So popular is the CER Christmas celebration that Maggie’s at 10 am was bursting at the seams with virtually the full CER membership in attendance. The Christmas lunch is once again being hosted by the Pant-y-Ochain in Gresford, our venue of choice for a number of years and a real favourite with us all.The weather today was overcast and warm, a total contrast to last years event which was held on a very cold and icy day.
Trevor led the mods on a loop heading south while I took the brisk group on a loop in the opposite direction to the north. I had five for company Ray S, Nick, John M, Clive plus Richard -who was out only for the ride as his planned golfing jolly had been cancelled. Ivan, one of the main pillars of the brisk group, is recovering well from his knee surgery but unfortunately not yet fit enough to attend. We will look forward to seeing him out on the bike in the new year.
The short route today is along roads that we are all very familiar with, visiting the villages of Dodleston, Kinnerton and Llay. I had posted the route earlier in the week but this was not the route we took. I decided that some extra resistance training (hills) to help sharpen our appetite’s would be beneficial and this detour was made easier by Clive’s request to visit Alf Jones’s bike shop.
After leaving Holt, we headed out to Rossett and turned off into Gamford Lane to join Wrexham Road at Lavister. After a few hundred metres we turned off onto the muddy road that goes through Dodleston to Lower and then into Higher Kinnerton. At the junction of Sandy Lane, we began the detour going up Sandy Lane to Shordley where we turned left gently descending the very wet roads to Llay at the junction with the Crown Inn. Skirting around Llay we crossed over the dual carriageway and up the very steep short climb to Gresford's 15th century Church -its bells are classified as one of Wales Seven Wonders. (The bells are also included in a rhyme dating back to the 18th century. See here for more information.)
We turned into Pant Lane which brought us to Alf Jones shop where Clive completed his purchase and Nick received help from the workshop to free off the seized bolts in his brake callipers. Great service from our local bike shop. Following which we continued to the ‘Pant’ with only 18 miles ridden.
The ‘Pant’ with Dave H’s help were very well organised and quickly had our group of 19 seated, fed, and watered. Plenty of noisy banter, accompanied by good food, provided a great atmosphere. A perfect way to start the Christmas celebrations.
Dave, thanks for steering the the club so brilliantly through 2023 your hard work is really appreciated by all members.
Happy Christmas everybody, and I'm looking forward to burning off the Christmas calories!
See route map and/or gpx file download
KP
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