Spring was in the air when we met at Rose Farm, much milder than recent weeks, dry with the possibility of some sun. But it was a misleading spring because at the beginning of February there is still plenty of time for snow, frosts and gales. It may have been the weather, because there was a good turnout of both mod and brisk riders. The mods were Trevor, Ray, Steve T, Alan, David M, Andy and myself. We shared the news of Peter and wished him a full recovery. We had two rides to choose from: Steve T suggested a 50 mile route to the White Lion at Barthomley, while I had a 41 mile route to The Crown at Goostrey. We decided on the shorter route for the benefit of those who had already cycled a distance to get to Rose Farm.
We set off to Cotebrook and then towards Wettenhall before heading north east to enter Winsford. David M had joined us for the start and then peeled off. We took the familiar route to Clive Green and then the lane northwards to meet the A54 and follow it through the middle of Middlewich. Soon back on to lanes we headed into Goostrey. We had made good time due to a tail wind, but were surprised to find the Crown’s car park full. Looking inside, the pub was packed with a funeral party, so we decided to try elsewhere. Less than a mile back along the main road is the Pastimes Café, which was a more than adequate alternative. Buck rarebit was a popular choice washed down with proper tea.
The route back was familiar through Boots Green, Lach Dennis and Davenham. Our intention was to drop down the rough track and cross the Weaver Navigation by the wooden bridges for a picturesque photo op. We were halfway down this track when we came across a road closed sign. Steve T continued down to do a recce and reported back that the bridges were impassable.
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| Photo by AO |
A scramble back up the track followed while we decided on an alternative route. We took the old main road through Bostock Green and then into Winsford Industrial Estate. After rough surfaced tarmac and busy traffic, we took the cycle lane through the estate to connect back to our outward journey and return to the big Winsford roundabout. Trevor suggested the Whitegate Way, so we followed this to Marton Green and then Little Budworth before rejoining our outward route at Cotebrook.
The weather had been benign for most of the day, though a headwind emerged in the closing miles. Due to our detour we ended up covering 47 miles, so not far short of the Barthomley alternative we dismissed for being too long. Still a very good ride.
See routemap and/or gpx file download
SH
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