Well what a turnout at Chirk, and a first for me to see Dave Pipe arriving before Dave Heath! Both groups were well attended at a venue that can see some of the lowest turnout being its a farthest flung start point.
I had previously recce’d Sleap Airfield as lunch stop as this weekend (16/17 Aug) they were hosting a 1940’s weekend and I wondered if there would be some vintage aircraft around.
As we waited to depart the cafe under mild drizzle, nothing could take the shine off Keith’s new bike; what a beauty and stealthy looking beast. So our group consisted of Briskers Nick and Clive plus apprentice brisker Chris, Mel & Kevin, Shane and myself. A Chirk ride wouldn’t be a Chirk ride without hills and these were soon felt at the turn by Castle Mill to Bronygarth. This climb pulls for quite some time and set the tone for the early miles.
It was great to see Chris back on form today, so much so it looked like a Pogachar/ Vingergaard duel as we entered Whittington, I can’t tell you won as we were all so far behind such was the ferocity of the attacks!
Whilst the roads were dusty and sandy in the crown of the road with the occasional bits of grass they were empty and provided a lovely way of zooming through the countryside. Our progress was halted for a short while, whilst a hapless learner blocked the road. However clearly a former teacher or Headmistress took control and directed us through before sorting out the roadblock.
Some large sections of busier roads soon had us passing Marton and on to Myddle. Here a quick plunge again on a busy road took us into Sleap airfield. Whilst there were no 1940’s aircraft the Green Goddess type army trucks were arriving and setting up for what I’m sure will be a fabulous weekend of nostalgia.
Over lunch were were lucky to be in the company of former aviator Shane and father of a soon-to-be qualified commercial airline pilot, Nick. Both had been to Sleap before either taking off and landing or watching nervously whilst his son and heir did the same. After a pleasant lunch sat outside, Kevin and Mel decided to make their own way back to Chirk meaning we were now down to a quintet of various abilities.
Clive did an excellent job of leading us out through Nonely to Loppington and English Frankton. At this point we espied another group of athletes ahead this being none other than the mod group of two Daves, Andy & Keith. After a brief chat, we took the “families” route to Colemere and then onto Ellesmere. Just after Dudleston Heath, the rain that had threatened all day shifted up a gear. In the matter of two minutes we went from dry roads to flooded roads. Clive, always the bringer of good news, also advised it was now “uphill” all the way to St Martins.
Leading us out, Clive powered up the hills seemingly flattening them, then our apprentice brisker Chris took to the front and dragged us along all the way to St Martins. The canal finish was the chosen route as it avoids the last pull into Chirk by which time the sun had come out and we were all pleased to see our cars after 49 miles.
That is of course if you exclude Chris who was now planning his ton for the day. Including his ride to the station Chris managed an admirable 100 miler on a mixed weather day.
A brilliant days riding in excellent company , enhanced by Mel joining us for morning.
Steve Hu
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