The drizzling weather or "Smwglaw" as we call it in N.Wales was not sufficient to stop a strong group of both mod , mod+ and Brisk + riders turning out today. I had chosen a 47 mile route to Wrinehill since the club had not used this route since 2013 and in 2020. I was later to realise why………………..
I suspect this route was a Clive and/or Ivan concoction as it had all the hallmarks of a brisk route with “challenging“ sections. So our Brisk/ Mod+ group consisted of Alan, Shane, Kevin, Clive and Steve H. As we ventured outside into the now drying day “last minute dot" Chris arrived making a high performance Sextet! Chris has been heard whistling that famous song from the 1960’s film The Sound Of Music, specifically “ Climb every Mountain” judging by his last week's performance in the Welsh Hills.
We breezed through Tarporley and headed towards Tilstone on an aptly named “Rabbit Burrows Road”. As we many of our rides this summer, a road closed sign means little to us hardy CER folk. However this was a slightly more challenging. See the photos below, If any doubt were needed this had Clive’s provenance all over it.
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| It was alright the last time I came down here! |
Once clear of the sand and rubble, we picked our way through Bunbury and down Long Lane a lovely CER lane. At this point, having weathered the “ploughed field road “ and busy A51, my route planning was being called into question. I reminded everyone that like Sir Keir Starmer, I would have no issue in withdrawing the whip for certain members and the insurrection was quelled.
Clive volunteered to steer us safely around Nantwich for what would be the first of three times today. Now out into the countryside on Wynbunbury lane, we sped along down to Wrinehill. The last time the club stopped here for lunch at the "Hand & Trumpet", but clearly now in more austere times a Brunning & Price pub was a stretch too far for us pensioners, part timers and egg butty eaters.
Clive picked some excellent lanes through Betley and back to Nantwich. Here he led the group on a "Vuelta Du Nantwich" taking in parkland, public car parks, wooden bridges and one way streets. However the lunch stop, Pillory House cafe was an absolute gem. The quality of the food, service and drinks was first class. I can see why it is so popular with cyclists and locals alike.
Clive volunteered to lead us out of Nantwich, however fearing another circuit of the town, we reverted to the 2020 route. This led out to Cholmondeston on Wettenhall Road and, despite a brisk headwind, we made good time principally due to Clive, Kevin and Julie Andrews taking turns on the front.
Cotebrook whizzed past under our wheels as we finally returned to Utkinton road where Kevin returned for a coffee and a lie down. Chris, Clive ,Shane, Alan and I carried on to Waverton whereby Shane, Chris, & Clive went different ways to their respective homes.
So a lovely ride in cracking company, 47 miles for Kevin and 60-75 miles for the strong lads.
See route map and/or gpx file download
Steve Hu
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