The forecast was for a showery day and the first droplets of rain were falling as four brisk riders set off for the White Lion at Barthomley. As it happens all four of us, Clive, Nick, John W and myself, had chosen Gore Shake Dry rain jackets as our protection from the elements. It proved to be a good decision as the rain was persistently heavy rather than showery.
The route took us east via Wettenhall and Church Minshull before swinging south to cross the A53east of Crewe. After a further wet 5 miles we were happy to arrive at the 17th century White Lion.
Our jackets had proved their worth keeping our torsos dry without the usual boil in the bag effect. Unfortunately, gloves and overshoes had not proved as effective and were laid out to dry in front of the welcoming log fire. There was a cheery atmosphere in the pub and the food lived up to previous reports. Sausage and Mash, Steak and Guinness Pie and Steak Baguettes were enjoyed with beer and coffee as we lingered hoping the rain would ease.
No such luck and eventually we forced ourselves out with the promise of coffee and cake at Tillys in Bunbury “only” 22 miles away. Despite the weather we remained in good humour and with good speed and plenty of chat we headed towards Nantwich via Hough and Wybunbury. I think it was at the A534 that Nick left us to head directly for Tilston and home.
It was only a few more miles until the remaining three arrived at Tillys in Bunbury where we took another short break from the rain. We didn’t need to return to Rose Farm so our final leg back to Chester was along familiar lanes via Beeston, Hargrave and Waverton.
Including our ride to the start we completed over 70 miles and can now thoroughly recommend our rain jackets! We have not been paid for this commercial!
See route map and/or gpx file download
JM
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