Well it was the hardy group of Keith, Dave H, Clive, Dave M, Alan and I that sat down in the Station Cafe to be educated on Dave’s medical procedures, his new dog and Dave M’s second E bike project.
No one seemed put off by the rain which to be fair had abated, keeping its best downpours for when we left the cafe ! Whilst we waited for Dave H to find his paper maps, Last Minute.com arrived with a trainee Last Minuter in tow,Toby. Apparently Toby had rolled out of bed at 09:55 following a late evening of fixing a leak on his fish tank pipework. Chris’s precision of arriving at 10:30 on the dot could be compared with Luke Littler’s ability to hit 180 time after time.
So we bade farewell to the two Dave’s and their carer Keith, and set off on one of the Whisperer’s routes to Bunbury. A mere 35 miles, but given the weather and the fact the three Chester lads would be knocking on the door of 55 miles plus with the above., it was enough for today.
The issue with this route is that it takes in the Whitegate Way. A glorious leafy ride in spring or summer but not in slutchy January day. However our secret weapon, Clive, prevailed and led us through Coddington despite Steve H taking us up a private drive LOL!
Following Steve’s hopeless navigation, we were soon buzzing along Clay Lane towards Little Budworth. It’s fair to say all the lanes were in poor condition and dirty along with remnants of hedge cutting and the inevitable pot holes.
A quick photo opportunity by Knicker Brook followed a steady ride through Ruston, Tilstone Bank and then to Bunbury. Clive spotted a new venue here which we must try in the future. Tilly’s was empty apart from Clarrisa-Sunrise, Juniper Saffron and India drinking their matcha’s whilst five sweaty wet cyclists tucked into jacket potatoes, Vegan options specials, or in Chris’s case the staple egg butty.
On leaving Honey’s, it was reassuring to see the rain had held off, but it was cold. You can’t underestimate how cold the first two or three miles feel after a warm cafe stop when wrapped in damp clothing and sodden gloves! Soon we were zooming around Beeston and plunging down to the Shady. Not content with nearly wiping me out with a Kamikaze descent , Chris tried to squish a lone squirrel. Fortunately the squirrel was faster than Chris (some say not hard to achieve!) and all five of us crested Bates Mill Lane and set off down Crib Lane.
The lanes of Eaton and Cotebrook quickly warmed us up with the few steady climbs this ride affords .It is a Neil T ride eg no wind no hills - LOL. Just prior to the straight into Delamere, Clive led Toby and Chris on a more direct route to Chester via Waverton.
A pleasant 35 miles from the cafe but a more challenging 57 for the Chester lads, with plenty of banter and enjoyable company.
See route map and/or gpx file download
Steve H
No comments:
Post a Comment