18th September 2025: Cefn-y-Bedd

 I was a bit late arriving at Meadow Lea, even though (or because) I live closer to the venue than anyone else. I had rushed off at 5 to 10 and got halfway to Meadow Lea before I realised that I'd left home without my helmet and had to go back for it. So, I ended up sitting with some of the mod+ guys and discovered that they are really nice people when you get to know them. The rumour coming from the other mods across the room was that Ray was going to lead a ride up onto The Wirral. However just as we were all getting up to leave the other mods came over and asked if I had a ride. Ray seemed particularly keen to offload the leading duties, a decision he was to come to regret.

 So it was that I ended up leading a ride that I had downloaded from the blog which we had done back in October 2015. There were six of us riding. Five if you count bikes as Dave & Liz had turned up on the tandem. They joined Andy W, Jim, Ray and me as we headed into Guilden Sutton and then out along School Lane and Hoole Lane towards town. A seventh member, David M would have joined us, but a last minute request from a family member for a lift meant he left us to take up taxi duties.

 After dropping down to the River Dee we crossed into Handbridge and headed for Eccleston, Kinnerton and Hope. Crossing the Alyn valley, we continued upwards round the flank of Hope Mountain and onto the Corwen road at Treuddyn. With most of the climbing done (and a lot of moaning from Ray as a result) we sped down the Cegidog valley. At Ffrith we turned up towards Cymau. A short climb here but for Ray it was the 'straw that broke the camel's back' as he succumbed to walking up the final section, pushing his bike. Once we had regrouped at the top it was downhill to the Mold road followed by a short dash on the level to reach our lunch destination, the Holly Bush at Cefn-y-Bedd.

 I'd been telling Jim that I thought it was him that had planned the route originally, but he didn't think it was. So before setting out to write this up I checked and sure enough it was. In his write up he wrote 'The meals were well priced and a good choice: will definitely go there again'. Well it has taken us 10 years to get there again. Prices have obviously gone up since then but there was still a good choice so we 'will definitely go there again', probably in 10 years’ time.

After lunch we cycled up to Llay then down through the houses to cross the A483. Here we took Springfield Road, a delightful ride through woods, spoilt only by the noise from the traffic on the nearby dual-carriageway. At the T-junction Dave & Liz left us and the rest of us turned up Marford Hill. This produced another groan from Ray. So ,when we turned into Hoseley Lane I abandoned the continuing climb up Hoseley Bank and opted instead to turn down Cox Lane and cross over to the Rossett road which was flat. This took us into Holt then onto familiar roads through Farndon and Aldford. After Bruera we had one last climb up to Saighton (definitely the last one, Ray, you can do it). At the top we passed Abbey Gate College, a private school, just as the kids were coming out. Well, you've never seen so much expensive hardware in one place and queuing up the road. Porsches, BMW's, Range Rovers, even a Rolls Royce. When I was young I had to walk to school, as did everyone else. 

Andy left us at Saighton and the three of us continued to Waverton and Christleton. In Guilden Sutton Jim and I left Ray to ride the last mile to Meadow Lea on his own so he was the only one to complete the full 44 miles. Well done him. I expect him to come next week with a plan for a completely flat ride.

TC

See route map and/or gpx file download

18th September 2025: Tattenhall

 Once again, the weather forecast was none too promising and, indeed, it had rained a bit in Runcorn as I loaded my bike on to the carrier. Dave H was not able to come today as he had an appointment for yet another injection in his eye.

Arriving at the Meadow Lea café, I was clear that it hadn’t rained there. There was a throng of CER members in the café as well groups of cyclists from other clubs. I think the yummy mummies were overwhelmed with folk in Lycra! Steve Hughes is just recovering from a dose of Covid, so wasn’t looking for a fast ride. Clive was only out until lunchtime, as he had a hospital appointment later in the day. John M is still feeling his way after being prescribed medication to control his runaway heart rate when he climbs hills. And Elwyn and Fiona ‘just wanted a steady ride’. As I had loaded a circular  ride first devised by Neil, I offered to lead a mod+ ride provided that it would at be my pace and not the mod++ pace which some rides have gone at recently.

The six of us set off along the A56, but we jumped off heading for Little Barrow. Turning left after the railway, we were soon crossing the A54 and in to Oscroft. As we got to the end of Cross Lanes, who should we see but Dave Matthews, on his way back home from Meadow Lea!  Across the Tarvin By-Pass and on to very pleasant lanes. The weather had picked up with a warm wind and occasional bursts of sunshine coming through

Wiggling down the lanes took us through Huxley and on to Bates Mill Lane, the scene of my puncture, two weeks ago. Zooming past The Shady pub and over the canal took us up the steady climb to Beeston Castle. Turning right at the junction we then followed the familiar route towards Tattenhall. By now the wind was gusting quite strongly and Clive kindly went on front to shield me from the worst of it.

As we reached Tattenhall, Clive peeled off heading for home and his hospital appointment. Then there were five…

Alison’s was quite busy, but we were able to get a table outside and order food and drink. The combo of tomato and basil soup + a ham and chutney sandwich was popular, but Fiona and Elwyn went up-market with avocado, egg and sourdough bread. Talk around the table ranged from high end dining to holiday plans.

Replete, we went back to the bikes to continue the ride. But John M had decided that he would go home by a direct route to prepare for the delivery tomorrow of his new Volvo. Then there were four!  

Exiting Tattenhall via Rocky Lane were were soon across the A41 and turned right at Crowley Oak, heading for Coddington. Having failed to take a team photo with all six of us, we decided to stop by the old school and pose to a selfie taken by Elwyn.

Crossing the A534, we went into Carden Park, a clear sign that this route was devised by Neil. Exiting via the triumphal arch, we pressed on to Stretton, passing Shane’s place and heading for Crewe-by-Farndon along Wetreins Lane.

Crossing the A534 (again), Fiona and Elwyn headed for Holt and home, whilst Steve Hughes and I pressed on for Churton and Saighton. This is where Steve took his leave, heading towards Chester and the River Dee, which he intended to follow, rather than using the Greenway which was blocked today.

That left me as ‘Billy No Mates’ to plug on through Waverton and Brown Knoll, arriving back at the Meadow Lea café at 2.40 pm with 40 miles and 14.1 mph on the clock. An excellent day out in first class company on yet another occasion when the weather was nothing like that forecast b the Met Office. Do they really know that they’re doing?

ST

See route map and/or gpx file download

11th September 2025: Malpas (Remnants!)

 As you can see from Steve’s account the moderate ride could have aptly been re-named “The Remnants’ Ride”. I was very happy to undertake a shorter ride with Dave and Liz. I would have great company and less chance of a long stint in wet clothes. For the second Thursday in a row any sensible cyclist, and Neil, would have stayed at home with heavy rain forecast.

I quickly re-jigged my original plans by substituting Malpas for Whixall. Jim and Big Ray came with us through Farndon as far as Crewe-by-Farndon where they headed for Wetreins. We carried on to Shocklach circling west of Malpas and turning through Threapwood toward Oldcastle Heath via Dog Lane. Not for the first time we met horse riders on this stretch and care was taken and pleasantries exchanged, although this didn’t prevent one horse at the back rearing high into the air like the Lone Ranger’s horse, Silver. A bit close for comfort: a bike helmet would be little protection if a load of steaming horse the weight of a Citroen AX landed on your head. We turned left up Sunnyside before the inevitable climb to the centre of Malpas. We agreed to eat at The Little Deli where Dave and Liz used to eat and were friendly with the previous owner. Liz and Dave had just returned from Switzerland and were looking in fine fettle. Dave was the colour of my old brown boots. Being grandparents and travelling seems to be agreeing with them. The friendly staff tailored the dishes to suit the healthy veggie Pipes, and my omelette was very tasty.

I thought about showing Dave my relatively new route out of Malpas, but by the time He had got his act together Liz had walked 100 yards up the High Street so we turned up Chester Road, passing the high school before going down to Ebnal and left at Mates Lane. I received a phone call. It started to rain. My beloved Harry, our family’s life-affirming dog had had had to be euthanized. As I rode on tears mingled with the drizzle wet on my face. Dave was having a trouble sorting out the back of his vintage yellow oilskin cape. Liz mentioned that rain ran down the back of the cape and wet her legs! The rain ceased almost as soon as we set off again from under the trees, and Dave’s cape was only of use as a spinnaker now. From Kidnal we cycled through Tilston, turning left before Stretton Hall and intent on beating the rain. A little shower began as we placed our bikes in the cars, before driving close to The Green at Holt and entering Maggie’s where we had a final cake and coffee before Steve and Alan soon joined us having covered double our mileage. None of us had really got wet, and it had been an enjoyable day. Unfortunately, I would remember the day for a so sad reason and would never again be greeted on my return home by a happy wagging tail and a lick on my knee from a very special dog.

DH

Harry  -  R.I.P

11th September 2025: Whixall Marina (mod+)

On a day when wind and rain were predicted, a small group of CER members gathered at Maggie’s in Holt. Dave M was adamant that he was going home after coffee to avoid the coming deluge. Jim and Ray B were planning a short ride before returning home and Nick was riding back to Tilston to meet up with his son.

That left Alan, Ray S, Dave H and yours truly. Both Dave and I had a route down to Whixall Marina; I was keen to ride at faster pace than ‘mod’, but that wouldn’t suit Dave, so a slower pace seemed to be likely. Just before 10.30, Dave and Liz Pipe turned up on the tandem and Dave quickly agreed to ride with them, destination unknown.

That resolved the dilemma about a faster ride, so Alan, Ray S and I set off for Whixall in bright sunshine, but into a blustery headwind (or ‘cross headwind’ as the Wind Whisperer would have it). Nick came along with us as far as Tilston as we carried on through Chorlton, past Newton Hall and in to Lower Wych. The climb up from Wych Brook was a challenge, but was managed without any problems.

Up to this point, although there were some big dark clouds around, we had avoided any rain.  When it arrived, it was enough to for us to put on our rain jackets, but certainly not the deluge that Dave M had predicted. Crossing the A525 at Eglwys Cross and the A495 as we approached Fenn’s Bank, we saw the signpost for Whixall – 4 miles. But we knew from the last time we’d done this route that the marina was still at least 5 miles away.

Arriving at the marina, the rain had stopped and we left the bikes under the cover of the outdoor seating area. The café itself was full of ‘senior citizens’ and had stopped serving breakfasts at 12.00. So bacon and egg or sausage and egg sandwiches were the order of the day. These were very nice except that Ray’s egg was overcooked and so he had them do another one for him.

After the traditional group photo had been taken, we donned our rain jackets, more to keep warm than anything else as the sky was now cloudy and threatening rain. The first three miles back to Northwood were directly into the wind before we turned north towards Bettisfield, where we picked up the cross tailwind which blew us up to Bettisfield and Hanmer. Here we crossed the A539 and shortly after the A525.

By now the sun had returned, so off came the rain jackets. In several places along the route, the roads were very wet and it was obvious that there had been a local downpour, but, riding our luck we had avoided them all.  Zooming along through Threapwood and Shocklach we soon arrived in Farndon, where Ray headed home for Chester and Alan and I returned to Holt and the café.

When we got there at 2.20, Dave H, Liz and Dave P were already there enjoying a cup of coffee, having returned from their ‘marathon’ ride to Malpas.  

Just under 40 miles covered at an average speed of 13.7 mph and a modest 1400 feet climbed. The last time I did this ride with the mod+ group, my average speed was 14.4 mph, so I still have some fitness to gain; but I’m happy with progress so far.

Thanks to Alan and Ray for their company and support and to Dave H for his understanding.

ST

See route maps and/or gpx file download

4th September 2025: Aston

Seven members gathered at Rose Farm café on a day which was predicted to be wet or even very wet.  As usual, Dave M was only there for coffee, so that left Dave H, Ray B, Mike G, Clive, Ray S (good to see you, Ray!) and myself as riders. After some discussion it was agreed to run just one ride – a sort of ‘mod’ and ‘brisk’ group, but would it work? Too fast for some and too slow for others?

Just as we were donning wet weather gear and helmets (it was raining a bit already), young Chris turned up, which broadened the already wide range of abilities within the group. Nevertheless, we set out on a ride I’d done a few years ago to Aston and The Bhurty (as it’s now called).

So we set off at a good pace down Utkinton Lane to Cotebrook, round Oulton Park and on to Wettenhall and Cholmondeston. Passing the Venetian Marina, I heard a call to knock the pace back a little, so took it easy around Reaseheath College and in to the outskirts of Nantwich.

Heading out to Ravensmoor, we took the direct route to Wrenbury and the newly surface and now very smooth lane past the railway station to Aston and ‘The Bhurty’. Or at least some of us did! Clive had mentioned a preference for ‘Berries’ café in Wrenbury and when he, Ray S and Chris didn’t show up in Aston, I guessed that he’d taken the ‘briskers’ there. At least they’d get a fast ride back to Chester.

The Bhurty was unusually empty, but the food was spot-on, my sea bass risotto was particularly mouth-watering. Despite the grim rain forecast we had escaped a soaking so far, but it began to lash down outside as we finished our meal.  Almost miraculously, the rain stopped as we stepped outside for our return. Our route back was a familiar one via Wrenbury, Chorley Bank and Brindley. It soon became obvious that an enforced lack of sleep and clapped -out hip was going to mean that I wouldn’t be able to match our morning average of 13.9 m.p.h.  We navigated some flooding without difficulty as we headed for Brindley with the interesting loop to Bath House Farm, which I have mentioned before as the historic site of a spa. Tilly’s and the café at Beeston Castle were very tempting to Mike, as well as myself, I guess, but Steve pressed on. The very sharp climb over the canal by The Shady always presents a challenge; it is a risk to run at it in a highish gear because of the preceding blind bend inhibiting your downhill momentum. Approach this bridge in a low gear at reduced speed and with your Vingegaard minus legs propelling nearly five stone more than Jonas you may fail. I mean, I know it is a very short climb, but how would Jonas fancy it with a ten year-old boy on his crossbar? Anyway, with all the determination of a wet lettuce, Big Ray registered a refusal. On reaching Huxley Lane Steve discovered that he had a thorn puncture. Mike and Steve sorted it with minor late assistance from me, with Ray resting like a beached whale on the opposite grass bank. To be fair, “too many cooks, etc…”!  And who would welcome Ray looming loudly into their kitchen to help them out? 

Ray’s cruising holiday, associated guzzling and lack of recent stage race exposure had temporarily set back his impressive post- electric fitness gains. Ray and me went ahead, as Steve and Mike apparently cocked up the final tyre seating and inflation, so didn’t catch us up before Rose Farm after all. As always, it’s a tough haul from Bate’s Mill Bridge to Utkinton, but we had enjoyed a fair bit of sunshine on our return, and for a day that had looked a potential write-off for leisure cycling, it had been well worth the effort. Many thanks to Steve for leading and the usual relaxing friendship from the troops. About thirty-nine miles covered. P.S. Steve did “a Dave Pipe” losing his wallet in Rose Farm car park but retrieved it eventually. Perhaps fortunately, also like Dave, there was not much in it to panic about

See route map and/or gpx file download

28th August 2025: Llandegla (mod+)

 Only seven riders on this mild but potentially damp morning at the Gallery cafe. Steve Tan walked over to the Gladstone to check for any strays, but none found. The ‘hilly’ roads of Gogledd Cymru probably a bit arduous for some…lol.

Despite the sparse turnout we still had three groups, the brisk duo of  Ivan and Nick, the mods, Steve T and Keith. Chris, his mate Ron and myself, the middling group!

I had a ride to Llandegla which I hoped would keep us away from the forecasted showers. Riding with the brisk lads as far as Northop, I soon realised that the new lad was a bit quick!

Chris was still nursing a sore knee, so he was at my pace as we watched ‘rocket Ronnie’ whiz off the front, catching him up at junctions as he performed a very impressive track stand!

We followed the tried and trusted route up to Gwernaffield, then down to Loggerheads and finally on the quiet lanes to Llandegla.

Lunch was in the community cafe, Chris of course skipped mains and straight to dessert. Ron told us he worked part time and did a lot of riding, think he said he was up to 5k this year! But the biggest surprise was that he was only 21 - I felt like I was on a ride with my son and grandson…lol

So far, we had only had the slightest of showers and it stayed that way as we rode on to the Ffrith and down to Hope.

The proper rain came as we arrived back at Hawarden, where the two  lads split for Chester, me heading for home and a distance of about 54 miles for the three of us.

 Alan

28th August 2025: Brimstage (mod)

 Just six plus one members turn up at The Gallery Café in Hawarden, which has had a great re-furb and also has some very pleasant staff. Ivan and Nick were off to Rhyl; Alan, Chris and new boy Ronnie were headed to Landegla; that left Keith and I to choose our destination. I’d brought a route to the Courtyard Café at Brimstage which Alan had lead a few years ago, but had not expected to use it as Ray B had sent an email round during the week including a route which would lead to lunch at Meadow Lea. But Ray was nowhere to be seen, nor George, Trevor or Jim.

So, Keith and I set off in light rain for Brimstage even though I hadn’t studied the route in detail beforehand. The lack of preparation would lead to some confusion and wrong turns in due course. We whizzed down Gladstone Way to the roundabout and picked our way over using the overpasses that Alan had shown us. This is where I made my first mistake Alan’s route had gone to Shotton , over the river using the Hawarden Bridge and then on to the Greenway. I’d took Keith across the New Jubilee Bridge and into Garden City. Not surprisingly, I didn’t recognise my surroundings and at one stage, we found ourselves on the wrong side of the A494.

Back on the correct side, we negotiated Deeside Interchange and eventually got onto some quieter roads. Fumbling my way past Capenhurst and through Ledsham, I began to feel more confident that I was now on the right route. This was short lived as we soon found ourselves on the A540 heading towards Neston. I’d missed a turning up a track that lead directly to Willaston. My computer didn’t show the error as it had picked up the homeward leg of the route through Burton and wanted me to that way!

Eventually reaching Willaston, we got back on track past Raby Mere. At one point, the road had been dressed with chippings; this is a practice I don’t like as it doesn’t do much to remove potholes and it makes cycling more difficult. However, one of the road signs was worthy of a photo (below)

I wonder what the Cat’s Protection League would think of that?

Having gone around the edge of the housing estates in Stanton, we crossed the busy B5151 at Bracken lane. This is notable due to the very steep hill as you approach the main road and the very sharp descent at the other side. Pressing on towards Storeton, we doubled back on ourselves along Brimstage Lane. At this point my computer told me to turn around and re-trace my steps. Then the penny dropped! This was the ride we’d done after some heavy rain and the road under the M53 was flooded. So, we’d had to turn around and find another way to Brimstage. Today we were able to pass under the M53 and go on to the café in Brimstage

Before we’d left The Gallery, I sent a text to Clive (who had a hospital appointment in the morning) to tell him where the various rides were heading to. He’d phoned me back to say that he’d meet us at the Courtyard Café. Keith and I had just placed our orders when Clive showed up, just as it started to rain.

It was still raining as we set off on the return leg through Thornton Hough and Raby. I’m more familiar with the roads round here, but was still happy to have Clive with us, thus ensuring that there’d be no more navigational errors. Pressing on through Willaston and Burton, we were soon on the cycleway at Burton Point where Clive pointed out the site of an Iron Age fort.

Arriving at the end of The Greenway, Clive left us to head home and Keith and I moseyed on to Hawarden Bridge, where we took the path alongside the River Dee. At this point, the wind got up and heavens opened. Of course, I’d just taken my rain jacket off and had to quickly put it back on! Crossing the river, we were just getting into Queensferry when we saw Alan coming the other way. He’d had a good ride and remarked that Ronnie is even faster than Chris! Keith and I fumbled our way around the busy roundabout and started along Gladstone Way. After a short distance, we took a left turn which took us to Mancot and a (slightly) easier route to the top.

39 miles covered on a ride which sometimes seemed like it was being done by Fred Karno’s Circus. My thanks to Clive and (especially) Keith for their company and navigational assistance. I must make a note to study the routes more carefully in future.

ST

See route map and/or gpx file download

21st August 2025: Utkinton (mod+)

 Not sure of the total but I figure there was roughly a dozen attendees for today’s meet at Delamere Station cafe, all split between the Mod and Mod+ group.

There was no fast group, with just Nick without any mates, so he joined my merry band of Mod+ individuals, which also included Chris, Shane and the Chuckle Brothers of course. Before we got to discussing routes, Keith had some sad news for us in that he had dropped the chain on his brand new Di2 Cervello, which as some of us know often leads to damaging the paintwork around the bottom bracket hence, he was not on his new steed.

All tears now wiped away, we got on to discussing routes, which in my case meant something a little different, with some new lanes and territory, at least for the likes of my group. I had never ridden the full length of the Whitegate Way, which leads right into Winsford, a place I have always avoided in the past, but thought that today would be a good day to check them out, especially after such a dry summer.

 

We set of the usual way out of Delamere, all be it a bit later, which of course meant that Chris made it in time-Lol. I lead the group up and around Norley on a couple of new lanes to some, after winging a quick change, due to Sandhole Lane not looking very passable. After a few meandering miles we make it to Waste Lane, but from the other direction to the accepted norm and hurtle down the hill, which consequently meant that some overshot the left turn, near the bottom of the hill. Chris made it with some dare devil braking. I suppose I should have warned them all in advance -Lol

 

As you’d expect the Whitegate Way is currently amazing to ride, after such dry weather, although the far end bits into Winsford are a bit disjointed and not such a good surface as I found out to my very near demise. I was carrying a bit of speed when I suddenly found myself going downhill, around a bend on gravel, with the back wheel locked up, heading for a barrier gate. I had no choice but to also lock up the front as well, in an effort to stop. Fortunately, I managed to get my foot out and brace the impact on the gate, just managing to avoid going head over heels and possibly bending my front wheel in the process. Suffice it to say I copped a few comments from my fans who clearly did not appreciate the bike skills involved in staying upright-Lol.

Just a mile or so later we missed the left turn that would have lead us onto Bradford Road. This consequently lead to a bit of extra physical activity, for some impatient individuals, lifting bikes over locked gates, which was not needed or my fault-Lol. Just as CB2 and Nick had got over, I realised where the missed trail was and turned back-Lol. Eventually on the right track, literally, we avoid the road for another half mile and then join it where it became New Road.

 

We then meandered through the south west suburbs of Winsford (clearly not the wealthiest part of the town) in order to pick up a very nice series of lanes that I and most had not ridden before. After about 5 miles we joined a very familiar stretch that lead us into the boundary lanes around the south side of Oulton Park, once we had stopped for another! Energy bar. I’ve never seen anybody eat so many. You would think that CB2 would go like the proverbial Energiser Bunny, but alas not-Lol, Lol.

 

It was at this time that Chris also had his major mechanical- Lol. His bar end plug had fallen out and we were wondering how he was going to carry on. However, after a deep dive into the bowels of CB2’s fanny bag, yes you guessed it, he was carrying a spare, which lead me to wonder what does Chris carries in that rucksack, besides his lunch - more on that later-Lol. We get going again and were soon taking on our only real climb of the day, Heaths Lane, which lead us up, the easy way, onto the Sandstone Ridge only to come straight back down again via Tirley Lane, for a fast descent into Rose Farm for lunch.

 

As usual the conversation was flowing well and the food came quickly, if a little disappointing for both Nick and I. Our ‘eggs royal’ had the smallest portions of salmon I have ever seen. We both had four 1” squares of smoked salmon (cut out with scissors can you believe) It wasn’t as if it was cheap at £12.50.

 

Anyway, just as we were finished bitching about our salmon and Chris stopped laughing about the missing corner of his brownie-Lol, what he did next was even more amusing, firstly because he was half way through eating his brownie and secondly because he suddenly lifted his rucksack and pulled out a spare saddle and then proceeded to go and swap said saddle for the one on his bike. I mean, who carries a spare saddle-Lol. This caused many looks of disbelief, ironically not from Alan, who as we have come to know, doesn’t believe most things-Lol. Saddle now replaced and lunch finished we left with at least me stating that we wouldn’t return for lunch there again, as we turned right down the hill towards Oscroft. 

 

Within 2 miles we turned left, opposite Chapel Hill and both Nick and I decided to wind it up, pretty much all the way to Dave Mathews house, where we part company with Nick and Alan, who were returning to Delamere for their cars via Nicks extended route. Shane, Steve and I all rode up to Delamere, so my route never included returning, especially as Shane and Steve were on one of their 100 milers again and none of us wanted to repeat any of our route. As for Chris ,who knows, what he was going to do, as we later discovered - Lol. So, it was cheerio to them two, which gave Steve’s chance to consume his 34th energy bar – Lol.

 

We headed off past DM’s place, with a passing nod of reverence to the home of one of the regions cycling demigods.  We were soon crossing the A49 and within a few hundred mtrs we turned left towards Okells garden centre and then on past the 50p shop and Huxley beyond. We were heading for Beeston, adding another lovely meander. We turned down to the ‘The Shady’ pub and I made my usual acceleration towards the hump back bridge over the canal, when Chris suddenly shot past me. How he got round the bridge was eye popping. I thought I took it fast, but he left me standing and romped up the hill towards Beeston, never to be seen again, despite a short regroup near the right turn to the ice cream farm, where I parted company with Shane and Steve, who I had advised to miss out Tattenhall, due to the high street being resurfaced for 5 days and therefore shut. I obviously swung around the south side to avoid it as well.

 

As for Chris, who didn’t turn up at the end of Bird’s Lane, where I stopped for 2 minutes, I later found out that he suddenly decided to try and beat a mates strava time hence, he flashed by me. The trouble was, his dash was to the gates of Beeston castle, which was left at the top and not right where we went. Of course, he failed to mention anything to us about his plans-Lol.

I got home with 55 miles on the clock and a very sedate AS of 14.5mph - must have been all those energy bar stops-LOL, although we did do a few small hills.

Cracking day again with great company and some very amusing moments, some at my expense and more than a bit of banter-Lol,Lol,Lol

 

Till next time ladies

Neil.

See route map and/or gpx file download

21st August 2025: Hatton (mod)

 As we got close to Delamere in the Berlingo, we saw a ‘Road Closed’ sign, but in true CER style we ignored it. As we will see ‘Road Closed’ was to be a running theme of the day. Arriving at the café, there are now notices saying that parking is for station users only and that payment can be made using the app or by phone. So, it’s a bit of an issue for those who’ve been in the habit of parking there.

About 15 CER members gathered at the Delamere Station Café. Jim was doing his own thing and Dave M was coming with us as far as Hatchmere before peeling off for home. So, the ‘mods’, consisting of Dave H, George, Keith, Ray B, Andy B, Trevor and yours truly set off (a little late, as usual) along our favourite bit of road (not!) towards Hatchmere and beyond. As we reached the B5152 where we would normally turn left down Guest Slack, the road closure was now operating, so we diverted to Kingsley. Whilst this was no problem, the drag up the hill past Kingsley School is a slog.

But we were soon reaping the benefit of altitude as we zoomed down towards Frodsham. At the bottom of Fluin Lane, we joined the busy A56 heading towards Warrington. We pulled off after the swing bridge at Sutton Causeway and continued climbing past the Holiday Inn and Dave H’s mansion.

At the top of Wood Lane, we went straight across Beechwood Avenue to pick up the path that runs between the railway and the Southern Expressway, soon reaching the bus depot. Threading through some of Runcorn’s finer suburbs, we were soon on to the old (Jubilee) bridge across the Mersey. Sadly, the new smooth cycleway across the bridge was closed and we had to take the old footpath that still hangs precariously on the outside of the bridge structure.

At West Bank we soon found our way to Spike Island, once the site of a major soap works, but now a municipal park where the St. Helens canal joins the river. At the far side of the park we joined the Trans Pennine Trail which runs up to Warrington alongside the canal. At this point there’s no water in the canal, as it used to come from Fiddlers Ferry power station which is now closed. The track here is quite rough, but it improves as we reach Fiddlers Ferry Sailing Club.

By this time, it was 12.10 and the peleton was hungry, so my plan to eat at the café in Walton Hall gardens was swiftly ditched in favour of lunch at The Ferry pub. The last time I was here with Clive and Alan, the offering was quite limited and today it was no different. They do pies and that’s it! No chips, or salad or other refinements. But you can have red sauce, brown sauce or even 'no sauce'.  So pies it was and they were okay. The place was full of cyclists, including a group that were down from Pennington Flash (near Leigh) The sun was shining and the tide was in, so the vista was beautiful and even Ray was impressed.

Leaving the pub, we soon reached the point where the track leaves the canal. It’s near the municipal tip and in an area which is trapped between the river and the Ship Canal. A sort of no-man’s land around the water treatment works. Here, the trans-Pennine trail goes through a couple of wooded areas and as we had almost reached the end of the second one, there was a cry from behind as Andy suffered a puncture. This turned out to be a slit in the inner tube.

Joining the A56 at Lower Walton we soon picked up the cycle lane which runs alongside it on the way towards Chester. Peeling off near Walton Hall Gardens, there we more ‘Road Closed’ signs, this time due to the ‘Creamfields’ electronic dance festival which takes place every August Bank Holiday. Crossing the Bridgewater Canal using the hump-backed bridge which is currently under repair (more ‘road closed’ signs!), we cycled uphill next to the fields where the dancing will start today. At Hatton, there were even more ‘road closed’ signs as the organisers funnel festival goers to the entrance via their approved route. Here we crossed over the M56 and took Summer Lane which runs next to the motorway.  When we turned up Newton Lane, Andy carried straight on to join the A56 at Preston Brook as the most direct route home. This is a busy road, so I hope Andy got home okay.

Passing the site of the birthplace of Lewis Carroll, we took the small lanes, crossing the A49 at Dones Green. Keith left us here to head back to his car which he'd parked in Helsby. Pressing on, we soon reached the A49 (again!) at Little Leigh. Rather than taking the usual route up to Acton Bridge and Kingsley, we decided to ride alongside the Weaver Navigation, heading for Dutton Locks where we paused for a drink and group photo.

Dave H had said that we might need machetes to hack our way along the footpath to Pickerings Lock and, until we reached the railway viaduct, he was right. The ferns, bramble and nettles seemed to be hell bent on pulling you into them. Past the railway, the field was full of sheep, many of which were asleep under the bushes next to the river. In the past we’ve ridden this way when there have been cows or horses there, which can cause some issues.

We now started the climb back up to Delamere. The first part, up to the B5153 wasn’t too bad, but from there to the top is a long drag and, in some places, very steep although there are no chevrons on the OS map. Reaching Hatchmere, Trevor and George headed for home/car, Ray continued to find his car at Delamere and Dave and I went to the Berlingo.

35 miles covered with about a quarter of the being ‘off road’. Fortunately, the recent warm weather meant that the off-road parts were dry. Thanks to the ‘mods’ for their company and tolerance as we made plans ‘on the hoof’. Next time, we’ll try to get to Hatton  Arms for lunch as they do an excellent ‘small’ fish and chips.

ST

See route map and/or gpx file download

14th August 2025: Loppington (mod)

 There was an encouraging turnout at Castle Bistro considering that it was the height of the holiday season. Steve Tan was unavailable, and Big Ray was bursting the buttons off his shorts on another over-fed cruise. I knew Clive was going to turn up because I met his charming wife and himself in WH Smiths in Chester on Wednesday; he was looking for an electric bike magazine!

Keith arrived with me in the old banger Berlingo. It was good to have Mold Andy and Dave Pipe back on board for the moderate ride. Dave Matthews had made the considerable effort to turn up but was riding home. Dave Pipe had forgotten his wallet; as someone noted for leaving things by mistake, my empathy stretched to lending him some dosh and waiving my normal payday loan rate of 1,500%.

We set off on familiar lanes to Hindford passing the long-closed, canalside and characterful Jack Mitton Inn which some of remember visiting over ten years ago. The well-surfaced rural lane south from Welsh Frankton is always a delightful downhill cruise. The extremely steep bridge crossing the canal has to be attacked at speed, or you risk coming to a halt just before the top and falling on your nut. It’s a fast, easy run to Bagley Marsh and all very enjoyable, although the huge, unmarked grey shed we pass en route gives me a shudder at the thought of the mass slaughter and butchery of animals inside. I intended to clock a few more miles by reaching down to Stanwardine in the Fields before heading north-east to Cockshutt. A “Road Closed” sign, and Andy coping with penicillin and a frayed gear cable deterred me, so we turned left, passing the moated Stanwardine Hall on our way to Cockshutt and across to Loppington.

Lunch was excellent at The Dickin Arms, as ever. There was a great deal of reminiscing over past rides and personalities over lunch as some of us could go back over sixteen years with the club. We should be more assertive and order food before drinks when we arrive though, as we were there for ever. Dave Pipe had swigged down a couple of pints before we were ready to go. When I got to the till, Dave had spent his loan and required a further sub to pay his bill. It crossed my mind that Dave would probably forget that he had borrowed money by Friday, and I decided I wouldn’t be asking for it: I hadn’t acquired a copy of the bill anyway. The true gentleman that he is, he rang me and transferred the correct money into my account the next day. Oh! Me of little faith!

Our way back was by way of Kenwick Park and up a lane never used by us before, crossing Tetchill Moor to Tetchill village. The grass centred lane was eerily empty with just the odd farmhouse. Much as I love the countryside the thought of living a life along this isolated lane spooked me. At Tetchill I was able to confirm our location was correct with a local resident, nevertheless, it is obviously very easy to miss the turn to Onston, because we did. We decided to cut our losses and follow our outward route from Horley. Rain suddenly battered down somewhere north west of Welsh Frankton. We huddled under big trees, but the prospect of the downpour passing seemed remote for a while. Keith and I had a laugh watching Andy assisting Dave with his ancient but totally waterproof yellow cape. The cape may have been waterproof, but the back was a bit tangled, so torrential rain was being funnelled down Dave’s bum!  The rain eventually eased and we were quite warm before long, even those who hadn’t bothered bringing a waterproof. Andy had coped amazingly well without any low gears all day and Dave said that he had enjoyed the ride, but unfortunately, I hadn’t time for a coffee at Castle Bistro where other club members had also returned. Keith had kindly agreed to drive my wife’s car home for me if we could get to a specialist garage I use near Malpas before it closed. A rapid cross- country drive from Chirk meant we were just able to make it, and after I paid a king’s ransom of a bill, get both cars back to Runcorn without Keith ramming me from behind. At least we were able to relax on a bench in the sun at Peacock Farm waiting for the garage owner to return, watching horses being groomed and reflecting on another successful CER outing.   Thanks to the guys for their company and support.

DH

14th August 2025 : Sleap Airfield (brisk)

Well what a turnout at Chirk, and a first for me to see Dave Pipe arriving before Dave Heath! Both groups were well attended at a venue that can see some of the lowest turnout being its a farthest flung start point. 

I had previously recce’d Sleap Airfield as lunch stop as this weekend (16/17 Aug) they were hosting a 1940’s weekend and I wondered if there would be some vintage aircraft around. 

As we waited to depart the cafe under mild drizzle, nothing could take the shine off Keith’s new bike; what a beauty and stealthy looking beast. So our group consisted of Briskers Nick and Clive plus apprentice brisker Chris, Mel & Kevin, Shane and myself. A Chirk ride wouldn’t be a Chirk ride without hills and these were soon felt at the turn by Castle Mill to Bronygarth. This climb pulls for quite some time and set the tone for the early miles. 

It was great to see Chris back on form today, so much so it looked like a Pogachar/ Vingergaard duel as we entered Whittington, I can’t tell you won as we were all so far behind such was the ferocity of the attacks!

Whilst the roads were dusty and sandy in the crown of the road with the occasional bits of grass they were empty and provided a lovely way of zooming through the countryside. Our progress was halted for a short while, whilst a hapless learner blocked the road. However clearly a former teacher or Headmistress took control and directed us through before sorting out the roadblock. 

Some large sections of busier roads soon had us passing Marton and on to Myddle. Here a quick plunge again on a busy road took us into Sleap airfield. Whilst there were no 1940’s aircraft the Green Goddess type army trucks were arriving and setting up for what I’m sure will be a fabulous weekend of nostalgia. 

Over lunch were were lucky to be in the company of former aviator Shane and father of a soon-to-be qualified commercial airline pilot, Nick. Both had been to Sleap before either taking off and landing or watching nervously whilst his son and heir did the same. After a pleasant lunch sat outside, Kevin and Mel decided to make their own way back to Chirk meaning we were now down to a quintet of various abilities. 

Clive did an excellent job of leading us out through Nonely to Loppington and English Frankton. At this point we espied another group of athletes ahead this being none other than the mod group of two Daves, Andy & Keith. After a brief chat, we took the “families” route to Colemere and then onto Ellesmere. Just after Dudleston Heath, the rain that had threatened all day shifted up a gear. In the matter of two minutes we went from dry roads to flooded roads. Clive, always the bringer of good news, also advised it was now “uphill” all the way to St Martins.

Leading us out, Clive powered up the hills seemingly flattening them, then our apprentice brisker Chris took to the front and dragged us along all the way to St Martins. The canal finish was the chosen route as it avoids the last pull into Chirk by which time the sun had come out and we were all pleased to see our cars after 49 miles. 

That is of course if you exclude Chris who was now planning his ton for the day. Including his ride to the station Chris managed an admirable 100 miler on a mixed weather day.

A brilliant days riding in excellent company , enhanced by Mel joining us for morning. 

See route map and/or gpx file download

Steve Hu 

7th August 2025: Burton Manor

By my count, the total was 17 gathered at Alison’s this week and nobody in civvies. Fiona was without Elwyn, who was at home with a bad back, she had braved 13 miles to get to Alison’s. I had a route that was unusually flat for me, in fact, pan flat, as it was more in the tradition of a classic CER ride, with plenty of pathways, tow paths and ‘rights of way’. 

However, my route wasn’t without its risks, besides riding with the Chuckle Brothers that is,  as we would have to survive the radiation threat, stray bullets, sheep and waterlogged decking boards-Lol, more about that later-Lol. There was a stiff south westerly, that was only going to get stronger, which required a bit of wind whispering - Lol.

 

My destination would therefore be, Burton Manor cafe.

I had a full compliment of mod+ riders starting with Kev (such a nice man) - Shane ( the groups lunch time entertainer & clown, more on that later) Chris ( just made it in time again) & the Chuckle Brothers of course. We set off right out of Alison’s and got into a nice steady rhythm with the wind behind us, which for some seemed to be a bit pacey. Allan (CB 1) asked if I’d had spinach for breakfast because he was struggling to keep up- come on, it was flat, with the wind, of course it’s quick- to be expected that ‘the mugger ’ would complain- Lol. It wasn’t long before we were in Waverton and watching the ominous dark cloud forming to our left, which a mile or so later  started to drizzle. We pulled into Meadow Lea for a con flab on the weather. However, within a minute of stopping I then made the unilateral decision to get going again, as I needed to be back by 3pm and I reckoned there was a hint of blue sky coming- Lol.

Only 2 minutes later we stopped for rain jackets, because I was with a bunch of tarts-Lol. 

We were now in the very wet village of Guildon Sutton, which meant we were catching more water from the road than the sky, as they seemed to have had a deluge.

No sooner out of the village we enter Picton Lane, which was closed and a few hundred mtrs later we found out why ( flooded, a burst water main, we were clearly doomed to get wet - Lol). We were able to get by and only a mile or so further, I stopped to take my jacket off, only to realise I had lost everybody and turned back. Apparently they were having a tea party or something, I never did find out what the reason was.

Now tackling our biggest climbs of the day (2 or 3 bridges over the motorway around Cheshire Oaks-Lol).

Anyway, time to turn into the wind and therefore left at Little Stanney in order to head along the 2 miles of cycle path,  in order to get to Dunkirk Lane, where I point out Fox’s Tea Rooms, just a hundred mtrs closer to Costco. Now we can settle into some nice lanes, which provided pretty good protection against the wind, almost unnoticeable in fact. It wasn’t long before we were passing the nuclear processing plant, where you get that warm fuzzy feeling all over and strangely always need to pee within a few mtrs of passing it (our first risk of the day- Lol)

 

We crack on, or I did, trying to encourage the pace, but some were decidedly jaded it seemed. Strangely it was Mr ‘Just in time’ who was having difficulty. The young blood couldn’t keep up with the old guys quote; “just an off day” Then he blamed a game of football the night before- just don’t make youngsters like they used to, football, I ask you-Lol, Lol.

Shortly after rallying the troops on another regroup, Allan took to the front on one of his classic short spurts and I seized my opportunity to deliberately stick close to his back wheel in order to keep him on the front-Lol. We were now only a mile or so from our lunch destination, which meant Steve came to the front as is his way, clearly he could sense the cafe was close- Lol. Just as we arrived Chris passed me in an effort to beat Steve to the front of the queue-Lol.

Although we set up camp outside, we ended up inside, due to the annoying wasps, although not before the hilarity started after I got the Spanish Inquisition from CB1 when I told everybody about Nick, a contestant on the TV show ‘Destination X’. He has the proud claim of being the first person to have run a marathon in every!!country, in the world!( hard to believe, I know hence, why I was telling the story) However CB1 knew better, virtually calling me a liar (I was reiterating a stated fact on a TV show- come on!) 

This prompted a few slagging comments and more than a few laughs, after CB 1 insisted on looking it up on the internet- Lol.

 

Now inside and tucking into our various choices, the frivolity prevailed, with some completely vacant on the jokes. Yes, you guessed it, the Chuckle Brothers of course.

Our ring master for the day was Shane, who I thought was going to bust a rib at one point. Both he and I found it particularly funny when a women in the far corner started to admire her newly purchased retractable tape measure, as she was extending it across the cafe. It was clearly a very pretty tape measure, with nice big numbers. Perhaps she was checking all the numbers were there- Lol.

Just as the laughter was dying down and Chris swiped my chocolate cake, the Chuckle Brothers woke up, wondering what all the laughter was about-Lol. CB 2 had an excuse as he had his back to the women, but CB 1 was facing directly at her and didn’t see a thing-Lol. Anyway, it was time to halt the fun and frolics and get underway.

We turned left out of the cafe and immediately turn left down Station Road towards what I call The Wash. However, no sooner had we turned when I heard the chatter box shout from the back, where he was all day BTW, he claimed he was helping Chris- Lol. Anyway he demanded we stop and admire a small pond in the woods.

Ok, it was a very old pond, but did we need to stop- Lol. Turned out to be 8 or 900 years old can you believe, Allan didn’t of course, but there was no internet in the woods, so he remained a disbeliever, despite the photographic evidence below- Lol, Lol.

After what must have been our tenth stop on this adventure, we finally get going again and through the first kissing gate on to what I think is NT land, I believe. Where the sheep lurk, ready to pounce on the unwary cyclists and where the occasional ricochet might be heard off the military range (our second and third risk-Lol.)

However, before the range, we had to negotiate a hundred Mtrs of chattering decking boards, which actually keep the wheels above the waterline and yet another risk, on occasions- Lol.

 

After a few more scenic miles and a brief passage through the industrial backwater of Deeside and past the Toyota plant beyond, we reach the Greenway on route to the river Dee towpath. Time for a nice 5 mile blast, due to a cross tailwind, but alas, only Shane was interested. So, after a few regroups, on every bridge, we eventually get to Chester and we say goodbye to Chris, as he headed home. 

 

After a few more decking boards, along the river front, we reach the race course.

Kev then lead the way onto the cobbles under the Roman wall and on to the corniche-Lol ( slipping back into my Middle East days) All back together again we cruise along the river front and up the hill, beside the Boat House pub. However, not everybody got the memo-Lol. For some reason, both Kev and I end up outside the Bike Factory, ready to cross the road, but everybody else ended up there in dribs and drabs. We eventually regroup and head down the hill and up through Huntington.

I turn left for Saighton, with Kev in tow and the others dragging their heels again-Lol. 

Did I mention I needed to get back for 3pm hence, I kept pushing the pace on all day. It was now just past 2:40pm and 6 miles to go, so I was not about to ease up. However, I got carried away by Bruera and realised I had lost Kev and the others. I turned back on Platts Lane and see Kev come into sight. It turns out the 3 remaining amigo’s decided to carry on into Holt as that was where Steve left his car. Shaun followed suit because he was obviously feeling the pace and needed to trim a mile or 2 off the route and go directly home and of course CB1 wouldn’t leave his brother- Lol,Lol,Lol.

 

Now Kev and I had got rid of the deadwood - Lol, we could push on and I might still make my deadline. Kev, bless him ( what a nice man) urged me to push on and leave him, which I thanked him for and off I went, except I didn’t- Lol. He caught me up within a couple of hundred mtrs. I didn’t have the legs, somewhat embarrassingly. 

So there was nothing for it but to jump on his wheel and take advantage of a tow for the last 4 miles into Tattenhall (how nice, you can come again Kev- such a nice man-Lol)

We said our goodbyes at Alison’s with 15.6mph and 46 miles on the clock. I got home after 50 miles and bang on 3pm, just as Paula was getting in the car- perfect, like the rest of the day to be fair.

 

Despite the rain and lack of hills, I really enjoyed the route.

The company was exceptional, with everybody taking some stick-Lol.

It was a great cafe stop for more than one reason -Lol.

Thoroughly enjoyable day.

 

Till next time ladies-Lol

 

Neil, 

aka The Wind Whisperer.

See route map and/or gpx file download