Rose Farm was the venue for todays ride and a somewhat smaller gathering than normal, for this location that is (8, if I recall correctly- had a few wines since then-Lol). The day was looking promising, with the sun out, light winds and a nice cuppa out side- Lol. I had in fact arrived early with Trevor, after catching him up at the top of Wood Lane. We were surprised to see the cafe already open. We subsequently discovered that they now open at 9am. I had a route in mind to ‘The Park’ cafe (Wrenbury) and the intention of tapping out a quicker ride than usual, as I needed to get home a bit earlier than usual. This appealed to Nick, and Steve Hu, as none of us wanted or needed to end up back at Rose Farm. Steve also wanted to get 100 miles in and my route was roughly in the right direction to facilitate that ambition (mad sod- Lol). The smaller gathering meant we were all quickly sorted for the ride groups. No sooner decided and we were off, leaving Steve T, I believe, to lead the other group.
Left out of Rose Farm for us and a nice little climb to start us off, as I turned right into Fishers Green and then up Ridge Hill, much to the consternation of the other two- Lol, as it is a descent drag, but way nicer than the horrible shorter Ukinton Road. We are soon thrashing down the road into the top of Tarporley for the immediate left up another, but easier drag to Portal Golf Club, where we turn right into the lengthy down hill, through Ruddell Heath, thus avoiding Tarporley High Street.
This work around led us into a couple of lovely narrow lanes to the A49. We only have to use the A road for approximately 400 mtrs, in order to pick up the lane through to Tilston Bank (which you must know by now is one of my favourite little stretches, in the whole of the county). Right at the Dysart Arms and the immediate left lead us up and around the back of Bunbury (thinking the main drag was still closed, only for Steve to inform me it was now open again). However, I prefer Whyche Road anyway and our second crossing of the River Gowy - Lol.
As we pass Tilly's cafe, I imagined a respectful nod, as they make the best ‘Eggs Royal’ in the land. However, I had a little smile, as I knew our cafe destination, serves a similar plate, almost as good. I think this was when Steve made his traditional query about how many miles we had till lunch- Lol. We were now whipping through the lanes on route to crossing the main A road at Faddiley and across to the more interesting section of my route. As usual I had planned a deliberately convoluted route to our destination, as there are some fabulous narrow lanes around that area, in great condition. This subsequently caused Nick to be continuously surprised, as I kept turning the opposite way to his natural instincts (he knows this area well and clearly rides them in a different way- Lol). Steve was, by now, already making a mental note of the route, in order to ride it with his wife, which he later commented he would do. The good condition of the lanes prompted a little discussion between me and Nick, regarding some of the worse lanes we have encountered, in particular how we both avoid the awful lanes around Hanmar- Lol.
Before we knew it we were passing ‘The Swan’, at Marbury, where I pointed out, to Steve, a great picnic spot, at the back of St Michael’s church, over looking the ‘Big Mere’ (that is it’s name-Lol) I couldn’t claim the glory for discovering this lovely spot, as it was DH who pointed it out to me on a previous ride, some years ago. Anyway, we now head off along Wrenbury Lane, through Marley Green and on into Wrenbury for our lunch stop (26 miles done).
We couldn’t help but have a little banter with the young girl who took our simple order of 3 teas and 3 ‘eggs royal’- Lol. “Wish every group was as simple as that”, was her reply. It didn’t take long to come either, which meant we were setting off again within 30 minutes, which suited us all. We did however, manage a little thoughtful laugh and a joke at Allan’s expense, after Steve commented about him missing the ride, due to him having to fix his car. Steve again commented on the exceptionally quiet lanes and the lovely scenery, several of the lanes he had not encountered before. We both thought Al would be gutted to have missed such an interesting route, so we promised not to let him know what a cracking ride he had missed- Lol- Lol ( surely he won’t read this-Lol).
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| Photos by Neil |
My return route now took us back through the same area, but on different lanes, until Nick decided he was at a convenient location for him to head off home (somewhere near Egerton). No sooner had Nick said cheerio, when Steve suggested we didn’t have to stick to the route, giving me the option to adapt it so we passed closer to Tattenhall, which would be convenient for me and also heading in the right direction for him. He also expressed a wish to keep the rest of the route flatter, being as he had another 40 miles to do.
So, a quick rethink by me meant that we headed off toward Tilston via Duckington, which ironically meant that Nick could have stayed with us, as we were in fact now heading directly toward his house and probably only half a mile behind him- Lol. I avoided the lovely Goldford Lane, through Bickerton, in favour of the relatively flat ‘Long Lane’, with its very high hedge rows and lovely tarmac. After a couple of miles we then turned right, slightly up hill toward Brown Knowl, but then head off left to Tilston, along one of the best lanes in Cheshire, which didn’t go a miss with Steve. My intention was to drop Steve at the top of Wetreins lane (only half a mile from the Lost Barn cafe, which we didn’t stop at- Lol). This would allow Steve to cross the river Dee, via Farndon/ Holt and then work his way home to Penyffordd. I could then swing back up through Carden Park for a last few miles of light hills, which I did.
I got home at 14:30 with 58 miles on the clock and a few small hills under the belt. What a cracking day in the sun, reinforced by not having to battle winds, several cracking lanes and a few good laughs.
Thanks gents, enjoyed it a lot and please don’t mention anything to Al- Lol- Lol- Lol.
Till next time.
Neil.
impressive photos
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