27th March 2014: Hanmer (mod)

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

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

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

JD

27th March 2014: Ellesmere (brisk)

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

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

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

CA

20th March 2014: Aston (mod)

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

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

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

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

35 miles, or about 60 from Chester.

JD

Mike Morley 1944 to 2014

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

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

Mike Morley, Swettenham ride May 2009

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

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

Thanks for everything Mike, we will certainly miss you.

Bryan Wade

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

13th March 2014: Gronant (brisk)

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

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

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

Photograph by Brian Mac

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

BMac

13th March 2014: Gwaenysgor (mod)

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

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

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

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

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

JD

6th March 2014: Churton (mod)

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

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

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

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

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

DH

6th March 2014: Wybunbury (brisk)

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

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

CA

27th February 2014: Llangollen

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

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

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

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

Photograph by Dave Pipe

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

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

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

DP

20th February 2014: Whitchurch

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

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

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

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

JD  

13th February 2014: Aston

After the wildest weather ever on Wednesday, it took real faith in the forecasters to get up for a bike ride on Thursday.  There was a good turnout in the circumstances: Martin returning from a cruise, Dave R, Steve, Andy, and usually last, but never least: Liz & Dave P.  In addition to the day's riders, Brian Mac turned up for a cuppa before leaving to see his father.  Aston was the target, and responsibility was amicably shared for leadership and route.  We headed east along the river from The Little Roodee, passing through Huntingdon, Saighton and the back road at Aldford.  Although Steve was thoughtfully keeping the tandem company, we slowed down too late and Dave & Liz had decided to take their own route at an easier pace.  From Churton we headed generally south-west toward No Man's Heath.  The weather was great and the back lanes pretty and quiet.  We encountered our first large fallen tree and clambered across whilst having a cheery chat with the householder whose garden it had landed in.

Photographs by Martin Donaldson

Our feet were worryingly close to the still-live power cable that had been dragged down in the fall!  Turning right at Wrenbury by the special bridge over the Llangollen Canal we encountered our first flooded road. A Range Rover slowed for some banter, but we were able to show him that one-wheel drive was perfectly adequate to negotiate this particular hazard.

The Bhurtpore Inn was candlelit, but had gas to cook our lunches.  Andy and Martin had interesting veg and herb-packed curries.  Steve had battered whale and chips, and having been served first had to suffer our unseemly, slavering interest in his meal.  Martin told us of the Asda Valentine's meal for two that he had bought but had largely eaten himself before the day. Very romantic, Martin!

Our return was largely into the wind, and the weather was not as bright, but we worked well as a unit and made effective progress.  We did ignore another "Road Closed" sign, and on passing a cut- up tree cleared to the roadside thought we'd got away with it.

A mile later we were stopped by a very large tree which we almost needed climbing gear to surmount.  Anyway, we managed it, some of us in a more ungainly fashion than we would have chosen.  From Chorley Bank we headed to the challenge of Harthill.  It may not be The Alps, but if you are old and 14st 6lbs it's hard work!  Hanging onto Dave's wheel aided progress past the Ice Cream farm with Dave and Steve heading in Kelsall direction at the crossroads.  Andy, Martin and myself continued to Gatesheath and Saighton where we ran into the expensive car school run around the college.  I was a little uneasy at these two-ton Tonka toys barreling around the small lanes.  One yummy mummy was texting with her phone in the middle of the steering wheel as she loomed towards us at a fair lick.  Martin was beginning to feel his month off the bike; three months riding across America should improve his fitness shortly.  Many thanks to Andy and Martin for their navigation.  After the last climbs into Boughton we parted ways at about 16:00. Roughly 55 miles in very convivial company. 

DH 

5th February 2014: The Plassey

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

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

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

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

JD

30th January 2014: Chelford

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

Photograph by Clive Albany

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

CA

23rd January 2014: Cilcain

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

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

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

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

16th January 2014: Bickerton

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

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

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

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

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

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

BMac

9th January 2014: Overton Bridge

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

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

Photograph by Brian MacDonald

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

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

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

BW

2nd January 2014: Bangor on Dee

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

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

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

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

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

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

TC

1st January 2014: Tilston

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

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

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

Photographs by Sue Booth

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

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

BW

19th December 2013: Calverhall

Having seen the day’s weather forecast for snow and rain over Llangollen way, I hastily cobbled together a replacement 45 miler from Hildegard’s café to the standby lunch venue of the Old Jack at Calverhall. The two Pauls, Brian, Stephen and myself would be the cabal today. The Donaldsons were only taking coffee with us and then off "house rental" hunting having just “bought” a new house (i.e. the plot thereof) in Parkgate. So off we go hoping it won’t rain today; and soon we see the rain clouds over the hills to the west as we ride Shocklach bound, turning off at The Purser to cut down to Threapwood. 

There is evidence of a lot of water in the fields and roads after the overnight downpours. We take the oddly named “The Ln” out towards Whitewell, and then on to Fenn Bank to locate the NC45. The lanes are muddier now, helped along by tractors coming off fields and the overnight deluge. At Prees, we climb out under the A49 and over the A41 and then the long lane to Calverhall village.

The pub’s is open and we are soon organising our own table under an enormous stag’s head. Disappointingly, my pint of Stonehouse bitter is truly “off” and is promptly replaced with Shropshire Gold. The luncheon fare comes promptly, and as ever, it is plentiful and of good quality. As we start to leave, the rain arrives and it feels colder. The return ride is straightforward i.e. through Whitchurch, Malpas and Tilston. However as we enter Whitchurch, Brian has a front wheel puncture on his new tyres (last week it was the rear wheel). It had to happen to one of us given the amount of hedge cutting we have seen today. Soon along the Malpas road, we take a left down to Higher Wych to get off the main drag to Malpas. Thankfully, the rest of the ride is uneventful, and the rain thankfully stops. We all take a hot drink at Hildegard’s and, around 16:00, go our separate ways home where I notice it is 3ºC! For me this is the last ride of 2013, and as ever the mix of good company and the Cheshire countryside is an unbeatable combination even in the dark and cold days of winter.

CA

12th December 2013: Winsford

For a murky mid-December day there were a surprising number of riders at Rose Farm. I had prepared a ride to the "Coach and Horses" at Bradfield Green, but a call the evening before found that the pub was closed for refurbishment. So a hastily re-hashed route was loaded up on my iPhone. The tandem two are just arriving as we are leaving but nevertheless plan to meet us in Winsford for lunch. We i.e. Ray, Petar, Stephen, Paul W, Brian, Dave H and Bryan set out on a northerly sweep to Delamere via the top lane at 500+ft past Summertrees. Then swooping down past the Yeld, we end up racing through Delamere to Hatchmere crossroads. Here Dave H and Bryan cut the corner to access the start of the Whitegates Way down at Waste Lane at Cuddington. We however turn left and right up Forest Lane for the downhill run to Crowton. Turning back towards Norley Bank, we take the tiny Sandhole lane to skirt around the steep climb up Norley Bank. The road surface deteriorates until we can ride no more due to a fallen tree preventing any circumnavigation. 

Photograph by Brian MacDonald

So back we go, and steadily grind up Norley Bank. Here it is just a matter of turning left and right around the diving lanes to access Waste Lane and the long flat run to the exit into Grange Lane and onwards to Wetherspoons. We have 21 of the 41 miles now completed. The Tandem Two arrive just after we have eaten and are making their own way back to Rose Farm. So after a very rapid repast, we all set off for Darnhall, but confusion soon sets in when a schools-worth of juniors are crossing the road with a police escort. Ray, Stephen and Petar having been caught up in it, don’t realise that all of us have turned right. A phone call later sets them on the correct course. Meanwhile Bryan and Dave H are making their way back to Rose Farm by the obvious direct route. At the Church Minshull turn just off the Winsford to Nantwich road, Ray, who is now by the "Boot and Slipper", calls to see where We Three are. After a long phone discussion, Petar and Stephen decide to call it a day and go the direct route back, whilst Ray continues on left to meet We Three. So We Four now take the B5074 south for lanes anew. Turning right into Aston-juxta-Mondrum, we head for Barbridge along nice straight and dry new lanes. Here we motor north up the A51 turning off on the back lanes of Calveley bound for Eaton. We grind up the last hill to walk across the A49 and back to Rose Farm. We arrive back at 15:20 with 42 miles ridden, despite several delays due to phone calls and two re-inflations of Brian’s rear tyre! Paul heads for his car, as We Three ride back towards Chester. Brian peels off towards Duddon, and Ray and I head for home. It’s just 16:15 as I get home with 70 miles to bank, and surprisingly no rain in evidence.

CA

5th December 2013: Christmas Lunch ride to Parkgate

The CER annual ride to the Christmas lunch was due to start from The Gallery at Hawarden, but the predicted 65mph winds put paid to that for many members.  I was due to lead the ride today but as the winds down at Parkgate were gusting to 45mph, I thought better of it & went back to bed.  A number of riders set off from home, were blown back/over/sideways by the gusts and returned from where they came.  But the high wind and rain did not stop our two hardiest riders, Ray & Mike G from braving the elements to arrive at The Boat House, Parkgate from Hawarden looking rather bedraggled after only 12 miles: nor indeed Dave H and Roy cycling direct from Chester. All four deserve a medal.

Photographs by Clive Albany and Bryan Wade

Paul W, Trevor, Steve, Roy, Ray, Mike M, Mike G, Martin, Liz P, Liz D, Jim, Dave M, Dave P, Dave H, Clive, Bryan and I met in the bar for pre-prandial drinks followed by an excellent Christmas lunch.  We also had the very, very unusual spectacle of the highest tide for some decades right outside our window; this drew visitors in to watch the residents of the marsh being eaten by the flying predators outside. You can see evidence of the storm’s devastation on Wirral coastal places that we often ride past.

Thank you all for making the job of organising the lunch so painless, by paying your deposits and choosing your menu promptly.

BMac

28th November 2013: Great Budworth

Steve Tan accompanied me by car from Runcorn. It was a mild, calm morning at Manley Mere. We were soon gathered around with Wirral Paul, Ray, Brian Mac, Steve H, Jim, Dave M, Roy and welcome warm drinks. Dave and Liz then joined us with their tandem: eleven in all.

As usual the climb up Sugar Lane had some of us breathing too hard, too early. Dutton Locks were reached via New Pale and Waterloo, down pretty Dark Lane to Kingsley and out again on Roddy Lane, taking Crewood Common Road to the path along The Weaver. At Dutton Locks I rang The George and Dragon to confirm my provisional 12:30 booking and finalise numbers for lunch. As I put my phone away Dave discovered that his tandem front tyre was soft. It was an obscure puncture, so despite Dave’s usual efficiency it was another half hour before we were winding up Friar’s Rough from The Trent and Mersey Canal, before crossing the A533 on Ash Tree Lane.  The ride so far had been slow, with the hilly initial stage followed by a river path and a puncture. Plan B was called for now, my original meandering intentions were switched to a brisk, direct push for Comberbach and lunch at Great Budworth. We were only a little late.

Photograph by Brian MacDonald

Lunch was generally enjoyed with good company and friendly service in lovely surroundings. However, some of us weren’t impressed by our pig, fat and apple slurry baguettes. 

Our return was through Budworth Heath and Antrobus. On crossing the A559 we wandered south down small scenic lanes: Well Lane, Scotch Hall Lane, Barrow Lane and Hall Lane. Eventually, we reached the Weaver through Little Leigh. After climbing steeply to Acton Bridge we turned off through the attractive hamlet of Onston, and then to the Delamere switchback via Norley. The usual sting in the tail was the climb past The Goshawk, before sweeping swiftly down Manley Road. We had safely beaten the dusk with 36.6 miles completed. Short and sweet. 

DH

21st November 2013: Maeshafn

Clive, Dave & Liz P, Liz & Martin D, Ray, Steve and 3rd week-in-a-row Paul all met at Alyn Waters Country Park café.  I also went to Alyn Waters C P for the first time, only to discover no café; there are two parks on opposite sides of the valley and I was in the other one.  Ah well, they wouldn’t go without me as I had said that I would lead a ride.  Having found a useful 1:100,000 road map that shows every white road & chevron, I thought I would lead on what turned out to be a bright, sunny winter’s day.  I again re-cycled one of Bryan’s rides from two years ago, only this time going in the opposite direction.  

Using the clock-face analogy for the route, we went anti-clockwise from 5 o’clock, through Llay, Ffrith & Nercwys, round to 2 o’clock at Gwernyminydd; here we cycled The 2013 Tour of Britain, stage 4; well, all 200 metres uphill, as the photo shows. 

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

Here Dave & Liz took a short cut to the pub, while we continued past 12 noon (literally & metaphorically) to the ford at Gwernaffield.  The current here was too strong to cycle through this time, but the ford did afford a photo stop.

Continuing backwards round the clock, we stopped at “10:00” at The Miners Arms, in the old lead village of Maeshafn, where once again we had excellent beer & food.  Suitably refreshed, we headed south down a very steep winding hill into Llanarmon at “08:00”, past Four Crosses and then to Bwlchgwyn at “18:00”.  The village name translates to English as “white hill”, as snow falls first and last hereabouts; at 1,090ft, it’s reputedly the highest village in Wales, along with Torfaen.  

Continuing down the Steps, we finished back at Alyn, having completed a total of 3,171ft climbing and a very enjoyable 32 miles.

BMac

14th November 2013: Winterley Pool (brisk)

Riding out to the Ice Cream Farm (ICF) I joined up with our leader along Red Lane and we continued together to our venue.  There were already a few riders having tea and coffee.  I had looked at a ride to Winterley Pool and a new pub stop for lunch with a 52 mile round trip.  After consideration of the alternative route (see mod ride below) I decided I would continue with my ride.

Christleton Dave and Wirral Paul joined me and we set off heading from the ICF towards Bunbury with dark skies looming but a tail wind giving us a good pace.  Passing St Boniface Church and the war memorial, which was decorated with poppies and wreaths, the sun was now providing a welcome warmth.

We crossed the A51 and turned left onto Hilbre Bank Lane then a left onto Alpraham Green. 

With the wind assistance the three of us were enjoying a really good pace and were soon passing through Minshall Vernon village crossing over the pretty bridge over the Shropshire canal.

Turning right at the end of Cross Lane we were heading towards Crewe and Leighton Hospital.  Then skirting Crewe via Bradfield Road and Remer St. we got back into the country lanes of Maw Green.

The trio arrived at Winterley in blue skies to enjoy a view of the lake and feeding swans and geese.  It was only 12:05 and I was not sure if the Foresters Arms was open yet!! 

The question was asked shall we continue or have an early lunch, fortunately the verdict was lunch and the pub was open for business.  They offered a OAP 2 Course dinner for £6.00 and a very good selection of north and south ales so good choice. Mine host was very pleasant and our lunch arrived and before long we were ready to start our return trip.

Dave set off at a pre lunch pace leaving Paul and I getting on our bikes.  When he arrived at Wheelock and we were not behind him he sped back to us waiting to turn left near the pub into Elton Lane.  We were now into a head wind that slowed the pace somewhat but after a spotted dick pudding I was glad of the slower pace.

We carried on passing all the flashes around Elworth and Warmingham along Forge Mill Lane and Chapel Lane where we were flagged down by a damsel on her bike looking for company back towards Crewe. As soon as we advised we were headed for Chester she got back on the saddle bidding us farewell.

We then had a short ride along the A530 or Middlewich Road and one I was keen to get off.

Turning right along Brookhouse Lane we headed towards Minshall Vernon where we turned right heading towards Darnhall and the hill.

Continuing on and heading for Wettenhall we took Hickhurst Lane and on route to Tarporley.

At Tarporley we decided to continue on to the ICF instead of stopping for afternoon tea here and took the usual route back to Brassey where Dave continued on to Christleton and Paul and I to the Ice Cream Farm.

Arrived at 15:00 and with no other bikes evident we said farewell and I carried on back to Chester.

I covered 67 miles and the route covered by the group a very enjoyable 52 miles in reasonable autumn weather.

ID

14th November 2013: Grindley Brook (mod)

Following a damp, gusty ride to the Ice Cream Farm the four of us, Bryan, Dave H, Clive and Jim, were not very enthused by Ivan’s suggestion of a speedy 52 mile thrash to the environs of the Potteries, preferring instead a more sedate trot of about 35 miles to Grindley Brook, just north of Whitchurch.
I had chosen a route sweeping to the west of Malpas, through the Wyches to the Horse and Jockey on the A41 at Grindley Brook.  With strong winds forecast for the afternoon, I had planned a shorter ride for the return north through Cholmondely and Brown Knowl: only about 15 miles but far enough in a strong head wind.
As things transpired, the morning threw a few heavyish showers at us but we arrived at the pub reasonably dry. The wind did pick up after lunch but for the most part we were well protected by the hedges.
We returned to the ICF just after 15:00, where Bryan opted for a short re-fuelling stop. Clive, Dave and Jim kept going and just about got back to base before it went dark.
A heartening 55 miles - good going for a cold wet windy day that just shows it's generally worth making the effort.

JD

7th November 2013: Overton

With the promise of a fine day ahead I decided on a 13 mile loop via the Greenway and back along the river cycle path to the Little Roodee to warm the legs up.  Upon arrival new rider Paul White was already there and keen for the day ahead. Thirteen riders assembled at the café: Bryan, Clive, Ray, Roy, Stephen, Dave H, Trevor, George, Ivan, new rider Paul W, Dave M, Dave R and myself. I put forward a ride to Overton and the White Lion pub, which was accepted by Bryan, and was happy for me to lead my first ride. Dave M and Dave R were only out for coffee.
So eleven of us set off over the Old Dee Bridge via Handbridge for Eccleston, we pick up the old Wrexham road bound for Marford hill and left past Gresford flash and across the foot bridge and down into Wrexham. We then make our way along Cefn Road to Bedwll Road left at Cross Lanes heading for Bangor-on-Dee, where we stop on the cobble bridge for Bryan to wipe his nose [sorry Bryan] we take the Overton Road out of Bangor onto Cloy Lane and into Overton for about 12:30pm, food was promptly served from the two for £9.95 menu.

Photograph by Paul Rose

We set back out at 13:45 returning down Cloy Lane but keep on this road for Hollybush and Theapwood out onto the B5069 and left through the lanes to Tilston left at the Carden Arms left again along Wetreins Lane and into Holt for afternoon coffee at Hildegard’s. Ivan, Stephen, Trevor, and George head back to Chester via Aldford the rest head back along the Rossett Road to Pulford onto Dodleston turning right along Lache Lane and back to the Little Roodee café completing the 49 miles or closer to 60 miles for those cycling home.  Yet again another great Easy Riders day with good company and friends.

PR

31st October 2013: Ellesmere

Seven of us assembled at Hildegard’s with the prospect of indifferent weather ahead. Both Trevor and Brian Mac had only come for the café, leaving Ray, Andy, Petar, Tish and Steve for the day. Tish is new: she joined last Thursday’s group for part of the ride and obviously liked what she found, for today she was back for a full ride.  Andy suggested Ellesmere as our destination, and so everyone else nominated him as our leader for the day.

We had a delightful journey out with reasonable weather and a modest headwind, passing through Shochlach, Worthenbury, Holly Bush and Duddleston, to approach Ellesmere unusually from the NW. This is where things started to go wrong.  First the weather changed, with an initial shower turning to heavy rain, then Petar was nearly wiped out by a lorry, and then Steve got separated from the group by traffic.  Eventually we reassembled in the warming atmosphere of the Red Lion, where sustained by the over-60s menu, we refreshed ourselves and dried off. 

Photograph by Stephen Haywood

When we emerged from the pub, the rain had stopped and we plotted a return via Penley and Threapwood, before rejoining our outward route for the final few miles. Andy warned us of a few steep hills on the return, but a fine afternoon and an encouraging tailwind helped us on our way.  We paused at Sarn Bridge, near Threapwood, for our photo and noticed the Queen Head Hotel as a possible future pub stop, until we saw it was closed.

A relatively short 35 miles in total brought us back into Holt for a final stop at Hildegard’s by 3pm, in plenty of time before an early dusk following the clocks changing at the weekend. Tish and Petar drove back and the rest of us cycled back towards Chester.

SH

24th October 2013: Whitchurch

A couple of thank you: first to all those who gave me their £5 Xmas Lunch deposit, bringing the total number of diners to eighteen.  Secondly to Jim who led today’s ride back in March, but in the opposite direction.  As the pub then was such an excellent choice, it just had to be revisited: more of that later.  I simply copied most of his route onto a very high-tech page from a 3”: 1 mile road atlas. 

It was good to see both Mike M & Dave M at the cafe, even if it was only for coffee.  A new rider from Utkinton “Tish” also joined us for the first 10 miles to Malpas, where she had to turn off; after having read the CER Blogs over recent weeks, she decided to give us a try.  Hopefully we’ll see her again.

George (finally recovered from his SECOND End2End ride), Lizzie, Paul, Ray, Roy, Dave R, Steve and I set off on what promised to be a warm & sunny autumnal day in an anti-clockwise direction through Clutton, Malpas and The two Wyches.  These two villages are said to be named after medieval “wych-elms”, while their larger Roman neighbour “Whitchurch” had a white stone church.  Lunch at The Black Bear, Church Street (01948 663800) opposite the big parish church, again lived up to expectations. On the plus side, drinks and food were both served quickly but a minus point was given to the all-time rip-off £3 for a lime and soda.  £3 was much better spent on a pint of Shroppie Gold, which really was the VERY best pint all year.

Photograph by Brian MacDonald

Shortly after re-starting, we passed the town cemetery that displayed a plaque for “The Commonwealth War Graves Commission”.  I thought that these peaceful places only existed where battles had raged, but here were buried WWll airmen who had died at a Polish hospital to the west of the town.  Continuing NE through Wrenbury, we paused & posed for a photo-stop in front of an unusual mill at Acton.  After 16 miles we adjourned for afternoon tea & cake for the princely sum of 80p at the Metropolitan Knitting Centre Café at Aston-juxta-Mondrum.  Continuing NW through Wettenhall and Eaton, we dropped Lizzie back at Utkinton after 46 miles, George and I stopped at Duddon, while the rest continued to Chester.  All in all, the usual high standard CER day, with sun, gentle wind, good company, fine food and excellent beer.  What more could you ask for?

BM

17th October 2013: Handley

Well, here I am writing my first ever blog report, which means I have finally led my first ride. (About time really since I have been cycling with the group for over 3 years.)  I’m still not sure how it came about, though, because when I left home for the Gallery Coffee Shop in Hawarden I had only intended to cycle up to the venue to pay my fiver deposit for the Christmas Lunch ride then wend my way gradually back home through the Cheshire countryside. As I arrived Jim was locking his bike to the railings and said that he only fancied an easy ride and since we live in the same village we decided that we would plot a route home and leave the rest to head off into the hills.

We went in to find Clive, Martin, Bryan, Brian Mac, and Colin already there. Brian Mac was the first to say hello followed quickly by ‘get your wallet out’ and he had soon parted us from our £5 deposits. Jim and I set about plotting our route home and it soon became apparent that several others fancied an easier/shorter ride and suddenly I found myself nominated as the leader. We just had to decide on a suitable lunch stop and the Calveley Arms at Handley was decided upon. Dave P and Liz had arrived on their tandem by this time and just before we were about to leave Dave M turned up but said he wasn’t riding with us and was going to ride straight home. As we climbed onto our bikes Bryan Mac suddenly announced that he had a hospital appointment and promptly rode off in the opposite direction along with our Christmas lunch deposits. (Did anyone get a receipt?). 

The remaining eight of us set off down the Wrexham Road before turning left onto the small road that would take us up the back of Bilberry Wood to the footbridge across the A55. It is quite steep in places and a long gradual climb but I knew that once we reached the top we would have finished climbing for the day (except for the riders returning to Hawarden). After crossing the A55 we turned right then left into Chester Road and continued into Lower Mountain Road by-passing the village of Pen-y-Mynydd. Then a left and right into Sandy Lane and Dave P announced that we were about to pass ‘Jimi Hendrix’. Sure enough in the garden to our right was an old tree trunk that had been carved into the shape of a rock guitarist. No one knows who it is supposed to be but Dave had christened it Jimi Hendrix and I must admit there was a certain resemblance.

From there we turned into Shordley Road and dropped down Cobblers Lane into Burton passing under the A483 and over the railway to emerge in Rossett. At this point several riders expected me to turn right and head up Marford Hill towards Hoseley Bank. I had always turned left here and so I had to assert my authority as leader and we turned left before bearing right towards the Holt road. A quick right again took us down a quiet country lane to emerge onto the Holt Road near the Griffin Inn. I had thought of this as a suitable lunchtime stop but we were far too early. Maybe that’s for another day when we start our ride from the Little Roodee. Another unexpected turn then, when I led them off the Holt road to the right. Someone pointed out that we were now heading away from Holt. Well, yes, slightly but we were heading towards Hoseley Bank which is where they had wanted to go ten minutes before.

At the T-junction on Hoseley Lane Martin turned right to head home and the rest of us turned left. It was then that disaster struck. I had turned round in my saddle to say goodbye to Martin and as a result I think I was in too high a gear for the incline. I tried to change down but in doing so my chain broke. Closer inspection showed that the powerlink had broken. A fairly easy thing to replace - except that I didn’t have one. Up steps Jim to the rescue. He has one for an 8-speed bike. Mine is a 9-speed but the consensus is that it should work and at least get me home. However after placing one half of it in one end of the chain I manage to drop the other half where it disappeared into the fallen leaves. Another disaster! So now I have a power link made up of half 9-speed and half 8-speed but at least we are moving again.

We turned left back towards Holt through Commonwood and arrived in the village close to Hildegard’s. We couldn’t pass Hildegard’s without going in and time was getting on. We solved that dilemma by turning just before the café and took the back road down to the bridge to cross the River Dee into England. We turned left towards Churton then right to Coddington and left again towards Handley. Final we arrived in Handley – a delightful village spoilt only by the fact that Scottish Power seemed to have most of it dug up.

At the Calveley Arms we found that we were behind a large party and had to wait half an hour for our food but the conversation flowed and the time passed quickly. Three of the group had cars parked back at Hawarden so rather than have to cycle through the middle of Chester Dave, Liz & Colin decided to retrace our route back to the start. The four of us remaining made our way back towards Chester via Tattenhall and Waverton. Bryan and Clive peeled off at Christleton and Jim and I made our own way home. A pleasant slow-paced ride on a pleasant sunny autumn day yet we still managed a round trip of 43 miles. 

TC

10th October 2013: Shrewsbury

The weather was perfect; bright skies, lots of sunshine and a northerly headwind - an autumn day to relish riding down, for most riders, new country lanes - what's not to like about this ride! So a cyclist's dozen of bikes with 12 riders (Liz, Martin, Liz & Dave, Petar, Steve, Dave M, Bryan, Brian, Ray, Andy and I) congregated at the Sleap Airfield café overlooking runway 05-23. Bacon sandwiches and coffee set us up for a 47 miler calling at Shrewsbury for lunch at the Coach and Horses on Swan Hill. 

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

There were so many small villages and hamlets on this ride that I have chosen not to name them all including the blogger's eponymously named village that we cycled through, but the photo tells all. On an easterly loop out, I manage not to disappoint the group in finding a tiny lane to Stanton upon Hine Heath; it was metalled once about 25 years ago! The countryside is open and rolling with high-hedged lanes protecting us from the wind. Turning south to Ellerdine Heath, I deviate from the planned route to ensure we end up in Shrewsbury on time. We wiggle our way to Upton Magna and here, at the confluence of NCR 81 and 45, we take the 81 right into the town centre. My bike nav is playing up, but luckily Andy has been this way before so at Uffington he correctly accesses the former railway line towards the banks of the River Severn. We cycle right on along the river bank for nearly a mile exiting right by Swan Hill. 

Thanks to Clive for this one

The Coach and Horses pub was chosen on the advice of Brian's mate, who is a Shrewsbury pub aficionado. He wasn't wrong; a group table was laid up for us whilst we park our bikes behind an office block. There is a good choice of ale and food, and soon seated, the food arrives promptly. Back down Swan Hill, we continue a leisurely cycle along the river bank before walking across the bridge to begin our Shrewsbury exit route. There next follows quite a lot of thankfully quiet main road, although it is still the NCR81. At Montfort Bridge, we get back onto country roads bound for Baschurch. From here, the looping lane to Myddle sets us up for returning to Sleap café. The chocolate cake is demolished and Christmas Lunch deposits expertly extracted by Brian. A perfect ride to finish off the "summer" season.

CA

3rd October 2013: Delamere

The weather forecast was dreadful, and the thought of being drenched in the hills above Chirk did not appeal. So given that there was a fine weather window locally, a modified Roodee ride was cobbled together this morning at 07:30. The idea was to meet at the Roodee but cycle out to the end of the Greenway to sample the new café at Meadow Lea Farm before then riding in a loop not too far from home, just in case the deluge came earlier than expected. The café is in a brand new building and the fare was good - perhaps an alternative start point for Roodee or Manley rides? So Dave H, Dave R, Steve, Ivan, Andy and I set off bound for Delamere station café for lunch. Liz and Martin were back from their high altitude training in Bolivia and Peru, but were only out for coffee today. 

It was not an obvious route out in that we went north to Cheshire Oaks Cycles then down the aptly named Oil Sites Road to Ince and Elton. "Are we going over the marshes" - "No, we're going to Manley!" So over the motorway we go, then up onto the Avanley Road past Manley School and onto to the Delamere forest road. At the junction at Hatchmere, I turn left to cries of "the cafe is the other way". All in good time! We now ride down two idyllic lanes (except for White Van Man!) towards Crowton, then back round the loop through Norley to Hatchmere again and, this time, turn left to the Delamere Station cafe arriving around 13:00 with 25 miles completed. 

Anxious not to push our weather luck, we leave before 14:00 bound for Kelsall via Eddisbury Hill. In Kelsall, Steve drops off to go home, while I notice that Dave H is missing. Apparently, he wanted to make his own way back to Mickle Trafford where his car was parked. We now head for Mickle Trafford via Oscroft (where Dave R heads for Waverton) and then Barrow. There was a little rain in the air now, but as Andy, Ivan and I enter Mickle Trafford on the A56, the heavens open and the promised heavy rain has now arrived. Andy presses on to take the Greenway whilst Ivan offers to run me home from his house where we are now bound. He was locked out (don't ask), apologies profusely, but there was nothing for it for me now to press on in the rain while Ivan headed for the Royal Oak to keep warm and out of the rain. The route was 39 miles and as I arrived home early at 15:00, I decided to wash the bike there and then - the first time in what seems months.

CA

PS: Please ensure you have registered for the Shrewsbury Special Ride next week.

26th September 2013: Wybunbury

On arrival at the Ice Cream Farm Clive and I were greeted by Mike M holding open the gate for us to pass and join the group already waiting for coffee.  Mike was himself joining us for coffee and promising to get the bike out!

Already gathered were Dave M and Andy, both out on their bikes but also only joining for coffee.  Well-done Dave (wife and friends) on his contribution for the MacMillan fund raising cake morning and raising £230.00.  Andy back from his epic 1,500 mile cycle ride but sadly not joining the group today.  Harder ride looming Saturday.

Two routes were proposed for today by Dave H and Ivan, and the saunter to Wybunbury won the vote!  Ready for a prompt start were Dave H, Steve T (out for his second ride), Kevin, Dave & Liz on the tandem, Clive, Dave Raynor and Ivan.  So with a turn right on the road we say farewell to the coffee hoppers and set off towards Beeston.

It was a lovely autumnal morning and the Tandem was cracking the pace on the front.  Passing Beeston Castle and heading towards Bunbury and doing a loop round Dob lane we join Cappers lane to Brindley, Baddiley and passing the secret bunker (French lane), into Nantwich and on to Wybunbury.

Arriving at the Swan at 12:30 and ready for lunch.

As a new venue for CER the pub offered good food although half the menu was not available.

As the group had sprinted the outward leg of 23 miles in good time it was agreed that Clive would increase the return route back to the ICF so after lunch we set off again towards Wrinehill.  Thursdays would not be the same if we only encountered country lanes so before long we were bumping along the grassy verge of Gonsley Green lane to Chorlton.  On through Hough, Shavington and Nantwich and taking a right hand diversion along Welshman’s Lane and the well cycled route through Wettenhall, Eaton and afternoon tea at the Old Fire Station at Tarporley.

After the welcome tea and cake stop we happily set off for the final miles home.  At the junction of Brassey Green we split with some riders going back to the ICF and Clive, Ivan and Dave sprinting back to Waverton and Chester.

The round trip from and to the ICF was 53 miles and for the Chester riders 72miles.  An enjoyable good days riding with the bonus of lovely autumn weather.

ID

19th September 2013: Irby Hill

I’d been looking forward to today for quite some time: my first day back cycling with CER after an enforced five months out of the saddle.  A start from Ness gardens promised an easy first ride, so even though the wet weather didn’t put me off, it did confirm the decision to drive to the start!  By 10:00 I was the only one there although Steve turned up a few minutes later, to be followed by Dave H in his civvies.  Given his extended tale of woe and jobs to be done, including his new post of kennel master, we were honoured that he made the time to join us for coffee.  Steve and I agreed a route: Eastham Ferry, Port Sunlight, Storeton, Barnston and Irby for lunch at Irby Mill or the Farmers Arms.  At half past the hour Ivan arrived to make a riding group of three.

From Ness Gardens we head up to Ness and turn right towards Willaston to join the Wirral Way for a couple of miles.  Then it’s the back roads to Childer Thornton and on to Eastham Ferry where we stop to admire the hazy view across the Mersey where it’s just possible to make out the grey mass of the Anglican Cathedral through the drizzle.  Oh the joys of cycling!

Photograph by Ivan Davenport

Leaving Eastham ferry behind we take the off-road cycle path along the coast before turning off along the disused rail line path to Port Sunlight.  Port Sunlight is gearing up for it’s annual festival when we arrive.  We make do with a leisurely tourist circuit from the Heritage Centre to the Lady Lever Gallery and back, before leaving the town to climb through the suburbs to Storeton.  It is now decision time: Landican or Barnston?  Personally I prefer the more scenic Landican route but bearing in mind the weather we opt for Barnston and find ourselves heading straight into the wind.  Ivan kindly goes in front to give me some shelter but I just can’t stay with him and so struggle on to the main road where we at last get some shelter.

On the way through Pensby Steve notes that it’s already lunchtime and Ivan consults the Good Pub Guide on his smartphone and announces that we are only a few miles from a list of “good” pubs.  I was pleased to note that his list included the intended lunch stop of Irby Mill.  No change of plan needed, so it was only a few more minutes before we were flying through Irby and turning into Irby Mill pub off the roundabout.

Irby Mill proved to be much better than I remembered: a brilliant choice of ales including Tribute, Two Hoots and Autumn Red plus an excellent range of food.  Steve’s choice of fish and chips saw the arrival of the largest battered fish imaginable.  Another venue to add to the repeat visits list then.

14:00 hours saw us ready to leave the pub with the decision made to head back along the Wirral Way.  A left turn at Royden Park and we were heading downhill to the coast to join the Wirral Way in Caldy for a leisurely ride through to Parkgate.  From here on, we looked out for a link path down to the old docks and the Harp Inn but missing the link we came off the Wirral Way by the rail bridge and took the road to descend from the mini-roundabout to the Harp and onto the Burton Marshes link path.  The newly opened farm café, aka Net’s Coffee Shop, along here proved too much of a temptation and we stopped for coffee and cake where Steve admitted that he had eaten more cake since he started cycling than ever before! 

After a relaxing break Ivan headed back to Chester across Burton Marshes while Steve and I climbed back up to Ness Gardens to complete an enjoyable 33 mile ride.  Thanks go to Ivan and Steve for staying with me on my first ride back.

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BW