On arrival at the Ice Cream Farm Clive and I were greeted by Mike M holding open the gate for us to pass and join the group already waiting for coffee. Mike was himself joining us for coffee and promising to get the bike out!
Already gathered were Dave M and Andy, both out on their bikes but also only joining for coffee. Well-done Dave (wife and friends) on his contribution for the MacMillan fund raising cake morning and raising £230.00. Andy back from his epic 1,500 mile cycle ride but sadly not joining the group today. Harder ride looming Saturday.
Two routes were proposed for today by Dave H and Ivan, and the saunter to Wybunbury won the vote! Ready for a prompt start were Dave H, Steve T (out for his second ride), Kevin, Dave & Liz on the tandem, Clive, Dave Raynor and Ivan. So with a turn right on the road we say farewell to the coffee hoppers and set off towards Beeston.
It was a lovely autumnal morning and the Tandem was cracking the pace on the front. Passing Beeston Castle and heading towards Bunbury and doing a loop round Dob lane we join Cappers lane to Brindley, Baddiley and passing the secret bunker (French lane), into Nantwich and on to Wybunbury.
Arriving at the Swan at 12:30 and ready for lunch.
As a new venue for CER the pub offered good food although half the menu was not available.
As the group had sprinted the outward leg of 23 miles in good time it was agreed that Clive would increase the return route back to the ICF so after lunch we set off again towards Wrinehill. Thursdays would not be the same if we only encountered country lanes so before long we were bumping along the grassy verge of Gonsley Green lane to Chorlton. On through Hough, Shavington and Nantwich and taking a right hand diversion along Welshman’s Lane and the well cycled route through Wettenhall, Eaton and afternoon tea at the Old Fire Station at Tarporley.
After the welcome tea and cake stop we happily set off for the final miles home. At the junction of Brassey Green we split with some riders going back to the ICF and Clive, Ivan and Dave sprinting back to Waverton and Chester.
The round trip from and to the ICF was 53 miles and for the Chester riders 72miles. An enjoyable good days riding with the bonus of lovely autumn weather.
ID
Well Done for your first ride as leader - I look forward to the next one soon!
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