3rd October 2024 : Whixall Marina (brisk)

A dry day was in prospect as I set out from Chester on a cool morning. I briefly met up with Trevor and Jim at Churton arriving at Maggie’s around 1000. A fair few were already supping their hot drinks as more riders turned up. 

The Brisk group were somewhat disorganised as no one had a route ready. I said I’d brought one to Whixall on my phone and emailed it to Nick who tried to upload it to his Garmin - with little success. By the time we had sorted ourselves out, the rest of the riders had slipped away and it was well past 1030.

So uploading the first part of the route into my neural satnav, Shane, Ken, Nick and I set off bound for Borras sliding by the enormous quarry. A quick ride down Borras Park Road led us to Cefn Road and thence to King’s Mills in the dip by the river on the old A525. A short uphill section of A525 takes off right towards Sontley. A left along the tiny Woodhouse Lane brings us back to the A525 again at Cock Bank.

The routing now is straightforward in that it's the A525 then the A539 taking us in and out of Overton and Penley before delivering us at Hanmer. These roads were a delight to ride being mainly smooth and devoid of traffic. We dive down passing Hanmer Mere and out via Arowry to Bettisfield and Northwood. A left then takes us to Dobson’s Bridge and Whixall Marina cafe - a firm favourite now as it is an oasis in a dearth of eating places in this area.

The staff are always pleased to see us and hot food comes quickly in the form of the popular thick mushroom soup combo whilst I take a cheeseburger. Given that we have arrived at 1230 after 26 miles we're soon away on a northerly track. We take in Fenn’s Bank, Redbrook, Higher Wych and thence to Malpas. 

Just before Malpas, we stop to try and sort out why my front derailleur won’t move across to the big chain ring. Try as we might, I’m now left with riding all the way home on the lower gear setting. At Tilston Nick peels off, then Ken dives down Wetreins Lane and Shane rides onto Stretton. I ride on to Chester via Coddington and Churton.

I decide to take my bike in to a cycle repairer to get the front and also the rear shifting sorted out. So I think where can I go and decide to go to the bike shop off Sealand Road in Minerva Avenue - I think it was called the Bike Hub. I knew where it was was - but it’s no more! What to do - I don't fancy Evans Cycles or the Bike Factory, so decide to go home, get changed and drive the bike to Graham Weigh Cycles in Shotton fully expecting to pick it up sometime next week.

In the shop, Mark takes my bike from me then put’s it on the stand and proceeds to sort the transmission issues out there and then. A replacement rear derailleur cable is also diagnosed as necessary which explains why shifting hasn’t been smooth recently. So within 20 minutes or so all is rectified at a reasonable price. I have used them before and will again as their customer service is excellent.

All round for me it was 76 miles today with the official route being just a fast 44 miles. It was enjoyable being out with the lads on dry, smooth roads (for the most part) with little traffic and the bright autumnal countryside to savour. 

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

26th September 2024: Bunbury (mod)

 I arrived early at Rose Farm to a warm welcome from the staff.  Are you on your own today? I was asked “the weather is so wet”  “No” I responded confidently “the lads are on their way”. 

The two dependable’s Steve Hu and Alan followed me in having cycled the 7 miles from Waverton.  Clive, Jim and Trevor arrived shortly thereafter the later two only out for coffee.  Trevor limping noticeably having damaged his left knee while walking in mid Wales.  A little later Electric Ray clocked in and then Dave M joined us in his civvies.  So “the lads” dressed to ride were a little thin on the ground today.

I was now the de facto leader of a Moderate Group of two.  There was some discussion about today’s weather with little agreement among the various sources.  I chose to go with Alan’s App which showed a clearing picture from the south.  So I suggested to Ray a southerly loop as far as Churton and then swinging north east to Tilly’s.  I had heard that Tilly’s was up for sale and wondered if it would be open.  Again, Alan thoughtfully checked their website which confirmed that they were indeed open for business.    

Without further ado Batman & Robin mounted their steeds and headed south without map or compass steering only by the stars.  I managed to get us to Waverton and across the A41 today mercifully quiet.  Our trajectory ever southwards as we passed over the river at Aldford and following the B5130 arrived at Churton.  Here we turned left on to Pump Lane and travelled east and north east on deserted lanes now drying out nicely as the rain had stopped.  We re-crossed the A41 and cycled into Tattenhall.  I did discuss with Ray whether we should lunch at Alison’s or push on to Tilly’s.  Having just read Clive’s report of the Mod+ ride had we chosen Alison’s we would have joined them for lunch.  However, the Mods may be slow but we are tenacious once a lunch stop is agreed upon and gritting our teeth we eschewed Alison’s and pushed on.  Our route to Bunbury following that taken by the Mods+ a little earlier in the day.

Tilly’s was open and doing brisk business largely due to a septuagenarian group of bikers.  A tip here – don’t get into a toilet queue behind a group of ageing bikers – all that leather it takes them a age.  Watching them trying to mount their huge bikes was an education.  Upon enquiry I was informed that Tilly’s is now under new management and cyclists are welcome.  The only difference to the old Tilly’s appeared to be some new furniture.

We had covered over 26 miles to lunch so a more direct route back to Rose Farm was decided upon.  Leaving Bunbury we retraced our route to Beeston Castle but then dropped down to the Shady Oak and crossing the Shropshire Union canal climbed up to Huxley Lane.  Here on familiar lanes, Ray declared more than once ”I know where I am now” we made our way back to our cars.

My thanks to Ray for his excellent company and his unfailing trust in my navigational skills.  We covered just over 40 miles at an average speed of 10.8mph.  A very enjoyable day’s riding. 

GW

26th September 2024 : Tattenhall (Mod+)

It’s always difficult to decide whether to ride out to the start point of a ride knowing that it is going to rain at some point during the day. I decided that I would risk it and suitably cocooned in wet-weather gear and bib-tights, the rain didn't disapppoint. By the time I was in Waverton the rain had started albeit gently but persistently.

At Rose Farm cafe, I was surprised to see that Steve Hu, Alan, George and later Ray were ready to ride with Dave M, Trevor and Jim in civvies. Outside the rain had been developing nicely as Steve and Alan suggested a circular ride back to Waverton where they had parked their cars. So on the fly, I cobbled together a route based upon Alan’s suggestion of going via Tarporley and Beeston. George and Ray went somewhere else - I know not where.

We three set off down the hill and then left and out towards Oulton Mill and thence Eaton where I decided to veer left and down the long Winterford Lane to Alpraham. Recalcuating, we head for Bunbury via the long way round down Birds Lane. Passing by Tilly’s, the next leg comes to mind - Spurstow, Peckforton and Bickerton. Here we take Alan’s favourite Goldford Lane to slide to the south around Larkton Hill. It's then a drag up to Brown Knowl.

By this time the rain had already stopped and dry roads appeared. The route is easy now sliding around the less steep side of Harthill beside Bolesworth Castle grounds. A short sprint brings us into Tattenhall and the warm inner sanctum of Alison’s cafe by about 1230.

Alan and Steve chose the curry and I had the meatballs in tomato sauce smothered fries. We were ready for the warmth and the calories. Time to go and ride the short leg back to Waverton for the canal side photo and Alan and Steve’s cars. I rode on to the other side of Chester in sunshine. 

So the route round was 34 miles for Alan and Steve with 49 for me to home. So, we all felt vindicated in giving the rain short shrift by getting out there on yer’ bike

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

19th September 2024: Amlwch Special Ride (mod)

Having walked, run and cycled on Anglesey/Ynys Mon for about 30 years; I have always enjoyed visiting Amlwch because of its history and culture, it was an easy choice of where to go for our Special Ride (Steve Hughes advised he has family associated with the town). 

The island has many interesting places to visit, but it’s finding the right combination of car parking, café stops, lunch venue, not to arduous cycle routes with plenty of long distant views and ‘lightish’ traffic.

The routes I planned for the ride were a combination of parts of regular routes I use when I visit the island. The only unknown was the weather and we were fortunate of having a dry sunny day.

Of the 15 members who turned out and started together, there were five for the Mods ride. Andy Barber, Mike Dodds, George Walker, Dave Heath and myself. We took it steady and some enjoyed the blackberries that were plentiful. On the way out, we visited Parys Mountain to observe the results of the copper ore extraction and George advised that some was processed at Holywell. 

Photos by Mike G

The Amlwch harbour followed before going for lunch at the Dinorben Arms Hotel. They treated us very well and the food was excellent. There, Dave Heath was feeling unwell so he decided to give the afternoon a miss. Steve Tan sorted the transport home. Dave later advised that the Hotel made him very welcome and looked after his needs. 

The remaining four of us set of just after 2:00pm passing an unusual church in Amlwch, ‘Our Lady Star of the Sea and St Winefride’ in the style of an upturned boat, a Grade II listed reinforced concrete structure built in the 1930’s designed by Giuseppe Rinvolucri. As we climbed and went west the wind was in our favour. It was being noted that the road surfaces were generally of good quality and very little traffic.

After Llangaffo we visited Bodowyr, a Neolithic burial chamber with long distant views to be had across to the Eryri mountains. Slight wind against going towards Llanfair PG but we arrived safely just after 4:30 pm with the Briskers and Mods+ having gone.

My thanks go to Dave Heath for the advice and support he gave me and those of you who turned out, making my efforts worthwhile.

See route map and/or gpx file download

Mike Gilbert

    

19th September 2024 : Amlwch Special Ride ( Brisk )

What can one say! Steve Hu has said it all in his blog for this excellent ride around the “hinterland” of the Breadbasket of Wales but I’ll try to add little brisk colour to the ride experience

The weather was near perfect - wind on the nose on the way out and almost at the rear on the way back. The Famous Five consisting of Ivan, Nick, Ken, John M and myself set off with all the other riders, in a magnificent display of herding Welsh sheep up the main 20mph drag and then off sharply left into the interior of this lovely island.

It took a while for the brisk group to fully form and charge ahead on bascially the same route out as the Mods but with an added loop before rejoining the common routing at Pentraeth. We then rode several "Grand Old Duke of York” sections of ups and downs before peaking at Parys Mountain. I’ve often seen this from the sea but hadn’t appreciated its colour and extensive workings from the landward side. 

Swooping down from its 417ft summit, we head for the coast before a diversion into the port area of Amlwch. From the sea side, its entrance looks very forbidding but it was good to see quite a few fishing boats bobbing at anchor in the inner port.

The Dinorben Arms was very grand - not sure that we should have taken our shoes off - yet the welcome was warm and the plates of food enormous! John M was trialling his eco-powered Super Specialized road bike, and I for one was jealous of John effortlessly powering up those hills on the 31 mile rollercoaster back to Llanfair PG. So we set off again on a similar and longer but more westerly route than the Mods, and not quite so hilly route to base arriving about 1500.

So a big thank you to Mike G for planning this outing and organising the weather to behave itself. Thankfully there were no incidents or accidents, and even the A55 ran freely back to Chester.

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

Photos CA and JM

19th September 2024: Amlwch Special Ride (mod+)

World traveller Orienteer’er and Civil Engineer extraordinaire Mike G could not have been happier when fifteen cheerful CER hopefuls turned up for this Mike’s second organised ride of 2024. The crew descended on the Edinburgh Woollen Mill complex where coffees and breakfasts were enjoyed. It was great to welcome Mel, Kevin’s partner for the ride. 

As many of our avid readers to this blog (like me) know little of the roads of Yns Mon I will skip the blow blow by blow road directions, trusting the attached gpx file show the route. With fifteen riders we had enough for three and arguably as you will see later four groups. Mel, Steve T, Kevin, Alan and Steve H formed the mod+ group. Anglesey is probably more notorious for its sandy beaches and secluded coves, however the roads that circumnavigate the east are very busy A roads. Thus Mike had devised a route to travel down the spine of the island on lovely quiet roads. 

These quiet roads had a surprise in that the profile resulted in an elevation gain of 2800 feet over just 47 miles. This was delivered by lots of short sharp climbs. On one of these climbs Steve T’s chain became detached, resulting in the mod+ group stretching out. At this time fast lads were also just overhauling us at warp speed.  Kevin hadn’t released there were two routes and took Mel on a peloton chasing exercise to tag onto the tail of the fast group. Later they would make their own way to the lunch stop hence four groups on the road. 

Mike’s route took us high up to Parys mountain and the swooped us into Amlwch. A quick navigation error by the writer was quickly negated by years of holidaying on Anglesey and coupled with cries of “I know where I'm going” led us the wrong way up a one way system and up to the Dinorben Arms. 

The staff of the pub were lovely and soon settled us in with refreshments for all fifteen riders as they came in in disparate groups. It was clear our erstwhile secretary Dave H had “peaked” too early on the climbs and wanted an extended stay in the pub to recuperate. His man Steve T volunteered to bring his chariot “ Berlingo Passion edition” to the pub. 

Thus the return leg resolved to four groups, Alan and Steve T direct to LLanfair Pg, Mel Kevin and myself on Mike's original route, plus the now “rowdy fast lads” having furnished themselves of “guru Cymraeg”. Lastly the mods, who were still awaiting their food when we left!

The route home involved less climbing and crossed the magnificent plain of Anglesey. Of particular note was a mile long Roman Road which then crossed the River Cefni which Mel correctly spotted had been canalised in 1824 and so looks like a wide canal running east to west and is apparently home to a variety of wetland birds and a RSPB reserve. 

Arriving back at LLanfair Pg the fast lads were just leaving and we reflected that between our five rider group , we had four different mileages, as diversions and differing routes had taken their toll. 

So on a day blessed by Welsh Sunshine we have to thank Mike G for a grand day out, and trust our secretary Dave recovers quickly for next week's ride. 

See route map and/or gpx file download

Steve Hu

12th September 2024 : Dunham Massey (Brisk)

Ivan and I drove through to Delamere in torrential rain and with an outside temperature of 8c; this dampened our enthusiasm for today's ride out to “The Vine” at Dunham Massey.

The Met office had forecast the rain to ease with only occasional showers from late morning but  we weren’t convinced  and came very close to abandoning our day out. We used a route designed by Ivan which  led us through Norley and out to Acton Bridge. It was here the sun emerged allowing us to remove our waterproofs. Continuing on, we  skirted around the eastern side of Lymm  arriving at “The Vine” just after midday.

The weather forecast was obviously correct as the sun was now shining and the roads had dried considerably throughout the morning making for an easy trouble-free ride. Our venue was not to busy so our order of food and drink was delivered promptly and we were back on the bikes in no time.

Initially heading south east, we skirted around the boundary of Dunham Park and through the village of Hale.Turning to the south west we then weaved our way past Tatton Park and through Great Budworth  stopping briefly to admire the Anderton Boat lift. After crossing over the River Weaver we navigated our way  through Northwich and Hartford to join our outbound route at Norley. Here we came across the Mod’s who were returning from their ride to Goostrey. On reaching Hatchmere  Ivan and I parted company as he decided to make the most of good weather and ride home.

I’m glad we made the effort  to ride this morning  because the change from appalling to good weather conditions did allow us to enjoy an uneventful 50 mile route.

See route map and/or gpx file download

KP

Photos KP and ID

12th September 2024: Goostrey (mod+)

One often questions the sanity of going out for a club ride in bad weather. This salient point was driven home to me as I decelerated to 50mph on the A55 due to the visibility being reduced by the torrential rain and spray. If reinforcement were needed the complete flooding of the road leading from Ashton Hayes to Hatchmere should have been another telltale!

However undaunted I rode the mile or so from the Sandstone trail car park to the Station Cafe and managed to get thoroughly soaked . Once the lenses on my specs has cleared I saw a brace of easy ridders sat in a mix of civvie clothes, or ready to ride. 

The suggestion of “go east young man” held the promise of drier weather and potentially some sun. The fast group of Ivan and Ken set off first. 

So the intrepid four set off, Steve T, Alan Mike G and myself. Steve T had proposed a route we last did on the 27th August 2020 with our sadly departed member Eric Borg (RIP). Steve led us out of Hatchmere and onto Forest Lane, a little used lane for us. At this point it was raining slightly and I noticed the air temperature was a stirring six degrees Celsius. 

Beech lane soon opened into Crowton and we started our route North as this route circumnavigates Northwich on fairly quiet roads. Cogshall lane found us whizzing through the lovely village of Comberbach before the even nicer parish of Great Budworth. 

Great Budworth has its history documented in the Doomsday book , however more recently it has featured in advertisements for Nat West Bank and also in the 2019 BBC adaption of War of the Worlds.

As we crossed the busy Chester road we descended into Goostrey. The Pastime cafe is a lovely facility favoured by locals and visitors alike. A cursory glance at the menu resulted in four identical orders of Welsh Rarebit with a poached egg on top plus what seemed like limitless tea!

Photo by AO

The food was delicious and the attentive staff were first class. Replete and ready for the seventeen mile return journey we started by getting undressed! Over lunch the sun had come out and despite a slight headwind we were now enjoying temperatures of 16/18 deg C a 12 deg C change in three hours! 

Steve T went to the front and led us along Holmes Chapel Rd a busy little section and then through the intricacies of beating the one way systems in Hartford. Before long we tackled the last hill of the day (unless your name is Mike) Maddocks Hill which allowed us to breeze through Norley and go our separate ways. Mike was off to Shotton, Steve T to Runcorn and Alan and myself to the comfort of a warm dry car. 

A lovely route, thanks to Steve T for leading, with 41 miles covered on a day when any sane cyclist should have stayed at home!

See route map and/or gpx file download

Steve Hu  

5th September 2024: Loppington (mod)

There was a strong turnout at the Castle Bistro for our last visit to Chirk for the season. We have certainly cycled some very wet and muddy lanes around here during the last year.  Nevertheless, the venue presents us with varied and attractive selection of routes, which we have particularly appreciated on fine days. Today was expected to be dry, if cloudy with a strong wind from the north. The Moderate group consisted of Mike Dodd, Andy Barber, Dave and Liz Pipe and myself. Dave Matthews had made it for coffee but would not be on the ride itself. Andy, had a new map, but refused to lend it to me; I wasn’t surprised.

We set off across the Russian roulette roundabout on the A5 and were soon relieved to be on the quiet lanes to Hindford. The tandem, understandably, had to be dismounted for the particularly narrow and grotty surfaced lanes at Gannow Hill. From Welsh Frankton we cruised down the smooth tarmac before carefully attacking the severe humpback bridge across the canal. Unusually, the wind was in our sails on this south-west route to Hordley. I discussed with Mike the fact that a number of club riders had been, or still were caravanners, and that we all enjoyed riding past green fields, but hardly any of us chose to live in the country (or “the middle of nowhere” as Moreton Ray calls it). Mike liked having facilities close to home in Chester, such as coffee bars and alehouses; particularly alehouses.  Those of us in our late seventies or early eighties generally like to be near a ready supply of Eccles cakes, the Countess of Chester or a local graveyard. We took to the lanes bordering Kenwick Park to reach Cockshutt, and entered Loppington via English Frankton and Brownheath .

As ever, lunch was delicious at the Dickin Arms, and it was great to catch up with Dave and Liz. Mike and Liz were discussing following the latest Netflix films, and education in Switzerland and Singapore. Alongside his globetrotting, including being in an internationally performing choir, I don’t know how Mike finds the time and energy for everything. I blame the dog for making me so boring in comparison. Of course, my wife would say Scousers always blame someone or something else for their deficiencies. Andy was well-informed company as usual. Liz resurrected a once regular Easy Riders’ indulgence of ordering pudding. I joined her in enjoying a melt in the mouth ginger sponge and custard.

 The way back was by the more westerly route to Colemere and was very pleasant, and mostly well-surfaced. We were soon passing my favourite spot near the side of White Mere at Spunhill. Some stiff banks followed on our route to Perthy and New Marton. Liz and Dave coped commendably, until a puncture on their tandem halted progress. The busy road section from St.Martins to the A5 has a swoop down followed by a demanding rise. My attempted run at the hill was sabotaged by my map flying off across the road. Mike and Andy generously rescued it for me, evidently only half a dozen lorries had run over it. It was a relief to join the canal towpath at Rhoswiel (a first for me) and cycle in on the peaceful towpath. With pedestrians and dogs on the spectacular viaduct it was no surprise that Dave and Liz walked it. Impressively, Dave managed to ride the tandem solo up the steep path to Castle Road.  It had been a very enjoyable day, and I really appreciated Dave and Liz making the effort. Of course, the very patient Steve Tan had been waiting sometime after our day which had included a map retrieval, a puncture, tandem walking and two sponge puddings. I must leave him with a car key, a flask of coffee, and a couple of novels to read in the Berlingo next time. About thirty-five miles covered in very agreeable company; many more for Mold Andy as usual.

DH 

5th September 2024 : Montford Bridge ( Mod+)

I arrived at the Castle Bistro around 1000 after completing my customary warm-up ride through Chirk castle grounds. A gaggle of CERers were already esconsced with coffees and tea cakes. Steve T, as the gentleman he is, had allowed my proposed ride to hold sway over the prospective brisk and mod+ riders. So I ended up with Diane, a guest rider from Frodsham Wheelers, Roy, Nick, Alan, Elwyn and Fiona, and Steve T opting for a 47 Mod+ ride to Montford Bridge.

We started off on a loop of the town to access a fast descent down the Glyn Ceiriog road before slogging up hill into Weston Rhyn. Already there were complaints about hills but not from Elwyn who powered passed me into the distance - he must surely have a hidden battery drive on that bike! Together again and with the promise on nearly no more hills to lunch, we access the tiny lanes via the ancient Iron-Age hill fort that bring us out into Oswestry.

We endure acres of modern housing exiting Oswestry on a long quiet lane out over the A5, and after Aston Square, we cross the said ancient highway again heading for Maesbury and its marsh bound for Knockin via Woolston Bank. I can’t resist the photo opportunity outside the shop, which has a very good yet small cafe. After a piloting error, we eventually take the correct road to Kinnerley.

No comment!

We now have 6 miles of small lanes running either side of the extensive army training camp at Nesscliffe before Shrawardine village turns us east then south to Montford village then east again and over that A5 once again to Montford Bridge.The bridge was Thomas Telford's first bridge design and although now reinforced, still spans the River Severn. Charles Darwin’s parents are buried in the local church.

To get to the Montford Bridge cafe, we have to ride a half mile of the busy A5 before slipping off left and round and under to the cafe. I have been to this cafe several times and notice that they have added inside seating to complement the covered outside seating. I also notice that the smoking sign which stated “Please use the ash trays when the floor is full” has disappeared. The cafe has a 4. 3 stars over 800+ reports on Tripadviser and I think all of the group were happy with their luncheon repast.

The tricky bit is now to ride back along the A5 and then cross the road back into Montford village. It’s only 21 miles back but the route is unfortunately into the strengthening wind but deep lanes and high hedges ameliorate the experience. It’s a long run up to Ruyton XI Towns were I note the pub is open for lunches again. The way out is via Grug Hill  - a long lane ever upwards but not especially steep. Alan has a gearing misfunction that needed sorting which he successfully fixes.

We kiss by Queen’s Head before the long drag up the old A5 into the wind and into Whittington. The advance party pull up half way along here to allow the rear party to catch up and zoom by - guess who was leading that 3 rider peloton. Our group eventually catches them up in Gobowen as we ascend the bank onto the last part of the route parallel to that which we took on the way out. I always favour the aqueduct option back into Chirk where we arrive at around 1500 with 47 miles ridden.

So a cool, overcast and windy day which did not deter this octet group from sampling a lot of excellent Salopian lanes and a quick lunch at a very good transport cafe. Many thanks to the long suffering group for allowing me to indulge my love of the Shropshire countryside.

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

Photo AO

29th August 2024: Whitchurch (mod)

 There was a strong turnout at Alison’s including the Moderate riders: the two Mikes, Andy, Ray, Dave Matthews and me. Our destination was The Black Bear at Whitchurch. The route out had us pegging up Harthill and then then tumbling down left toward Cholmondeley, only Mike Dodd didn’t! Evidently, Mike’s rear light fell off and when he remounted the rest of us had disappeared. After we waited a few times, and tried to make mobile contact, Mike sent a text saying that he would make his own way and meet us in Whitchurch. At Wrenbury we took the very pleasant route through Pinsley Green. An intended detour to Black Park was prevented by hedge cutting. The weather was ideal for cycling being sunny and dry with a welcome light breeze. When we arrived in the pub Mike was already ensconced and drinking beer, which is one of his principal pastimes. The food at the Black Bear was of the usual reliable high standard.

Photos by Mike G

Conversation at lunch was unusually political, a sort of amateur Newsnight, but without the essential preparation. Fortunately, views were exchanged in good humour, and none of us caused offence despite our obvious differences. Andy was asked about the successful birth of his new grandchild for which he had returned last week. I had a route out which would take us back west of the A41. I had viewed the one-way system around Whitchurch centre on my laptop the night before, but I was still glad to have the expertise and experience of Dave and Mike Gilbert to ensure that we found Alkington Road, and the later turn to Fenn’s Bank sans bumbling

no bumbling here....

The route is quiet and scenic, crossing the Shropshire Union Canal. We were soon passing Iscoyd Park and heading north for Malpas. Dave Matthews peeled off for home as we turned off just before Malpas for Threapwood . We must have been very close to John Bourne’s renowned Cheshire cheese making farm. I was to later buy some excellent blue Cheshire from his stall at the Nantwich food festival where his wife or daughter said that I should have dropped in for a cup of tea! I didn’t tell her that I had been part of a Dad’s Army cycling group! Just short of Upper Threapwood we turned north past Crabtree Farm and Cuddington Hall, ending up at Tilston. The Lost Barn was just too tempting for me, and with three riders with some distance beyond Tattenhall still to ride for their return home there were no arguments. It seems a long time since we have sat outside in perfect weather relaxing with cake and coffee before the last leg. Barton, Coddington and Chowley traced our way back to Tattenhall. Andy left us at Coddington for his return to Mold, and the two Mikes still had a ride ahead as Ray and myself turned into the car park at Alison’s. Apart from mislaying Mike D on our way out it had been a perfect day with a traditional Easy Riders’ feel to it. Forty-one miles covered from Alison’s and back, but considerably more by most.

DH

29th August 2024: Church Minshull (mod+)

Todays venue was my local cafe of Alison’s, which I have missed this year more times than I have ridden, mostly due to weather, if I am honest.

Anyway, a fine day was forecast, with a bit of wind, but nothing severe, although it was still enough for me to reverse my planned route. My destination was the Aquaduct Marina, directly east, which none of my group had been to before.

This clearly had an impact on some and so my group became 6 in total. I believe both the other groups also had 6 riders, so a nice even split. So it was that Alan, Steve T, Steve Hu, Roy and ‘the lympit’- Lol ( more about that later) joined me for a new club destination.

We headed out in a right hand direction only for me to immediately make my now customary leaders blunder and turn the wrong way. One should not plot a route where the return route intercepts the outward route- Lol. It would help if I simply checked the direction arrow on the screen- plonker- Lol.

Can you believe it- Lol, I make another error within a mile because my Garmin was indicating two directions. I did eventually notice that when I zoomed in on my route there was a small plotting error. Message to self; must zoom in on route and check the plot properly-Lol. “Yes Steve”. 

Now heading in the right direction, we are soon passing the Huxley Inn, which prompted a few comments about the nice food, but rather expensive- Lol. Within a few miles we were heading downhill for the hump back bridge over the canal adjacent to the Shady pub, almost always makes it into my routes, as I love to chuck my bike around those bends and then climb up the short hill to Beeston, which gets the lungs going a treat- Lol.

 

We had a tailwind for most of the way to Church Minshull, which meant we were making good progress without that much effort and so we were soon beyond Bunbury, where we had to briefly ride the main road through Alpraham in order to pick up Long Lane and a series of lovely flat lanes thereafter, all the way to Church Minshull. We passed the Badger pub, which again sparked a bit of chatter about the pub being a previous CER lunch destination, not that I have been there, but I have heard other recommendations about it’s lunch menu. A couple more bends, a short uphill stretch and we are suddenly on top of the Aquaduct Marina, which surprised Roy, despite the obvious signs and entrance- Lol. A quick shout “ left” saw him just make the turn. 

I had only been to this cafe once before, so we found it a little confusing  and had to be redirected to the cafe, which of course gave Steve Hu a perfect excuse to slag off my navigation skills with a total stranger, who found it rather amusing, either that or he was laughing at Steve’s fanny bag- Lol.

Finally seated outside the cafe with a lovely view over the harbour- Lol, we get our orders sorted.

I was soon pointing out that the only time we saw Steve Hu on the front of the peloton was when we rode into the Marina, after he had cut me up on a speed bump. Clearly trying to get first in the queue for his lunch- Lol. 

He did redeem himself a little when he did a good spell on the front with Alan on our return leg, which was predominantly into wind. Their effort provided some amusing conversation between Roy and I, about the granny gear they were both using. I think I may have pointed out to Roy that they are a pair of old farts and there was at least 1 mph of headwind- Lol- Lol.

  

Photos by NT

Anyway, back to lunch, which went down well, with plenty of conversation, often interrupted by low flying house martins, which we eventually realised were swooping in to land on their nests under the roof gutters. There was at least one nest with young, so mum and dad were working hard trying to feed them (see photo)

 Photo by NT

We set off again toward Nantwich on a lovely few miles of smooth lanes, before turning on to Wettenhall Road, which I had previously warned everybody was in poor condition. It was at this junction that I pointed out the alternative cafe option of the Milking Parlour, just a half mile in the other direction to our current course south. Imagine how pleased we were to find the road had been resurfaced, all the way to Nantwich- Yipee!

A brief hiatus as we negotiate the traffic light junction on the outskirts of Nantwich and head up the Chester Road, which was not ideal and since improved on the route I sent through for the blog.

It was only a short stretch on the Chester Road when we turn left at Acton, into a familiar series of lanes that ultimately lead us up to the Brindley crossing.

Bunbury was now only a few-ish miles away on a very familiar back lane to most of us. No sooner said and we were there and our first set of road closure signs, which we ignored of course- Lol. 

Again, like the route out, I decided to take the less familiar route around Bunbury, which meant using long lane down to Spurstow and then right along the back of Peckforton ridge, for a bit more sight seeing. After turning left up towards Beeston, our route completed a full circle of the castle mound. I then decide to kick start the dash for Alison’s, which was 5 miles away.

 

The first mile or so is a fast, slightly downhill stretch, with a couple of fast favourite bends. When I got to the bottom, I realised Roy was on my tail and keen to take up the lead ( thank god for that- Lol) I tucked into his slipstream and suddenly saved at least 3 gears, as he pulled me along, all the way to the junction at the end of Birds Lane (nice one Roy)

What neither of us realised was that we were also dragging John Mills behind us hence his new name of ‘ lympit’- Lol. Lympit of course, as he did not come through and do a turn on the front, firmly glued to our back wheels ( he reckoned he was on his limit & couldn’t come through- what!  One of the ‘fast boys’ - Lol). Not bad that, Mod+ riders dragging one of the ‘fast boys’ in their slipstream- Lol- Lol.

That last 5 miles are a cracking scenic stretch, especially in the other direction, when you can see Beeston and Peckforton Castle and even nicer when you have bested a ‘fast boy’-Lol- Lol. 

To be fair; ‘ Lympit’ has been through a rough time recently and is just getting back into his cycling.

We had to wait about 15 minutes for the other 3 to catch up- well, maybe it was just long enough for me to water a few trees, which, as most of you know, can take me a while- Lol. Steve T had an excuse as he is also getting back up to speed.

Once all regrouped, I decided to go left, around Tattenhall, causing Steve Hu to cry foul. His legs must have been tired turning that granny gear, bless him- Lol. Unfortunately, my extra detour, along what is usually a lovely quiet clean lane, turned out to be plastered in farm crap, the culprits being two muck spreaders that had passed us just a mile earlier.

 

We arrived back at Alison’s in time to order a coffee, just before 2:30 with 45 miles on my Garmin, although the route was a flat 42 miles and an average speed of 15.5 mph, so well done all.

Thoroughly enjoyable day, with some good chat and banter. 

Till next time gents- Lol.

Neil.

 

 

 

 

 

See route map and/or gpx file download

29th August 2024 : Aston (brisk)

A sunny and virtually dry day - and just as more caravans are on the roads on sunny days, there were a lot of CER riders at Alison’s establishment today - a dozen of more I think. I was bowling through Waverton on my way to Tattenhall when I espied Steve Hu coming the other way - he was out for a warm-up ride - so we bowled along at a heady speed into Tattenhall - and this theme pervaded the rest of the day’s ride.

The route today was somewhat instinctive - in fact, I think I only looked at the route once on my psuedo-Garmin in the 50 miles. The brisk group was pared down to Ivan, Ken and Matt and myself and we set off bound for Clutton into the light and shade of the autumn sunshine. The climb around Carden Park golf club was somewhat magical with dappled sunshine on the lanes. Passing through Tilston, we were soon onto Chorlton and hitting the Bangor-Whitchurch main road. Threapwood came and went as the eponymously named lane “ The Lane”, gradually deteriorated after Tallarn Green. The standard route from here is to head for Whitewell but we took a much nicer surfaced lane today. We end up riding down the delightful Broome Lane and its secret wooded valley to arrive outside Iscoyd Park.

We are now on the A525 cycling into Whitchurch town periphery exiting on Edgeley Road and rising up Edgeley Bank to pop out on Ash Lane aka the Whitchurch to Market Drayton back lane. The road is quiet as there is a "Road Closed" sign - the first of many today. We motor on to Ightfield to take the Burleydam Road. This is five miles of gentle downhill fast riding with little traffic. In Burleydam, we eschew the eponymously named pub to take Dodds Green Lane north to eventually hit the A530 Whitchurch to Nantwich Road.

There now is a lunch venue choice to make - Longmans Farm shop and cafe (on the A530 near the Aston turn) or head for the Bhurtpore Inn in Aston. The pub wins, so we arrive at “The Bhurty” pub. Are they owned by the “The Shady “ pub I wonder? We sit outside, partly expecting to see a certain DH and retinue, and all partake of the excellent range of beers along with an excellent repast. Lunch banter ranges from car insurance to train driver's remuneration and high rail ticket prices.

We notice that there is a Road Closure sign outside of the pub. On talking to the locals it appears that the road from Aston to Wrenbury is firmly closed just near the railway station and will be for quite a while. So we take the "Diverted Cyclist" signs down Pinsley Green narrow lane which adds a couple of miles to the advertised 48 mile route.

The route back is somewhat instinctive as we power on overtaking a combine harvester convoy to head east through Chorley  (no - not that one up north), then Faddiley and onto Bunbury and Tattenhall. We say goodbye to Ken as he heads back to Tattenhall as the remaining trio head back to Chester via the Ice Cream farm lane.

So, as I said, a pretty instinctive route, with the welcome return of Ivan on a brisk ride. Ken, Matt and I just hung on at the back enjoying the slipstream. All round it was 50 miles with Chester coming up at around upper 60’s, and my bike computer showing 76 miles at 16.2mph when I got home.

See route map and/or gpx file download 

CA

Photos MT

22nd August 2024: West Kirby (mod)

 We arrived at Ness Gardens expecting few to turn up as many were unavailable and it was likely to be wet early doors and very windy.  The return from holidays of Mike Dodd, George and Ray made the prospect of a group ride more viable. Clive had caught a heavy shower on his ride in, but was going to accompany Steve Tan on a more brisk outing. Andy had turned up for coffee, but was returning home because of the imminent birth of a grandchild.

We set out optimistically as it wasn’t raining and increasingly likely to become dry as the day wore on. We were giving the Wirral coastline a miss mainly to avoid the exposure to high winds, and possible dangerous waves. The route through Burton, and on back lanes past Willaston to Raby, Thornton Hough, Brimstage and Storeton was very pleasant and sheltered. The long stretch to Barnston was into a headwind, so some shelter provided by drafting Ray’s big windbreaking form was welcome. We skirted around Heswall and headed for Royden Park via Irby Hill before descending to West Kirby from Caldy.

The marine lake was submerged by churning, wind whipped waves as the sea approached high tide. The woman serving us was keeping a close eye on her car parked on the promenade in front of us. We were at Tanskey’s again, originally suggested by Ray a couple of months ago, but I had expected it to be too busy. We have been lucky to squeeze in twice since, and the service, food and location make it an attractive lunch option if you are in West Kirby. You may remember seeing Tanskey’s on the television, totally flooded out in a storm some months ago. It is heartening to witness their revival. Hopefully, the failure of the new storm protection to prevent such an event has now been addressed and there won’t be a repeat. Conversation over lunch was largely about recent holiday experiences, George had travelled to Vietnam on an enjoyable family visit, Mike had spectacular images on his phone of trekking in Iceland, and Ray had been cruising again, this time in the Mediterranean. I had been wondering what had happened to Ray’s hair. You couldn’t have hair tanned by the sun could you? It turned out that he had had it coloured in a beauty salon on the cruise ship! To be fair, as he has a thick head of hair anyway it probably makes him look younger, and as I am bald so who am I to criticise?  It's just a pity that the beautician couldn’t go further and make a silk purse out of a pig’s ear.    

The route home was along the Wirral Way. Although well sheltered, any wind was now in our favour anyway. The surface appears to have been re-dressed in small stones and was completely free of mud. We just had to be a little careful where the gravel was deeper here and there. It was a direct and easy route before leaving it at Neston for the last roads back to Ness. We had covered something like thirty miles in convivial company and the weather had not been a problem.

DH

22nd August 2024: New Brighton (mod+)

It was a wild and windy with rain in the air when I got up, so I wondered a) if anyone else would turn up at Ness Gardens and b) even if they did, would anyone want to ride. But I should have known better, because a little adverse weather never put off the hardy riders of CER. Dave H, Ray B, Andy B, Mike D, George, Clive and I gathered for coffee and chewed the fat about where to go to.

In the end, Clive and I decided to follow a route to New Brighton first led by Clive in 2020 and subsequently replicated by Steve Hughes two year later. We left Ness in very light drizzle, returning to the coastal path past Nets and on towards Parkgate. Some nifty turns through Neston soon had us cruising through Lower Heswall followed by the long climb up Thurstaton Road to the top of Heswall and on into Irby. By now the rain had stopped and the roads were dry.

From there is was downhill into Saughall Massie, Moreton and Leasowe and thence to the front at New Brighton where we could see the waves pounding against the sea defences and one brave soul on a surf board. The Seaside Café provided the usual high-quality lunch at a very reasonable price and we were soon ready to leave for home. Riding down the promenade at Egremont, we paused to take a photo with the skyline of Liverpool behind us.

From there we threaded our way around the various docks, even carrying the bikes down and up some steps near Woodside Ferry, where some major upgrade of the pathways was taking place. On reaching Birkenhead Priory we stopped to take a look as, today, it was open to the public. The Priory was established as a Benedictine Monastery in the 1150s and its monks farmed the lands and operated a ferry (the first?) across the Mersey. Henry VIII closed it down in 1536 and the monks dispersed.

We were also able to climb the 100 steps to the top of the tower of St Mary’s church from where there are terrific views of Cammell Lairds shipyards and the two cathedrals.

Leaving here, we went on past Tranmere and Rock Ferry. At Port Sunlight, Clive wanted to go off-piste to find the old railway line that Alan had introduced us to a while back. It ran from Port Sunlight down to the river near the chemical works at Bromborough. At the end of the line we threaded our way through the industrial estate to Eastham Country Park and the ferry. Approaching the A41, we missed the turning to the B5132, so we had to use the main road to cross the M53 and dive down Hooton Green near The Chimneys pub. That allowed us to get back ‘on piste’ and zoom along Heath Lane to reach the Wirral Way at Willaston.

From here it was a straightforward, if bumpy, run to Neston and Ness Gardens, where we arrived about 3 pm. In the end, we covered 40 miles on a day that had promised high wind and rain, but delivered less wind and we never needed to put our rain jackets on. Thanks to Clive for his company and for the tour of Birkenhead Priory, not to mention the off-piste section.

ST

See route map and/or gpx file download