There was a
reasonable turnout at Maggie’s, even Neil had crawled out of his winter
hibernation. Neil had studiously studied the weather forecast, and no doubt had
planned a brisk circular ride that ended early, and close to his vacuum-sealed
house. To be fair, on my own I would have done a conservative southerly loop
and landed back at Holt for lunch to avoid the expected afternoon downpour. It
was enjoyable to have a brief chat over coffee with the “elite” riders and
Yozza. Last week reminded me that, when we used to ride as a single group some
years ago, how it was great to socialise with everyone; certainly, Keith and I
enjoyed getting to know Toby when we were the only ones riding last Thursday.
So, the moderates
consisted of Keith, Trevor, Mold Andy, Steve Tan, Dave Matthews and me. It was
good to have Andy back, particularly seeing that this was his third or fourth group
ride of the week. Steve was returning from his ambitious holiday and, as he wasn’t
at his fittest, had decided to slum it with the least exacting group. Trevor
changed his plans and decided to join us as we weren’t going more than thirty miles.
Dave Matthews had a hospital appointment, which we hope went well.
The Two
Doves at Overton was to be our destination, and Steve and I had separately
planned routes the night before. Steve had kindly let me lead on my proposed
route. As I have indicated, I was concerned that this may be a bit ambitious, because
of the possibility of having to ride back in heavy rain. My considered return
routes were designed to be direct. We set out for Tilston via Wetreins. At the
Carden Arms the road was apparently closed ahead, so instead of chancing it by
ignoring the signs as we usually do, we headed for Horton Green and Chorlton
Lane. I stopped to check my map, as this area has been my Bermuda Triangle in
the past. It confuses me sometimes, but then again Keith would say that I am
easily confused having witnessed me ineptly juggling my bank card and Phone app
at Frodsham Costa while chatting to the attractive assistant. Anyway, we joined
the B5069 at Cuddington Green, turned south at Threapwood and made the correct
turn at Sarn Bridge to reach Holly Bush via Mulsford. It was all very scenic,
quiet, small lane Cheshire cruising with a following breeze, and hills avoided.
We arrived at Overton relaxed and ahead of schedule after the only climb of the
day from Cloy to the ‘B’ road. I say “relaxed”, but Andy had occasionally spooked
me with his trademark Verstappen lunges on the inside!
I can’t
remember the conversation at lunch, but the staff were great and the food very tasty. I think there were three orders for a Full
English Breakfast with Knobs On. Surprisingly, the café had been empty when we
arrived, which aided a reasonable turnaround and a possibility of beating the
rain. We were soon passing the Bangor-on-Dee racecourse and then climbing out
of Bangor, heading for Worthenbury; the climb passing Shocklach Hall was next.
I put the pedal to the metal on the usual stretch to Farndon, and partly out of
politeness and partly because we were going a reasonable pace, nobody bothered
passing me. Trevor and Keith departed for Guilden Sutton and Waverton respectively,
and at Holt, Andy struck for home. The
actual ride had covered twenty-nine miles, and our return had only taken a few
minutes over the hour, and we had experienced very little rain. As so often, we
had an enjoyable ride despite the threatening forecast. Keith must have covered
around 45 miles, Trevor over 50 and Andy well over 60, and they did get some
rain on their way back from Holt, although not enough to spoil their day. It
was another successful ride in good humoured company.
DH
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