After finding the Pursuit café closed, we all crossed the road to the very grand ‘food for thought’ restaurant in Gladstone library. Probably the noisiest customers they’ve had in a while!
A good turnout for a Hawarden start and good to see Steve Tan back in the saddle after his tumble. With seven briskers, Clive, Ken, Matt, Shane, Steve H , Steve T and myself we set of west towards (not so) sunny Rhyl's Kinmel Bay.
Unfortunately Steve T was having mechanical issues (the mudguard again) and was forced to retire near Northop. Shortly afterwards we hauled our way up Middle Mill lane, and up over the Halkyns. No one was complaining of being cold after this! Shortly after Babell, Steve H had to retire; he had been suffering from a virus all week, so he set off for a coffee in Caerwys and an early bath!
A fast decent down to Rhuallt found us then on the Cwm road with its panoramic views all the way to the Great Orme. A great view despite the grey winter's day as we head for Rhuddlan. As we all know Clive can’t resist a "caarstle", so we follow him on a slight detour down to the very nice one at Rhuddlan for our customary group photo. Wiki link to the castle here
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| At Edward 1st's Rhuddlan Castle |
We now head along the River Clwyd path towards Rhyl. As we pulled up at the Hub café in Kinmel Bay, it was nice surprise to see Mike Gilbert albeit briefly as he was just leaving the cafe.
So after a welcome lunch, we wound our way through all of the repair works on Rhyl prom, and then along the sketchy sand covered cycle path to Prestatyn. A quick ride through the golf club then the holiday park brought us to Talacre and thence a turn around the Point of Ayr former coal mine but we avoided the muddy section of path after Talacre and then join the main drag back to Flint.
Onwards we charged through Mostyn via the unavoidable A548. It was at this point, as the group's flashing rear lights grew ever distant, that I realised why it is called a brisk ride!
I headed homewards in Flint, and later learnt that nobody did take Papermill Lane back to Hawarden. In Shotton, Clive and Matt headed for Chester via the Greenway whilst Ken and Shane headed vaguely towards Rossett.
A minimum of 53 miles today and more for some and thanks to Clive for route assistance and his extensive historical knowledge!
AO
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