18th December 2025 : Annual Statistics for 2025

A New Year of 2026 begins with the closing off of the Old Year of club cycling with the Traditional Annual Statistics blog.  

Year	Mileage	Blogs	Av Miles/Ride
2008	1,137	24	47
2009	2,894	53	55
2010	2,640	53	50
2011	3,495	61	57
2012	3,615	76	48
2013	3,025	57	53
2014	3,708	72	52
2015	4,216	81	52
2016	4,325	83	52
2017	3,832	74	52
2018	4,472	89	50
2019	3,947	84	47
2020	2,030	47	43
2021	3,600	77	47
2022	4,357	93	47
2023	3,054	72	42
2024	3,803	96	40
2025	4,195	102	41
Totals	62,345	1,292	48
Annual Avg	3,172	73

The mileage figure only relates to the ride out and back from the ride start. Nevertheless the group has "ridden" nearly 63,000 miles since its inception in 2008. That is a lot of cafes and pubs visited!

With the official Christmas Lunch ride being called off due to rain, the Riding Year ended slightly earlier than other years. Despite this, a record 102 ride blogs were written up in 2025. The 102nd was the brave ride by the "Five Riders of the Wet Gear" from Holt to Gresford (in the dry) and then home (in the very wet)

With another year passing this has meant that the average miles per ride has hovered around the 40-41 miles over the last thee years - I wonder why??

As for blog writers then, 70 of the rides were lead and written up by just 5 ride leaders. However, there were a further 16 ride leaders who lead and wrote up blogs. Well done to all. 

The leading blogger and rider leader, and, by far the most wordy, was Neil T - LoL!! 

Well done Neil - your ride leading is very much appreciated. He narrowly pushed Dave H, our Beloved Leader, into second place but only by one ride. I feel sure that had Dave H been mobile over the last couple of months instead of having a long-overdue operation, he would still have been Blogger # 1. However with a bionic implant, Dave will continue to plot next year's rides with the traditional  OS paper maps unless Father Christmas comes good for him this year..... 

CA

18th December 2025: Pant-yr-Ochain

 With Met Office weather warnings  for high winds and heavy rain, Dave H understandably cancelled  today’s Xmas ride from Maggies to the Pant yr Ochain, but  some of us were always going to  ignore the weather forecast .

 The trio of musketeers who  accompanied me on the ride were Keith, Mike and Chris.

Mike had brought with a route with him which we modified slightly to ensure we would arrive on time for our Xmas lunch. 

Leaving Maggies slightly later than usual our route initially took us through to Ridley Wood before a series of zig zags led us via Wrexham Industrial estate to Borras Head. We detoured down a very poorly surfaced Coxs Lane  which eventually brought us out onto Marford Hill. The climb up Marford hill climb led us onto Gresford High Street and  the final half mile along Vicarage Lane to “The Pant”.

Thankfully the forecast rain and wind held off allowing us to enjoy our meal in dry  clothing. However two hours later on leaving after our lunch the forecasted heavy rain had arrived meaning a wet ride home for all of us. We were warned!

Thank you Mike, Keith and Chris for your company on what must be the shortest CER ride of the year along with the shortest blog.

KP

See route map and/or gpx file download

18th December 2025: Christmas Lunch at Pant-yr-Ochain

 There was a great turnout at Pant-yr-Ochain on the occasion of the Chester Easy Riders Christmas lunch with 28 people there. For the first time on many years, most people had arrived by car, rather than cycling there, as the weather forecast had been pretty dire with heavy rain expected by lunch time. A few optimists amongst us decided to ride from Holt in spite of the forecast – see Ken’s write up on the ride.

It was a pleasure to see so many faces, some of whom we haven’t seen for a while due to medical issues or family commitments.

As usual, we were welcomed by the staff and seated in our usual places ('Keith’s Room', the alcove etc.) Dave Heath had done his usual excellent job in preparation for the day and handed out copies of what food everyone had pre-ordered – knowing the most will have forgotten. When it came, the food was excellent, the venison pie and the turkey going down equally well.

Thanks from the CER members for all this go to our esteemed Secretary who has taken this task on for quite a few years now and has got it down to a fine art. So thanks, Dave for everything.

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

11th December 2025: Manorwood Cafe

Rose Farm was the venue for this week’s anticipated event, after what can only be called a wash out at last weeks’ Walk Mill event- more about that later-Lol.

 

There were 14 by my head count and a few of those with no intention of riding. Clive pitched up with one hand in bandages. He apparently trapped his fingers in a mangle while doing the washing at home- ok ok; it sounded much more interesting than a small operation on his hand, the day before -Lol. As for DH, he was also still recovering from his hip operation, but is now able to drive, which means that is the end of the 6+ weeks of sublime insubordination enjoyed by all, due to the lack of supreme leadership. 

 

Just realised that sounded like I was writing about the Labour Party- Lol.

 

I believe two groups formed, with Steve T leading a small Mod group and yours truly with the usual Mod+ rabble-oh! And ‘the very nice man’ aka Kev, who had clearly recovered from his honeymoon at last, although his excuse for not attending for a month or so was in  fact moving house and now lives in Handbridge- Lol. Trevor and Jim were doing their own thing along with DM, not necessarily together.

 

My posse for the day, although in some cases, should read pussies, were the CB’s of course, Shane (complete with cleat covers-Lol), Toby ( replete with new shiny Rapha rain jacket, after the thorough soaking from last week’s event- apparently it took 5 days for him to stop shivering- Lol). My final group members were Rapha Ray and Kev or at least it was when we started - all will be revealed.

 

After waiting an extra 10 mins for ‘last minute.com’, aka Chris, who didn’t turn up, which is becoming his raison d’êtra, despite calling us to say he would make it. BTW, I can’t claim to have given Chris his designation, which is so apt for him that I couldn’t ignore CB2’s witty retort.

 

After a rally charge from said CB2, we set off left and immediately into a soaking wet lane and a misbehaving Garmin again! It had dumped my route, which needed a reboot (it was fine during coffee, honest Gov.) After the reboot, I realised we should have gone left almost immediately out of Rose Farm and so I proposed we retrace in order to complete the planned loop to Eaton, but I was overruled by CB2, for the second time in as many minutes. Far be it for me to point the finger, but it wasn’t me who decided we had waited long enough for ’lastminute.com (I think I heard “flippin heck old boy, it’s time we got a shufty on” or something similar with a few f’s and ings-Lol)

 

So, now passing McDonald Portal golf club, having taken the short cut across the A49 via Heath Green, which surprised a few of the group (needs must) We quickly descended Cobblers Cross Ln into the bottom of Tarporley for another crossing of the A49 (this time not on foot). We were heading for Brassey Green and Beeston beyond. My route was a typical ‘wind whispering’ effort, in order to negate some of the stiff south easterly wind, which was pretty chilly as well.

 

After a fairly brisk few flatter miles we started to climb up towards the Pheasant Inn, which prompted somebody to ask if the Poffee cafe was somewhere nearby. Sure enough, just as he said it I turned left, right on top of it-Lol. We swung downhill towards School Lane and our prize of the infamous Harthill (for once we were doing it the hard way). After a brief pit stop at the top, next to the old cookery school, which caused me to comment that “the giant whisk had gone”, while everybody caught their breath of course. I then remarked to Shane about the very stoic houses opposite. We postulated as to how many Hammer horror films they may have appeared in, as they do look a bit gruesome. Next time you’re up there, have a good look and you might understand where I am coming from-Lol.

 

We quickly zoomed down to Brown Knowl and another ascent through the village above. Once down the other side, heading towards Hampton Heath, we turn right and again enjoy a slight descent into the little roundabout of the A41, right on top of the Forts of India restaurant, which has apparently been closed down, according to local gossip-say no more.

Soon after I point out the Farm shop on the left that appears to be extending next door. I did coincidently and subsequently hear, the next day, that they are expanding into becoming a cafe bistro as well. A very interesting development, as most of my southerly loops go through that area. The Fire Station cafe, in Malpas, although good, is not exactly convenient. Like DH, I prefer to avoid riding through Malpas.

 

It didn’t take long before we turned right into Mates Ln, after a short uppie bit. This meant we were finally heading with the wind and also not far from our lunch stop. Just as we approach Simmonds Green, CB1 pulled up along side and I just knew he was going to ask how far it was to lunch. To be sure, he did-Lol. This prompted me to tell him a story about the turkey that nearly took me out on that lane, a few years back. It was massive and just as scared as I was. I assume it had escaped the adjacent farm.

 

Now we were on the best bit off the ride, the long descent into Tilston. Once there I decided to wing it up to Carden Park, after a prompt from Toby, which meant we would regain a mile or two. This enabled us to enter Carden Park via their back entrance, at the top of Stretton Mill Ln (only accessible by bike) . CB1 came along side again and reminded me of my kingfisher sighting at the bottom of Carden Park, so we rode through in anticipation, but alas, no sighting this time.

 

We cross the Nantwich to Wrexham road into Mill Ln and we are now only a mile from Manorwood cafe, which I remarked to the gang was under new management and that I had not been there since they took over. We arrived and found it very quiet and a subtle make over, with a few comments about what a nice spot it was beside the Mere.

However, just as we were sitting down, in came ‘Last minute .com’- Lol-Lol. So it was no surprise to find conversation revolved around what happened to him, especially as his hands were covered in black oil, which as most of you are probably aware, cycling with Chris is always an adventure / disaster- Lol.

 

Anyway, everybody got their orders in and Chris tucked into his usual egg roll. He then explained why he didn’t make it to Rose Farm on time. And what a surprise, he had a fairly typical bike problem. His derailleur hanger fell apart and he nearly lost a jockey wheel. Fortunately he stopped immediately and found the bolt hanging out of a dangling cage, but the wheel still there. He managed to cobble it back together and ultimately managed to short cut his way across country to meet us at the Manorwood - I was impressed.

 

Service was quick and our food arrived just as fast, although expensive. Shane and I had beans on toast at £12:50! with pot of tea. However, it was the best beans I have ever had, made up of kidney beans and butter beans in a chilly sauce. 

 

Can you believe there was at least 2 minutes of discussion about wet cycling shoes that hadn’t dried out from last week, I mean come on guys - my shoes were dry, but then I was the sensible one who didn’t ride- Lol. However, I did turn up at their lunch venue, just to rub it in- I mean to support their efforts-Lol.

 

We got going again, eventually! This time it was me at fault, forgetting to fill my water bottle and a bit of faffing about. At least we knew who was departing  or carrying on . Shane only lives a half mile away from the cafe and apparently needed to pick up a Christmas tree, so he left

 

The rest of us set off for Tattenhall and my home of course, but I continued on after losing the CB’s and Toby at the junction to Huxley, on the other side of Tattenhall. 

Those three took the canal road to Waverton and I lead ‘the very nice man’ to Brassey Green, where I said goodbye, after making sure he could make it to Rose Farm (another 2 miles) I then turned back for Beeston and the Shady pub, for a headwind finish to Tattenhall.

 

I got home with 50 miles on the clock and an AS of 14.8 mph, which was the same for the group, but the actual route mileage was 37 miles and a very respectable AS considering the hills. It was a lovely day of camaraderie and sunshine, if a bit windy. We had some great laughs, especially with and at ‘last minute.com’. He never fails to make us all laugh.

 

I have to say that leading this somewhat dysfunctional bunch of cyclists was a pleasure-Lol.

 

Till next time ladies,

 

the Wind Whisperer aka Neil.

See route map and/or gpx file download

11th December 2025: Aston

About fifteen club members turned up at Rose Farm café on a bright, sunny, but rather chilly winter morning. Dave H and Clive were in civvies, the former making good progress with his new hip and the latter with his hand in bandages following an operation to cure 'trigger finger'. Jim was doing his own thing and Dave M was going home (as usual) as was Andy B, who had ridden in from Mold. Neil was gathering a posse to go scouting around the Sandstone Ridge and that left Keith, Trevor and myself. Trevor is just back from holiday, so he hadn’t been on the bike for three weeks, but said he would join us for a while.

I had two options, both of which would go south so that we could benefit from the southerly wind on the way back. One was to Overwater Marina near Audlem and the other to the Bhurtpore at Aston. Neil suggested that the marina would be cold because the wind was now picking up, so the Bhurtpore (or Bhurty as it’s called these days) was our chosen destination.

We set off along the familiar and well-trodden route via Cotebrook, around Oulton Park and on to Wettenham. Progress was ‘steady’ to allow Trevor to get his legs working and also because of the headwind we faced for much of the time. The roads were dry and quiet except for the odd enormous tractor/trailer thundering down the lane. Just south of Cholmondeston, as we were approaching the small bridge over the Shropshire Union canal, a big artic came over it, causing Trevor and I to stop. Fortunately, there was just enough room for to it get by without wiping us out.

After successfully negotiating our way through the edge of Nantwich we pressed on through Ravensmoor. At Wrenbuy-cum-Frith, the road was closed due to flooding and workmen were busy sorting things out. The diversion was along Wrenbury Heath Road to Sound and the A530. Not fancying this, Keith went to talk to the roadcrew and persuaded them to let us carry the bikes through the works. Having made our way through the mud, we pressed on to Wrenbury on a traffic-free road – very nice! We arrived at The Bhurty about 12.40 having clocked 19 miles.

The pub was fairly quiet that they soon found us a table. Food and drinks were soon ordered from the very pleasant waitress and we were soon tucking into curries( Trevor and me) and a baked potato (Keith). Conversation revolved around Trevor’s recent holiday in South Africa, where he saw all the big animals except for the leopard.

Suitably refreshed, we paused only for the group photo before setting off for home. The bridge across the Llangollen Canal was open, so there was a queue of traffic. Trevor had never seen the bridge open before, so we found our way to the front of the queue, only to find that the bridge was now almost closed.

Our return journey took us via Brindley, Bunbury, Beeston Castle and The Shady pub next to the canal. Trevor left us at the top of Bates Mill Lane to head home and Keith and I pressed on to the mayhem that is Tarporley High Street at school letting out time. Arriving back at Rose Farm at about 3.20, we’d clocked up 38 miles at a moderate pace of 11 mph. Trevor must have done nearly another 20 miles as he’d cycled to Rose Farm from home, so a great effort for his first time in three weeks back the saddle.

Another winter ride on a dry and sunny day. How lucky we’ve been with the weather on Thursdays this year (except for last week!).

ST

See route map and/or gpx file download

4th December 2025: Milton Green

Well given the awful forecast coupled with the time honoured tradition of “looking out of the window” weather assessment I shouldn’t have been surprised as to the plethora of messages received from sensible riders apologising for the day. Steve T and the Whisperer both sent early apologies. Alan contrived a cunning plan showing a break in the weather at 10 am so in ignorant bliss I agreed to set off. 

Whilst the starting point was Walk Mill Cafe, both of us knew if we parked up there, imbibed of their excellent coffee we would reflect on the stupidity of riding, capitulate and drive home. So, we parked at Waverton canal car park and set off from there into the rain.

 On arriving at Walk Mill we were greeted by the smiling face of Dave M who along with Clive and Andy E bike were in civvies. In the time it took to peel off our wet outer layers, Toby and Ray S showed what stern stuff they were made from by riding in. So now we were quorate.

 Neil had kindly offered to lead so his absence now forced the issue of making up a route, in Clives time honoured way I spent at least 90 seconds drafting a low-level circular route of 27 miles stopping at Milton Green Cafe.

Hero Riders leaving Walk Mill

Photo by DM

 The plan was to meet the Whisperer there, or go to his house and wet his lounge carpet and furniture. As we were about to leave Last Minute dot com arrived and now we were a five. The route was straight forward, right up to Utkinton, right at Utkinton and left at Tarporley. Apart from some good wheel washing sections on the bomb cratered roads close to Rose Farm the route was uneventful. Our route took us through Tiverton and just up to the flanks of Beeston Castle. Ray remarked he had not ridden these lanes for some time. The plunge down Birds Lane then on into Tattenhall was nice. A brief 300 m dash down the A41 signalled our lunch stop on the left. 

The Milton Green Cafe / Deli is a gem of a place and ideal for a lunchtime meal. The Whisperer had reserved tables for twelve riders, bit of an optimist I think. However before long all 12 chairs were in use drying out jackets, tops gloves, helmets etc. Except in Chris’s case where the shoes were off too.   A sooper Christmas dinner Bap was one of the specialities available. Pigs in blankets , turkey cranberry , all for £6.00. Others chose a complete variety of fare.

Refreshed and replete we set off back into the rain, It was particularly kind of Alan to point out the dry parts of the promised land (Wales) he had previously dismissed as “wet all day”. On leaving the cafe and operating for the Olympic sprint along the A41 Ray announced he had a rear puncture. A two minute blast with a nifty electric pump had us on the way.

The route back was simple, Tattenhall , then Long Lane straight into Waverton. At that point after stopping for the obligatory photo Ray Chris and Toby set off for Chester whilst Alan and I gleefully sat in warm cars. 

A very modest 26 miles on what must be the wettest CER ride this year. Made slightly harder for me as I rode the last three miles with a slow puncture on my front tyre :(

Steve Hu 

See route map and/or gpx file download

27th November 2025: Walk Mill (mod+)

The smallest turnout I have seen for a while and the weather forecast was not that bad either, apart from some strong wind around 1pm. However, temperatures were expected to be near 15 degrees and yet I rode, only 2 days previous with Shane and we had 4 degrees - barmy!

 

My headcount was 9, which was still enough to warrant 3 very small groups-Lol. And that included a new member who joined my group of 3.

I believe Clive, Ivan & Ray were the fast boys and I assume Steve T took the rest, all of 3? However, I did notice Jim had turned up on a mountain bike and may have done his own thing, along with DM.

Most of the usual Mod+ riders had all wimped out on the day with the Chuckle brothers making the best excuses, they had obviously consulted and made sure they didn’t clash - Lol.

I subsequently heard that Chris did make it, after we had left and joined Clive’s Group.

 

My group became Toby and the new man Mariusz, who I apologise to if my pronunciation of his name was not so good on the day. This was due to miss hearing his name as Morris- Lol. Mariusz joined my group, as he said he could ride at whatever speed was required, but didn’t fancy chasing the electric fast boys up hill, tough one for Rapha Ray- Lol.

 

My route was a specific ‘wind whispering’ one, in order to combat the south westerlies, which were expected to build.  We set off ahead of the rest along the newly resurfaced stretch up to  Hatchmere  (shame they haven’t done the whole road. As is my norm, I soon turn off on to a very minor lane, which as usual for this particular area, was in excellent condition and really interesting (Forest Ln) followed up by several other quiet lanes. These lanes enabled us to traverse the sandstone ridge in a different way to the usual and not just because they were new to my massive group of two, but also because we had a couple of minor accidental deviations on my part.  In my Airforce days we used to call this sort of ‘so called fault’ as ‘seat to stick interface error’, which meant pilot error of course - Lol.

We were soon over the hilly bits, despite my incredibly knackered legs, which was fall out from my previous couple of days.  However, we were now descending rapidly into the full-on headwind down New Pale Ln towards Manley Common and the even faster descent beyond, culminating in the somewhat exhilarating 12% right hander at the bottom of Brines Brow Ln, which enables a nice bit of zoom gain, providing momentum for the nasty little hill of Langley Ln.

 

Two minutes later and we were again heading downhill through one of the darkest forested lanes in the county, which unfortunately also has one of the bumpiest bits of so-called road in the county. This lead us under the A51 into Kelsall for yet another, but shallower downhill bit, all the way to the crossing of the A51 for our second time on route to Ashton Hayes and an uphill bit, after what was virtually 5 miles of downhill fun.

 

Now on my favourite series of lanes, for this area that is (Nortons Ln followed by Morley Ln) which took us across the flat lands enabling us to again head into wind on an ostensibly downhill run to Great Barrow and beyond to the A51 again- Lol However, we first needed to pull over for a bit of tree hugging and for Mariusz to don his gloves. 

Despite the slight downhill inclination, I needed the help of my ‘team’ (so nice to be paced perfectly when one is suffering -Lol) Mariusz provided most of the help towing me nicely into the bump, up through Barrowmead, clearly showing his cycling experience, adjusting his pace continually in order to tow the old man - Lol.  It reminded me of my old Middle East cycling clubs and the chain gangs we used to ride- Welcome to the club Mariusz.

Toby also took his turns on the front, which just shows that a shopping basket on the front of your bike does not mean you can’t tap it along -Lol.

We then took to the pathway alongside the A51 for our 3rd crossing of the day, into Cotton Ln, leading to Waverton and just a couple of miles from our lunch venue. We passed the Crocky Trail and pull in right to Walk Mill, feeling like I had been on a 100 miler, despite being helped all the way. 

Lunch conversation mostly revolved around bikes, in particular old vintage ones, as Mariusz has about 30 of them and always has a project on the go, being a bike mechanic from Kelsall Cycles. I knew there was something familiar about that beard, when he first walked into Delamere station cafe - Lol. He also revealed that he originally came to the UK for a 2-week holiday and simply stayed.

 

Talking of big collections, we also discovered Toby’s other passion of Scalextric. He has over 300! cars along with a lot of high-tech track and associated modelling.

 

Lunch over, we set off again heading in the direction of Rose Farm cafe and the crossing of the A49. On reaching the junction of Willington Ln, both Toby and I leave Mariusz, who was heading to Kelsall Cycles hence, Rose Farm cafe connection. 

 

Toby decided he would help me along until Huxley, where he left me to head back to Chester via the canal road to Waverton, although not before he reached into his shopping basket and pulled out a book that he thought I might like to read. I also consulted the Garmin and was surprised to see that we had still managed an AS of 14.8mph for a mere 34 miles.

 

Farewells done and an additional bit of wind proofing under my jacket, in the form of a plastic wrapped paperback, I turn left to Tattenhall and had the slowest 4 mile wind down I can remember, dragging my AS for the day down to 14.3mph and clocking 50 miles dead, which is exactly how I felt to be fair-Lol.

 

Despite my woes, it was a really good ride with great company, even if it was a bit thin on the ground. Suffice it to say we did miss the rest of the gang and a note to Kev aka ‘very nice man’. I might have to rethink your pseudonym, as you have a challenger in the form of Mariusz -Lol, Lol.

 

Great day again and no rain.

 

Till next time Gang,

 

NT 

See ride report and/or gpx file download