Photographs and slideshow by Glennys Hammond
The Bert Bailey Memorial Veterans 100 mile ride is the premier event in the Chester & North Wales CTC calendar so it was entirely appropriate that with Bryan Wade leading a group, six of us had registered to take part. Come the day, group leader Bryan, was joined by Chester Easy Rider stalwarts Graham and Vicky Payne, Jim Dale, David Heath and Mike Morley along with David Cane, Charles Collier, John Huddleston, Peter Williams, Stuart Roberts and Brian Crook. 
With a start time of 8.40 a relaxed group E assembled for the first of many of Glennys’ photo calls and a send off from Mike Cross. We were soon heading through the lanes at a steady but sensible pace designed to make the day enjoyable whilst keeping to a reasonable schedule. Rosset came and went as we made our way towards “elevenses” at Overton whilst enjoying ideal cycling weather with only a light breeze, sunshine and very
pleasant temperatures. Overton was reached at around 10.45 much in line with Bryan’s target of two hours per leg. All was going well and the Cocoa and Reading rooms provided excellent facilities for coffee and biscuits. 
Leaving Overton things took a turn for the worse as “it’s spitting” turned into something of a downpour that ended any debate about whether or not a waterproofs stop was necessary. Of course, in its usual perverse manner the rain disappeared very shortly after we had all togged up; the rain ceased and another stop was needed to take coats off again. I had opted to leave my coat on as it was not too warm but before long the sun was out again and I made a solo stop, fumbled unsuccessfully with getting my coat back in my rack pack whilst still on the bike only for it to overbalance leaving me with a bruised and oily shin. More haste less speed!! I soon caught up with the group who were now heading out past Tetchill towards the lunch stop at Llandrinio – still keeping up a reasonable pace. We had caught up with and overtaken one group while they waited for some slower riders only to find we had been joined by three extra riders making counting heads a bit more of a problem. Queens Head and West Felton were left behind and then the sight of hills ahead indicated that lunch was not far away; Bryan having assured us that the route turns for home just before the terrain turns hilly. Just as well that Llandrinio Village Hall was reached for a very welcome lunch that certainly filled at least one corner!
It soon seemed time to leave and a much refreshed group were back en route for the return to Overton through delightful countryside made even more pleasant by occasional sightings of the Severn that was crossed on the way to Ellesmere via Knockin with its inevitable “The Knockin Shop” store! By now the sun was quite warm again and just as we were looking forward to afternoon tea Bryan did a great impression of Alistair Darling with an outbreak of unforeseen and rapid deflation - his rear tyre valve exploded. We were passed by Harry Watson’s group – naturally heading up a lane past a large “No Through Road” sign – Harry’s speciality! Having watched Bryan pumping away with his mini pump with increasing interest the support vehicle belatedly offered the use of a track pump but by now the tyre was sufficiently hard for the trip home.
A brief comfort break in Ellesmere and then it was up the A528 back to Overton for more tea, sandwiches and cake. By tactical error after a large slice of chocolate cake I seized on a delicious looking Bakewell tart – what a shock to find out that it was a caramelised onion quiche!
The last leg was soon underway returning to Kinnerton by way of Shocklach and Tilston with a final welcome drinks stop at the home of John and Sue Wright in Tilston. Back at the Scout Hut, after a reviving cup of tea, it was time for the final act; the presentation of awards and certificates by Arthur Miller.
Many thanks to Bryan for his steadfast and almost faultless navigation and very sensible pace setting – only two very minor diversions quickly rectified by his magic box of tricks that seems to whack a few volts up his arm if there is any straying from the authorised route. Thanks also to David Ackerley for a really well organised day that must have involved much hard work by him and many helpers. Will we be back next year in even greater strength – it certainly seemed that our Thursday “Easy Rides” are excellent preparation for the event.
MM
With a start time of 8.40 a relaxed group E assembled for the first of many of Glennys’ photo calls and a send off from Mike Cross. We were soon heading through the lanes at a steady but sensible pace designed to make the day enjoyable whilst keeping to a reasonable schedule. Rosset came and went as we made our way towards “elevenses” at Overton whilst enjoying ideal cycling weather with only a light breeze, sunshine and very
pleasant temperatures. Overton was reached at around 10.45 much in line with Bryan’s target of two hours per leg. All was going well and the Cocoa and Reading rooms provided excellent facilities for coffee and biscuits. 
Leaving Overton things took a turn for the worse as “it’s spitting” turned into something of a downpour that ended any debate about whether or not a waterproofs stop was necessary. Of course, in its usual perverse manner the rain disappeared very shortly after we had all togged up; the rain ceased and another stop was needed to take coats off again. I had opted to leave my coat on as it was not too warm but before long the sun was out again and I made a solo stop, fumbled unsuccessfully with getting my coat back in my rack pack whilst still on the bike only for it to overbalance leaving me with a bruised and oily shin. More haste less speed!! I soon caught up with the group who were now heading out past Tetchill towards the lunch stop at Llandrinio – still keeping up a reasonable pace. We had caught up with and overtaken one group while they waited for some slower riders only to find we had been joined by three extra riders making counting heads a bit more of a problem. Queens Head and West Felton were left behind and then the sight of hills ahead indicated that lunch was not far away; Bryan having assured us that the route turns for home just before the terrain turns hilly. Just as well that Llandrinio Village Hall was reached for a very welcome lunch that certainly filled at least one corner!
It soon seemed time to leave and a much refreshed group were back en route for the return to Overton through delightful countryside made even more pleasant by occasional sightings of the Severn that was crossed on the way to Ellesmere via Knockin with its inevitable “The Knockin Shop” store! By now the sun was quite warm again and just as we were looking forward to afternoon tea Bryan did a great impression of Alistair Darling with an outbreak of unforeseen and rapid deflation - his rear tyre valve exploded. We were passed by Harry Watson’s group – naturally heading up a lane past a large “No Through Road” sign – Harry’s speciality! Having watched Bryan pumping away with his mini pump with increasing interest the support vehicle belatedly offered the use of a track pump but by now the tyre was sufficiently hard for the trip home.
A brief comfort break in Ellesmere and then it was up the A528 back to Overton for more tea, sandwiches and cake. By tactical error after a large slice of chocolate cake I seized on a delicious looking Bakewell tart – what a shock to find out that it was a caramelised onion quiche!
The last leg was soon underway returning to Kinnerton by way of Shocklach and Tilston with a final welcome drinks stop at the home of John and Sue Wright in Tilston. Back at the Scout Hut, after a reviving cup of tea, it was time for the final act; the presentation of awards and certificates by Arthur Miller.
Many thanks to Bryan for his steadfast and almost faultless navigation and very sensible pace setting – only two very minor diversions quickly rectified by his magic box of tricks that seems to whack a few volts up his arm if there is any straying from the authorised route. Thanks also to David Ackerley for a really well organised day that must have involved much hard work by him and many helpers. Will we be back next year in even greater strength – it certainly seemed that our Thursday “Easy Rides” are excellent preparation for the event.
MM
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