16th April 2026: Llandegla

i I had a steady start as I had injured my knee playing football the night before, so it took a little while to get warmed up. Today's start destination was the Gallery in Hawarden, and for once I don't believe I was last, I even had time for coffee in the very packed cafe. We pretty much filled the place, I recall only two customers who weren't CERs.

With hellos and coffee underway and gearing up to follow Clive and his route, which he planned for us a few days ago, I was informed that he was not feeling energetic enough for it today and opted for a steadier alternative. Feeling confident that I could take on Clive's route, we quickly sorted the boys from men, that being Mariusz and Toby, up for a hilly route. 

We had a small delay to begin with as I had trouble getting the route loaded onto my Garmin. We decided to head out in the general direction of west, finding our way through Buckley and on through Mold on the Denbigh road. With a murderous wagon passing us, we all happily took the next right off the main road, even if that came in the form of a climb, one of many in today's ride. 

Realising that we were afar from Clive's route, I managed to educate myself on the usage of my Garmin and plotted a route through Cilcain and skirting Ruthin with our destination still being Llandegla community cafe. With a salvaged route we turn left and end up heading down through a small valley, a sea of yellow fields. With a closer look into the sea of yellow fields, it was dandelions. 

We cross the Mold-Denbigh road and climb up to Cilcain, with a moment of pause and a check of the winging it route, we carry on through to reach a junction met with a sign that said Mold and Ruthin were both left. Quickly realising that was heading to the main road and not wanting to double back on ourselves meant we turned right to head up towards Moel Famau. We reach the brow of the road and take the obligatory team pic and all enjoy the view across the Ruthin planes, or at least using that as an excuse to refill our lungs. Small talk of brakes and then descend on towards Ruthin, turning left before we got too close.

Along the back lanes we head, Toby reading the road asks if we are heading straight on or right. I responded with a left, that he hadn't spotted. This also puzzled Mariusz as he wasn't sure where this shortcut of mine led too. With a small discussion, looking at the cul de sac sign, I decided that we will push on with the shortcut, I mean what was the worst that could happen? The wind for once was helpful pushing us on up as the road got steeper, before it ran out of tarmac.

 

Waiting for the other two at the dead end of the tarmac road, I was fully prepared for a mutiny. To my surprise it never came, on we pushed being good candidates for the Rough fellowship, where the rocky gravel road turned into farm tracks and into ramblers path over gates and through a field. With all this challenging terrain, we were rewarded with a splendid view. Making our way through the field I couldn't help but adore a Magnificent horny beast of what I can only describe as a highland cow.

 

Helping each other with lifting bikes over another gate we find tarmac again, I wasn't about to say to my comrades that my so-called shortcut carries on straight down another gravel path. We take the right onto the road and once again, and for the final real climb of the day. We start our descent onto Llandegla as we admire the banked rows of dandelions, bluebells and white garlic leaves.

With our steads parked up we head inside the community cafe, who are expecting another group. We take our pews and order our much needed fueling and refreshments. Coffees arrive and then our ordered meals. I originally ordered a soup, but it must have been a soup day as they had sold out, so I settled for a bacon egg bap. I'm glad I did, as it certainly hit the spot, one of the best I've had in a long time (I also had my traditional egg thin, almost like a desert). Toby delved into beans on toast and as the cafe was short on cakes (must have also been a cake day), Mariusz settled for a tuna sandwich, which also looked good.

It's all downhill now, we head out of Llandegla onto the 525 and head to Bwlchgwyn, then left down the steps down to Cefn-y-Bedd. On through Hope, taking the road to Kinnerton. But then take the right to take the road that runs parallel, avoiding the school run pick ups. We reach Saltney ferry, Mariusz peels off to see a mate, leaving Toby and I to cross the river. We head straight up to Blacon, where Toby departs onto the Greenway and home. I return home with over 55miles and nearly 1300m elevation gain, to prepare myself for my work shift. With Toby and Mariusz closer to 60 miles.

Many thanks for your company today chaps and the make do and mend or at least adapt attitude, as always a great day of cycling.

Summary 

This ride report documents a hilly, adventurous journey from The Gallery in Hawarden to Llandegla, featuring an improvised route through Cilcain, Mold, and over Moel Famau. Despite unexpected gravel paths and the route becoming a "cul-de-sac," the ride included scenic views and a refueling stop in Llandegla before returning via Hope and Saltney.

Chris E

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16th April 2026: Overton

 Today I cycled from Guilden Sutton where I caught up to Trevor who was only going there and back in some form of way; then we caught up to Dave H who was also doing the same.

So at the cafe we were met with a deafening sound of a full cafe with the majority being CER riders. I decided to take Mike G along with Andy B for a ride to the Two Doves cafe in Overton then on to Guilden Sutton .

The weather for me today was a windy slog from my start point, but dry so cannot complain. I was hoping our route would be wind assisted then the big man upstairs would say hey it’s Keith and the two adopted Welsh boys I’ll blow them home. As well you guessed it, the wind was against us to Overton via Hawarden up the climbs towards Pen-y-fford, which had lots of cars due to road diversions or due to fuel prices, so  people taking short cuts on our roads. ( I don’t think people should be able to use our given routes in motorised vehicles on a Thursday. I might just ask Keir to mention it in parliament - food for thought) so on we went via Gresford, skirting Wrexham industrial estate, to Bangor on Dee towards Cloy then arriving at Overton after 28 miles up lots of pimples, as Mike said numerous times. 

The Two Doves, as usual, looked after us as we chatted about Rhubarb Rhubarb Rhubarb. As you can guess, I can’t remember. It was just conversations. 

So, after we had eaten we set off for Guilden Sutton via Light Wood Green towards Threapwood, Chorlton and Tilston. This is where we left Andy as he was riding back to Mold via Farnden, or knowing Andy,  probably going via the Lake District. So me and Mike carried on towards Tattenhall, then the usual roads back to Guilden Sutton where I left Mike as he was riding back to his car at Hawarden.

So, overall, we rode 65 plus miles with the wind against on the route out and of little help homeward. No dramas of any kind, just good company on a great route. Yes, just another Thursday with CER . On a foot with so many of the Welsh contingent being present we thought it’s best we separate them for health and safety reasons. So Ste T took the carer role for the mod plus as he did have more than me to care for.

KB

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16th April 2026: Plassey

 Well its fair to say CER filled the Gallery Cafe to capacity this morning. Even at 09:45 members were sat down and enjoying conversation over coffee.

Mid last year Megan suggested we develop a “low level” route to circumnavigate Wrecsam and exit out on our well-trodden lanes around Holt & Farndon. As with any ride leaving Hawarden, unless you plunge down Gladstone Way all routes have some climbing to them.

So, with potentially three groups leaving the cafe I was joined by Fiona, Clive, Ray, Alan, Paul T, Elwyn & Steve T on a steady 44 miler with lunch at Plassey.

The plunge and climb out of Tinkersdale is never easy and the road was particularly busy today. My option of the quieter “cart track” as Neil calls it was vetoed by Ray, Clive and Alan as too rough. Having crested and crossed the A55 we meandered down Lower Mountain Rd turning right into Hope and then onto Caergwrle.

At Cefn-y-bedd the road starts to climb and at the sharp bend by FFwryd pub things really go skyward! Steve T and I somehow (given I was leading the ride) managed to drop off the back. Probably because we were discussing the complexities of this years’ MotoGP season and not maintaining the group pace. However undaunted I had the route so we set off up Glyon Lane to Summerhill.

On days like this its a pleasure to enjoy the quiescence of these Welsh lanes, however the silence was more acute due to the lack of chatter from our errant other six riders. A quick phone call and thanks to WhatsApps ability to share locations and we were reunited with the others. Remarkably, they seem to have added in more climbing.

The route wove us through Pentre Broughton and Southsea before a historical navigation error in Caego suggested we ride through a building site. With the A483 crossing behind us and zooming through Bersham we picked up the nice lanes and left the urban sprawl behind us.

Not long after leaving Sontley we were met with a barricade, not a Hormuz type, but probably 50 sheep who appeared to be enjoying the weather as much as us. See photo. Clive suggested a short cut to cut off a corner and quickly led us to Plassey.

Road block - Welsh style

The Plassey was full inside however the sunshine meant sitting outside was possible albeit a bit nippy. Soon we were all fed and watered and set for the more traditional CER lanes back to Holt. These follow Al’s Bangor on Dee return path. At Rossett we bade farewell to F&E and continued through Dodleston with a lovely wind assist. Clive Paul & Ray departed for Saltney Ferry and home whilst the two Steve’s and Al completed the last leg back to the start.

An enjoyable social 44 miles at 13.2 miles per hour in cracking company.

Steve H 

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9th April 2026 Special Ride Marton (mod)

 There should have been eight of us at High Legh Garden Centre for the first Special Ride of the year, but unfortunately, John Mills was feeling under the weather and had to cry off. So, I was joined for coffee by Dave H, Keith, Trevor, George, Shane and Steve Hughes on a cold but dry morning. Shane and Steve had opted to do the longer 58 mile route that Clive had devised in 2019, given that they would go at a much faster speed than the ‘old men’. See Steve’s report below on how they fared.

Steve and Shane shot off whilst we faffed about getting our steeds ready to go, but we did get off well before the 10.30 witching hour. The route took us round to Rostherne and Ashley and then down the little lanes which run across the end of the runways at Manchester Airport. You could hear the roar of the engines as the planes took off, but would only get a glimpse of them as the cloud base was so low. As we got around the back of Mobberley, we lost Dave, as he’d dropped so far behind that he didn’t know which way we’d gone at a junction. Trevor, George and I waited whilst Keith went back to retrieve Dave. After all he is the official carer!

We continued, wiggling along the country lanes through Great Warford and Nether Alderley. Crossing Congleton Road took us to Artists Lane and the climb up to the former Wizard pub. It’s ‘only’ about a 270-foot climb, but it runs about one mile in length. By the time we’d all got to the top, it had started to rain a little, so wet weather gear was donned.

At this point, we’d covered 19 miles with only another 10 to get to The Davenport Arms at Marton. ’It’s all downhill from here’, I said, but Trevor wasn’t convinced. It was downhill through Over Alderley and Birtles, but there were some lumps as we went through Henbury and Gawsworth. Here, we were forced to go about 3 miles along the A536 Macclesfield to Congleton Road, which turned out to be very busy and quite unpleasant. In particular one plonker in a red Jaguar XJS hooted at Keith as he went by – totally unnecessary.

Turning off along Cockmoss Lane restored calm and we were soon pulling up in the pub car park. I’d originally booked the table for 12.45, but, as it was 12.30 by the time we’d reached The Wizard, I’d called and put it back to 1.30. We were quickly seated and food and drink were ordered from their £10 lunch menu. Sausage and mash, lasagne, fish finger sandwich and a burger all came quickly and were thoroughly approved of. Just as we were served, Steve and Shane appeared briefly, having just come down off the hills. They had already eaten and were keen to press on to avoid the rain, so they left us to our lunch.

As we ate, the rain had now become more heavy and persistent so that, when we got back in the saddle for the journey home is as very cold and wet – ‘Baltic’ to quote Keith. The other thing that became clear as we headed towards Goostrey was that the wind had picked up considerably and was now in our faces.  This slowed our progress quite a bit. As usual, Keith took the front to take the wind off the following peleton. Thanks, Keith.

At the other side of Goostrey, a short run along the Holmes Chapel Road took us to a better lane leading up to Lower Peover than the track that Keith and I had taken during our recce. We were soon into Knutsford, by which time the rain had stopped and the sun was out!! Heading out of Knutsford on Tabley Road, there is no longer a need to use the ‘Tan Transfer’ to safely reach the other side of the A556, as a new set of traffic lights have been installed at the end of Tabley Road.

That left just the last five miles to cover to get back to High Legh and the garden centre. Quite a tough ride, not helped by the inclement weather, but enjoyable nevertheless. Thanks go to Trevor, George, Dave and Keith for their support and company and to Clive for devising the routes in the first place.

ST

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9th April 2026: Marton Special Ride (mod+)

 Well the day before Steve T’s and Keiths special ride in the Peak district, the temperatures peaked (see what I did there?) at 24 deg C and wall to wall sun was enjoyed across the UK. Thus,  preparation for the special ride should have been sunscreen and extra water. In reality 6 deg C and rain doesn’t quite warrant sunscreen, unless its waterproof!

So a hardy group of CER riders met at High Legh Garden Centre - a brilliant start point, thanks Keith and Steve. Mods outnumbered Shane and I by 3:1 with many of our mod plus team on hols or family duty. Of course the Whisperer cried off as he is allergic to the three known elements of today, hills rain and wind!

The Met Office and Apple were congruent in their belief that the rain would start in our theatre of exercise at 12-1pm. So, Shane and I developed a cunning plan to do a McClaren non-stop strategy and dine after 58 tough miles. Just like any plan it did not survive the first contact with the HILLS!

The route out of High Legh was on lovely Cheshire lanes with only very short A&B road sprints to re-join the lanes. The lanes through Nether Alderley and Prestbury prompted Shane to advise we should have worked harder at school. The mansions on either side of the road and the new builds are testament to the cashed-up folk who reside here.

Lidgetts Lane was continuous series of sharp climbs and plunges; however Bull Hill Lane put pay to any thoughts of a non-stop strategy. Bull Hill leads to Buxton New Road which is so steep it has switchbacks on it like a Lake District pass. Shane demonstrated his preparedness for his forthcoming Beach na Bà sportive by clearing off up the climbs, well done Shane.

 

At the peak of the climb we were just shy of 2600 ft of climbing with a modest 27 miles under our wheels, then I espied The Nose Coffee! A lovely barn conversion cafe, where coffee tea and bacon or tuna butties were consumed. Well it was over two hours in and despite Shanes sentient knowledge of weather apps (which declared it was currently raining) we were still relatively dry. So a plunge into Langley was enjoyed.

The lanes of Oakgrove and Gawsworth hummed under our wheels before we entered the village of Marton and espied the trusty steeds of the mod group. Sat in the corner were the very dry and remarkably fresh-looking faces of George Keith Dave Steve & Trevor. Sausage and mash seemed to be the food of giants and we left them to enjoy their fare.

No sooner had we left the pub when we experienced the only cloudburst of the day. We were instantly soaked! However, Messuage Lane safely took us down to Congleton Rd and on to Twemlow. The very muddy Booth Bed Lane made us both appreciate our mudguards!

At Great Budworth (lanes we regularly use as a club) we headed North along a slightly busy road to cruise back to High Legh.

58.9 miles 3140 feet of climbing on new lanes was a real challenge and we both wish to thank Steve T Keith and the original creator of the ride Clive for their efforts in putting on two routes, a great starting venue and judging by the lunch a great lunch venue.

Steve H

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2nd April 2026: Holt

Bit of a chilly start for TT1 (The Thief) and I , as we rode up to Meadow Lea, ahead of what was promising to be a very nice day indeed. 

 

There was a split amongst those gathered, due to the table arrangements, which meant I forgot to get a headcount, as we were on opposite sides of the room. So, I am trying to picture the scene as I type. I figure there might have been 15/16 in total.

 

Last minute.com and Ivan were later arrivals, who I believe became the fast group of 2, as Clive and RR decided to come with me on a flat one to Commonwood Fisheries, or so we thought; more on that later. The rest of my group were TT 1 of course and TT2 (Teflon Toby) and a mystery ‘other’, who I didn’t discover until a few miles down the road- Lol. 

The notable absentees were the Chuckle Brothers, one on holiday in France and the other sat at home crying for his soul mate -Lol (Alan was in fact sick). He was still getting over the lurgy that I had the week before. There seems to be lots of it about at the moment. Clive had decided to abandon his fast chum buddies because, I believe, Ivan had worn him out on a long one on Tuesday- Lol.

 

DM was there in his civvies, promoting his Bob Cliff memorial event (31 May) which is a fair bit cheaper this year at £23. For those who might not know, there is a 50 and a 80 mile option. GPX route files can be downloaded, for those who don’t use the paper version of a Garmin or one of those wind up Wahoos - Lol.

 

Back to the ride. All the groups set off pretty much together, with me holding up my group for a change (bloody Garmin had dumped the route, yet again!). We eventually set off to the right, heading for Cheshire Oaks, via Picton. However, after a mile or so, I found myself wondering who the extra rider was in our group. He was wearing a colourful kit that I didn’t recognise. Just as I was about to drop back to find out who it was, he pulled up alongside me and I discovered it was Paul. He seemed to just appear in the group, as I didn’t clock him at Meadow Lea. I also haven’t seen him for at least a year. I’m guessing he arrived just as we were leaving.

 

Anyway, after a brief discussion we settled in to a nice rhythm, with a very light tailwind.

It wasn’t long before we reached Cheshire Oaks and took the footpath to the left, avoiding the main highway and delivering us into Rake Lane, almost immediately passing the pub of the same name, which is probably the largest of the Brunning & Price chain. A few miles later we were through Backford and settling into our stride, which gave me a chance to chat with Clive about his local area, coming from Mollington. We hit Saughall, where Clive pointed out a free library in a bus stop, they are a bit of a thing around those parts apparently-Lol.

 

We turned left, heading for Saltney Ferry, via Blacon, just after Lucy’s cafe or is that Lynda’s - Lol. I then decided on a last-minute change and took the Greenway for a half mile, avoiding the centre of Blacon. I was getting some back-seat driver suggestions, so I did the complete opposite of course - Lol.

 

After I almost turned up the wrong exit from the Greenway, we got on to the road and pick up our pace down to Sealand Road, where we came to an abrupt stop, due to a stationary traffic tailback, all the way into Chester. Clive took to the pathway and before we knew we had passed the lot, turning right into Ferry Lane. We crossed the river Dee , which was flowing fast at near full tide, via the footbridge of course and continued south toward Saltney, skirting the perimeter via a little foot path that even Clive didn’t know - quote, “that’s a new one on me” - Lol.

 

It wasn’t long before we were passing through Dodleston and negotiating our second level crossing of the day.  Less than a couple of miles further on, through Pulford, passing Fiona & Elwyn’s gaff at Lavister.  As we passed by, I mentioned to the group that our only hill of the day was just coming up, to which somebody remarked “what Marford Hill”.  “Yep” from me, “but only half of it”.   A mile or so further on, I catch the group up, waiting at Hoseley Lane, half way up Marford Hill.

 

After our regroup, I think RR pointed out the infamous Pistyll Hill, just a few hundred metres further on. It must be one of the toughest short climbs in the county, only a couple of hundred metres, but a twat!  Anyway, that prompted me to mention climbing Pistyll Hill 4 times in one morning, when I test rode the whole Whyte range from Alf Jones Cycles ( it was only a 2 mile loop each time- Lol) I did eventually purchase a Whyte Wessex, some 7 years back now. The same one you see me riding in winter. Nowadays, my current leg issues won’t allow me to attempt Pistyll Hill - Lol.

 

Anyway, I digress again. We were only a mile or two from our lunch destination, which was to be the Acorn Cafe at Commonwood Fisheries, after descending Borras Hill, plus another mile of tarmac.  That said, we arrived in lovely sunshine, looking forward to a halloumi wrap, only to be told the cafe was shut, but open on Fri- “you’re kidding” was my response.

 

Hence, we ended up at Maggie’s, which was lovely anyway. We sat outside and basked in the sun. Our food was very quick. Clive’s half breakfast looked very nice indeed. Both TT2 and I went for the vegan sausage roll, which was a tasty, spicy number.

 

For the life of me, I can’t remember a single conversation, I think I was too busy stretching my legs and enjoying the gorgeous sunshine. I do remember the brief discussion on who was heading home or needed to get back to Meadow Lea. Only Paul was heading back to Meadow Lea, although Clive and TT2 were passing by en route to the Chester suburbs, which meant I could leave Paul in their capable hands, as I decided to bail at Bruera via Platts Lane. My legs just didn’t have anything, from the start to be fair.

 

After a pacey restart up to Churton, we turned right over the bridge of Aldford Brook and continued at pace to Bruera, where I left the group and immediately knocked the pace off to a crawl. We had in fact managed 15 mph average speed up to me leaving the group, which became 14.7mph by the time I got home, 6 miles later.

 

Well, that’s that folks, another enjoyable meander logged in the old memory banks, with a few good laughs and great company.

 

Till next time gents.

NT 

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2nd April 2026: Malpas

Editor's note: Due to a communications mix up, we have two reports for this ride from Meadow Lea to Malpas. It would seem churlish to publish one and note the other, so here are both of them. The gpx file came courtesy of Trevor

Today’s meet was from Meadow Lea and the weather report was sunny, but Baltic out of the sun, so no rain wind or any other inclement weather to deal with. So our group of mods, meandering, flower smelling posse consisted of myself as group carer (well that’s what it seems like sometimes) George, Andy Whitgreave, Trevor, Ray, Dave H, who was ride leader. There were others at the meet, but they were from the other motley crew who, no doubt will be mentioned in their blog . So off we set, heading for Malpas. I remember in days of old that certain people absolutely detested going anywhere near the place. How the world has changed. (I wonder if Donald was even behind this decision by phoning said person and saying ‘go to Malpas or I will put the troops on the ground in your little village’.) The route took us from Guilden Sutton to Christleton, Rowton, Waverton, over  to Harthill territory, where a slight mutiny was avoided by us going via the sedate route to Brown Knowl (spelt correctly). Then, according to my Garmin, to a place or area called Ducking Hell, which I usually use when climbing Harthill. No Man’s Heath came and went as did some other little rural retreats on to The Little Deli cafe in Malpas . 

This little place has been used by Chester Easy Riders for many a year and every time it never lets us down, as was the case this time for our little pack of little athletic Adonis moderate cycling group. Dave H had contacted them earlier seeing if they could accommodate said athletes, which they did and really looked after us. Food and drinks came and went during which time the usual mods drivel was mentioned. We don’t half sort the problems of the world out or is it total bo**ocks? Answers at the next meet will do, as I suspect the other groups talk as much drivel or more as we do .

The route back to Meadow Lea was out via Chorlton, Horton Green through Tilson and on towards Tattenhall. Then on towards Huxley using the usual route back to Guilden Sutton. We covered approximately 44 miles for me, having ridden in from ‘the fishing village’. Slightly more as did others likes of Trevor who commuted and Andy who also ridden from home. Another fantastic ride containing good banter, a good lunch stop and a good route. So yes that’s it really, which is surprising for the mods as we didn’t have any of our usual little mishaps of losing property, people, or making the lady from the cafe having to run up the steep little climb from her place to give car keys, wallets, phones or the usual things that our group tend to forget.

 Next week is the special ride so hope to see you then.

KB

Dave Matthews had arrived for coffee despite still recovering from his heart-rate monitor replacement operation. Dave’s simpleton side-kick Andy Whitgreave intended to ride with us;  George, Trevor,  Big Ray, Krazy Keith and me completed the moderate group. I had a route that had two or three lanes unridden by most just to add a bit of spice. We set off toward Jim’s house before turning for Vicars Cross and Christleton. We then headed down Rowton Bridge Road, but the novelty quiet diversion past the Rowton Hotel was totally subverted by road closure barriers, and vehicles trying to circumnavigate the A41 road work lights. Never mind, we were soon into Waverton and cruising alongside the Shropshire Union Canal before passing the Ice Cream Farm. 

Andy, who is impressively knowledgeable about the Cheshire countryside, suggesting the quiet Carrs Lane heading up to Cheshire Fisheries, which matched my intentions. We avoided Harthill by crossing Nantwich Road to Brown Knowl . As we headed down the Old Coach Road, Andy was banging on about getting to Malpas via Duckington, as if I didn’t know of this option. However, it was my intention to get a few more miles under our belts including a couple of lanes not ridden by us before. So it was, we followed the Old Coach Road all the way to No Man’s Heath, crossing the main Whitchurch road and passing the closed Wheatsheaf Inn where Keith reminded us of past lunches of sausages in large Yorkshire puddings. It reminded me too, of good times with Bryan Wade. We re-crossed the A41 to Bickleywood and took the first right following a quiet lane which is part of the Sandstone Trail. We crossed the main road again following the little used Bradley Lane. The weather was sunny and the spring landscape delightful. The troops began to grumble about lunch, so on hitting Old Malpas Road we headed directly north to The Little Deli where I had made a booking for us earlier.  

Despite the small premises we had plenty of room that had been set aside for us. The service was friendly and the food helpings were generous and good value. On leaving I picked up the mobile of the member of staff who last year chased us up the road with my car keys. We made our way to Cuddington Heath before my care home staff came to collect me. Our way back was on wending sun-dappled lanes to Tattenhall via Tilston and the Carden climb to Clutton. From Tattenhall we took a familiar route to Hargrave and Greenlooms. Keith took off for Stanford Heath while the rest of us headed for Littleton and past Ivan’s house for sale. We nearly torpedoed Keith as we swooped down School Lane and met Station Road. It had been a very relaxed day out. I enjoyed the banter with Andy, and reflected on the enterprise of our members, with cycling challenges ahead for Trevor and Andy,  George with his walking adventures, and Ray with his sea-born voyages of discovery and  stomach enlargement. It had been good to cruise the sunny green lanes and chat. About 44 miles covered.

DH

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26th March 2026: Loppington

 After several days of torrential rain and high winds, it was a pleasure to wake up on Thursday morning to bright sunshine and a forecast for a dry and less windy day. Turning up early at Maggie’s at Holt, I was soon joined by a good crowd of CER members. As usual some were not riding - Dave M having just had a new pacemaker fitted; and some were doing their own thing - Dave P and Liz on the tandem, Trevor getting home early and Ivan doing his own thing.

That left a mixed group of brisk and mod+ folk, comprising of Nick, young Chris, Ray S, Steve Hu, Elwyn, Fiona, Keith and me for a ride I’d planned down to The Dickin Arms at Loppington. We set off through Farndon, Tilston, Chorlton and Tallarn Green, with the north-westerly wind behind us helping to push us on at a good speed. As we crossed the A495 approaching Fenn’s Bank, we paused to phone the pub to ensure that they could accommodate us for lunch. ‘No problem’, they said, so we pressed on, arriving in Loppington about two hours after leaving Holt.

Service was a bit slow, but the food was excellent when it arrived with the group variously enjoying halloumi, fish and chips, scampi and spring onion, leak and potato chowder. Prices have gone up (again) since our last visit, but that’s normal these days.

After a group photo (thanks, Steve), we set off for English Frankton, the wind now in our faces. Steve Hu kindly went to the front to take a wind off me, but I was so focussed on his back wheel that I missed a turning and we ended up in Cockshutt, rather than English Frankton. My Wahoo computer is usually very good at re-routing in these circumstances, but it seemed to keep wanting to send us back the way we’d come. Looking at the map now, I can see that this was because there isn’t a convenient alternative route!

Eventually back on track we pressed on, although the road surface in some places was quite poor. Between Welshampton and Penley the lanes are through some woods and the road/track surface was awful, prompting complaints from the peleton behind me. ‘When you get home, delete this route’ said Fiona.

Things improved when we reached Penley and we took the usual route back through Worthenbury and Schocklach. Again, Steve Hu took the wind for a while until the brisk boys took off to stretch their legs. After all, the ride so far been like a recovery ride to them!

At Schocklach, Nick left for home; at Wetreins, Steve Hu and Chris speared off in pursuit of a 100 miler for the day. Approaching Farndon, Keith and Ray S headed for Churton and points north as they set off respectively for the car and home. That left me alone heading back to Holt until Elwyn and Fiona appeared next to me at the bridge over the Dee, them having called at the chemist in Farndon to pick up a prescription.

So, 50 miles covered on a dry, cool but sunny day. As usual a really enjoyable day out with a great bunch. Thanks to all for their support and especially to Steve and Keith for taking the wind as we headed home.

ST

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19th March 2026: Llay (mod+)

 This weeks’ blog is a tad different in more ways than one-Lol. For starters the meet venue was very popular, with my head count reaching 21+  At one point I thought there was going to be four groups.  I overheard DH mention Audlem Marina and the fast boys were talking about Sandbach. I also believe there were a few doing their own thing or a 4th group?

It was a glorious day and the best for months, which meant all groups got going pretty sharp, all keen as mustard.

 

My group became the ‘CB’s, who had ridden in from Waverton, TT1 (the thief) who rode over with me, ‘RR’ (Rapha Ray), John Mills and Toby.

 

Before I get started on the ride and the day’s inevitable mishaps, faux-pas and simply daft moments. I would like to introduce our latest honorary member, which as most of you already know, is a form of fond recognition for individual acts of heroism, loyalty, benevolence or simply embarrassing moments or stupidity- Lol. The Mod+ group has a hard core following, which started with the Chuckle Brothers, their moment of ‘note’ long since forgotten (something to do with Solero ice lollies-Lol) but now in need of an update. As for why they’re known as brothers- more on all of that later.

 

Those followers of the Mod+ ethos, intentional or not, inevitably become honorary members by earning themselves a pseudonym. These are awarded by yours truly in a similar way to that of our illustrious King when bestowing a title on his special citizens, except a Mod+ title involves no sword and is usually less gratifying or welcomed. Our democratic committee of one deliberates long and hard, with tireless dedication, in order to proudly award a personalised pseudonym -Lol. It doesn’t take long, for some, to earn an appropriate title, in some cases several, although it can be tricky to make such an award because some individuals are simply more reliable, capable, self-aware and simply down right more competent-Lol.

 

So, without further a doo, our latest honorary member is Toby, who, hence forth, shall be known as ‘TT2’ (Teflon Toby) as per the Mod+ ethos trope! Number 2, due to ‘the thief’ of course. Such recognition is usually all my work, but on this occasion credit goes to Steve Hu aka ‘the chatterbox’ aka, one half of the ‘chuckle brothers,’ etc etc-Lol. He commented to me, in passing, “nothing ever sticks to Toby, in the blog. He’s like Teflon.” And so it became - in the best words of Jean-Luc Piccard “make it so”- Lol,Lol.

 

I mean, TT2 goes about his cycling in a very unassuming way, a gent who never shoots himself in the foot, always does his turns on the front, although most of the time he is too quick-Lol. No wonder it’s taken 6 months to become an honorary member.

 

While I’m at it, there are a few initialisms that need an update, or have simply been superseded, as it is all too easy for some-Lol. Kev, aka ‘the very nice man’, is hardly ever seen these days, since he got married and so he becomes ‘TIM’ (the invisible man). CB1 has earned a more appropriate initialism; ‘KK’ (Kit-Kat) because he is all too often at the back of the group taking a break- Lol.  With one half of the brothership left, it seems logical to consolidate his initialisms and just recently has more than earned his new honour of ‘MM’ (Moaning Mertle) Lol.

 

Shall we mention the ride? -Lol.

 

We arrived at the cafe after 20 miles, just before 12 noon and made it back to Tattenhall by 2pm, where we all split for home -job done -Lol,Lol,Lol.

 

Apologies to John, who I only discovered had turned back at our first regroup in Oscroft. I didn’t know he was finding the pace tricky. I’m used to his 'fast boy' days.

 

Oh yes, lunch was very enjoyable and everybody seemed very pleased with their orders, after grabbing the large table, which no doubt contributed to the myriad of amusing conversation and cross banter. One memorable subject was from TT2, who tried to educate ‘TT1 & MM on the nastier aspects of fish fungus, whilst ‘RR’ (or was it ‘MM’?) were trying to outbid each other on the different types and size of motorbike they had each owned in a previous life-Lol. How ironic that ‘MM’ has recently downgraded to a Vespa scooter, albeit a nice one- Lol.

 

TT1 brought us all back to a more sober Earth, when enlightening us all about the Anthrax outbreak in the  fields adjacent to the cafe. Thankfully, this was a lot of years back apparently and now there is a housing estate there.

 

As for the brotherly aspect of the now de-funcked ‘CB’s’ initialism. Light was thrown on the subject when ‘MM’ (CB2 of old remember-Lol), produced a photograph from his phone of him and ‘KK’ on mopeds in their teenage years, which is a hint as to why they have been known as brothers. They both went to school together, bless-em.

 

So, there we have it. What a cracking day in gorgeous sunshine, with great company and more than the usual hilarious moments. TT1 was in particular form on the day.  I loved his story about a younger him and his drunken mates nicking Xmas gnomes. However, the police caught them quickly because they forgot to take the batteries out and were flashing brighter than the police car -Lol,Lol.

 

Till next time ladies- Haseeb Sadeek (‘take care’ in Welsh-Lol,Lol)

 

PS, I’m not sure about you guys, but I’m doubtful even I will keep up with this diatribe- Lol. 

My stinking cold has clearly affected my artistic writing bent -Lol.

 

‘NT’ aka Waffling Wind Whisperer (triple initialism-Lol) 

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19th March 2026 : Sandbach (brisk)

Just like all the caravans and motor homes seem to come out onto the roads when the sun shines, so it was today as two thirds of the club were at Rose Farm cafe with their bikes. Some riders were still in bib tights, but a few of us were sporting our bib shorts – probably for the first time this year!

I’d curated a brisk ride to Sandbach to my favourite pub–The George. Ken and Nick were also up for it, as was Young Chris who joined us as well. We set off ahead of the herded cats on a standard route to Eaton. I missed the planned turn, but took the next which took us down a better surfaced road. We head south to Barbridge then east to join the Wettenhall to Nantwich road.

Crossing into Welshman’s Lane, I had espied a smooth short cut through the Kingsbourne housing estate which worked well. We wiggle through Nantwich but a shout from behind informs me that my rear mudguard is rattling and very loose. I’ve had this problem before with my Specialized Creo. The bracket that supports the mudguard on the rear stays has snapped off. So this is my replacement bracket that has snapped since I bought the bike in October 2025– not impressed with the quality of the design. Help is offered as a cat’s cradle of colour-matched cable ties hoists the mudguard just clear of the tyre. But, will it hold for the next 30 miles! I resolve to acquire some more ties in Sandbach as I’m now out-of-stock – just in case!

We are now on an eastern trek via Shavington to Weston where we head north to Haslington, Winterley (with its pool), Wheelock Heath, Wheelock, and into Sandbach. Down the High Street we rock up at The George and bag an outside table. The pub is always busy but our food is served up quickly. Ken and I use the time to try to find a cable-tie shop locally. There is B&M and Handy Household shops locally. As the Handy is on the way out, we stop and I enter into an Aladdin’s Cave with a magnificent display of cable ties – mudguard insurance sorted!

We now head north west along the long Bradwell Road into the edge of Middlewich. As the next checkpoint is Winsford, the route is a familiar one. We access the Whitegate Way where the next 3 miles are actually uphill all the way to the Station cafe. The bikes know the route back as we head for Oulton Park where Nick peals off for home. We three arrive back close to Rose Farm where, after about 60 miles already ridden today, Chris decides to ride off into the sunset while he can so heads for Kelsall and beyond– after all he’s on holiday this week.

Ken is parked up in Waverton so we head back together. I then head for the Specialized shop in Boughton where I bought the bike from. The service is superb – no issues arise as the bike is on the stand and a different, and hopefully sturdier, bracket is fitted there and then.

Shiny new bracket - let's see how long this lasts

So many thanks to Ken, Nick and Chris for their help and company today. The route round is 47 miles but was 76 miles for me and much more for Chris.

CA

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19th March 2026: Overwater Marina (mod)

It was a bright, sunny morning when a large group of CER members gathered at Rose Farm Café. The forecast was for plenty of sunshine and very little wind, so ideal cycling conditions. In the end, there were four groups (brisk, mod+ , mod and mod-) which set out for different destinations around the Cheshire countryside.

The ‘mod’ group consisted of Dave H, Ray B, Trevor, George, Keith and myself. Our destination was Overwater Marina near Audlem, as both Dave and I had, independently, thought it would be good to sit outside the café there for lunch.

So we set off down Wood Lane, heading for Clotton. This road is probably the very worst in Cheshire, with lots of ruts and potholes and, in several stretches, no tarmac whatsoever. On the other side of the A51 at Clotton, Corkscrew Lane has recently been resurfaced and is now as smooth as a race track. Keith suggested that we should roll it up like a carpet and re-lay it down Wood Lane. If only!

Our route took us through Huxley, Brassey Green and down past The Shady pub to Beeston Castle. From there we pressed on south through Bunbury, Brindley and Chorley, arriving at Wrenbury soon after 12. Nearly there, I thought, but the six miles or so from there to the marina took a while and it was nearly one o’clock by the time we’d got through Wrenbury Heath and Sound to the Bridge 80 at Overwater Marina.

Keith was worried that it might be busy at the café and that it would take a while for our lunch to be served, but in fact our orders were taken quickly and the food came in good time. There was some confusion about who had ordered what, which amused the ladies who were serving us. On the plus side, the food was good, especially George’s vegetarian breakfast.

On the way down, George had been catching up on the happenings of recent weeks, as he’d been away in the Far East. In particular, the recent saga of Dave H’s dog slipping its lead and getting lost on Runcorn Heath was news to him. Trevor suggested that George should follow the aphorism ‘Get in the loop, stay with the group’ to avoid missing out in the news.

We set off back long Cool Lane now with the wind (mostly) behind us. On reaching Nantwich, we avoided the town centre by wiggling our way through the lakeside park to cross the River Weaver, emerging through the houses on the north side, where we crossed the A51 and ran past Rease Heath College.

Crossing the Shropshire Union Canal (again) at the Venetian Marina, we continued north to Cholmondelston and Wettenhall. Approaching Eaton, we had the choice of taking the long steep hill up to the summit on Tarporley Road or the slightly longer (?) but less steep route via Cotebrook. After taking a vote, we took the Cotebrook route, where Keith left us to return to his car just outside Frodsham and the rest of us headed for Rose Farm.

Just under 45 miles after a ride through the Cheshire lanes on a sunny and warm day. Is this the start of a long, hot summer, or is there a sting in tail of winter that is yet to come?

ST

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12th March 2026: Comberbach

 So todays ride, yet again I just couldn’t be bothered to check the weather. Otherwise, like so many, I wouldn’t have set out from the house, but put ‘Loose Women’ on instead of recording it for later . The hardy souls that did turn out in a moderate breeze and awaiting the rain were myself, electric Dave, Dave H, Toby and a 'new lad' called Chris otherwise known as ‘last minute.com’ to the mod+ lads. I said new, due to the fact half his body has disappeared now that he’s all hair and a lean mean cycling machine . So we set off against the wind - yes it wasn’t a breeze - heading for a circular route to Comberbach via Norley , Acton Bridge (downhill) , around Little Leigh , Higher Whitley and Antrobus . 

It was around here we stopped for a mothers meeting. Toby and Chris, who usually are out with Neil’s or any of the slightly faster groups were unsure of what to expect, but were given a vote on where to go. Not that it meant anything to me or Dave H, as we just said it’s going to be a few extra miles the way we were heading and that the weather was going to be against us on the return. So we headed for the Spinner and Bergamot (ok, it’s a named after a spinning loom between Pickmere and Wincham owned by the Smith family who had a jockey who’s best horse was called Bergamot). Here, we left Toby who was cycling with last minute Chris back to Chester, so they didn’t dine with me and his lordship. Their mileage was done via new money i.e. kilometres, so they probably achieved in excess of 80/90 kilometres in old money, around 50/60 miles according to Google.

Me and club royalty got a decent seat as the pub was empty and under new ownership, so it wasn’t difficult. We then ordered our grub which took ages. It was one of those moments where we had got warm and comfortable, so let’s order an Uber. But being stupid, we went back out to dark skies and head winds .

So our route back to Delamere was as follows;  Little Leigh but this time through the village then back to the river at the Acton swing bridge where we had the climb up the hill we had descended earlier. But hats off to us both - even against the wind we didn’t get off. Then the weather gods thought ‘oh that’s it now, I’m putting heavy rain into the mix for the rest of the journey’. This was via Acton Bridge station to Crowton, then up another hill we had descended earlier which was pot holed, missing tarmac, mud- covered and now wet and puddled - oh, that’s us two, sorry. Anyway, you get the idea. The rain and wind made my mind wander to the last time I rode up this hill. I had shorts and sleeveless cycling jersey on, getting sweat in my eyes, not cold wet rain. Anyway, at the top yet again neither of us had dismounted, so we headed on the short run to Hatchmere lake where Dave had parked. I’d ridden out, but with being the nominated carer, I accepted a lift back to the ‘village by the river’. So my mileage today was 46 miles and Dave around 32 all told. With the wind and rain later, it wasn’t a bad effort by us all .

One final note I forgot. Steve H had arrived at Delamere knowing that none of the mod+ hierarchy were attending, but he came anyway to see what idiots where stupid enough to venture out. His mode of transportation was a very nice Vespa (mods & rockers age).  

Footnote: I know it’s not clever not looking at the weather forecast, but as we all live in the UK, we expect variations in the weather.  Mostly, this year so far, the weather gods have taken a great pleasure in making me use all my winter cycling attire, but I can say it was  another top cycling day. So cheers to the guests from the mod+ mob who learned things today from the really moderate duo .

KB

5th March 2026: Nantwich

 It was great to meet Liz and Dave, who were up for a ride to Bunbury with the tandem. Jim had returned from holiday and was also pleased to join in on a short route. I had a route reaching Nantwich, but a rough estimate using Google indicated it would be about thirty-seven miles. I was slightly in denial of this as I had an appointment in Widnes at 3.15, not 3.50 as I had first thought, so I needed to return to Walk Mill for 2.30 which was probably too optimistic. Despite getting out to my bike early, we didn’t manage to leave on time; the first base for needing to crack-on hadn’t been reached. Poor old Mold Andy had arrived in a sweat, and by the time his cup of tea was served didn’t have time to drink it, (although he wasn’t the cause of delay). The mod group consisted of Trevor, Andy B, Dave Matthews, Ray, Steve Tan, Andy W and me. We set off for Tiverton via Burton and Hoofield, before swooping down to the canal and railway on the A49 and climbing to the left turn after the former Wild Boar now being developed into apartments. We soon reached Alpraham where to avoid a rough lane and save time we headed down the A51 to Long Lane, not far, but unlikely to please Andy W with his ‘A’ road aversion neurosis. (Unlike Andy B who often uses main roads to return to wet Wales expediently). We finished up at Cholmondeston and then headed south for Venetian Marina. Dave Matthews was made up with his electric bike but decide that he needed to eat; although we had only been out for about an hour and forty (he had been up since 6a.m. and must have only eaten half a Dairylea triangle on a thin slice of toast for breakfast). He did have a point though, Tilly’s for lunch was a bit of a stretch.  We could go to the nearby café Imagination Lane  at Gates Farm and think of shortening the total route. A little pow-wow about a re-adjustment of our route was made difficult by having two riders out in front way up the road. In the end Dave headed back for Taylor’s Tearoom at Venetian Marina and was later able to recommend it under the newish ownership. We finished up at the marina on Chester Road opposite Dorfold Hall at the edge of Nantwich. The weather had been fine and it was a very nice spot for a lunch stop close to the narrow boats. I ordered soup for expediency, but it wasn’t on the menu and although very nice took a little time to be made from scratch. Steve by this time had decided to have a proper lunch and ride back to Runcorn from somewhere on the return route. I had to act quickly as I was going to miss my medical appointment. I indicated my simple intended return route for the group to Trevor by way of my OS map and quickly cleared off.

The only way I could get back in time was straight down the A51 to Duddon before turning left to Walk Mill, which, with a following wind, worked out, as I was just about able to drive out of Walk Mill on schedule. Having spoken to Trevor, the return in the direction of Bunbury via Acton and Haughton went smoothly.  Andy W returned by way of Cholmondeley, and Andy B and Steve headed home at convenient points; Ray was the only one needing to return to Walk Mill for his car. Trevor reckoned the basic route was 37.5 miles. Thanks to Trevor for taking over, and to Steve for being so tolerant about me driving home without him.  It was a lovely, sunny day on some enjoyable lanes in the usual good company.

DH 

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