21st May 2009: Wrenbury

Five of us today (Jim, Dave, Ray, Graham and myself) arrived almost simultaneously at Rose Farm Garden Centre Café for elevenses. Graham had suggested a ride to the Anderton Lift and I had come up with a route, but Ray was adamant that better weather would be had by heading southwest. After a careful study of the map it was agreed that we would head south and a number of pubs were identified en-route to provide food and shelter should the forecast heavy showers catch us out.
We headed out past the Cotebrook Coffee Shop and made good progress until 50 yards past the Boot and Slipper at Wettenhall, Dave called a halt with a puncture. No problem you might think but how wrong can you be? It took three of us just to get the tire off! Then with a thorn identified as the culprit a new inner tube was fitted and the tyre re-inflated until the valve core blew out! A second inner tube proved to be a better bet and after a few more minutes we were able to resume the ride.
With Ray leading we decided to check out the new Aqueduct Marina Café on the B5074. Once we had tracked down the café at the back of the farm and outbuildings, departing became something of a test of will power as we were solely tempted to stop and sample the delicious omelettes on offer. Apparently unmoved by the sight of food Ray led us out, some more reluctantly than others, and we were soon making our way south through Ravensmoor towards Wrenbury with the sky darkening overhead.
Arriving at the Dusty Miller we were just in time to park up before the skies opened and the rain bucketed down. A variety of substantial open sandwiches served with salad and chips washed down with a choice of Nosey Parker or Unicorn cask ales provided a fine lunch. Future plans were the topic of the day and the planned train assisted ride from Shrewsbury back to Chester was confirmed for the 25th June. A circuit of the Mersey Estuary starting in Frodsham was also planned for the 16th July, while Dave promised to come up with a proposal for the Ribble Valley.
The return journey started with a roadside stop to investigate the mechanically laid sheets of plastic with plants poking through. Maize was the considered view. Then in brightening weather but with the wind against us we headed back past the Cholmondeley Arms and the Bickerton Poacher until we reached Beeston Castle where we stopped for coffee before heading home via Christleton.
Distance from Chester and back 60 miles.
BW