1st October 2026 : Llay (Mod+)

Today’s venue was well attended with approximately 14 of us, that formed into 2 groups, I believe.  DH/Keith was leading the Mods and I had a Mod + group of 8, which would require careful supervision, as Keith astutely pointed out. He subsequently made it clear, to a particular pairing, that I was the nominated carer for the day- Lol. He was of course relishing the exploits of his Mod group, remarking that a day out with his local care home occupants might be an easier prospect- Lol, Lol, Lol.

There were a few fast boys in attendance, but they were only interested in joining my group. Clearly my planned route to the Rackery Farm shop cafe appealed, perhaps because once finished at the cafe, it was easy for them all to divert off home in their own way, as was later proven to be a correct assumption-Lol.

I don’t believe there were any attendees doing their own thing, which was unusual. This meant both groups were of a similar size, although I didn’t have a clue where the other group was going, as I didn’t hear any conversations on that front- Lol. A Notable absentee was ‘Teflon Toby’ again, as I have not seen him for months. Steve Hu rode in from Penyffordd, a good 20 miles at least, and was going to ride straight back home but then realised my route was actually going in the rough direction of his house, namely West, so he joined us for a good few miles.

The rest of my group became; Nick, Alan (the other half of the chuckle brothers (CB1) ‘the thief’ aka Shane, who rode in with me, RR (Rapha Ray) and last but not least, Clive on his electric bike, which we later discovered he had obtained a new frame for or was it a complete replacement bike, from Specialized????? Anyway, we eventually set off right, after a few shouts to the more infirm group members - Lol.

Before we knew it, we were braking hard after a short fast down hill in to Willington. Turning left past Willington Hall, unfortunately this meant we had to tackle that awful bit of lane, but it made for a different start to the usual departures from Rose Farm. After a few miles or so we were crossing the A41 at Waverton, heading for Holt via Saighton and Aldford beyond. I then lead the group through the village, immediately after crossing Aldford brook, which reminded me of one of the biggest floods for over 30 years, apparently, when the bridge walls were almost fully underwater, let alone the bridge- True! because I had to turn around and head back to Holt, on one of the wettest rides I have ever done-Lol.

The village of Aldford was a good excuse to slow our pace in order to take in and admire those lovely houses in this part of the Duke’s extended estate. We meandered through the village admiring what I think are some of the most outstanding decorations I have ever seen on property. All the houses in that village are so well maintained- stunning. I had intended to show the group the unusual garden, full of garden gnomes (at least a couple of hundred of them-Lol) But alas, we discovered they are all gone, which begs the question of what happened?  Did they all wonder off in the night, board of their garden existence, or was there something more sinister afoot- who knows-Lol.I made a mental note to try and find out via ‘AI’, when I got back home. However, I later decided not to bother after our lunch conversation with ‘the thief’- more about that later- Lol.

Half a mile later we were negotiating our first set of road works, as we got back on to the main drag to Farndon, which is when Nick came to the front and took the wind off me, which was now full in our face.Through Holt and now sat on the wheel of CB2 (down hill, with cross tailwind) who had decided to put his usual spurt in - I suspected he was planning to leave our merry band within a mile or so, because he only ever comes to the front when we are arriving at a lunch venue (so he can be first in the queue-Lol)

Low and behold, only a mile or 2 later, CB2 shouted out “good bye”, as we were nearing Rossett, choosing to take the lane to Lavister and thus his route home to Penymynydd / Penyffordd? Some say he left us at that point fearing the climb up to the cafe, which was a bit of a brute, but I don’t think he could be that devious, could he? - Lol. After a regroup 3/4 of the way up, ‘The Straight Mile’, which gave me a chance to catch up, we trickled in to our lunch venue in one’s and two’s, all cursing the climb, but glad of the sunshine and what is becoming our favourite table, as we have never sat anywhere else- Lol.

Lunch conversation was extremely varied, once the general chit chat about CB2 whimping out was finished. However, as much as I would loved to have left the conversation there, I did inform the group that he had to get home for an appointment about some hearing aides, which also explains a lot-Lol. There were too many conversations to remember and of course that old adversary subject of ‘AI’ came up, but despite Clive’s presence, it was not him this time. It was ‘the thief’. He had been trying to find an old colleague and friend that he had lost touch with for more than 20 years or so. Having got no where through usual channels, he decided to try ‘AI’ and subsequently typed in all the information about his pal’s career and name of course. 

After a few expectant moments it came back with an answer, which was a picture of a cartoon Duck can you believe. Well that had me and Chris almost wetting ourselves over that brilliant piece of deduction -Lol,Lol.

Lunch over, and various discussions on who was carrying on or diverting off, which saw us lose Clive heading for home, as we set off. I then asked ‘the thief’ to lead us through the housing estate, in order to avoid the annoying traffic light junction up ahead, which prompted Nick to praise ‘the thief’s’ knowledge of the estate. Now heading down hill fast, I decided to forgo the pleasure of climbing Griffin Lan,e after the bitching at lunch about ‘The Straight Mile’-Lol.

This happened Just as Lastminute.com came past me, having used up all of my zoom, I shouted out “left”, which surprised him somewhat. Clearly he was up for the very nasty climb only 50 feet in front of him (just realised that Google calls it Gresford Rd- when did that change?). Anyway, immediately before the bridge we swung left along Springfield Ln, an unusual little lane that runs parallel to and only a few feet from the infamously busy A483, for approximately a mile or so.  At the end we turned right up Marford hill heading for Borras and Francis Ln, just a mile or 2 further on.

It was somewhere up Marford hill when I learned why Chris was so surprised at Springfield Ln. It was a completely new lane for him and he thought he had seen them all-ha ha, I win-Lol. After a few miles, we hit the main drag past Holt and wind our way through the village stopping for the river Dee crossing of course (don’t think I have ever met the lights on green yet-Lol.) This did at least provide time for a quick discussion on who was leaving the group, which turned out to be everybody-Lol.

However, as CB1 preferred the shorter route up to Waverton, I decided not to follow ‘the thief’,‘ RR & Chris to Wetreins Ln, remembering that I was the nominated carer for the day (thanks Keith -Lol).So, I duly escorted CB1 to Bruera, where he could be trusted to find his way the last 3 miles to his car -Lol.

I got home after another 7 miles and a total of 53 for me, with an AS of 14.4 mph and a few good memories-Lol.The actual route ride back to Rose Farm was in fact 43 miles, but none of the group actually went back to RF, however, most did more miles than the 43.

Another cracking day out with some excellent company and plenty of sunshine. I had a thought, as I rode home, that considering the unusually dry spring and summer, there were many times when I planned routes based on the forecasted rain, so today made a nice change to not have to allow for that.

Till next time chaps.

See route map and/or gpx file download 

Neil T - aka ‘the wind whisperer’

1st October 2026 : Aston (mod)

Well today’s ride for me was called a trip down memory lane, due to the fact our posse of athletes consisting of His Royal Highness Dave H , Jim ,Trevor, George, were the motley crew in the club when I started riding. So we formed the mods group mainly due to the fact the other members couldn’t quite keep up, haha, also present were Anthony, Dave N ( a recent new member) and another blast from the past, Mike D, so we actually formed a formidable gang .

We departed from Rose farm on time, probably another first for the mods, and headed in unison down towards Willington due to a certain few refusing to go down the worst lane in Cheshire i.e Wood Lane. Anyway, we are en route to Dave H's country residence namely the Bhurtpore pub, or now in the modern day it is called the Burty. The route was via Hoofield and Huxley heading towards Beeston but as now it seems a mod’s tradition of skirting Harthill and thence Bunbury heading towards Wrenbury.  

As I had just been meandering in the World of a Runcornian, I hadn’t realised I’d left the group way behind. So when getting to the Dusty Miller canal crossing, which today was closed to traffic, I  spoke to the workers and asked if I could cross which they said "Yes". Then the devil in me came out, so I asked if they could stop the following cyclists and tell them to follow the detour, and so I hid to watch the poor faces drop when told no entry ha ha. However, the workers actually took pity on them and let the mob pass, so it was just a short ride further on to reachDave's Manor House for lunch.

Lunch was a little while cooking the sandwiches, so we just talked the usual mods drivel except for Mike who told us an amazing story of his daughter swimming the Bristol Channel for fun. Anyway, once we had paid, and the usual suspects were rounded up and told to pee and wash their hands and get the bikes unlocked, we set off homeward.

The return journey was via where we said goodbye to Trevor and Jim on the way out. They were heading back to Guilden Sutton so they will of clocked a decent mileage and, as usual, they behaved impeccable for being both caravaners.  So not all caravaners are road-hogging, doddering awkward people (oops little rant sorry). Anyway, the remaining athletes headed back towards Rose farm via Ravensmoor, Cholmondeston, Wettenhall, over towards Oulton Park then up to the farm. The lads that had parked at the cafe had cycled around 40 miles give or take, at a very respectable pace. I’d parked in Frodsham so I just returned there thinking about today’s pootle and I came up with the answers i.e. good company and a good route.

So thanks to his Highness with the help of "fast -becoming our new tour guide" Anthony, (if he remembers stuff). Oh, in fact is that a requirement needed being a mods leader :- only asking Dave?  We hadn’t encountered anything of worth going wrong or lost, or having to return for items left at the pub, so a big shout out to the carers for doing a good job i.e ME. Anyway, if anyone can read in the club and you read this, it’s about another fabulous day cycling with good lads .

See route map and/or gpx file download

KB

24th September 2026 : Lymm (Mod)

There was a fair turnout at Delamere. It had been a drag driving there with road closures plentiful. Following my irritation with the ADAS interventions of a hire car on holiday, dinging and tugging, we had a discussion about old versus modern cars. Ray S and me are at a crossroads over running our older ‘spare’ cars. Anthony and Keith loved the adaptive cruise control on their newer vehicles. On his trips along the A55 to his Welsh residence, Keith just took a nap in the back of his Volvo and let the car do the work. Outside, I was pleased to meet Dave N for the first time. Amazingly, despite the beginnings of a car and health chat with Dave M, we set off on time:  Anthony, Big Ray, Keith, Dave N and me.

We were soon rolling down the quiet lane to the oasis of peace that surrounds the attractive Norley Hall. The fast descent to the ‘B’ road to Acton Bridge needed concentration as the road surface is far from smooth. On reaching The Leigh Arms across the River Weaver, it was already warm enough to discard outer tops. There was the usual slog across the canal and up the steep bank before reaching Little Leigh. We bowled along to Comberbach before circling Great Budworth via Budworth Heath. We were now on the flat and fast back route that ends up in Knutsford. 

After my month off the bike, it had become obvious that the other four riders’ natural pace was faster than mine; they were really mod plus in disguise with a dash of electric. Nevertheless, patience was shown all-round, and as we turned north in the direction of High Leigh Garden Centre via a quiet little lane loop, it was turning into a very pleasant outing in ideal weather conditions. Having crossed the M56 we turned down a peaceful lane with posh houses and passed the rugby club before soon swooping down to The Cross in Lymm. 

At The Golden Fleece, it was warm enough to sit in their garden adjacent to the canal. The staff were friendly; the food was good and the service pretty prompt. We had a wide-ranging discussion covering wars, social media and why my phone often featured Amanda Holden or asked me to pay to see Sarah Palin in a red bikini. I am glad that newcomer Dave seemed comfortable in our company, and we are very happy to have him onboard. Keith was quiet, because he was a little embarrassed that we were a bit loud!!!

Our return was via Swineyard Lane, where Keith found his voice again as a motorist turning right onto the main road was oblivious of our presence; Keith gave him an earful. It was reassuring to have Anthony’s  on-the ball navigational confirmations as we meandered around the little lane maze north -west of Arley. I had interesting chats about saddles with Dave, and Ray gave me useful information about the company and process of speccing his electric bike. We crossed the old military Royal Naval airfield near Appleton Thorn, and passed the house with two vintage German planes in its mini hangar. 

It was all back lanes now heading south via Antrobus and Frandley. Crossing the A49 we took to the scenic riverside  before  walking over the locks gates and navigating the ‘green’ path on the other side. There is a steep, short climb from the river  before reaching Norley Lane. Keith headed home to Runcorn via Kingsley , as the rest of us turned up Roddy Lane and then Beech Lane.  

Beech Lane west of Norley is semi-brutal in places, and I know that at least two of our riders have had to stop and walk a little in the past, so when I reached the next junction I was reasonably pleased with conquering the climb. I was soon brought down to earth, when the guys who were waiting for me had unanimously decided I needed to buy an electric bike, and offered £1,000 each to ensure that I got good one. Just one more little push up Forest Lane and we were at Hatchmere. The route had covered nearly forty idyllic miles. I fully appreciated the convivial company and their patience with a very moderate rider.

See route map and/or gpx file download

DH

PS I think that  riders in front of me were "moderate plus with a dash of electric"

24th September 2026: Bunbury (Mod+)

What a pleasure to ride with CER on a day that was , not raining, not forecast to exceed 30 degC and not windy. 

On arrival at the café I was pleased to be greeted by our French ambassador newly returned from re negotiating a trade deal with Emmanuel Macron. Shortly afterwards our Scottish ex patriate member Shane arrived fresh from his ride in. 

The camaraderie was interrupted when a surly chappy in full hi-vis (who we all took to be a traffic warden) started to kick off. however it  was quickly revealed to be non other than Dave’s carer, Keith.  A man of seemingly endless patience. Our last member, easily equalling Last Minute Dot Com’s timing Toby arrived with seconds to spare, only to reveal he was just out for a short ride as he was recovering from a dose of the flu. 

The mods were clearly on fire this morning and before we had paid, they had all set off. Thus Alan, Shane, Kevin, Ray & I prepared to depart. While the Whisperer was not with us in person, choosing instead to walk around a perfectly manicured grass field with random holes cut in it, we did have one of his legacy routes. Thus Alan led the motley crew out of the station and up towards Hatchmere. 

Instead of taking our usual right we followed the road to Kingsley where we met our first “road closed”. Having negotiated passage we cruised through Crowton and Weaverham emerging at the end of the Whitegate Way, one of Neil’s favourite routes. Just before Bunbury, Alan’s rear derailleur decided to stop working. Probably a broken cable, but with the super advances in internal cable routing, we couldn’t ascertain the root cause. As we were a mile or so from Tilley’s we decided to head on “single speed style”

On arriving at a relatively quiet Tilley’s, we were politely directed to the sign advising “No Wet Bottoms.” Apparently on what has probably been the driest year on record, one of our cycling brethren has plumped themselves down in wet kit resulting in complaints from the following diners of “wet posteriors” Having assured the “maître di“ we were in fact dry, not even so much as moist, we proceeded to order. 

During lunch Ace Mechanics Shane and Alan jury rigged Al’s bike and we were were ready to go. From Bunbury we set off for Peckforton only stopping to take a photo of Kevin and Ray’s new bikes, then on to Beeston where Shane set off back to base. At the top of the lane past the Shady Pub, Ray set off back to Chester. 

With just one gear on the rear, Alan did a sterling job of zipping through Tarporley, Utkinton and finally Delamere. 

A nice 39 mile route courtesy of Neil T in great company and lovely weather. With the added bonus of “No Wet Bottoms”

Steve H  

17th September 2026 : Whittington Special Ride (Brisk)

This ride, being the last club ride starting in Chirk this year, we had promoted it to Special Ride status. So this brisk ride and the moderate version below, needed to be worthy of a Special Ride status. We all thought it was; we being Ray S, Al, Chris, Simon and myself. We met up at Caffi Wylfa, which in my opinion is a nicer place than the usual one we use. The Mods had a new rider in Dave N to greet and Dave M arrived having cycled from home and was going to do his own thing today.

So both groups set off down Castle Road where the Mods soon slid off uphill into Western Rhyn whereas us Briskers cruised for 7 miles gently upwards to Glyn Ceiriog village. It was a little chilly but there was sunshine in prospect today and maybe a few short sharp showers later in the day. We were soon warming up as we turned southeast and uphill on the B road to Selattyn. We double our elevation from 600ft  in Glyn Ceriog to 1150ft in Selattyn under 6 miles. We did enjoy the next few miles of high speed running down to Hengoed where we joined the Mods outward route. 

This tiny lane takes us passed Oswestry’s Iron Age hill fort where I can’t resist stopping for a group photo reminding Al that perhaps one of his first century Roman ancestors may have been on sentry duty. Of necessity, we have to endure riding through Oswestry’s eastern suburbs to exit out over the A5 to Middleton and Aston Square before crossing the A5 a mile later onwards to Maesbury Marsh and Woolston Ban

We cross over the A5 for the third time on the  footbridge at West Felton thence down some lovely lanes via Gimpo to hit the Queen’s Head to Ellesmere road at Rednal where the smooth surface of the recently resurfaced tarmac is a pleasure to ride on for a couple of fast miles. Turning left towards Lower and Welsh Hamptons, I warn the group about the two mountainous canal bridges and that the road runs ever upwards to Welsh Frankton church at the A595 Ellesmere to Whittington main drag.

As I’m the first at the top, I espy a rogue dark cloud spinning its way towards us and recommend we don our rain jackets. A mighty deluge and high winds follow for about 10 minutes as we shelter in the lea of a house and a high hedge. Chris tells us at lunch that there was a large bus shelter just round the corner. We take the plunge downhill for a mile when the rain and wind abated to be put through a car-wash created by the big wagons speeding passed us in the opposite direction. Turning left in Berghill Lane (no hill in evidence though as it's a flat lane) we find the road is quite dry with only odd patches of rain evident. A “Tree Down” closure sign halts us briefly until a municipal rubbish lorry drives by so we follow and then pass it on our way to Babbinswood.

It’s now only a short distance into Whittington and the Castle Tea rooms situated close by the ruins. The Mods have been there for about 30 minutes and missed the deluge and were eating their hot lunches. Although I had rung and left a message about 10 of us turning up, it was a futile attempt to forewarn them as they don’t have a phone although there is a phone number on the website!!! . This was for the Olde Boote pub across the way who didn’t bother to respond.  We order up some decent fare which comes pretty quickly and is of good quality and reasonably priced. 

At Oswestry's Iron Age hill fort

Ready to ride after lunch

We are anxious to set off to chase the Mods back to Chirk as we are now taking the same route. I eschew riding directly up the main road as it is a narrow and uncomfortable race track of a main road. We sidle towards Gobowen Hospital turning towards Derwen College where we haven’t been for a long time. The route is now towards Hindford but branching left finds us at the St Martins road and now minus Al and Simon. I find that Simon has a puncture and Al is assisting. However as Chris, Simon and Al have decided to cycle the 25 or so miles back to Chester, Ray and I continue on to Chirk.

I haven’t yet mentioned the major road works in the centre of Chirk that disrupted the parking for the day, but Ray had managed to navigate himself to the usual car park anyway. So the planned return route takes us down to the Ceiriog river valley with its steep ascent back into Chirk and the usual car park. I had parked down near the station which was close to the Caffi Wylfa.

So not an especially fast route at 15 mph but certainly a good example of the Welsh and Shropshire scenery today in good conditions for September. So thanks to all who turned out today, especially the Brisk group who had to contend with my e-bike ascents of the hills. 

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

Bonus Ride report from Chris E detailing the Chester bound trio's exploits on the way home

With seeing Clive and Ray setting off back to Chirk as it wasn't too much further on, that left Al, Simon and myself, Chris. Once we helped Simon with his rubber and rubbing issues, we also eventually set off again. Following the route only so far we turned right to head towards a little village called Glynmorlas to then head to Overton, which treated us to some more climbs.

Once reaching Overton we decide to head back through Tallern Green as it's almost as if the crow flies back to Chester. I punch in the destination set for home and I'm pleased to see that'll achieve my target of 100miles for the day.

On the way my battery pack decided to disembark from my bike and got obliterated into several pieces. Al says I should blame Clive as he borrowed it over lunch time 😅 , but I shall not as he led a great ride and this is an add-on to his write up. 

We made Tallern Green just as it tried to rain on us but we pushed on and pushed onto Farndon where we paced ourselves. As it was near what seemed like rush hour we took the Saighton and Sandy way route. Al remarked on how much roadkill he counted today, to be fair I notice/ point out a few myself.

We reached the Locked Vaults where we said our goodbyes to Simon. I thank the chaps for keeping me company for the return journey. I escort Al home as this is the biggest ride to date, close to 80miles. He'll soon be in the 100mile club.

Thanks all for a great day of cycling 

17th September 2026 : Whittington Special Ride (mod)

Last time I turned up for a ride from Chirk, I had forgotten my helmet and didn’t want to risk a group ride without it.  I was so annoyed with myself that, after returning to Chester by car, I wrote a checklist of items to take on rides.  I checked everything off that list in the morning of this special ride, including my phone, as it’s my primary backup for route navigation.

 

So how on earth did I arrive at Chirk without my phone?                  

 

I wouldn’t mind, but as I was leading the mod ride, I had specifically had a word with myself at breakfast: “Whatever you do, don’t forget your phone!”  Apparently, the person I was speaking to wasn’t listening.

 

I’d arrived early in Chirk and just as well; there were road works that had closed the normal turn-off onto Colliery Road for the car park, and I ended up parking on a residential street off Station Avenue.  On my way back into Chirk centre, I passed Ray S cycling the other way, who shouted over, “Where are you going?  The café is this way.”

 

Well it wasn’t.  I joined Ray, but we ended up at the railway station rather than the café.  Not to worry, as a left turn down Station Road took us down to Café Wylfa.  Must remember Station Road for future rides as there are good parking opportunities there.  In fact, we bumped into Clive, who had parked there.  He set off on his bike to warm up his legs while Ray and I focussed on warming up our coffee-drinking muscles and made our way directly to Café Wylfa.

 

Dave Nicol, a new member, was joining us for the mod ride and we had agreed via email to meet up in Chirk.  He had been on a previous ride, but I had not met him before and had no idea what he looked like.

 

When I heard someone calling me from one of the tables in the café, I responded, “You must be Dave.”

 

“Don’t you recognise me?” came the reply.

 

It was, in fact, an old friend and work colleague whom I hadn’t seen in many years.  Clearly my powers of recognition are only slightly better than my powers of remembering phones.  We had a brief chat and agreed to meet up for a hill walk, something we had done together on many occasions in the past.

 

Enough of this rambling (pun intended). “Tell us about the ride,” I hear you cry.

 

Well, we had 10 turn up in Chirk, including Dave M, who had initially intended meeting us for coffee at Chirk, then later for lunch at Whittington, and then joining the mod group back to Chirk.  Plans changed and, after coffee, he made his own way up to Glyn Ceiriog and back to Chirk, a distance of 25km, before returning home to repair some windows. 

 

The other 9 riders split into 5 brisk riders led by Clive and 4 mod riders: Keith, Alan, Dave N and me, their phone-forgetting ride leader.  Fortunately, I had the route plotted on an OS map. Thanks, Clive, for the route and thanks, Alan, for having it available as a backup on your satnav.  It’s always reassuring when your support team comes better prepared than their forgetful ride leader.

 

The mod route differed early on from the brisk route with a left turn off the B4500 over the River Ceiriog and up a short, steep climb towards Weston Rhyn and onwards to Hengoed, past Old Oswestry Fort and into the northern outskirts of Oswestry.

 

A bit of intricate navigation around Oswestry saw us heading east over the A5, south-east to Aston Square and then south and west to Maesbury. There was considerably more mud on the roads by now, suggesting that local farmers had been conducting a determined campaign against clean bicycles.

 

The no-through-road sign on a road to the right challenged my navigation skills (i.e. I got it wrong) as I stayed on the main road until Alan realised we had missed the intended turn.

 

We retraced our steps (I thought we were cycling!), took the no-through road and headed up the arched pedestrian bridge (cycles allowed) over the A5.  A left turn past Tedsmore Hall took us north through Haughton, around a disused airfield and onwards to Lower Frankton, just before which we crossed the steepest humpback bridge I’ve ever encountered.  Definitely not one for the car unless you have a strong dislike of exhaust systems.

 

A quick zip down the A495 after a climb up to Welsh Frankton was followed by a left turn to Babbinswood.

 

We had seen signs to Babbinswood after leaving Oswestry earlier in the morning, resulting in much amusement and numerous comments from Keith about the strangeness, bizarreness, novelty or ridiculousness of the placename.  Please feel free, Keith, to add a comment identifying the most appropriate adjective.  Given the multitude of odd placenames around the area, I am not sure why Keith picked on Babbinswood.

 

It was then a short hop (I think I’m still in denial that we were on bikes) into Whittington for lunch at the castle café.

 

We were all very pleased that we had applied sun cream before setting off from Chirk because, despite the forecast, we had enjoyed glorious autumn sunshine all morning.  No sooner had we ordered lunch and sat back down at our table than the heavens opened and all the rain that the gods had carefully withheld from the virtuous and worthy was finally released:

 

A virtuous cycling band, they say,
Reached the café just before the spray.
The gods smiled above,
Rewarding their love,
And held back the storm for their stay.

 

A second group rolled into town,
Just minutes behind on the same run-down.
But heaven's delay
Had now slipped away
And rain came in torrents pouring down.

 

The brisk group arrived about half an hour after us, having put in some extra miles and more ascent.  Their timing, unfortunately, was less divinely favoured.

Happy in the sunshine

After lunch, the mod group headed out first on quieter roads than the direct B5009 to Gobowen, which we skirted around to the east.  Unfortunately, there had been recent hedge-cutting - the cyclist’s equivalent of a field of landmines - so, fearing punctures, we all dismounted and walked.  Yes, I finally get to use correctly a term associated with using our feet on the ground!

 

On the final run-in (oh no, I’ve done it again and used language better suited to feet than wheels) to Chirk, we opted for Clive’s original and hillier route down to the River Ceiriog and back up into Chirk rather than the flatter option along the canal and over the aqueduct. Apparently, having survived the day’s navigation, we felt the need for one last test of the legs.

 

We again avoided any rain and arrived back in Chirk very satisfied with our day’s work: 36 miles and 1,600 feet of climbing.  Thanks to my fellow riders for a very enjoyable special ride and thanks again to Clive for an interesting and challenging route which included cycling through more road closures, mostly for no apparent reason, than I can ever remember encountering on a ride.  But then again, given my forgetfulness, I’m not sure I can trust my memory.

 

See route map and/or gpx file download

AM

10th September 2026 : Tattenhall (Mod+)

It seems like an age since I wrote a blog and indeed it was back in June. Weather, vacations and my son's two weddings kept me away -yes, two! -mad, but fabulous.

I was glad I made it in time for my local meet venue. So, my head count was approximately 12, which included a new member (Alvise- new to me at least) who subsequently joined my merry band for the day. The only fast boy there was Clive, who was in his civvies and not cycling. 

The rest of my group became Ray aka ‘Rapha Ray’, Alan & Steve H aka the ‘Chuckle Brothers’, Kevin aka the ‘Very Nice Man’(complete with a brand new Giant bike, only purchased the day before), Chris aka ‘Last minute.com’, and yours truly of course.

I had a short, small hills favourite ride in mind that was aimed at dodging the expected southerly winds and also get us back to Alison’s for lunch. This was due to the original forecast being for rain at 2pm, which didn’t subsequently materialise- Lol.  However, Steve had ridden in some 20 miles, so he was keen on a short one back to Alison’s, which clearly suited the rest of the group as well.

We set off left out of Alison’s and out through Carden Park for maximum wind protection- Lol.  A left turn at the Carden Arms saw us heading out towards Malpas, but after a half mile I lead the group left, up through one of my regular lanes (Scar Ln) up to Hampton Heath.

We had pushed against the wind and hills to this point and then turned left at Hampton Heath via Bickerton Lane, which although still up hill to the Wrexham Road,  did lead us into the very fast blast along the Wrexham Road for a half mile until the speed camera at the Bickerton Poacher. We then veered left in order to follow the lane along the Peckforton ridge line and past the castle of the same name heading for Bunbury.

I then surprised a few of the group by taking the little known lane of Wyche Road, which despite my warning shout,  “You’ll need your small ring at the bottom”, it still caught at least one out. I heard somebody curse and some rough sounding gear changes. As we popped out from the side of the church and turn left at The Dysart Arms, I heard somebody mention “ah, now I know where I am”- Lol. Just a mile further on at Tilstone Fearnall, immediately after the lock, again I shouted “small ring”, but it still caught CB1 out. We all staggered up the wicked little kicker and pulled over after CB2 screamed out “something” - Lol.

After CB1 reset his chain, we all got going again and sped down hill to the A51 crossing. This lead us down toward Oulton Park and my favourite stretch of lovely smooth lanes, especially so today with a cross tailwind. After a mile or two we head left up through Eaton and on into the back of Tarporley via Royal Lane, whilst passing Macdonald Portal golf course.

We negotiate the familiar chicane crossing in Tarporley (opposite the garage) and head slightly up hill for our next little dash down hill into Brassy Green. Then suddenly I got told to knock of the pace, because one or two were struggling. However, I’m not so sure that was the case. My reasoning for this was the person, who shall remain nameless and shouted at me to “knock of the pace”, almost immediately, passed me and then romped up the hill all the way to Beeston castle after passing the Shady pub of course. He had a cocky smile on his face when I got there, behind the others BTW. And did’t deny my, out of breath, accusation “you made me slow down just so you could have your moment” - Lol,Lol.

We turned right for another favourite down hill towards Tattenhall, which has often triggered a bit of a dash in the past. There was still a fair headwind, even though we were in the lea of Peckforton castle, so my pace was not so quick, which explains how Lastminute.com came past me. I mean! He is about half my age, maybe more in fact-Lol.

After jumping onto his back wheel and following through the S’s, as I call them, I sat up and declared “that’s enough for me” and watched Chris pull away. After half mile everybody was regrouping and we turned right up past the Ice Cream farm, which prompted a little conversation about the last time we found ourselves there and decided to go in for an ice cream by the lake ( it was 33 degrees that day, if I remember rightly and it went down very nicely indeed-Lol)

On this occasion we rode past and crossed straight over the next junction, where upon RR queried if we were stopping at Old Ma’s (Camden’s now). He obviously hadn’t got the memo- Lol. I remarked that “this way was preferable to riding through Tattenhall, direct into the wind and more interesting". Three miles later, after passing the large wooden squirrel carving outside the school, we were pulling up at Alison’s for lunch just before 1pm.

I said my goodbyes to the boys, as I felt I needed to get home and have lunch with Paula. This was because I had got back late the night before, after a few days away playing golf - I needed some smarty points- Lol.

Another great ride with CER, if a touch short at 33 miles - 37 for me by the time I got home- Lol and an AS of 15.3 mph for the group. There were a couple in the group that ended up with 70+ miles I believe, so well done guys.  Some good banter as usual, but no lunch conversations to report on today, being as I wasn’t there. I could feel my ears burning on the way home though- Lol.

A very enjoyable day indeed.

Till next time gang.

NT.

10th September 2026: Whitchurch

Today’s ride, I’ve decided to call it the ride of the pimple, as years ago, Dave Pipe said to me as we climbed yet another small hill that these are only pimples, not really hills. But I definitely thought they are hills.

So, we met at Tattenhall and, yes, I remembered it was here and not Tarporley ha ha. I rode over from Mickle Trafford, meeting Ray S on the way, so the usually boring 10 miles flew by – literally. Ray is definitely no slouch. At the café, another good turnout plus Clive in his ‘going out’ gear as he wasn’t joining us today. So we sorted ourselves out into two groups, which I really think is getting more difficult due to the fact age seems to be affecting certain members, or the early onset of dementia. So, if anyone reading this is thinking who or what cycling day is he on about, there’s your answer.

So my group consisted of tour guide, leader or whatever we called him through the day Steve T, Anthony, Mike G, who has now fully converted to being a Welsh citizen; he won’t go over 20 mph even on the fast descents.

We had the destination of Whitchurch and the Black or Brown Bear pub - I can never remember which it is (see early dementia), for lunch a destination. We have returned to it many a time over the years. We discussed over food how, as a club, we have changed habits from many members having a beer or 3 to now having mint Green tea or alcohol-free beer, which ten years ago would of been unheard of.

On the route out from Tattenhall we took in Tilston, Horton Green. In fact looking at the map I should have called today’s ride ‘the ride of the greens’ as we also passed through Tallarn Green and Horse Green, Hanmer past another old favourite lunch stop the Hanmer Arms. Anyway, we carried on and this is where the pimples statement comes from, as Anthony mentioned about how many small hills we had encountered and would carry on through the ride. I also thought the same. Well, my legs did have a word with my brain saying it seems like a lot of climbing today. We carried onto Whitchurch without any issues except, like Steve Hughes, Steve T was having the same trouble with his Wahoo acting like a petulant child, sending us down or up wrong roads.

So, after a decent lunch we started out for the return to Tattenhall via lanes taking us past Whitchurch golf course and numerous mere sounding names on to Hetherson Green and then towards Bickerton and oh, another pimple… Harthill heading back towards our return destination.

The route from cafe and back was a pleasant 37 miles at a half decent pace with, as mentioned, plenty of pimples. Also, as I have mentioned in the past concerning the mods, which I suppose we were technically, that we didn’t encounter anything to report. Not like the mods of old, when every ride we reported a real calamity of sorts. Is this due to there being more carers in the club these days, or is it the fact we all now have a check list before we leave our homes and when we leave the lunch venues?

Once again today’s ride was carried out with good company a good lunch and a good route so thanks to all. On a foot note I hope Neil had control of his posse of delinquent petulant members.

 KB

See route map and/or gpx file download