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.

I need longer arms!

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 

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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

27th November 2025 : Davenham (mod+)

It’s an hour’s ride from home to Delamere Station so I was pleased to get there and re-fuel with a coffee and a flapjack bar. Andy W’s bike was outside along with Steve T’s. Soon Ivan, Ray S, Dave M, Jim, Toby, and Neil arrived. Ivan was just out for a breakfast bap, and Neil had a ride looping back into Chester somehow. I’m assuming that Andy, Dave and Jim stayed a while and rode back home.

I had filched a ride from the CER’s 560+ routes on PlotaRoute, amended it and presented as “Today’s Ride”. Ray was up for the ride and I encouraged Steve to join as well. We set off the usual way towards to Hatchmere onto the new smooth surface of the previous “mountain track surface” of a road that we had to endure all those years. Of course it didn’t last as we soon get back onto the mountain track surface until the next bit a smooth surface – why not do the whole job in one go – it must be cheaper overall! At Hatchmere, a darkly clad rider appears coming out of the Delamere Forest road – it’s a “just-in-time” Young Chris. So we are now four.

The lunch target today is Oakwood Marina cafe on the Lach Dennis road out of Davenham. At 31 miles away, we would need a decent lunch today. Out via Aston, we head for Antrobus and onto the tiny lanes out to the Second World War airfield near the Lymm interchange. A burn eastwards and a right down Moss Lane, takes us into prime Cheshire farming land and on a six mile run to Pickmere.

Wincham comes and goes as we head for the dilapidated “Smoker” pub turning off and into the quiet lanes of Plumley. It’s not far now via Lach Dennis and in to the Oakwood marina cafe as stomachs are rumbling. This is the second time I have been here and three of us have the small breakfast which was very good and keenly priced. 

I reassured the group that it was only 13 miles back to Delamere. We leave bound for Davenham, where I hadn’t realised that Steve needed to ride back to Runcorn so he peels off here for a similar distance back to his home. We three therefore take the Moulton Transfer to Whitegate and then the ride up Cinder Hill toward Little Budworth thence to Cotebrook.

As there was no need to ride back to the start, we three ride back to Chester as if from Rose Farm. The route round was 44 miles, but with the out and back, all of us racked up 65-70 miles today. The weather held up all day, with some sunshine and no rain. There were long clear views over the Cheshire countryside and a surprising 10C or more.

So as often happens, the weather was better than forecasted, the traffic was light and the lanes were reasonably clear of detritus. So my thanks to Steve, Ray and Chris for their good company today. 

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

20th November 2025: Saughall

 It turned out to be a great day for a cycle ride, despite several more cautious cyclists deciding not to risk the forecasted cold. (George W—there was no frost, just a sunny but not-so-warm day. Hope to see you next time!)

At first, it looked like I would be the only moderate rider, but just before we set off, Keith B asked to join me as he only had a vague route in mind. With that sorted, we headed out at a brisk pace towards Great Barrow and Mickle Trafford. The wind had a definite chill, but the views more than made up for it—clear, bright, and superb all around.

Following the route, we continued towards Upton Heath and Backford. As we passed Chester Zoo, Keith recalled a ride with Dave H and others when they’d come across several gorillas and chimps temporarily kept outside due to a fire in their main enclosure. Thankfully, there were no chimp or tiger escapes this time, so we pressed on safely towards Stanney Oaks and Capenhurst.

Along the way, we noticed a house with several windows bricked up. I mentioned that this was a remnant of the 18th-century window tax—always good to slip a bit of history into the ride.

We then made our way to Parkgate Road and on to Saughall, where we stopped at The Greyhound Pub.  who served us excellent homemade steak-and-ale pie with chips and peas. By this point, we’d covered 20 miles, so a warm lunch was very welcome.

Leaving the pub, we cycled on toward Blacon, taking the full force of the cold wind head-on. Staying positive, we carried on to Sealand Road and joined the cycle path along the River Dee. The sun had come out by then, making it feel a touch warmer—though still definitely chilly.

Passing Chester Racecourse, I shared the origin of the term “Gee Gees”: it comes from Henry Gee, the Mayor of Chester in 1534, whose support for horse racing helped create the nickname still used today.

From there, we continued towards Hoole via the river and eventually joined the Millennium Greenway—a lovely stretch leading us back to Meadow Lea.

All in all, a good day out: cold, but enjoyable and rewarding in many ways. We clocked up 36 miles, which felt just right considering the weather.

RB

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20th November 2025 : Llay (Mod+)

What a beautiful day Thursday turned out to be – wall-to-wall sunshine and blue sky – the temperature was 3C with a keen northernly wind taking it down to 1C (according to the Met Office). You could still feel a little warmth in the winter sun especially on the black bib-tights.

There were a fair few of us at Meadow Lea cafe with the big surprise of Dave H walking in unaided having been chauffeured there by Steve T. Great to see Dave recovering well. 

I’d advertised a 48 mile circular ride going to Rackery Farm cafe in Llay via all points to Wrexham and Holt. The peloton consisted of Steve Hu, Alan, Chris, Shane, Ray S and myself. Ivan and Nick were about but they must of ridden somewhere else today. 

We set off via Christleton to Waverton thence to Huxley and Beeston Castle. Steve had reminded me at the start about the potential threat of icy lanes today yet there was only a couple of times we had to be careful though. As the sun was shining very low in the sky, it was often difficult to see the lane surface due to the dark shadows and the sun in your eyes. However there were no mishaps as we ride around Bickerton’s Larkton Hill along Goldford Lane. Chris hadn’t ridden this delightful lane before and very much enjoyed it apparently.

Outside Peckforton Castle

We rush downhill towards Duckington and out via Tilston and Wetreins Lane to the edge of Holt. A dash along the main road allows us to double back through Holt and onto the very rough Borras Road. Entering the back of Gresford via Vicarage Lane, we cross the Wrexham road passing Gresford Church - one of the Severn Wonders of Wales notably for its peal of bells. There now is a vicious downhill section into the Alyn Valley and over the A483. It was here a long time ago that Ivan slid off onto the tarmac and needed hospitalisation.

It was now not far to Rackery Farm cafe with just a reciprocal hill to climb out of the Alyn valley and a new housing estate to thread through. The cafe was new to most of us although Chris and I had been before. We were assured on a phone call to them earlier that, although they don’t take bookings, there would be space for us six. Unfortunately the message hadn’t got through to the cafe! However within a few minutes, a corner table for six was magicked up and we set about ordering the fare. The food was very good indeed and reasonably priced and, after 31 very cold miles, very much needed.

Time to go as the sun is dropping down and the temperature is also dropping as we head for Kinnerton the eponymously named Dark Lane. Here Alan and Steve split for home as we four speed down Sandy Lane towards Bretton. We cross the river at Higher Ferry and head via Blacon to the Greenway access where Ray and Shane head back towrds Mickle Trafford, and Chris and I head for home as well in the opposite direction.

It was 48 miles around for Shane as he went to collect his car from Meadow Lea with around 50+ for the rest of us. A great day’s cycling in brilliant weather conditions for the time of year and great company as well.

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

13th November 2026: Backford

I think there were a dozen of us at Alison’s today,  which quickly  became 2 groups. Steve T lead the Mod’s and I had the Mod+ group.

DH was not there as he had a hip replacement 2 weeks a go, which I think is a weak excuse- Lol.

Fiona & Elwyn were in Oz and Shane aka ‘the thief’ was mysteriously absent. Clearly he didn’t want to be embarrased by any revelations,  not that I would ever have mentioned anything about our ride last week- what happens on the bike stays on the bike - Lol. 

However, just as our cuppa’s arrived, the ‘Chatterbox’ suddenly burst out with “I heard Shane had some pedalling issues last week”, which I had to qualify. “Was that the day he got lost with you in Llandegla or when he was riding with me?” - Lol. 

Sheepishly the Chatterbox brushed over getting lost and forced the issue of Shane’s pedal problems, so of course I have to include it in the blog, now the cat is out of the bag-Lol.

 

Shane joined me as I rode past his place on a ride to the Two Doves cafe. After 5 miles I stopped to water a tree, but as I remounted Shane was removing his rubber cleat covers, which I thought was strange, asking why he bothered to put them on,  just for a pee stop.

Almost whisper like,  he revealed that he’d forgotten to remove them.

I still can’t believe he could ride 5 miles from his house and not realise he hadn’t removed them.  Only as we slowed down did he think something wasn’t quite right with his pedals- Lol,Lol. 

Just shows you how easy it was for him sat on my wheel, obviously not pedalling at all - Lol.

 

Anyway, back to the ride. My group became Toby, Nick, the ‘chuckle brothers’ and Chris, who again arrived just in time. And then proceeded to delay us by adjusting his derailure. 

I had a pan flat route planned, in order to introduce everybody to a new cafe, with fab prices -new to the group, not the cafe that is.

We eventually rolled out on the tail of the other group, who went left as we went right. An immediate left turn saw us straight onto the tail wind heading out for a crossing of the A41 onto Platts Ln and Bruera beyond, which meant a few miles of gorgeously smooth tarmac as Nick remarked, when he pulled along side me and began to tap it along. 

Once passed Aldford, it was time to face the light headwind all the way to Holt. However, Rossett Rd was again a lovely 3 mile tailwind. No sooner said than done, we were whipping through Lavister and past F& E’s gaff. 

Only a few hundred mtrs later and just after the Grosvenor pub, we turn left to Dodleston. 

We were into our stride now, running with the wind, in fact, running a bit too well for some, as I later found out from CB1.

After a small meander around the suburbs of Chester, we got on the Dee towpath to Saltney Ferry bridge ( site of our team pic below).

This might have been where the first wheel issue occurred, but only a brief hiccup, which would wait until our lunch stop.

Soon through Blacon, where Chris pointed out his abode and I gave the group a quick update, pre-empting the Chuckle Brother queries about lunch- Lol.

In Saughall I shortcut my usual route, which normally takes me over the M56 on a couple of lovely lanes. Instead we were stopping short of Dunkirk ( not the infamous coastline of France-Lol) by way of Coalpit Ln and Grove Rd. 

 

Shortly after this we had our second wheel issue and this time it was Chris. He discovered his rear free hub was breaking up and in fact missing a chunk of metal. What do you expect when you pay £50 for a bike- Lol.

However, he was adamant it would get him home and we cracked on, with only a mile to go to our lunch venue.

 

Inexplicably I managed to miss our turning to the Hospice cafe. 

I suspected sabotage, as it couldn’t possibly be my fault- Lol.

5 minutes later we were sitting down in the warmest cafe in the county( great winter venue, as it is always cooking in there) apart from those who were checking over their wheels, although it didn’t stop the chatterbox getting to the front of the queue, his wheel could wait until we left- Lol.

With the chatterbox strangely quiet, conversation seemed to revolve around Chris’s eatathon. He usually takes an egg roll out of his rucksack and today was no different, just as we all tucked into breakfast baps and poach eggs etc. And then Chris’s second course arrived (breakfast bap) followed by a third course (sausage rolls with salad and coleslaw) When asked if he was on a mission, he simply smiled -Lol.

 

Lunch over and a slow get away, due to more wheel inspections. Both of the CB’s were experiencing wheel noises that they couldn’t get to the bottom of.

We eventually got going, once Chris decided to join us- Lol. 

Our return to Tattenhall was virtually due south, apart from the first mile or so to Cheshire Oaks, via Pike Ln and a narrow little pathway that dropped us into Little Stanney Ln. This virtually meant a 180 degree about turn, which now meant we had a light cross headwind all the way back, which was made easy by Nick stepping up and pulling us most of the way. 

So it wasn’t long before we were through Picton, Guilden Sutton and dropping off Toby and Chris as we passed Meadow Lea cafe.

They decided to head home along the Greenway.

After a rolling goodbye we pushed on. Nick continued to do more than his fair share on the front of the group. I had to keep pulling him back, like a jockey on race horse- Lol. Just needed to check the pace slightly so we didn’t drop the Chuckle Brothers. 

CB1 had already mentioned to me that he was struggling.

Half way down the canal road we past Keith going the other way, heading home toward Runcorn. Clearly the mods had been on a shorter ride today.

We arrived back at Alison’s at 2:30, just as George was driving out.

We had completed 46 miles at an AS of 15.5MPH thanks to the pan flat route and Nicks contribution to the overall effort.

Nick carried on up the hill for Tilston and I head along Frog Ln of course. I got home 10 minutes later with 50.1miles on the clock.

 

What a cracking day, after unusually mild weather and sunshine. I saw 16 degrees on my Garmin at one point. 

As usual the camaraderie was exceptional, everybody taking some stick at some point, although Chris did better than most, which gave the CB’s a break-Lol.

 Till next time,

 

NT

 

See route map and/or gpx file download