11th April 2024: Rhos to Trefriw (special ride, mod+)

Well what a “reet grand” day at the seaside. The spring CER special ride was organised by our very own Mike Gilbert and publicised by our esteemed secretary Dave Heath.  A tremendous turnout of CER friends both old and new met at Coast Cafe to start the first special ride of the year. In a week where rain and high tides had dominated our small window of dry weather was appreciated. 

With such a large group three groups naturally formed, the glacials, the mod+ and the briskers. Both Steve T and I had been concerned on the profile of Mike's suggested route with its Eiger like profile after the lunch stop. This concern was eased when Clive advised the briskers were altering the direction of the route and doing it in reverse. 

An excellent idea I believed and this was quickly adopted by Shane, Steve T and Alan so off we went. Possibly a CER record, we managed to lose Shane within 300 yds. I returned to the cafe to see a stream of flow yellow jkts heading both east and west. Undaunted the three musketeers continued along the lovely coastline which has benefitted from one million tonnes of sand sucked up beyond the wind turbines and re deposited on the shore. This alongside furniture and sea defence work has totalled over £20 million over 2022/3 & 4. 

As we approached the underpass for the A55 we spied a rash of flow yellow cyclists. Sure enough our errant Shane had decided to jump on with the fast lads, such is his youthful determination. He was quickly re absorbed into the workmanlike mod+ group and we were once again quorate. 

The long climb from Old Colwyn up and around Llaneilian yn Rhos can only ever be called a slog. A number of King Of The Mountains challengers were seen in action but Shane dispensed with all comers and collected maximum points at the top of the climb. It was during this “twiddling “ ascent that Alan pointed out the ever so slightly mahoosive flaw in my cunning plan of reversing the route. The decisions meant we spent twenty miles climbing 2500 feet into a continuous headwind. The realisation of this error was cemented when we crested the hill and rode across Pennant road on the flat in a full on headwind at 10 to 12 mph. Whilst managing to “miss” the turnoff to Llanrwst we maintained altitude and rode towards Betwys Y Coed. Finally at a hairpin turn we turned back towards Llanrwst and the headwind became our friend and gave us wings. 

Therin followed a two and a half mile downhill section where everyone excelled. After the plunge into Llanrwst we stopped for a couple of photographic opportunities and crossed the River Conway on a very pretty suspension bridge. 

Photos by Alan O

Trefriw soon appeared to our tired eyes and to our delight we met Andy B and Dave M who greeted us with a cheery “where’s the pub”? The Ship Inn. On finding the pub that Andy B had ridden straight past we discovered another elite CER member Ivan . Ivan had not only arrived there early, he had eaten and was setting off the way we had come. Such is the power of his new knee!! Over lunch a number of mod riders appeared one at a time , however I will not detract from the mod blog which will probably be called “ how we set off with 11 and ended up with 4or 5 !” or similar. 

From Trefriw with the much needed tailwind we made good time , stopping only for a quick mudguard fix on Steve T’s bike and a navigational error by Steve H. We passed Rowen where the fast lads were dining at a Pancake kitchen apparently. 

Soon the sight of Conway castle greeted us and we hugged the estuary through to Deganwy. On hitting the traffic we spied the brisk group, who were also experiencing mudguard malfunctions. It was now time, at Alan’s request to circumnavigate the Great Orme via the toll road. Unfortunately only three or four seals put in an appearance at the popular viewing spot so we plodded up the hill to the Cafe at the top of the hill. 

Replete with strong coffees, we were soon joined again by the briskers who had braved the 25% plus climb parallel to the railway line. They certainly needed coffee and cake after that! From here it was all downhill apart from the slight bump of the Little Orme and we were back in Rhos on Sea. No sooner had we stopped to bade farewell to Steve T, then today's man of the moment Mike Gilbert appeared to welcome us back. 

So 50 miles, 3800 feet of climbing a dose of windburn resulted in a fantastic day of fellowship and entertainment! A big thanks must go to Mike G for curating the three different routes and for Dave H in pulling all the members together to go. 

See route map and/or gpx file download

Steve H 

4th April 2024: Malpas (mod)

 There were four riders making up the moderate group at Alison’s: Trevor, Jim, Keith and me. The weather was welcomingly warm and dry. The idea was to have a quiet lanes long sweeping ride out, and a shorter ride back in case we caught a heavy shower or two. Our route out was via Beeston and Bunbury. Trevor was having some difficulties with his gears, and I popped into the Co-Op at Bunbury for a fat bottle of water to fit in my cage. We then headed east at Gradeley Green, before turning right after the canal bridge near Swanley Hall. Keith remembered Mike Morley’s favouring the Farmers Arms at Ravensmoor for lunch, notable in the past for its barmaids. It was difficult to pass 18 The Park at Wrenbury, but I had booked The Little Deli at Malpas, so we continued through to the lift bridge. The red lights were flashing but a woman beckoned us through before, I presume, pressing a button to raise the bridge for her canal barge. We cut across west to Gaunton's Bank and Norbury Common before crossing the A49 at Bickley. Despite starting out late and stopping for a few minutes in Bunbury, Trevor had effectively managed his rear gear mech. issues, and we had a fighting chance of arriving for lunch close to 1p.m. as booked. We crossed the A41 at No Mans Heath, where we reminisced about the times we used to eat delicious sausages in large Yorkshire puddings at the Wheatsheaf Inn there, and we wondered about its future. We had the usual steep bank to encounter before Malpas (which Alan will not remember fondly, from when he was suffering from asthma), but we were soon locking our bikes up only ninety seconds after our e.t.a.  The food and service were very good at our reserved table in the compact Little Deli. Conversation involved the enterprising holidays and excursions recently undertaken by Keith, Trevor and Jim, with Trevor’s Spitfire adventure also imminent. This was balanced by the usual justified concerns about the state of the NHS, and the real old git tip of making your loaf last by putting half of it in the freezer. The woman serving  takes her car to the same nearby garage that I swear by, and is friendly with one of the two guys who run it, with their sons being close pals. Chatting away I almost feel part of The Malpas Family! Would you believe it?  

Our return was via Cuddington Heath, Chorlton, Horton Green and Tilston. This route is very peaceful and pleasant, and avoids the initial slog up Kidnal Hill on the direct, but busier, Roman road route to Tilston. “Local” Neil had warned us of the current flooded state of the roads from Chowley to Tattenhall, so we took the route to Barton, Handley and Milton Green, before crossing the main road and the milder flooding of Frog(!) Lane to reach Tattenhall. The ride was over forty miles and covered at a steady stress-free state in relaxed company. Jim is doing outstandingly well on his return to riding with us, and Trevor and Jim must have clocked up a creditable sixty miles or so. How uplifting to have a warm, dry ride for a promising change.   

DH

4th April 2024: Aldford (mod+)

Alison’s was our starting point today and roughly 14 of us turned up, which meant 3 groups formed with the fast boys being the largest group for a change. I had a local route in mind, which to be fair was all about the Xmas toastie at Lily’s cafe (although you don’t get the stuffing at this time of year-Lol.) My feeling was that my legs were more in tune with a Mod minus pace- Lol. This meant my group was small, with just Fiona, Elwyn & Steve T, as all of us, bar Elwyn of course, felt the same. However that later proved to be unfounded, as we finished with a good average speed considering it was a hill route. So I apologise to Ray and perhaps Matt, who were frightened off our group by my gloomy pace predictions.

My route had been carefully planned to avoid all the flooded lanes that I had come across the day before, which even applied to the direction we left Alison’s. 2 of the 5 routes out of Tattenhall had bad floods, which lead to a little confusion with DH, on the best way to get back to Alison’s. Anyway, off we trot towards Harthill (avoiding the very mucky and flooded Rocky lane) All the hilly bits were in the first 10 miles, so it wasn’t long before we were heading up, around Harthill ( the easier way) and down into Brown Knowl.

Shortly after crossing the main drag to Nantwich, we swung right in to a short tarmac goat track that surprised Steve, especially when after only a few hundred mtrs we had a nasty little kicker to climb. Clearly, Fiona felt the hill as I heard the shout of “13%”! To be fair, not as steep as I thought. Probably not worthy of the term ‘kicker’ -Lol. It was shortly after this that I mentioned to Steve that I had read a story in Cycling Plus, only that morning, about steep hills and a small cobbled lane in Whitby, with a 50%!!!!!!! incline. I always thought the steepest street in the UK was 40%- who knew- Lol.

Now whistling down the other side of Brown Knowl, having just passed Broxton Old Hall, we spray our way through our first large patch of run off water, which made me wonder what constitutes a ford (not the car Mr Hughes- Lol)? After a fairly quick circular loop that took us up over Bickerton Hill, we pass through Duckington and cross the A41 heading for Tilston on a favourite stretch, or at least to Fiona and I.

After a U turn at the Carden Arms, due to my brain being in neutral, we head toward Horton and the Shochlach road, which we join at The Bull pub ( now closed, like many these days). We decide to check out the River Dee in Farndon, which I was surprised to find looking normal. I had expected to see the meadows flooded, due to all the recent rain. No sooner at the traffic lights of Holt bridge,  I do a u turn back up the hill, much to Fiona’s dismay, as I hadn’t told her what we were up to. She was in the wrong gear of course and cursing me- Lol.

30 seconds later, I had to call Steve to remount his stead. He was already back up the hill and parking up at the rear of Lewis’s cafe. Clearly he did not know Lily’s and must have thought I said Lewis’s- Lol. This meant we fell back by 50 mtrs from E& F who had decided to suddenly set the pace and cracked on without us. My legs were shot after the pace I had set along the Shochlach road. This meant we spent the next 2 miles to Lily’s trying to catch them. Steve just about made it, but I had no hope.

Lily’s was not busy so we were able to get our orders in straight away and the sandwiches were truly lovely and very filling. We sat outside for the first time this year, although it did get a tad chilly toward the end. A lovely courtyard  to relax when the sun is out. It wasn’t long before we we discussing the rest of the route, which lead F& E to decide to cut for home as they had ridden to Alison’s and had 35 miles on the clock already. So they turned back to Holt, which meant their ride was roughly 43 miles, by the time they got to Lavister. 

Steve and I carry on the planned route, over Aldford bridge, where the River Dee was high this time and looking very muddy. We tried to push on with our cafe legs, which began to bite as I followed Steve up past Abbey Gate College, after enjoying the lovely half mile stretch of new-ish tarmac from Platt’s Lane.

We pass the multi coloured concrete hippo in the school playground of Saighton and start to accelerate as we swing through another lovely Westminster village and the home of the Brunning & Price office. Anyway, we arrive at Waverton and cross the A41 with no hold ups and soon pass the Crocky Trail, shortly after we turn right into Martin’s Lane, heading for Hargrove. 

Despite now heading directly south we weren’t feeling any headwind, which surprised me as there was supposed to be a light south westerly by 1 pm. This meant our finishing stretch to Tattenhall was easy enough, even though we still had a few miles to go. My route looped around Tattenhall, past the ice cream farm, which seemed to disappoint Steve. I got the feeling he would have preferred the direct route into Tattenhall, after he asked if the loop around was an add on. 

In actual fact his total of 38 miles was less than the expected 40. I had of course forgotten the 2+ mile return trip to my house from Alison’s- Lol. So I left Steve at Alison’s, where he was going to try and fix the annoying squeak we had to listen to, all the way from Lily’s. At least I could tell if he was dropping back, if I couldn’t hear him- Lol. Mind you, when he was on the front, I was getting target fixation, as I kept looking for his squeak - Lol. He had plenty of time to kill as he had to wait for DH to get back. so it gave him something to do- Lol.

Photos by Neil T

I then rode through the longest flood in the county, for the second time that day- Lol.  Frog Lane has had a 40 mtr flood since Xmas. Fortunately it never gets more than a few inches deep and no pot holes. When I rode through it the previous day I got a clap from a women waiting in her car, as she watched me pedal through- Lol. As usual I have digressed a fair bit- Lol. I got home with 40 miles on the clock and an average speed of 14.6 mph, which with all things considered was a lot better than we expected.

What a lovely day for it as well, probably the best all year so far, as there was no wind and mild. Till next time folks.

PS- For Steve T

That road I was trying to tell you about (Britains highest road and tarmac cul-de-sac). It’s in Cumbria and starts near Knock ( where ever that is). A 5 mile climb up to a 850 mtr summit (radar station) Not only is it a cul-de-sac that deters cars, but it is not actually open to traffic, without a permit. However, it is open to bikes, as an official bridleway. Would make an interesting add on to a special ride, but a toughie ( I can hear DH cringing - Lol- Lol)  

See route map and/or gpx file download

All the best

Neil

4th April 2024 : Market Drayton (brisk)

CER riders were out in abundance at Alison’s today taking over the whole of the outside decking area. While everyone was consuming their drinks, the conversation was focussed on how to  avoid the flooded roads  and the  route options for the day.

The brisk group options were either Ivan’s route to Wetherspoons at Market Drayton or my route to Wem. Both virtually identical but Market Drayton offered a greater choice of lunch venues.  The group of six brisk riders consisting of Nick, Clive, Matt, Ivan, Ray and myself, selected the Market Drayton option.

We were a little late in setting off due to the time taken to share GPX files but soon enough we were climbing over Harthill and onwards towards Cholmondeley. It was here that Nick’s water bottle made a bid for freedom and landed in a large muddy puddle! So we had to call at the Estate farm shop to get it cleaned.

500yds later we turned right into the aptly named Grotsworth Lane to access the crossroads on the A49. This road was the worst flooded road of the whole day. Five large areas of this road were totally underwater, some deep enough to give our feet a good soaking, and what wasn’t underwater, was covered in mud and debris which slowed our progress considerably.

Once over the A49, our  southerly progress continued through the villages of Gautons Bank, Wrenbury and Aston, dodging more debris, potholes, and floods. A straight route due south now took us through Wilkesley before easing round the eastern side of Shavington Hall and leading us to the outskirts of Market Drayton.

At this point light drizzle had started to fall but not hard enough to require waterproofs plus we were only a few minutes away from our destination. Our progress up to lunch had felt brisk as Ivan was on the front for most of the time pulling like a train. However, it was still a surprise to see it was only 12:15 when we arrived at “The Hippodrome”.

Lunch selections were quickly made and, while Matt went off to buy Paracetamol for his toothache, the rest of us settled down with a drink. As usual, the service in Wetherspoon’s was speedy with our food arriving promptly; very  good value at £10 for a main and a pint. Talk over lunch focussed  on the difficulty of accessing NHS dentists and the  cost of dental treatment.

Lunch took less than an hour and then we were back on the road on a very direct route back to Tattenhall. We had a short stop at Morton Say for Clive’s weekly history lesson - a  visit to St Margaret’s Church (see photo ) where Sir Robert Clive aka "Clive of India" was interred. 

Unfortunately the church was locked and a local dog walker confirmed that Clive’s resting place was inside the church and not in the graveyard. His boyhood home was just across the fields. More at Wiki here if you are interested.

At Morton Say Church - it was shut!

Continuing on under brighter skies and still at a good pace, we continued heading north west to pass through the centre of Whitchurch  followed by a short dash along the busy A41 before thankfully turning onto quieter roads leading to Malpas and Tilston.

Nick and myself turned off for home in Tilston leaving the rest of the group to continue on to Chester via Barton and Churton. The posted route today was 51 miles. I think most of us rode nearer 70+ miles and at a brisk 16 mph

See route map and/or gpx file download

KP

Photo NH

28th March 2024: Bunbury (mod)

It was the sort of forecast that could justify even the more committed cycling club member to think “Nah! I’ll just give this one a miss.” Nevertheless, those sponsored by their partners to get from under their feet every Thursday turned up at Meadow Lea. The bad weather was due from lunchtime, so a short ride may have avoided too many wet hours in the saddle. Dave Matthews and Andy Whitgreave were doing their own truncated outing, and Jim and Trevor were intending to ride to Ness and back. Andy Barber, Big Ray, Keith, Mike Dodd and myself looked like being the moderate gang. However, when I outlined my usual sketchy notion of a ride with a direct, wind assisted route back if required, Jim and Trev decided to join us, along with John Mills who had just rolled in.

We headed in the direction of Morley Bridge on the A56 before taking to the quiet little lanes by Dunham Heath, then south to Broomhill and Hollowmoor Heath, crossing the A54 at Tarvin Sands, passing through Oscroft (home of Dave M.), and reaching Willington Corner. Choices were now available. Cutting straight down for lunch at Alison’s in Tattenhall was a possibility, or perhaps we could wend a more easterly route, get a few more miles in, then head for Bunbury, and make the lunch decision depending on the weather. I took counsel from Trevor and Jim, before deciding on the more interesting option of navigating a route beyond Tarporley to Eaton, and Tilstone.  John was doing a gentle recovery ride from injury, so took his leave, as we turned up Wood Lane in the direction of Cotebrook. It had been good to have John’s company, and reminded me of the enjoyable summer ride that he had with us in the Ribble and Hodder valleys. 

Near Oulton Park there was the roar of engines practising for the Easter weekend race meeting. At Tilstone we rode a familiar route in reverse: down to the pretty canal crossing at Tilstone Bank and up again toward Bunbury. At this point instead of going into the village we made the decision to forget lunch until we returned to Meadow Lea, and turned right for the A49 and Tiverton.  Now the promised rain arrived but with the wind firmly behind us we were flying straight back via Huxley, Hargrave and Waverton. We took a left to Christleton Village, and were rapidly passed by a blonde woman in pink tights who had the look of a top track sprinter; needless to say, nobody even attempted to follow her back wheel. We know our place and it’s definitely not in the medals. The rain had stopped during the last leg, so just perhaps, Andy didn’t have a wet ride home to Mold.  Jim and Trevor were too close to home to lunch at Meadow Lea.  I know Jim would think it a heresy to spend money so close to home on food and service, when he doesn’t even have to leave a tip for Diane. Ray, Mike, Keith and myself ate a hearty lunch. It was good to catch up with Mike after so long, and with Keith and Jim taking part again it was heartening to have trusted comrades to recall adventures past. We covered nearly thirty five enjoyable miles, and were glad we had made the effort.   

DH   

21st March 2024: Whixall Marina (mod)

There was a decent turnout at Maggie’s in Holt. The moderate group consisted of Mike Gilbert, Andy Barber, Ray Baird, Trevor, Jim, Keith and myself. It was great to have Keith and Jim properly back on board. Dave Matthews and Andy were just out for coffee and chat. Dave Matthews had consulted his Compendium of Irrefutable Reasons for Not Riding, and Andy had decided he was just not worthy to share the tarmac with us. I had a vague plan involving some intricate small lanes (sound familiar?) and lunch at Whixall Marina. As nobody fancies writing up rides, my suggestion was accepted.

We headed for Tilston via Farndon and Wetreins. We were riding into the wind and the light rain was persistent. I am sure that Carol Kirkwood had said that we shouldn’t be getting wet at this stage. We were meandering south to Cuddington Heath, when we were met with the sight of  Steve Hughes heading towards us. It turned out that he had abandoned the brisk group’s ride as his heart rate was high following donating blood the day before. Steve decided to join us for a while before heading back later.  A crease in my soggy map was hiding the B5069, and so had me puzzled for a minute. At such times it is useful to have the likes of Mike Gilbert, Jim and Steve Hughes around to point out the correct direction. At Oldcastle Heath I popped into Peacock Farm to say “Hello” to the outstanding garage guys at Birchdown Autos. We crossed the A529 at Whitewell and reached Whixall on the familiar route adjacent to Fenn’s Moss, a National Nature Reserve. We made good progress on these flatter lanes and were now eager to eat in the warmth. We were made welcome by the staff at Whixall Marina, but it was busy and we could only just squeeze in. If Steve Hughes had not peeled off, we would have had to put him at a table outside.  We enjoyed our lunch looking out over the many colourful, tethered narrowboats. 

Photo by Mike G

We set off home by heading into the cold south-west wind to Northwood, but from there the wind was predominantly behind us all the way. We enjoyed dry conditions and some sunshine. We passed the attractive converted railway station house and the restored engine at Bettisfield on the former railway route which we often cross near Ellesmere and further west. After Hanmer there was the rough, steep bank at Three Fingers, and the curved climb from Sarn Bridge into Threapwood, otherwise progress was pretty briskish. Jim left us for Malpas to join his family; I hope that he enjoyed the day and will join us again soon. Despite still recovering from knee surgery, Keith wondered if anybody was attempting the semi- traditional fast sprint over the last five miles through Shocklach to Farndon. Andy said that he wasn’t, but when I looked up from avoiding potholes, Mike was already off the front, and Andy had decided to follow. It’s good to see the progress Mike has made. I decide that I needed a workout so eventually made a concerted effort over the last four and a half miles or so. If you can’t go fast on a flat road with a strong wind on your back, then you never will. Legal electric bikes can’t hack it at these speeds, so it was a rare opportunity to overturn Ray’s gloating rights. About forty-two miles covered, and despite our longish lunch stop, Alan and Steve Tan from the brisk group had not been waiting too long over coffee at Maggie’s, when we arrived back at Holt. Overall, a good day in very good company.    

See route map and/or gpx file download

DH

21st March 2024: Loppington (mod+)

‘Enjoy your ride in the rain today’ were my wife’s parting words as Dave H and I set off for Maggie’s at Holt, as there was light rain falling in Runcorn. ‘It’ll be alright’ was my reply as, according to the Met Office forecast, the rain would ease pretty soon. 

I had planned a 40-odd ‘mod+’ ride down to Loppington and both Steve Hu and Alan were up for it. As we were getting ready to leave Maggie’s, Clive rolled in, so we delayed our departure for a bit so that he could gulp a coffee down. Heading off through Farndon, it was still raining a bit and I had to stop a couple of times to adjust my rear mudguard, as it was rubbing on the tyre – something that would plague me throughout the day.

All went well until we got to Horton Green when Steve Hu caught up with me to show me the reading on his heart monitor. A reading of 158 suggested that he hadn’t fully recovered from donating blood the day before and so, sensibly, he decided to return to Holt.

So, the three of us pressed on into the now strong south-westerly wind and the rain, which had still not stopped. In spite of this, we made good progress through Threapwood, Fenn’s Bank and Whixall, reaching the The Dickin Arms about two hours after leaving Holt. There, we were welcomed and seated next to a fire so that our clothes could dry off a bit and we could get warm. As usual, the food was excellent, being served quickly and hot, although a little more expensive than the last time I’d been here.

Photo by AO

After a quick stop by the church for a selfie, we turned for home. By now the rain had stopped and we would have, for the most part, the wind behind us. All good, you might think, but that statement would not  include some of the roads that we encountered on the way back. Between Lyneal and Worthenbury not only were they wet and very muddy, but the potholes were enormous and impossible to avoid. This made progress quite slow and difficult in places and at the end of the ride Clive handed me his ‘muddy road king’ badge!

Reaching better roads, we made our way back to Holt via Shocklack and Crewe by Farndon. Clive left us at Farndon to head for home, whilst Alan and I went back to Maggie’s for a hot drink. Dave H arrived there shortly afterwards, having led the mod ride to Whixhall Marina.

Thanks to Clive, Alan and Steve for a 48 mile ride which the weather and road conditions made less enjoyable that I would have liked. As Clive said ‘it’s so much nicer in the summer’.  

Steve Hu later reported that he’d done a few miles with the mod group before heading home and that he’s now fully recovered.

See route map and/or gpx file download

ST

14th March 2024: Tilston (mod)

After a dry start the forecast was for rain in the afternoon, the worst of it coming at around 4 o'clock. I set out with Jim to ride up to Rose Farm with a route in mind that would get me home and my fellow riders back to their cars before then. A good plan but doomed from the start. As we approached Rose Farm we encountered workmen starting to resurface the road up the hill. By the time we were ready to leave the road was completely blocked, even to cyclists, and the plan had to be amended.

There was a good turnout at Rose Farm but after the brisk riders had left and Steve Hu, Alan, David M and Jim had set off to return home there were only 4 of us left for the moderate ride. So instead of turning left out of Rose Farm Andy B, Dave H, Ray and I had to turn right and start the long and steep, but unavoidable climb up Quarry Bank. Not what you want in the first few minutes of a ride but a necessary detour to get to Cotebrook and Eaton. Avoiding the village itself we turned towards Alpraham and after a mile or so my satnav pinged to announce that we were now on my intended route. We cycled on to Alpraham and Bunbury where we turned south and into the wind which slowed us down all the way to Faddiley. Here we turned west and now made better progress. We passed by Cholmondley Castle and turned left to climb over Hampton Heath where we were able to help a passing motorist who was lost. We now headed over the main road towards Malpas but avoided the climb up to the village by taking the lower road towards Tilston. We were now approaching our lunchtime destination at the Carden Arms but with still some way to go the rain started. Fortunately we were able to get there without getting too wet and arrived to find a virtually empty car park. The pub was similarly deserted and as far as we could see the four of us doubled the number of customers. 

The conversation while we waited for our food ranged from politics (lamenting the state of British politics and in particular politicians) to the much more interesting topic of the upcoming special rides. By the time lunch was over the rain had stopped but the sky still looked threatening and we took the decision to take the most direct route back. We headed north towards Barton but before we got there Andy B left us to head back home. We carried on to Coddington and across to Tattenhall now making good progress with the wind behind us. On the far side of Tattenhall we stopped and I explained to Dave and Ray how to get back to Utkinton via Huxley and Corkscrew Lane as I intended to head straight home. An easy enough route to follow but I left the final section (how to get back to Rose Farm without hitting the roadworks) for them to work out. They would have got back there having completed about 40 miles.  

Note: If you intend to use the attached gpx route it covers my originally planned route of 45 miles. The roadworks should be gone by then.

See route map and/or gpx file download

TC 

14th March 2024 : Whitchurch (brisk)

There were a fair few of us Rose Farm today. The first thing we all had to do was to negotiate getting into the car park. The road repair crew had arrived to (hopefully) resurface the Tarporley downhill side of the road. There were vehicles everywhere with Rose Farm customers trying to get into the carpark - chaos abounds, especially as the Rose Farm shops and cafe were not aware that the road was to be re-surfaced.

I had prepared a route to Whitchurch to visit Benjamin's Bistro which had been visited by a Brisk Group a few weeks ago. So I had a gpx file, and Steve T, Ray S and Nick didn't! So for once it was like an old ride where only the ride leader knew where they were supposed to go and any mistakes were not obvious!

The problems started right outside Rose Farm's gate where Traffic Management said No! to a request to ride or walk down the hill toward Tarporley which is where I had planned to start the ride. So we had to grind up and around Quarry Bank, then to Eaton and finally back on track at Alpraham where we took Long Lane to Wettenhall. At Cholmondeston, there were more Road Closed signs which we ignored to take the open road towards Church Minshull. Turning right, we take the main road south turning off into Aston juxta Mondrum which is a small farming hamlet with good roads but blighted by fast tractors and large lorries.

Near Burland, I wanted to go down Ravens Lane to Ravensmoor but another Traffic Management team said No! and we had to marginally divert to get to the Farmers Arms crossroads at Ravensmoor then onto Sound and Aston. We turn off here bound for Burland and thence Ightfield. This is a long uphill drag into the strengthening southerly wind.

Recognition arrives as we are now not far from lunch - just Ash Parva and Ash Magna and thence the little lane via Edgeley Bank,  then cross the main road and into the town centre. 

Another Road Closed sign as we take this final narrow lane  - and it was really closed except for a slight gap in the fencing which allowed Nick to lead us into the out-of-bounds. There was a centre trench cut and partially filled as I gingerly went ahead to find the trenching digger sitting astride an open trench and driverless. So we went across the open trench and out to main road where the trenching crew are in their vans having lunch. 

It'll be alright. - lunch is the other side of this closure

We are now into the High Street but Benjamin's is full and the back-up cafe has gone upmarket and is shut.  I then remember Jones Coffee House just a little further along the High Street where there is room in the inn for us.

It's warm and busy but it has food and drink and that is what we need. So three plates of smoked salmon and something else, plus a double cheese-on-toast hits the spot, along with excellent coffee. We chat about how Whitchurch is coming up in the world with all the modern housing and a full suite of supermarkets. There was more banter but I missed it as I had to hurriedly re-arrange a 1 tonne gravel big-bag delivery for Saturday as the promised delivery for Thursday was derailed by a burst tyre on the delivery wagon.

Only 20 miles to go now as Nick heads for home via Malpas and we three head out to Marbury. Cholmondeley Castle estate passes us by as we turn off for Bickerton. There is a discussion for the best way for Steve to get back. We opt to take the Peckforton lane ignoring the often mud-encrusted lane into Bunbury, which was the official routing. At the Beeston Castle turn, Ray peals off and heads for home. We two now turn down Dean Bank to arrive at Tiverton's "bottom". 

Pausing at the Huxley Lane turn, I offer a couple of choices for Steve, and we opt for the longer but flatter route to Huxley then Corkscrew Lane into Clotton. Resting here, Steve calls Dave H to ascertain whether he can access Rose Farm carpark from the re-surfaced hill direction. He is in luck, and we split as he heads for a ride home and 56 long miles ridden. Well done Steve!

I battle on to Waverton and the Chester A41 ring road. Ray must have 75 miles as I clock-in with a long 81 miles today - the furthest I have been for a long time.

So many thanks to the trio blindly following me today. It must have been Cheshire's "Close the Lanes Day" today as we had four to contain with, but if it means smoother surfaces, then I'm not complaining.

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

Photo ST

PS : The route above was the route we actually rode

This one is the one I planned  See route map and/or gpx file download  sans road closures.

7th March 2024: Caerwys (mod)

Quite a crowd of us met up at our first visit to Gladstone Library, Hawarden, with its lovely architectural features and good coffee. Jim and DaveM had cycled out before a return home. The Brisk contingent consisted of Clive, Ken and Ivan who were off to investigate the north Wales terrain, Steve and Alan of the Mods+ were to visit Llandegla and the remaining 6; Andy, DaveH, George, Electric Tandem duo Dave & Liz plus myself eventually forming a group and would go with Dave’s planned ride to the Piccadilly Inn, Caerwys. Our route out via Northop Hall and Northop was largely wind assisted and we did not feel too cold. Dave & Liz then demonstrated the advantages of electric assist by taking us to Rhosesmor where gradients of 16% plus encountered. We thought Dave was trying to get the record for the most climbing in the fewest miles. The wind was with us as we progressed via the ‘Big Dippers’ on Halkyn Mountain to Babell. The lunch at the Piccadilly Inn was quite pleasant the group having a variety of sandwiches and cottage pie. Discussions took place on the Bert Bailey 100, recent Budget (that lasted less than a minute) and other topics.

Dave didn’t have a route for our return. So Andy came up with a cunning plan, which we dutifully followed going through Babell, then picking up the route we came out. Unfortunately, it was against a very cold strong southerly wind. It wasn’t helped by the low cloud. And we suffered. At Rhosesmor Andy decided to head home in Mold, the remainder of us returned to Hawarden via Steve Tan’s lane, Northop and Northop Hall. We survived, even though we had to stop whilst we navigated around one of those modern tractors that take up the whole width of the lane. We returned safely to Hawarden having covered 31 miles and all looking forward to getting warm. 

See route map and/or gpx file download

Mike G

7th March 2024 : Gwaenysgor (brisk)

There was a good turnout at Gladstone Library cafe on a cold overcast day. We had “Reserved Tables” no less! The staff are always pleased to see us and service was brisk.

Talking of brisk, the brisk ride today was put together by Ivan as a useful personal test post knee surgery. The only other taker was Ken, so the three of us set off the usual way out to Northop Hall and onto Northop proper. We take the long slow hill up towards the A55 but thankfully avoid this busy and fast section of the expressway by taking a No-through road westwards up the hillside. 

Ivan had taken this route before and had met the farmer, whose private road this was, but was allowed to continue. We hoped today would be similar. Round the bend the farmer is there herding a few ewes and their lambs into a trailer. We wait patiently and somewhat subserviently hoping permission is granted for us to take the very private concrete farm track up the hillside and passed the farmhouse. All is well as we grind our way up and out onto a lane which looked somewhat familiar. It was in fact very close to where Steve T had his very nasty accident a few years ago.

The route now is the familiar “Ride of the Halkyns” passing though Babell and beyond. We take an awful tiny lane the surface of which gets progressively worse as we speed alarmingly downhill to pass over the A55 via the pedestrian bridge at Ruallt Hill. Pleased to be down, a sharp right soon takes us up again and on to Cwm and Pentre Cwm before hitting the main road at Dyserth.

More upwards knee punishment is in store as we dive down Pandy Lane and then ever upwards passed the old lead mines until the turn for Gwaenysgor thankfully appears. Upwards again we are soon supping a pint in the Eagle and Child pub. Hot food comes pretty quickly as we now have recently enjoyed a little warmth with misty sunshine over the last few miles. 

Knowing that the hills are almost over, there is just one more incline up to the car park overlooking Prestatyn. I take a memorial photo of the 33% downward decline that we shall now “enjoy” providing our brakes work well and there is not too much trafffic.

The best hill of the day is behind us!

Ivan swoops down as Ken and I take a more controlled descent. At this time, I realise my front derailleur is stuck on the small chain ring so it’ll be going round quite quickly on the way home. Ivan makes the executive decision that, in the gathering gloom and increasing cold headwind, we would eschew the usual route via the golf club, caravan park and Talacre amusements and just motor down the A548 Mostyn Road. This was not much fun as we take turns to be the domestique as the cold headwind blunts our speed.

It is a grind but it served the purpose of getting back to Connah’s Quay without having to think about it. Here, Ken carries on to the Queensferry Interchange and onwards to Rossett. Ivan and I take the Greenway back towards Chester.

So a successful day for Ivan’s knee as we all get 60+ miles ridden. If we had gone back to Hawarden it would have been about 45 miles. So thanks Ivan for the route planning today.

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

29th February 2024: Bunbury (mod +)

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

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

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

Photos by AO

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

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

See route map and/or gpx file download

Steve Hu 

Mod + ride No 2 

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

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

Thanks for the mini ride report Steve.   

29th February 2024: Little Bollington (mod)

There was a strong turnout at Delamere, and conditions were fine for cycling. It was great to have Dave Pipe on board again. The chilled cruising group consisted of Dave Pipe, George, Trevor, Andy, Dave Matthews and myself. I had missed Ray’s email on Wednesday evening, which explained that he had just had a large tooth removed, so would have to give the ride a miss. 

It was going to be possible to cover a few more miles today than we had been doing, so with this in mind we started out in the direction of Kingsley before turning down Forest Lane. There was the usual steep climb under the main railway line at Cliff Lane, before plunging down from Acton Bridge to the A49. We somehow managed to lose Dave Matthews and Dave Pipe at Willow Green. We made a few phone calls to both, but to no avail, and thought that there was a strong chance that they had gone through Little Leigh, and we would cross paths near Crumleyheath Farm.  It was not to be, but phone contact was made at Comberbatch, and Dave Pipe said that he would meet us at our lunch destination. Dave Matthews had intended to peel off anyway. After well thatched Great Budworth we made quite brisk progress to Knutsford, and turned into Tatton Park. The deer were an attractive sight with two impressively antlered stags prominent. We passed through pretty Rostherne and crossed over the A556 to Booth Bank, which in years past would have been almost impossible but was now facilitated by a bridge over the Mere by-pass.  

We were very pleased to see Dave Pipe waiting for us at the top of the lane down to Little Bollington.  The service was friendly and the food fine at The Swan with Two Nicks. The young woman taking our order was bursting with personality and was clever enough to remember our orders without the need for pen and paper.  There was just one fly in the ointment: in a typical Pipesque act, Dave had disappeared to the toilets just as we were ready to order!  Never mind, the waitress passed the frustrating old fogies test and soon returned with a smile to take Dave’s order.  Lunch was very pleasant with interesting conversation. It was unusually quiet without Ray’s decibels, but at this stage we didn’t know about his tooth extraction, and the concern expressed about his absence was quite touching. I was just pleased to eat in peace.

The first leg of our return was on nice quiet lanes to Sworton Heath.  A straight flog into a slight headwind on Swineyard Lane, and then we were winding along the narrow lanes toward Arley Road, and beyond to Antrobus, Frandley and Little Leigh. George and I had recollected at lunch the run of wet afternoons that we had suffered returning from the Swan with Two Nicks in past years. One day I had watched Dianne Oxberry’s weather forecast, and I reckoned that we would find a dry window between fronts on our return to Delamere. We set out in drizzle anticipating a change for the better, but it never came, it just battered down instead. I think Kate from Neston, with the beautiful smile, was with us that day. I remember coming across a taxi, and I swear that on my own that I would have climbed in. Some of you will remember another extremely wet afternoon in the Lake District when Brian MacDonald had a little crash, and we took shelter in a hotel at Newby Bridge. We watched Wales beating England 1-0. Kate and George were on that ride too. Anyway, thankfully, today was dry.  After the hard climb to Acton Bridge, we returned to Delamere via the challenging Marsh Lane from Crowton to Norley. Andy was a bit concerned about reaching Mold before dark, as he was without lights. Dave Pipe and I managed a swift coffee thanks to the kind staff at Delamere Station Café who were just on closing. Forty-six miles covered on the day. Trevor, once again, was getting more miles in, about sixty-five. Andy, after a day with his Ruthin chums the day before, must have covered over a hundred miles. Where does he get the motivation?                                                                 

See route map and/or gpx file download 

DH

22nd February 2024: Malpas (mod)

Circumstances require this write-up to be brief. Considering the weather forecast, there was a strong turnout at Walk Mill where we once again received a warm welcome. The Extremely Moderate Group consisted of Andy, George, Ray and me.

It was cooler than last week, and some rain appeared inevitable as we headed for Burton, Huxley and Tattenhall. I chose a bit of punishment by climbing up to Brown Knoll before turning east and then south west on the delightful little lane through Bickerton to Duckington. There were some dream homes nestling in the wooded escarpment. What had these residents done for a living to afford them? We dived off-piste through Edge Green, crossing the A41. The narrow lane surrounding  Edge Hall was exceptionally flooded as we began a westerly loop toward Kidnal. Fortunately, we all made it, including Ray’s electric heavyweight machine. We were now getting quite wet, so headed straight for The Little Deli, a long favourite of Dave and Liz. Seating was re-arranged for us in this warm and friendly nook, and the food was large of portion and very good value. I think George had doubled his weight by the time we left. Lunch topics were interesting but not very uplifting: the Parliamentary debacle of the day before, NHS dentistry and making preparations for death.  I decided to avoid discussing Everton’s prospects in the circumstances.  

We were a bit wet and cold as I viewed my soggy map to seek a slightly different but not too indirect return route. We headed downhill to Cuddington Heath before turning north for Tilston via Chorlton Lane and Horton Green.  I think we passed Nick’s home on the way. Lower Carden, Clutton,Tattenhall,  Hargrave and Greenlooms marked our chosen return path. Andy had headed west for Wales along the way. Full marks to all who made the effort. I see all three ride groups curbed their enthusiasm and finished up in Malpas for lunch. Unbelievable! I have seldom seen so much flooding, but our desire to be out in the country with good company, and needing to stay fit, once again made us glad to have ridden with Chester Easy Riders on a Thursday.  We covered about 38 miles. Roll on long, languid, sunny summer rides.  

DH    

22nd February 2024 : Malpas (brisk)

A good number of riders were present at Walk Mill Cafe today which was surprising given the weather forecast was for very heavy rain. Clive and Steve T arrived just for coffee as they didn’t fancy a dousing.

Three rides were planned . Ray S was leading a group out to Whitchurch. Dave H had no set plan as he was running late but looked to be leading another group on one of his magical mystery tours. I had ridden to Whitchurch twice very recently and as nice as it is I fancied a change, so put forward a circular ride to Malpas of 45 miles. Nick was happy to join me as he wanted to get home reasonably early and the return route passed close to his house.

Leaving Walk Mill, we headed East but within 1/2 mile the rain started so waterproofs were donned as  Ray’s group passed us on their way to Whitchurch. Weaving around and through the many flooded sections of road we passed through Huxley and Tiverton to reach Tarporley. Crossing onto Eaton Road we exited the village and 2 miles on at Eaton we turned South towards Alpraham. This section of the the route had 2 road closures in place but neither delayed our progress.

Conversation was rather sparse as the rain and road conditions required a lot more of our attention although I did hear the bit where  Nick  admitted to looking for a new Gravel bike and is going to view one in Knutsford. Good luck getting that past the finance officer !!

The  A51 at Alpraham was very busy and it took a few minutes before we were able to cross into Bunbury Road and then pass through Bunbury to Spurstow. At  Peckforton , we met a  large section of standing water, and one very kind motorist  was unable to wait and ploughed straight through at speed and seemed totally oblivious to the soaking he had given Nick and I.

Another short section of main road at Gallantry Bank led us into Bickerton where we admired the new bench at Bickerton Church, it has been carved out of the remains of a large recently felled tree. The rain had been persistent and heavy since leaving Walk Mill and we were both feeling the wet and cold as water had seeped through our waterproofs.

Talking through our options, we decided to cut short the ride, forego lunch, and head for home. The direct route took us up Goldford Lane and into Tilston where we parted company and headed for home.

The posted route today was 45miles. Nick managed around 40 miles with myself covering 50 miles. 

One bright spot today-the rain stopped as I arrived home so at least the bike cleaning was completed in dry. Thanks to Nick for his company and riding in truly awful conditions.

See route map and/or gpx file download 

KP

22nd February 2024: Malpas (mod +)

On a day following a Met Office Yellow warning for rain, it was encouraging to see such a good turnout of CER members, both riding and in civvies. So many that we could accommodate three different rides a brisk, a mod + and a mod group. The mod+ group consisted of Ray S, Alan and Steve Hu. Mindful of the forecast we felt up to a forty miler would be best in the conditions. Ray had a route from Tattenhall to Whitchurch where Alan suggested we dine at the same venue as Ken's ride last week. 

We set off from Walk Mill in comparative dry and windless weather back along Guy Lane and left onto Martins Lane. At Hargrave we stopped to load Ray’s route onto the computers and the weather decided to change  for the worse and set the scene for the next 10 miles. A local stopped us and advised us of certain road closures due to flooding, by this time we had traversed two long lengths of flooded road the second being deep enough to submerge our bottom brackets! A quick blast through Newton in Tattenhall brought us into Tanner Town. 

Photos by AO

From Tattenhall the route took us through the now soaking wet lanes of Clutton and Tilston. Just before Horton Green our route turned right to Whitchurch a further 12 to 14 miles further on, however a sign viewed through rain speckled glasses advised the warm pubs and cafes of Malpas were only three miles away. A quick quorum was convened and a new destination was agreed, the Fire Station cafe in Dave Heaths favourite town Malpas. 

As we climbed steadily up to the town Ray remembered the Lion pub in the centre. On arriving we were welcomed by the staff who suggested we sat close to the log fire. By now our gloves and pants were soaked so this generous offer was much appreciated. The menu at the Lion is excellent and testament to the food on offer it was a full ten minutes before consensus of sandwiches with extra chips was agreed upon and ordered. 

After a very leisurely lunch waterproofs were donned again in readiness for the return leg. Ray had a route that avoided flooded / dirty lanes. Taking Chester road we headed back towards Ebnal and then broke left to Hampton Heath. We made excellent progress on Long Lane until it crossed Salters Lane and became Harthill Ln. The short climb up here is normally a breeze on a summer's day, but today it seemed a lot harder. Once through Harthill, Bolesworth road is a rollercoaster of a ride all the way back to Tanner Town. 

In order to stick with the tradition of CER, Ray added on a small diversion through Bruera & Saighton bringing us nicely into Waverton where Alan returned to Walk Mill, I peeled off for Golden Sutton and Iron legs Ray headed for Chester. 

Thank you to Ray for leading the route. A reasonable 14.5mph average speed on a very wet and flooded roads 33 mile route. 

Steve Hu

15th February 2024 : Whitchurch ( mod+)

Having been not sure until this morning whether I'd be riding at all, I ended up getting to Alison's so early that I'd finished my beans on toast by the time any other riders arrived. 

It was worth the wait though, as a bumper crowd were taking advantage of a positively balmy (for February) 13°C day. Most of them opted for a mod ride, leaving just John M, Ken, Alan and myself (Matt) fancying a slightly brisker ride. This reduced to three when John decided his skipping chain was going to be too much impediment and opted to ride home again.

Comparing available routes - all with a southerly bias to give us a tailwind leg back - we decided that John's was the best option. However, technical gremlins intervened and it proved impossible to send the route to me. Thus it was that the three of us set of on my 70km clockwise route, heading north initially, then east through Huxley. It was at this point that I realised my rear derailleur battery had run out. Fortunately, I always carry a fully-charged spare so we were not detained for long. We continued east in unexpectedly sunny weather through Eaton, Tarporley and Wettenhall, comparing notes on bicycle technology and gadgets, before heading south into the wind towards Nantwich. 

The headwind was stronger than any of us expected and we were glad to get a little respite as we turned towards Whitchurch. I used to ride this route very often BC (Before Covid) and was sure this section was "mostly downhill", but as Ken pointed out several times, there were quite a few ups to negotiate. The roads were also an awful lot muddier than I remember and it was definitely one of those "I'm glad I didn't bother cleaning my bike yesterday" rides. The technical theme of discussions continued as Ken explained that the slightly longer version of SKS's race blades made all the difference when it came to keeping mud and crud off your bottom bracket and pretty much everywhere else. So apparently, those extra couple of inches have served him well, phnarr, phnarr!

Just before cresting the last hill before Whitchurch, Ken and I realised that Alan had disappeared off the back, and set off to find him. Apparently he'd shouted that he'd punctured about 5 minutes earlier and neither of us heard. Whilst Alan replaced his tube, yet more technical discussion and tips were exchanged on some of the pitfalls of tubeless tyres and how to live with them. Ken shared his insights from working in the motor trade decades ago at the time that car tyres began the switch to tubeless.

Finally, we made it to Whitchurch a bit later than perhaps expected and chose on sight a cafe in the town centre - conveniently opposite some metal fences perfect for locking bikes to - for our "lunch" stop. The cafe - Benjamin's - turned out to be very welcoming to cyclists and is definitely somewhere I'd stop again.

We set off again with a much appreciated tailwind, through Malpas and Tilston, all feeling that we'd done maybe a bit more work than we'd ideally have liked. Along the way, we were treated to a display by a huge flock of fieldfares (at least I think that's what Alan - our resident twitcher - said they were). The rain made an appearance at this point, but it was light and much later than advertised. We also encountered a river flowing down the road where drains had overflowed. Fortunately, the water was clear and easily negotiated. At Tilston, Ken headed home via Holt, whilst Alan and I continued north through Clutton back to Tattenhall. Near Chowley we were treated to another flooded road, this time with murky water - Alan led the way and managed not to disappear into any submerged potholes, so we escaped with just damp feet.

At Tattenhall, I waved goodbye to Alan and continued home to Chester through Waverton. I'd clocked up just over 100km and enjoyed a good ride with great company in suprisingly good weather - almost spring-like.

Postscript - during lunch I got a text notifying me that my new sofa was being delivered on Friday, while my wife was still away, and Ken very kindly offered to help me shift my old furniture out of the way. I simply wouldn't have been able to do this without Ken's help - at least not without doing myself an injury! Things like this remind me what a great bunch of people we have in CER and how lucky I am to be a member of this fantastic club! I definitely owe Ken a couple of beers next time we're on a ride with a pub stop!

See route map and/or gpx file download

MT

Photos  MT

15th February 2024: Whitchurch (mod)

I had cycled down to Alison's with a couple of ideas for rides either to the Bhurtpore at Aston or the Black Bear at Whitchurch. I was convinced that Dave H would go for the former but he surprised me by suggesting the Black Bear. So Whitchurch it was.

There were ten members out for what would be a partially wet ride. Six of us formed the moderate group and I led out Andy B, Dave H, David M, George and Ray. We headed into the wind towards Whitchurch via Chowley Oak, Carden and Tilston and after passing through Threapwood and Tallarn Green we had to negotiate a couple of roadworks. After clearing these we crossed a couple of 'A' roads and passed through the village of Hamner. We were delighted to see that the Hanmer Arms was now open again. This has often been a favourite eating place for us and I'm sure it won't be long before we visit it again. It was too early for us to call there today so we carried on, climbing out of the village and heading for the Ellesmere – Whitchurch road. It's a busy and fast road but wide enough for vehicles to give us a wide berth.

We followed the main road to the outskirts of Whitchurch and crossed the A41 roundabout with ease before turning towards the town centre. The church soon came into view which was a good beacon for us as the Black Bear was right across the road from it. Despite being quite busy we were given a warm welcome and after parking our bikes at the back were soon sitting down to a hot meal, fish & chips being the choice for four of us.

The return should have been easy with the wind now behind us but as we got back onto our bikes the promised rain was starting and it would be with us for most of the way. We left Whitchurch passing the old hospital before turning up past through the golf club. Not the easiest of climbs, especially straight after lunch, so we stopped at the top for a rest and took the opportunity for a photo. While the roads on the way out had been pretty good we were now on some very muddy roads as we headed through Wirswall, Marbury and Bickley and by the time we we arrived at the back of Cholmondley Castle there were six bikes in need of a good wash.

Photo by TC

David left us just before we reached Bickerton and Andy left soon afterwards to make their own way home. The rain had eased off by this time as I led the rest of the group over Harthill and back down into Tattenhall. It was certainly a ride of two halves with dry conditions in the morning and rain and mud in the afternoon. Despite the weather a pleasant 36 miles riden in very mild weather for the middle of February.

See route map and/or gpx file download

TC

 

8th February 2024: No ride

 The rain was pouring down and the temperature was 2 degrees, with the threat of snow when I drove down to Meadow Lea. Arriving there I could see no bikes and the cafe was full of silver surfers quaffing their morning coffees with not a cyclist to see. I was joined a few minutes later by Dave H and then, out of the rain, by Ken in full wet weather kit. Whilst he was dry, his hands were frozen as the wind chill had brought the temperature below zero as he rode in from Rosset. He had planned to ride if anyone else turned up , but would ride home as there were no takers.

So, no ride today, but, hopefully, better conditions next Thursday when we gather at Alison's

ST

1st February 2024: West Kirby (mod)

There was a decent turnout at Ness, and it was enjoyable to have a bit of banter with our friends in the aspirational group. Please note that this banter was of the air fried 2024 variety with absolutely no hints of Micky Flanaganism. So, the leisure group consisted of Andy and Mike from Wales, Trevor who had ridden from Guilden Sutton, myself “from the edge of Frodsham”, and Ray from round the corner. Never having led on The Wirral, I chose a route that avoided too much urban confusion, and was largely along quiet lanes through the middle of the peninsula. Our destination was to be a café I thought I could rely on in West Kirby.  

In order to stretch the miles out a little we headed south west to Burton before hitting the A540 near Badgers Rake House and then heading for the Oaks Farm track and the nice backwater lane with attractive houses beyond. At the Willaston-Hooton road we turned right, and then first left and on to Raby. Without a Garmin, I just had to check properly at the Raby mini junctions before carrying on up to Thornton Hough, Brimstage and Storeton. It is invaluable in these moments to have the know-how of Mike Gilbert (British orienteering champion 1905-1908 ) and Trevor’s Caravan Club field-seeking navigation skills. I would also like to commend the help from Ray’s local knowledge, and Andy’s vast audaxing experience, but I can’t: these two were as much use as the proverbial chocolate fireguard. 

We were crossing our fingers on approaching the M53 underpass just before Storeton, because last time it was impassable with floodwater, but we were alright; the drains must have been cleared. From Storeton we headed west to Barnston, then to Pensby, Irby, Irby Hill and round Royden Park. It was at this stage that I recognised The Farmers Arms at Frankby, where I was privileged to be handed the baton as club secretary by Bryan Wade a few years back. 

We finally approached West Kirby via well-heeled Caldy, passing the former Moby Dick a popular meeting place for the young in the swinging sixties. I led the troops to the café I thought I could rely on, but it had been demolished! Ray had suggested the café on the front, but we guessed it would be too busy in such a popular location. We headed back down Banks Road where I had spotted an attractive corner café with some tables available a few minutes before. The food at Cibo Italiano was very good, and the service was friendly, but it was a bit busy for just two people running the whole operation. We left for our return ride a little later than desirable. 

The views along the remodelled seafront were as attractive as ever. Ray led us down the side road for accessing The Wirral Way. It was helpful that the guys were happy to use the Wirral Way to ensure a flat and direct return. They were willing to tolerate some bike cleaning when they got home. I am not so sure that they would have been so happy on a £6,000 bike, but at a rough estimate our five bikes together wouldn’t meet this evaluation. Like last week’s ride to Overton, after a full twenty something miles out we had a short, fast, largely wind-assisted return.                              

Photo by Mike G

On returning to Ness we arrived just as the aspirational group also arrived. This avoided any problems for Steve Tan and myself as we had shared a lift, but Steve had left his mobile at home. I remember a similar problem a few years ago when Steve had arrived at Jim Dale’s and waited ages in the garden in very cold weather for our return. Thursday is when Diane takes her returns to M&S in Chester, so there was no one to take him in!  Anyway, today we had enjoyed a mainly rural route in good weather and relaxed company. I particularly appreciated Mike and Andy making the effort as I know that they had already been on rides with their Welsh friends this week. About thirty-one miles covered today just from Ness and back, more miles for Mike, Trevor and Andy.     

DH 

1st February 2024: Egremont (mod+)

Well the first ride of February for CER was well attended. Often this starting point can be a low attendance or populated with riders who have ridden out and then ride home. Today we had enough for two groups, a mod and mod plus group. 

Alan had tweaked the classic Wirral route to take us to the Ferry Hotel at Egremont / Wallasey. This was a new venue to me and we were well catered for with food and drinks being served promptly. Today's group consisted of Alan Shane Steve T and Steve Hu. 

Following a delayed start at Ness gds where Steve T wrestled with his tethered bike which had been surreptitiously locked to Trevors. During this entanglement we were harangued by the mods for our striking athletic poise and looks. LOL

From Ness we skirted Neston and proceeded to cross the usually busy Chester High Rd. Maybe through good fortune or traffic light phasing but the roads were empty. The quiet lanes took us through Raby and then to the charming village of Thornton Hough. 

Next stop was Brimstage road, if we would have taken a right we would have found ourselves at a favoured lunch stop at the Brimstage tea rooms, however Alan's route continued to skirt Heswall via Irby road. 

By now it was clear we had navigation issues  as myself as back up pilot was on Version 1 of Alan's route and Alan was on Version 2. So I was cheerfully saying left and we would go right, a real winning solution. Despite the differences in the mapping we successfully crossed through Saughall Massey and onto the coast by Meols. The tide was so far out it was barely possible to see, however we found a lighthouse and stopped for our obligatory photo opportunity. 

Photos by Steve Hu

However our sea views were not to last as Alan had discovered the Birket Trail (part of the Wirral Circular Trail) a cracking cycle route that takes you north of Moreton and into Bidston. Taking our lives in our hands we braved the golfers on Bidston Golf course and followed a tortuous route out to Egremont. 

At Egremont we were treated to the spectacular views of the Liverpool waterfront and the new Everton stadium which is progressing well. 

Following lunch , we took the time honoured route around Seacombe docks and the ferry terminals, stopping only for a second group photograph. Soon we were heading into the lovely village of Port Sunlight hot of Lever Bros, a previous employer of both myself and Shane. The disused railway line provides a great alternative to the more urban nature of this leg. 

Eastham village and Rivacre road soon allowed us to whizz into Childer Thornton and Heath Lane. Alan had left the best till last putting in a cyclocross section of mud linking up a farm road which provides a good shortcut to the busy Chester High Road. A quick plunge into Burton on what were now tired legs brought us back to our start point whereby Steve T and Shane left to meet Dave at the car park. 

An added bonus was as Alan and I approached the entrance to the marsh we were joined by Andy B, Mike G and Trevor, all heading over estuary. 

Big thanks to Alan for leading a very chilled ride of appx 42 miles at a nice pace on a day with no wind/rain/ice/snow so quite unusual from our January rides :)

See route map and/or gpx file download

Steve Hu