Today's ride is the first ride of summer – freezing, frost on the ground and a forecast of wind and rain. The prospects of a day out were preferred during the winter period!
The ride today was from Delamere station café and I was joined riding out from Chester with John W. On arrival at the café, there were a few other riders and a brisk group formed consisting of Ken, Ray, Nick, John and myself. We set off on our bikes towards Hatchmere, Crowton and Acton Bridge. Crossing the Blue Bridge and heading along Willow Green Lane, we continued on rather than the uphill section which is our normal route towards Little Leigh. This diversion takes us towards Daresbury but at the end of the lane, at the junction, we ride along the aptly named Summer lane running alongside the M56. Taking the next bridge to cross the motorway and along the B5356, we cross the A49 at Stretton.
We ride through Grappenhall and pass two previous lunch stops the Rams Head and Parr Arms. There is the uncomfortable journey over the cobbles – unless you are on a Roubaix as John W went whizzing past those taking the option of a smoother pavement, thus passing the rest of the brisk group. 0ur route now takes in some new ventured lanes between Thelwall and Lymm. At the Library we join the Bridgewater canal and enjoy a photo shoot of this remarkable beginning of transport and the golden era between 1760 to 1830 before the introduction, and a big takeover of cargo which followed, to the railway revolution.
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| On the Bridgewater Canal |
As we are ready to leave, there is the first hint of what was promised by the BBC weather, RAIN. Setting off from the pub, we head towards the lane which crosses the river next to "The Swan with Two Nicks" then up to the main A56 crossing over and passing under the M56.
The heavens have now opened so we peddle asap to cover the remaining 20 miles back to Delamere.The route is the usual return from Dunham again crossing the Blue Bridge at Acton Bridge but this time it is up the hill!! Struggling up this hill, an unknown rider goes passed me as if on the flat closely followed by John, but he too was unable to stick to his wheel. By the time we reached the summit the said rider was well gone.
Passing over the rail bridge at Acton, we turn left and upwards to Norley and arrive Hatchmere where we say farewell to Ken and Nick. John and I ride back to Chester.
The rain has stopped now and we get home reasonably dry. A good day out and a 51 miles round trip from the café and 60+ miles for John and I.
See route map and/or gpx file download
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