3rd March 2022: Loppington (mod)

 Carol had warned us that we were likely to be wet all day. Maybe her smiling delivery led us to believe that it could turn out a bit better than forecast. So it was, that five optimists, or masochists, or moderate riders with poor judgement, made the trek to Chirk.  The Unholy Trinity of the Steves, Alan and myself were soon enjoying the warmth and coffee inside Castle Bistro. Steve Haywood, as both reliable and enterprising as ever, had sussed out a 44ml. route to The Bull and Dog at Coton. I felt that this appeared a bit ambitious on a wet day, and had a not too resolved alternative plan to circle around to Ellesmere in order to have a short dash back if the weather became dire. I remember doing this with Keith once, on the day of a storm advancing from the south. The Fast Lads had been smart that day, cycling from Chester early to have breakfast at Chirk, and then chasing back north in front of the bad weather. Keith and myself knew we would get a bit wet before the end of our ride in the area, but leaving lunch until our return to Chirk, and not going too far, meant that we had made the best of things.  Anyway, as ever, we sorted things out, with Steve Haywood leading out on his original route to St.Martin's, and then by way of quiet lanes to the western edge of Ellesmere.

Steve Hughes was surprised by how soon we had arrived at Ellesmere, but a contrived loop to the Red Lion via Welshampton, Lyneal and Colemere would have added additional riding time, and a few scenic miles. We headed north, past The Mere and toward Hampton Wood, before reviewing our options. In the end, the call of excellent food and a straight forward route to the Dickin Arms at Loppington  became our preferred destination. Steve Hughes rang the pub to book a table.The fine rain had not bothered us for the first fifty minutes or so, but it became heavier, and we were pretty wet on reaching lunch.  After ordering food, I went out in the rain to pull some cable through on my rear brake, this, however, was not the easy solution I had hoped for, and my return journey was completed with virtually no brakes at all! Lesson learnt: don't leave your essential maintenance until the day before your ride, in case your  time disappears under unforeseen demands. Anyway, the food, service and value at The Dickin Arms was outstanding again.

 

Our route back was via Cockshutt, Lower Hordley, Welsh Frankton, Hindford and Henlle Hall. The route was scenic but direct. Alan commented that he hadn't seen the lanes so wet, as we surfed through a number of flooded sections. I nearly came off as I hit a well submerged, large hidden pothole. I had to use my feet for brakes at the A5 roundabout.

Photos by SHu

 We were certainy wet and muddy by the end, and had covered 34miles. The Filthy Five were excellent and helpful company throughout, and it easier to avoid losing someone in this ideal group size. It was heartening to have people drive down to Chirk , and “ make a go of things” despite the iffy forecast. I hope that, once we had showered and changed back home, we were all glad we'd made the effort.

DH   

See route map and/or gpx file download