27th May 2010: Ruthin & Graham’s bench

This must rate as one of the best CER rides ever, but was enjoyed by just four members: Bryan, Clive, Ray S and Dave P.  Yes, it was one of Bryan’s hilly rides from Caergwrle, but no we didn’t start by going over the summit of Hope Mountain, although it might have been easier if we had done so!  The ride itself was a modest 56 miles at an average speed of just 10 mph but included some 2,000 metres of ascent.  Highlights: a significant section along lanes none of us had done before, hail as we descended down into the Vale of Clwyd (in what was otherwise perfect cycling weather), the lunch stop pub (White Horse at Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd) closed on Thursdays, Clive and Ray’s favourite recipes discussed over lunch at the Anchor Hotel in Ruthin (the nearest open hostelry), the tranquil setting of Graham’s bench where we reminisced about past rides, the climb up Bwlch Penbarras, the view over the Vale of Clwyd from the top and the 40 mph dash down the other side to Loggerheads, bara brith and coffee at Caffi Florence, more hills on the journey back through Cilcain, Soughton before the descent to Broughton.

Photographs by Bryan Wade

The day had started with a look at the map when I noticed a road down to Llanfair Dyffryn in the Vale of Clwyd from Llanarmon-yn-Ial.  “Was it doable?” I asked myself: the middle section was a white road but it was worth a go I thought.  The alternative would be to go up “the steps” across to Llandegla and then down from there.  I’ll put it to the group over elevenses at Caergwrle and see what they say.  At Caergwrle he weather was good but there still only three of us having tea by ten to eleven.  Brian texted to say he had a cold and wouldn’t be joining us and then Dave P arrived.  None of us had done the Llanarmon route but it looked a lot more interesting than the alternative so we all agreed to give it a try.
Bryan led off over the shoulder of Hope Mountain to Pontybodkin crossing the main road and up the climb (two chevrons) to Treuddyn.  By this time we had settle into the pattern for the day: as each hill came I changed down to the lowest cog while the others surged past and we regrouped at the top.  We continued on the narrow lanes down to Cae Gwyyd and up the other side (two chevrons) before emerging at Eryrys for a quick check of the map.  It was southwest from here but with another climb (two chevrons) before dropping down to the River Alyn and into Llanarmon-yn-Ial.  The new lane lay straight ahead and we climbed gradually up to the pass with a photo stop at the top looking over the Vale of Clwyd with dark clouds gathering overhead.  Then within 50 yards we were descending on the white road (a rough track), great for mountain bikers but testing the bike handling skills of us roadies to the limit.  Safely down the steep rough section we were soon back on a surfaced lane for a fast descent through biting hail to the valley bottom – great!  A short ride to lunch at the White Horse in Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd was followed by bitter disappointment when we discovered the pub was closed on Thursday lunchtimes.  No problem; with Ruthin just up the road we set off at top speed and made for the first hostelry we could find.  The Anchor Hotel did us proud with a wide range of meals for £5 a head and Young's ale on tap.

Photographs by Dave Pipe

It was already late when we set off into the town centre so that Clive could refill his wallet while the rest of us admired the townscape.  Then we were back riding northeast on the lanes to reach Llanbedr Hall for another track up to the Woodland Trust site of Graham’s bench, a little quite contemplation and some photos.  Leaving the tranquillity of the woodland behind we were soon struggling uphill on the lower slopes of Bwlch Penbarras where there were too many cars coming down for comfort.  Two of us chose to walk the hairpin (only one chevron) before remounting round the bend to continue on to the summit at a steady pace.  More photos at the top before Caffi Florence at Loggerheads beckoned and we started the fast descent.  After coffee Dave decided to make his own way back “staying in the hills” he called it while we went up the nearest hill (one chevron) towards Cilcain.   I had planned to cross the river at Maes-y-groes but my shouts from the back of “take the track on the right” went unheeded and it was Cilcain before we gained the other side with a climb up from the valley floor (one chevron), and the first sign of complaint from the troops.  In truth it was all over: Gwernaffield-y-Waun, an easy climb up to Soughton, Buckley, Bilberry Wood and a nice descent down the Warren to the Cheshire plain at Broughton.  It was getting on for 18.30pm when we arrived back in Chester after a superb day: it just doesn’t get better than that.
Nine chevrons of ascent (if you’ve been counting) but no doubles today.

BW

20th May 2010: Audlem

Arriving early at the Ice Cream Farm I was surprised to see three riders already inside: Jim and two others I hadn’t seen before.  New members I thought but it wasn’t to be, at least not for today, as Keith and Mike had just come out for a chat.  By the time I had blagged some sellotape for emergency bike repairs and ordered the regulation tea and teacake the rest of the group had appeared: Ray, Ivan, Brian, Dave and Liz on the tandem and Mike Gilbert whom we hadn’t seen for a while.  Then Kate appeared for a chat and to give us the once over.  We look forward to seeing you again Kate.
Discussion turned to today’s destination and the edge of the known world as defined by OS Landranger sheet 117.  Today the big earthers prevailed and Audlem (Sheet 118) was agreed, with a route via Harthill and Wrenbury.
Bryan led off steadily over Harthill, passing Cholmondeley Castle and on to Wrenbury where we waited while a canal narrow boat negotiated the drawbridge.  Once over, we had the road to ourselves and Ray shouted, “which way are you intending?”  “Right at the junction, past the station then onto Aston” and with that, if I’m not mistaken, the pace miraculously picked up.  With time in hand we looped south through Wilkesley and Kinsey Heath to enter Audlem from the south.  The Shroppie Fly or Coffee Lounge Café for lunch?  Ivan was insistent on a pub, so The Shroppie Fly it was with a table(s) by the canal to enjoy the fantastic weather.  Timothy Taylor Landlord and Wells Bombardier along with other cask ales, together with good food and service made for an excellent relaxing lunch stop. There was even a history lesson thrown in for free.  Now who can remember the importance of “Fly” boats?
An afternoon tea stop sounded good so with that in mind we set off to Brown Bank before turning north towards Nantwich.  I was thinking of the Venetian Marina café but Ray suggested the Metropolitan Knitting Centre café which none of us, other than Ray, had tried before.  Ever willing to try something new we made for the Knitting Centre, via the Secret Bunker at Hack Green, Ravensmoor and Nantwich, where we enjoyed the hospitality and seemingly unlimited quantities of tea at 50p a head.  After an all too brief stop we remounted and pushed on past the Boot and Slipper to Alpraham, Bunbury and Beeston to reach the Ice Cream Farm with time to spare.  There was nothing left to do but to sample the ice cream and relax!  A day to remember and a great ride.
Distance from Chester and back a good 74 miles.

BW

13th May 2010: Little Neston

This should have been advertised as the "Easy Lunches - Not", but more on that later.  Ten of us set off from the Roodee, including George for the first time, plus Liz D, Dave & Liz, Clive, Ray, Ray(zor), Mike, Ivan and all led away by Brian Mac.  The ride was advertised as an easy one, finishing by 4pm, as some of us were off later to see Mark Beaumont, the lad who raced round the world, give a talk at Rhyl.
The route along the canalised Dee to Sealand was taken at a gentle pace, to break George in.  I hope we didn't give him a false sense of security, as the wind was behind us.  Turning inland towards The Eureka area, we were on a newish path alongside the widened A550, which a number had not seen before.  Capenhurst quickly arrived, only for Ray(zor) and Ivan to drop off the back.  North through Ledsham and back down to the Dee Estuary, passing through the quaint village of Burton.  (It’s hard to believe now, but on the 1801 Census, it was the 2nd biggest settlement on The Wirral.)  Along the dry marsh track, we arrived on schedule at The Harp, located alongside the old mining port of Little Neston.
Even though I had been in the night before to confirm numbers for lunch, the sole girl serving was completely unprepared for us "walkers".  When the Timothy Taylors finally arrived, all was forgiven.  Unforced extended lunches seem to becoming a habit, so leaving one and a half hours later left us no time for the promised Time Trial at Denhall.  This will be run at Ness Gardens when the weather is kinder.
A faster return took us via Willaston Mill, Hooton and Ledsham down to Sealand.  Here those going to the lecture later on, took the quick way along the Millennium Way back to the start, while four others went off to Connahs Quay, with George still smiling.  An enjoyable, if shorter, ride of 36 miles.
BMac

6th May 2010: Ellesmere

Leaving home to ride to Holt this morning I checked the SatMap for the today’s proposed route only to find that the unit was completely dead.  Having sorted out a 46 mile route on the SatMap yesterday evening this was not a good omen but at least I would have time to check it out over tea at Bellis.  I arrive just as the rain was starting in earnest to find Mike and Clive relaxing over tea and teacakes.  By the time mine is ordered Jim and then Liz and Dave P appear.  I circulate a map of my proposed route while checking the SatMap battery to find a broken wire (vibration on last weeks tracks?) is the cause of the problem.  A fresh battery is fitted and with the route agreed it’s time to depart.
From Bellis we head south through the lanes to Bangor on Dee, across the bridge, past the racecourse and up Brynhovah Bank where, having warmed up on the climb, we stop to remove a layer.  Now we’re on the back lanes we enjoy the countryside as we make good progress through Dudleston Heath on lanes, I’ve never ridden before, to Perthy and Welsh Frankton until we are faced with the steepest climb on the ride, a veritable wall of a humpback bridge!  Safely over we turn into Hordley to join the Vets’ 100 route north towards Ellesmere.  Not far to lunch now but the sky’s darkening and what starts as light drizzle quickly turns to a downpour requiring a stop to cape up.  It’s then 15 minutes in the rain before we arrive in Ellesmere and make for the Black Lion for lunch.
Although the pub isn’t particularly busy we can’t get two tables together until one of the patrons kindly gives up her table so that we can sit together: then it’s decision time, large or small portion?  The meals are soon served but the small portions are almost as big as the large: only cheaper!  By the time we’re ready to leave the rain has stopped and we head to Hanmer through the puddles on the wet lanes.  We are still making good time as we pass through Drury Lane and Lower Wych on our way to Malpas so it’s just after 3.30pm when we stop at the Old Fire Station tearooms in the centre of Malpas.  Dave P promptly disappears to call in at the local bakery while the rest of us place our orders in the café.  Now the Old Fire Station is famed for its cakes in CTC circles so its more or less compulsory to try either the walnut or coffee cake.  I force myself to sample the walnut cake.  What can you say; absolutely perfect.  Conversation turns to computer problems (or to be more precise PC problems) as Clive first explains the myriad of software he uses to scan his computer for viruses, before we move on to discuss backup software and external drives.
It’s again time to leave so we tear ourselves away from the tearooms and head to Tilston where Jim, Liz and Dave P continue north to Crewe-by-Farndon and back to Bellis in Holt.  Clive, Mike and I take the longer route through Tattenhall and Greenlooms where Mike turns off leaving Clive and I to make for Chester via Christleton.
A great ride almost entirely on lanes (no tracks today) and very little traffic. 46 mile circular from Holt with the distance from Chester and back exactly 70 miles.

BW

29th April 2010: Goostrey

At Rose Farm Brian Mac was just arriving and Bryan, Ray S and Ivan were assembled when I arrived shortly followed by Dave Heath, glowing healthily from the exertion of his trip up to Utkinton. Clive and his wife popped in for a coffee prior to a walk as Clive’s eye operation the previous Friday ruled out a ride for this week. Liz and Dave P then rolled up on the tandem so there were eight of us actually riding.

Photographs by Mike Morley

Mike had a route suggestion that would take advantage of Ray’s absence to explore some tracks the other side of Goostrey but as usual his plan of the route was somewhat nebulous and would need the assistance of Bryan to reach Bradford Mill to cross the Weaver. We set off in reasonable weather and Bryan introduced the first track by whizzing off up the Whitegate Way to reach the Salt Union depot. Mike now took over and the bridge and tunnels were negotiated and up the track, opting unwisely for a left at the top that meant negotiating numerous speed bumps on the path – I could hear Ray Hardman groaning even though he was not with us! Through Davenham and a new lane for Bryan that Google had assured Mike was a through road for vehicles. This may well be the case but only for the owner of Whatcroft Hall whom has the route firmly barricaded by an impressive electronically controlled entrance gate! A swift route revision meant a little more time spent on the A530 but we were soon back on the lanes and in the pleasant Cheshire countryside again where Bryan was almost overwhelmed by the preponderance of dandelions on the verges. The muted atmosphere at the chosen lunch stop did not overwhelm Mike – on Saturday the Red Lion in Goostrey had been buzzing and the service spot on – today it more resembled a morgue and the food took almost an hour to reach our table. It was however well worth waiting for and apart from the Black Sheep bitter the other real ales were adequate compensation.

The delayed departure and threatening sky meant that it was decision time whether to ride directly back home without completing the attractive loop to Swettenham and Brereton but common sense seemed to desert us, and the loop it was! Out of Goostrey to Twemlow Green and via Kermincham to descend to the first crossing of the Dane via the ford or clapper bridge for the faint hearted like me then up to Swettenham to pass the church and Swettenham Arms and take the track back over the Dane via a bridge in a very attractive valley near Davenport Hall.  Taking the lane alongside Brereton Country Park we were soon back on a bumpy track and impeded by one of the Cheshire Set unloading her pony trailer – charming girl though – and after passing St Oswald’s Church and Brereton Old Hall we soon emerged victorious at the Gatehouse to rejoin the A50 for a short while before diverting to take up our last track of the day  (“Thank God for that” said Ivan the Tolerable) back over a lovely little cobbled stone bridge and past the Hermitage back into Goostrey. Our route then resumed normality via Lower Peover, and Plumley to cross the A556 – here it finally dawned on me that I was getting wetter than I thought but the waterproof at least provided some warmth as the temperature, like the rain was still falling! Passing through Great Budworth and Comberbach we reached Little Leigh where Dave Heath pealed off for home while the rest of us crossed the A49 and along the Weaver Navigation to cut across to Kingsley and on to Delamere. Here Ray S, Liz and Dave P opted for the Forest route home while the rest of us took Brian Mac back to Utkinton only to find that his vehicle been impounded for the night! This was a late trip for us but despite the weather we had taken in some unusual tracks and most seemed to have enjoyed the experience. While Brian Mac joined Bryan for the ride back to Chester I headed home. Oh how welcome was my hot bath (bugger Global Warming – I was freezing!) Distance for me just short of 70 miles so the Chester boys must have clocked up over 80!

MM

22nd April 2010: Ysceifiog & Caerwys

A bright clear sunny was in prospect for the meet at the Gallery Tea Shop in Hawarden.  A posse of bikes greeted me when I arrived and inside there was Bryan, Brian, Mike, Ivan, Dave and Liz P, Dave Hill and an inappropriately dressed Liz.  Liz explained that she had four days of undisclosed physical exercise and therefore was only a social member today!  Bryan explained that I had suggested a route and he was happy to defer his Denbigh ride until another time.  Everybody else was in sheep mode.  Given the location and excellent weather, the only route was up and onto the hills and mountains behind Hawarden.  The scenic route to Northop was employed (courtesy of Ray H for showing me this way on the Gronant ride).  Dave Hill peeled off at this Northop Hall leaving seven of us to continue the ride.
Out of Northop via Green Lane we were busy warming up the thighs as we climbed up to Rhosesmor.  There were a few dropped chains on this climb but nothing fatal.  Onward and upward along Wern Road took us through Rhes-y-cae and to the outskirts of Lixwm.  Lixwm was bypassed using a very narrow lane with just enough tarmac to be called a road.  Crossing the B5121 took us down to the potential lunch stop of the Fox Inn at Ysceifiog.  Dave H had suggested the Fox, as an early stop if the planned lunch stop at the Blue Bell Inn in Halkyn was a hill too far.  Well it was shut; so we elected to take the double chevroned back road out to Caerwys.  All made the hill successfully although Bryan doubted it was a proper double chevron more like a 1.5 version.  Into Caerwys to find the Piccadilly pub, only to find that this was also closed.  The second back up from Dave Hill of the local golf club proved successful and we had a sandwich lunch at a very quiet 9-hole golf club.
Off again up hill, we made the welcome turn eastwards to get the wind with us for the long largely straight up hill run back to Halkyn and a potential stop at the Blue Bell Inn.  The views from Windmill hamlet on Halkyn Mountain were stunning in all directions with no hint of volcanic ash to spoil the panorama.  Pulling up at the Blue Bell we found that was also closed.  Three pubs all closed: has Wales gone teetotal?  A fast descent back via Northop to the Gallery Tea Shop ensued and all of us, except the tandem (who had a puncture somewhere in Buckley but urged us onwards) tucked into welcome afternoon comestibles.  A very fast Ivan-led run downhill back towards Chester finished off a very enjoyable and satisfying day – not a lot of miles on the circular route from Gallery Café  (about 35 miles) but some 3000 ft of ascent and descent with a maximum altitude of just under a 1000ft. Distance from Chester and back just over 50 miles.

CA

15th April 2010: Ravensmoor

A sunny, 12 deg C, day is in prospect with a 12mph NE wind.  Out at 10am on the dry bike and on the way I meet Ivan loading his pantechnicon of a motorhome for a trip to Bristol; he threatens to lead us on a future ride over Mow Cop that he has recently completed.
At Manley Mere, Mike M is soaking up the sun with a pile of maps in front of him.  Brian Mac and Phil are just settling in after arranging easy payments for tea and flapjack.  Then Peter W turns up in admin mode: " I'm not joining you I just want to talk to Mike about Bikeability."  At which Brian chips in: " I have to be back by 1pm so Phil and I will do our own thing."  Mike and I sniff our armpits - no, it's not that.  Finally Dave and Liz turn up on the tandem, late, obviously: "We're only doing 40 miles round trip today so we won't be with you all the way."  Mike and I share a 'what have we done?' glance and Mike's geographical motivation leaves him: "Where are you taking us, Ray?"  Oh dear, I was hoping to hang on the back today.  "We'll go SE to cross the wind.  Ashton, Beeston, Cholmondely, Wrenbury and Ravensmoor to sample the trough at The Farmer's Arms."
The tandem isn't on top form so we slow the pace while Dave and I negotiate a suitable 20-mile mark eaterie.  He likes my suggestion of the Nag's Head at Bunbury; it has just been refurbished and re-opened with a food menu - 3 courses at £7.  We leave them at Beeston and the hammer descends.  Now, answers to this on a postcard: how does a beer swilling, business lunching, socialite like Mike maintain this level of fitness?  You can't shake him off.  All right, he doesn't get on the front but you wouldn't expect that of a financial adviser.  We make fast progress to Wrenbury and then take a nice little diversion via Sound to reach Ravensmoor from the south.
The Farmer's Arms is a pleasant place and we both order 'brewed in the keg, connoisseur's lime and soda' - it must be at £1:40 a pint - and a light lunch. After sharing one another's life stories, medical histories and National Insurance numbers we make a move into the warm sunshine for the return.  Swanley and Faddiley are dispatched but Brindley delivers Mike a flat.  He's picked up a slow from a thorn and the low pressure allowed a snakebite over the pots we've been over.  We carry on through Bunbury and Beeston and even on a soft rear (poor pump) he's hanging on, uphill doing 20mph.  We stop at the Ice Cream Farm so that I can learn the secrets of reaching super fitness via debauchery.  From there it's route 1 home for a round trip of 61 miles.
RH

8th April 2010: Panorama Route & Worlds End

Over lunch last week Ivan had suggested, not for the first time, that as we were meeting at Caergwrle this week we should do the Panorama Route and Worlds End.  I agreed provided that the weather was good: only a masochist would do this ride in poor visibility or icy conditions.  Well today’s the day, and the weather’s almost perfect: clear skies, sun and not much wind.
Four riders were already at the Café when I arrived with Jim and Dave Heath, but no sign of Ivan.  “What do think of the proposed Shrewsbury route?” I ask, having put a link to it on the blog at the weekend.  “Has anyone had problems displaying it?”  “Yes, it’s very slow to display” is the almost universal answer from those who have tried.  Graham P suggests it works OK if you display it in a new tab but not if you just click on the link.  Further discussion establishes that all are using Microsoft Internet Explorer as their browser!  So if you are using Internet Explorer and have problems try Graham’s trick or switch to Firefox, Chrome or Safari (all available as free downloads).  Computing problems aside Dave Hill, Dave Heath and Graham & Vicky Payne all promptly sign up for the ride.  I can see that this is going to be oversubscribed if I’m not careful!
Still no sign of Ivan but I broach the subject of today’s route and admit that I had promised Ivan we would do Worlds End if the weather was good.  Dave Hill thought this an excellent idea before admitting that he wouldn’t be joining us today!  The others were more cautious but on the promise that we would miss out the Sun Inn at Trevor and instead take lunch at Prospect Garden Tea Room we agreed on the Panorama Route and Worlds End.
Bryan leads off up “the steps” to Minera and across to Penycae with Dave H complaining that we should be contouring around not going up and down: if only, I think.  From Penycae we are on lanes we haven’t done for a while until Prospect Place comes into view and we turn off the lane and climb to the tearoom.  The good weather has clearly brought out the crowds, and the conservatory and many of the outside tables are already taken when we arrive.  We take a relaxing lunch in the garden while enjoying the view before leaving to ride the Panorama Walk.  The views today are the best I have experienced up here.  Beeston Castle and the Peckforton/Bickerton Hills with the Pennines behind are clearly visible.  Then we continue further along and the views across the Vale of Llangollen open up.  This is absolutely superb and well worth the effort to get here.  All that remains is the climb up to Worlds End!  Brian Mac leads us up to the ford and wisely walks across the stepping-stones.  I choose a line to avoid the algae but the rear wheel feels extremely skittish as I cross and Dave has a similar problem.  We stay upright and then struggle with the final two climbs up to the cattle grid but it’s not to be and we all end up walking the last stretch.  All that is, except for Graham and Vicky on their tandem.  Dave puts it down to their gears but Lance’s book title “It’s not about the bike” springs to mind and I make a mental note that I need more hill work.
After a brief rest to recover we enjoy the open moorland terrain before starting the exhilarating descent down to Minera.  From here it is down “the steps” to Cefn-y-bedd with Graham and Vicky way out in front.
By the time I arrive back in Chester the SatMap is showing just over 50 miles, a maximum speed of 40 mph and a total ascent of 1,493 metres.

BW

1st April 2010: Mersey Estuary Ride

The first special (or as Brian and Dave prefer “novelty”) ride of 2010 just has to be on April Fools day.  Despite that and an early 9.30am meet in Frodsham combined with a poor weather forecast, ten members make it to the Cottage Tea Shop where we take over the back room conservatory.  Thanks to the friendly staff we are soon quaffing tea and toasted teacakes in preparation for the day ahead.  It’s a good mix today including some faces we haven’t seen for a while: Brian, Dave H, Mike, Glennys, Clive, Ivan, Jim, Liz, Martin and Bryan.
Dave announces that he has researched three different routes through Runcorn and that we will be taking the scenic one: and so it turns out to be.  After the initial maze of flyovers and underpasses we emerge to skirt Runcorn Hill with fine views all the way down the Mersey to Liverpool and Wirral.  What a grand way to start the ride.  From here it’s across the Runcorn/Widnes Bridge and down to join the Trans Pennine Trail.  In many ways this is the best part of the route (pity about the steps though) and we take in the scenery before heading inland to Hale to see the carved statue and grave of John Middleton the 9ft 3in Childe of Hale.  Bryan has come up with a new route this year bypassing Speke and the glass-strewn path by the motor works in favour of the lanes.  We leave the Trans Pennine Trail and take to the lanes before joining the old railway track at Halewood heading for Gateacre.
At Gateacre we leave the cycle trail and join the traffic to climb up to the ridge overlooking the Mersey before descending past Calderstones Park to the Red Bull at the eastern end of the Mersey promenade.  We’re doing well for time but Martin is thinking ahead and wondering where we will stop for lunch.  Brian recommends the Brewery Tap at Cairn’s Brewery near Liverpool Cathedral.  The suggestion is taken up with enthusiasm and without a further word we are off along the promenade into the wind.  The brewery is reached well before 1.00pm where we are directed to the empty brewery bike shed at the far corner of the car park.
Inside there is one other customer!  The full range of Cairn’s beers proves to be a daunting choice for some, as we don’t have time to sample more than a few: but no one goes away disappointed.  The food on the other hand is a different matter.  Soup and sandwich is off, as indeed is most of the menu but we can have a sandwich and chips (did someone say we had to wait for the bread to defrost?).  The last two orders emerged from the kitchen just before 2.00pm.  So for the second year running we have missed the ferry!
Brian leads us to James Street Station where we say goodbye to Glennys who takes a train back to Chester while the rest of us go one stop to Hamilton Square.  Here Bryan with bike almost topples backwards down the up escalator saved only by a quick thinking Mike.  With the exciting bit out of the way Brian leads us back through Birkenhead Park to Brimstage Craft Centre for a relaxing afternoon tea.  Brian leaves us here as we start the well-used route back to Chester through Thornton Hough, Willaston and Capenhurst dropping off riders along the way.  By the time we reach the canal at Backford there are only three of us left.

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

Distance from Chester and back just over 60 miles.

BW

25th March 2010: Egremont Ferry

Every ride is different with Chester Easy Riders and today was no exception calling for two quite different rides from Ness Gardens.
Brian’s story
It was very encouraging to see two bikes at the Ness Gardens RV before I arrived at 10:30.  I thought that folks are eager to get going, always a good sign. By the 11:00 KO, we had Clive on his virgin Trek bike, the two Bri(y)ans, Dave P, Jim, Liz, Ivan and a warm welcome to Phil, joining us for the first time.
As this ride was billed (by Jonathon Ross) as www “wandering wound Wirral”, we set off East over the peninsula, past Bromborough GC to the forgotten Victorian playground of Raby Mere.  Then it was up the steepest hill in Wirral (all 100 yards long) to Poulton Lancelyn, where we turned north through Brackenwood and on to Lord Levers farm at Storeton.  From there it was 4 miles of residential development (& Birkenhead) past Brian’s alma mater and an old girlfriend’s house.  Where is Marie now?
Just before lunch, the sun shone on the righteous, down by the sandy beaches of the Mersey.  All true, check out Seacombe beach at low tide.  Lunch was had in the Egremont Ferry Hotel, washed down with an excellent Cains again.
After lunch, we continued anti-clock along the Wirral foreshore, passing the huge redevelopment mess at New Brighton; what’s that about?  Then the ride along the North shore made it all worthwhile………….. sun on our faces, no wind, a traffic free cycle way and one of Mother Natures most spectacular sights, tens of thousands of starlings in a “murmuration”.   (You got fit and educated on this ride.)  We continued round the bend (literally) at Hoylake and then paralleled the Dee, riding south through the middle of Wirral, passing Caldy, Irby, Barnston, Leighton, Little Neston and back to Ness Gardens, all avoiding the busy A540.  A sunny and very pleasant 41 miles. Thank you to everyone who made it easy after my unforeseen absence.
BMac
Bryan’s story
As Phil was on his first ride with the group and not yet up to speed Bryan and Phil embarked on a shorter version of the main ride aiming to join the others for lunch at the Egremont Ferry at 12.45pm.  Leaving the others to visit Raby Mere we headed straight to Raby and Thornton Hough along the lanes and then on to Storeton where the main group passed us on their way to Birkenhead Park.  Not to be outdone we made a fast descent down to the centre of Birkenhead with the intention of circling the park before heading for lunch.  Half way round the main group appeared heading in the other direction!  We decided to follow but were dropped after a mile.  Now there is only one way from where we last saw them to Seacombe and that’s the way we went but there was no sign of them when we arrived: until a few minutes later they turned up having failed to find a mythical crossing of the docks! So much for local knowledge.
After a good lunch at the Egremont Ferry pub (don’t be put off by the external appearance) we followed the others through New Brighton before turning away from the coast at Dunes onto NCR 56.  This should have been an easy route, but with major road works under the motorway flyover necessitating a poorly signed diversion followed by a new B&Q built across the route we began to think that we would never leave Bidston.  Once back on course we headed for Thingwall, Barnston and Parkgate where we joined the Wirral Way for the last stretch back to Ness Gardens where we arrived just before 5.00pm.
BW

18th March 2010: Brindley

The forecast threatened rain but the tandem duo (Dave and Liz) on their recently repaired bike, along with Clive, set out from Bellis in the general direction of Cholmondely and Brindley.  Ivan rang just before we left to say that he was mistakenly at Ness Gardens!  It wasn’t Ivan’s day as he had suffered a tyre blow out just before he got to Ness and domestic car assist was engaged.  Leaving Bellis via Wetreins Lane and up through Tilston and Duckington, we bowled along via quiet lanes towards the Cholmondely Arms pub. Setting off to Chorley and looking for any signpost on the left to Brindley, we eventually ended up in Swanley Bridge over the canal and off the known world (well the OS map we had with us anyway).  A few miles back along the A534 found us at “The Thatch” pub in Faddiley/Brindley for lunch.  Just at that time there were a few spots of rain so in we quickly went for a few pints of TT Landlord and a very pleasant (if a bit pricey) hot lunch.  Why is Chorley signposted from Brindley but not the other way round?  I know Ray – we should have taken the signs for Faddiley! Having put the world to rights over lunch, Liz and Dave decided to head back to Farndon via Spurstow and Peckforton for a 35-40 mile round trip to pick up their car.
Clive decided to push on after Spurstow through Bunbury and up to Eaton.  Making for the Shire Horse centre at Cotebrook, Stable Lane was taken left off the main road, swiftly followed by Heaths Lane, Tirley Lane and on up to the top of Kelsall Hill by the Farmers Arms.  This is a steady climb but well rewarded by magnificent views all around especially the threat of rain over in the Wrexham hills direction.  A swift descent followed, via the old Kelsall main road, and then back into Chester and on to Mollington.
The odometer had just touched 60 miles along with the wind picking up and rain threatening.  Another “Grand Day Out” which only was lacking sunshine (and a few more Easy Riders) to make it memorable.
CA

11th March 2010: Bangor on Dee

A bright sunny beckoned and it held all day – glorious spring weather but a little cold – Ivan, Dave Pike, Ray Stigter and Clive set out from Rose Farm at a fast pace bound for the Buck pub in Bangor. Sailing through Tarporley then via Beeston Castle, on to Peckforton along a very badly rutted Stonehouse Lane, took us eventually onto the A534 at Bulkeley via a left down Mill lane. After a 5 minute stop at Yew Tree Farm to check out the café for future rides, we were off up the incline on Wrexham road finally turning left down Long Lane to Larkton. A left here took us down to the No Man’s Heath turn on the A41. Ignoring this and heading south, we turned first right towards Bradley and then onto to Lower Wych. This is a little hamlet in a folded valley – fun going down but a climb out, followed by a long run until turning right after Lower Barnes towards Tallarn Green. A quick left before the bridge took us through quiet lanes and glorious views via Mulsford before making the final climb and descent into Bangor. 27 miles from Rose Farm in just over 2 hours – we were ready for a rest. The Buck did us proud with an excellent lunch and also providing spectacle-mending facilities for Clive. All were agreed that we should make best use of the weather and an indirect return leg was plotted out. With Dave leading we found ourselves back via the smallest lanes into Farndon. A dash across the Wrexham Road took us via Wetreins Lane to Stretton, then round the back of Carden Hotel and into Chowley Lane in Clutton. All were agreed on a drink’s stop at the Ice Cream Farm in Tattenhall before setting of at 16.30 via the usual route back to Chester. This was a 70-mile round trip from Chester averaging just shy of 14 mph with 2388ft of ascent and a highest point of 488 feet. All agreed it was a “Grand Day Out”.
CA

4th March 2010: Gronant

Earlier in the week Ray had emailed with the suggestion that today’s ride from Hawarden should go out to Gronant near Prestatyn so that we could link up with Graham Payne.  Sounds like a good idea to me so I email the troops while Ray prepares the route.  Come the day 11 of us meet up at Hawarden, including Graham himself.  Is this the Graham Payne fan club I ask, or the promise of a good ride? Whatever the reason it’s a record for a regular Thursday ride: Dave Hill, Liz, Omry, Graham, Bryan, Clive, Dave Heath, Ray and Ivan plus two new riders Alan Oldfield and Alan Mort.
With the route predetermined we should be away on time but nothing is as straightforward as that. By the time all eleven of us have had our tea and teacakes its past eleven o’clock.  I notice Clive pumping up his front tyre.  “Got a puncture” I ask “No but the tyre’s blown off”. Closer inspection shows that the tyre isn’t seated properly so it’s out with the wheel and refit the tyre.  At last we’re ready and Ray leads off towards Ewloe and a diversion to Ewloe Green to add some early interest to the ride.  From here on we follow the original route through Northop, a short section of the A55 then up to the Britannia Inn and on to Holywell.  From Holywell we are back on the altogether more enjoyable lanes again through Whitford and Trelogan before descending steeply to the coast where we use the A548 to take us to lunch at the Bells of St Mary’s.
Now the Bells of St Mary’s isn’t our normal type of pub stop as is evident by the throng of customers jostling to get in. Well it’s certainly popular with the locals and with Cairns bitter on tap the beer’s not bad either.  As too food, it’s the carvery or the carvery, which explains the queue in an airport style check-in snaking back and forth.  This is too much for Dave Heath and with “I only want a sandwich”, he promptly disappears not to be seen for the rest of the day. I buy my pint and a carvery ticket and sit down to wait for the queue to disappear: big mistake!  As fast as the front of the queue is served more customers arrive, “Is the whole of Prestatyn here?”  Well at £3.59 for a superb carvery of pork, turkey and beef it is perhaps understandable. Could there be better value?
Clive has to get back so while the rest of us relax after eating he departs taking the coast road back to Chester.  By 2.15pm its time for the rest of us to leave starting with a climb up through Gronant to Llanasa.  Once on top the going is easier and we enjoy the ride in almost perfect cycling weather.  Then Alan and Graham head off for their respective homes leaving just seven to continue.  Ivan and Liz overtake Ray and take to the front for the descent through Gorsedd unaware that the rest of us are turning off at the Druid Inn: that leaves five! “They must be in Holywell by now” says Ray. I try Ivan’s mobile: no luck there, only a message saying he doesn’t pick up his messages so don’t leave one!  I try Liz next and a surprised Liz answers to discover that they need to cycle back uphill to rejoin us.
Once together again we continue through Brynford enjoying the views over the Dee Estuary from the Halkyns before a fast descent down towards Northop spoilt only by thorn strewn sections of the lanes.  Four riders decide on the direct route back through Northop while Ray, Liz and I complete the route back to Hawarden with Ray and I following the Dee cycle path back to Chester.
Today was certainly a day to remember: many thanks Ray for a great day out. Distance from Chester and back 61 miles.

BW

25th February 2010: Hatton Arms

The weather is a bit warmer this morning and although there is no sign of the sun it promises to be a good day.  We meet at the Manley Mere Windsurfing Centre and what a difference the new Greenway extension makes to the journey out.  Liz and Dave Hill are already there when I arrive and we discuss Dave’s forthcoming Vietnam/Laos travelogue and slide show on the 19 March.  See C&NWCTC website (a few places remain).  Ivan and Ray soon make up the numbers and we get down to discussing today’s venue.  East or northeast are the favoured direction: Norton Priory, Daresbury, even Knutsford is mentioned.  We decide on Daresbury via Acton Bridge and set off for Delamere Forest where Dave Hill leaves us for a bit of off-road riding.  The remaining four of us continue on through Norley and a fast descent down to the Weaver Navigation to cross Acton Bridge where we make use of the lanes to take a circuitous route to Daresbury via Preston on the Hill.  We don’t do these lanes very often, partly I suspect because they are tucked away on the corner of four OS Landranger maps but with Ray leading that’s not a problem. By Daresbury, birthplace of Lewis Carroll, we still have time in hand so we push on to the Hatton Arms for lunch.
Here we are rewarded with a good choice of ales and food served quickly while we chat.  We discuss some of the proposed special rides with Ivan asking for dates.  Bryan agrees to come up with some suggestions for further discussion.
Ray plans the return journey to take in more lanes: past Cogshall Hall and on to Little Leigh where we must do all of one mile of the outward route before taking the Weaver Navigation path to the locks by Dutton Viaduct.  This is fine but I’m thinking ahead to the climb up Norley Bank.  Once the climb is out of the way it’s back through Delamere Forest and Ashton Hayes to the Windsurfing Centre where Liz leaves us while the rest continue back to Chester.
Distance from Chester and back a good 58 miles.
BW

18th February 2010: Bangor on Dee

With my central heating boiler back in action again I start today’s ride reasonably warm.  But hey, yesterday evenings snow has already disappeared and it’s really quite pleasant outside.  I arrive at the Tudor House Café in Caergwrle to find a couple of bikes parked outside: always a good sign.  Omry introduces himself.  He’s ridden out from Chester on Ray’s recommendation to join us for the first time today and is already enjoying his tea and teacake.  Ivan and I order ours and then Jim and Dave H arrive.  After more introductions you would think that Dave and Omry were lifetime buddies given their mutual contacts and friends.  Brian Mac has texted to say that he won’t be with us today as he is off to the Royal Liverpool to see his wife Pauline who has just had a hip operation.  We wish her a speedy recovery.  Liz, and Martin (joining us for the first time) make the numbers up to seven before Dave P arrives just as we prepare to leave.  Ivan fancies a ride to Llangollen over Worlds End but I’m not sure what the roads will be like up on top today and with low cloud we won’t get any views either.  After considering the options we decide to go up “the steps” to Minera before taking the back lanes to Penycae and Ruabon returning somewhere round the other side of Wrexham.  Martin suggests The Buck at Bangor on Dee for lunch and with that we are off.
I miss out the climb to Cymau across the shoulder of Hope Mountain and we reach “the steps” the easy way via Cefn-y-bedd.  Then it’s the usual slog up to Minera down to the bridge and up the other side.  Its lovely on the lanes to Penycae until suddenly cries of “ICE” as we descend, but it’s a false alarm and what looks like ice turns out to be slush.  Its 12.30pm when we reach the Wynstanley Arms in Ruabon our first possible lunch stop but the majority view is to continue until 1.00pm.  We take the minor road north before turning east on to the B5426 past The Plassey and as Liz points out a field of newly born lambs to arrive at Bangor on Dee just after 1.00pm.
The Buck always serves up a good lunch and today was no exception.  Hot pot with bread and pickles was the popular choice together with Stonehouse Station bitter: a very nice pint indeed!  Ray would have approved of the price of lime and soda, at least at the favourable rate achieved by Dave H.  Ivan announced that he had joined the CTC and even had the card to prove it, while Dave H let slip that he had bought a new bike but it was still in its box.  Next week then Dave!
It was well after 2.00pm when we left.  Back over the pack horse bridge, up to Cross Lanes and eventually left into Redwither Lane to skirt the industrial estate on the way to Marford.  Then, with the sky darkening, we negotiated the lanes through Burton with Omry and Dave P leaving us for home while the rest of us continued back to Shordley where we finally spit up with Dave H and Jim returning to Caergwrle, Liz and Martin to Hawarden and Ivan and Bryan to Chester.
Distance from Chester and back an enjoyable 53 miles.
BW

11th February 2010: Little Leigh

It's been -3deg C overnight but there's hardly any frost, the sun is shining, no wind and 4deg C for the rest of the day.  I meet up with Ivan the Rocket just to see if he can get me totally wasted before the ride starts - from the Ice Cream Farm.  We're there first and soon we are joined by those who have travelled at less than warp speed: Brian M, Dave P, Liz, Bryan and Clive.  Bryan's got a crook heating boiler and crook fitness (note that two have just returned from Oz) so "I won't be riding today."  Which generates the equivalent of the standard Harry the Bike response of "Well shove off then."  Brian (proper spelling) pulls out a laminated OS with a mess of orange marker on it, "This is where I thought we could go, but I couldn't find my way round unaided."  No more offers, "What about you, Ray?"  "Well, I thought: Huxley, Hoofield, Clutton, Kelsall, Yeld, Brines Brow, Hatchmere, Norley and Crowton.  If we're early at the Hare and Hounds we'll carry on to Little Leigh.  Then return via Acton Bridge, Cuddington, Oakmere, Oulton, Rushton, Tilston Fearnhall, Bunbury, Beeston and back here."  "Can you do it without a map?"  "Yep!"  "DONE," in barber's shop five harmony.
Out into the bright sunshine the day is warming - more like Spring.  Ease the pace before the Yeld so we don't get clammy on the climb and then watch Ivan treat it like a ski jump - must put him on a lead or let his tyres down.  Delamere is lovely and then it's all downhill from Hatchmere.  We arrive at Crowton at 12:30, the gang can still breathe without sounding like sludge gulpers, so it's too early to interrupt the enjoyment.  We take the lane opposite, which leads us down to the banks of the Weaver where we continue through the glorious scenery to the Acton Bridge bridge at Little Leigh and the appropriately named Leigh Arms.
Over lunch, Clive is airing his thoughts on acquiring a proper bike but has little experience.  "Tell you what, Clive, Have a ride on mine on the way back.  Then try Ivan's to check out a rocket."
After a lovely meal (pub is recommended) we change route slightly so that we can take in the route along the Weaver again.  Then up Bent lane and head towards Cuddington - a new route for me but I think I can remember it.  We end up in Cuddington.  "Hey Brian, we should be further west."  "You're leading."  "You've got the map."  We have 'constructive talks', as the expense fiddlers say, and agree on a 1 mile retrace whereby we're bang on route and I'm on home ground.  By Tilston Fearnall Liz, Brian and Clive are dropping back a little and I think the latter is not just being sociable - significant.  So I promise a 'dawdle' back to the ICF.   Now, on entering Moss Lane coming out of Bunbury we stop while Clive mounts my stallion and I mount his Percheron.  "We'll swap again at the bridge after Beeston."  "Right-ho!"  And he disappears into the distance with no sign of his former fatigue.  In the appointed pits he takes the Rocket and Ivan the carthorse.  Ivan manages to take his wheel as Clive burns rubber.  As we reach the ICF they are waiting, "I've told Ivan not to wrap it: I'll take it as it is."
Then it's a drink and reflection over a pleasantly spent day going round in circles.  47 miles from the Ice Cream Farm.  But I still have to suck the Rocket's wheel, with Dave taking mine, as we hang on for dear life back to Chester.  Total distance 69 miles at 13.1 mph average.
RH

4th February 2010: Delamere

Another grey, overcast winter's day, with rain forecast.  Why am I here at The Roodee, I ask, when I could have stayed another month in sunny Australia?  Clive and I set off for Delamere, via the new extension to the Millennium Cycle track and Manley.  The cafe at Delamere Station was surprisingly busy, considering the rather uninviting day.  The portions served were HUGE, which probably explained why it was so popular.
After lunch, we headed south past Roses Tea Rooms & then through the lanes to join the canal path at Waverton and on to Chester.  A pleasant 38 miles, despite the greyness.  Roll on summer.
BMac

28th January 2010: No Mans Heath

With a dry day initially in prospect, although accompanied by a stiff NW cold wind, Brian, Dave, Dave and Liz (on their tandem), and myself set out from Holt down the Shocklach Road towards Threapwood.  The sun started shining for once!  A quick left and right on the Malpas to Bangor road took us through Threapwood, Sarn and Tallarn Green.  The plan was to head NE toward High Wych and make for the Wheatsheaf at No Man’s Heath.  This was the lunch stop a week earlier and once the group knew that a bangers and mash lunch was in prospect, there was no stopping them.  After a minor diversion to Lane End Farm: to see the farmyard and pond (I am sure there was not a  “No Through Road” sign!) we took in a short stretch of the Whitchurch/Wrexham A525 before swinging left along lanes to High Wych.  The name should have been a giveaway and the climb out and up onto the Whitchurch Malpas B road kept us warm.  Ignoring the Road Closed signs we went in and out of Malpas to No Mans Heath, via a series of further hills and valleys, until the Wheatsheaf came into view, just as the weather threatened rain.  After a full house of bangers and mash and with slight rain in the air, the return journey was back towards Malpas as far as Ebnal Lane then to Tilston.  Brian and Dave peeled off down Wetreins Lane back to their cars at Farndon whilst Dave and Liz and myself headed for Chester via Barton, Coddington and Churton.  A 26 mile loop from Farndon plus the 28 mile Farndon to Mollington loop made a worthwhile 56 miles and no rain!
CA

21st January 2010: No Mans Heath

After a pretty frigid 4 weeks or so, 5 hardy souls, Mike, Dave, Clive, Ivan and Jim met at a rather chilly Rose Farm to discuss tactics. We thought of Brian and Bryan, struggling with sunburn and mosquitoes, but this was our first day out since mid December. Having been caught out once before without maps there were enough maps to rival Waterstones.  However, we didn’t want to spend the day stopping at every corner so we chose a route that we were familiar with, broadly speaking, that is.
We set out for Tarporley, and then motored downhill past the Shady Oak to Beeston Castle. Then on to Peckforton where we turned east to Spurstow and crossed the A49. Bearing south away from Bunbury we reached Brindley and Faddiley without too much trouble. However, we were getting close to falling off the world at this point (well, the edge of sheet 117 anyway) so we took a westerly direction towards Chorley and Cholmondley. County have obviously been on a cost cutting mission round here as only every other junction was signed, but they couldn’t confuse us as it was getting close to lunchtime and Ivan’s feet were cold.
We crossed the A49 again and skirted the edge of Cholmondley Castle estate, then first left towards No Mans Heath. Lunch was taken at the Wheatsheaf where lime and soda came in towards the bottom end of Ray’s price range.
Duly fortified we had a short run up the A41 before turning north towards Bickerton Hill, where the farmer was making an excellent job of spraying thorns all over the roadway. By careful navigation we avoided picking up any unwanted passengers, or so we thought!  Keeping to the east of Tattenhall we passed the ice cream farm and reached the Junction for Huxley. Mike and Dave left us here, while we took the road through Greenlooms. It wasn’t long before Ivan reported a flat, but as we were nearly home we pumped it up and Ivan set off at speed. By the time Clive and myself had reached Waverton Ivan was at the side of the road with his bike upside down. A new tube was duly inserted and we set off again.
No mishaps this time and we got home still in good daylight. Distance from Guilden Sutton, just over 50 miles. Then as I set my bike up to be cleaned I noticed the flat tyre!!!
JD

7th January 2010: Ride Cancelled

Due to adverse weather conditions and icy roads today’s ride was cancelled.

1st January 2010: Carden Arms, Tilston

New Years Day and the temperature outside is minus 2º C. I decide to use the main roads to get to Christleton Pond and breathe a sigh of relief that the gritters have already been out. Two riders are already at the pond when I arrive and before long there are nine of us: not bad for such a cold day!
Today Chester Easy Riders are joining Chester CTC on a joint ride to the Carden Arms where the local CTC groups have one of their New Year Day meets. Martin leads off through Waverton in cold and dry conditions but by the time we are passing Greenlooms it has started to snow. This is a cross between snow and hail and I’m not alone in hoping that it won’t last for long.  My wishes are met, the snow stops and we continue on dry roads towards Tattenhall only to find that the snow has already settled here. Martin wisely decides to give Bolesworth and Brown Knowl a miss this year and chooses the direct route through Clutton and Lower Carden.

Photographs by Glennys Hammond

Riding on the newly fallen snow is a real pleasure but the compacted car tyre tracks are already icy and could be worse by the afternoon.  The group becomes spread out so we stop to regroup just before Clutton and those of us with slick tyres find spinning rear wheels make it difficult to get started again on the slight incline. Once moving again everything is fine and we make good progress passing several cars at the side of the road with spinning wheels.
We arrive at the Carden Arms safely, if a little cold, to find a good number of other groups already there. After queuing to order food there was time to greet and chat with colleagues from across the region. What a great way to start the New Year.

Unfortunately it was soon time to leave with the return journey made carefully on the lanes via Stretton, Barton, Coddington, Churton and Aldford. At Saighton the group split into two with some turning off towards Chester while the others headed back towards Christleton.
Distance from Chester and back a cold but enjoyable 33 miles.
BW

Follow this link for more photographs.

17th December 2009: Frankby

Extra layers were definitely called for today. It was cold enough first thing but the forecast was for a cold north-easterly in the afternoon taking the wind chill down below zero. Despite the forecast four of us met up for elevenses at Ness Botanic Gardens in surprisingly good humour. Over tea and teacakes we decided on a moderate ride with the aim of getting back to the Botanic Gardens no later than 3.00pm. Bryan suggested we ride up the centre of the Wirral returning down the Wirral Way to give us some protection from the wind in the afternoon.
With the route agreed, Bryan led off towards Neston before turning inland in Ness to take the lanes across the A540 heading for Raby. From here it was the well-established route through Thornton Hough and Brimstage to Storeton, however instead of taking the rough track to Landican, today we reached Irby via Barnston and Pensby. So far so good: the weather had turned out to be much better than forecast – cold but clear with good views across to the Dee Estuary from the high spots.
The last couple of miles to the Farmers Arms in Frankby were made in conditions suggesting that the weather might turn but we reached the pub all right. A good choice of ales and food from all day breakfast to the day’s special were available. Clive and Dave debated why the “special price” for two meals was 1p higher than the cost of two separate meals. Luckily they asked before ordering as the “special” included drinks!  Noting that the 2010 rides list was now on the blog conversation turned to the special rides.  A repeat of the Mersey Estuary ride was thought a good idea. Dave agreed to lead another ride in the Ribble Valley and Jim offered to lead one in the Peak District.
Leaving the pub we emerged to find that the weather was still being kind as we dropped down to Caldy and onto the Wirral Way.  From here it was a very pleasant ride back to Ness Botanic Gardens to finish off with afternoon tea and a mince pie before the final leg back home to Chester.
Distance from Chester and back an easy 48 miles.
BW

10th December 2009: Christmas Lunch Ride

With another year drawing to an end twelve of us met up at Bellis’ Garden Centre café for our Christmas Lunch ride to the Calveley Arms at Handley.  The weather-man was clearly being kind to us today. The recent wet weather was a thing of the past although there was ample evidence of it as we crossed the flooded River Dee over Farndon Bridge.  The forecast cold snap was yet to come as we gathered in unseasonably warm and perfect cycling conditions.
After relaxing over elevenses we set off at a leisurely pace heading south to Shocklach before turning for Tilston.  Lower Carden was the decision point: do we go east via Clutton and Chowley or west via Barton and Coddington?  The western route was chosen and we continued through the lanes to arrive at the Calveley Arms at 12.30pm.

Photograph by Bryan Wade

The festive menu looked good and offered plenty of choice.  Before long orders were being taken, with stilton and port rarebit followed by Bolesworth pheasant, being the most popular choice for starters and mains respectively.  Conversation flowed and then quiet descended as food was served.  Did I hear a discussion of the best winter tyres coming from the other end of the table?  Both courses were excellent but whom had space left for pudding?  Some did but some could only manage coffee; whatever the choice everyone agreed it had been a good meal.
Then by 15.00pm it was time to leave with some heading to Waverton and Chester, and others back to Bellis in Holt.  Another great day with Chester Easy Riders.
BW

3rd December 2009: Nantwich

Despite the rain hammering on the window at 6.30 in the morning, the forecast was for an improvement as the day wore on. I set off optimistically for Utkinton, but with no sign of the rain easing by 10.30 the four of us were in no great hurry to set off and we spent more time than perhaps was strictly necessary discussing the route. Ray came up with a great idea, ‘let’s go to the Red Cow in Nantwich’, so Ray, Jim, Ivan and Clive set, following a fairly direct route, past Oulton Park to Wettenhall, Reaseheath and into Nantwich.
We rode through the puddles waiting for the promised improvement. It came eventually: as soon as we arrived at the pub!
I can thoroughly recommend the Market Day special menu, and there was no time for salads on such a day. Well fortified we set off about an hour later through the park and heading out for Stoneley Green.
The rain had given way to a freezing cold head wind interspersed with short intense showers, some of them hail. This was not a day for the faint hearted and even Xmas shopping began to take on a rosy glow in the memory banks. However we slogged on up to Peckforton by which time my little legs were feeling decidedly knackered: they’re shorter than everyone else’s!! We parted just after the castle at Beeston, with Clive heading for Tarporley and his car at Utkinton. The rest of us then set off for Hargreave and Greenlooms. There was no let up from the wind but the hedges and bends gave us some protection as we steadily worked our way to the Crocky Trail and Waverton. The A51 was crossed just below the golf course and we arrived in Guilden Sutton just as the light was beginning to tail off. Ray and Ivan took Station Lane despite the ‘Road closed’ signs (at least they weren’t riding on the footpath) while I tackled the last hill up to a hot bath.
About 53 miles from Chester: very creditable in the circumstances.
JD

26th November 2009: Soughton

It was a beautiful but cold day with a stiff breeze blowing when without a map between us Liz D and myself decided to get up onto the hills behind Northop.  With Liz leading the route and with a steady ascent to 800ft, we arrived at the top near to the Blue Bell Inn.  With a partial descent via tiny lanes, a near miss with a Chelsea tractor for Liz, and large hunting party blocking the lane, we turned up through Soughton towards Mold and the Glas Frynn beckoned for a well deserved lunch. The return was fast and easier retracing our route to Northop then Ewloe and back to Hawarden.  I continued back downhill all the way back to Mollington to complete a very pleasant 34 mile ride.
For route map and/or GPX file download see:
CA

19th November 2009: Great Budworth

With a windy day’s cycling in prospect Dave and Clive met for elevenses at the Manley Mere Windsurfing Centre.  Dave had a route in mind and led off through Manley, Kingsley and Acton Bridge before crossing the Weaver Navigation heading for Antrobus and Arley via Arley House.  Lunch of liver and bacon was taken in Great Budworth with the return journey made via Comberbatch, Little Leigh, Norley and Delamere Forest.
Distance from Chester and back about 55 miles.
CA

12th November 2009: Maeshafn

Today we meet for elevenses at the Tudor House Café in Caergwrle.  The café is already busy serving breakfasts when I arrive but Brian Mac has secured one of the larger tables.  Within a few minutes there are five of us tucking into toasted teacakes and tea.  Bryan suggests that as we are in Caergwrle he has in mind a short but hilly ride that should get us back to Chester in daylight and avoid the heavy rain forecast for later in the day.  After considering the proposed route the idea is agreed and we leave the café just as Dave arrives bringing the numbers up to six.

Bryan leads off along the main road before taking the first left and we are immediately heading steeply uphill towards the top of Hope Mountain!  This is not only steep but also unrelenting and it seems to continue on and on with no end in sight.  But finally we are at the top taking a breather and admiring the views.  After a brief rest we set off down the other side taking a sharp left half way down to Llanfynydd where we cross the main road and head uphill again to the Stone Zoo for another brief stop.  Continuing west towards Graianrhyd we cross the main road and take a steeply descending lane down to the ford over the River Terrig.  While Brian Mac struggles across, the rest of use the adjacent footbridge.  Then its more uphill work until in Graianrhyd we head north up yet another single chevron climb towards Eryrys.  Finally with the worst of the climbing behind us we can enjoy the fast descent down to the Maeshafn turn-off on a delightfully smooth newly tarmaced road. The Miners Arms is reached just as it starts to rain!

We settled down inside with pints of Facer’s Landslide to accompany the spread of food while discussing – no, not wheels, spd’s or gear ratios - but parsnips, beetroot and the advantages of raised-bed cultivation!  By 2.00pm its time to leave and we emerge to find it still raining.  The short route back to Caergwrle is chosen and we are soon heading down the back lanes to Nercwys and Leeswood where we stop briefly to admire the gates before pressing on to Pontybodkin, over the shoulder of Hope Mountain and onto the main road.  Here the group breaks up, some heading back to Caergwrle, others to Hope while I head back to Chester through the Kinnertons to arrive back just minutes before the heavens open.

It’s a while since we did so many hills but despite the hard work I have to admit that I really love this area.

Distance from Chester and back 42 hilly miles.

   

BW

5th November 2009: Aston

With light rain descending and showers forecast for the rest of the day I wasn’t expecting to see many members at the Ice Cream Farm so it came as a pleasant surprise to find a turnout of seven including Clive and Ivan joining us for a second time.  Jim reported that Dave had been advised to keep his hand dry following last week’s injury and so wouldn’t be joining us.  Where shall we go?  With no strong views expressed today, the choice was whittled down first by general direction: south or east?  East was chosen and we studied the map.  The Dusty Miller at Wrenbury?  What about the Bhurtpore in Aston?  The Bhurtpore with its promise of a good selection of real ale was chosen and we were soon on the road with Bryan leading off towards Beeston.  Mike suggested a gratuitous extra triangular mile for interest before Ray took the lead through Beeston, Peckforton and some new lanes to Brindley.  Then with a right after the canal we tuned south through Ravensmoor to Sound.  Although less than a mile from Aston it was still quite early so we headed on towards Audlem to pull in an extra loop arriving back in Aston from the south.

The Bhurtpore’s selection of ales more than met our expectations and we were soon sampling the many ales on offer whilst noting the even larger range promised for the coming week.  Unfortunately it was soon time to leave and we headed back through Wrenbury, Cholmondeley and Harthill to arrive back at the Ice Cream Farm by 3.30pm just as the rain returned.  With time in hand, and hoping the rain would pass, we were able to relax over coffee and cake before setting out on the final leg back to Chester in the continuing rain.  We arrived back just as darkness crept in having completed another glorious day in the Cheshire countryside.

Distance from Chester and back 60 miles.  

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29th October 2009: Northop

The clocks went back an hour last Sunday so we will have an hour less daylight from now on; however its still early Autumn so it shouldn’t be a problem today.  We are due to meet at the Little Roodee Café but when I arrive I note a small group of riders are huddled together outside.  Sure enough the café is closed, although Dave is convinced there is someone inside and hammers on the window.  No luck there though and as the numbers grow we decide to head down to the Blue Moon Café leaving Mike to redirect any late arrivals. 

Eight of us today including Ivan Davenport joining us for the first time after seeing our blog on the web earlier this morning!  I suggest a ride to Northop for lunch returning through the lanes above Mold, Pontybodkin and the Kinnertons.  That should allow us an early lunch and plenty of time in the afternoon.  With full agreement we set off a little behind schedule, due to the change of venue, and are soon heading along the River Dee Cycle Path towards Hawarden Bridge deep in conversation.  Graham T leaves us in Shotton to visit Deeside Cycles while the rest of us continue on the coast road.  Ray and Ivan are out in front as we head up the steep lane from the power station to the B5126 and we don’t see them again until we reach the Boot in Northop for lunch.  A wedding party are being served when we arrive but the Directors bitter makes up for the longer than normal wait for food.  Wheels, rims and wheel building are the main topic today along with Mike’s exploits checking out venues for our Christmas lunch ride.  (If you intend to come for the Christmas lunch let Bryan know ASAP)

With the delayed lunch it’s almost 14.00 by the time we leave Northop for Soughton by the back lanes before skirting Mold to head uphill to Gwernaffield-y-Waun.  From here the plan is to contour round above Mold to Nercwys and on to Treuddyn but fate intervenes and Dave makes contact with an immoveable object in the shape of a parked car while the rest of us continue to the next turning unaware of his prang.  There’s only six of us I note turning into the lane by the Swan “who’s missing?”  Retracing our steps we soon discover Dave at the side of the road with a badly gashed finger, grazed knees and hurt pride.  Once first aid has been applied an inspection of the bike reveals that both wheels are buckled: the rear rather badly.  Mission Control is called to facilitate evacuation and leaving Dave and Jim at the Swan, five of us continue to Treuddyn and a fast descent down to Pontybodkin.  A right and sharp left then has us struggling up the sharp initial part of the climb over the shoulder of Hope Mountain before a shout from the back indicates that Mike has a puncture.  While Mike and Ray work on the puncture Brian Mac decides to press on to Hope to get his hourly train back home.  Once the puncture is mended it’s downhill all the way past Hope and the Kinnertons down Sandy Lane, before making for Ferry Lane and the Dee Cycle Path home.

What a ride!  We had our fair share of incidents today but it all ended well.  The lanes above Mold were a real delight along with a fair sprinkling of hills to keep us on our toes.

Distance from Chester and back 40 miles. 

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22nd October 2009: Malpas

Today saw the arrival of Clive on his maiden voyage with CER. Welcome.  The cold weather and 25 mph wind also sorted the men from the boys......... wearing shorts.  The earlier 15 minute start saw us easily away by 11.00am: a big improvement.

With no Bryan or Ray to lead us down tracks that no one else knew, we decided to stick to well known "B" roads & head out to Malpas via Bangor on Dee.  The attraction of quiet, little lanes soon got the better of Graham who had us ducking and diving down roads not on my map, as though we were trying to shake off a surveillance team behind us.

The Old Fire Station, Malpas was our lunch stop again, where two of us had that new culinary delight of cheese and spaghetti, on a bad of toast:  delicious.  It could have been the Ritz.  With no high milers out today, we arrived back early at Bellis, then on to Chester to take the rest of the afternoon off to shop at The Bike Factory. 

An easy 45 miles from Chester and back, and Clive was still smiling and talking at the end, so it can’t have been that bad for him.

BMac

15th October 2009: Lower Peover

We meet at Rose Farm Garden Centre café in Utkinton this morning.  That’s just over an hour’s ride, and its mid-October, so I dress warmly only to discover on the way out that it’s exceptionally mild today.  Arriving hot I settle down with the map to plan a route.  Since I need to be back by 17.00pm, it can’t be too long and I settle on Lower Peover via Whitegate and Davenham.  This is a lovely route marred only by the rough stretch just after the Weaver.  Jim arrives and Dave interrupts his packing to telephone and wish us well.  With most of the others away it looks as though there will only be two of us today; but then Ray arrives to make it three.  Now Ray doesn’t do tracks so I promise that we will walk the rough bit.

By just after 11.00 we are ready to leave and head off through Cotebrook to Whitegate with the wind behind us.  Walking up the rough stretch under the railway a mountain biker, coming the other way, gives us a disdainful look as if to say “what: can’t get up here without pushing?”  We are soon back in the saddle and admiring the impressive church in Davenham before following the lanes to Lach Dennis and Lower Peover.  It’s only 12.30 when we arrive at the Bells of Peover pub for lunch: a good choice of cask ale, unlike the previous time I visited, and waitress service.  We even got an extra portion of chips on the house!  The prices weren’t too bad either with Ray’s lime and soda at a respectable 95p.

It was soon time to leave so after reaching broad agreement on the route back we paid a brief visit to the timber church of St. Oswald before crossing the church yard to the lanes on the other side.  From here we headed south to Goostrey, Holmes Chapel and Middlewich before passing the interesting brick church of St. Bartholomew in Church Minshull.  Conscious of the need to get back by 17.00pm, and with the wind against us, we now took the direct route home through Bunbury, Beeston, Huxley and Christleton to arrive in Chester about 16.45pm.

Another great ride with the distance from Chester and back nudging 70 miles.

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11th October 2009: Ribble Valley

Sunday morning at 8.45am by the Hoole roundabout and a group of people are loading bicycles into a large white van.  Is this the result of nefarious night-time activities?  Are the bicycles destined for the black market?  But no: this marks the start of two firsts for Chester Easy Riders, our first away ride and our first Sunday ride.  And what a start: 14 members and guest riders registered, with 12 at the meet in Hoole.

Dave has been planning for today’s ride over the last month but even he has no control over the weather, so although we have been enjoying beautiful autumn weather over the last few weeks the journey up the motorway to the Ribble Valley is distinctly wet!  The ride start point is Whalley Abbey where Dave has arranged pre-ride refreshments at the café.  Here we meet up with Tony and Jonathan Small who have made their own way to the Abbey.  Then with everyone present its time for the off in light rain and with a heartfelt farewell from a local resident!
Dave leads us off at a steady pace past the impressive medieval church at Great Mitton heading for Hurst Green through the grounds of the impressive Stonyhurst College.  Here we stop to admire the architecture while Glennys records the moment.  Then looping back we re-cross the River Hodder and skirt around Longridge Fell before a comfort stop in Chipping.  This pretty village and its cyclist’s café deserve more attention than we have time for today: perhaps next year?  Turning northeast we head uphill until just before Wild Boar Park, Dave punctures. While a small group watch with encouraging remarks the puncture is fixed and we are off again.  Riding quietly along at the back of the group I am struck by the peace and tranquillity of the area: even the sheep and cattle seem more relaxed than those on the Cheshire plain.  It’s not hard to understand why Dave loves the area so much.  Then we leave the ridge for an exhilarating swooping descent down to Burholme Bridge.  By the time we make Dunsop Bridge it is 2.00pm so we stop at the café for a tea/coffee and cake.  While Dave rings ahead to warn our lunch venue that we are running late the rest of us take the opportunity to chat, and with seven guest riders joining us from groups across the C&NWCTC area there is much to talk about.  The ride to Waddington takes us through Whitewell with the river below us as we ride through the valley before turning uphill to Cow Ark past Browsholme Hall where, with only 10 minutes of riding before our eagerly awaited lunch stop, Jonathan punctures.  Eventually arriving at the busy Lower Buck pub in Waddington at 3.45pm we are given a warm welcome and are relieved to find that food is still being served.  It may be late but this is truly an inspired choice: an excellent range of cask ales from which I choose the Black Cat (its great to have the opportunity to try a good traditional mild) and a range of delicious home made meals to choose from.  One couldn’t wish for a better stop.

Photographs by Glennys Hammond

It’s after 5.00pm by the time we leave the pub so Dave wisely decides to shorten the route back to Whalley where we arrive just before 6.00pm with 40 miles completed and an appreciation of the rugged beauty and interest of the Ribble Valley and Forest of Bowland.  Many thanks Dave.  All your planning and hard work paid off, for this was a truly memorable ride.  A return trip next year?  Yes please: you can put me at the top of the list.

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8th October 2009: Malpas

Another dry day with sun forecast for the afternoon, promises a good cycling day, so armed with the local OS map its off to the Gallery Coffee Shop for elevenses.  Half way up the hill in to Hawarden my mobile rings: its Dave calling to say he won’t be riding today as he intends to do a final recce of his Ribble Valley ride.  Ray’s bike is outside when I arrive with Brian Mac close behind.  The usual tea and toasted teacakes are ordered and before long Jim arrives to complete the group of four.  Ray is nearing his target but still chasing the miles while the weather remains good.  His plan is to ride south to Rossett, then down to Bangor on Dee and through Oldcastle Heath to Malpas for lunch.  Returning to Hawarden from there should give us about 45 miles but Ray has it in mind to continue further east to Wrenbury before turning for home.

We agree to ride together to Malpas for lunch and then leave Ray to continue while the rest of us return to Hawarden.  Leaving Hawarden we head off through Bilberry Wood and are soon in the lanes enjoying the countryside and chatting away.  At Hoseley House I stop for a few moments, as I always do, to take in the view.  We’re not that high but the view across the Cheshire plain is stunning.  Then it’s catch-up with the others before skirting Wrexham Industrial Estate and through Bangor-on-Dee where Ray stops at the basket-making centre to advise the proprietress on the finer points of café food and pricing.  With luck Bangor-on-Dee will have its own cyclist café the next time we come through!  By now the sun is out and the last few miles through the lanes to Malpas seem to fly by.

Lunch is taken at the Fire Station Café where we discuss the forthcoming Ribble Valley ride (14 of us registered) and last week’s 80 miler to Barthomley.

After lunch three of us head back through Tilston and Holt where Brian heads off for the nearest station leaving Jim and I to continue through Higher Kinnerton and the long drag back up to Bilberry Wood and Hawarden.  A great day out.

Distance from Chester and back 60 miles.

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1st October 2009: Barthomley

After the recent spell of warm autumn weather the air had a distinctly chilly note this morning although the forecast was for bright and dry conditions.  Leaving early I took the opportunity to check out progress on the Millennium cycle path extension to Mickle Trafford, which appears to be almost complete except for the surfacing.  By the time we next ride from the Windsurfing Centre it should all be finished.

Jim, Ray and Dave soon joined me over tea and teacakes while we discussed today’s ride.  Ray suggested Barthomley for lunch and outlined his proposed route through Cotebrook, Rease Heath and Hatherton.   Then with everyone in agreement Ray led us off up the first of many hills, over the Yeld, past Summer Trees tea rooms and on to Cotebrook.  Once on flatter terrain we were soon bowling along at a decent pace with the wind behind us.  Conversation was animated but I do recall passing Venetian Marina and the agricultural college before tacking the Nantwich traffic.  I had been a little sceptical of the wisdom of using the stretch of the A529 down to Hatherton but the leaders choice was soon vindicated and before long we were back on the lanes to Wrinehill, and the final stretch to Barthomley for a late lunch with 40 miles done.

One couldn’t wish for a better lunch stop than the White Lion: full of character, popular with the locals and excellent food and ale.  Then with a delicious hot-pot inside and conscious of the passing time we were soon back in the saddle heading for Nantwich via Wybunbury to sample kwazulu tea at Inglenook Tea Shoppe.  Suitably impressed by the tea and proprietor Bob’s description of its origin, but with tiring legs and with pleas for a flat route we were soon heading back towards Manley Mere with the dying sun casting long shadows across the roads as we revelled in the early evening light.  Past Beeston, Kelsall, Ashton and we were back at the Windsurfing Centre and all that remained was the ride back to Chester in the gathering gloom.

Another fantastic day: thanks to Ray for the choice of route, lunch stop and afternoon tea.

Distance from Chester and back 78 miles.

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24th September 2009: Unknown

Ride details to be posted when received.

If you were on this ride please contact Bryan or supply a brief description for the blog.

17th September 2009: Whitchurch

As this was my first full day back with the group after two months absence I took it easy on the ride out to the Ice Cream Farm and revelled in the early autumn countryside.  Arriving early I settled down to tea and teacake before being joined by Dave H, Glennys, Ray and Brian.  Conversation turned to the Tour of Britain and the stage through the Forest of Bowland that we intended to cross on the 11^th October.  Dave reassured us that it wouldn’t be too strenuous once he had sorted out the route!  With that we turned to today’s ride and Ray’s plan for Market Drayton, but as this was my first day back something a little shorter was called for, so we settled on a joint ride to Wrenbury where those wanting the shorter option would turn off to Whitchurch while the rest carried on with Ray to Market Drayton.

Ray led us out at a relaxed pace passed Bolesworth Castle and up to Brown Knowl before dropping down to Bickerton and on to Cholmondely.  At Wrenbury we dashed across the canal bridge just before the bridge was raised for a passing narrow boat: this was in marked contrast to our previous visit when Brian’s canal experience was called upon by Dutch navigators.  A mile further on we stopped in Aston to regroup where, with Ray’s directions in mind, four of us headed off for Marbury and Whitchurch.

The White Bear in Whitchurch did us proud for lunch assisted in part by a pint of Cock a Hoop and animated conversation.  The return journey via Malpas, Tilston and Tattenhall was made in good time so that by 15.45 we were back at the Ice Cream Farm savouring a cream tea special.  Once relaxed Dave H had a proposal to put to us: with dark nights drawing in why don’t we meet half an hour earlier in the morning?  Aware that only a few members were present it was decided that a change of more than 15 minutes could not be justified.  It was therefore agreed that from the 1^st October the meet/start time would be brought forward by 15 minutes and the views of the other members would be sought before further changes were made.
Distance from Chester and back, an enjoyable 57 miles.

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