Meeting at Hildegards on Thursday were Dave M, Dave H, Brian Mac, Ray and Jim.
The absence of any of our usual leaders threw us into the usual panic regarding destination and leadership, but with the wind blowing strongly from the south and even worse weather forecast for later, Dave M suggested the relatively short trip down to the Shroppie Fly at Audlem. This seemed to be a good idea, then Dave informed us that he wasn't coming anyway as he had done a couple of long rides already this week and was setting off home with the wind!
We decided to navigate by committee and chose the direct route down to Tilston, Duckington, Cholmondely, and Wrenbury. The going was tough at times when we rounded a corner and got the full force of the wind, but we struggled on manfully. At Wrenbury we re-assessed the situation and decided to head for the Bhurtpore Inn at Aston as we all fancied a curry and it was nearer anyway.
Suitably refreshed we set off for the return journey at 13:30, and with the wind mainly behind us we made good time cutting back through Bickley, No Man's Heath and Malpas until we passed through Tilston again. Here Ray decided to remove a clump of mud from his tyre that was irritating him only to find the mud masking a gift from a friendly farmer, at which point his tyre promptly deflated. Brian and Jim meanwhile were sheltering in the entrance to Lower Carden Hall, much to the discomfort of the owner who waited to ensure that his electric gates had closed before he set off for the golf club - after all one can't have riff-raff prowling around the outbuildings can one?
By now the gloom was closing in despite the relatively early time of 3pm and we got back to Farndon about 30 minutes later with the rain clearly intent on giving us a good soaking. Unfortunately Ray still had to ride back to Chester and would have caught the full force of the front.
The rest of us just about got our bikes on the cars without too much discomfort and set off home for an early bath.
35 fairly strenuous miles or nearer 60 for Ray.
JD
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