18th May 2023: Audlem (mod)

It was warm and still enough to sit outside Rose Farm cafe for coffee at ten. I think Neil was offering to lead one of his interesting circular rides, which are usually moderate plus in pace and  climbs. Nick and Steve“Yozza”Hughes joined him. The remaining motley crew consisted of Steve Tan, Dave Pipe, Ever Ready Ray, Trevor and myself. Steve offered to lead as he had a route to Audlem, and this could be adapted for our chosen destination of  Cafe at Bridge 80, 

Photo by Steve T

We headed down through Clotton where I recalled to Trevor sliding down the lane on an icy day decades ago. I had managed to use a spoke key to partly straighten a very buckled  front wheel, and with the brake disconnected, rode back to Runcorn relatively unscathed. Unusually, we hit the A49 at Tiverton, went south for a short stretch, turned right to Beeston, then crossed to Bunbury and rode on to Haughton Moss, passing The Nag's Head, which always looks attractive, but you can't be sure if it's operating. Dave and Liz have enjoyed eating there in the past. At Burland Hall we headed left toward Nantwich on the A534, before turning south to Sound, via Ravensmoor on familiar lanes. The weather was sunny, and this was Chester Easy Riders at our best, cruising through lush Cheshire countryside, chatting to friends, and pace not being a pressure. 

We turned off Coole Lane, and ate a tasty lunch sitting next to the Shropshire Union Canal . The staff were friendly, and the company was convivial. I can't remember much of the conversation apart from enjoying some banter with big Ray, and asking Trevor where he got his excellent teeth from. They turned out to be his own! The ride back started on a south west loop including a stretch on the Audlem to Whitchurch road before heading to Aston, Pinsley Green, Wrenbury, Chorley Bank, Brindley and coffee and cake at Tilly's. Tilstone Bank provided its usual challenge. At the A51 Dave Pipe deemed heading up toward Eaton as the safest route, and then we slogged up to the top of the by-pass before crossing into Heath Green. Somewhere along the way, Trevor made his own way back to Guilden Sutton. The awful road surface had to be dealt with on the short, stiff climb to Rose Farm, but everybody was happy to have covered fifty one miles in good company on a fine day. Many thanks to Steve for taking the responsibility for leading once again.

See route map and/or gpx file download

DH