27th February 2020: Aston (mod)

This write up will have to be brief, as we have been invited out, despite flying to the Canaries in the morning! There was a good turnout at the 'upvamped' Rose Farm cafe despite the continued unsettled weather and drowning countryside . It was good to meet Steve Hughes who is now a fully paid up club member, and is very welcome. Rapid riders Ray and Clive decided to join the moderates at a more relaxed pace than is their norm. The group consisted of Andy B, Mike G, George, Keith, Steves Hughes, Tan and Haywood, myself and the two fast lads.

We set off for Cotebrook, meeting a large cattle lorry on the way up. I caught a glimpse of a fine looking beef animal, and wandered if it was shortly to be slaughtered at Rose Farm. Life and death is played out pretty starkly in the pretty Cheshire countryside, as further evidenced by a fox laid out at the front of a farm ten minutes later. I embroidered the route to Nantwich by meandering on less familiar little lanes to Wettenhall. Our route was via the lovely old church at Acton, and down the quiet lane bordering Dorfold Hall. We continued to Ravensmore and Sound, and completed a loop south-east of Aston, finally arriving at the Bhurtpore with twenty -eight miles under our belt.

A few curries were consumed in a very convivial atmosphere, before we headed back. The route back was intended to be shorter, heading for Larden Green, Brindley and Bunbury. We exchanged a wave with Clive and Ray, who had gone ahead to keep warm, and were sitting in the window at Tilly's. We approached Tarporley by way of Beeston Castle. It had been a battle against the wind on our return, but we had managed the odd flooded section, and completed an enjoyable forty-seven miles in excellent company. Some of us stayed for a well-earned coffee and cake at The Old Fire Station. My sympathy was for Mike and Andy, who still had a blustery ride remaining as they forged on to north Wales.

Photo by Mike G

See route map and/or gpx file download 

DH