16th March 2023: Lymm (mod)

 As I went to turn into Meadow Lea, I realised that I should be at Delamere Station Cafe. On arriving at Delamere I knew that I must be late, because Dave and Liz were unloading the tandem. Trevor had returned from his travels and accompanied Jim, who was still waiting for his new Ribble  e-bike. Steve Tan had been asked about his holiday, which he had enjoyed despite a number of problems, which started with leaving two coats and his wallet on the coach from the airport! Ken and Clive were representing the Fast Lads, and Dave Matthews was visiting, but not riding. There was only time for a quick swig of coffee, before we set off for the Golden Fleece at Lymm. The moderate participants for the day were Alan, Andy Barber, Ever Ready Ray, Steve T, Dave and Liz and myself. My plan was for a  little lane scenic meander, with a shorter, fast return, particularly desirable if we hit heavy rain.

Our route out was via Norley Hall, Crowton and Acton Bridge. After passing Cogshall Hall we took  a very off-piste detour to the pretty duck-ponded at Higher Whitley, before heading for Bate Heath, and turning more directly toward Lymm via High Legh. After crossing over the M56 we took the rural back route to the centre of Lymm passing some very attractive properties before we crossed the main road and dived down to our lunch venue. The ride out had been dry and mainly wind assisted, with about twenty-four miles covered.

A young woman was already unlocking the beer garden on the canal in order for us to safely park our bikes.  The staff were very pleasant and the food was very good as we tucked in on our adjacent reserved tables. I was sitting with Dave and Liz, and it was just like old times. Dave and Liz did their traditional mix and match course orders, and Dave and myself finished up with apple and blackcurrant pie with custard and ice cream for pudding. Our choice was a pensioner's special which was great value at about 5s 6d for two courses.

Lymm Cross - photo by RB

The route back was via Swineyard Lane and the old Royal Navy world war two airfield. We also passed the private house that has a small hangar housing two vintage bi-plane trainers and a Willys Jeep, if I remember correctly. The owner flies the planes from the adjacent field. I was grateful for some draughting provided by the electrically assisted tandem at times. It had started to rain, so we kept to the straight route through Antrobus and Frandley to Little Leigh. 

The Lord of the Manor - photo by AO

The drizzle was not too bad, and we were nearly home, when Andy thought Alan, who had stopped in a field for a comfort break a little earlier, was behind us. Andy, to his credit, went back downhill to look for him, but then Steve and myself waited, and phoned Andy without reply. It turned out that Alan was ahead! A bit of a chaotic end then.  I blame the ride leader! 

Dave Pipe was correct in saying that we need to stay closer together. We should also have our mobiles turned on in case an unintendedly adrift rider has had an accident or becomes ill. Anyway, as we are not culturally old-fashioned CTC riders, there was nobody to admonish us and make us feel bad. We just need to self-correct for the future.

Andy finished up in the cafe at Delamere with coffee and cake before cycling back to Mold. Everyone seemed happy with the ride. The distance of forty-two miles was about right, including for the tandem, and overall the weather was much better than expected. As ever we all enjoyed the company.

See route map and/or gpx file download

DH