January 16th 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

28th November 2024: Holt (mod)

 Reminiscent of last week’s ride, those of us who gathered at Ness Gardens were a mix of members who had sensibly decided to only turn out for a social coffee and those who for whatever reason hoped that the ice would melt and the temperature would rise as the day progressed.  I had cycled over from Wales with Alan and the conditions “under wheel” were not too treacherous - even the wooden walkway on the marches was passible with care. 

Five of us were riding today.  Alan was offering a ride around the Wirral to be accompanied by Steve T and Chris.  I suggested to Ray that we might enjoy ourselves on an amble around to Maggie’s at Holt.  Ray readily agreed and bidding our fellow riders a safe day we set off in the sunshine. 

Re-crossing the marches the ice on the boardwalk having already turned to water, a hopeful sign, we made our way through the industrial estate musing on the future of the Toyota engine plant and the troubles of the car industry worldwide as governments try to get the reluctant consumer to switch to EVs.  Cycling along the river Ray noted that the “pesky wind” is always against you whatever the weather forecast may say.  Crossing the river on the footbridge we cycled along the edge of Saltney and using the cycle path alongside the busy Chester Road we dropped on to Bretton Lane.  A new area for Ray we made steady progress via Lesters Lane, Kinnerton Road and Pulford Lane into Pulford itself.  The roads were largely traffic free and drying out nicely in the welcome winter sunshine.  Cutting through the back of Lavister on Gamford Lane we picked up the B5102 into Holt.  Maggie’s was a welcome sight after this long exposed stretch of road into a freshening wind.

Ray noticed that they were offering a winter special of soup and a panini.  This would do us nicely.  As usual the lunchtime conversation ranged far and wide including the usual quota of “things were different in our day”.  From the mysterious threat of social media in all its forms to ice on the inside of the windows when we were kids.  It was eventually time to embark on the return leg.  Crossing the Dee into Farndon we headed north to Churton and turned right on to Pump Lane something of a favourite of mine despite the rough road surface in places.  Crossing the A41 we bowled along through Tattenhall and Hargrave into Waverton.  Here for the first time we started to pick up more traffic a product of the “school run”.  Another 21^st century innovation as big SUVs stacked up behind us.

Crossing the A51 courtesy of a kindly motorist who slowed and flagged us across we picked up the Greenway.  In the gathering gloom we ambled on Ray only telling me occasionally the he was “knackered” while I attempted to convince him to sign up for the Vets 100 next year.  My powers of persuasion were somewhat lacking so still a work in progress. 

We parted company at the Wales end of the Greenway.  We had surprisingly clocked up just over 50 miles at a unsurprising stately pace of 9.1mph.  A good days riding and a real welcome bonus at this time of the year.

 

GW          

28th November 2024: New Brighton (Mod+)

 What a day , glorious blue skies no rain but just bitterly cold.  In all eight of us met at ‘The botanic kitchen’,   just five riders,  three in civvies,  just out  for a social coffee. Steve Hu and Shane were guilty as charged since they had their bikes and cycling gear in the car. I continued to work on them and just as the ice outside was thawing I saw their resolve weakening. Hey up, we will have five out today I thought. That was until……….

In walked Chris the warrior, bedecked in shorts! Did I mention it was minus two degrees Celsius outside. Not only wearing shorts but also a bloody graze on his leg where terra firma and he had met on the way to the cafe! Apparently, Chris had come off on one of the marsh cattle grids, so we needed to be wary of icy patches. Steve Hu and Shane’s interest in the ride quickly melted away!

George had a plan to return across the icy wastes of Burton Marsh on a circuitous route to Holt, see GW’s blog.

Clive was driving to Norfolk later in the day so it was Steve T, Chris and myself who decided on a clockwise Wirral loop that we had ridden earlier this year. With the temperature still at minus 2, we didn’t dawdle and soon passed through Neston and Thornton Hough and then the seemingly never- ending uphill drag to Irby.  Downhill to Meols and on to the sea front, and, although it had warmed up to 1 deg Celsius, it didn’t feel like it in the cold sea breeze. Maybe Steve Hu and Shane had been right after all.

The low tide had attracted thousands of sea birds, and also dozens of cocklers on quad bikes towing trailers, a hard way to earn a living ordinarily and even more so on a cold winters day.

Changing the plan slightly we arrived at ‘The Seaside Cafe’ a CER favourite lunch stop.

As well as a scraped knee, Chris had also hurt his hip, which was now giving him some discomfort. So Steve then reminisced about some of his more spectacular tumbles over the years.  A sobering reminder of the potential risks of our pastime, of which our erstwhile secretary Dave H is blissfully unaware. LOL

We set off again to follow the prom to Seacombe , by now  turning  into a strong and freezing headwind.  Following the Wirral coast cycle path over this section seems to be more difficult. It tends to zig zags left and right I managed to lose my teammates for a while, reuniting at Woodside.

Chris left us at Childer Thornton to get back for his evening shift; I don’t know where he gets the energy from, but then he is a good 30 years our junior and holds the double award for the ascent of Hope Mountain with Matt & Paul a few weeks ago.

So, a challenging 40 miles in the wintery conditions, but made enjoyable by my two companions.

Alan O 

See route map and/or file download

21st November 2024 : Tattenhall

 Earlier hailstones had formed a solid clump around my windscreen wiper pivot. This was going to be an icy morning for cycling. I eventually arrived at Meadow Lea to find a convivial group consisting of Ivan, Clive, Ken, Trevor and Julie, Jim and Diane, Keith and Big Ray. Only Keith and Ray were dressed for cycling. Having enjoyed the socialising, the potential cyclists concluded that although it wasn’t very wise, we would give it a go. This wasn’t without precedent, as the same characters had ridden in pairs or a three before in ice and snow, with Steve Tan and sometimes George. Steve was under doctor’s orders on this occasion.

I had a plan, but we would be prepared to adjust dependent on the state of the road surfaces in front of us. As we set off toward Morley Bridge my face felt as cold as a fishmonger’s slab. The pleasant little road up to Dunham Heath looked treacherous, so we took extra care to ride steadily and straight. After passing Manley Mere we climbed up Siddall’s Hill to Mouldsworth, which helped to warm us up properly. Drifting down past the Goshawk was a breeze, taking a chance on the quiet lane out of Ashton past Ashtonhall Farm was a more precarious undertaking. The weather was fine and the sun was out, but the high hedges on our offside had ensured that the uneven surface remained frozen and confirmed the extra risk of straying from well-used lanes. Through Kelsall we passed Steve Haywood’s house by mistake, which had the unfortunate result of us having to pass a thorn- spewing hedge cutting outfit to reach Willington Corner. No punctures were incurred, and apart from the dark, rough stretch past the Willington Hall Hotel, the riding and scenery in the sun was making us glad we had not driven home from Meadow Lea. We still had to be careful the other side of Clotton, as I recalled sliding horizontal down the road at one of the corners, having been deceived by a thin film of mud that looked dry but was icy. That incident was over thirty years ago and resulted in me riding back to Runcorn with a buckled wheel and disconnected front brake.  At Huxley a decision had to be made whether to venture further south to, say, the Cholmondeley Arms or to head across to Alison’s at Tattenhall. We certainly had no intention of climbing up the north-facing road from “The Shady” to Beeston Castle which resembled a ski slope last time we used it in freezing conditions. It was agreed not to push our luck, so we chose a speeded-up extra circuit past The Ice Cream Farm and Owler Hall before turning into Alison’s.  Alison’s was friendly and spot-on as ever. There were the now familiar road closures due to flooding west of Tattenhall, so instead of contriving a detour the guys voted for a quickish direct return. For a change, we chose the Shropshire Union Canal route to Waverton rather than the Greenlooms loop. On our way through Guilden Sutton we gave a shout to Ivan sorting out his window blinds, but I doubt that he clocked us. Ray had to get back to the end of The Wirral, but Keith and I had time for coffee and cake at Meadow Lea. It had been a very enjoyable thirty miles in relaxing company, and well worth the risk, (as it turned out!)   

DH   

14th November 2024: Whitegate (mod)

 Keith rang me to say that he couldn’t extricate himself from the jammed Runcorn traffic to head for Utkinton. His second attempt to find a route out had him close to my house, and as I was about to leave, we decided to share just the one car and find a more radical route.  We still had to undertake a long line of stationary cars, and shoot into a gap on the Murdishaw roundabout trying to emulate the slick timing of Lewis Hamilton, rather than the dangerous bullying of mad Max. The queue on the Northwich Road before the A49 led to a U-turn, but using our cycling lanes we eventually reach the Leigh Arms and headed south on the A49 to Cuddington and Cotebrook. We arrived at Rose Farm to find a strong turnout just about to ride off. It was great to talk to Steve Hayward, as we gulped down a quick coffee. The moderate group acquiesced to my suggestion of an unusual route ending up at the café in the former Whitegate station. The group consisted of Big Ray, George, Trevor, Keith and me.

We finally headed out after 11a.m. reaching the Reaseheath-Wettenhall road via Tarporley, Eaton, Winterford Lane, Mill Lane, The Hall Lane and Oulton Lowe. We then, unusually, headed north-east, diving and climbing through attractive Darnhall to reach the outskirts of Winsford. It is surprising to some, but like Runcorn, Winsford has some posh bits, in this case on its southern edge. Trevor, as so often, knows his way around in this area, but had to take an important phone call, so said that he would catch us up. Despite Trevor’s instructions, and me thinking that I knew what I was doing, a turn was missed. Ray insisted that we consulted a local guy parking his car, but one of his suggestions could have left us heading down some muddy farm track with plenty of potholes. Anyway, I soon got my head around things with my large-scale O.S. map, and we headed down alongside the main road to the roundabout adjacent to Bottom Flash.  We then turned north alongside the Weaver Navigation and with the salt works on our right turned west on to the old railway route known as the Whitegate Way. The ride was now very relaxed away from traffic on the russet leaf carpeted level way. Despite it being mid-November, we cycled past a fertile field vibrant green in the sunshine. Our tree arched route glimmered copper and gold as we cruised along.  Then, Keith displayed the vision of a kestrel in identifying Trevor in the distance ahead.  Trevor had not missed the turn in Winsford but had missed the long conversation about route options with the local yokel, so had finished up ahead of us. The Whitegate station café is in the Marton area and is a very friendly community café mainly run by volunteers. Our conversation was convivial, and lunch was fine. I blame Ray’s loud laugh for “doing my head in” and me not being able to remember much about our topics of conversation.

Our return route took us close to the rear of The Hollies and the Cheshire Polo Ground before crossing the A54 and reaching the Coach Road to Oulton Park. There are interesting bridle paths throughout this area centred on Little Budworth Country Park, some definitely worth exploring on a mountain bike. The Mill Pond presented a lovely shimmering scene on this perfect autumn day as we approached Cotebrook. Some of us remember the attractive Mill Pool restaurant which closed over five years ago and was demolished to be replaced by two very expensive homes. I was thinking of riding around to Ukinton village via Hollins Hill, but the troops soon scotched the idea. It was a short ride, but Trevor must have covered forty miles by the time he had cycled back to Guilden Sutton.  Ray left promptly to drive back to Moreton. Keith and I stayed at Rose Farm café with George for a last coffee, and some interesting discussion about workplace issues like the price paid for confronting unacceptable behaviour, or not, and standing up to management bullies. George’s experience in human resources and mine and Keith’s experience of “talking truth to power” provided some interesting anecdotes. Of course, the option to finish the day with coffee, cake and a chat has always been part of the convivial culture of our club. We had managed it today despite the late start, because of a shorter route than I had calculated. The cycling conditions and autumn scenery had been smashing. It was a bonus to have winter postponed for just one more ride.  

DH

14th November 2024: Waverton (Mod+)

I was going to gripe about the muddy lanes, but after todays ride, yesterdays Mod+ was pretty good to be fair- Lol.

It’s hard to ride any lane at the moment without slimy mud everywhere. We need some heavy rain to wash the roads, which should be on Sunday- bah humbug.

 

Anyway, after an early digression ( can you say that- Lol)

The venue for the day was Rose Farm and for a change my leadership started from my house, as I had F & E in tow. This was because I was always going to do an easy, flat 45 miles max, from home that is, due to several injuries I was  carrying, which suited them.

I didn’t therefore plan on leading a proper group, however, I still ended up with a few more followers- Lol. 

Clearly those few didn’t mind a short one ( real reason was they had no alternative, as Steve T turned up with a similar plan to me and was simply returning home- Lol)

 

A quick head count in the cafe revealed 17, which was not as good as the record total from last week at Gladstone Library, but nevertheless, good for Rose Farm. That didn’t include Steve Haywood, who had turned up in his civvies, just to say hello.

DH turned up in the end ( some excuse about traffic- Lol) just as we were leaving, so I guess he ended up with a fair size group, as the fast group was only Clive & Ivan, I believe. The count should be 18/ 19, as we bumped into Keith as we were riding off. He was looking distressed, which he explained was simply the experience of travelling with DH - Lol- Lol- Lol. 

 

So it was that Kev, Alan & Steve Hu joined me+ F&E for a pan flat meander to the Blue Bell cafe, which, after a quick phone call, became Walk Mill ( always my back up- Lol)

I mentioned that I would be very slow on the inclines, as my knee couldn’t take any sort of incline, but hopefully steady on the flat bits.

We set off to the right and a quick downhill, set us up for a nice steady pace for the next few miles to Aston.

Photo AO

I was basically taking the group on the flattest meander I could come up with, whilst avoiding the worst of the mucky lanes. This meant swinging out toward Cheshire Oaks and back past the zoo into Guilden Sutton, although on a different lane.

It didn’t take us that long to reach the A51, where upon Steve Hu questioned my route, when I told them to turn left onto the pathway. We were of course mirroring the A51 so we could cut back up toward the Blue Bell cafe and take the long route to Walk Mill cafe. After a few hundred metres on the pathway we turn left past the Stamford Bridge Inn. There was a slight hiatus in the group, at this point, which I never did find out the reason for- Lol.  I needed to plod on up the slight incline, due to the knee pain I was experiencing. I knew they would catch me up and just in time for me to turn right.

 

At the top of what would normally not be classed as a hill, but for me it was, we turn right and meandered through a few lovely lanes that brought us back to the A51, which we crossed.

This set us on a path past DM’s house, which I believe was pointed out to Kev, in passing ( glad to see you have fixed your garage door Dave- Lol). No sooner past DM’s gaff, we were creeping up to the crossing of the A49 and still with 6 in the group- Lol. I would just like to add that nobody was lost this time, as I was able to look behind and check for myself that everybody was still in tow, unlike last time, which I took unfair criticism for ( Steve Hu- Lol)

 

After crossing the A49, we are quickly descending toward Walk Mill, only a mile away and 25 from Rose Farm. We turned up to a surprisingly busy cafe ( never seen so many bikes at one cafe- Lol)

Fiona managed to bag us the last table, while the rest of us were getting our orders in. It didn’t take long to be fair and my falafel, beetroot sandwich was gorgeous. Turned out that this is Fiona’s favourite sandwich cafe. Conversation was well varied, with Kev seemingly the centre of them all, as the new member of the club, he was filling us in on his cycling history and his reasons for riding in trainers. (he’ll be to fast for Mod+ once he gets clip in pedals- Lol)

After a brief discussion with Kev as to knowing his way back to Rose Farm, because all of us were heading for Tattenhall, he confirmed he did, but decided he would follow us and then head back to Rose Farm. Alen & Steve Hu were heading for Waverton, because their cars were there.

 

I decided to change the route a little and head through the back lanes to Hargrave, which would provide Alan & Steve an alternative route back up to Waverton, via the canal road ( aren’t I thoughtful - Lol- lol).  It didn’t take us long to get to Tattenhall, where upon Steve decided that they should turn right past what used to be Old Ma’s cafe. I guess he intended to take Platt’s Lane to Saighton and Waverton beyond - that’ll teach me to be so thoughtful- Lol- Lol.

Only a few hundred metres further on, we lose Kev, who was going to call his daughter, who apparently lives in Tattenhall. Now down to 2 in the group, I at least knew I was going to finish the ride with somebody, as they started out with me- Lol. We arrived at my place with 44 miles on the clock and a respectable AS of 14mph ( not to bad for a cripple - Lol) 

 

Despite the odd mucky lane, I think everybody enjoyed the meander. I remember somebody mentioning, at one point, that they were surprised when they realised we were on top of Cheshire Oaks, as they had no idea where we were, which to me means- Job done- Lol. And 10 minutes later we were passing the zoo, although some didn’t notice- Lol- Lol.

So, a good ride in the end, due to unusually mild weather and no wind at all +  great company and Steve Hu of course- didn’t mean it mate- Lol.

 

Till next time,

Neil. 

14th November. 2024 : Sandbach (brisk)

I hadn’t been out on the bike with Ivan for a while, so it was a real pleasure to be out with him on his ride round Cheshire on Tuesday. Lots of familiar and dry roads with little traffic and some sunshine at last, with a new cafe (“Eleven”) in Whitchurch for lunch. This soon built up to a 70 mile round trip at 16mph. We were both riding on Thursday from Rose Farm so he offered up a couple of routes, and this one to "The George" in Sandbach was the result.

Leaving Chester at 0900 for the ride out to Utkinton, the weather was a mixture of a medium thick fog plus a fine drizzle which demanded a rain jacket to be donned and cycling glasses being cleared every few minutes. Nearing Utkinton, the fog and drizzle had lifted as I rolled in to Rose Farm with Alan. Steve Hu and Alan had caught me up on Ryecroft Lane outside Waverton, and then we caught up Trevor, with whom Steve Hu accompanied to the cafe.

Soon there were a dozen plus riders in the cafe with talk of "where are you going today". It was good to see Steve Ha making an appearance and making progress but not riding yet. Nick had messaged to say that he would meet us at Tilly's at 1100 which fitted in well. 

So Ivan and I set off through Tarporley and out the back of town down Rabbit Burrow Lane where the first of a few "Road Closed" signs today momentarily checked our progress. "It’ll be alright” we thought even though we could seen lots of yellow flashing lights and earth-moving monsters on the horizon. Well it wasn’t alright, and we had to retrace our route going back over a very muddy surface and divert down to the A51 lights. We arrive at Tilly’s on time to see a very relaxed Nick supping his coffee inside. He comes out admitting that he’d been there for a while due to mix up over timing. Waiting outside, we met the lady owner (I presume)  who was keen to "embrace" cyclists with a track pump and inner tubes added to the usual cafe menu.

The ride now is a familiar route in and out of Nantwich and Willaston. This becomes less familiar as we wriggle around Shavington and onto Basford sliding around Weston before arriving at Crewe Enterprise Centre environs. There are more less familiar roads now passing through Oakhanger thence passing by BAE Land Systems Munitions plant (and no doubt quite busy right now).  We edge around Alsager and onto to Malkin's Bank via Hassall Green, and, after 29 miles into “The George" in Sandbach’s cobbled medieval market place.

The pub is pretty busy, but as ever, serves up good value food and drink in double quick time. We are good to go in little over 30 mins with a very familar and shorter route back to Tarporley.  After Elworth, it’s on to Church Minshull and the long lane to Cholmondeston then arguably the second worst road in Cheshire running northwards to Wettenhall and beyond. 

Arriving into Tarporley via Eaton, we three veer off towards Beeston where Nick heads for home as Ivan and I run back into Waverton. I thought I caught a glimpse of Steve Hu just about to leave the car park in Waverton as Ivan I complete a mid-70 miler in the sunshine. Given the range of weather and a mix of  dry and very muddy roads today, we were pleased to be out enjoying the mid-November Cheshire countryside.

So a big thank you to Ivan for the route for today and Tuesday, and to Nick for his company on today's excursion.

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

7th November 2024: Rossett (mod)

 The mods group at Hawarden today consisted of Dave and Liz on tandem, Ray(B), George and Dave H. The planned route was to be a circuit of Hope Mountain with lunch at the Alyn Pub in Rossett. We set off on the usual route south crossing the A55 on the footbridge. From here we headed south along the ridge to drop down to Hope and pick up the anticlockwise circuit around Hope Mountain. At Pontylyddn we turned southwest for the well graded snaking 2 mile climb up to the turning onto the B5101 for the scenic ride along the western slope down to Ffrith with a short climb up to the B5102. From here it was lovely long descent to Cefn-y-bedd and on to Rossett.

The Alyn is currently the best of the 3 pubs in the area for food and good service. After lunch we took a direct route back over the gated pedestrian rail crossing and a series of flats and staggered climbs back onto the ridge route we used in the morning.

Good company, good food and a dry somewhat cloudy day

 27 moderatly hilly miles at 10.5 mph. 

 DP

7th November 2024 : Caergwrle (brisk)

A bumper crowd gathered at the Gallery in Hawarden including two new inductees, Paul and Chris, who were served their commission papers by Mr Heath. There were enough of us to make up mod, mod+ and brisk groups today. Surprisingly there were eight folks undaunted by the silly number of hills in my proposed route to Hope (that I'd dug out from my pre-covid archives) with Clive, John M, Nick, Shane, Ray S, newbies Paul and Chris all up for the challenge of the short (40mi) but hilly (3350 ft) Flintshire ramble.

As normal, we left slightly late and after a brief pause when Clive dechained, climbed up through Ewloe towards Buckley on the first of our 11 (ELEVEN!!) categorised climbs. Some gentle ups and downs took us along surprisingly dry and mud-free lanes through Alltami and Sychdyn and past Polly's Brewery. Here, a brief split occured as three of us stayed on the tarmac and everyone else risked the leaf-covered short cut onto the A541. A familiar lane brought us to Gwernaffield Road, and onto the much less familiar Maes Garmon Lane. At the bottom of this lane, we were confronted by a mud-laden climb which probably explains why it's not a familiar road to most of us. MTB/cross-country/gravel-biking skills came into play and we all made it up ... eventually.

Maes Garmon  - or in English "Very Muddy"

Following the mudfest, we headed south through Gwernymynydd and onto the A494 where I missed the turning before The Swan, like I always do! After Swan Lane came a climb up Ffordd Las, which initially met with some disapproval, but in the end turned out to be a mere 7% for just 1km - child's play! There followed a couple more punchy climbs - called that, possibly because a few riders may have wanted to punch the route-planner at this point. At Llanfynydd, we realised we were short of two riders. After a phone call, it transpired that Shane had punctured somewhere on the up and down between Rhyd-y-Ceirw and Llanfynydd. Fortunately John M had hung around to assist him with repairs. They made their own way to Honey's.

As Paul warned us, the next climb was a bit of a monster over Hope Mountain, but at least the clouds had cleared enough to enjoy the views over the Flintshire coast. At the top, considering we were a bit late for our lunch booking, we all reluctantly agreed to bin the planned second ascent of Hope Mt, this one a 10.5% average mile-long Category 3 beast; a real shame that we couldn't fit that one in! So instead of being Hope-ful, we ended up being a little Hope-less (ba-dum tish!)

As Clive, Nick and Ray sped off to Honey's, I waited awhile for Paul and Chris, for rather longer than they could possibly have taken - given they'd been a fair bit faster than most of us to that point - and eventually I realised they must have gone a different way. Sure enough, when I arrived at Honey's in Caergwrle they were there, and Shane and John rolled in shortly after me.

All down hill after lunch

Lunch talk included Ray's Spanish adventures, Paul's experience of time trialling and sportives in Essex, the sad news about Chris Hoy, how to stay hydrated when cycling in cold weather and the art of timely consumption of calories on challenging rides.I think we all enjoyed the food and the excellent, friendly service at Honey's, and I'd suggest it would be a good venue for future lunch stops, especially in the summer with its outdoor seating beside the river. Worth noting they don't accept cards for transactions less than £12, so bring some cash, or you'll have to grab a cookie for the journey home to make up the total!

There was one more climb after lunch up through Caer Estyn, where we passed Dave's mod group heading the other way. From there it was mostly downhill; Clive leading the way at an energetic pace, through the Kinnertons to Saltney Ferry, where the Chester-bound riders bid good day to the folks returning to Hawarden. Despite the hills, I think we all enjoyed a testing but fun ride. If we do this route again during winter months, it probably needs a tweak to miss out that Maes Garmon mud though.

See route map and/or gpx file download

MT