24th July 2025:Coton (mod+)

A good CER turn out at Maggie’s in Yr Holt; enough riders for three groups this week.

 None of the usual ride captains in attendance so it was left to a lowly deckhand (me) to suggest a ride for the inbetweeners group! Although Fiona had an alternative, that I maybe should have gone with.

 Anyway Elwyn, Fiona, Kevin, Chris, (early for a change), and me, set off for the Bull and Dog, in Coton.

After escaping the bin day chaos of Farndon, we crossed the Barton road and with a nice tail wind, wizzed south straight past the intended left turn at Wetreins Lane. As I was unfamilior with the route I needed to keep a beady eye on the gps, as not for the first time we did a u turn.

 Soon after Elwyn & Fiona decided to break off and ride together, us remaining 3 amigos continued with me avoiding any conversation to concentrate on the little black line on my gps…lol

 The lanes were mainly traffic free and well surfaced all the way to Coton. Whoever plotted this route did a good job, for the first half anyway. Lunch at the Bull was excellent and quickly served outside, for us to share with the wasps, the price to be paid for a decent summer I suppose.

The ride ‘apres lunch’ was not so agreeable, the lanes up through Threapwood  were in a dreadful state, and  into a annoying headwind.  The whisperer of the winds absence now duly noticed.  Apparently he had a fight with a wasp, and the wasp won…lol

 On the last leg from Shocklach, we took turns at the front to enable a bit of drafting, I say we but of course Chris was the main leadout man..lol

Back to Maggies for a coffee after a decent 48 mls in a quickish time, 72 for Chris.

 Alan

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24th July 2025: Ellesmere

 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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17th July 2025: Wrenbury (mod)

 It was drizzling as Dave and I drove up to Rose Farm. Not a good omen perhaps, but as we’ll see the weather turned out to be reasonably OK in the end. As is often the case coming out is the right decision.

The crowd of Easy Riders eventually sorted themselves out into the Mod and Mod+/Brisk groups. I had in mind a route down to the café in Wrenbury and although Dave had another route he quickly agreed to this. The mod group for the day consisted of Dave H, George, Big Ray, Keith, ‘Electric’ John M, Trevor and yours truly – seven bodies in all.

The ‘Magnificent Seven’ set off at a ‘stately’ pace down the road from Rose Farm heading out down the usual route past Oulton Park and on to Wettenhall.  Approaching Venetian Marina we came to the spot where, on an icy day one November, I came off the bike due to the sharp camber in the road. I still have the evidence of the mishap on my right hip!

 Not long after, we turned down a little-used lane to Henhull Bridge on the Shropshire Union Canal, rode a few yards on the main road, and rang the cafe to ensure that we could be accommodated. 

Ravens Lane took us down to Ravensmoor where we joined the road to Wrenbury and we soon arrived, slightly damp, at the café with 18 miles on the clock. This used to be called No.18, The Park, but that establishment moved some time ago to be melded with The Bhurtpore pub at Aston. The café in Wrenbury is now called ‘Berries’ and the staff there were most welcoming. We were soon supplied with drinks and various sandwiches, toasted and regular. George wanted to order a sausage sandwich, but first had to establish the nature of the sausage. Was a Frankfurter (as in a hot dog) or a ‘proper’ one. Having established the provenance the sausage sandwich was ordered. We were favourably impressed with ‘Berries’ and would happily go there again.

The sun had come out, briefly, whilst we were having lunch, but had disappeared by the time we came out of the café to head back. But at least it wasn’t raining and it felt quite warm.

Our route back was direct, taking is via Chorley Bank and Brindley to Bunbury. Dave H resisted the urge to stop at Tilley’s and we pressed on to Beeston Castle and the swoop down to the Shropshire Union canal and ‘The Shady’ (no ‘Oak’) pub. As we all know, this is followed by the long drag up to Huxley Lane where Trevor turned left for home and the rest of us turned right for Tarporley.

Tarporley High Street was the usual nightmare with huge SUVs inching past each other, the drivers having no idea about how wide their Chelsea Tractors were. Free of the congestion, there ‘just’ remained the climb back up Utkinton Road to Rose Farm, where we arrived, breathless with another 18 miles covered.

So, a total of 36 miles at an average speed of just over 11 mph.  A pleasant day out in the Cheshire countryside in fine company is what you need to lift your spirits, so thanks to all involved.

ST

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17th July 2025 : Nantwich (brisk)

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. 

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 

10th July 2025: Holt

 After an absence of a couple of months, due to family commitments and swollen knee ligaments, I turned up at the Gladstone Library on a beautiful July morning.  Alan and Dave M were already there sitting in the warm sunshine on a couple of handily placed benches.  “We can’t get in” announced Alan.  A lady with an officious looking chain and badge around her neck had apparently explained that it was Founders Day today and was “invitation only” we were not invited.  However, she helpfully suggested that the Gallery Café was recently reopened.  Alan went off to investigate and after a while came to find us with the good news.  Under new management the old place has received some remodelling and a lick of paint.  It was busy.  In attendance were Dave M; Clive; Chris; Kevin; Keith; Alan; Andy, Trevor and yours truly.  After the usual good natured meleé we decided to split into two groups.  The “faster” four would go West and the “moderate” four would go East.  Dave M, the lone ranger, was doing his own thing in preparation for an up and coming Coast to Coast ride.  Well done that man.

And so it was that led by Trevor: Keith, Andy B and myself set off on a circuitous route heading to Maggies in Holt.  Leaving Hawarden we pass Tinkersdale Cottage and run alongside Bilberry Wood to cross the A55 on the footbridge.  Bowling along, chatting as we go, we cycle down Lower Mountain Road.  Crossing Kinnerton Road we dogleg around Shordley Manor and Shordley Hall to pick up Dark Lane and Higher Lane to reach the outskirts of Llay.  Crossing above the A483 we turn immediately left and follow a familiar lane into Marford.  Exiting on Hoseley Lane we drop down Daisy Bank and follow Borras Road into Holt.

15+ miles covered in the sunshine we are ready for lunch.  It was the usual warm welcome at Maggies.  Most customers were sitting outside enjoying the day but we were looking for shade and stayed indoors where Keith kept us entertained with his latest exploits as a newbie gardener including single handily eradicating a colony of wood bees.  A man who goes where others fear to venture.  Well his sons at least.

Lingering no longer we remount and crossing the river Dee head north to Churton.  Turn right down Spring Lane I cry “it’s a great surface and there is never any traffic”.  Wrong on both counts.  We get to Coddington and pick up Dog Lane to Chowley and crossing the A41 enter Tattenhall.  It is then the usual route through Hargrave and Waverton to cross the A51 into Guilden Sutton.  Here our loyal band of brothers fragment.  Trevor heads for home and Keith for his car.  Andy and I access the Greenway and avoiding the dogs and children make good time to cross the Dee at Connah’s Quay.  Andy heads for Mold and for me my lift was waiting on Docks Way.   

My thanks to my clubmates for their companionship on a very enjoyable day’s riding.  A good route and a sensible pace to wisely factor in the temperatures nudging the high 20’s by mid-afternoon.  43.8 miles covered at an average of 10.5 mph and surprisingly 1,682 ft of ascent.  I would guess that Trevor and Keith had done something similar.  Andy as ever had done considerably more.  The man’s a legend.

GW                      

10th July 2025: Gwaensysgor

 Not the usual slate grey skies in cymru, on this fine bore dydd!.

 Unfortunately   a warm welcome was not to be found at Gladstones library café -  invites only for founders day! All was not lost as our old favourite cafe, The Gallery had just re opened for business, which is probably a good thing as a library of theology is not best suited to a bunch of noisy, sweaty cyclists.

 So, after the usual team selection, our mod + group, Clive, Chris, Kev and myself headed out west for the hills. Our lunch stop was to be the Eagle and Child, in Gwaenysgor. I tried to keep the climbing to a minimum on such a warm day, so after Northop we did the A55 sprint to Halkyn, and onward through Babell, pointing out the old Holywell racecourse to our history professor Clive. Lol

The lanes were a peaceful delight in the warm sunshine, not a lot of chat, as our chattiest riders were absent, Steve H, gave blood the day before and as there was hills, slight breeze, too hot, (take your pick) no Neil…lol

The Eagle looked lovely with its hanging baskets and tubs of flowers, small talk over lunch was mainly about the state of modern music, turns out young Chris is a prog rock fan, who’d have thought.

After the customary photo at the viewpoint we decided to descend down the 33% hill to the coast and have a nice flat spin home. Around 48 mls for me, considerably more for the three Cestrians, and thanks to Clive for the extra routing advice.

 AO

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3rd July 2025: Little Budworth

Todays saga comes from a little known place called Delamere station cafe, on what would become a very nice day with light westerly winds and no rain. I think there were approximately 10 of us  in total, as there were no fast boys, although ‘Rapha Ray’ often joins the fast boys, but with no mates, he joined us- Lol.

With none of the upper management of the club in attendance, due to holidays, sickness and other spurious things- Lol, it looked like the Mods were struggling to decide where to go, but what do I know.

I had a plan, mainly because Steve Hu mentioned earlier in the week that he planned to incorporate another 100 miler. So I offered to push myself and do a Grand Fondo (my first for the year) in order to support his mad cause, purely because I am such a nice bloke- Lol.

This meant he only had to ride to my house and back home  to complete his 100 miles. (nothing for him to think about - classic Chuckle Brother mentality to be fair- Lol). Talking of the ‘brotherhood’, it did not go unnoticed by the more astute Mod riders. Keith in particular, remarked “you haven’t brought them two again have you?” “I know, what can I do." I agreed to help CB 2, only to find CB 1 turn up at Tattenhall as well. It’s rather like stepping on a dog shit, once it’s on your shoes, you just can’t shake it off- Lol, Lol”

 

Just as my group were getting up to leave, Chris arrived to a cheer from Steve Hu after Chris had just missed us last week. He must have had a tailwind today- Lol, full on in fact, from Blacon- Lol.

So! The merry band became Rapha Ray, Chris, the CB’s  (sounds like a kids program, which is apt I suppose- Lol) and moi. 

Our destination was the more upmarket and rather swish ‘The Barn’ cafe, only a mile from Oulton Park, which was new to my little peloton, but a favourite of mine, especially with Paula. We head off north, along the tortuous goat track they call a road and thankfully turn left through Delamere Forest for a nice steady start before we turn right on my upward meander (but keeping it as flat as I could- Lol) The only problem was the longest climb was early on, as we turned right towards Manley and the two+ miles into Bushells Lane, which had Steve feeling a little strange and in need of some food. After a quick cereal bar and a bit of persuasion, he decided to carry on. He tried to pull that old 100 miler excuse, as one does, but we weren’t having it, convincing him we were now on the top of the Sandstone Ridge. 

Off we trot again at a slightly slower pace for the benefit of the old man - Lol. You don’t hear Andy trying that one and he does 100 miles almost every time he goes out, even if he is on a belt drive titanium bike ( “it’s not electric - honest Gov!”- Lol)

Our upward endeavours lead us nicely into one of the longest downhill stretches in the area through some lovely lanes, roughly 3 miles+ before we then rolled through Norley heading for my favourite lane (Gallowsclough Lane), which was only half a mile from where we started, after 14 miles- Lol.

I know, most of you are probably thinking, he always throws that one in, “why not”, I say. It’s in lovely condition and so atmospheric, why wouldn’t you. Anyway, it’s my ride- Lol.

Once up this lovely shrouded lane and past the caravan site on the right, we chink left and right and before a long rapid descent that dropped us into Waste Lane. Just a few speed bumps later and we were on the Whitegate Way of course, for those who know Waste Lane. This lends itself to a very easy 4 mile+ cruise and recovery for the old boy, who for all his woes, was still at 50 words a minute, bless him and much happier- Lol.

We were cruising along nicely when Steve’s sidekick decided to scurry off ahead, which meant we had to wait for him to come back when we turned off at the Station cafe. Somebody piped up, “ perhaps he’s gone to buy sunglasses”- previous blog- Lol. Although the Station cafe was an option, my preferred offering was now only 2 miles away, so we head off again, once Alan had caught up- Lol. Mind you our wait was not without interest as Dave Mathews rode by with electric Andy. After a brief exchange of words they left us waiting for the missing Chuckle Brother- Lol. Over the next 2 miles we passed DM+1 twice- Lol, before arriving at The Barn, via the exit only ( naughty boys- only way to avoid the A49) “ 

 

We pass the Cheshire Polo Club to our right, not that anybody noticed, as we cycled in through the cafe car park. Not a sport I have ever got into- Lol, but I believe it’s one of DH’s favourite haunts, being a fully paid up member  - or is it the Polo Mint club he’s a member of- Lol.

We settled in and quickly ordered our food and waited, complete with electronic tags to alert us when ready. Mind you Steve’s was already pinging away when the rest of us sat down- you’ll never beat him to the front of the queue- Lol.  No sooner said than done, there was almost no time to chat- Lol

However, Chris decided to treat himself from the kiddies menu, which took a little longer to deliver his fluorescent  ice cream sundae(see photo -disgusting looking thing, the ice cream sundae that is, not Chris- Lol).

We clearly couldn’t resist a team photo with the cafe mascot, although I’m not sure why the shortest man in the peloton decided to stand behind the cow on tiptoes- Lol. All well fed, we set off and within minutes were passing Oulton Park race circuit and meandering across country to Tilston Fearnell and Bunbury beyond, which lead us into our first hint of a headwind, although light. I then lead the group around Peckforton ridge and up that horrible little climb on the unfortunately necessary brief stretch of the Wrexham/ Nantwich road, in order to get to a cracking stretch of lanes to Tilston. When I say lead, I meant, followed them up, as I prefer to lead from behind- Lol.

 

After a few more miles around said lanes we were through Tilston and at the top of Wetreins Lane, which is the natural split for our group, as Steve needed to head NW, along with Chris and Ray, the latter two heading for Chester and Steve for Pen-y-ffordd.

While Allan and I needed Tattenhall of course. Allan had parked at Alisons.

So, after a tearful goodbye, Allan let me lead him- Lol, through the lanes past Manorwood cafe, on past Cuddington to Dog Lane, where he turn right, in order to cross the A41 into Tattenhall. I continued for 3 miles to Milton Green, Chapel Lane, which is a lot flatter than the one up the Sandstone Ridge BTW- Lol.

 

I got home with 65 miles on the meter and 2800’ of ascent, which was my biggest ride for this year, but nothing like Steve’s of course. Chris & Ray would have got something between 70-80 miles and the ‘mugger’ bringing up the rear in Tattenhall with 60-ish- Lol. 

I later discovered that the short old man- Lol, stopped at a cafe in Holt, in order to tackle the last 10 miles, which to be fair are mostly up or feel like it into a cross headwind, especially Barracks Lane, which is at least 7%.  No wonder he was being a tart in the first few miles up through Manley, as he knew what was coming or am I crediting CB2 with too much spatial awareness on a bike, for a Chuckle Brother that is- Lol, Lol, Lol

(I have to begrudgingly say well! done! old boy. I think he got home about 10 pm- Lol)

What a cracking, thoroughly enjoyable day in great company. A more sedate pace than usual, although fairly hilly, but when I look at our average speed, I think we’ll have to call that ride a ‘Mooooching ride’- Lol ( check out the photo’s)

 

Till next time gents

 

PS, I can’t claim to have come up with the ‘Moooooooooching ride’, title,  that was Steve, I think. In fact, there were so many cow jokes, on leaving the cafe and yes, it was the chatter box, along with Ray, who I think was auditioning to become CB3 - Lol.

Anyway, I had to herd them out- Lol.

 

Neil.

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3rd July 2025: Tatton Park

 Despite good weather there was only a small turnout at Delamere Station and only three members for the moderate ride. I knew that Dave H was on holiday and that therefore I would be asked if I had a ride, so I had come armed with two. So, when the question was asked I opted for what would be a 50-mile round trip stopping at the Bear's Paw in High Leigh for lunch.

 The three of us (Andy B, Keith and I) set off following familiar roads to Hatchmere, Norley and Acton Bridge. At this point Keith queried where we were going. He had been sitting at the next table and had misheard 'Bears Paw' as 'Bhurtpore'. The latter is a popular destination for us but we were heading in completely the wrong direction to get there. I put him right and we continued to Little Leigh, Comberbach and Great Budworth. There followed a long cycle up Budworth Road and Old Hall Lane to cross the M6 and then a right to take the new underpass under the recently built dual carriageway. After a short run up the old road we turned right and headed towards Knutsford.

 By-passing the centre we found our way to the entrance to Tatton Park, intending to cycle straight through and out the other side. However, Andy had mentioned that he preferred cafes to pubs for lunch so I suggested the National Trust cafe in the park and Keith agreed. So, we headed there but didn't get very far. We are used to getting held up by cows and sheep in the road but this time it was deer crossing our path. They were completely oblivious to our presence and didn't seem to care that they were keeping us from our lunch. 'Revenge is sweet' as the saying goes and, in this case, very tasty as Keith and I both ordered double venison burgers. Yummy!

After lunch we continued our journey through the park and headed for the village of Rostherne and turned towards High Leigh. After passing the Bears Paw, our original intended lunch stop, we turned into Swineyard Lane and then through Appleton Thorn and Stretton, passing over the M56 and then back in the process. I was heading for Aston and Keith led us briefly on a slightly different route before leaving us for home. Andy and I carried on through Aston then dropped down the main road towards Frodsham. As we neared the bridge over the River Weaver it was clear that there was some hold up as could see traffic queueing up the hill ahead. To avoid it we followed NCR 5 round the back roads before emerging in the centre of Frodsham and beyond the blockage. We couldn't avoid the main road to get out of the village but once we were clear we turned left onto the quieter Tarvin Road. However, we then faced a stiff climb to get us up onto the Manley Road.

Neither of us wanted to go back to Delamere Station so we turned towards Chester. As soon as I got to a point that Andy recognised he left me to head home. He is a faster rider than me and had much further to go. If you are going to follow this route the gpx file will show the full 50 miles. I clocked up 62 by the time I got home and Andy would have done considerably more.

 TC

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