Looking for a destination not visited before I decided on a trip towards Congleton. Setting off for Rose Farm I was joined by Ray and we enjoyed the quiet but chilly roads. We were the first to arrive but were soon joined by Dave H, Paul and Steve T. Ray and Paul accepted my proposal for a ride to Timbersbrook.
We set off promptly via Cotebrook and the route towards Winsford and Middlewich. Along Cledford lane to Breton Green and the Bears Head Inn we arrived at 11:30 covering the 20 miles in a sprint time.
We now sauntered along the new lanes towards Congleton being rewarded with a lovely autumnal morning with very light traffic. No problems skirting Congleton but we were greeted with our first climb of the day and arriving at the brow of the hill we found we had arrived at the Coach and Horses at Timbersbrook.
Photographs by Ivan Davenport
The views from the garden were panoramic and I could watch the Virgin Pendolinoes crossing the big viaduct over the town. Good beer and choice of food were ordered and we were soon served with our meals.
After 45 minutes we were back in the saddle and heading upwards again!! We passed a field of Lamas with a wooden Giraffe and a bear in a tree: strange garden furniture! We were now on the left hand side of the ridge leading to Mow Cop. Biddulph was the next big town we passed through and it was still looking very floral. Taking a right hand through the town we went up hill on Mow Cop lane, this was to be a easy ascent to the folly at the top and with such a sunny day and high cloud it was the perfect day to ride here.
A fast descent down hill to Church Lawton and Alsager coasting plus 20mph then on the route via Malkins Bank and Winterley stopping at the pool to see the geese, swans and ducks on the water. It was then onwards to Bradfield Green and an afternoon cake stop at Tilleys. Arriving at 15:20 we enjoyed cake and cappuccinos.
After resting it was the Beeston Castle and Waverton route arriving back into Chester for 16:45 after covering 86 miles on some new lanes. It had been a good ride and we wonder how many of these fine days we can experience before the start of the wet and cold months ahead. It has been a great summer of cycling.
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