2nd May 2013: Audlem (mod)

It was almost the full contingent of members who met at the Ice Cream Farm on what can be described as perfect weather conditions for cycling.  Mike G took full advantage of the situation cycling from his home in Rhos on Sea.  Being such a large group we split into the ‘brisk’ led by Clive and ‘moderate’ who had decided a trip to the ‘Shroppie Fly’ in Audlem was appropriate. Brian Mac took advantage of the situation by collecting subs.

After a little discussion on a route Dave M led the group out joined by Dave & Liz P, George, Keith, Trevor, Jim, Dave H and Mike G. Bryan came with us as far as Beeston before returning to Chester. 

With such a large group you have a mixture of strengths and abilities so I asked Dave M to take a route that was gentle in climbs so we could enjoy the scenery and have a good chat. He duly obliged at a pace that satisfied most of the group.

From Beeston we cycled to Peckforton, turning east passing Bunbury, then south through Brindley, Stoneley Green, Ravensmoor and onto Sound. From there we headed almost due south through Hall o’ Coole joining the A525 about a mile west of Audlem. It had only just gone 12 noon so with Dave M’s knowledge of Audax routes we added a little loop. On the outskirts of Audlem we turned right with a climb to the A529, right and first right with a climb to Wilkesley with views across the Cheshire plain, returning from where we came. On the climbing Trevor at this point appeared to be suffering from the vagaries of his recent Red Sea cruise.

Our arrival at the ‘Shroppie Fly’ was met with shock horror, as it was under new management whose lunch provisions were sandwiches and chips. Short discussion ensued and we decided that overall we would put up with what they could provide as the setting was so good particularly with the warm sunshine and Timothy Taylor Landlord on tap. 

Following slow service (In the circumstances they did their best) we eventually got going just before 2:00pm and we travelled back via Nantwich using the A529, passing Henhull Hall, taking Route 75 to Cholomondston, then west across to Alpraham and on to Tilly’s coffee shop in Bunbury arriving after 4:00pm. Return to the Ice Cream farm we would have cycled 52 miles however the group split opting to make their own way towards Chester and beyond for which eventually they would cover 70 plus miles. 

In conclusion a superb days cycling. 

MG