17th April 2025: Loppington (mod+?)

 I had planned to follow a route down to The Dickin Arms at Loppington, last done with Alan and Steve Hu just over a year ago. At 47 miles it would extend me as I gradually recover some degree of cycling fitness after a long lay-off. Arriving at Maggies, the place was jam packed with CER members (Neil said he counted 21!), but as you will see from this and other reports, not all would be riding today.

Originally, my group was to be me, Alan, Steve Hu and Shane, but Steve arrived on his motorbike as he’d arranged emergency dental work to deal with a root canal problem. Shane was dog sitting and had to be back sharpish, but as I wasn’t sure how soon we’d be back as I couldn’t guarantee riding at a full ‘mod+’ rate, he chose to go with the mod+ group that Neil was leading to Wrenbury.

So, Alan and I set off in bright sunshinethrough Farndon and Tilston, where we caught sight of the briskers disappearing around a corner. We were riding into quite a strong south westerly wind and, as Alan pointed out, steadily uphill, which slowed our progress somewhat. Continuing through Threapwood and Fenn’s Bank we climbed gradually past Whixhall, arriving in Loppington about two hours after leaving Holt.

As usual the fare on offer was good with both of us choosing the lamb tagine which was delicious, although a little expensive – something we’ve noted in recent times. The food came quickly and we were ready for the return journey with 45 minutes of our arrival. We paused to take a photo of the wisteria which was in full bloom outside the pub before re-mounting our steeds.

The return route was via some lovely quiet lanes through English Frankton, Lyneal and Welshampton. There was so little traffic that it came as quite a surprise when two large 4x4s came around a corner. I think they were as surprised as we were to come across other road users.  As we arrived in Penley, my Wahoo computer was showing the chequered flag, indicating that we’d reached the end of the journey! It looks like the full route had not been downloaded, but fortunately Alan had also downloaded the full route onto his computer, so we were able to use that to continue.

We were soon through Worthenbury and Shocklach, arriving back in Holt to find Dave H, Keith and Andy B in Maggies, where we joined them, having covered 47 miles at an average speed of 13 mph – somewhat below a ‘mod+’ pace, but, for me, a step towards improved fitness. Thanks to Alan for his company and patience with my slow pace.

ST

See route map and/or gpx file download 

 

17th April 2025 : Poole (brisk)

Ivan was keen to get out on his new steed today but wanted to limit the overall mileage to about 60 miles. I obliged by crafting a ride from GS to Holt and thence to Poole for lunch. Where's Poole you say? – this one's not near Bournemouth but is on the Nantwich to Wettenhall road.

We set off from GS at a pace meeting Dave M on the smoothly resurfaced Bruera to Aldford road. At Maggies there were a few riders there already and many more to arrive. The Brisk group today would be small as Ken was only out for coffee with Ray S only out until 1200 and Shane had similar restrictions. So it was just Nick that accompanied Ivan and I to the Milking Parlour cafe in Poole. Ray came with us for a few miles but turned for home in Stretton.

We set off following the Wind Whisperers group out to Shocklach. At the top of Wetreins Lane, we somewhat unexpectedly turned left through Stretton and onto its mill at the back of Carden Park on a circular diversion to Tilston. Here we espy Alan and Steve T deciding which way to go for their ride. We now take the slowly rising Grange Lane for 3 miles where we meet Neil's group again at the A41 crossing. They are off Wrenbury way as we were. We push ahead but rest at Hamptons Post Office where the Whisperers pass us pedalling towards Cholmondeley Castle where we catch them up and press on to Wrenbury by crossing the A49 as they shortly will as well.

Passing through Wrenbury, we veer off to Sound thence to Ravensmoor rather than taking the direct Nantwich Road. A left off Marsh Lane takes us down Tally Ho Lane which although now spot repaired, is a bumpy challenge at speed. At the A51 lights, we take the Nantwich bypass road until the canal bridge and dive down along Poole Hill Lane alongside the canal itself. 

Soon we are on our least favourite north-south road from Nantwich to Winsford aka Wettenhall Road 'enjoying” its specially designed potholes and strafed surface. At Poole itself we find the Milking Parlour cafe in the small roadside development of Gates Farm Enterprise Park which also includes Cheshire Cycles and Imagination Lane – a children's play emporium. 

We are the only punters in the cafe at this early hour of 1215 so the food comes quickly and is of good quality and a fair price. We are soon replete and out in the sunshine again taking Stoke Hall Lane to Barbridge. A shoot up the A51 for a mile allows us to access Calveley Hall Lane to bypass a lot more of the A51 until we get to Alpraham. 

We slide around the back of Bunbury heading for Beeston Castle. Here Nick heads for Tattenhall and home whereas Ivan and I dive down passing the Shady pub heading for GS via Waverton.

We arrive back in GS having completed 57 miles at 16.8mph! How is that possible? – well it wasn't very windy, the roads were dry, the traffic was light and Nick and I were chasing Ivan up every incline as he engaged "leg-assist" on his new Cervelo road bike i.e. just a bit of light motor assist. 

Nick and I were quietly jealous of the "leg-assist" today as we both hit 65+ miles once we got home with somewhat tired legs. So once again we manage to ride little-ridden lanes to new cafes all in a familiar area either side of the Holt to Nantwich A534.

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

10th April 2025: Overwater Marina (mod)

 I arrived later than intended, like Lando Norris in Bahrain. Lando had a struggling George Russell frustrating him, I had the usual doddery Honda Jazz drivers meandering between Frodsham and Kingsley at Welsh urban driving speeds. Some of those drivers were even older than me! Throw in a grid sucking tanker, and a girl leading three horses slowly up the narrow lane towards Utkinton, and my committed fast drive was largely sabotaged. It was poignant to see Steve Hayward and Steve Tan, guys who would always ride in all weathers if not on holiday, being unable to do so today; more about that elsewhere.

My suggested destination of Overwater Marina near Audlem was accepted by Dad’s Army: Big Ray, Dave Matthews, George, Keith and me. Our route out was via Cotebrook, Eaton and Wettenhall.  It was so dry and sunny that we were able to use the paths through the park and along the scenic bank of the River Weaver to avoid traffic at Nantwich. After just a couple of hundred yards south on the A530 we turned onto the back road toward Bridge80 cafe based at Overwater Marina on the side of the Shropshire Union Canal .  It was delightful to sit in the sun in these surroundings downing a “Full English”, and so Chester Easy Riders.

'Full English'

Our return was past the moated Hall o’Coole, through Sound, and straight north beyond Ravensmoor. Dave Matthews was in good form having been cycling nearly every day recently and Ray was straining at the leash. Keith and George were being patient as I was probably even slower than normal. A challenging foray in The Lake District on Tuesday with Keith, and my knackered hip, were taking their toll. (The reprise of one of my Special Rides had been worth it: taking in Grange-Over-Sands, Rusland Woods, Hawkshead, Coniston Lake and the Kent estuary in glorious weather). The glorious weather was still with us as we crossed the A534 at Paddiley, and aimed for Tilly’s at Bunbury. Our Tilly’s sojourn was very enjoyable, but there was still some climbing ahead on our last leg: around Beeston Castle, up from “The Shady”, through Birch Heath and up from Tarporley before the last steep bank to reach Rose Farm. About forty miles covered in ideal cycling weather on scenic Cheshire lanes in the usual agreeable company.

DH  

10th April: Waverton (mod+)

 What a glorious day for our meeting at Rose Farm, where roughly a dozen of us pitched up and that included Steve T and Steve Hayward in their civies.

Steve T had got his appointments mixed up and Steve Hayward, unfortunately, announced that his cycling days were over, due to his doctors orders. This all meant that there were 3 riding with me and the rest with DH. Nick was the only fast rider on the day who therefore decided to join Allan, Steve Hu and yours truly.

 

I had a route that took full advantage of the Sandstone ridge (now there’s a surprise- Lol) which also included a couple of obscure lanes that I hoped would interest the group. We set off south and up the horrible little climb, heading toward Tarporley, however, we soon turned left up the little shortcut across the A49 and quickly descend to Eaton. I had already warned Nick that it would be a slow Mod + ride, due to my recovery from a bad chest cold. I was currently finding it tough uphill, without coughing my lungs up.

 

Anyway this meant I tried to push on when descending and followed their back wheels going up - Lol.

It was only a few miles up the road when I turned left near the main entrance to Oulton Park, for my first, less familiar routing through Little Budworth Country Park. After half a mile we turned right into Beech Road for a meander that took us near the back entrance to The Hollies cafe, which is a favourite of mine and I point out to the group, as I assumed they wouldn’t know this route in. Surprisingly, nobody even knew of The Hollies, let alone this way in through the car park exit.

 

Nick was the first to realise where my deviation had lead us to, which was the more usual route of Clay Lane, as we were heading for the Station House cafe in order to get on the Whitegate Way (WGW) 

This lead Nick to mention that he was at that cafe only a few days earlier. We didn’t stop of course, although almost, as we slip down the side of the cafe as the easiest way on to the WGW. After so much dry weather the WGW was so firm and smooth that we made excellent progress, hardly seemed like 4 miles before we were off it and bunny hopping the speed bumps on Waste Lane.

We turned left for the first of our more serious climbs, that took us back to the top of the ridge, all be it a little slower for me- Lol. This allowed the Chuckle Brothers to show their prowess and pull away, but not that far- Lol. I sensed Nick was just tagging along, taking it easy, after he sat on my wheel for a few yards and then clearly found it so slow he had to chase them down - Lol.

I catch up and we regroup, before doing a left right chink into one of my all time favourite lanes, although more so in the other direction. This was another lane that Nick was unfamiliar with, which prompted me to enlighten him as to our whereabouts, as we descend into the back of Norley. Steve had remembered the lane, from previous rides, usually from Delamere Forest.

That said, only a mile or so later, we get a shift on through said forest, on Ashton Road, which seems to get longer every time I ride it- Lol. We turned left at the junction, up a familiar short kicker into my last surprise lane. This, yet again, had Nick pondering where he was, to the point that he remarked, as we descended the 1 mile long Grange Road, that he was going to get the map out when he got home- Lol. Once at the bottom, even Alan knew where we were, I think- Lol.

We turned left into a little climb before descending to a familiar left turn at Ashton Hayes, where I remarked to everybody that the rest of the route will be a lot more familiar to everybody, as we headed up toward the crossing of the A54. A not so quick stop from me, saw Steve turn back, just as I came into his sight ( he was worried about me, bless him- Lol). Soon after regrouping we turned right at the traffic lights and swing around the south of Kelsall and now have roughly 4 miles to Walk Mill. We pass Weetwood brewery, which lead me to think my cold was worse than I thought, because I couldn’t smell the usual yeasty air, but Steve also couldn’t smell anything, just as Al or Nick remarked “what Brewery”- Lol.

I decide to put in a little effort and see how long my lungs would last, which was only about half a mile before I was gasping between coughs. That bit of madness over, we settle into a steady last few miles into Walk Mill. Steve did his customary passing manoeuvre, just before we reach the cafe, in his bid to get first in the cafe queue. This prompted me to leap on his wheel and undercut him, just as we turn into Walk Mill driveway, but embarrassingly for me, I then turn into the farm entrance, only yards before and give him back the lead- Lol, Lol.

 

We chose to sit outside and put our metaphorical towels (helmets etc) on the deck chairs / benches, which Nick did not comprehend and clearly has no German gene in his blood, as he took my seat- Lol.

The gorgeous sun persuaded some of us to strip off our top layer and soak up the sun, while all throwing our two penny-worth into the initial conversation about Mr Trump- Lol.  Fortunately we moved on to more interesting conversation, but the strange thing is, I can only remember the Trump abuse - Lol.

We got going again and I lead the posse  through to Hargrave and on to Huxley, ignoring the road closure sign, as I knew it was for a big hole in the road that the council seemed to have abandoned a week ago, but left the road closure in place, as they often do. Sure enough the same hole and pile of dirt was where I saw it last week- Lol.

Just a mile or so later we arrive in Brassey Green and I say goodbye to the guys, as they turned left up to Tarporley. Fortunately, for the Chuckle brothers, Nick was still with them, so I didn’t need to draw them a map to take them the last 2 miles to Rose Farm- Lol, Lol.

 

I turned right down to the ‘Shady’ for my return to Tattenhall, via what I think is the nicest 5 mile stretch, anywhere in the county and not just because of the scenery, but the quality of the lanes as well.

Starting with my favourite little slope up to Beeston Castle.

I got home with 52 miles on the clock and a bit of a sun tan to boot.

 

What a cracking day, with great company and even better lanes- Lol.

 

PS : Thanks Nick, for baby sitting the Chuckle Brothers back to Rose Farm- Lol.

 

Till next time gents.

Neil.

3rd April 2025 : Overton (brisk)

I met Ivan at the Blacon Old Station on the Greenway for the ride via Ferry bridge and Aerospace to The Gladstone Library cafe where there were a few EasyRiders already by the time we arrived. Slowly more arrived and welcomed Ivan back into the fold after his Spanish "adventures". Next time we see him on a bike, it may well be an electrifying experience!

I’d cobbled together a ride taking the easterly wind direction into account as fairly strong winds were forecasted for late in the day. I also didn’t fancy a lot of hills as I hadn’t been in the saddle for two weeks or more. With this type of wind-slipping route in mind,  I’d dressed for the part today with a multi-coloured snood thus emulating the Wind Whisperer - Lol, lol !

So Nick, Ray S and Chris followed me out of the Gladstone café and down the A550 road towards Wrexham. The Mods were just turning left off this road to take the rough uphill track to access the A55 footbridge. This is where we also wanted to go but I decided to stay on the main road and then, at the A55 roundabout, cut back up onto this tired old lane to “overtake” the Mods - and this we did as they were arriving at the bike gate, we were through it and on towards the footbridge.

Onwards and upwards we take Lower Mountain Road in glorious, if a bit chilly, sunshine to the Kinnerton Road where a left and right takes us down Sandy Lane - the surface here is really bad so it’ll live up to its name in time. We peel off right down Shordley Lane into the countryside taking a right and crossing Greenford Road then diving down into Caergwrle. 

Heading towards Wrexham, we peel off left and up the hill and turn into the ominously named Blast Lane. This is an excellent example of the state of our country lanes so we travel sedately before diving down Bradley Lane to Barrett’s Hill - a short but sharp uptick into the back of Gwersyllt. Running parallel to Mold Road, we access the back side of Wrexham arriving alongside the football ground for a swift transfer down and out via the hospital grounds.

Following  the old railway track cycle way, it's a shimmy route to arrive at the Wrexham Road running southwest to turn off left towards Erddig to cycle right through the grounds and out into the poor quality lanes towards Cock Bank and the A528 Overton Road.

Chris decides to take the lead here as we motor down to Overton Bridge for the slog up and into Overton passing one of the Seven Wonders of Wales to arrive after 23 miles at The Two Doves cafe at 1230. The rear gates are unlocked and the bikes are parked out back as our table is found “ Reserved” inside.  Always best to phone ahead here as the cafe is often quite full with “Ladies that Lunch”  and “ Laptops on the table and a single coffee all morning” workers. 

Bangor Bridge stop

After the usual lunch banter we head out into full sunshine 1330. The route out has been largely a straight line due south to ride 90 degrees to the wind. However the route back is via Bangor on Dee, the tiny lanes next to the Dee and Holt. So there is a bit of an angle in it to negate the easterly wind. Nick does a sterling job on Rossett Road pulling us along at 20 mph until he turns off to ride back and uphill to his car in Hawarden with 46 miles ridden. 

We three head for Chester via Dodleston and Lache Lane with 55 plus miles ridden at 15 mph average. The sun is still shining on my bare knees today for the first time this year. So thanks to the peloton for being dragged down so many badly surfaced lanes but it was rewarding riding the byways on such a beautiful Spring day.

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

3rd April 2025: Holt (mod)

 Another sunny day in prospect and another low turnout. Slightly better this week though with 10 members turning up for coffee. It was nice to see Ivan out again but understandably he was only out for the coffee and intended to cycle straight home. That left four for the brisk ride and five for the moderate, the latter being Andy B, Keith, Mike D, Steve T and me. I had come prepared with a couple of rides which would take us up into the Welsh hills but Steve was still trying to get his legs working following a winter when he wasn't able to get out much. I therefore offered to lead a ride which would take us down onto fairly level terrain with the aim of having lunch at Maggie's in Holt. I didn't have a route prepared but we would be on roads that I was very familiar with.

We set off down the Wrexham Road before turning for the climb up to Bilberry Wood and the footbridge across the A55. Then we followed Lower Mountain Road turning right towards Shordley. I would normally turn down towards Burton Green just after Shordley but we would be returning that way later in the day so we continued on the high road to Croes Howell. We crossed the main road here to pass the quarries then turned left to drop down to and then over the A483. Immediately we turned left into Marford Wood which was resplendent in the sunshine with its carpet of Wood Anemones and Celandine.

We were heading up towards Hoseley Bank now where I had intended to turn towards Holt and our lunch stop. However when we arrived there it wasn't yet noon and we hadn't covered nearly enough miles to justify lunch so a loop was required. A trip around Clays Golf Centre was the answer so we carried on down Borras Hall Lane, round the golf centre and narrowly avoided Wrexham Industrial Estate before heading towards Holt via Francis Lane. Still too early and still too few miles so I added a second loop down to Ridleywood. Satisfied now that we had earned our lunch (Actually I was hearing a few grumbles from behind me and didn't want to get lynched) I led my followers into Holt and to Maggie's.

It was warm and sunny and for the first time this year we were able to sit outside for our lunch. The service was incredibly fast. I was the fourth to place my order and I had hardly sat down before the first of our meals was arriving. I made the mistake of ordering a cold meal and ended up being served last (but still quickly). I'll know better next time.

After lunch we cycled up towards Rossett, making good time with the wind behind us. We made similarly good progress as we turned up to Burton Green and then on to Kinnerton. There it came to an abrupt end as we turned into the wind, making slower progress as we rode on to Bretton. Andy bade us farewell soon after but as we turned into Saltney Ferry Road we came across Chris, returning home after his trip out with the brisk group.

I wasn't intending to return to Hawarden myself having done the climb up there that morning. As it turned out Keith and Mike had also ridden out so we left Steve to complete the ride on his own. He would have returned to Hawarden via Rake Lane having ridden 36 miles.

TC

See route map and/or gpx file download

27th March 2025: Little Bollington (mod+)

A modest turnout at Delamere, despite the weather being set fair. Although the prospect of a slightly stiff breeze may have put certain club member off. Lol.

Steve Hu just out for a coffee due to other engagements and good to see Steve T out after his medical sabbatical.

So, with just Shane and myself representing the mod+ crew we set off with a vague idea of going east.

 Almost instantly the awful potholed Blakemere Lane caused me to puncture, however whilst we were mending it a new plan was considered.  So, we set our compass for the Swan with two Nicks, the directions provided by google with the volume tuned up on max. Shane had the route on his phone using OS maps, but as it was in his pocket this meant stopping at most junctions to get our bearings, as it was hard to hear the google maps gal with the wind in our ears. Lol 

Despite the navigation issues, we set a good pace down to Acton swing bridge and through pretty Great Budworth, now fully recovered from the bitter disappointment of not having a wheel to follow. The Swan wasn’t too busy and the service very fast, subjects discussed included the demands of family life and the effect the orange buffoon was having on invested pensions.

Shane managed to save and reverse the route on his Garmin, so it was straight back the same way. By now the light breeze had stiffened somewhat and was in our face all the way back. The out and back plan also meant riding up the steep Acton lane, a reminder to have some rides saved for every start point.

A good day out all told with the excellent company of Shane, 43 miles for me and 56 for Shane.

 Alan

27th March 2025: Comberbach (mod)

 Despite it being a sunny morning with the prospect of good weather all day, only eight members turned up at Delamere station, four moderate and four mod+ riders. Early on there were murmurings about just having a single group ride. Steve Hu was immediately disqualified from riding. He had turned up on a motorbike. Now we do accept e-bikes in our club but, sorry Steve, motorbikes are a definite no-no. Steve T announced that he would be riding with us but eventually Alan & Shane decided that the two of them would do their own mod+ ride. I had a vague idea for a ride that would take us to lunch at either Pickmere or Comberbach but without the benefit of a downloaded route I warned the others that I might have to keep stopping to check my map. Not easy when it’s on the small screen of a satnav.

 David M was going to do his own thing, heading off to the Whitegate way and would join us as far as Norley. He set of with the rest of us which included Keith, Mike D, Steve T and me. We passed through Hatchmere, Norley (where David M left us) and Acton Bridge before dropping down to cross the Weaver. As we started the climb up to Little Leigh Steve T had a problem with his gears which caused his chain to come off. After getting it back on he found that he couldn't change on to his large chain ring. He pushed his bike up the hill and then tried to carry on but it was clear that there were other issues so he took the decision to turn off and head for home.

 Keith, Mike and I carried on passing the little Baptist Chapel. We weren't far from Comberbach but it was far too early for lunch so I thought it would have to be Pickmere. So we turned left and headed up towards Frandley then across the main road and into Antrobus. A loop beckoned which would take us into and around the edge of Arley Hall. A right turn took us towards Pickmere but it was still too early for lunch so we turned towards Marston. After passing through Marston we turned into Marbury Country Park and followed the quiet paths to reach Marbury Road. Only a short ride now to Comberbach where we finally found our way to the Spinner & Bergamot. 

 After an excellent (but probably too large) lunch we retraced our route into the village and turned to head back towards the little Baptist Church. Keith left us here to head home while Mike and I turned up towards Little Leigh to rejoin our outward route. We crossed back over the Weaver and then faced the arduous climb up to Acton Bridge. Rather than retrace our route all the way I avoided the turn to Norley, instead carrying on to Crowton. We eventually regained the outbound route on the approach to the crossroads at Hatchmere at which point the official ride came to an end.

 Had we returned to Delamere Station we would have completed 31 miles. Not the longest of rides but Mike and I had both ridden from home and by the time I got to mine I had done 50 miles with Mike doing a few more. Keith's total would have been about the same.     

TC

See route map and/or gpx file 

20th March 2025: Farndon (mod+)

 What a gorgeous day for our Walk Mill  meet.

There was a real sense of Spring and Summer on it’s way. Surprisingly,  that didn’t encourage a massive turn out, for what ever reason. There was a dozen or so of us. The head count was tricky, as there was a split, with the majority deciding to sit inside, despite the stunning sunshine and a barmy 13 degrees outside. That aside, the groups still managed to form, all be it small ones. DH possibly had the majority, which included, none other than ‘three times in a row’- George!- Lol. The fast group was at least three or four, which included the deserter, Chris, who was clearly confident of keeping up, no doubt due to his recent ascent of Hill Lane (Helsby) This was as a consequence of me pointing it out on last weeks ride. So, he had clearly decided he was too good for the Mod + group anymore - Lol.

That left just Fiona and Elwyn for my group. 

Steve Hu had chosen to stay at home and watch paint dry apparently and the ‘Rayban Mugger’ (Alan, for those who might not of read last weeks blog) had a stomach issue or at least that’s what his last minute text said, but we all know he can’t ride without his pal, Steve- Lol.

 

We set off on one of my local small hill meanders involving the Sandstone Ridge. 10 minutes gone and we are in DM’s patch, settling in to a steady pace toward Chapel Hill, not that I intended climbing it.

However, before we could even reach it, we caught a young mountain biker.  As I pulled along side, I remarked about how laden his bike was and asked where was he heading. Well, the next few minutes was about his journey on LEJOG. He was a young German, on a gap year and spoke excellent English. He was not only on his lonesome, completely unsupported, but camping at the road side, unless he got offered a bed for the night. He told us of an App that offers a free bed to LEJOG riders, if you can be in the right place at the right time of course (who knew) He was a very pleasant young man, who we all wished the best of luck and left him in Kelsall.

Now climbing up Quarry Lane, although not before the obligatory costume change,  from Fiona this time. Half way up, Elwyn remarked about the hill, thinking he had never climbed it before, but then Elwyn never knows where he is- Lol. We swing right at the top and almost immediately right again at the Farmers Arms and continue our climb up onto the top of the Sandstone Ridge. We pass Chapel Hill, which was closed, but it is rideable, as I rode it last week ( nobody is working it, as usual, I wonder how long that will be).

We start to feel a bit of headwind, now on top of the ridge line. However, I let F&E know that we were not far from my favourite high speed downhill, which took the edge off the light headwind. I attack the downhill, as was my plan for the day ( no work on the uphill bits, but max effort going down, due to a still iffy hamstring. Once regrouped, we get back into a steady pace and meander our way through Eaton, Tarporley, Brassy Green, Beeston, via the ‘Shady’ pub and skirt around Tattenhall via Harthill, but the easy way- Lol. We then descended into Brown Knowl for yet another short climb and subsequent downhill blast. We make a right turn to allow us to get across to cross the A41 towards Tilston, where I tried to encourage Fiona to step on the pedals and follow me downhill ( one day she’ll let those brakes off- Lol)

 

Once in Tilston, it was time to discuss our options for lunch, either Carden Arms, Manorwood cafe, Lost Barn, which are all within half mile or so. Or push on another 3 miles to Lewis’s cafe in Farndon. As Lewis’s is a favourite of F&E, there wasn’t much discussion- Lol. This meant that poor old me had to ride back on our route, into the wind, to get home, because I knew the road to Bruera was closed for 4 days. F&E had fallen foul of the road closure on their way to Walk Mill, when an awkward labourer turned them back ( I never let them know about the closure, as they were supposed to get to Walk Mill via the Chester option, which is shorter for them, but alas they didn’t - Lol) That said, did they care that I would have to back track into the wind-? not a bit - Lol, Lol.

 

So, after another cracking ‘full gaz’ dash,  down Wetreins Lane, we naturally regroup near the end of the lane, after I caught a woman who was on her first ride for months (forgotten why it was her first, but left her as she turned left to Shocklach and we went right, of course)

 

Lewis’s was quiet, so we got served instantly, once we found somebody who could cook a poached egg (- Lol, the staff had to discuss their capabilities). F&E had their usual scrambled version, which did look good. Conversation seemed to revolve solely around my buggered shoulder and the ridiculous pain I was having every time I lifted my arm from the table. Thankfully the most comfortable place for me is on the bike, so I was keen to get going again and face the uphill headwind of Wetreins Lane - Lol. While F&E had the much easier fast tailwind dash of Rossett Road all the way to their door in Lavister.

I had 9 miles to get home and all up, as I decided to go through Stretton, Carden Park and Tattenhall of course. I got home with 48 miles on the clock and just over 2000’ of assent, which was less than expected - Lol. I think F&E just tipped over the 50 miles.

 

What a cracking day out, in lovely sunshine, a tad warmer than expected, with light winds, which meant we were all a bit over dressed. It was no less a day, despite not having the Chuckle Brothers with us, sat on the back of the group, verbally abusing everybody’s ears- Lol, the silence was bliss- Lol, Lol, Lol.

 

Cheers guys,

Till next time,

 

The Wind Whisperer.

See route map and/or gpx file download

20th March 2025: Aston (mod)

 It was good to see Peter sitting in the sunshine at Walk Mill. Ivan was dressed to cycle, as if his near- death drama in Spain had been just a passing bad dream. Everyone so pleased to see him. The Steady Eddies this week were George, Keith, Mike Dodd and me.

Pete thought that “The Bhurty” at Aston was too far at this early stage of his renewed rehabilitation, but it was great to have him riding with us through Burton as far as Huxley. The A49 was met at Tiverton, where we whistled down to the Shropshire Union Canal and the railway bridge before slogging up to Bunbury Common. A ferret around attractive Bunbury village was by way of the quiet Bird’s and Wyche lanes. At Haughton we kept left for a change and headed for Burland and after a brief stretch of the A534 were soon back on narrow, peaceful lanes.  The weather was sunny and warm as we headed south to Sound Heath via Ravensmoor.  The Farmer’s Arms at Ravensmoor used to be one of our watering holes and a favourite of the popular Mike Morley. Covid broke the spell, but perhaps we will call again. The Bhurty was busy but still we had plenty of room and we were served by lovely people. It was nice to chat to Mike again, and he mentioned how moved he had been by the National Theatre’s production of Dear England based around Gareth Southgate. The production will have a four-week run at the Lowry in Salford from May 29^th to June 29^th.  Conversation is always relaxed and easy in this group, and civilized in volume without Big Ray. We wish him well with his tooth implant.

Readying our bikes for our return Keith was lampooning my inclination to leave things at a lunch stop (e.g.car keys, Malpas; mobile, Ellesmere) so much so that I couldn’t think straight. Time was wasted as I was pounded into a world of anxiety, checking things I had already checked. The only thing I had actually forgotten was to have a wee! So, that was another four minutes gone. It was a good job that the sun was still shining. Talking about fluids, it was wonderfully warm all day and important to keep hydrated. I noticed George ordered a pint of tap water at lunch, and I should have replenished my bottle.

Our way home had three little intended diversions.  We first took the pleasant back route to Wrenbury via Pinsley Green Road. The second possible diversion would have been a small semi-circle passing Frith Farm, but I thought it better to just “crack on” to Brindley by way of Chorlton Bank. As we approached Pear Tree Farm just before Haughton I was intending a third exploratory diversion down the quiet, narrow lane to Bath House Farm. Unfortunately, Keith had wandered off far ahead, drifting around and out of touch like Harry Kane on a bad day (although Harry always has a chance of scoring, while Keith……). Mike kindly chased him down, and he returned as contrite as a fired-up Jude Bellingham disagreeing with the ref. So it was that we, eventually, passed The Salt House near Spurstow Lower Hall. Further investigation after the ride states that the  spa spring indicated on my OS map was believed to contain rare salts with healing powers, and baths were erected here by Sir Thomas Mostyn many moons ago. My continued diversion was intended to be to Radley Wood and across the A49 to Peckforton, but we decided on coffee  and cake at Tilly’s instead. Some of you may remember, some time ago, that the tiny lanes I had planned to ride were so heavily flooded that two local women applauded us for riding through. Neil was with us at the time and couldn’t understand the perversity of not using the obvious and dry route to Spurstow; I think we understand each other’s idiosyncrasies better now. It was a pleasant surprise to meet Dave Matthews and Andy Whitgreave at Tilly’s on their way to completing a Cheshire Cycleway Ride. Dave currently features in the national audax magazine describing his impressive recent Walney Island to Whitby ride. From Tilly’s we rode to Beeston Castle and then down past the Ice Cream Farm before reaching Greenlooms through Hargrave. A slight breeze  had been behind us since lunch so it was very pleasant  late afternoon finish and still warm and sunny as Keith and Mike took their leave. George and I returned to our cars at Walk Mill. 43 miles for the actual route; more for Keith and Mike. A perfect cycling day.

DH   

20th March 2025 : Wrenbury (brisk)

The sun turned up today, and so did a few of the CER part-timers, myself included. My own excuse for missing so many meets is that it's the silly season at work (end of financial year, security patching, new timetables, etc). And that's the same excuse I'm using for the brevity of this report.

In the absence of any other suggestions, Clive, Ken, Nick and Chris joined me (Matt) for an anti-clockwise circular through Wrenbury, aiming to get all the climbing out of the way early and enjoy a flat tailwind-assisted return after lunch. It didn't take long for that plan to go out of the window, as roadworks at Bruera forced a diversion via Tattenhall and Barton. We eventually picked up the planned route just southeast of Tilston and from there it was a fairly straightforward ride to Wrenbury.

Bare arms and legs outnumbered tights and sleeves for the first time in months. Another Springtime tradition - councils desperately splurging their leftover road budget (y'know, that money they've been claiming all year isn't there to fix potholes) - was a topic of conversation en route to lunch. It seems to many of us that some of the schemes chosen don't appear to be of the highest priority.

The lunchtime venue was the Canalside Café, in a garden centre alongside the Shropshire Union / Llangollen canal just west of Wrenbury. And a lovely venue it was too; a sun trap with indoor and outdoor seating, a proper cycle rack, and excellent hot and cold food including cooked breakfasts and massive sandwiches. They even had some good GF/vegan options. I'll go there again. Lunchtime chats covered subjects as diverse as heat pumps, solar panels, Slow Horses and the slug forecast for the coming year.

A rarity - no potholes!

Ready to roll!

After lunch, Nick departed for home whilst the rest of us headed on through Wrenbury, with a brief pause to check out Berries café (formerly No 15 The Park), which looks like another promising mid-ride lunch venue. Then we caught that tailwind home via Bunbury and Beeston Castle. Overall, a very good day out - more like that please, Weather Gods!

See route map and/or gpx file download 

MT

13th March 2025: Malpas (mod)

 Five moderate riders turned up at Alison’s intending to take part on the day’s ride: George, Keith, Big Ray, Mike Gilbert and me. It was good to see Jim riding again, but he was returning to Guilden Sutton after coffee.  Dave Matthews was also riding home.

As usual I had a rough idea for a route, rather than a rehearsed and refined plan. As the mods are easily led and can’t be bothered writing ride reports if they can help it, they acquiesced to my suggestion of a circular route to Malpas and back. Clive was leading a small brisk group elsewhere, but Neil was bereft of mod plus companions. Evidently his intended ride was similar to my route, but if he was riding solo he was considering refining his signature tight circular route shtick to the ultimate: returning home to ride around inside his own garage on a unicycle for three hours. This would have the added advantage of not needing to strap on a helmet (a clown’s hat would suffice); he could also avoid the wind which he normally finds so worrying. He was invited to ride with us but thought that at our modest speeds he may not be able to stay warm; this was a realistic judgement not an insulting one.

We started out on the road to the A41 passing “The Rhigi” on our right. Dave Matthews had peeled off left before this. At Chowley we turned off for Coddington, Barton and Tilston. At Barton, George exercised his senior civil servant influence which meant we didn’t break the rules of the one-way system as we usually do. The result was a slow little slog on the main road with big lorries snarling up our backsides! There’s a moral there somewhere. Below Shocklach we turned down a small lane on a whim.  It was reassuring to have Mike’s orienteering skills at hand to verify my direction choices squinting at my OS map through watering eyes. So it was that we reached Threapwood without any mistakes but rejected the direct, pleasant lane to Malpas via Oldcastle Heath. We needed a few more miles before lunch, so headed down to Tallarn Green, and then off-piste past Tybroughton Hall and eventually running down the gulch to Lower Wych. It had been a nice and easy flat fair-weather cruise so far. The first challenge of the day was the slog up from Wych Brook which seemed to cause Ray to suffer more than usual; too many cruise ships and too much food recently I suspect. Of course, Ray is no longer an electric junkie and also didn’t have a very small inside chainwheel like mine at his disposal, so it was bound to be tough; It wasn’t Ventoux though. Fortunately, there was no need to set up a shrine for him at the side of the road. Mike was able to get through to The Old Fire Station in Malpas to ensure a table, and it was unexpectedly empty when we arrived. The food was very good and the service friendly.  The discussions at lunch were surprisingly well-informed and covered many of the pertinent issues of the day. I was thinking of giving Newsnight’s Paddy O’Connell a call; he could have us as a vox pop panel and save the BBC a few bob on expensive guests.

Photos Mg

Our return was via Ashton’s Cross, Gallantry Bank, Peckforton and Beeston. Mike kindly took our photograph at Beeston. Although the road surface is not great the lane on the edge of the Peckforton Hills is very scenic, sheltered and studded with beautiful little cottages. Despite Keith acting as my considerate carer and reminding me to regularly drink water I wasn’t at my most frisky at Beeston, so the option of covering a few more miles via Tiverton and Huxley didn’t appeal. I headed back to Tattenhall by the shortest route which passes Owler Hall and Ray accompanied me. Keith and George will have clocked thirty-seven miles, Mike considerably more, and Ray and me a modest thirty-three. It’s a pity that Alison’s closes so early in the afternoon, it would have been nice to end with coffee and cake before our final departures. Nevertheless, it had been another very pleasant day in the scenic Cheshire lanes in trusted and relaxing company.

DH

13th March 2025 : Whitegate (brisk)

A cool start to the day for a ride out to Whitegate accompanied by Clive, Ray, and Nick.

Leaving on time, we headed north out of Tattenhall crossing  the canal and railway bridges before weaving our way through Hargrave where we saw Chris cycling in the opposite direction.  Chris was hoping to join us but had  been delayed on the roadside by a faulty derailleur and had to resort to converting his bike into a “fixie” to enable him to return home.  Hope you made it home ok.

Continuing on and cycling into a headwind, we passed  through Oscroft prior to the hillier section of the  ride which took us up and down through Kelsall, Mouldsworth and Manley, before being able to enjoy the  long descent  through Kingsley and Crowton  into Weaverham.

 From here we headed straight  into Sandiway  along Weaverham Road and, after crossing the A556, we arrived at our lunch venue the “Station Cafe” at  Whitegate. This very cosy cafe is run by volunteers and was reasonably quiet so our food and drink orders were taken and delivered promptly by the very friendly efficient staff.

The return journey back to Tattenhall was only 13 miles via  direct a route  passing through the villages of Little Budworth, Eaton and  Tarporley.  We  arrived back in Tattenhall at 2pm having ridden a total of 40 miles and accumulated 2000 ft of ascent although all of us will have an individual daily ride total  of at least 65 miles. 

See route map and/or gpx file download

KP

6th March 2025: Bangor-on-Dee

The sun was shining, hardly a cloud in the sky, and with a forecast of temperatures in the mid-teens it was hardly surprising to find Meadow Lea teeming with cyclists. Mostly CER members but supplemented by a group from the local CTC. It was particularly good to see Ivan, back home safely after his recent Spanish 'adventure'.

I'd heard that Dave H wouldn't be there this week. As it happened he did turn up but clearly not dressed for cycling. As expected the others turned to me. Had I got a ride? Fortunately, I had come prepared with a ride to Bangor-on-Dee. The Royal Oak is right next to the old bridge and river and a lovely spot on a sunny day. The wind was also a factor with a strong southerly wind in our faces on the way down but behind us for the return.

Six riders (Andy B, George, Mike D, Jim, Ray and myself) set off towards Guilden Sutton and turned right into School Lane.  We crossed the A41 and over into Hoole Lane heading for Dee Lane and the river. We crossed the river by the 14^th century Old Dee Bridge, passed through Eccleston before turning left onto the Rossett road. This can be quite a busy and fast road so I avoided some of it by turning down the Straight Mile, rejoining it in Pulford. We turned left just before reaching Rossett then took the country lanes to take us up to Hoseley Lane.

At Borras Head we went straight on and down to the new roundabout near Wrexham Industrial Estate. We crossed this and found our way onto the little lane that skirts round the edge of the estate. At the far side we got onto another new and busy road but quickly found the old road which would take us up to the traffic lights at Cross Lanes.

Lunch was beckoning and from the lights it’s not far down the A525 to the Royal Oak at Bangor-on-Dee. Despite the pub being virtually empty service was quite slow but when it came, the food was good. After lunch I thought we should have a group photo (we hadn't had one for some time) and what better backdrop than the old Dee bridge. However, we crossed the road to find the banks of the river piled high with debris, presumably washed down after the winter storms. It spoiled the view of the bridge somewhat but I managed to hide most of it behind the wall.

I had been right about the wind. We had battled all the way down into a head wind. Now as we left Bangor-on- Dee we could feel the wind coming in from the side. After passing through Worthenbury we turned north and now the wind was behind us. Our pace increased and we were soon passing through Shocklach to reach Farndon. Andy B left us here and the rest carried on towards Aldford. We passed through Saighton and Waverton before crossing the A51 to return to Meadow Lea, having completed 42 miles.

TC 

See route map and/or gpx file download

6th March 2025: Kelsall

Where do I start today? I’ve got so much ammunition from this ride that it might take me a week to write this up- “what’s new” you say- Lol. Let’s start at the beginning of time, well maybe a bit later and at Meadow Lea cafe, where at least 20 of us came together. It was a lovely blue sky day that would provide plenty of opportunity for me to poke fun at a few of our members-Lol. 

 

Amongst the 20+ were a few not riding, namely DH+ the pooch, Steve T and Ivan who were all in their civvies. Clearly they had been kicked out of the house-  “what do you mean you're not cycling today. You're not staying here, get out”. - Lol.

It was especially nice to see Ivan back from his holiday ordeal, which I dare say we all hope is well behind him now. He even got his bike back, after the local police tracked it down to another police station, so it hadn’t been stolen as he first thought.

And a special note for Mr.& Mrs. Pipe, who turned up on time, can you believe- Lol.

 

DH also introduced a new member  (Paul, who subsequently joined my group of 6), who I shall call ‘The  Pantomime Crew’, for reasons that shall become apparent as you read on. And to be fair I have to include myself in said pantomime- surely not- Lol.

 

So it was that Alan, back from his hols, Shane, Chris, Paul, Clive (who joined us for a nice easy day) and of course  Steve, ‘I’m a bit shy and short of words’, Hughes, all became ‘The Pantomime Crew’- Lol. As usual I had planned my route around the expected wind for the day, which was a stiff southerly, right in our faces from the off, but only for a mile, as we head out left to the A51.  I shouted “left, on to the cycle path” of the A51, in order to safely get to the traffic lights and swing left up to Great Barrow. 

My target being Helsby and my promise of a few short hills, on the Sandstone Ridge, all the way to our lunch destination of the Farmers Arms, at the top of Kelsall. This enabled us to cheat the wind.

 

Now moving well with a cross tailwind, we are soon beyond Manley Mere and tackling the ‘devils elbow’ as I call it, which I remarked to the group, is the nearest any of us are likely to ever get to climbing Alpe d Huez, although I have driven up it and that was enough to make me feel sick- Lol.

 

It was only a mile or so later that we pulled over for Alan to take off his top, Well! for some reason everybody seemed to take it in turns to undress, after watching each other. This seemed to take an age, so long in fact that I then made it worse by needing a nature break. Paul was almost naked ,at one point, still astride his bike, with kit all over the place / ground (why didn’t he get off his bike?-Lol) 

I’ve never seen such a pantomime, not since Steve Hu stripped on the Greenway, a year or so back- Lol.

There were that many costume changes, I half expected Widow Twanky to ride past me, as we finally got going again. At least the view over the Cheshire flats was nice. 

We were immediately into a very fast downhill and only a mile from Helsby. Once we turned left we rode through on  Old Chester Road, negotiating the worlds longest running bit of road works, which as Clive remarked, “it must be at least 3 years now, but at least we get a skills test out of it” as we weaved through the red and white bollards. Now past the obstacle course, we descend to our next right turn and swing around the back of Helsby, where I point out ‘Hill Lane’ to Chris, which we pass on our right. One of the nastiest dead end climbs that I know of (ridden it many times and it never gets any easier)

 

Moving on, we head down hill toward Frodsham, only to turn right after a half mile, on to one of my favourite uphill lanes  This was the start of a nice steady climb (1.5 miles on the ‘Ridgeway’,  to the top at Birch Hill). This obviously lead to a nice descent and a bit of a chase, in order to pass a mountain biker we were closing on, before the very short & steep Brines Brow Lane. Ears back and nostrils flared, I set off after said mountain biker and as I pass them, with a good bit speed, I thought, Chris flashes pass me. Suffice it to say, I was slightly surprised - Lol.

 

Fun over, we settle into a pace that allowed a regroup and a steady pace to our lunch stop at the Farmers Arms, after passing through Kelsall via the main drag up. We pull into the pub, which is also called the Crows Nest cafe and find the place empty. Within 5 minutes and just getting our orders in, there were 30+ cyclists in there. Apparently ‘Carols Crew’ had dropped in. Feeling chuffed that we had beaten a rush, we settled into some interesting conversation and banter, thinking our lunch may take a while, but not for some, as next thing I knew, Chris was tucking into sandwiches of his own. Now I know why he always has that little ruck sack on his back, which explains why he never tries to beat Steve Hu to the front of the order queue, which normally starts from about a half mile out- Lol.

All the food came promptly, so we didn’t have the expected delays, that came later on, thanks to Alan- Lol.

Photo NT

No sooner had we descended Quarry Lane, I realise I had cocked up the route (yes! I Am fallible- Lol )

This meant we weren’t going to pass very close to Rose Farm, as originally planned. However, in the ensuing discussion on a re-route, I offered up a change, but then Alan piped up and wasn’t shy in showing his disappointment for missing Rose Farm cafe. Little did we know that he had planned on us stopping there, because he wanted to visit Kelsall Bike Repair, which as most know is now behind Rose Farm, in their swanky new unit. So, after a fairly one way discussion, we were forced to climb back up the ridge, but not to restore the integrity of the route, no,no, no, but for Alan to buy a pair of sunglasses can you believe???? “What! Unbelievable”, I hear you all say- precisely - Lol, Lol. 

I felt sorry for Clive who didn’t pick up on the discussion and simply followed my wheel, as we set off again. However, he was gobsmacked when we pulled into Rose Farm. I think he shouted “what are we doing”, as we pulled in behind the units and stopped at the bike shop. He stood across his bike, with his hands in the air. It was left to me to fill him in with some sign language that I can’t repeat. Suffice it say, I was pointing in the direction of Allan- Lol. Clive’s chuckle, suddenly made everything feel good again.

Mind you, while we were there, I learned that Tom Pidcock comes from the area and in fact his parents still live at the bottom of Yeld Lane, where the Kelsal Bike Repair used to be. Anyway, and after a 15 minute delay, we set off again with the ‘Rayban Mugger’ in tow at the rear. We were quickly backtracking along John Street and hurtling down the hill, that we had recently ridden up- Lol. We turned left heading for Duddon and Walk Mill beyond, which is where I leave the ‘Pantomime Crew’, saying good riddance - Lol. In actual fact I was sad to be leaving them, because I was worried they might not find their way home- Lol.

 

Everybody had a different homeward plan from Waverton, so I can’t enlighten those of you who might still be reading this diatribe - Lol. Except that is, that Chris was talking of following Clive home, so he could attempt to beat him up a particular hill. I’m guessing Clive dropped him on a previous occasion, who knows- Lol.

 

What a great day out, with a new lunch venue and a good bunch of cyclists, except Alan of course - Lol and despite my occasional dismay and verbal abuse of my fellow companions, I thoroughly enjoyed it. We had a few good laughs all round.

I got home with 45 miles on the clock and 700 mtrs of ascent (Thanks Alan- Lol)

 

Sorry this took so long to post, but you guys simply gave me too much to write about and I left a lot out- Lol, Lol

 

Till next time,

The Wind Whisperer

 

PS.

I later learned that both Steve Hu and Shane went on to complete 100 miles, after we were all showered and finished. This was in fact Steve’s second 100, as he did the same after last weeks CER. How does he manage to ride 100 miles, with at least 40 of them without anybody to talk to?-Lol.

Shane also deserves a special mention for his 100 on the day. I believe he not only finished in the rain but also in the dark- what!! Is he mad?? Each to his own, I suppose. However, well done to you both, especially in that stiff wind.

See route map and/or gpx file download