ride, I felt a little guilty as we struggled up a single chevron gradient climbing from the River Ceiriog to reach Rhyn, although this was the exception. From then it was through Gobowen and Whittington, crossing the A5 to Maesbury, past the radio telescope at Knockin. The route was showing the effects of heavy rain in the week with some large patches of gravel and mud. So we initially missed Clive’s track leading down towards the River Severn because it just looked a muddy mess.  On closer inspection, it was a muddy mess, one that even he might have avoided.  So we continued by a more sensible road to the riverside, where we logged an appealing looking pub for future use, the Royal Hill near Pentre.
Continuing through Shrawardine to Montford Bridge where we stopped at the Wingfield Arms. A friendly welcome led to a very long wait for food, though when it came it was substantial, well received by many but not by all.
Refreshed, we headed back through Little Ness, Ruyton XI Towns and on to Queens Head. From here we chose to avoid the A5 making for Oswestry along minor roads. We soon heard the wail of emergency sirens, and a little later began to meet many vehicles and heavy lorries on our route – Oswestry itself was clogged with traffic – the A5 had been closed.  We eventually broke away from the congestion, headed north past Old Oswestry Fort, into Western Rhyn and finally over the canal viaduct into Chirk in time for tea and cakes in the café.
In all about 48 miles in generally fine sunny weather, though somewhat longer for John, Paul and myself who had cycled from our homes

SH

20th August 2015: Audlem (mod)

Awaiting ride report.

Teddy Bear Café

Photograph by Bryan Wade

20th August 2015: Market Drayton (mod plus aka brisk)

Arriving at the Ice Cream Farm with Trevor and Tom I found there was quite a turnout for today’s rides.
I had prepared an outline route to visit the Red Lion in Market Drayton, a first for me. It was a sort of ‘moderates plus’ ride, that could be varied depending on the group, how people felt, time and the weather conditions. I had the flexibility of my manual GPS (printed extracts from OS maps) to make any changes.
Following Dave M’s announcement on John Wilkie’s success in the PBP (see posting below) and excusing himself from the rides as he had to look after the grandchildren, we duly split into two groups, mine containing Ken, Paul (with new bike), Steve T and Tom. The other group contained Liz & Dave P, Andy, Bryan, Steve H and Trevor who were off to Audlem. I had one request from Steve T, could I make our ride at least 60 miles.
At 10:30 sharp with a slight south-westerly breeze against us we set of in the direction of Malpas. It was a fairly direct route via Bolesworth Castle, Brown Knowl and Ashtons-cross; crossing the A41 at Hampton Heath. Left in Malpas, and followed the B5395 for a short distance then on through Higher Wych, crossing the A525 and taking the A495 as far as Bronnington. A left turn ensued and we were cycling steadily through Whixall, Coton, and onto Prees. After Prees we took in Darliston, Fauls where we observed the local council collecting from the roadside verge a lorry load of dumped tyres. The weather was beginning to threaten and it started to rain as we cycled on the A53 to Market Drayton. They have a wonderful one-way system in the town, and to get to the Red Lion/Joules Brewery we cycled almost all of it. We arrived at about 12:50 having covered just over 32 miles. It was a delight, lovely food and the Joules Pale Ale well; I could have stayed there all afternoon, but I would have had difficulty getting on my bike again.

Photographs by Steve Tan

After lunch we headed in a north-easterly direction towards Norton in Hales. We turned left at Betton to Adderley, left again onto the A529, then right to Aston passing Shavington Park on our left. The wind was generally in our favour but distant rain clouds were observed, fortunately we were following so didn’t get wet. At Aston we met the other mods group and cycled with them as far as Wrenbury, where they went on their way whilst I reconfigured my GPS for the final run back. At Chorley Bank we parted with Ken (our expert on telephone exchanges) who was to make his way home to Rossett, whilst the remainder of us turned right passing through Brindley, Bunbury and Beeston returning to the Ice Cream Farm just before 16:00 for afternoon tea. We covered 63 plus miles at a steady average speed of 14.3 mph (according to Steve T). Those who cycled in from beyond Chester will have covered in excess of ninety miles.
Overall, a lovely ride in pleasant company taking in some new lanes.
MG

CER congratulates John Wilkie

CER member John Wilkie completed the 1,200 km Paris-Brest-Paris Randonnée in 77 hours and 45 minutes on Wednesday evening having started the gruelling event on Sunday.  This, a truly great achievement in itself, is made even more remarkable when one considers that John rode his first 50 km audax in September 2014: from virtually nothing to full PBP in 11 months!
Paris-Brest Paris (PBP) from Paris to Brest on the west coast of France and back to Paris has become one of the most prestigious events on the global randonneuring calendar and is run once every four years.  For more information go to the official site.

John's official ride stats are given in the table below:

Suivi de la plaque / Track the frame number:  

Contrôle	Km	Temps	Passage	Moyenne tronçon	Moyenne Totale
START	0		16/08 17:31
VILLAINES	221	08:53	17/08 02:24	24.8 km/h	24.8 km/h
FOUGERES	310	13:10	17/08 06:41	20.7 km/h	23.5 km/h
TINTENIAC	364	16:09	17/08 09:40	18.1 km/h	22.5 km/h
LOUDEAC	449	20:17	17/08 13:48	20.5 km/h	22.1 km/h
CARHAIX	525	25:09	17/08 18:40	15.6 km/h	20.8 km/h
BREST	618	30:11	17/08 23:42	18.4 km/h	20.4 km/h
CARHAIX	703	40:19	18/08 09:50	8.3 km/h	17.4 km/h
LOUDEAC	782	46:58	18/08 16:29	11.8 km/h	16.6 km/h
TINTENIAC	867	52:08	18/08 21:39	16.4 km/h	16.6 km/h
FOUGERES	921	55:11	19/08 00:42	17.7 km/h	16.6 km/h
VILLAINES	1009	61:32	19/08 07:03	13.8 km/h	16.3 km/h
MORTAGNE	1090	67:41	19/08 13:12	13.1 km/h	16.1 km/h
DREUX	1165	73:37	19/08 19:08	12.6 km/h	15.8 km/h
FINISH	1230	77:45	19/08 23:16	15.7 km/h	15.8 km/h

13th August 2015: New Brighton (mod)

You can always rely on Brian Mac to come up with a route for a ride from his local starting point at Ness Gardens. Despite the fact that he wasn’t there, today was no exception as I had downloaded a ride he had led back in 2011. It wasn’t a particularly long ride but with heavy rain forecast for the evening we didn’t want to be out too late.
As I cycled up to Ness I wasn’t expecting a large turnout. The more strenuous riders were off on the annual 100-mile special and a number of riders were off on holiday. However 5 regulars turned up. These were Bryan, Dave H, Steve H, Steve T and myself. We were joined be a new rider, another Brian, who I had met while cycling across the marshes. He said he had heard of our group and had thought about joining us sometime so I persuaded him to join us today.
The six of us set off northwards heading into Neston where we turned right to cross the A540 and on to the village of Raby. A left here took us on through the pretty village of Thornton Hough. Brian’s route was a figure-of-eight and just beyond the village we came to the crossover point. Instead of carrying straight on we turned right so that we were now following Brian’s route in reverse. This brought us to Brimstage where we turned left and headed up to Storeton. Beyond Storeton we were on to the Lever Causeway before dropping down towards Rock Ferry where we hit the Wirral Circular Trail. This would take us around the North Wirral Coast.

Mersey Ferry

Photographs by Bryan Wade

We now followed the trail past the Woodside and Seacombe ferry terminals and up the coast past the Egerton Ferry pub. This had been our lunch stop on the original ride but it was not yet noon so we carried on to New Brighton. Here we decided on Wetherspoons as our lunch stop. Probably not the best choice but the company and the conversation were good.
After lunch we carried on along the coastal path, ploughing our way through the sand drifts in places, until we got back onto tarmacked roads at Meols. Here we turned inland and cycled through the villages of Greasby, Irby and Pensby and back to the crossover point at Thornton Hough. We turned right here and headed back across the A540 and down towards Parkgate. Before we reached it Bryan spotted a road off to the left (Wood Lane) that was signed as a cycle route to Neston. We hadn’t been along it before so we took the opportunity now. Unmade for the most part, but passable, it eventually brought us back into Neston.
From here it was back the way we had come towards Ness Gardens but before we got there we dropped down to the coast again and along to Net’s Café. After a well-earned cup of tea (and a cake, of course) we all went our separate ways although for four of us it was back across the marshes towards Chester. A round trip of 37 miles from Ness or around 60 from Chester.

TC

13th August 2015: Cheshire Cycleway Special Ride (brisk)

Originally advertised as 130 miles including the loop around Wildboarclough following the Cheshire Cycleway, had me wondering whether I was up for a full “200k hilly Audax”. However the rumour was that Colin had recce’d the route and found the Wildboarclough loop would take at least 2½ hrs and a shorter 104 ml relatively flat route would be more manageable.
With rain threatened and a no big climbs I opted for the fixed bike set up for winter with good tyres and guards. This was to be a mixed blessing on the ride!
Colin, Tom, Clive and Dave P met at the Station in Chester for an 8:30 start. I was defiantly the slowest, so with Tom well prepared after LEJOG doing 100 miles every day for 10 days and Clive and Colin regular brisk riders I was put at the front to set a pace comfortable for me. A steady ride out via Delamere where the descent and climb saw me catching up on the flat and finding a wheel to follow was the best option now the group knew my pace. With a slight tailwind we continued on to Acton Bridge, Great Budworth and High Legh Garden Centre for elevenses.
From here we were in “new” territory providing a splendid ride for the middle 50 miles in leafy undulating countryside on lanes not seen on our regular Thursday rides.
The second leg to lunch took us to Bucklow Hill, Ashley, Mobberley Station and Nether Alderley and up onto Alderley Edge where the 1 mile climb rising 300ft up Artists Lane to the Wizard where the geared riders left me wishing for a lower gear. After we regrouped at the top we were rewarded by flat roads then slight descent to the Blacksmiths Arms at Henbury to sample the local ale and pub grub.
After lunch the rain threatened with black clouds and a few spots of rain. As we dropped back onto the Cheshire Plane the group made good time and the weather outlook improved. The route now took us south to skirt Congleton and then bear west towards the motorway. Here an interesting choice of route for the Cheshire Cycleway saw us cross the M6 three times in 3 miles presumably so that the stony track over the second crossing could be included. (It can be avoided by an equidistant but less adventurous route omitting the first two crossings.) I shouldn’t complain though as this was the only section where I had to wait for the others to catch up (The benefit of good tyres and no bouncing chain – not my fitness).  We were soon heading back into familiar territory with the afternoon stop at the Pillory Cafe in Nantwich where we got our usual warm welcome.
The last leg of the route followed the often ridden section of the Cheshire Cycleway via Wettenhall, Eaton, and up to the “Secret Path” over the A49 to Utkinton. I was now struggling on the hills but Colin true to his word would not push on without me in spite of me telling them to do so. Colin came back to find me and the group waited and escorted me back through Waverton to return to Chester Station at 17:30 after a thoroughly enjoyable ride and no rain in spite of very ominous black clouds .
Thanks to Colin for organising the ride.

DP

6th August 2015: Sleap (brisk)

The TV weather forecast promised “improvement throughout the day” as I set off with rain threatening bound for Cleopatra’s bistro. The sooner the Met Office gets their £99 million computer upgrade the better! 

Anyway, the coffee at Cleopatra’s is an improvement on Hildegard’s and the service is just as good. There were nine of us but, apart from Steve T and John, the rest were on personal local rides. So we three set off bound for The Raven in Tilley near Wem. Ivan had been there in Jan 2015, but the last time for me was in late 2011. As soon as we set off the rain came and was on and off all the way to Whitchurch. The route out was via Tilston, Duckington, Norbury and Marbury. 

Around Whitchurch we take the cycleway out to Alkington, which, at a surprising 420ft above sea level, was the highest road for today. We enjoy a further 10 miles of tiny lanes to arrive in Wem from the north. Exiting Wem for Tilley, I suddenly had a brainwave: “Have either of you been to Sleap airfield?” “No” was the reply, “Shall we go?” “Yes, please”. So, not knowing about the treat that they are in for, we motor down the main road for the 4-mile loop into the airfield. 

Photograph by Clive Albany

The cafe doesn’t disappoint with excellent quality, and quantity of food at very reasonable prices, coupled with a control tower side view of the aerial operations. Now that the runaway exit shortcut to Loppington is forbidden, I plot a circular route, initially southwards back via the middle of Myddle. We now enjoy 17 miles of tiny Shropshire lanes working our way back via Welshampton and Penley to Bangor on Dee. The sun is out very briefly as we head northwestwards. Arriving back at Cleopatra’s after 62 miles at 16.4 mph, we provide a bike-purchasing consultancy to “mein host” as tea and cake are consumed. The only disappointment of the day was the unexpected rain and late arrival of the sun. With 87 miles completed to home, it was a useful warm up for the 100 miler next week!

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

23rd July 2015: Llanasa (mod)

John, Steve Tan, Dave Heath, Dave Matthews, Liz and Martin, and Mike turned up at The Gallery tea room.  We had time to catch up with Liz and Martin's latest cycle adventures, and chatted about le Tour. The amazing stage 14 win of the Wirral rider Steve Cummings was prominent in our discussion. Mike, Steve and myself agreed to head toward Llanasa or Gwaenysgor.  The rest of the group 'did a Dave Matthews', including Dave Matthews!  Mike's knowledge of the Welsh lanes made him the natural choice to lead, so I offered to write up the ride.  We were soon happily spinning moderately through Northop, and bracing ourselves for the brief but dangerous A55 link in order to climb up to Halkyn village.  Mike had a deviation somewhere around Berthengam and Axton, which he had done following Ivan.  It must be nice to have faith in Ivan's route finding.  To be fair, it was narrow, quiet and sheltered: just what we like!  We also ran into a lovely young lady and a lad who had taken a rescue dog out for a walk and got lost!  The chocolate young Labrador puppy with them was delightful, nearly knocking Steve off his bike in its enthusiasm.  

The Red Lion was under new management again, and the owner didn't seem keen on sweaty lycra being seated in the dining room, but we ignored this. The food and service were fine.  Mike was 'playing dad' on our return via Trelawnyd and Babell, thinking that we might get lost.  He eventually peeled off into the wind in order to return to his posh residence in Rhos-on- Sea.  Evidently, his good lady finds Rhos very different from Newcastle, as their neighbours often wear clothes and stay in on a Saturday night.  We diligently followed Mike's proposed route to Hawarden, although 'Rocket Robin Hood' Steve Tan did miss a turn, no doubt at a great rate of knots, whilst I was watering a hedge! We continued past Soughton Hall to Alltami.  We missed the main roads and busy Ewloe roundabout by skirting the northeast edge of Buckley and heading for the B5125 to Hawarden via Burntwood Pentre.  Forty something miles in good weather, with great views and convivial company.                 

DH

16th July 2015: Aston (mod)

The relatively small group that gathered at Manley Mere suggested that the summer holidays have started. Keith, John and Dave M had only joined us for the start, so a smaller group of Bryan, Dave P, Steve T and myself were out for a ride. No one had planned one, so after some confusion from myself as to whether the wind was in the SW or the SE (it was the latter), we decided to head into it outbound and have it behind us on the return.  So we travelled in that direction through Kelsall, Utkinton, Cotebrook and Wettenhall, before pausing outside Nantwich to decide exactly where our destination should lie.  Balancing The Swan at Wybunbury against the Bhurtpore Arms at Aston, we chose Aston, largely based on possible return routes.

Photograph by Steve Haywood

As usual, the Bhurtpore did not disappoint; and well-refreshed and after some adjustment to Steve T’s brakes, we headed off again.  Although only an hour away, the temptation of cakes at Tilly’s led us north through Brindley and into Bunbury. From there, we travelled to Beeston Castle, past the Shady Oak to Huxley, where Bryan struck off back towards Chester.  The three remaining continued through Burton and Oscroft to leave me at Kelsall and then return to Manley.

A day of fine warm weather, good company and decent food with about 54 miles travelled: those not riding today were missing out.

SH

9th July 2015: Four Crosses (mod)

Is this a record? Not getting back to our start in Chirk until quarter to six after only a 38 mile ride. It’s hard to know where the time went, but there are some excuses.

Dave H, Steve T, Keith and myself met in the Chirk Tea Rooms alongside members of the brisk group. No one had brought a prepared route, so I announced that I’d an idea for a ride that involved hills.  This persuaded Dave P (out on his own today) to join us in preference to the brisk group who intended a flattish ride to Shrewsbury.  The idea was to head north over World’s End and back over the Horseshoe Pass. The initial difficulty was working out how to get from Chirk to Trevor, which shouldn’t have been too hard, but delayed our start.  With Dave P’s assistance we tackled some taster hills, before crossing the A5 and the Pontcysyllite Aqueduct (admiring Thomas Telford’s engineering and ironwork) and into Trevor.

Photograph by Steve Tan

From Trevor a steep ascent led us to the Panorama Walk giving great views on such a fine day. This took us beneath imposing limestone crags into the World’s End valley, where we came to a standstill behind a flock of sheep being shepherded slowly up the valley. Then ascending steeply, we crossed the very slippery ford and up onto Esclusham Moor. Everything was perfect as we descended into Minera and then Dave H got a puncture “from a leaf”. Close examination revealed a tyre worn close to the canvas in several places: “even worse than my tyres” said Dave P, who rescued us from a shambolic team attempt to change the tyre. Somewhat past our usual lunchtime, we pressed on to the Moors Inn at Four Crosses to a friendly welcome and some well received steak pies.

From here we had a fast run down the main road, past the Llandegla Forest, before turning left at the Plough Inn onto a minor road and then onto the main road up to the Ponderosa Café. From the top we took the more attractive Old Horseshoe Pass Road steeply down and on towards Llangollen.  As soon as the canal appeared we transferred to the towpath, passing above the tents and crowds of the Llangollen Eisteddfod. Apparently Burt Bacharach was performing, but we only saw a female choir. A stop was needed so we sat in the sun and ate ice creams. 

From Llangollen we continued along the canal, past the Trevor canal basin, back over the aqueduct and onwards through the seriously long and dark tunnel, before emerging by the railway station back in Chirk. 

So, the excuses: a slow start, sheep, a puncture and 4850ft of ascent.

SH

9th July 2015: Shrewsbury (brisk)

Jeremy Clarkson’s car blog in the Sunday Times is invariably a rant about a current personal issue padded out with a car review. Well this blog is similar except it’s not a rant, but a celebration and a ride description. There is a misconception that all brisk rides are long, hilly, fast and furious. Well some are, and some are not. Our unofficial Tuesday rides are invariable long, fast, and hilly and furious (well relatively so for 60+ers). As Ivan had planned the Tuesday ride to the new Wetherspoons in Sandbach, I said I would plan today’s ride from Chirk. So often from Chirk we attack the hills but I wanted something different today. As I was feeling a bit sore from my unfortunate dismount in the rain on Tuesday, I planned a flat ride to The Shrewsbury Hotel (aka Wetherspoons) in Shrewsbury. The aforementioned celebration is that of the beautiful Shropshire countryside between Chirk and the county seat. Out through Western Rhyn, there is a tiny arrow-straight lane that gives you marvellous views of the land around culminating in the foreboding Old Oswestry Iron Age hill fort. Sliding out around the town, we are soon away from Oswestry and riding through Queens Head. The road down through Ruyton XI-Towns passes by many old country estates. The views are of the Wrekin and Caer Caradoc beyond. At Fitz, we now go east then south through suburbia to access the superb Severn river embankment in Shrewsbury itself. Following it clockwise as far as we can go, we arrive at the pub after 30 miles. 

Wetherspoons is fine except they forget to bring out my lunch, so I ask for my money back and in doing so get a free pint. A few of Ivan’s chips will have to suffice today supplemented by a Snickers bar. Back along the river, we exit via the cycleways to Montford Bridge. Over the Seven and the A5, the ride back is largely along highway 81. Moving North Eastwards, we pass by the Army training camp at Wilcott and the radio telescope at Knockin. The sun has warmed the air, the roads are good, and the countryside is quintessentially English in these former Marcher bad lands (as evidenced by quite a few former Motte and Baileys). Across Maesbury Marsh, we complete the figure-of-eight routing by crossing the A5 towards Gobowen. My lack of lunch necessitates tea and cake at Derwen College as it is obvious that we three (Ivan, John and myself) will not make it back in time for the 15:50 Chester train. A leisurely return is completed via the Rhyn valley with its steep climb out. Sixty miles in just over 4 hours. Acres and acres of wonderful countryside so rarely seen and appreciated by motorists. A Magnum ice cream rounds off a superb day's cycling!

CA

2nd July 2015: Coton (mod)

Another large turnout at the Ice Cream Farm saw us sitting outside in the early morning sun discussing possible destinations. I suggested the Dog and Bull at Coton, midway between Whixall and Prees, and with no other offers forthcoming it was agreed. The group consisted of Steve T, Steve H, Trevor, George, Keith, Dave H, Ray, Paul and myself. Liz and Dave P arrived on the tandem but with Dave wearing his wedding shoes by mistake they decided to just stay for the cake and coffee.

We followed a fairly traditional route out through Tattenhall, Carden, and Shocklach to Threapwood and the Wyches. The temperature was steadily approaching the 20’s that we had been promised but we also had a few short showers that were not due until later in the day. We made steady progress, despite me reading the satnav upside down at one point! and were soon climbing up past the Hanmer Arms towards Bettisfield and Northwood. A sharp turn to the east then took us to the run in for lunch through Dobsons Bridge and Whixall. The rain was beginning to become irritating at this point, so it was with relief that we parked our bikes under the sun umbrellas in the pub’s beer garden.

Service was good and the food reasonably priced and enjoyable as we watched the rain on the road outside. As we had hoped, we emerged to dry weather but wet roads and set off for the return journey. Our pleasure was short-lived, however, as the rain returned with increasing intensity, prompting some of us to don waterproofs. The temperature had by now dropped to 17˚C; still reasonably warm but not a pleasant summer’s day any more. 

We took the direct route north through Fenns Bank and Whitewell towards Malpas. I had planned to return via Harthill from here, but the rain suggested otherwise, and we continued north towards Tilston and our outward route.

The stronger group missed the turn in the village and continued on to Barton and Coddington, while the rest of us returned via Tattenhall. Though we had split into two groups, we were confident that once Dave got a whiff of the cake he would irrevocably find his way to the cafe and that was indeed the case.

Spirits dampened by the continual rain, we abandoned the plan of afternoon snacks, and continued homewards.

A good route, despite the weather. 46 miles, or nearly 70 for those from Chester. 

JD

2nd July 2015: Baldwin’s Gate (brisk)

There were hordes of us at the temporary cafe at the Ice Cream Farm today. The weather was overcast and rain threatened. The brisk group of Ivan, Tom, John, Jan and myself set off bound for Baldwin’s Gate; “Where’s that” was the uniform response - “near Newcastle-under-Lyme" was the answer. Jan was “back” after a 2-year layoff, but you wouldn’t have known it from her riding form today. So, out and through Tarporley to Eaton, and then riding the length of the Wettenhall to Nantwich road, finds us on the edge of Nantwich. A short run along the A51 Bypass finds us taking a right down via Willaston and into Wybunbury via the cyclist-friendly road bridge over the A500 at Blakelow. A left by the Wybunbury church eventually takes us up to Wrinehill, where after a mile of the A531, we turn right and up the hill towards Madeley, which is only a stone’s throw from the M6. It’s “only" then a slog up and over the next hill and down into Baldwin’s Gate. After 30 miles we are ready for a stop. Apparently the village acquired its name “ from one of the properties on the main road where the occupant collected tolls from users of the road” according to Wiki. 

It’s quite awhile since I visited the Sheet Anchor pub and its transformation into a modern decor pub was a pleasant surprise. The fare was pricier, but the food was plentiful and good, which combined with good service and a Lime & Soda for 80p, produced a satisfying dining experience. Meanwhile, the threatened rain had wetted the roads as we left for our 30 mile return. 

Up and over Camp Hill and through Aston we find delightful lanes in the cool air. In and out of Woore and going north, we take the lanes across to Hunsterson and Hatherton to ride the main drag back into Nantwich. It’s raining more now, and a rain-check coffee stop offer in Nantwich is eschewed, thus we motor on via Acton and Brindley before arriving dripping wet in Tilley’s. There’s always a warm welcome here, and we sit and chat hoping the rain will stop. It doesn’t, but it abates enough to get us going again back towards the ICF. It’s a 60 miler round trip, with 80+ for Chester riders. I suppose it had to rain sometime!

CA

25th June 2015: Bunbury (mod)

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

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

Photograph by Dave Pipe.

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

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

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

DP

25th June 2015: Calverhall (brisk)

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

CA

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