Once again, the weather forecast was none too promising and, indeed, it had rained a bit in Runcorn as I loaded my bike on to the carrier. Dave H was not able to come today as he had an appointment for yet another injection in his eye.
Arriving at the Meadow Lea café, I was clear that it hadn’t
rained there. There was a throng of CER members in the café as well groups of
cyclists from other clubs. I think the yummy mummies were overwhelmed with folk
in Lycra! Steve Hughes is just recovering from a dose of Covid, so wasn’t
looking for a fast ride. Clive was only out until lunchtime, as he had a
hospital appointment later in the day. John M is still feeling his way after
being prescribed medication to control his runaway heart rate when he climbs
hills. And Elwyn and Fiona ‘just wanted a steady ride’. As I had loaded a circular
ride first devised by Neil, I offered to
lead a mod+ ride provided that it would at be my pace and not the mod++ pace which
some rides have gone at recently.
The six of us set off along the A56, but we jumped off
heading for Little Barrow. Turning left after the railway, we were soon
crossing the A54 and in to Oscroft. As we got to the end of Cross Lanes, who
should we see but Dave Matthews, on his way back home from Meadow Lea! Across the Tarvin By-Pass and on to very
pleasant lanes. The weather had picked up with a warm wind and occasional bursts
of sunshine coming through
Wiggling down the lanes took us through Huxley and on to
Bates Mill Lane, the scene of my puncture, two weeks ago. Zooming past The
Shady pub and over the canal took us up the steady climb to Beeston Castle.
Turning right at the junction we then followed the familiar route towards
Tattenhall. By now the wind was gusting quite strongly and Clive kindly went on
front to shield me from the worst of it.
As we reached Tattenhall, Clive peeled off heading for home
and his hospital appointment. Then there were five…
Alison’s was quite busy, but we were able to get a table
outside and order food and drink. The combo of tomato and basil soup + a ham
and chutney sandwich was popular, but Fiona and Elwyn went up-market with
avocado, egg and sourdough bread. Talk around the table ranged from high end
dining to holiday plans.
Replete, we went back to the bikes to continue the ride. But
John M had decided that he would go home by a direct route to prepare for the delivery
tomorrow of his new Volvo. Then there were four!
Exiting Tattenhall via Rocky Lane were were soon across the A41 and turned right at Crowley Oak, heading for Coddington. Having failed to take a team photo with all six of us, we decided to stop by the old school and pose to a selfie taken by Elwyn.
Crossing the A534, we went into Carden Park, a clear sign
that this route was devised by Neil. Exiting via the triumphal arch, we pressed
on to Stretton, passing Shane’s place and heading for Crewe-by-Farndon along
Wetreins Lane.
Crossing the A534 (again), Fiona and Elwyn headed for Holt
and home, whilst Steve Hughes and I pressed on for Churton and Saighton. This
is where Steve took his leave, heading towards Chester and the River Dee, which
he intended to follow, rather than using the Greenway which was blocked today.
That left me as ‘Billy No Mates’ to plug on through Waverton
and Brown Knoll, arriving back at the Meadow Lea café at 2.40 pm with 40 miles
and 14.1 mph on the clock. An excellent day out in first class company on yet
another occasion when the weather was nothing like that forecast b the Met
Office. Do they really know that they’re doing?
ST
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