20th February 2025 : Davenham (Mod+)

I had a very early hospital appointment, so decided to drive out to Waverton and ride on from there. On the way, I espied Ray S cycling in the outskirts of Guilden Sutton on his way via Waverton to Utkinton.  I set off and few miles on from Waverton I only caught up with him as he had stopped to adjust his clothing as it had started to rain (the first of many times today!). I donned my rainwear and we made our way up the ever deteriorating roadways to Rose Farm to find John M already there.

Very soon Alan and Steve Hu arrived, along with Dave M, Trevor, Nick and finally Keith. The weather forecast was not encouraging as we looked out across the Cheshire Plain but six of us decided to take on my ride to Davenham. The route was out via Kelsall in a clockwise direction taking in some roads we haven't been down for a while. The route was very familiar out via Delamere Forest and down to Acton Bridge. There was the odd stop to take off outer layers as the air temperature rose to double figures (at last!). However, this didn’t last as the rain became more persistent as we waited for the Weaver bridge to be re-closed after swinging open for river traffic.

Before Comberbatch, Alan decided to return as he had to get back home for an unplanned appointment so Steve decided to accompany him back to Rose Farm and their cars. We four cycled on in the light rain to Marbury Country Park. We take the old lane through the park towards Northwich diverting off across the salt marsh via Neumann’s Flash to Wincham where we pass through the industrial estate bound for Wincham village proper.

The lunch stop was planned to be either at Riverside Organic cafe or to visit for the first time Oakwood Marina cafe nearby. As John said he had been there before and it was ok, Oakwood it was then. To get there we have to negotiate the A556 at Smoker's Brook traffic lights and then meander through pleasant Plumley and onwards to Lach Dennis. It's a short run then to the marina at 28 miles ridden.

Although quite small, the cafe was welcoming with all facilities to hand. The food was very good and reasonably priced. As we sat there enjoying lunch, the rain came through at 45 degrees as the wind had picked up and thus would be an unwelcome feature of the 12 mile ride back to Rose Farm. We set off as the rain had temporarily abated but not for long. In and out of Davenham I planned to get to Whitegate via the canal path and the golf course. 

The old roadway just after the blue bridge, was in a very poor condition and frankly, if I knew what was also in store a little further on, I would have re-planned the route. We carry on finding a tank training ground section of gravel and deep muddy pools followed by a very muddy section before hitting old tarmac again. We all got through unscathed and smooth tarmac welcomed us into the Vale Royal golf club grounds.

The run now is straightforward up Whitegate hill and through Little Budworth and Cotebrook and the final rise up and over to Utkinton with 40 wet miles ridden. Nick and John had driven over so they just had to climb up to the cafe whereas we continued on to Waverton. Here, I loaded a very dirty bike into the car's boot, and Ray cycled on back home with mid-60 miles ridden compared to my mid-50 miles.

I noticed now that the sun was out and the air temp was 15C! Despite the rain and the headwind and the poor roads and that Weaver-side track to the golf club, we all had enjoyed being out and about in wet Cheshire today with some sun and heady double figure temperatures for a change. 

So thanks to all for supporting the ride and apologies for the Weaver mountain bike section!

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

13th February 2025 : Knutsford (mod)

There were many walkers gathered at Delamere Station, and no vacant parking spaces apparent. Having popped my head into the café to ensure we had some candidates for a club ride, I managed to squeeze the Berlingo in between the line of cars and the far fence by the forest entrance gate. It was good to chat to Steve Hughes, Clive, Alan, Dave Matthews and Pocket Rocket Ray, but Dave was in civvies and there were no “moderate” riders around. George and Andy Barber have been rarely sighted recently, and Large Ray and Keith were somewhere (separately, thankfully) in the Caribbean. Then Trevor arrived having ridden from Guilden Sutton, so I no longer had to contemplate a solo ride. Three possible destinations were briefly considered, but as I would find it easy to fashion a route to and from Knutsford and write it up, Trevor went along with my preference.

This was my first ride on my Marin with last week’s snapped rear wheel spoke replaced, so fingers crossed! When we reached Crowton my steering felt so odd that I thought that I had a puncture, but it turned out to be the headset had been tweaked up a little too tight. From experience I know that extra lubrication will not provide the solution, so that’s an adjustment task for the week ahead. It is surprising how unnerving a tight headset can be at low speed; we make so many constant steering movements in order to balance that any variable resistance is hard to manage. 

While I’m on about mechanical issues, I have only twenty spokes in my back wheel. It is remarkable how it has survived for about two years with all spokes intact until last week. In particular, the wheel has had to cope with my Chris Hoy-like power and fifteen stone five pounds fully dressed weight. Trevor’s bike was built by the reputable Spa Cycles, and I could see at a glance that it had a zillion spokes in the rear wheel, and when I returned home I counted thirty- two on my spare road bike. So here I am, risking my neck on wheels for waifs. Marco Pantani on his 1998 Bianchi Mega Pro had sixteen Alpina spokes at the rear, which was considered “crazy!” but these were in some of the very first deep-section wheels, and Pantani was a sparrow(nine stone wet through). Even Pantani used twenty-four spoke Campagnolo Electron wheels for the Tour de France’s mountain stages.

Anyway, back to the ride description: from Acton Bridge we headed past Cogshall Hall and climbed up to Frandley, past the Quaker House. At Antrobus we turned down the quiet Keeper’s Lane passing Firtree Farm where family members once walked Alpacas with my son for a treat (he was nearly forty at the time!). We finished up in the grounds of Arley Hall, and I was able to point out to Trevor where I had crashed because I had stared too long at four birds in a field. I had been cleaned up in the equestrian centre at Arley Moss Farm where they were used to sending for ambulances after riding accidents, and I was eventually transported to Warrington Hospital where they spent hours trying to find someone qualified to stitch me up. This was no surprise as Warrington Hospital’s reputation has always been at Gregg Wallace level. 

The sign at Moss End showed only six miles to Knutsford. You can make good time on this stretch to the A556 Roman road, so we resorted to alternating the lead to help the pace and provide some shelter from the cold easterly headwind. We entered Knutsford from Tabley Hill, and locked our bikes to the railings at the rear entrance of Costa. Costa was friendly, clean, cheapish and saved time. The food? Just what you would expect, but I can’t see Jay Rayner making a visit anytime soon. Amongst other matters we discussed holidays, and it turns out that Trevor is shortly holidaying in Sri Lanka. Trevor so often has an imaginative destination or experience lined up, whilst some of settle for Tui, the Canaries, and finding someone to take the dog for a winter week away. 

Our return route was via Pickmere which once had a fairground on the banks of the mere, and you could take a ride on a large boat that plied the waters. There were dodgems, a ghost train, helter-skelter, and a café in the large house at the start of the lane down. We cycled through Great Budworth, passing the George and Dragon which has gone upmarket since Clive and I enjoyed liver and onions there on what I think was his first ride with the club. 

We took the Little Leigh route back to the A49 adjacent to The Leigh Arms. The climb up to Acton Bridge never gets any easier, but at least we had been wind assisted on our return and made good time before the inevitable slogs from the Weaver Valley up to Delamere. A slight misunderstanding climbing up to Norley meant we split up before Hatchmere, but mobile contact established that there were no problems, so Trevor carried straight on home and I returned to the Berlingo at Delamere Station.

 
A very pleasant, relaxed day with Trevor clocking up something like fifty-nine miles, and approximately thirty-nine miles for me.

DH

13th February 2025 : Bunbury (mod+)

Well a hardy seven Easy Riders were easily outnumbered three-to-one by walkers at the cafe today. All parking spaces were taken and most of the indoor seating as well. However a table came free allowing Dave H, Dave M, Trevor, Ray, Clive, Alan and Steve Hu an opportunity to warm up. 

Dave M was in civvies as the required temperature of plus two degrees Celsius had not been achieved, plus he had been out on Wednesday. Trevor took the opportunity to discharge some of his community service hours and accompany Dave H as a small mod duo. Clive had a ride but it was a tad long so we went with a ride developed by Neil (fair weather rider) T to Tilleys. 

We were all ready to set off when Clive realised a pair of gloves he had arrived with had disappeared. Initially blaming the walking group, the blame quickly turned on Dave H. Whilst his initial pleas of “I've only got one of them” may work in the Frodsham branch of Clarks shoe shop, it didn’t persuade Clive. On searching the mighty Berlingo, a second errant glove was discovered. 

So replete with all PPE, we set off towards Hatchmere and took a right. The original route takes in the Whitegate Way, but since it has been muddy and Ray had just cleaned his steed from head to toe, we followed Clive’s diversion through Cuddington and towards Sandiway. Clive was setting a blistering pace only matched by super domestique Ray, whilst Alan and I grovelled in their wake. A rare navigation error at Sandy Lane by Steve firmly re-asserted Clive as ride leader as he safely routed us through Clay Lane and into Little Budworth. 

From now on the Cheshire lanes hummed under our wheels at a modest 14.5mph however it felt quicker  possibly due to the one degree headwind (hence no Neil T) all the way to Bunbury. Tilley’s provided an excellent fayre as usual, with Ray eating his body weight in baked beans whilst mushrooms, chips and sausages made up for the rest of us.

At Beeston Castle's gatehouse

A quick diversion to Peckforton allowed us to turn North and whiz through Beeston (photo opportunity) and then on towards Tarporley. Ray left us at this time with Clive peeling off just after Eaton. The last two miles to Delamere seemed hard despite the low average of 14.2 mph and 1800 ft of climbing the route felt tough today. 

Thanks to Clive & Ray for navigation. 

See route map and/or gpx file download

S Hu

Photo SHu

6th February 2025 : Overton ( brisk)

A very cold but sunny start for today’s ride commencing from Walk Mill over to Overton. Nick, Clive, Ray, Alan and Chris were my companions. We followed dry roads out from Waverton via Hargrave into Tattenhall.

 
Leaving Tattenhall on the Harthill Road, this initiated the usual grumbles about the gradient although I personally felt the icy patches we came across were more of an issue. The road from Harthill through to Malpas was enjoyable as it was dry and clear of debris and allowing us to keep a good pace.

After navigating Malpas’s busy high street, we turned onto Dog Lane and, after negotiating the potholes of Worthenbury, went through Bangor and passed its racecourse to arrive in Overton at 12:30 with 25 miles completed.The  staff at the 2 Doves cafe facilitated secure bike parking at the rear of the cafe and the rest of the service and food was excellent.

For the return, we retraced the road back to Bangor where we stopped by the church for a photo shoot as this coincided with Chris picking up a puncture. It only took ten minutes for the tube to be changed and then we were back on the road  heading out via Cross Lanes to Farndon.

Onward through Aldford and Saighton, we arrived back at Waverton where Clive, Ray, and Chris peeled off back to Chester leaving myself, Nick, and Alan to collect our cars. It was a glorious day, despite being cold, for this 45 mile route on mainly well-surfaced roads with an average speed around 15mph.

See route map and/or gpx file download

KP

6th February 2025 : Malpas (mod)

Would there be any moderate riders at Walk Mill, or would I be destined for a lone ride, like Keith a couple of weeks ago? Overnight ice, warmth seeking holidays and medical appointments are amongst the reasons for missing CER winter rides. As it was, there was a reasonable club turnout on a brilliantly sunny but cold morning. Trevor and Mike Gilbert were to be my knowledgeable riding companions, so there was little chance of taking wrong turns. 

Lunch was to be at the Little Deli in Malpas, and the morning route was intended to miss any hills with possible ski runs created by the sub-zero overnight temperatures. We made our way to Hargrave, but Trevor suggested an excursion before passing through Tattenhall. So it was that we navigated the quiet little lane from Owler Hall to Honeyend Farm before cutting across to a familiar route at the north gates of Bolesworth Castle estate on the road from Tattenhall to Harthill. There was some flooding near Woodlake Farm, but nowhere near as deep as the previous week. We were also grateful for the absence of water on the stretch from Tattenhall to the A41 , which has been closed a number of times this winter. 

No - it's this way

We reached Tilston via Carden Park and headed south for Cuddington Green. Mike nearly came a cropper in some ice slush near Chorlton Hall, but managed to eventually unblock his mudguards and continue. I think we were skating on sheet ice turning left at Chorlton Lane, but we got away with it and kept firmly on the sun-kissed side as we headed up the lane for Chorlton Lodge. We had completed a reasonable nineteen miles before ensconcing ourselves in the warmth of our friendly Malpas lunch destination. 

During our chat about various health challenges being encountered by our club colleagues at the moment, it became apparent that between the three of us only Trevor would pass an M.O.T. without any advisories; mind you he is the youngest! The lady serving us was the one who had run a fair way up the road after us last time waving my car keys in her hand. This incident had given everyone a laugh at my expense and saved me a load of hassle on the day. Trevor and Mike went for the Big Breakfast, whilst I attempted to make a healthier choice accompanied with coleslaw and greenery guaranteed to give me more gas than a barrage balloon for the rest of the day.

Our return was planned to be by way of Hampton Heath, Gallantry Bank, Peckforton, Tiverton and Burton. Unfortunately, as we climbed up the road approaching Bickerton Hill on our left, there was a loud bang from my rear wheel. I was able to wrap the broken spoke around an adjacent one and disconnected the rear brake to avoid fouling the now distorted rim. When we moved to a safe spot across the road the chain had to freed and replaced on the bottom jockey wheel. It’s most likely that the chain was dislodged after the spoke broke, but I’m dropping it off at Leon’s at Barrow tomorrow to fix the wheel and check the transmission. 

I can’t complain as Dave Matthews offered to replace my original wheels after I broke through the rear rim on that day, many months ago, when I returned from Bangor-on-Dee in a furniture restorer’s van. I was looking to buy new, but Dave had a lightly used pair in his garage that had been there sometime, and kindly fitted them for me, all for about ten bob. I believe that they had been on Andy Whitmore’s wife’s bike. They have covered many trouble-free miles since, although ideally the back wheel spoke count should be higher for my weight. In the circumstances we decided it was best to carefully take the shortest route back. 

The Harthill climb would be a test for the damaged wheel, and the descent with only one brake demanded concentration. The weather remained sunny, and thankfully the remainder of the ride from Tattenhall was very pleasant and the rear wheel held up. At the last T- junction after Greenlooms, I appreciated Trevor and Mike’s offer to follow me back to Walk Mill, but I was able to politely decline, and they headed for Waverton. The amended return route had resulted in just thirty-five miles covered, but it had been a lovely day in relaxed company. 

Thanks to Mike for the photo which captures the essence of being on one of our Thursday rides in quiet, scenic Cheshire countryside on a fine day.

See route map and/or gpx file download

DH

30th January 2025: Overton (mod)

 Well today’s ride….woke up and looked out and was surprised -  ice, ice baby ( Vanilla Ice ); anyway just thought let’s go . The gang that showed- me plus my driver, DH, Steve Tan in casual attire due to impending holiday (recovering as well from an introduction to asphalt), Shane, the half Welsh duo SHu and Alan, Clive, Ken, Nick, Ray and a late arrival representing the mob that can shift at a fast pace for ages,whereas me and my partner Dave kept to the script - moderate or as some car drivers liked to say knobs get a move on .

We headed after no discussion at all to Overton via lanes that were extremely muddy and icy so we took care to behave. The route started by passing through Tattenhall to get to Overton via a route made on the fly by Dave, who, as usual, put Garmin and other twenty first century navigation equipment to shame by using a map with more creases than my holiday luggage. We meandered through lots of exotic locations - Duckington, Tilston skirting Malpas to Tallarn Green, then to Holly Bush and into Overton, stopping for food at the Two Doves cafe . The lunch time discussion was…. oh well, time to crack on.

The route back was also cold, even with a good winter sun out, but the ice had mostly thawed. One thing that had been evident was the amount of flooding that has happened, with the lanes muddy and lots of water left, but these where actually helpful identifying the pots. Anyway, the route back went via Bangor on Dee passing the small but very popular horse racing venue, on towards Worthenbury, Shocklach, back through the hood commonly known as Tilston ( Runcorn pubs don’t have tether points for our ponies) then passing Carden Park golf club ( so wanted to shout 'fore!' to a bunch of golfers.. what a game). Anyway we then bumped into the Welsh partnership finishing their cycle meander around Cheshire lanes, whereas me and Dave had crossed the border into Wales, I only have one question concerning this. Why did the sheep all run in the opposite direction when Dave was passing? Just a thought . We finally arrived back at the cafe in Tattenhall Alison’s.  38/ 44 miles in great company putting the world to rights.

KB

30th January 2025 : Frodsham (brisk)

A dryish day in prospect as I arrived at Alison's cafe where Ray S was already into his cake and coffee. Very soon about 10 riders were eager for the off with Dave M and Steve T in civvies,

The Brisk Group consisted of Ray, Nick and Matt, once he had arrived from Walk Mill. Matt was sporting a new Swiss-made  titanium bike (even with Ti front forks and Rohloff gearing, massive tyres and  a carbon fibre "chain")  - must have cost a fortune but it should last forever.

We set off at a pace around Beeston Castle bound for Bunbury and Alpraham. Equally at a pace, we take the aptly named Long Lane to Wettenhall then Darnhall. We weave through pleasant Winsford suburbia on our way to Whitegate and the edge of Hartford.

Arriving at Weaverham, we dive right down to Winnington. After a while I realise that I had loaded up the longer route option. I had meant to drop down to Little Leigh to arrive near Dones Green. I decided not to admit the mistake but exited Winnington up the very steep Soot Hill near the Anderton Boat Lift. We take five to recover not just Soot Hill, but the high speed 22 mile run out to here.

Pushing on, we eventually get to the 2 mile long ever gently upwards Marsh Lane which enables us to approach Frodsham from the North East. At last the lunch stop is in sight. Matt needs to get home so carries on as we three stop at the Devonshire Bakery cafe right by the lights in the centre of Frodsham

We are able to order up very quickly and then access Whatsapp to discover the shocking news of Ivan's medical emergency whilst on holiday in Spain. Ken had been in contact today with Ivan and passed the news onto us and Dave H. Whilst Ivan is recuperating in hospital, apparently he is concerned what has happened to his bike and where it actually is - like we all would be! 

I feel I must tell Ray and Nick that I had inadvertently taken the 4 mile longer route thus pushing the distance ridden from home before lunch to 45 miles+. The food is good and very welcome. We discuss the way back and we three take the long hill out of Frodsham towards Hatchmere. Nick motors on for home, whilst Ray and I take the Delamere forest road back to Chester via Manley.

Arriving back home I find its nearly 70 miles today and the 15 mph average belies the fact that we were going a lot quicker than that for most of the route - except for the hills and the minor rain shower.

So many thanks to Ray and Nick for riding with me all the way round, and to Matt for slogging his new bike through muddy lanes  - but at least it will not rust! Hopefully Ivan will recover quickly and be back in the saddle again.

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

30th January 2025: Whixhall Marina (mod+)

Today was a first -  I enjoyed my coffee inside at Alison’s, the reason being the cold had driven the CER hardcore all inside. Whilst it was a balmy four degrees Celsius in North Wales it was somewhat cooler and icier on the Cheshire plain.

The assembled crew split into a mod, mod + and a brisker group. Shane, Alan and myself had planned to use Neil T’s dry roads route we used in autumn '24, with a lunch stop at Holt.

So, the three musketeers set off and meandered along muddy icy lanes until we reached Farndon. At Farndon we turned left & right and crossed the busy Barton road. Following the ascent of Wetreins Lane the mantle of ride leader was passed from myself to Shane, with a new lunch destination of Whixall Marina.

I’m sure since I enjoyed my Christmas Fayre and libations that the climbs to Malpas have been made steeper. Alan and Shane sprinted off up ahead as if being auditioned for the new Ineos squad. The roads around Malpas were particularly treacherous with long sections of slush. However, we were soon away and zooming towards the busy Whitchurch road and then onto Fens Bank.

 I’m always amazed at the time taken from passing the sign advising you are entering Whixall and riding over the canal to the canal-side marina. It must be another fifteen minutes. Hot food, chilli con carne, eggs and lasagne were all washed down with hot tea as we basked in the midday sun at the marina. Special mention must go to the staff and service here, it really is first class.

Replete with hot food we set off home repeating our route to Tilston in the vain hope we would enjoy a tailwind. Of course, as we all know in cycling, a headwind out means a headwind back!

 Shane peeled off in Stretton and Alan and I plodded on to Coddington and ultimately Tattenhall. In Chowley Oak we espied two cyclists who bore a remarkable likeness to Keith and our esteemed secretary Dave H. It was pleasing to see Keith had done six hours voluntary community service accompanying Dave to Bangor on Dee and Overton. Thus, the remaining four easy riders plunged into Tattenhall to the warmth of waiting cars.

 A pleasant route with thanks to Neil T and Shane in temps down to two degrees Celsius covering forty seven winter miles.

Steve Hu 

See route map and/or gpx file download

23rd January 2025: 'Tour de Cafe' (Mod)

Well, I’m calling todays moderates blog 'Tour de Cafe'.

 At the beginning it was me, Ray and Nick from the other mob haha (fast lads), plus D Mathews and Clive also dressed in smart casual attire. I left the first cafe (Rose Farm) and, as discussed earlier, with Ray and Nick went toward Duddon via a road that looked like I had gone to Mars, with a council officer marking the craters as they had gone beyond potholes, plus more mud on the road than in the fields. I then passed the second cafe (Walk Mill) heading towards Waverton; from here I decided to head to  Christleton, then the metropolis  of Guilden Sutton as the weather started to turn from a cold drafty morning to, let’s say wet, then a monsoon so I headed for Meadow Lea cafe  -  my third of the day. 

I decided to have a early lunch waiting for the monsoon to pass . I left after the owner came to me and said all the cycles outside where lying down flat, which they were as a domino effect had happened as the first untethered bike knocked all the others down as nobody had been arsed to lock them due to the rain. I needed to get back to my car which I’d left in Delamere, so I braved the A56 so I could veer off towards Manley Mere but I passed this cafe due to it being closed plus I was having a sulk due to the local flooding after the rain which had made the roads sketchy. 

Anyway, I headed through Mouldsworth heading through Aston Green, my first mis route calculation as I ended on the busy Tarvin bypass heading towards Kelsall, another village growing in size.  Anyway I cracked on through the town heading back towards Delamere on a longish detour back tracking earlier roads I’d been down which where now covered with lakes and mud which the passing vehicles seemed to have great pleasure trying to drown me but they needed to get up earlier than that as I could see the look in their eyes. 'Pay back it’s a cyclist he’s getting it ha.' Anyway I finished cycling through the forest to the last cafe (at Delamere Visitors Centre), my last of an enjoyable solo ride. 5 cafes, 3 used, a belly full of tea, muddy but you know what, happy, as I was out cycling. 35 ish miles .

KB

23rd January 2025 : No Ride - or so we thought…..

The weather forecast was for rain, 5C warmth, and winds strengthening overnight into Storm Eowyn so I decided not to ride today. I had to go Tarporley way for an errand so drove over and went to Rose Farm Cafe on the off-chance that there  might be a few hardy souls there.

And there were! - Nick, Ray S and Keith were supping their hot drinks in cycling gear with Dave M in civvies. Keith decided to ride back to where he had left his car before the rain came through. After Keith  had left, Ray and Nick decided to have another coffee with cake with custard to fuel themselves up for their respective rides homewards.

So well after 1100, Ray and Nick set off, Dave went into the Deli and I drove home via Tarvin. The wind had picked up as had the rain. By the time I hit Chester it was torrential with high winds - so I hope Ray and/or Nick weren't caught out in it.

As I write this around midday, the rain had stopped, the wind had abated, and the sun was trying to come out - standard crazy English weather of course!

CA

January 16th 2025: Mickle Trafford

 Having just taken the precaution of slapping on some last-minute suntan lotion I was now losing more time scraping ice from the car. It was going to be that sort of winter’s day: brilliant sunshine but, once again, cold enough to be caught out by the occasional icy surface. I arrived in the Ness car park at 10.30 and I could see only one bicycle, which turned out to be Clive’s. Before long we were joined by Ivan, Chris, Big Ray, Trevor and Keith. As far as the moderate quartet were concerned, I had two ride suggestions for lunch:  Tanskey’s in West Kirby or Meadow Lea at Mickle Trafford.  Despite Clive trying to be helpful in explaining his favoured route to West Kirby via Eastham, we finished up choosing a route to Meadow Lea.  Funnily enough, Clive’s recommendation of a Wetherspoon’s in West Kirby that had burnt his pizza and forgot to deliver a replacement, but gave him another pint of ale as part recompense, didn’t help tempt us.

Our route out was by way of Neston to Raby and then turning south east towards Willaston,  Capenhurst and Dunkirk. We clocked up a few more miles wandering around the area east of Backford, often on stretches only the locals have call to use. The lane beyond Picton had large road closure signs at either end of nothing going on, which was convenient because we had ignored them. Meadow Lea was busy, but the service was friendly, and we all ordered an excellent full English Breakfast. From this point Trevor was taking Keith on a fifteen-mile jaunt to get some extra miles in as they had both started from here earlydoors, so there was no point for them in returning to Ness.

Ray and myself set off for The Greenway when we crossed paths with Shane. He had been cycling to Ness in the morning, but had picked up a puncture in a flooded section of the cycleway as you depart the industrial estate and enter the Burton marshes pathway. The delay meant that he had abandoned his plan to cycle with the Brisk Group. Shane warned us of this hazard and the thick ice at the end of the ramp immediately preceding it. It was a dazzling day with a brilliant blue sky as we bowled along beyond Blacon. We hailed Ray Stigter on a solo ride in the opposite direction at one point.  We then ran into Chris and Ivan returning from their ride to West Kirby with Clive. They also gave us dire warning of the iced surface of the ramp under the A548. When we arrived at the hazard Ray managed to survive the ice and plough through the water. I had made the mistake of scooting down the last three metres of ice and stood astride my bike holding a metal bollard at the end. I felt that if I tried to start from this position the bike may well slip from under me, and I wouldn’t get properly set to plough through the water that had potholes below. For once this winter, I decided that this was a risk too far, particularly as I am on a list for a hip replacement. I asked Ray at the other side of the flood to carry on to Ness, and I would find a road route back. 

Unfortunately, there is no viable cycle route back to Ness without mixing it with heavy traffic and juggernauts along the A548 and then the A550. I thought about shooting down to Shotwick, but didn’t want to waste time seeing if I could get through on this narrow lane. I remembered riding on the A550 some years ago with Roy, when we were heading for Christmas lunch at Parkgate in gale force winds. Then, vehicle drivers had sounded their horns and even shouted abuse out of windows; now, with traffic thick and fast the same was happening again. Assertive road positioning was not a choice, and cat’s eyes out from the gutter were hazards that I couldn’t afford to slip on or swerve around. I was expecting to be smashed into from behind at any moment. A car coming towards me hooted repeatedly and braked; it was Ray coming to find me. There wasn’t a place to stop, so I gave him a thumbs up and carried on.

I gave a sigh of relief on recognising the Two Mills crossroads, and another one on reaching the lane to Puddington. I later learnt that Ray had managed to turn around somewhere and had continued to try and find me to give me a lift back. His efforts are much appreciated.  The sun was low in the west now, and I had to shade my eyes with a hand to see, as I tootled down to pretty Burton. I have really good prescription tinted glasses, but I am not sure that they would help me spot ice or potholes as well as clear lenses when riding on shaded winter lanes. My heart rate was back to normal as I arrived at Ness. Overall, it was an enjoyable ride in brilliant sunshine and good company. Trevor leading on “my” route had played a blinder in the morning. The planned route ridden by Ray was 32mls., my Detour from Hell took me to 38mls., and Trevor and Keith managed 49.

DH

16th January 2025 : West Kirby (brisk)

A very sunny day was in prospect albeit with a cold start. I arrived first at Ness, then wondered if I was at the right venue, but Dave H then arrived and a further 5 Easy Riders turned out today. Steve T was still recovering from his ice-dancing incident so two groups formed : The Mods with Dave H, Electric Ray, Kevin and Trevor; The Fast Lads with Chris, Ivan and myself.

A month ago the Fast Lads had a novelty ride around Wirral with lunch at the the Spoon's Old Dee Hotel in central West Kirby. Today's route would steal some of that ride and weave other interesting roads into it. It should be sub-tilted the “climb every mountain” ride as we scaled Prenton Hill (253ft) and then Heswall Heights at 315ft via Irby hilltop.

We started off in the opposite direction by going due East via Little Sutton and Overpool to the Rivacre bottom at 43 ft. Climbing out via Eastham Village, we run through the country park to then take my new favourite link aka the old railway cutting alongside Unilever’s industrial site at Port Sunlight. Today we cut Northwest via Bebington and Higher Bebington to Mount Road on Prenton Hill ridgeway.

Diving down to Heswall Island, we take the very popular cycle path along the Fender river to Upton station. A quick left and right finds us in and out of Moreton’s extensive estates thence hitting the Meols seafront. It's a short run down the railwayside cycle path to the Old Dee Hotel. The food comes quickly along with an excellent pint of dark ale. Ivan tells of the time in July 2007 when he was in London on railway business at the time of the appalling London Tube and bus bombings - he was actually in a taxi almost behind the bus that exploded! 

Along Meols front

The way back enables us to enjoy 6 miles of continuous uphill cycling after sliding through the big houses in Croft Drive East in the valley in Caldy - not to be confused with Caldy Valley! Maxing out in Heswall at 315 ft, it’s all down hill though Leighton and Neston back to pass Ness Gardens after 39 miles. 

Ivan and Chris elect to travel back to Chester over the marshes to the Greenway whilst I cycle on through Burton and Puddington and on the A540 towards Chester. I was back indoors by 1515 and my solar array display showed a perfect half circle confirming what we already knew that the sun had been out all day thus producing a few kilowatts of free electricity for me.

So, I was little surprised that there weren't more riders out on a sunny day, but  thanks to Ivan and Chris for their company and patience today as we weaved our way down roads anew to places well known.

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

9th January 2025: No ride

Winter weather precluded a formal club ride for safety reasons at Holt.

CA 

2nd January 2025: Neston

A baker’s dozen CER members turned out at Meadow Lea on a bright but cold and frosty morning. Ken, Dave M and Shane were only out for coffee and Trevor was leading a foursome of mods. That left six of us (Steves Hu and T, Alan, Roy, Nick and Ray S) to form the ‘mod+’ peleton. The plan was to go to The Courtyard Café at Brimstage, following a route last travelled two years ago. But as we shall see we would not reach that destination.

We’d agreed to take things carefully as conditions weren’t ideal, so our progress was ’steady’ as we headed along Salters Lane and then joined Fox Covert Lane which runs along the back of Chester Zoo from where animal sounds could be heard. Having crossed the Shropshire Union Canal at Wervin, we soon doubled back to cross the busy A41 at Backford and head down Station Road.

A sharp right turn took us on to Demage Lane and the cycleway that runs alongside the railway line. To our relief, it was not icy, the fallen leaves having stopped ice forming. However, at the end of the path there was a large patch of ice causing us to dismount and walk the bikes past. Crossing the A5117 took us onto Dunkirk Lane and past the Urenco works at Capenhurst where Andy B spent several happy years.

Only a little further on disaster struck. Steve Hu, Alan and Roy were running directly ahead of me on a straight stretch of road when I hit a patch of black ice that they must have just successfully ridden over and, in an instant, I was down on the tarmac, bouncing on my shoulder, forearm and hip  - Ouch! It took a few minutes for me to recover and re-mount, but we pressed on.

However, only a short distance past Ledsham Garden Centre, Alan had a puncture. We stopped at the entrance to a large house to fix it, but it took two goes and the use of a ‘boot’ patch over a cut in the outer before we could carry on. Whilst the repair was underway we discussed curtailing the ride as time was passing by and I was feeling sore. Ness Gardens Café was an obvious possibility, but they weren’t answering the phone. Ray suggested the Blue Bicycle in Neston and a phone call secured a table for six at about 12.30.

Having crossed the A550, we wound our way into Willaston and picked up Hadlow Road which took us over the A540 and onto Dunstan Lane. This lead us down into Burton and thence past Ness Gardens and into Neston and the Blue Bicycle café. The table in the upstairs room was soon filled with ‘Breakfast Burger’, ‘Baked Jacket Potato’ and other delights along with pots of tea and a bag of ice cubes for Steve T to put on his sore shoulder. The Blue Bicycle certainly delivered and is worthy of another visit.

It was soon time to leave and the route home took us to Little Neston and down onto the boardwalk across the marshes.  The first part of the path was caked in sheep droppings and other agricultural muck, so any thoughts of getting home with a clean bike were dashed – especially for Alan. The path was also flooded in several places, but all was traversed without problems.  Steve Hu and Alan left us where the ‘blue bridge’ crosses the Welsh Road, leaving Steve T, Roy, Ray and Nick to press on. Ray headed for home as we passed Chester so it was a threesome who finally arrive back at Meadow Lea, where Dave H and Ray B had just arrived back from the ride that Trevor has reported on below.

Only about 34 miles covered on an incident filled journey. Note that the gpx file attached came from Steve Hu’s Wahoo and he started his ride from the ‘blue bridge’. Thanks to all for their company and support.

ST

See route map and'or gpx file download 

2nd January 2025: Holt

 Being the first Easy Riders ride of the year, I thought there would be a large turnout at Meadow Lea but there weren't as many as I expected. Maybe it was the sudden cold weather. There was still frost and ice on the ground when I left the house. Or maybe it was because others had not eaten as much turkey and Christmas pudding as I had and didn't feel the need for exercise. As it was there were only 4 takers for the mod ride – Dave H, Keith, Ray B and myself.

 Although the temperature was edging above freezing we still needed a route which would avoid icy lanes, at least in the early part of the day. Dave called on my local local knowledge and I came up with a route that would take us down to Holt where we would have a choice of cafes for lunch. And so we set off south to Guilden Sutton but instead of heading to the A51 and Waverton we turned right towards the A41 and Chester. Just before reaching the town centre we turned down Dee Lane and followed the river, past the Groves, round the Roodee and out to the Ferry Lane bridge.

 After crossing the bridge, we turned left and then right onto the Broughton road, keeping to the cycle path to avoid the busy traffic. We soon turned off it and cycled through Bretton, on towards Kinnerton before turning south towards Rossett. We were now on country lanes but only small pockets of frost and ice remained and the road were quite good. The only thing we had to contend with was the low winter sun in our eyes. From Rossett we were on the long, straight B5102 with only a few bends to relieve the monotony. However, it didn't seem too long before we reached Holt.

 In Holt we found both cafes open. I opted to try the former Cleopatra's which has recently reopened (after 2 failed attempts) this time under the name of Cleopatra's II. Dave thought we should have gone to Maggie's to show loyalty to the cafe which has served us well while Cleopatra's has been closed and maybe we will next time.

 We discussed the route back. Dave and Ray wanted to take the shortest way back but Keith and I wanted to get some extra miles in while sun was out. The compromise was to head back via Aldford and Saighton. From there Dave knew his way back and took Ray with him while Keith and I turned right just after the railway bridge and headed over towards Waverton church. From here we followed the road alongside the canal as far as Hargrave where we turned left to return to Waverton via Martins Lane. Only a few miles now and across the A41 to reach Meadow Lea. 37 miles on a sunny winter's day and we had managed to avoid the worst of the frosty and icy roads.   

TC     

See route map and/or gpx file download          

1st January 2025 : Annual Statistics 2024

A New Year begins with the closing off of the Old Year of club cycling with the traditional annual statistics blog. 

But before that, we should all commend Dave H and Keith on their Boxing Day ride - whether it was to ride off that extra piece of Christmas pudding or to get out of the washing up and family "discussions', it is to be commended. Trevor and Dave M rode out and back to Delamere giving moral support whilst the rest of us were otherwise occupied.

Year	Mileage	Blogs	Av Miles/Ride
2008	1,137	24	47
2009	2,894	53	55
2010	2,640	53	50
2011	3,495	61	57
2012	3,615	76	48
2013	3,025	57	53
2014	3,708	72	52
2015	4,216	81	52
2016	4,325	83	52
2017	3,832	74	52
2018	4,472	89	50
2019	3,947	84	47
2020	2,030	47	43
2021	3,600	77	47
2022	4,357	93	47
2023	3,054	72	42
2024	3,803	96	40
Totals	58,150	1,192	49
Annual Avg	3,172	63	51

A good year's cycling with some new faces and ride leaders. The most prolific blog writer was Dave H with Steve Hu and Steve T collectively not far behind.

Overall though the total mileage and average ride length is showing signs of the effect on the legs of that extra year each year i.e. we are all getting older!

So on your behalf, I should like to thank Dave H for his unstinting support and commitment to CER - it wouldn't be the club it is without his guidance. Despite "modern" inventions like the Garmin etc, Dave doggedly eschews such fleeting and sometimes flaky technology for the tried and tested well-used OS map - just as our President and Founder Bryan Wade would do. Let's hope Father Christmas brought Dave a new set of 1:50000 OS waterproof maps and maybe a new bike......

CA

26th December 2024: Knutsford (mod)

There was a grey blanket over the landscape, and it was Boxing Day, and it was a new venue, so would anybody turn up for a bike ride? Keith and I had parked by the station, and as we cycled into the impressive newish Delamere Forest Café site we were joined by Trevor and Dave Matthews, who had both cycled from home. Trevor and Dave were returning home, but it was pleasing that they had made the effort, and we enjoyed a coffee and chat for half an hour.  The service had been instant, and it was a pleasant space to sit in complimented with modern toilet facilities and a convenient place to lock your bike. On asking Trevor, I was impressed to find that he had ridden sixty miles last Thursday; a decent achievement for a “moderate” rider with limited winter daylight hours available. Keith and I had a more modest mileage target as we set off for Knutsford into the fog.

                Although the forecast temperature was not too bad for the time of year, we felt chilly heading downhill for the A49 swing bridge over the River Weaver. Keith’s Christmas celebrations from the night before had him feeling less than robust, and I was regretting leaving off an extra layer of clothing. Never mind, the climb over the Trent and Mersey Canal up to Little Leigh warmed us up and we started to get “into the zone”! Visibility was reduced everywhere, and our glasses continually misted up with condensation, but with our lights on we didn’t feel particularly vulnerable as motorists should have been able to see about 350 metres. We headed north past Cogshall Hall to Frandley and Antrobus before turning right for Budworth Heath, Bate Heath, and crossing Chester Road adjacent to the M6. We entered Knutsford from Tableyhill. Costa was our chosen destination. It was easy to lock our bikes up at the back and it was less likely to be a coveted lunch destination for Knutsford’s Le Chameau welly wearers and Ferrari paraders. The staff were friendly, and we found a table right away. It was a better-appointed environment than my familiar Frodsham Costa.  

              Our return route took in Pickmere, Great Budworth and Comberbach. It appeared that the Spinner and Bergamot was open, and people were sat at tables outside The George and Dragon at Great Budworth. It was likely that to be served lunch inside at pubs open on Boxing Day we would have had to book ahead, so in the circumstances the certainty and quick turnaround of Costa had been a good choice. Well, it would have been a quick turnaround if we hadn’t had a cake as well and had an old guys’ discussion of the sort of things and type of people we couldn’t be bothered engaging with anymore. Then we had both limped out, with our various age-related lower limb damage to unlock our bikes; a post Last of the Summer Wine pairing. Back to the never-relished prospect of hard climbs to Acton Bridge, and from lovely little Onston hamlet to Norley, as the mist seemed to thicken. We reached the Berlingo at Delamere Station at about 3.30p.m.  Thirty-eight miles was enough on such a day, and we agreed that it had been enjoyable and well worth the effort.

DH

19th December 2024: Audlem Marina (mod)

There were just six of us turned up at Tilly’s. Tables had been reserved for us, staff were very friendly, the interior revamp attractive, and the free car park was handy. We were a bit of a mixed ability group, and on top of that, Ray had special needs in terms of directional knowledge and pace matching.  Trevor, Kevin, Steve Tan, Keith and I completed the party.

The weather forecast wasn’t great, but it was enjoyable to be out as we climbed up to the Church and the Dysart Arms before swooping down and up again past Bunbury Locks. I knew that my only problem navigating on the way out was likely to be on the narrow lanes after Alpraham. Taking the correct turns was made more difficult by this area being on the join of my 117 and 118 OS maps. Kevin offered to help with this, but because my route was not one that AI would likely recommend, I chose map juggling and the metaphorical flipping of a coin. Fortunately, we didn’t go wrong and worked our way around Calveley to reach Cholmondeston. We were soon heading south past Venetian Marina and Steve’s painful impression last winter of Ann Widdecombe on ice. From Rease Heath college, where we once could ride past the old hall fronted by a picturesque lake, we crossed the A51 to Henhull Hall. It was sobering to see all the surrounding green fields being churned to mud by developers offering maximum profit housing. I could see no evidence of affordable homes for young people. On the flip side, Nantwich is an attractive, growing town with interesting architecture and history, and its good to see businesses thriving in the town centre on a Saturday. I just wish that half of the new residents wouldn’t stand in front of me in The Cheese Shop tasting slivers and pontificating about the relative merits of Brie de Meaux compared with Italian Taleggio; all with that confident, middle-class demeanour, expressed in loud braying voices asserting their well sub-gourmet judgements. They show a selfish lack of awareness of, or lack of concern for those plebs waiting behind who are in a hurry to return home and get the coal in before the day turns dark.

We wended our way south-west from Nantwich to Ravensmoor before turning south to Sound and on to the moated Hall o’ Coole before reaching our lunch destination: Café At Bridge 80 alongside the Shropshire Union Canal at Overwater Marina. It was snug inside and most opted for the big breakfast option, and did somebody eat giant pigs in a blanket in a muffin? Anyway, it was hot comfort food, because it hadn’t been a too warm couple of hours, and we had been a bit damp at times.

Our return was prefaced with a photograph outside the café in a tearing, cold wind. Earlier, in the car, Steve Tan had floated the thought of a circuitous route from Bunbury to Meadow Lea, with the advantage of a strong tailwind after lunch. I could see his point more now, as we set off straight into the headwind. There was some respite as we headed south towards Back Coole Lane before turning for Aston and passing “The Bhurtpore” sign. It was tempting to go inside our long-time favourite watering hole and eat pudding and swig strong beers and order a taxi back.  I took stock at Wrenbury, and decided as we were close to the shortest day of the year the most direct route back was via Ravensmoor and Brindley. Usefully, Kevin’s Garmin agreed. Trevor had a different route in mind for cycling back to Guilden Sutton, so took his leave. On reaching Tilly’s the Runcorn branch stayed for coffee and cake together with Kevin. Steve, with minimal body fat was feeling the cold. I made sure the Berlingo heater was on full blast on the way home. I think everybody was glad that they had made the effort. The company was enjoyable, and it was good to have Keith’s big personality regularly back in the group.  It was also a chance to get to know more about Kevin and appreciate his team-player approach. Ray’s continually improving cycling performance is an eye-opener, but we must find a way of stopping him being first in the queue at lunch every time. A reasonable thirty-six miles were covered, and Trevor must have managed well over fifty, I guess.

DH 

See route map and/or gpx file download

12th December 2024: Christmas Lunch Ride To Gresford (mod)

 I've lost count of how many years we've been going to the Pant-yr-Ochain at Gresford for our annual Christmas Lunch but once again Dave H booked it. And once again he asked me to lead the moderates ride. With only a few of our starting venues near enough to reach Gresford in time it should have been easy to plan a ride there. Simply look at a previous year's ride and follow that. But oh no! Dave likes to throw a spanner in the works one and this year's spanner came in the form of a change to the timing. So although we were starting from Maggie's for the second time in a row the meal was now booked for half an hour later. Back to the drawing board, then, to find a route with about 5 more miles.

 It would be easy to have a moan about Dave's erratic planning but I won't. Truth is I soon came up with 2 alternatives which would fit the bill and besides he was recovering from a stressful day the day before the ride. Storm Darragh had roared in the weekend before leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Amongst other things power lines feeding the pub had been brought down and the electricity supply hadn't been restored until Tuesday evening. As a result ,much of the food bought in to feed us had gone off and had had to be thrown away. Dave got to know about it on Wednesday morning and a stressful day followed. After much toing and froing of emails it was decided that we would continue with the ride but we didn't know what we would end up eating.

 Those of us who were riding assembled at Maggie's in Holt and after the usual coffees and teas we split into 2 groups. No mod+ ride this week so I led a larger than usual group of 12 riders on a tour of the Cheshire countryside. We crossed the River Dee into Farndon then followed a clockwise route which took us to Churton, Coddington and Barton before returning to Farndon via Wetreins Lane. A circuit which should have provided us with lovely views but which unfortunately did not due to a mist which had descended during the night and which refused to clear all day.

 After passing Maggie's we headed towards Gresford taking a loop via Hoseley on the way. This caused a break-up of the group as some of the faster riders had opened up a gap between themselves and the rest of us. In doing so they missed a turning and although we shouted for them to come back they were too far away to hear. We had no alternative but to carry on without them but I was relieved to see them turn up at the Pant-yr Ochain not long after we did.

The staff at the pub had pulled out all the stops to replace all the food that had been ruined and with the exception of one of the main courses we were all able to to enjoy what we had pre-ordered. An amazing 28 members sat down to a sumptuous meal, the largest turnout ever for a Christmas lunch. I didn't know that we had that many. There can't have been many missing. Steve T got up offer Dave a well-deserved vote of thanks for all the hard work (and stress) that went in to organising this year's Christmas lunch.

I led an even smaller group back to Holt after lunch. Just 3 of us with 2 more not far behind having done 22 miles. Not many but then its more about the lunch and getting as many of us as possible together than the ride itself.

It only remains for me to wish all our blog readers a Happy Christmas and all the best for 2025.

See route map and/or gpx file download

12th December 2024: Christmas Lunch ride to Gresford (brisk)

A few Fast Lads were out on Tuesday visiting some of the obscure roads, cycle ways, disused railway cuttings and canal paths on a satisfying ride to West Kirby and the Spoons pub. I offered to put together two rides for today's ride from Holt to the Pant-yr-Ochain. We chose the shorter one which became even shorter on the day.

Maggies Cafe became very crowded as probably 20 of us were supping a hot drink trying not to notice the gloom and drizzle outside. For those riders who had ridden out it was tales of wet weather gear and frequent wiping of the cycling glasses.

So John M, Ray, Ken, Ivan, Nick and Matt were led out to "race" around the Wrexham Industrial ring road to Cross Lanes. We took stock here as it was clear that a re-plan was needed to ensure we maximised drinking time at the Pant, sorry, meant to say, "Get there by 1200" as we were required to do.  So with the local knowledge expert to hand aka Ken, we re-route on the fly through Erddig parklands with the sad spectre of several fallen trees post last weekend's big storm.

At the Ruabon Road junction, we take the Booker Wholesale estate transfer onto Foxwood Drive and the memory is stirred for the route to the Sainsbury's roundabout and the dive down under the railway bridge to shimmy through the edge of Greater Wrexham. A walk over the footbridge brings us out within a very short ride to the Pant arriving about 1150. We had had enough of the miserable weather and lack of light and felt the pull of the bar for a refreshing pint but had only ridden 16.5 miles.

As ever, the Pant does not disappoint the 28 or so of us today. Despite their loss of power and freezer contents, the menu was only very slightly curtailed.  The range of real ales was tempting and the food was top-notch. It was soon time to go and we head out for Gresford centre passing The Flash but have to divert via Pikey Lane due to tree felling activities. At the lights, Nick and some others head back to Holt to their cars.

The rest of us ride off down Marford Hill exceeding the 20mph Wrexham to Chester speed limit keen to get home before it is dark. As ever, a satisfying ride of about 40 miles for those who rode out from Chester.

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

5th December 2024: Alison’s Tattenhall - Rain avoiding loop (Mod)

 With the forecast for heavy rain after 1pm everyone was up for a short ride and no surprise, Dave H and I both had loops via Malpas in mind. Checking the time at as we went we modified the route on the fly to get us back dry. The Mods consisted of Dave H, Dave and Liz, George, Keith and Ray B. We covered a route of 22 miles via Brown Knowl, Malpas, Cuddington, Tilston, through Carden Park, Coddington and back to Alison’s just as the first spots of rain arrived. Perfect timing. The Mods + group had already returned and occupied the outside seating area which we then fully filled with Dave and Liz opting for the last table inside.

 Congratulations to Alison’s for fitting us all in.

DP

5th December 2024 : Tattenhall Circular (brisk)

The whole of the outside seating area at Alison’s was taken over by C.E.R members which was surprising given the yellow weather warning for high winds and rain. Of the brisk group Ivan, Ray, John and Nick rode out solely for coffee leaving Clive and myself to formulate today’s ride. However, due to the awful weather forecast, all the planned group rides were changed to shorter circular rides with a lunch stop back at Alison’s.

Our planned ride was a loop out towards Malpas and Threapwood returning via Tilston. After looking at our route, Nick decided to join us given this conveniently coincided with his journey home. Initially we headed out through Burwardsley and Bickerton crossing A41 at Hampton Heath and on into Malpas. Here we went down Dog lane and began our return leg through Threapwood and Tilston.

Nick peeled off for home here while Clive and I continued on via Barton and Coddington to Tattenhall arriving back at 12pm in the dry, with the other groups arriving shortly after as did the rain!

This ride of 25 miles avoided the heavy rain and wind and was probably one the year's shortest rides. It is also accompanied by this year’s shortest blog!

See route map and/or gpx file download

KP

5th December 2024: Tattenhall circular (mod++)

Approximately 15 turned up at Alison’s today, which included the tandem team, just as we were getting ready to leave!

I had a clear intention and route that would allow us to get back to Alison’s for lunch, due to the forecasted heavy rain and strong winds that were due around 1pm.

This meant a short one of 31 miles ( circular route south, via Malpas) This route is a favourite of mine that I use after heavy rains, as there aren’t usually any floods, apart from Rocky Lane, which for today, I knew was clear ( that changed after the afternoon rain by the way - Lol).

 

Anyway, it didn’t take long for the usual Mod+ suspects to agree to follow me, which meant a group of 7 ( that included Elec John, who was just riding a few miles with us and then heading home)

DH decided his group would also do something similar. So it was that everybody was going to get back to Alison’s for lunch, even Clive and his group of 1.  Everybody else was just there for coffee and heading straight home.

 

I set off with Al, Steve Hu, Steve T, Shane, Rapha Ray & Elec John.

Left out of the cafe and down through Rocky Lane when we meet a hedge trimmer, just as we crossed the A41 ( not even 2 miles completed- Lol)

Fortunately there were no punctures and I decided to bypass Hollywell Lane, turning right toward Clutton, through the old disused railway line.

I knew of a big flood on the bend to Manorwood Cafe, so we turn left at the junction in Aldersey, which enabled us to ride through Carden Park, which is fairly common for me when on my own ( I like to pay homage to my other great pastime of golf and my club- Lol) 

However, only a few hundred metres inside Carden Park and just as I was about to say to Al  “keep your eyes peeled for kingfishers”, can you believe, one popped out of the reeds on the left and flew across the road, right in front of us, which made our day - Lol.

Before we knew it we were in Tilston and turning left heading toward Bickerton and our 2nd crossing of the A41, which was only 2 miles before our 3rd crossing at the ‘Forts of India’ curry house.

After a few more miles and a couple of little hills we hit Malpas and swiftly passed the Fire Station Cafe and then turn right for one of my favourite downhill stretches, that is surprisingly long, taking us all the way to the right turn into Saughans Lane leading us up to Shocklach.

 

By now we were getting some pace on and rapidly boosting our average speed, which, as Steve Hu pointed out, a few miles earlier, was very poor.  I did say at the start that the first half would be sluggish, mostly uphill and into to the light southerly, until we turned north after Malpas.

We now had a 10 mile stretch of pan flat tailwind, so it wasn’t long before we were beyond Farndon and whipping along past the Grosvenor pub. We turned right over the bridge of Aldford Brook, heading for Platt’s Lane and our 4th crossing of the A41- Lol.

After a brief regroup and a few gasps from the group, I think I asked if anybody was complaining about the slow pace -Lol.  Steve T definitely wasn’t, he was hanging in there well!

Steve Hu then piped up about our average speed having gone from 13.8 to 14.9 mph over that last 10 miles - Lol. 

We crossed over the A41 into Gatesheath Road and I pulled in to visit another tree and suggest to the group that if then wanted to crack 15 mph AS then they better get a grip as a team, because we now had a crosswind for the last few miles into Tattenhall. My legs were ok, but not up for pushing the pace on any more. Shane stepped up and I jumped on his wheel, but the rest didn’t it seems. 

After a mile or so, I suggested to Shane that we eased up to try and get the group together, and guess what happened, the ‘mugger’ struck again. Al steams past, leaving us in his wake and trying to regroup. Steve Hu then rallied us into a pursuit, leaving Steve T happy to bring up the rear with just a mile to go.

We rounded the corner and past the school, when I looked down to see 15 mph average, which I pointed out to Steve Hu, so we could knock our efforts off, having not caught the ‘Mugger’. I looked behind to see Steve T just coming around the corner. 

We pulled into Alisons at 12:45 after 29 miles, only to find Clive already there - Lol. 

Just as we got seated, light rain started, so I got straight back up, made my apologies and headed for home, preferring to get there before the heavy stuff arrived from the heavens. 

I only had a mile to go and couldn’t bear the thought of heavy rain after lunch with cafe legs; hence, my apologies and quickly off.

I arrived  home just as I was in need of a wet jacket - perfect- Lol.

 

What turned out to be a slow start became one of our quickest rides for a long time- Lol, Lol

A good day in the end and to think I nearly didn’t bother- Lol

 

PS, didn’t it chuck it down about an hour later!?

 

Till next time,

Neil.

See route map and/or gpx file download