It was a sunny and warm day and a Platinum Anniversary holiday day to boot; so like caravans on the roads, there were a lot of riders out today, and not just CER members. Good to see as Dave H was collecting subs!
It's always impressive to hear of our members' riding achievements. Nick had just returned from competing in a triathlon in Poland where he came third in his age group. Ray has just returned from climbing every col near Malaga and again in the Ardeche valley. John W completed a 400km Audax last weekend which was a practice run for the 600km one this coming weekend. Whereas I had just spent 10 days in isolation with Covid – now thankfully on the mend.
So I am amazed that these riders need all this practice to build up their stamina for the CER Brisk rides especially the 47 miler today.
Ken was only coming out for coffee as he had domestic duties in the afternoon. He had however a useful 25 mile route arching back to Holt. So with this in mind, I cheekily tacked on 22 extra miles to produce this flat 47 miler back to Meadow Lea cafe. Joining Ken and I today was Nick and Ray. Ivan was on “the day before his daughter's wedding” duties, and John W was no doubt resting up.
The route took in all the sites of Great Barrow and Oscroft (inc what looked like Dave M riding back home) before circling around to Tattenhall, and on the way waving to the Moderate Group sedately cycling in the opposite direction to us. Onwards to Clutton we had the only hill of the day around Carden Park golf course. Wetreins Lane took us to Cleopatra's where Ken was stopping for an early lunch before his domestic duties.
Our trio then took the long lane to Rossett, shimmying over the railway line, and via Burton, sliding around Higher Kinnerton heading for Hawarden Aerodrome. "Chocks Away" cafe was quite busy with families yet they were happy to find us a table inside. There was a little wait for the food, but when it came it was wholesome and good value – as ever here! The only disappointment was there were no big planes landing today.
The route back took us along the Dee and then a shimmy to get to the Greenway. Here Ray headed home and Nick headed back to Meadow Lea to his car.
So a short ride at 47 miles but at 16.5 mph average, quite a dash.
See route map and/or gpx file download
CA
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