16th October 2025: Church Minshull (mod+)

 There was a huge turnout at Meadow Lea café this week – see photo by Alan O. Only Clive and Ivan are missing, have scooted off before Alan could get everyone looking at the camera.

Because of the large number, we split into four groups. Young Chris joined Ivan and Clive, aka the electric briskers, Trevor lead the mods (see his report), Neil led the mod++ ride and I got Elwyn, Fiona, John M and Keith to join me on a ride out to the The Badger pub in Church Minshull.

We set off feeling quite cold as we rode through the housing estate at Mickle Trafford, along Warrington Road to Bridge Trafford, where we turned off to quieter roads passing Manley Mere. Climbing the steep hill of Cool Hall Lane, Fiona and Elwyn powered up as Keith and slogged up. By the time we caught up with them they were talking to a pair of riders from one of their other clubs (they’re ‘club tarts’!). Pressing on we were soon whizzing down Dark Ark Lane turning left at the junction with Delamere Lane.

This led us through Hatchmere and Norley and along Bag Lane where we crossed the A49. The through Sandiway to cross the A556 we headed on to Winsford, going straight through and avoiding the many housing estates there. We soon arrived at The Badger and went into to a fairly empty pub. ‘Have you booked?’ said the landlord who then led us to the back room where there was a table for six.

Drinks and food were ordered (eventually) and the sandwiches and wraps were very tasty, Conversation covered many subjects, including new cars and how to buy them, Strava records and how other people beat your records and crayfish (yes, really!)

Replete, we went to collect our bikes and Elwyn took the group photo that you see below. Thanks, Elwyn.

After wending our way through Cholmondeston and Wettenhall, we then faced the long drag up to Eaton. Once again, John M engaged battery assistance (‘eco level’, he insists ??). Dropping down across the A49, we were soon heading towards Utkinton, but before reaching Rose Farm, we turned left down Wood Lane, which must be one of the roughest roads in Cheshire. Elwyn calls it ‘tarmac free’!

At Duddon we crossed the A51 and rode on past Walk Mill to Waverton, where Fiona and Elwyn left us to head home, (after arguing about which way to go!). Keith, John and I forged on to Guilden Sutton, where Keith speared off to find his car and John headed for Chester and home.

So, I was alone when I arrived at Meadow Lea café, having completed the 42 miles round trip. Only 1550 of climb allowed us to average 13.5 mph. An excellent day out on chilly, but dry and wind-free day. Great company and lots of banter made the whole day very satisfactory.

ST

See route map and/or gpx file download