16th July 2026: Malpas

 Today’s ride started from Alisons in Tattenhall, a start point that over the years has become a nightmare for me due to the fact I’ve gone more than once to Tarporley  - it has a letter T in it hasn’t it ? 

So today the motley crew for our bimble to Malpas via a very convoluted route consisted of myself, D Heath, ride coordinator plus many other things throughout the day , Mike G , electric Ray and George .

 We set out heading towards everyone’s favourite hill (Harthill), but because it’s also many people’s nemesis, we just skirted it today heading along Bolesworth Lane then onto Bolesworth Hill road which runs through to Brixton Wood heading towards Brown Knowl. Skirting around Duckington heading towards No man’s Heath and on towards our destination at the Little Deli in Malpas ,we were incurring absolutely no issues which, for the mods, is probably up there with the seven wonders of the world. But then we had a small one where George was having difficulty releasing his right foot from his pedal. I watched a master class of not falling and removing a foot from his shoe which was a moment of pure wow, how did he achieve that, but all told it wasn’t very elegant, just pure instinct.  This is when Mike produced a war time relic he stores as cycle maintenace stuff in an ever-expanding cycle bag.  Mike now seems to have taken over from Dave Pipe in having all manner of useful bits of very old tools. Anyway, the job was left to me to remove the shoe and repair the cleat as I had the very same problem a few weeks back. Job done and on we went. There was plenty of mentioning of how the roads we were using actually had tarmac and relatively smooth which kept our little mob happy. We just carried on to Malpas meandering and chatting in the fantastic cycling weather we have had of late. 

The Little Deli in Malpas has now become the mods cafe of choice in this town as they always look after us which they did again today. This is also another unusual occurrence - we just chatted the usual topics of the day and left without any issues. Now I am getting worried, expecting to be hit with Halley’s comet or a lightning bolt as ‘no issues’ is becoming a new theme.  I’m putting it down to being age-related, as in the past, the mods seem to have had their fair share of all sort of mishaps, but now are just used to carrying out the normal daily routines without them.  It has only taken 70 odd years! I do wonder sometimes though, have I seen my future and who is going to take over as group carer? I even mentioned that I think I will open my own care home exclusively for CER members. So if any of the club is interested, just email the secretary to circulate a list .

The journey back was through Tallarn Green and Shocklach, heading to Tilson, Barton then returning to Alison’s, we covered around 33/40 miles, the discrepancy being due to myself going ahead and missing a turn. I know our  the rule is that we should wait at junctions but anyway, Mike chased me and the other culprit (Ray) down. Yes, it is like herding cats as Mike puts it. Well after reflection time at home over a nice brew I can say that it was yet another fantastic day. Thanks to Dave for cobbling a good route. the weather, company so it’s a yes from me.

KB

16th July 2025 : Wrenbury (brisk)

I’d had quite a hot 60 mile ride earlier in the week riding over the Panorama and World’s End so was looking forward to something less strenuous on yet another 28C day. Dave H and Keith had just arrived by car at Alison’s and were unloading their steeds. Gradually quite a lot more arrived so there were 10 -12 of us including Dave M. 

There was also a new rider, Simon, who was coming out for a taster session, which we duly obliged for him. As per usual there was only a vague idea of a route from Dave who mentioned Malpas. Dave suggested I lead a brisker ride so I fished around on my gpx files for a route to Wrenbury. So now the brisk group consolidated into Simon, Toby, Nick, with Anthony and myself. 

Saying I had a route was an over-statement really as we all rode up Rocky Lane and onwards to Clutton and the back of Carden Park. I was conscious that we were going to ride right by Nick’s front door but he was OK as he was off to see Paul Weller in Ludlow. So we said bye bye to Nick in Tilston. Now where to go!

I decided that the best way to navigate was to decide on the spur of a moment as a new directional opportunity arose. This we did by heading for Shocklach where I knew there was a lane off left just before the Worthenbury “main” road. So we head down to Chorlton and out to the Worthenbury main road where another left or right decision is executed:- it was left then right.

Everyone was riding well and quite quickly but I was about to change all that with a slide down to Dymocks Mill. We have been down there before but from the other direction which is the preferred  way to attack this handy shortcut. On that occasion, we watched a medium-sized lorry trying to reverse up the steep narrow and twisting lane out as it was unable to turn around by the house at the bridge over the stream. 

This valley of the Wych brook marks the border between England and Wales as we now headed towards Whitchurch. Another L or R decision veers us off to visit Whitewell Church. We’ve been passed this enigmatic church on many occasions but today we went in to find a curiously designed interior. This link is worth a read if you have time. 

We take the main drag into Whitchurch and out via the curiously named road “Chemistry” and onwards to Marbury and thence to Wrenbury. This road out of Whitchurch starts off as Claypit Lane then changes  to Alport Road and then as it rises, changes to Mile Bank road all within half a mile!

Whitwell Church (ex Wiki)

The lunch venue was a choice between Berries (which I kept calling Maggies) and the Canalside cafe. Toby had recently been to Berries so it was the Canalside for lunch. The food choice is the normal fare but it did take a while to arrive as we sat outside in the sunshine. Conversation was varied as usual including the World Cup and how Simon and I have known each other for at least 25 years ("Am Dram" in Guilden Sutton).

Off now with the return leg with a fairly conventional run through Wrenbury, Ravensmoor, Brindley  and Cappers Lane into Bunbury. A slide around Beeston Castle finds us ready to turn towards the Ice Cream Farm as Anthony peals off for this car in Tattenhall. His ride was 46 miles around as we three take Sandy Lane into Chester. Toby and Simon probably end up with 60+ miles whereas mine was 70 miles and the outside temperature was pushing 29C

So a successful ride based upon “shall we go left or right at this junction” routing which worked pretty well I thought, and , thanks to the trio who hitched their ride to my ride idea. 

 See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

9th July 2026: Hoylake

 With the weather forecast looking more like the Costa del Sol than the Wirral, today's ride was changed to keep us all from melting. Dave H suggested a trip over to West Kirby, and, armed with my local knowledge, I set off with Dave H and Anthony towards the picturesque village of Thornton Hough.

After weaving our way along a few quiet country lanes, we soon arrived in Thornton Hough before making our way onto the Lever Causeway. Anthony was clearly feeling full of energy and was keen to push ahead, so, in the interests of team spirit (and self-preservation!), I suggested a couple of hydration stops to give Dave H the chance to catch us up.

Feeling adventurous, I decided to take a shortcut towards Landican Lane—a route we hadn't used for several years. It didn't take long to remember why! The lane looked as though it hadn't seen a hedge trimmer since the last Olympic Games. Undeterred, we soldiered on, emerging at the other end without a single scratch, puncture or disappearing cyclist. Success!

With the sun trying its hardest to roast us, I guided the group through Arrowe Park, making the most of the welcome shade. Thanks to a bit of local route knowledge, we stayed relatively cool before arriving in Hoylake for the most important part of the ride... lunch!

The excellent Barbettes Café didn't disappoint. Pie, chips, peas and gravy were the order of the day—a meal guaranteed to replace every calorie we'd just burned (and probably a few extra!). No one seemed too concerned.

Suitably refuelled and moving just a little more slowly, we headed back via Ness Gardens and joined the Wirral Way. It proved to be the perfect choice, with the tree-lined route providing welcome shade and making the journey home far more comfortable.

As Dave H had an ongoing hospital appointment later in the day, we kept up a good pace on the return journey. We covered a slightly shorter route than usual at around 25 miles, but given the heat, nobody was asking for extra miles.

Another enjoyable day on two wheels, good company, plenty of laughs, excellent food—and, most importantly, nobody melted.😁

RB

9th July 2026: Great Barrow

There seems to have been two types of weather for Thursday CER rides this year. Rain, as in the torrential stuff, not just drizzle or scorching heat wave conditions. The latter was the theme of the day today. When I set off from Slate Grey Wales the temperature was a pleasant 17 deg C but by the time we met Steve T at Ness it had crept into the low twenties.

Undeterred we had sufficient members for two groups with Dave H, Ray and Anthony heading up the Wirral whilst the mod + group set off for a leisurely ride to Barrow. The group consisted of Fiona, Elwyn, Steve T, Steve H, Alan Kevin (very nice man), Clive and Chris. Our plan, if you can call it that, was to swing around the north of Chester, meet up with Neil T at the Blue Bell, thus allowing the Chester contingent a short ride home thus avoiding the mid-afternoon heat.

From Ness Gardens we turned left into Ness proper and then into Little Neston. The roads are fairly quiet with only the occasional Cheshire Tractors to avoid. We scooted across the Chester High Road and skirted Raby. I remember Raby Mere as a real attraction as a child. It seemed as big as Bala Lake and was memorable for the rope swings and the electric shock machine. Neither, I would wager, would satisfy todays Elf & Safety requirements.

As we approached Cheshire Oaks I voiced my concern to Clive on the surface of the cycle path on “Oil Sites Rd”, fortunately Clive has the navigational skills of a homing pigeon and he quickly re- routed us through Bridge Trafford and ultimately to the Blue Bell where we met Neil.

Fiona sheltering in the shade

I can only commend the staff on such a hot day for their attentive service and ministrations in serving the food promptly and providing litres of cold water for the thirsty crew. Neil and Clive independently suggested as we had come in from the north, we route out southbound. So we set off to Tarvin Road, then using the cycleway back track up to Guilden Sutton and the Greenway. Steve T took the opportunity to head back to the village from the Café

Fiona & Elwyn left us at this point, choosing to go home via the river and a further café stop. On joining the Greenway Chris come to the front and the average speed increased by a good 5 miles per hour. Clive & Kevin peeled off, followed shortly by Chris, leaving Alan and myself to pause for breath and cross into the loving arms of Sir Fflint !

I don’t believe I can say how many miles we covered as other than Fiona & Elwyn who rode together, everyone else did a different route. I understand the core route is appx 35 miles. Looking on Strava most covered 40 to 50 miles, which on a day like today is a laudable achievement. (ST - The gpx file  below is courtesy of Clive - many thanks)

Thanks again to everyone for their company and a special thanks for the staff at the Blue Bell Café.

Steve H

See route map and/or gpx file download  

2nd July 2026: Backford

 Yet again, considering the lovely weather, the turnout was unusually low with roughly 10-12 of us on what was a lovely day, but with very high winds, ostensibly from the west. Fiona & Elwyn arrived on the back of a lovely tailwind, which saw them smiling like Cheshire Cats, as I was still mopping my brow. Then Nick arrived, having also come down Wetreins Lane, directly into the wind - not sure I have ever seen him sweat before- Lol.

However, I had a wind whispering plan for the day, which convinced a few members to follow me, including Nick, after a bit of deliberation-Lol. The rest of the ‘posse’ were ‘the invisible man’ aka ‘the very nice man’ aka Kev, Clive & Chris aka last min.com.

 

As I know how good the hedge row cover is up to Aldford and Huntington, my plan was to head north across the wind and then west, under the cover of the Greenway, in order to get some good lanes in and cheat the wind of course. 

However, before we could even get mounted The Prof discovered a puncture, but insisted on us carrying on, as he would catch up. He knew exactly where we were going and he knew some short cuts, past his home. So, off we went and blow me if we didn’t get another occurrence not 2 miles into the ride, when lastmin.com tried to assassinate me, just before turning left, up around the back of Churton-Lol.  I suddenly felt a strike on my rear wheel and fearing the worse, as we were motoring, I looked over my shoulder expecting somebody to crash to the ground. I then heard  ‘the invisible man’ cry out “what a save”. 

 

One doesn’t normally feel the dreaded ‘cycling kiss’ between front and back wheels, but on this occasion, I think Lastminute.com simply decided to ram me- Lol. He has clearly got some skills to not end up face down in the road (don’t tell him I said so - Lol)

 

Anyway, we managed to turned left, still with some pace, only to come face to face with the dustbin men, which in that narrow lane meant a near emergency stop on the gravelly corner- lol. I don’t know how they get that truck down there, which probably explains why the lane appears to be well trimmed all year.

 

Double drama over, we proceed up a cracking little lane through Churton and over Aldford bridge, bearing to the left and Huntington beyond. Only 4 miles later we crossed the main drag through Chester and swung around the back of The Bike Factory, across the canal and up through the suburbs of Hoole, in order to get on to the Greenway.

 

We turned left and tapped it along for a few miles, hardly noticing that horrible headwind, until the exit at Saughall, which was a convenient quick stop for several of us. This gave me chance to try and convince Chris about my pre-existing rear wheel buckle being his fault — Lol, Lol.  Unsurprisingly, he denied all culpability. Then, by an amazing coincidence, Clive got a call from a bike shop about his buckled wheel (spooky -“there listening”- Lol). His wheel got buckled on our last ride together, when CB1 ran into him, but was less skillful than Lastminute.com, hitting the deck, fortunately only gaining a small graze. 

 

After a short uphill through Saughall, we turned left onto Lodge Lane, which allowed us to cross over what looks like the M56, but isn’t. The M56 actually comes to an end just a half mile out of sight of us. We turned east along the adjacent and unusually wide cycleway, for a mile or two towards Dunkirk, not the one with the long beach BTW- Lol. I was taking the group on a more unusual meander around to the Hospice, which is nice to be fair, if a tad exposed, but we were now with the wind as we whistled past Fox’s tea rooms, following the now narrower cycle path or most of us did. Nick and Chris chose to swing around the tea room farm, but no issue as they saw us up ahead and nothing lost. 

 

Just a mile later we crossed the highway again and picked up the cycle path parallel to the railway line that pretty much leads to Mollington. Not advisable in late summer as I imagine that cycleway will get over grown, being narrow. We turned left, barely a few hundred metres from Clive’s house and just 2 miles+ later arrive at the Hospice Cafe in Backford and just as the Prof arrived.

 

After a few hugs and kisses with the Prof we entered the very welcoming cafe, which always provides good fair at the best prices in the land.

 

That reminds me of a previous visit with Clive, who had informed us on that occasion of the funding difficulties the Hospice faces, due to only 17% of it coming from the Gov. I have therefore since made it a small mission to try and visit them as much as possible, at the risk of avoiding other cafe’s. 

The hospice cafe brings in a few extra shekels of course. Everybody in the cafe is a volunteer, including Clive’s wife at times. This is how they keep the prices down of course.  

 

So, I apologise now, if I lead future groups to the Hospice cafe more often, but I will endeavour to find even more intriguing routes - at least you’ll all save a few quid- Lol And in winter it is very warm.

 

Anyway, we grabbed a big table and got our orders in, which for some, was a 3 course meal. Conversation was varied as usual, although constantly interrupted by more food arriving- Lol. Clive even had to call his dessert back, after a well-meaning volunteer took it away- Lol.

 

I do remember Kev probing everybody for a reliable builder recommendation, after his 4 month sabbatical from CER. Clearly, he had made enough money to pay for an extension on his new house in Hambridge. So! If anybody knows of one, please let him know, as we all came up with nothing. 

 

Lunch over and probably one of our longest, due to some individuals trying eat the cafe bare- Lol'.

We got going again! Whilst still discussing the return route and some trying to decide where they would bail out. The likes of Lastminute.com, Clive , Kev and The Prof, all live in and around Chester, so the return route was more relevant this week, as we were already virtually home for them.

 

We headed out left of Backford, in the same general clockwise direction and heading towards Picton, initially on Rake Lane, but turn almost back on ourselves, just because I could, thus using a couple of lesser known lanes. We were of course meandering again, ultimately swinging around, over the motorways and heading towards Guildon Sutton and the familiar Meadow Lea cafe, which provided the first drop off for Clive and The Invisible Man, who is never quite sure of the way home. So Clive was leading him at least in the right direction and shielded from the headwind wind of course. No doubt, putting him on the right exit towards Handbridge.

 

Meanwhile The Prof was interested in catching up a few more miles, due to his puncture, not that he needed it, as he had ridden down to Holt in the first place. Anyway, now just 3 of us, Nick took that to mean he should pick up the pace and both of us chased on, now with a cross tailwind. 

It wasn’t long before we were in Waverton and I was asking which way was preferred, as Nick needed to get to Tilston and TP was just going with the flow. They decided on the canal road, which became a real dash, with Nick raising the stakes somewhat, all the way to Huxley, which stretched the lungs a bit, but not too bad, because we had assistance from the wind.

 

We passed Alison’s and TP was still with us, which is where I left them of course, TP decided to carry on with Nick, as he had nothing else to do that day, or nothing he wanted do, in his words- Lol.

 

I left them with 49 miles on the clock and an AS of 15.1 mph, which included my very slow 8 miles getting to Holt, due the stiff head winds, so I figure, as group, we must have tapped it a long very nicely at times, which means The Invisible Man put in a very good ride, after 4 months off (perhaps he’s been secretly riding with another group- Lol.) Clearly not dragging the Prof along, for the first 20 miles made a big difference- Lol, Lol,Lol.

 

I finally got home, all of 1.5 miles later, after an excellent day, with some outstanding moments and genuine laughter and little recollection of our lunch conversation.  Clearly, the more I ride the less I remember or is it the more I eat the less I remember- Lol.

 

Just had a thought, my memory can’t be food related otherwise Lastminute.com would never managed to find our CER venues- Lol, Lol.

 

Till next time gents,

WW aka Neil - Lol.

2nd July 2026: Ellesmere

 A Baker’s Dozen CER riders gathered at Maggies on a warm, sunny, but blustery day. Ken and Dave Matthews were just there for coffee. Kevin was back having finished a stint of work – good to see you back! Neil was going to lead a posse of briskers towards Chester so that he’d have the wind behind him on the way back, just as you’d expect from ‘the whisperer’.

I’d rooted around in the CER archives for a ride down to Ellesmere on the basis that a north-south ride would expose us only to side winds from the west, although it turned out that the wind had a northerly element to it which would not help us on our return journey.

The ride came from 2020 and had been devised and led by Steve Haywood who, sadly, had to stop cycling a while back due to illness. Steve specialised in finding delightful little country lanes, so it was no surprise that we headed out of Holt and down tiny lanes to the west of the River Dee. These are often flooded or muddy if it’s wet, but today they were dry and well surfaced.

After about five miles we joined the B-road and then the A525 and zoomed down into Bangor-on-Dee. The road over the old stone bridge was closed, with big concrete blocks barring traffic. Of course, we were able to wiggle our way through on the bikes! But lo! On the other side of the bridge, the Royal Oak pub was closed and boarded up. That’s another of our lunch stops down the drain.

Pressing on through Bangor, we toiled up Millbrook Lane and headed towards Duddleston Heath, crossing the A539 between Overton and Penley. A couple of miles further on we reached Ellesmere and the Boat House café.

We were soon seated and various food and drinks were ordered, including fish and chips, sausage rolls and a pizza. This led to discussions about pizza toppings and the choice of decaffeinated tea. According to Fiona, Yorkshire Tea is the best decaf and who am I to say otherwise!

Suitably fed and watered (or even over-fed, maybe!) we headed on the main road towards town, but took the first left turn up the side of St Mary’s church. The road is called ‘Church Hill’ and what a hill it is! Much grumbling from the peloton about this as we headed over the Llangollen Canal towards Lee. There, we turned left down a small lane which runs alongside White Mere. Chaos ensued as a stream of traffic came towards us, causing cars going our way to have to pull to the side to let them through. It turned out that the main road had been closed and this little lane was the diversion. The loop we had done was just that – a loop for the sake of adding a mile or two. Dave H complained, but he’s the ‘loop master’ so he should know better!

Safely across the A528 the traffic disappeared and we had the lane to ourselves as we cycled past Colemere to Lyneal. The lane from there to Welshampton was not great, with a rough surface and lots of sand and gravel making life a bit difficult. The next few miles were similarly rough and gravelly, prompting complaints (mostly) from Fiona.I don’t remember them being this bad when we rode them six years ago. It was along here that we stopped for the photo – thanks Elwyn.

Reaching metalled surfaces, but roads full of potholes and bad repairs, at Worthenbury, we quickly polished off the remaining few miles and arrived back at Holt with 41 miles covered. The wind had caused fewer problems that anticipated and the route got the thumbs up, at least for the run down to Ellesmere.

Another good day out with great company and fine weather, with temperatures in the low twenties, rather than the scorcher we had last week. Thanks should go to Steve H for the route.

ST

See route map and/or gpx file download

25th June 2026: Whitegate

Rose Farm was the meet venue for today’s extremely hot affair. There was roughly 10 of us, I think, with DM arriving by bike as we were getting ready to leave. I guess the ‘red weather warnings’ frightened many away.

 

However, I had planned a very specific route that not only exploited the wind to our favour but also half of the lanes used were almost totally shaded by over-arching trees, which convinced TT2 (Teflon aka Toby ,now the ‘Prof’-Lol), ‘The thief’, who rode over to RF with me, Clive and Rapha Ray.

 

We set off right downhill with the breeze. However, I had shortened my original route by 5 miles, at the last minute, after a few discussions, in order to gain more shade, but more hills as a consequence- Lol. Some of us who rode to Rose Farm were literally dripping in enthusiasm and desperately needed the customary lengthy roll call and discussions about what route to follow-Lol.

 

So it was that we meandered slowly up through to Kelsall, instead of Barrowmead. It wasn’t long before we hit the dark and very cool Langley Lane. I heard somebody remark that it felt almost chilly, through the tunnel of trees, they didn’t even notice it was up hill-Lol. We were soon turning right on to Ashton Rd, up through Delamere Forest and more shaded roads. It was nice to see the major road works at Hatchmere were gone, although Keith had already tipped me off to that.

 

In to the bright sunshine for a mile or so, through Norley, before turning right into another uphill shaded lane-Lol. After 2 miles of my favourite Gallowsclough Lane, it wasn’t long before we descend the ridge line and turned right in to that  “back door lane”, to quote Clive, which lead us into the Whitegate Way, which is of course completely under the cover of trees- Lol, Lol.

 

Anyway, 4 miles or so later we arrived at the Station House cafe, for our planned stop. Somewhat earlier than usual, after only 15 miles. The predicted record high temps and the H&S warnings from our diligent De-Facto leader, pretty much convinced us all to stop early, especially as we had done a fair bit of climbing.  However, the Station house was closed, with no indications as to why.

 

This did not bother me at all, as my back up of ‘The Barn’, at The Hollies farm shop, only 3 miles further on, is a favourite of mine. Despite some discord in the ranks; “bit expensive” and “blah blah blah”-Lol, we set off for said Barn, due to no alternative being available in fact. This prompted some discussions en route between me and Clive as we pedalled Shays Lane towards the Chester Polo Club. He came come up with an interesting idea- more on that later.

There was soon lots of happy faces, once ensconced in their breakfast bar seats under very cool air conditioning - “You don’t get this at the Station House” was my immediate comment -Lol-Lol. “ok yes”.

5 pinging /flashing table tags later, we were all served and commenting on our food, especially my Hallumi / Avocado, sweet chilly jam muffin (lush-Lol). Conversation was varied, although the all-time record heat levels, as we all no doubt later discovered on the news that evening, frequently interrupted the flow of conversation.

 

That’s my way of saying that I can’t remember a word of anything anybody said-Lol-Lol-Lol.

 

All suitably refreshed and fed, we set off towards Oulton Park, which was perfect for Clive’s suggestion about a cafe on the inside track of Oulton Park. So, as the main entrance bridge was open, we rode in over the track for a gander. 

 

Not a lot was going on, not even a ‘track day’ no flashy cars around, just a few super RV’s, as the Americans call them.  Cafe spotted, we turned around and left the circuit via the same bridge, turning left towards Eaton. I resisted the urge to take the next left and cycle around the perimeter of Oulton Park, which is more usual for me.

 

After a few miles we were through Eaton and turning right in order to skirt around the south of Tarporley and push on down to Brassy Green. This was the logical place for us to split up for our various homeward journeys. ‘TT1’ and I turned left down to The Shady, while the other 3 carried on to Huxley and their onward Chester suburbs. We both cruised up to Beeston, although one of us cruised up a little faster than the other and it wasn’t me - Lol.

 

After a few more miles along Bird’s Lane, we turned left to circumvent Tattenhall, via Dark Lane and Bolsworth Road. I left Shane at the foot of his climb toward home at Stretton and I turned right to Frog Lane, getting home 2 miles later just after 1:30- ish, with 45 miles under my belt. The actual club route was just 28 miles which at least included some work getting over the Sandstone Ridge- Lol.

 

Another great day, if a tad hot.  I did see 40 degrees on the Garmin, although that was in the sun. As usual we had some cracking laughs and some. Interesting anecdotes from TT1 And of course, even more interesting ‘snippet’s’ from The Prof -Lol.

 

Till next time gents,

 

The wind & shade whisperer -Lol aka Neil.

See route map and/or gpx file download

25th June 2026: Winsford

 The Met Office had issued Amber and/or Red warnings for the last Thursday in June and, indeed, it had been very hot for a few days. So I thought that a modest ride without challenging hills might be appropriate given the weather forecast. Using Plotaroute, I concocted a 25 mile circular ride via Winsford from Rose Farm.

About 10 CER members gathered at Rose Farm by which time the temperature had already reached 26°C. I thought we had a new member amongst us, but when I looked a second time, it was Dave Matthews in cycling gear!! It was his first ride out for just over three months and he would be limiting himself to the ride to and from home, but well done Dave!

Whilst Dave M and Anthony would be riding home, Neil had gathered a ‘mod+’ posse of 5 for him to lead. That left a mod group of Dave H, Keith and me.

We set off from Rose Farm turning right and not left. This was to avoid going down Wood Lane at the bottom of the hill from Rose Farm as it is probably the roughest road in Cheshire. However, soon after joining Willington Road I learned that this was not much better, at least for a few hundred yards.

Crossing the A51 at Clotton, we followed Corkscrew Lane through Hoofield and Huxley, and soon found ourselves climbing into Tarporley via Crib Lane, the only significant climb of the day. After Eaton, we were now in the Cheshire countryside with a warm breeze keeping things reasonably cool. Darnhall followed and then we were in the housing estates around Glebe Green and our cooling breeze disappeared.

Turning left at the B5074, we were now in Winsford. Our plan was to take a break at The Cosy Tea Room in Delamere Street, but we struggled to find it. Only after we’d gone quite a way past it did we realise that it’s actually part of The Gate public house. We were even more confused that the café had a ‘valuation day’ event on, which meant that the café didn’t have room for us. So, we were directed to the pub bar, where we ordered food and drinks.

When the drinks arrived, Keith managed to confuse the waitress, pulling her leg that she’d got him and Dave mixed up. How could this be? She misunderstood him and thought that Keith and Dave were brothers!!!!! In the end, all was well as was the food.

Back on the bikes, we headed for Cassia Green and then Clay Lane, which lead us across the A54 to Little Budworth and Oulton Park circuit which, today, was silent. All that remained was to cross the A49 at Cotebrook and take the little lane back to Rose Farm, where we arrived just before 2pm, with 25 miles on the clock.

By this time, the temperature had soared to nearly 30°C, so we were glad to have avoided the heat of the day.

ST

See route map and/or gpx file download

18th June 2026: Llandegla

 Gathering today was at The Gallery, my second closest start point. Even with a good little climb up Hawarden hill, I'm somehow still improving my PB time. Despite being the usual last one to arrive, I had time for a coffee. There were still a half decent turn out, but not quite into double figures, surprisingly the weather was half decent compared to last week. Today's weather promised drizzle, but we somehow avoided it. 

Last week I was happy to embrace the rain, but I only got as far as Guilden Sutton where I had gained a puncture, which in turn removed my efforts to get to last week's start point. 

Conversations were hard to hear with the poor acoustics. With not many, if at all, the normal ride leaders, choices seemed slim. Most wanting to follow Neil back to Tattenhall, but back along the Greenway which Ray S and I had travelled in from. Shane's birthday plans were to return via visiting family members whilst keeping his terrain relatively flat due to a slight mechanical issue. 

So, with Ray wanting a punchy ride and wanting to be back mid-afternoon, which suited me, we opted for a hilly ride to Llandegla. This seems to be the most common choice for a hilly ride from Hawarden and I am not complaining - I feel obliged to tackle some elevation from this start point. 

Once Ray had managed to load a route from the archives, we set off West into the wind, uphill. The two of us make it to Northop but continue across the crossroads to avoid as much of the main road as possible. We take the second left up green lane and crisscross our way back onto the route, to follow around Mold. The usual route we normally take after crossing the old road where we turn left over the bridge, instead of following the signs right, was closed due to a housing development, so we skirt closer to Mold, and once again find our way back on route. 

We follow the route finding our way back onto the main road to Ruthin, which then directs us off, towards a good old climb past Moel Famau, but then weaves us off to follow the main road again. Onto Llanarmon and before we knew it we were approaching Llandegla community cafe in good time.

We look at the menu and Ray opts for the bacon and egg bap, which reminds me that they are the best that I can recall to date. Conversations revolve around bike maintenance, fitness and yesterday's game. Some kind of world cup game where the score ended in 4-2. 

Back to more interesting things, we saddle back up to head back to Chester, reminiscing about the old days of motorcycling. We weave on and off main roads, balancing the quiet roads with the necessity of progression. 

Thanks Ray for the enjoyable ride, certainly relieved some of my youth bombing back the country lanes. Discs would be a welcomed upgrade 😅

See route map and/or gpx file download

 

18th June 2026: Tattenhall

Well, what a difference 7 days make. Last week I aquaplaned to Delamere; this week it was warm, sunny, if at times a bit breezy, riding from Guilden Sutton to Hawarden.

 The cyclists already at the cafe were Ray S, Elwyn and his good lady Fiona, Anthony, Toby and then, as I arrived, Shane and Neil wandered in after cycling from their respective homes . The discussion concerning routes, as usual with CER, was like that bloke Starmer running the country. Very confusing and, basically, herding sheep seems easier. Anyway, as it turned out, we did a better job than him sorting ourselves out. Perhaps he needs to invite CER members to his parliament.

The resulting groups consisted of oh eck, due to his last minute dot com timing, Chris arrived so he ended up with Ray as his carer, Shane - haven’t a clue what he decided as Neil set off on his own leaving the rest of us to decide our destination. Elwyn mentioned Tattenhall, so that was that and off we set.

We headed back along the River Dee heading towards Chester then through Huntington picking up lanes around Saighton on the usual route to Waverton. We carried on past the Crocky Trail heading towards Walk Mill, through Burton, Hoofield, Huxley then to Alison’s for lunch. All in all around 23 miles at a steady pace where everyone took turns at the front due to the head wind. The only real thing of interest was Fiona having a drink which caused something that required Elwyn to give her a slap on the back. Then I noticed my saddle had come loose which was caused by the last two rides being on pathetic roads bouncing my rather delicate rear end up and down. At least that’s my excuse. 

The food at Alison’s was excellent to be fair, with a varied menu which I didn’t expect. The usual subjects were broached and some intelligent conversations were had, due to the fact I was present  - haha only joking - ranging from dogs to Norwegian cruises and speeding fines . 

Lunch over, we all decided to head off on different routes back to our designated destinations. Mine was back to Guilden Sutton where I followed the route we took on the way in, but due to me forgetting my sat nav and my built-in one being erratic, I had an extra couple of miles to get back to my car. Toby and Anthony headed back to Chester and the Rossett two headed back their own way. So I’m unsure of everyone’s mileage but I achieved around 45 or 48 due to my small diversion.

So today’s little bimble was another excellent CER day with my group (as can’t speak for the others),  but a good day .

KB

11th June 2026: Delamere Circular

 As I unloaded my bike at the Sandstone Ridge car park, the incessant rain drew into question why was I out on a day like today?  The flooded roads and kindly offered bow waves coming off other cars reinforced the feeling. This questioning sensation was further enhanced when I entered the Station Cafe to be greeted by Dave H with the words “are you riding today?”.

Happiness, I thought, this is all a bad dream and I must remember to knock off the cheese before going to bed. However instead of rolling over for a further ten minutes of beauty sleep I was rudely made aware that the rainwater had run down inside my neoprene overboots and was no intruding on my (up to now) dry feet!

So here we were the merry trio Steve T, Dave H and shortly to arrive Drip Dry Keith. Keith is a legend as he had already ridden in twelve miles from “the village” and having looked at the three of us he decided to ride back on his own!

After half an hour of cheerful CER banter Dave H took the correct decision to head for home, Keith donned his kit and set off for the village and Steve T and I debated on which route we could take to get really wet.

Neil T’s 35 mile circular route to Bunbury ticked the boxes so off we went. The roads from Hatchmere to Norley were properly flooded, leading to lots of crown off the road surfing and trusting nothing was coming the other way. Opposing traffic provided the additional bonus of a bow wave of water every time we passed a car that seemed to have found an even deeper puddle.

Neil T’s route utilizes the Whitegate Way, a lovely ride on a dry day…..just not today. So flying off piste we ventured through more flooded roads as we circumnavigated Cuddington and Sandiway. Soon the picturesque village of Little Budworth appeared from the gloom. By now the rain had abated and spirits were high. However, this respite was short lived and by Rushton a short cut was spotted to Eaton missing out Tilley’s for lunch.

Now complimented by a tail wind we zipped through Cotebrooke and Delamere.

A very wet day but demonstrating the ethos of “we ride in all weathers” as prophesied by Dave H, rain aside we had a go even if only 20 miles it was nice to get out.

Steve H

See route map and/or gpx file download

4th June 2026: Ellesmere

 The weather forecast wasn’t good, Chirk is a long way, and it was my wedding anniversary – 3 good reasons not to bother with the ride from Chirk.  But bother I did and, with my bike loaded in the back of the car, I headed down to Chirk hoping that the rain wasn’t going to be too bad.

I was just entering the Castle Bistro a little after 10am, when Mike D was arriving on his bike from Chirk station after taking the train from Chester.  We ordered our coffees and sat down for a chat while we waited for other riders to arrive.

By 10:20, we came to the realisation that it was probably just going to be the two of us, and so it turned out.  Just before I had left home, I had fortuitously printed a paper map for the area east of Chirk as that was where the weather forecast had shown that it might be driest.  We discussed options and decided, in case the heavens opened, not to venture too far and so set out on a route towards Ellesmere.  I hadn’t thought that I would be leading a ride quite so early in my time with the club (or write my first blog as this was just my 4^th ride) but, as I had the map, it made sense for me to lead the way.  No SatNav, just good ‘old school’ map reading.

As my bike was electric and Mike’s wasn’t, I decided to switch off the battery so as not to set an unreasonable pace.  Shortly after we left Chirk, I was beginning to regret this as we had a vicious climb up from the River Ceiriog.  The road had dried a bit since the last shower but, even so, I had the occasional slips of the rear wheel on the steep inclines as I needed to get out of the saddle even in my lowest gear.  We both paused for a breather on the ascent when Mike realised that he had lost his water bottle, probably on the bumpy descent down to the river before we started the climb on the other side.  No way were we going back down to look for it and so we continued onwards and upwards. 

The next few miles were characterized by mud, cow muck (definitely a ride requiring mudguards), loose gravel, tree debris and, of course, plenty of dangerous pot holes.  The rain had started but it was light and intermittent and with no need to shelter to avoid getting soaked.  We passed through Dudleston and then around the south of Dudleston Heath.

As we entered Ellesmere, we made our way through resurfacing works that had closed the road to traffic and headed to the Boat House pub by the mere for lunch.  Mike reported that the sausage rolls had been good previously and that’s what we both had with some salad.   After lunch, we headed out towards Tetchill with more climbing on the agenda.  So soon after setting off again, legs were lethargic and we probably should have had a shorter break rather than chatting for so long over lunch.  The sun decided to make an appearance, enough for Mike to shed one of his layers.  We continued back to Chirk via Welsh Frankton, Hindford, around the south of Gobowen and up to Weston Rhyl before returning to our start point.

We arrived back early in Chirk at 2.15pm after just 40km (25 miles) but a decent 430m (1,410 ft) of ascent.  We ordered further hot drinks in the café, feeling quite smug that we had avoided any significant rain on the bikes whilst, through the window, heavy rain decided to make its presence felt.  We chatted on for over an hour, nothing about cycling but just about everything else including a new word for me, “dyscalculia” (the numerical equivalent of dyslexia) before we headed our separate ways back home to Chester.

Good company, very quiet country lanes and, although short, a challenging but rewarding cycle – 3 good reasons why I was pleased that I had made my way to Chirk that morning.

Anthony M

See route map and/or gpx file download