Delamere Station cafe was the venue for the gathering of 8 Easy riders today. We were all outside enjoying the warm morning sunshine and had a lovely surprise when Steve arrived, looking well -without his neck brace, and being free to chauffeur himself around on 4 wheels. It is good to see that you are still improving Steve.
With Clive and Ivan absent today and John M unsure whether he would be released from Grandad duties, I presumed it would be Nick and myself as the representatives for the brisk group. We had previously agreed we would cycle from our respective homes to Delamere in order that we could increase our bike mileage and allow me to get back home in time to fulfil other commitments.
We departed the cafe with Nick using his TT bike, which is not really comfortable for longer distances, because his usual road bike is awaiting repair.
From Delamere we headed out through Cotebrook and Rushton, where we were shadowed by two, non- communicative, mountain bikers for a couple of miles, and then to Wettenhall. When we reached Reaseheath College we took a short detour through the College grounds. I think this was possibly the first time Nick’s TT bike has been off road and he did not seem impressed with the harsh ride. Unfortunately for Nick once we crossed the A350 into Nantwich we took a second off road section ,this cycleway followed alongside the River Weaver. Fortunately for Nicks derriere this was only a mile or so and we were back on the road leaving Nantwich. Passing the not so secretive ‘Secret Bunker’, through Sound and Wrenbury before arriving at the lunch stop-The Swan. Nick appeared relieved to be able to swop his TT bike for something a little more comfortable.
The Swan has had a major refit and a large conservatory extension, it offers a good selection of beer and food . We both ordered off the light bites menu- chicken caesar salad and fish fingers bap. The lunchtime chat was mainly about pubs, food, and long term survival of rural pubs.
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| The Swan at Marbury |
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| Local timber-framed property |
For those who do not know Marbury it is a lovely little village, 5 miles north of Whitchurch, complete with timber framed houses dating back to the 16/17 century and is well worth a visit and exploring.
Back on the bikes we went out of the village through Bickley to Cholmondeley where we left the planned return to Delamere and headed towards our respective homes.
The original route returning to Delamere via Tattenhall and Utkinton is 49 miles but I think we both clocked up 60-70 miles today in perfect weather conditions. Thanks for the company Nick- hope your road bike is back with you soon.
KP
Photos by KP
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