The moderate group at Holt were Steve Tan, Keith, Ray, George, Trevor and me. Jim and Dave Matthews had ridden out for coffee, but Dave wasn’t out for the day and Jim was only with us until Stretton. The staff were friendly and efficient at Maggies as usual. Steve and I had independently thought that Ellesmere would be an attractive destination, and the troops agreed. From Tilston we wound our way down to Cuddington Green through Threapwood and Tallarn Green before crossing the Wrexham to Whitchurch road at Three Fingers. The temperature was ideal and we wafted along at a very reasonable rate. The Hanmer Arms appeared to be back in business as we rode down to the Mere and then slogged up to Arowry and past Bettisfield Park. At Bettisfield itself there was the impressive church and the pretty ex- station house complete with a restored railway engine on the disused line. After crossing the Llangollen Canal, I intended to go off-piste on a narrow lane to Hampton Bank, where I managed to lose Dave Pipe and Mike Dodd not many moons ago. It was reassuring to have Trevor on board for my fiddlier navigation manoeuvres. At Colemere my concern to not head for Welshampton had me missing a right turn in this lacework of little lanes, but we were soon able to correct this. The short distance to Spunhill includes a steep little climb past sand and gravel pits. At the Boathouse it was quite busy but very pleasant on the edge of The Mere. As it had become warm the cool inside of the restaurant was preferred, where we had a large table in an airy space. It was relaxing to sit back and slake our thirsts with cool drinks as our food orders were taken. The young staff were excellent and the food bang-on. I was given a moral dilemma by spotting that one of the three small cod and chip portions was significantly larger than the others; as they were being served next to me, and Ray wasn’t concentrating, I could have claimed the big one without anyone realising. Oh! The tortured, hard decisions of a Guardian reader! What would Big Ray have done in my position?
Our return route was pretty direct, starting out of
Ellesmere by turning left past the cemetery up the quiet lane and heading for
Penley, Holly Bush and Worthenbury. Big Ray gave us a steady lead- out for the
dash to Farndon as he is an excellent windbreak. Keith eventually accelerated
off, showing little effect from our Ribble valley recce the day before. Steve
Tan followed, displaying his improved condition after Broad Green hospital had recently
tinkered with his heart. I belatedly followed, but with too big a gap to catch
up; I share Jonas’ pain. We had covered forty enjoyable miles together. I much appreciated the company and support.
DH
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