12th December 2024: Christmas Lunch ride to Gresford.

A few Fast Lads were out on Tuesday visiting some of the obscure roads, cycle ways, disused railway cuttings and canal paths on a satisfying ride to West Kirby and the Spoons pub. I offered to put together two rides for today's ride from Holt to the Pant-yr-Ochain. We chose the shorter one which became even shorter on the day.

Maggies Cafe became very crowded as probably 20 of us were supping a hot drink trying not to notice the gloom and drizzle outside. For those riders who had ridden out it was tales of wet weather gear and frequent wiping of the cycling glasses.

So John M, Ray, Ken, Ivan, Nick and Matt were led out to "race" around the Wrexham Industrial ring road to Cross Lanes. We took stock here as it was clear that a re-plan was needed to ensure we maximised drinking time at the Pant, sorry, meant to say, "Get there by 1200" as we were required to do.  So with the local knowledge expert to hand aka Ken, we re-route on the fly through Erddig parklands with the sad spectre of several fallen trees post last weekend's big storm.

At the Ruabon Road junction, we take the Booker Wholesale estate transfer onto Foxwood Drive and the memory is stirred for the route to the Sainsbury's roundabout and the dive down under the railway bridge to shimmy through the edge of Greater Wrexham. A walk over the footbridge brings us out within a very short ride to the Pant arriving about 1150. We had had enough of the miserable weather and lack of light and felt the pull of the bar for a refreshing pint but had only ridden 16.5 miles.

As ever, the Pant does not disappoint the 28 or so of us today. Despite their loss of power and freezer contents, the menu was only very slightly curtailed.  The range of real ales was tempting and the food was top-notch. It was soon time to go and we head out for Gresford centre passing The Flash but have to divert via Pikey Lane due to tree felling activities. At the lights, Nick and some others head back to Holt to their cars.

The rest of us ride off down Marford Hill exceeding the 20mph Wrexham to Chester speed limit keen to get home before it is dark. As ever, a satisfying ride of about 40 miles for those who rode out from Chester.

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

5th December 2024: Alison’s Tattenhall - Rain avoiding loop (Mod)

 With the forecast for heavy rain after 1pm everyone was up for a short ride and no surprise, Dave H and I both had loops via Malpas in mind. Checking the time at as we went we modified the route on the fly to get us back dry. The Mods consisted of Dave H, Dave and Liz, George, Keith and Ray B. We covered a route of 22 miles via Brown Knowl, Malpas, Cuddington, Tilston, through Carden Park, Coddington and back to Alison’s just as the first spots of rain arrived. Perfect timing. The Mods + group had already returned and occupied the outside seating area which we then fully filled with Dave and Liz opting for the last table inside.

 Congratulations to Alison’s for fitting us all in.

DP

5th December 2024 : Tattenhall Circular (brisk)

The whole of the outside seating area at Alison’s was taken over by C.E.R members which was surprising given the yellow weather warning for high winds and rain. Of the brisk group Ivan, Ray, John and Nick rode out solely for coffee leaving Clive and myself to formulate today’s ride. However, due to the awful weather forecast, all the planned group rides were changed to shorter circular rides with a lunch stop back at Alison’s.

Our planned ride was a loop out towards Malpas and Threapwood returning via Tilston. After looking at our route, Nick decided to join us given this conveniently coincided with his journey home. Initially we headed out through Burwardsley and Bickerton crossing A41 at Hampton Heath and on into Malpas. Here we went down Dog lane and began our return leg through Threapwood and Tilston.

Nick peeled off for home here while Clive and I continued on via Barton and Coddington to Tattenhall arriving back at 12pm in the dry, with the other groups arriving shortly after as did the rain!

This ride of 25 miles avoided the heavy rain and wind and was probably one the year's shortest rides. It is also accompanied by this year’s shortest blog!

See route map and/or gpx file download

KP

5th December 2024: Tattenhall circular (mod++)

Approximately 15 turned up at Alison’s today, which included the tandem team, just as we were getting ready to leave!

I had a clear intention and route that would allow us to get back to Alison’s for lunch, due to the forecasted heavy rain and strong winds that were due around 1pm.

This meant a short one of 31 miles ( circular route south, via Malpas) This route is a favourite of mine that I use after heavy rains, as there aren’t usually any floods, apart from Rocky Lane, which for today, I knew was clear ( that changed after the afternoon rain by the way - Lol).

 

Anyway, it didn’t take long for the usual Mod+ suspects to agree to follow me, which meant a group of 7 ( that included Elec John, who was just riding a few miles with us and then heading home)

DH decided his group would also do something similar. So it was that everybody was going to get back to Alison’s for lunch, even Clive and his group of 1.  Everybody else was just there for coffee and heading straight home.

 

I set off with Al, Steve Hu, Steve T, Shane, Rapha Ray & Elec John.

Left out of the cafe and down through Rocky Lane when we meet a hedge trimmer, just as we crossed the A41 ( not even 2 miles completed- Lol)

Fortunately there were no punctures and I decided to bypass Hollywell Lane, turning right toward Clutton, through the old disused railway line.

I knew of a big flood on the bend to Manorwood Cafe, so we turn left at the junction in Aldersey, which enabled us to ride through Carden Park, which is fairly common for me when on my own ( I like to pay homage to my other great pastime of golf and my club- Lol) 

However, only a few hundred metres inside Carden Park and just as I was about to say to Al  “keep your eyes peeled for kingfishers”, can you believe, one popped out of the reeds on the left and flew across the road, right in front of us, which made our day - Lol.

Before we knew it we were in Tilston and turning left heading toward Bickerton and our 2nd crossing of the A41, which was only 2 miles before our 3rd crossing at the ‘Forts of India’ curry house.

After a few more miles and a couple of little hills we hit Malpas and swiftly passed the Fire Station Cafe and then turn right for one of my favourite downhill stretches, that is surprisingly long, taking us all the way to the right turn into Saughans Lane leading us up to Shocklach.

 

By now we were getting some pace on and rapidly boosting our average speed, which, as Steve Hu pointed out, a few miles earlier, was very poor.  I did say at the start that the first half would be sluggish, mostly uphill and into to the light southerly, until we turned north after Malpas.

We now had a 10 mile stretch of pan flat tailwind, so it wasn’t long before we were beyond Farndon and whipping along past the Grosvenor pub. We turned right over the bridge of Aldford Brook, heading for Platt’s Lane and our 4th crossing of the A41- Lol.

After a brief regroup and a few gasps from the group, I think I asked if anybody was complaining about the slow pace -Lol.  Steve T definitely wasn’t, he was hanging in there well!

Steve Hu then piped up about our average speed having gone from 13.8 to 14.9 mph over that last 10 miles - Lol. 

We crossed over the A41 into Gatesheath Road and I pulled in to visit another tree and suggest to the group that if then wanted to crack 15 mph AS then they better get a grip as a team, because we now had a crosswind for the last few miles into Tattenhall. My legs were ok, but not up for pushing the pace on any more. Shane stepped up and I jumped on his wheel, but the rest didn’t it seems. 

After a mile or so, I suggested to Shane that we eased up to try and get the group together, and guess what happened, the ‘mugger’ struck again. Al steams past, leaving us in his wake and trying to regroup. Steve Hu then rallied us into a pursuit, leaving Steve T happy to bring up the rear with just a mile to go.

We rounded the corner and past the school, when I looked down to see 15 mph average, which I pointed out to Steve Hu, so we could knock our efforts off, having not caught the ‘Mugger’. I looked behind to see Steve T just coming around the corner. 

We pulled into Alisons at 12:45 after 29 miles, only to find Clive already there - Lol. 

Just as we got seated, light rain started, so I got straight back up, made my apologies and headed for home, preferring to get there before the heavy stuff arrived from the heavens. 

I only had a mile to go and couldn’t bear the thought of heavy rain after lunch with cafe legs; hence, my apologies and quickly off.

I arrived  home just as I was in need of a wet jacket - perfect- Lol.

 

What turned out to be a slow start became one of our quickest rides for a long time- Lol, Lol

A good day in the end and to think I nearly didn’t bother- Lol

 

PS, didn’t it chuck it down about an hour later!?

 

Till next time,

Neil.

See route map and/or gpx file download

28th November 2024: Holt (mod)

 Reminiscent of last week’s ride, those of us who gathered at Ness Gardens were a mix of members who had sensibly decided to only turn out for a social coffee and those who for whatever reason hoped that the ice would melt and the temperature would rise as the day progressed.  I had cycled over from Wales with Alan and the conditions “under wheel” were not too treacherous - even the wooden walkway on the marches was passible with care. 

Five of us were riding today.  Alan was offering a ride around the Wirral to be accompanied by Steve T and Chris.  I suggested to Ray that we might enjoy ourselves on an amble around to Maggie’s at Holt.  Ray readily agreed and bidding our fellow riders a safe day we set off in the sunshine. 

Re-crossing the marches the ice on the boardwalk having already turned to water, a hopeful sign, we made our way through the industrial estate musing on the future of the Toyota engine plant and the troubles of the car industry worldwide as governments try to get the reluctant consumer to switch to EVs.  Cycling along the river Ray noted that the “pesky wind” is always against you whatever the weather forecast may say.  Crossing the river on the footbridge we cycled along the edge of Saltney and using the cycle path alongside the busy Chester Road we dropped on to Bretton Lane.  A new area for Ray we made steady progress via Lesters Lane, Kinnerton Road and Pulford Lane into Pulford itself.  The roads were largely traffic free and drying out nicely in the welcome winter sunshine.  Cutting through the back of Lavister on Gamford Lane we picked up the B5102 into Holt.  Maggie’s was a welcome sight after this long exposed stretch of road into a freshening wind.

Ray noticed that they were offering a winter special of soup and a panini.  This would do us nicely.  As usual the lunchtime conversation ranged far and wide including the usual quota of “things were different in our day”.  From the mysterious threat of social media in all its forms to ice on the inside of the windows when we were kids.  It was eventually time to embark on the return leg.  Crossing the Dee into Farndon we headed north to Churton and turned right on to Pump Lane something of a favourite of mine despite the rough road surface in places.  Crossing the A41 we bowled along through Tattenhall and Hargrave into Waverton.  Here for the first time we started to pick up more traffic a product of the “school run”.  Another 21^st century innovation as big SUVs stacked up behind us.

Crossing the A51 courtesy of a kindly motorist who slowed and flagged us across we picked up the Greenway.  In the gathering gloom we ambled on Ray only telling me occasionally the he was “knackered” while I attempted to convince him to sign up for the Vets 100 next year.  My powers of persuasion were somewhat lacking so still a work in progress. 

We parted company at the Wales end of the Greenway.  We had surprisingly clocked up just over 50 miles at a unsurprising stately pace of 9.1mph.  A good days riding and a real welcome bonus at this time of the year.

 

GW          

28th November 2024: New Brighton (Mod+)

 What a day , glorious blue skies no rain but just bitterly cold.  In all eight of us met at ‘The botanic kitchen’,   just five riders,  three in civvies,  just out  for a social coffee. Steve Hu and Shane were guilty as charged since they had their bikes and cycling gear in the car. I continued to work on them and just as the ice outside was thawing I saw their resolve weakening. Hey up, we will have five out today I thought. That was until……….

In walked Chris the warrior, bedecked in shorts! Did I mention it was minus two degrees Celsius outside. Not only wearing shorts but also a bloody graze on his leg where terra firma and he had met on the way to the cafe! Apparently, Chris had come off on one of the marsh cattle grids, so we needed to be wary of icy patches. Steve Hu and Shane’s interest in the ride quickly melted away!

George had a plan to return across the icy wastes of Burton Marsh on a circuitous route to Holt, see GW’s blog.

Clive was driving to Norfolk later in the day so it was Steve T, Chris and myself who decided on a clockwise Wirral loop that we had ridden earlier this year. With the temperature still at minus 2, we didn’t dawdle and soon passed through Neston and Thornton Hough and then the seemingly never- ending uphill drag to Irby.  Downhill to Meols and on to the sea front, and, although it had warmed up to 1 deg Celsius, it didn’t feel like it in the cold sea breeze. Maybe Steve Hu and Shane had been right after all.

The low tide had attracted thousands of sea birds, and also dozens of cocklers on quad bikes towing trailers, a hard way to earn a living ordinarily and even more so on a cold winters day.

Changing the plan slightly we arrived at ‘The Seaside Cafe’ a CER favourite lunch stop.

As well as a scraped knee, Chris had also hurt his hip, which was now giving him some discomfort. So Steve then reminisced about some of his more spectacular tumbles over the years.  A sobering reminder of the potential risks of our pastime, of which our erstwhile secretary Dave H is blissfully unaware. LOL

We set off again to follow the prom to Seacombe , by now  turning  into a strong and freezing headwind.  Following the Wirral coast cycle path over this section seems to be more difficult. It tends to zig zags left and right I managed to lose my teammates for a while, reuniting at Woodside.

Chris left us at Childer Thornton to get back for his evening shift; I don’t know where he gets the energy from, but then he is a good 30 years our junior and holds the double award for the ascent of Hope Mountain with Matt & Paul a few weeks ago.

So, a challenging 40 miles in the wintery conditions, but made enjoyable by my two companions.

Alan O 

See route map and/or file download

21st November 2024 : Tattenhall

 Earlier hailstones had formed a solid clump around my windscreen wiper pivot. This was going to be an icy morning for cycling. I eventually arrived at Meadow Lea to find a convivial group consisting of Ivan, Clive, Ken, Trevor and Julie, Jim and Diane, Keith and Big Ray. Only Keith and Ray were dressed for cycling. Having enjoyed the socialising, the potential cyclists concluded that although it wasn’t very wise, we would give it a go. This wasn’t without precedent, as the same characters had ridden in pairs or a three before in ice and snow, with Steve Tan and sometimes George. Steve was under doctor’s orders on this occasion.

I had a plan, but we would be prepared to adjust dependent on the state of the road surfaces in front of us. As we set off toward Morley Bridge my face felt as cold as a fishmonger’s slab. The pleasant little road up to Dunham Heath looked treacherous, so we took extra care to ride steadily and straight. After passing Manley Mere we climbed up Siddall’s Hill to Mouldsworth, which helped to warm us up properly. Drifting down past the Goshawk was a breeze, taking a chance on the quiet lane out of Ashton past Ashtonhall Farm was a more precarious undertaking. The weather was fine and the sun was out, but the high hedges on our offside had ensured that the uneven surface remained frozen and confirmed the extra risk of straying from well-used lanes. Through Kelsall we passed Steve Haywood’s house by mistake, which had the unfortunate result of us having to pass a thorn- spewing hedge cutting outfit to reach Willington Corner. No punctures were incurred, and apart from the dark, rough stretch past the Willington Hall Hotel, the riding and scenery in the sun was making us glad we had not driven home from Meadow Lea. We still had to be careful the other side of Clotton, as I recalled sliding horizontal down the road at one of the corners, having been deceived by a thin film of mud that looked dry but was icy. That incident was over thirty years ago and resulted in me riding back to Runcorn with a buckled wheel and disconnected front brake.  At Huxley a decision had to be made whether to venture further south to, say, the Cholmondeley Arms or to head across to Alison’s at Tattenhall. We certainly had no intention of climbing up the north-facing road from “The Shady” to Beeston Castle which resembled a ski slope last time we used it in freezing conditions. It was agreed not to push our luck, so we chose a speeded-up extra circuit past The Ice Cream Farm and Owler Hall before turning into Alison’s.  Alison’s was friendly and spot-on as ever. There were the now familiar road closures due to flooding west of Tattenhall, so instead of contriving a detour the guys voted for a quickish direct return. For a change, we chose the Shropshire Union Canal route to Waverton rather than the Greenlooms loop. On our way through Guilden Sutton we gave a shout to Ivan sorting out his window blinds, but I doubt that he clocked us. Ray had to get back to the end of The Wirral, but Keith and I had time for coffee and cake at Meadow Lea. It had been a very enjoyable thirty miles in relaxing company, and well worth the risk, (as it turned out!)   

DH   

14th November 2024: Whitegate (mod)

 Keith rang me to say that he couldn’t extricate himself from the jammed Runcorn traffic to head for Utkinton. His second attempt to find a route out had him close to my house, and as I was about to leave, we decided to share just the one car and find a more radical route.  We still had to undertake a long line of stationary cars, and shoot into a gap on the Murdishaw roundabout trying to emulate the slick timing of Lewis Hamilton, rather than the dangerous bullying of mad Max. The queue on the Northwich Road before the A49 led to a U-turn, but using our cycling lanes we eventually reach the Leigh Arms and headed south on the A49 to Cuddington and Cotebrook. We arrived at Rose Farm to find a strong turnout just about to ride off. It was great to talk to Steve Hayward, as we gulped down a quick coffee. The moderate group acquiesced to my suggestion of an unusual route ending up at the café in the former Whitegate station. The group consisted of Big Ray, George, Trevor, Keith and me.

We finally headed out after 11a.m. reaching the Reaseheath-Wettenhall road via Tarporley, Eaton, Winterford Lane, Mill Lane, The Hall Lane and Oulton Lowe. We then, unusually, headed north-east, diving and climbing through attractive Darnhall to reach the outskirts of Winsford. It is surprising to some, but like Runcorn, Winsford has some posh bits, in this case on its southern edge. Trevor, as so often, knows his way around in this area, but had to take an important phone call, so said that he would catch us up. Despite Trevor’s instructions, and me thinking that I knew what I was doing, a turn was missed. Ray insisted that we consulted a local guy parking his car, but one of his suggestions could have left us heading down some muddy farm track with plenty of potholes. Anyway, I soon got my head around things with my large-scale O.S. map, and we headed down alongside the main road to the roundabout adjacent to Bottom Flash.  We then turned north alongside the Weaver Navigation and with the salt works on our right turned west on to the old railway route known as the Whitegate Way. The ride was now very relaxed away from traffic on the russet leaf carpeted level way. Despite it being mid-November, we cycled past a fertile field vibrant green in the sunshine. Our tree arched route glimmered copper and gold as we cruised along.  Then, Keith displayed the vision of a kestrel in identifying Trevor in the distance ahead.  Trevor had not missed the turn in Winsford but had missed the long conversation about route options with the local yokel, so had finished up ahead of us. The Whitegate station café is in the Marton area and is a very friendly community café mainly run by volunteers. Our conversation was convivial, and lunch was fine. I blame Ray’s loud laugh for “doing my head in” and me not being able to remember much about our topics of conversation.

Our return route took us close to the rear of The Hollies and the Cheshire Polo Ground before crossing the A54 and reaching the Coach Road to Oulton Park. There are interesting bridle paths throughout this area centred on Little Budworth Country Park, some definitely worth exploring on a mountain bike. The Mill Pond presented a lovely shimmering scene on this perfect autumn day as we approached Cotebrook. Some of us remember the attractive Mill Pool restaurant which closed over five years ago and was demolished to be replaced by two very expensive homes. I was thinking of riding around to Ukinton village via Hollins Hill, but the troops soon scotched the idea. It was a short ride, but Trevor must have covered forty miles by the time he had cycled back to Guilden Sutton.  Ray left promptly to drive back to Moreton. Keith and I stayed at Rose Farm café with George for a last coffee, and some interesting discussion about workplace issues like the price paid for confronting unacceptable behaviour, or not, and standing up to management bullies. George’s experience in human resources and mine and Keith’s experience of “talking truth to power” provided some interesting anecdotes. Of course, the option to finish the day with coffee, cake and a chat has always been part of the convivial culture of our club. We had managed it today despite the late start, because of a shorter route than I had calculated. The cycling conditions and autumn scenery had been smashing. It was a bonus to have winter postponed for just one more ride.  

DH

14th November 2024: Waverton (Mod+)

I was going to gripe about the muddy lanes, but after todays ride, yesterdays Mod+ was pretty good to be fair- Lol.

It’s hard to ride any lane at the moment without slimy mud everywhere. We need some heavy rain to wash the roads, which should be on Sunday- bah humbug.

 

Anyway, after an early digression ( can you say that- Lol)

The venue for the day was Rose Farm and for a change my leadership started from my house, as I had F & E in tow. This was because I was always going to do an easy, flat 45 miles max, from home that is, due to several injuries I was  carrying, which suited them.

I didn’t therefore plan on leading a proper group, however, I still ended up with a few more followers- Lol. 

Clearly those few didn’t mind a short one ( real reason was they had no alternative, as Steve T turned up with a similar plan to me and was simply returning home- Lol)

 

A quick head count in the cafe revealed 17, which was not as good as the record total from last week at Gladstone Library, but nevertheless, good for Rose Farm. That didn’t include Steve Haywood, who had turned up in his civvies, just to say hello.

DH turned up in the end ( some excuse about traffic- Lol) just as we were leaving, so I guess he ended up with a fair size group, as the fast group was only Clive & Ivan, I believe. The count should be 18/ 19, as we bumped into Keith as we were riding off. He was looking distressed, which he explained was simply the experience of travelling with DH - Lol- Lol- Lol. 

 

So it was that Kev, Alan & Steve Hu joined me+ F&E for a pan flat meander to the Blue Bell cafe, which, after a quick phone call, became Walk Mill ( always my back up- Lol)

I mentioned that I would be very slow on the inclines, as my knee couldn’t take any sort of incline, but hopefully steady on the flat bits.

We set off to the right and a quick downhill, set us up for a nice steady pace for the next few miles to Aston.

Photo AO

I was basically taking the group on the flattest meander I could come up with, whilst avoiding the worst of the mucky lanes. This meant swinging out toward Cheshire Oaks and back past the zoo into Guilden Sutton, although on a different lane.

It didn’t take us that long to reach the A51, where upon Steve Hu questioned my route, when I told them to turn left onto the pathway. We were of course mirroring the A51 so we could cut back up toward the Blue Bell cafe and take the long route to Walk Mill cafe. After a few hundred metres on the pathway we turn left past the Stamford Bridge Inn. There was a slight hiatus in the group, at this point, which I never did find out the reason for- Lol.  I needed to plod on up the slight incline, due to the knee pain I was experiencing. I knew they would catch me up and just in time for me to turn right.

 

At the top of what would normally not be classed as a hill, but for me it was, we turn right and meandered through a few lovely lanes that brought us back to the A51, which we crossed.

This set us on a path past DM’s house, which I believe was pointed out to Kev, in passing ( glad to see you have fixed your garage door Dave- Lol). No sooner past DM’s gaff, we were creeping up to the crossing of the A49 and still with 6 in the group- Lol. I would just like to add that nobody was lost this time, as I was able to look behind and check for myself that everybody was still in tow, unlike last time, which I took unfair criticism for ( Steve Hu- Lol)

 

After crossing the A49, we are quickly descending toward Walk Mill, only a mile away and 25 from Rose Farm. We turned up to a surprisingly busy cafe ( never seen so many bikes at one cafe- Lol)

Fiona managed to bag us the last table, while the rest of us were getting our orders in. It didn’t take long to be fair and my falafel, beetroot sandwich was gorgeous. Turned out that this is Fiona’s favourite sandwich cafe. Conversation was well varied, with Kev seemingly the centre of them all, as the new member of the club, he was filling us in on his cycling history and his reasons for riding in trainers. (he’ll be to fast for Mod+ once he gets clip in pedals- Lol)

After a brief discussion with Kev as to knowing his way back to Rose Farm, because all of us were heading for Tattenhall, he confirmed he did, but decided he would follow us and then head back to Rose Farm. Alen & Steve Hu were heading for Waverton, because their cars were there.

 

I decided to change the route a little and head through the back lanes to Hargrave, which would provide Alan & Steve an alternative route back up to Waverton, via the canal road ( aren’t I thoughtful - Lol- lol).  It didn’t take us long to get to Tattenhall, where upon Steve decided that they should turn right past what used to be Old Ma’s cafe. I guess he intended to take Platt’s Lane to Saighton and Waverton beyond - that’ll teach me to be so thoughtful- Lol- Lol.

Only a few hundred metres further on, we lose Kev, who was going to call his daughter, who apparently lives in Tattenhall. Now down to 2 in the group, I at least knew I was going to finish the ride with somebody, as they started out with me- Lol. We arrived at my place with 44 miles on the clock and a respectable AS of 14mph ( not to bad for a cripple - Lol) 

 

Despite the odd mucky lane, I think everybody enjoyed the meander. I remember somebody mentioning, at one point, that they were surprised when they realised we were on top of Cheshire Oaks, as they had no idea where we were, which to me means- Job done- Lol. And 10 minutes later we were passing the zoo, although some didn’t notice- Lol- Lol.

So, a good ride in the end, due to unusually mild weather and no wind at all +  great company and Steve Hu of course- didn’t mean it mate- Lol.

 

Till next time,

Neil. 

14th November. 2024 : Sandbach (brisk)

I hadn’t been out on the bike with Ivan for a while, so it was a real pleasure to be out with him on his ride round Cheshire on Tuesday. Lots of familiar and dry roads with little traffic and some sunshine at last, with a new cafe (“Eleven”) in Whitchurch for lunch. This soon built up to a 70 mile round trip at 16mph. We were both riding on Thursday from Rose Farm so he offered up a couple of routes, and this one to "The George" in Sandbach was the result.

Leaving Chester at 0900 for the ride out to Utkinton, the weather was a mixture of a medium thick fog plus a fine drizzle which demanded a rain jacket to be donned and cycling glasses being cleared every few minutes. Nearing Utkinton, the fog and drizzle had lifted as I rolled in to Rose Farm with Alan. Steve Hu and Alan had caught me up on Ryecroft Lane outside Waverton, and then we caught up Trevor, with whom Steve Hu accompanied to the cafe.

Soon there were a dozen plus riders in the cafe with talk of "where are you going today". It was good to see Steve Ha making an appearance and making progress but not riding yet. Nick had messaged to say that he would meet us at Tilly's at 1100 which fitted in well. 

So Ivan and I set off through Tarporley and out the back of town down Rabbit Burrow Lane where the first of a few "Road Closed" signs today momentarily checked our progress. "It’ll be alright” we thought even though we could seen lots of yellow flashing lights and earth-moving monsters on the horizon. Well it wasn’t alright, and we had to retrace our route going back over a very muddy surface and divert down to the A51 lights. We arrive at Tilly’s on time to see a very relaxed Nick supping his coffee inside. He comes out admitting that he’d been there for a while due to mix up over timing. Waiting outside, we met the lady owner (I presume)  who was keen to "embrace" cyclists with a track pump and inner tubes added to the usual cafe menu.

The ride now is a familiar route in and out of Nantwich and Willaston. This becomes less familiar as we wriggle around Shavington and onto Basford sliding around Weston before arriving at Crewe Enterprise Centre environs. There are more less familiar roads now passing through Oakhanger thence passing by BAE Land Systems Munitions plant (and no doubt quite busy right now).  We edge around Alsager and onto to Malkin's Bank via Hassall Green, and, after 29 miles into “The George" in Sandbach’s cobbled medieval market place.

The pub is pretty busy, but as ever, serves up good value food and drink in double quick time. We are good to go in little over 30 mins with a very familar and shorter route back to Tarporley.  After Elworth, it’s on to Church Minshull and the long lane to Cholmondeston then arguably the second worst road in Cheshire running northwards to Wettenhall and beyond. 

Arriving into Tarporley via Eaton, we three veer off towards Beeston where Nick heads for home as Ivan and I run back into Waverton. I thought I caught a glimpse of Steve Hu just about to leave the car park in Waverton as Ivan I complete a mid-70 miler in the sunshine. Given the range of weather and a mix of  dry and very muddy roads today, we were pleased to be out enjoying the mid-November Cheshire countryside.

So a big thank you to Ivan for the route for today and Tuesday, and to Nick for his company on today's excursion.

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

7th November 2024: Rossett (mod)

 The mods group at Hawarden today consisted of Dave and Liz on tandem, Ray(B), George and Dave H. The planned route was to be a circuit of Hope Mountain with lunch at the Alyn Pub in Rossett. We set off on the usual route south crossing the A55 on the footbridge. From here we headed south along the ridge to drop down to Hope and pick up the anticlockwise circuit around Hope Mountain. At Pontylyddn we turned southwest for the well graded snaking 2 mile climb up to the turning onto the B5101 for the scenic ride along the western slope down to Ffrith with a short climb up to the B5102. From here it was lovely long descent to Cefn-y-bedd and on to Rossett.

The Alyn is currently the best of the 3 pubs in the area for food and good service. After lunch we took a direct route back over the gated pedestrian rail crossing and a series of flats and staggered climbs back onto the ridge route we used in the morning.

Good company, good food and a dry somewhat cloudy day

 27 moderatly hilly miles at 10.5 mph. 

 DP

7th November 2024 : Caergwrle (brisk)

A bumper crowd gathered at the Gallery in Hawarden including two new inductees, Paul and Chris, who were served their commission papers by Mr Heath. There were enough of us to make up mod, mod+ and brisk groups today. Surprisingly there were eight folks undaunted by the silly number of hills in my proposed route to Hope (that I'd dug out from my pre-covid archives) with Clive, John M, Nick, Shane, Ray S, newbies Paul and Chris all up for the challenge of the short (40mi) but hilly (3350 ft) Flintshire ramble.

As normal, we left slightly late and after a brief pause when Clive dechained, climbed up through Ewloe towards Buckley on the first of our 11 (ELEVEN!!) categorised climbs. Some gentle ups and downs took us along surprisingly dry and mud-free lanes through Alltami and Sychdyn and past Polly's Brewery. Here, a brief split occured as three of us stayed on the tarmac and everyone else risked the leaf-covered short cut onto the A541. A familiar lane brought us to Gwernaffield Road, and onto the much less familiar Maes Garmon Lane. At the bottom of this lane, we were confronted by a mud-laden climb which probably explains why it's not a familiar road to most of us. MTB/cross-country/gravel-biking skills came into play and we all made it up ... eventually.

Maes Garmon  - or in English "Very Muddy"

Following the mudfest, we headed south through Gwernymynydd and onto the A494 where I missed the turning before The Swan, like I always do! After Swan Lane came a climb up Ffordd Las, which initially met with some disapproval, but in the end turned out to be a mere 7% for just 1km - child's play! There followed a couple more punchy climbs - called that, possibly because a few riders may have wanted to punch the route-planner at this point. At Llanfynydd, we realised we were short of two riders. After a phone call, it transpired that Shane had punctured somewhere on the up and down between Rhyd-y-Ceirw and Llanfynydd. Fortunately John M had hung around to assist him with repairs. They made their own way to Honey's.

As Paul warned us, the next climb was a bit of a monster over Hope Mountain, but at least the clouds had cleared enough to enjoy the views over the Flintshire coast. At the top, considering we were a bit late for our lunch booking, we all reluctantly agreed to bin the planned second ascent of Hope Mt, this one a 10.5% average mile-long Category 3 beast; a real shame that we couldn't fit that one in! So instead of being Hope-ful, we ended up being a little Hope-less (ba-dum tish!)

As Clive, Nick and Ray sped off to Honey's, I waited awhile for Paul and Chris, for rather longer than they could possibly have taken - given they'd been a fair bit faster than most of us to that point - and eventually I realised they must have gone a different way. Sure enough, when I arrived at Honey's in Caergwrle they were there, and Shane and John rolled in shortly after me.

All down hill after lunch

Lunch talk included Ray's Spanish adventures, Paul's experience of time trialling and sportives in Essex, the sad news about Chris Hoy, how to stay hydrated when cycling in cold weather and the art of timely consumption of calories on challenging rides.I think we all enjoyed the food and the excellent, friendly service at Honey's, and I'd suggest it would be a good venue for future lunch stops, especially in the summer with its outdoor seating beside the river. Worth noting they don't accept cards for transactions less than £12, so bring some cash, or you'll have to grab a cookie for the journey home to make up the total!

There was one more climb after lunch up through Caer Estyn, where we passed Dave's mod group heading the other way. From there it was mostly downhill; Clive leading the way at an energetic pace, through the Kinnertons to Saltney Ferry, where the Chester-bound riders bid good day to the folks returning to Hawarden. Despite the hills, I think we all enjoyed a testing but fun ride. If we do this route again during winter months, it probably needs a tweak to miss out that Maes Garmon mud though.

See route map and/or gpx file download

MT

7th Novomber 2024: Cwm (mod+)

 Its rare to see 21 CER riders in one place apart from our Christmas Meal. So arranged on a banqueting table (see photo) the three groups plotted different routes and options whilst enjoying coffee teacakes or in Matts case someone’s birthday cake and ice cream !

A healthy group of 8 briskers set off for a “Club du Cinglès Hope Mountain”. The mod group were contemplating a “Tour du Hope Mountain” leaving Alan, Steves T & Hu plus Kevin to go west into the nice weather.

 Alans plan was to climb and then stay high before dropping down to the coast for the short dash home. A busy route through Hawarden in the rush hour (if such a thing exists with WFH) led to the old A5 road where the roads became noticeably quieter. We rode through Northop and then paralleling the A55, before starting our trek up to the Halkyn Mountain. Alan took us up what can only be described as a farm track. Apparently a favoured route of Ivans, it takes you off the main road through a farm with an equally excited sheepdog and his owner, then pops you out just below Halkyn village.

 The road is deceptive from Halkyn through Pentre Halkyn onto the Windmills it rises and falls. Fortunately for us today we had a tail wind on this slightly uphill section. Using quiet lanes we crossed the A55 then descended into Cwm. When we say descended it was just that !14% downhill for about half a mile. “We are coming back this way” announced Alan……..you could hear a pin drop!

Refreshed with a variety of hot sandwiches at the Blue Lion, we stopped for the obligatory photo and then set off up the hill. Alan can be seen in the photograph, powering up the 14% with effortless ease, whilst the rest of us suffered in silence.

 The road meandered down to Trelawnyd where we discovered the previously flattering tail wind was now a head wind. With Kevin and Alan specks in the distance, Steve T and I realised our state of the nation discussion should cease and we should put our cycling heads back on!

 At Holywell I remembered a lovely descent through the woods by Greenfield Valley. The last time I climbed this route was in the spring with CER. Dave Heath was telling me something memorable, I’ve forgotten what it was LOL. So, after creating bow waves of leaves we plunged into Greenfield. A short section of the busy “bottom” road took us to Bagillt where we could re-join the cycleway.

 At Flint our ride leader Alan set off for home and shortly after Kevin carried on to Graham Weighs in Shotton, en route to his home in Chester. Steve T and I took Paper Mill lane which pulled all the way back up to Northop Hall.

 Hawarden was just a ten minute breeze under our wheels. I recorded an enjoyable 44 miles with 3,232 feet of climbing, so a punchy little route.

 As always thanks for leading Alan and to Kevin and Steve T for the company.

 Steve Hu 

See route map and/or gpx file download

31st October 2024: Tattenhall (mod)

 The mods group at Delamere Cafe today consisted of Dave and Liz on tandem, Ray(B) (No longer Electric Ray) on his lightweight bike, George, Jim and Trevor. Jim had a planned route for himself and Trevor to Alison's at Tattenhall and then direct home to Guilden Sutton, so we joined them for the first part of the ride to lunch. Jim's route took us through the forest on the bridleway to pick up the road to Kelsall, past Beeston Castle and on to Tattenhall. After a good lunch at Alison's, Jim and Trevor left for home and we took a more easterly route via Bunbury and Oulton Park back to Delamere. A pleasant ride in good company making the best of low cloudy morning conditions and a cloudy but brighter afternoon.

 34 miles at a gentle 11,5 mph. 

 DP

31st October 2024: Calveley (mod+)

 Today’s mod+ ride was planned to follow the route forged by Neil and co at the end of February this year. A gentle 30+ miler down to Bunbury. As things turned out, whilst we did pass through Bunbury, that was not to be our lunch destination. ‘We’ in this instance, comprised Steves Hu and T, Alan, Paul and Clive as Neil and Nick had decided to head for destinations west rather than east.

In the February ride report by Steve Hu, mention was made of the high prices being charged at the time at Tilly’s and the possibility of going to a farm shop near Calveley. So it was agreed that we’d try it out…if we could find it, with Tilly’s as a fall back.

Our route out was the inevitable potholed road to Hatchmere. Even before we got there, we had to stop as my rear mudguard was loose. The problem was eventually solved by discarding the toothpicks and using a cable tie. There followed some slightly better roads through Delamere Park to Cuddington and Sandiway, where we crossed the A49 into Dalesford Lane. Turning south-west we crossed the Whitegate Way at Marton and threaded our way down the pleasant country lanes to reach Little Budworth.

As we skirted around the wall of Oulton Park, the was a cry of ‘puncture!’ from behind. It seemed that Alan had a slow puncture which he tried to rectify by adding some air from his canister. Although this worked for a short while, we were soon stopped at the end of King’s Lane where the punctured tube was replaced and the offending thorn extracted by Alan using his teeth! Him Tarzan!

Photo ST

As we pressed on towards Alpraham, Clive said that he knew of a good cheese farm and café near Calveley, although it might not be the one that Steve Hu had mentioned. So that’s where we headed, the Calveley Mill Shop and Cafe. The food was quickly ordered and it arrived within 10 minutes of the order and the prices were extremely competitive – for some reason they were even less than advertised on the menu!

 A mixture of all day breakfasts, toasted sandwiches tea and coffee was soon polished off and we were soon on our way again. The route took us  through Bunbury, around Beeston Castle  and past The Shady to the junction with Huxley Lane, where Clive left us to head back to Mollington.

We rode on up the hill into Tarporley, pausing at the junction with the A51 while Alan fiddled (again) with his seat post. A case of too much grease, he said. Then on through Eaton and Cotebrook to arrive back at Delamere with 31 miles covered at an average speed of 14.2 mph.

A pleasant ride on roads that were a mix of dry and muddy in weather that started out grey and damp, but finished grey and dry. Whatever the weather, the company was excellent and it was a pleasure to be out.

ST

See route map and/or gpx file download

24th October 2024: Malpas (mod)

 Neil and I arrived at Walk Mill with a common lunch destination and similar routes in mind: The Carden Arms at Tilston by way of Beeston. The club had a strong turnout, so I decided to lead a different ride to Malpas for the moderate group, so avoiding the likelihood of overcrowding for lunch if we all descended on The Carden Arms.

The moderate group consisted of George, Keith, Ray Baird, Dave Pipe and me. We headed out to Burton and continued to Brassey Green before heading down to The Shady and up again to Beeston Castle. Ray coped well on his new light bike sans electrical assistance. Unfortunately, my revised route included further climbs past Bolesworth Castle and Broxton Old Hall. It has to be said that despite some groaning Big Ray showed admiral determination in conquering the climbs. Mind you, I’m not sure if his slimline Halford’s special is guaranteed to withstand his King Kong stature. After a fast plunge to Ashtons Cross, we entered Malpas by way of Hampton Heath. The Little Deli had plenty of space for us. Food portions were notably generous, and the staff were friendly as usual.

The weather was fine, and the route back promised to be scenic, flattish and reasonably brisk. What could go wrong? Well, for a start I left my car keys at the Café, and only a member of staff from the café running after us and shouting avoided a nightmare scenario for me when we returned to Walk Mill. Then Dave Pipe’s new larger tyres began to cause a problem with a mudguard attaching bolt under his fork crown. Our return was via Cuddington Heath, Shocklach, Farndon and Waverton. We were really in the groove flying up to Farndon, but Dave was still having trouble and sent a message via Ray to carry on without him. I tried ringing Dave to confirm that he didn’t require assistance but had no reply. Keith was bothered in case our fast flog had left Dave not feeling too well. The compromise was for George and Ray to carry on and I followed Keith turning back to find Dave. I then made another phone call, managing to make contact with Dave, and was reassured, but Keith was now well down the road. I turned back to head for Waverton, but then had a rear tyre thorn puncture without a pump and with tyre levers made from Lifebuoy soap.  I was in the entrance of a side road hoping that Keith and Dave would eventually appear, they did, but the jokers initially sped past pretending they had not seen me. Anyway, with an aching stiff hip I was very grateful for their help, with my Schwalbe Marathons being a very tight fit. Keith’s gas canister was quickly effective, but any notion of an early return was now out of the window. When we eventually reached Walk Mill, George, Ray and Steve Tan were anxiously waiting for our arrival, as attempts at phone communication had been difficult. Despite the afternoon’s problems it had been another enjoyable Thursday in relaxing company and decent weather. About thirty-six miles covered.

DH

24th October 2024: Tilston (mod+)

 Those of you that have looked up in awe at a Red Arrows aircraft display will be familiar with their signature move, the bomb burst. This is where the tightly highly skilled aircraft pilots fly overhead and then disappear in all directions complete with red white and blue smoke.

 Well apart from the smoke that was us on Neils ride today! LOL. It all started so well with both old and new faces at Walk Mill Cafe. It was great to see John W, who earlier had stopped to assist Chris with a puncture. We also had a new rider today, Paul who Steve Hu brought along for the first time. Kevin who only joined us less than six months ago must feel like a veteran member now!

 We had two routes on offer from Steve T and Neil T. As Neil T is known as the “Wind Whisperer” it was decided to go with his route today as it was blustery. So nine riders consisting of John M, Kevin, Alan, Chris, Steve T, Steve Hu, Clive, Paul and our leader Neil T.

 Neils earlier feigned injury seemed to have evaporated as he set a spirited pace along Guy Lane and up to the Tarvin Bypass. Neil had chosen a cunning route to mitigate the sandstone ridge both avoiding steep climbs and the ever-present wind. Soon Kelsall was bypassed and we sped through Cotebrook and Eaton.

 We were later to learn that Pauls cycling palmares included training at Hern Hill Velodrome with a certain Bradley Wiggins and David Millar! The net result being placed in the top ten of the National Time trial events.  Coupled with extensive time spent overseas Paul was clearly happier riding on the right-hand side of the road rather than the left, much to the surprise and consternation of oncoming road users.

 As we passed Bolesworth Road it was clear John M was now missing. A quick call to Clive confirmed he was making a shorter detour to the pub. By Duckington we had lost Alan following a comfort break and both Kevin and Steve Hu were off the back due to a combination of waiting for Alan and trying to sort out the pernicious problem Kevin’s gears were presenting despite his attempts with the spanners.

 At this point we met Clive riding in the opposite direction looking for us, satisfied he had located us, he set off to find Alan. What a gent (take note Mr Tanner).

 So now we had at least four groups on the road, all notionally heading for the lunch spot. At the pub the nine reformed , but not for long as John M and Clive wanted to try a new cafe in Holt and Chris was off to work.

 Now down to six we stopped for a photo of four of us!!!  We chose a beautiful Jaguar E Type as a backdrop. I say beautiful  fortunately still so despite Steve T’s bike falling over inches from its pristine paintwork.

The homebound route was excellent and fast with all of us keeping together. Kevin broke off at Alford to ride into Chester leaving the rest of us to swing though Bruera and Saighton. Avid readers of these blogs will know Neil T’s distaste of having been mugged recently at the end of a ride. So as was customary we mugged Neil as a trident of fast riders zoomed into Waverton with Neil and Steve T in hot pursuit.

 Neil and Steve T continued to Walk Mill whilst Alan Steve Hu and Paul made our way back to Guilden Sutton.

 A great ride, on dry relatively clean roads with minimal wind in our face. Thanks for leading Neil.

 Steve Hu 

See route map and/or file download

17th October 2024: Bunbury

 In a change from the norm, this will be a very short blog, as I have no time at all over the next few days and as nobody in the group would volunteer to write the blog, it is therefor short and that means everybody escapes my usual endearing comments- well almost- Lol, Lol.

8 turned up at Alison’s -10 in fact, as the  tandem team turned up, just as we were about to leave ( as usual- Lol)

I expected to possibly ride an easy one on my own, due to my cracked ribs, but was also happy to lead the easy rider group, which can you believe, became 8 individuals- Lol. DP & Liz decided to abandon as the motor on the Tandem wouldn’t fire up.

Photos AO

My route was to Tilly’s (under new management ) and very nice it was too. On departure, George and Elec Ray decided to head back to Alison’s, as Ray was having derailleur issues and was stuck in the big ring ( yes- he was on a proper bike, for the first time and a baptism of fire. However, he coped well, as there were a few  short inclines for him to get over- well done Ray.

The other Ray was the next to depart the group, as we passed through Waverton, only a few hundred mtrs before Fiona & Elwyn departed  for home via the A41 crossing.

Now only Steve Hu & Allan left, we turn left along the canal road.  To my surprise, I got spoilt with a nice tow for a change, when Steve hit the front into a light SW headwind. He pulled us to the traffic lights at the canal crossing.

10 minutes later, after passing the spot that caused my rib issue- Lol, I say goodbye at Alison’s. 

I ride the last mile home through the biggest of the floods for the day ( 50 mtrs long at least and just passable after some tricky 10-2 pedalling- Lol ( see pic) 

Photo NT

If there was any doubt as to the pace today, I got home with an AS of 13.8 mph- bang on the upper end of CTC’s recommended easy rider pace.

 

Cheers everybody, till next time.

 

PS- first time I have got my blog in on the day of the ride ( eat your heart out Steve Hu- Lol)

 

Neil.

See route map and/or gpx file download