31st July 2025: New Brighton

 There was a low turnout  today for the MOD+ group which left Chris and myself to take on the Wirral. As we had both cycled in we already had a few miles under our belts and decided to try for a ton ride.

We selected a previous ‘Clive’ route which saw us venture through Thornton Hough, heading NW - into a 15mph gusting 25+ headwind (thought I’d put that in for the Wind Wisperer) lol. With Chris tucked in behind we powered our way forward to reach the Moels Beachhead. Expecting to be battered by the unforgiving tempest. To our surprise, it was serene calmness as we effortlessly headed East across the top of the Wirral. Well at least it was effortless for Chris.lol.

The plan was to thread our way to the Ferry Cafe for lunch. However, at this point the Garmin had a pesky dose of the navigation gremlins and we spent a good hour making a couple of detours, including a hawthorne bush I fell into whilst trying to squint at my Garmin. After Chris had stopped laughing we moved on through Central Park and eventually found the Ferry. The pub that is!

At this point Chris looked little disappointed and pointed out that the other group may be having fish and chips at the Seaside Cafe in New Brighton.  I couldn’t disappoint the lad, as he’d been my wingman all morning. So off we set to NB.

On arrival there was no sign of the other group but as Chris was salivating over the fish special - we both tucked into a portion each. Well we had another 60 and 50 miles to go respectively, we needed the calories.

We then headed South along the Mersey where a camping trailer crossed our path without a car attached to it. The owner was very apologetic as he arrived breathless from a steep side road.(see photo).

On we cycled, wind behind us now through the Birkenhead docks and back through Eastham before turning West again towards Ness. We detoured to Netts for a brew before setting off back into Wales and down the Dee path to cross the river at Saltney. We then skirted Kinnerton down Stringers Lane and into Rossett.  Marford hill was the last climb of the day as we headed down into Holt/Farndon crossing the A583 to Weitreins Lane and on to Tilston.

 Chris and I parted ways at Carden Park as he was making his way back to Chester for his 100.

 A great days riding with good company, I’d just wish he’d slow down a bit.

Chris - ‘ You can be my Wingman any day’

SP