Today saw a good turnout at Alison’s on a lovely sunny day, although fairly windy. I think there were approx 14 of us, which included Jim on his stunning new electric Ribble, ( most of us didn’t even realise it was electric, which I believe weighs an incredible 12k - that’s half the weight of Paula’s Orbea- Lol)
I had a 50 mile route in mind, around my favourite Sandstone ridge, via the Whytegate way, if no other options. However, Nick & Clive, fancied my route and as there were no other fast boys we agreed to make a Mod+ group (agreeing that us mere Mods would try to step up a bit, but they also had to throttle back a bit- Lol). So the Mod + group were 5, with the addition of Alan & Steve Hu, heading for Delamere Forest cafe ( not the railway station cafe)
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| Photos by NT |
Anyway, well on route and now, whizzing down over the river Gowy for the third time and through my all time favourite road section of Tilston Bank (a cracking half mile stretch of sweeping hilly bends over a couple of narrow bridges, into a gorgeous canal lock setting). Just as we hit the lock bridge, we have to abruptly pull up, owing to a couple of builders blocking the road. As we scramble to get around the van, struggling for the right gear, somebody cursed our loss of speed, just as we all climbed out of the saddle for a very short 15% gradient- Lol. ( think it was Clive cursing, as he passed me- Lol)
It was not long after that Steve piped up, thinking about his stomach as usual ( I refused to tell him how far and where our lunch stop was, which didn’t stop him bending my ear still further- Lol). The next few miles to Oulton Park raceway, were simply a delight as always, apart from the headwind. This is a lovely stretch of very scenic, open countryside lanes, on gorgeously smooth tarmac. Nick again lead us through the headwind, making it much easier and not even batting an eyelid- Lol. Now past an unusually quiet Oulton Park, it wasn’t long before we were upon the Whytegate Way. We joined it at the quaint Station House cafe & proceeded at a steady meander, as there were a few walkers and horses about. The gravel path of the Whytegate Way now behind us, we start our gradual assent of the ridge, along a few of the best lanes in the county, one of which, according to Clive, was where Gary Barlow used to live ( famous pop star for those who have never heard of him-Lol)
We are now not far from our Lunch stop and the worst bit of our journey ( that dreadful rough, potholed road through Hatchmere, which is the only route into the cafe in Delamere Forest ( on this route, before anybody cry’s out “ no it’s not”-Lol) What’s worse is that we had to ride out on the same road, despite Clive requesting that we take the gravel track that leads out of the forest, to the opposite side and into the bottom of Yelds lane ( also happens to be where the Kelsall bike repair cafe is located)
The big advantage with Delamere Forest Cafe is the size, space, speed of service & quality of the food. However, much to mine and Nick’s despair, they won’t do poach eggs after 12 ( “sorry, breakfast has finished” was the explicit reply) but that wasn’t the worst of it. Alan & Steve had ordered the potato hash, which came with a poached egg on top, can you believe- What!! No doubt you can guess the conversation I will have with them, the next time I drop in- Lol. Anyway, lunch was served in a flash and was considered by all to be very good. My somewhat forced choice of a jacket potato was a cracker in fact, as they oven bake them over night. We sat outside, but the wind was almost howling through the pagoda we were sat under, so we didn’t waste any time and were soon on our way again.
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| Photo by AO |
Now ripping through Delamere Forest, chasing Clive, who decided to show us a clean set of heals ( clearly doesn’t get cafe legs- Lol) We in fact thought he had taken off for home, as he had mentioned leaving us, but he was waiting at the next junction. We turn left, up another short sharp hill, heading for Kelsall. This was another loop on the route, that would lead up to Manley Mere cafe, just so I could fit in another favourite stretch of lanes, much to Clive’s confusion. This also meant we would pass the fabulous Blue Bell cafe, which I point out to Nick, who had not heard of it.
Anyway, we are rapidly through there and heading up through Tarvin and past 2 more cafe’s ( not tried them yet- Lol). We cross the A49 and speedily approach the river Gowy again for our 4th or 5th? crossing, once we manage to trip the traffic lights, by me doubling back- Lol. Now feeling the pace ( me at least) we pass Walk Mill cafe ( have you noticed the cafe theme yet- Lol Lol) Steve obviously did as he asked me if I had deliberately planned this as a sight seeing cafe route. It just so happens that the amalgamation of the best local lanes, from numerous routes of mine, does in fact also take you past most of the local best cafe’s ( honest gov- Lol)
This is where we lost Alan & Clive, who headed off home, through Waverton to Chester and beyond in Allan’s case. This left the 3 amigo’s, to weave our way across the wind through to Hargrave and on to Tattenhall. My legs were now toast, clearly my fitness is not quite where I thought it was. We head straight into Tattenhall, now with the prevailing tailwind, which was very welcome and made for a nice easy finish. We got to Alison’s shortly after 2pm with 48 miles on the clock.
Steve decided to call in for a coffee, leaving Nick & I to head off home. I said cheerio and a big thanks to Nick, only a few hundred mtrs later, as he departed up the hill for Tilston, which left me 1 mile to home, down Frog Lane. I only had a couple of extra miles on the clock with a total of 51. I am guessing Nick must have got roughly 65 miles in. As for the others I’m not sure of their totals, but still a fair bit more than me. As for Steve, he was again using CER to get a 100 miles in ( silly bugger- Lol)
Lovely day, if a bit tough towards the end. Some great scenery and a good group. Till next time ladies
NT
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