25th June 2026: Whitegate

Rose Farm was the meet venue for today’s extremely hot affair. There was roughly 10 of us, I think, with DM arriving by bike as we were getting ready to leave. I guess the ‘red weather warnings’ frightened many away.

 

However, I had planned a very specific route that not only exploited the wind to our favour but also half of the lanes used were almost totally shaded by over-arching trees, which convinced TT2 (Teflon aka Toby ,now the ‘Prof’-Lol), ‘The thief’, who rode over to RF with me, Clive and Rapha Ray.

 

We set off right downhill with the breeze. However, I had shortened my original route by 5 miles, at the last minute, after a few discussions, in order to gain more shade, but more hills as a consequence- Lol. Some of us who rode to Rose Farm were literally dripping in enthusiasm and desperately needed the customary lengthy roll call and discussions about what route to follow-Lol.

 

So it was that we meandered slowly up through to Kelsall, instead of Barrowmead. It wasn’t long before we hit the dark and very cool Langley Lane. I heard somebody remark that it felt almost chilly, through the tunnel of trees, they didn’t even notice it was up hill-Lol. We were soon turning right on to Ashton Rd, up through Delamere Forest and more shaded roads. It was nice to see the major road works at Hatchmere were gone, although Keith had already tipped me off to that.

 

In to the bright sunshine for a mile or so, through Norley, before turning right into another uphill shaded lane-Lol. After 2 miles of my favourite Gallowsclough Lane, it wasn’t long before we descend the ridge line and turned right in to that  “back door lane”, to quote Clive, which lead us into the Whitegate Way, which is of course completely under the cover of trees- Lol, Lol.

 

Anyway, 4 miles or so later we arrived at the Station House cafe, for our planned stop. Somewhat earlier than usual, after only 15 miles. The predicted record high temps and the H&S warnings from our diligent De-Facto leader, pretty much convinced us all to stop early, especially as we had done a fair bit of climbing.  However, the Station house was closed, with no indications as to why.

 

This did not bother me at all, as my back up of ‘The Barn’, at The Hollies farm shop, only 3 miles further on, is a favourite of mine. Despite some discord in the ranks; “bit expensive” and “blah blah blah”-Lol, we set off for said Barn, due to no alternative being available in fact. This prompted some discussions en route between me and Clive as we pedalled Shays Lane towards the Chester Polo Club. He came come up with an interesting idea- more on that later.

There was soon lots of happy faces, once ensconced in their breakfast bar seats under very cool air conditioning - “You don’t get this at the Station House” was my immediate comment -Lol-Lol. “ok yes”.

5 pinging /flashing table tags later, we were all served and commenting on our food, especially my Hallumi / Avocado, sweet chilly jam muffin (lush-Lol). Conversation was varied, although the all-time record heat levels, as we all no doubt later discovered on the news that evening, frequently interrupted the flow of conversation.

 

That’s my way of saying that I can’t remember a word of anything anybody said-Lol-Lol-Lol.

 

All suitably refreshed and fed, we set off towards Oulton Park, which was perfect for Clive’s suggestion about a cafe on the inside track of Oulton Park. So, as the main entrance bridge was open, we rode in over the track for a gander. 

 

Not a lot was going on, not even a ‘track day’ no flashy cars around, just a few super RV’s, as the Americans call them.  Cafe spotted, we turned around and left the circuit via the same bridge, turning left towards Eaton. I resisted the urge to take the next left and cycle around the perimeter of Oulton Park, which is more usual for me.

 

After a few miles we were through Eaton and turning right in order to skirt around the south of Tarporley and push on down to Brassy Green. This was the logical place for us to split up for our various homeward journeys. ‘TT1’ and I turned left down to The Shady, while the other 3 carried on to Huxley and their onward Chester suburbs. We both cruised up to Beeston, although one of us cruised up a little faster than the other and it wasn’t me - Lol.

 

After a few more miles along Bird’s Lane, we turned left to circumvent Tattenhall, via Dark Lane and Bolsworth Road. I left Shane at the foot of his climb toward home at Stretton and I turned right to Frog Lane, getting home 2 miles later just after 1:30- ish, with 45 miles under my belt. The actual club route was just 28 miles which at least included some work getting over the Sandstone Ridge- Lol.

 

Another great day, if a tad hot.  I did see 40 degrees on the Garmin, although that was in the sun. As usual we had some cracking laughs and some. Interesting anecdotes from TT1 And of course, even more interesting ‘snippet’s’ from The Prof -Lol.

 

Till next time gents,

 

The wind & shade whisperer -Lol aka Neil.

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25th June 2026: Winsford

 The Met Office had issued Amber and/or Red warnings for the last Thursday in June and, indeed, it had been very hot for a few days. So I thought that a modest ride without challenging hills might be appropriate given the weather forecast. Using Plotaroute, I concocted a 25 mile circular ride via Winsford from Rose Farm.

About 10 CER members gathered at Rose Farm by which time the temperature had already reached 26°C. I thought we had a new member amongst us, but when I looked a second time, it was Dave Matthews in cycling gear!! It was his first ride out for just over three months and he would be limiting himself to the ride to and from home, but well done Dave!

Whilst Dave M and Anthony would be riding home, Neil had gathered a ‘mod+’ posse of 5 for him to lead. That left a mod group of Dave H, Keith and me.

We set off from Rose Farm turning right and not left. This was to avoid going down Wood Lane at the bottom of the hill from Rose Farm as it is probably the roughest road in Cheshire. However, soon after joining Willington Road I learned that this was not much better, at least for a few hundred yards.

Crossing the A51 at Clotton, we followed Corkscrew Lane through Hoofield and Huxley, and soon found ourselves climbing into Tarporley via Crib Lane, the only significant climb of the day. After Eaton, we were now in the Cheshire countryside with a warm breeze keeping things reasonably cool. Darnhall followed and then we were in the housing estates around Glebe Green and our cooling breeze disappeared.

Turning left at the B5074, we were now in Winsford. Our plan was to take a break at The Cosy Tea Room in Delamere Street, but we struggled to find it. Only after we’d gone quite a way past it did we realise that it’s actually part of The Gate public house. We were even more confused that the café had a ‘valuation day’ event on, which meant that the café didn’t have room for us. So, we were directed to the pub bar, where we ordered food and drinks.

When the drinks arrived, Keith managed to confuse the waitress, pulling her leg that she’d got him and Dave mixed up. How could this be? She misunderstood him and thought that Keith and Dave were brothers!!!!! In the end, all was well as was the food.

Back on the bikes, we headed for Cassia Green and then Clay Lane, which lead us across the A54 to Little Budworth and Oulton Park circuit which, today, was silent. All that remained was to cross the A49 at Cotebrook and take the little lane back to Rose Farm, where we arrived just before 2pm, with 25 miles on the clock.

By this time, the temperature had soared to nearly 30°C, so we were glad to have avoided the heat of the day.

ST

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18th June 2026: Llandegla

 Gathering today was at The Gallery, my second closest start point. Even with a good little climb up Hawarden hill, I'm somehow still improving my PB time. Despite being the usual last one to arrive, I had time for a coffee. There were still a half decent turn out, but not quite into double figures, surprisingly the weather was half decent compared to last week. Today's weather promised drizzle, but we somehow avoided it. 

Last week I was happy to embrace the rain, but I only got as far as Guilden Sutton where I had gained a puncture, which in turn removed my efforts to get to last week's start point. 

Conversations were hard to hear with the poor acoustics. With not many, if at all, the normal ride leaders, choices seemed slim. Most wanting to follow Neil back to Tattenhall, but back along the Greenway which Ray S and I had travelled in from. Shane's birthday plans were to return via visiting family members whilst keeping his terrain relatively flat due to a slight mechanical issue. 

So, with Ray wanting a punchy ride and wanting to be back mid-afternoon, which suited me, we opted for a hilly ride to Llandegla. This seems to be the most common choice for a hilly ride from Hawarden and I am not complaining - I feel obliged to tackle some elevation from this start point. 

Once Ray had managed to load a route from the archives, we set off West into the wind, uphill. The two of us make it to Northop but continue across the crossroads to avoid as much of the main road as possible. We take the second left up green lane and crisscross our way back onto the route, to follow around Mold. The usual route we normally take after crossing the old road where we turn left over the bridge, instead of following the signs right, was closed due to a housing development, so we skirt closer to Mold, and once again find our way back on route. 

We follow the route finding our way back onto the main road to Ruthin, which then directs us off, towards a good old climb past Moel Famau, but then weaves us off to follow the main road again. Onto Llanarmon and before we knew it we were approaching Llandegla community cafe in good time.

We look at the menu and Ray opts for the bacon and egg bap, which reminds me that they are the best that I can recall to date. Conversations revolve around bike maintenance, fitness and yesterday's game. Some kind of world cup game where the score ended in 4-2. 

Back to more interesting things, we saddle back up to head back to Chester, reminiscing about the old days of motorcycling. We weave on and off main roads, balancing the quiet roads with the necessity of progression. 

Thanks Ray for the enjoyable ride, certainly relieved some of my youth bombing back the country lanes. Discs would be a welcomed upgrade 😅

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18th June 2026: Tattenhall

Well, what a difference 7 days make. Last week I aquaplaned to Delamere; this week it was warm, sunny, if at times a bit breezy, riding from Guilden Sutton to Hawarden.

 The cyclists already at the cafe were Ray S, Elwyn and his good lady Fiona, Anthony, Toby and then, as I arrived, Shane and Neil wandered in after cycling from their respective homes . The discussion concerning routes, as usual with CER, was like that bloke Starmer running the country. Very confusing and, basically, herding sheep seems easier. Anyway, as it turned out, we did a better job than him sorting ourselves out. Perhaps he needs to invite CER members to his parliament.

The resulting groups consisted of oh eck, due to his last minute dot com timing, Chris arrived so he ended up with Ray as his carer, Shane - haven’t a clue what he decided as Neil set off on his own leaving the rest of us to decide our destination. Elwyn mentioned Tattenhall, so that was that and off we set.

We headed back along the River Dee heading towards Chester then through Huntington picking up lanes around Saighton on the usual route to Waverton. We carried on past the Crocky Trail heading towards Walk Mill, through Burton, Hoofield, Huxley then to Alison’s for lunch. All in all around 23 miles at a steady pace where everyone took turns at the front due to the head wind. The only real thing of interest was Fiona having a drink which caused something that required Elwyn to give her a slap on the back. Then I noticed my saddle had come loose which was caused by the last two rides being on pathetic roads bouncing my rather delicate rear end up and down. At least that’s my excuse. 

The food at Alison’s was excellent to be fair, with a varied menu which I didn’t expect. The usual subjects were broached and some intelligent conversations were had, due to the fact I was present  - haha only joking - ranging from dogs to Norwegian cruises and speeding fines . 

Lunch over, we all decided to head off on different routes back to our designated destinations. Mine was back to Guilden Sutton where I followed the route we took on the way in, but due to me forgetting my sat nav and my built-in one being erratic, I had an extra couple of miles to get back to my car. Toby and Anthony headed back to Chester and the Rossett two headed back their own way. So I’m unsure of everyone’s mileage but I achieved around 45 or 48 due to my small diversion.

So today’s little bimble was another excellent CER day with my group (as can’t speak for the others),  but a good day .

KB

11th June 2026: Delamere Circular

 As I unloaded my bike at the Sandstone Ridge car park, the incessant rain drew into question why was I out on a day like today?  The flooded roads and kindly offered bow waves coming off other cars reinforced the feeling. This questioning sensation was further enhanced when I entered the Station Cafe to be greeted by Dave H with the words “are you riding today?”.

Happiness, I thought, this is all a bad dream and I must remember to knock off the cheese before going to bed. However instead of rolling over for a further ten minutes of beauty sleep I was rudely made aware that the rainwater had run down inside my neoprene overboots and was no intruding on my (up to now) dry feet!

So here we were the merry trio Steve T, Dave H and shortly to arrive Drip Dry Keith. Keith is a legend as he had already ridden in twelve miles from “the village” and having looked at the three of us he decided to ride back on his own!

After half an hour of cheerful CER banter Dave H took the correct decision to head for home, Keith donned his kit and set off for the village and Steve T and I debated on which route we could take to get really wet.

Neil T’s 35 mile circular route to Bunbury ticked the boxes so off we went. The roads from Hatchmere to Norley were properly flooded, leading to lots of crown off the road surfing and trusting nothing was coming the other way. Opposing traffic provided the additional bonus of a bow wave of water every time we passed a car that seemed to have found an even deeper puddle.

Neil T’s route utilizes the Whitegate Way, a lovely ride on a dry day…..just not today. So flying off piste we ventured through more flooded roads as we circumnavigated Cuddington and Sandiway. Soon the picturesque village of Little Budworth appeared from the gloom. By now the rain had abated and spirits were high. However, this respite was short lived and by Rushton a short cut was spotted to Eaton missing out Tilley’s for lunch.

Now complimented by a tail wind we zipped through Cotebrooke and Delamere.

A very wet day but demonstrating the ethos of “we ride in all weathers” as prophesied by Dave H, rain aside we had a go even if only 20 miles it was nice to get out.

Steve H

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4th June 2026: Ellesmere

 The weather forecast wasn’t good, Chirk is a long way, and it was my wedding anniversary – 3 good reasons not to bother with the ride from Chirk.  But bother I did and, with my bike loaded in the back of the car, I headed down to Chirk hoping that the rain wasn’t going to be too bad.

I was just entering the Castle Bistro a little after 10am, when Mike D was arriving on his bike from Chirk station after taking the train from Chester.  We ordered our coffees and sat down for a chat while we waited for other riders to arrive.

By 10:20, we came to the realisation that it was probably just going to be the two of us, and so it turned out.  Just before I had left home, I had fortuitously printed a paper map for the area east of Chirk as that was where the weather forecast had shown that it might be driest.  We discussed options and decided, in case the heavens opened, not to venture too far and so set out on a route towards Ellesmere.  I hadn’t thought that I would be leading a ride quite so early in my time with the club (or write my first blog as this was just my 4^th ride) but, as I had the map, it made sense for me to lead the way.  No SatNav, just good ‘old school’ map reading.

As my bike was electric and Mike’s wasn’t, I decided to switch off the battery so as not to set an unreasonable pace.  Shortly after we left Chirk, I was beginning to regret this as we had a vicious climb up from the River Ceiriog.  The road had dried a bit since the last shower but, even so, I had the occasional slips of the rear wheel on the steep inclines as I needed to get out of the saddle even in my lowest gear.  We both paused for a breather on the ascent when Mike realised that he had lost his water bottle, probably on the bumpy descent down to the river before we started the climb on the other side.  No way were we going back down to look for it and so we continued onwards and upwards. 

The next few miles were characterized by mud, cow muck (definitely a ride requiring mudguards), loose gravel, tree debris and, of course, plenty of dangerous pot holes.  The rain had started but it was light and intermittent and with no need to shelter to avoid getting soaked.  We passed through Dudleston and then around the south of Dudleston Heath.

As we entered Ellesmere, we made our way through resurfacing works that had closed the road to traffic and headed to the Boat House pub by the mere for lunch.  Mike reported that the sausage rolls had been good previously and that’s what we both had with some salad.   After lunch, we headed out towards Tetchill with more climbing on the agenda.  So soon after setting off again, legs were lethargic and we probably should have had a shorter break rather than chatting for so long over lunch.  The sun decided to make an appearance, enough for Mike to shed one of his layers.  We continued back to Chirk via Welsh Frankton, Hindford, around the south of Gobowen and up to Weston Rhyl before returning to our start point.

We arrived back early in Chirk at 2.15pm after just 40km (25 miles) but a decent 430m (1,410 ft) of ascent.  We ordered further hot drinks in the café, feeling quite smug that we had avoided any significant rain on the bikes whilst, through the window, heavy rain decided to make its presence felt.  We chatted on for over an hour, nothing about cycling but just about everything else including a new word for me, “dyscalculia” (the numerical equivalent of dyslexia) before we headed our separate ways back home to Chester.

Good company, very quiet country lanes and, although short, a challenging but rewarding cycle – 3 good reasons why I was pleased that I had made my way to Chirk that morning.

Anthony M

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28th May 2026: Little Neston

 I had spent the previous week cycling the Wales End-to-End so I was determined to get out with the Easy Riders this week, despite the forecast of 27 degree heat, just so I could check if my legs were still working. Actually, considering the temperatures we had been experiencing in the early part of the week, 27 degrees was relatively cool but still too hot to be doing a ride with a lot of climbing. So I devised a route which was fairly flat, would get us to Net's Cafe for lunch and was flexible enough to be anywhere from 30 to 45 miles.

Armed with this idea I made my way to Meadow Lea where I found a number of members (mostly of the faster variety) sitting outside enjoying the sunshine. When I went inside I found Dave H, poring over his maps, trying to find a route with the same criteria that I had used. Needless to say, as soon as I mentioned my idea his maps disappeared and my route was adopted.

Mike D arrived soon after. We haven't seen him for a long time. He has been off travelling the world and is just back for a few weeks before he jets off again. Dave P also arrived but he doesn't like cycling up the Wirral and declined to join us. So it looked like just three of us for the trip up to Net's. By the time we had finished our coffees the faster group had departed, but leaving Elwyn and Fiona behind. They had ridden in from home and since the fast group were heading out along the same roads that they had ridden in on they decided to do their own thing. 'Their own thing' turned out to be a cycle up to Net's and so three became five.

We turned right out of Meadow Lea, passing through Mickle Trafford and on towards Picton. Turning right after crossing the motorway we cycled past the rear of the zoo up towards Backford and across the A41 towards Mollington. Before reaching there we turned north to find the cycle path alongside the railway which would take us to the southern end of the Wirral. Then it was along familiar lanes through Capenhurst and Ledsham before accessing the 'missing link' near Inglewood Manor. Our first stint on the Wirral Way took us to Hadlow Road Station where we turned north again passing through Willaston and Raby to reach Thornton Hough. We were now as far up the Wirral as we were going to get as we turned towards the coast. All the height that we had gained getting this far was soon lost as we sped down towards Parkgate where we enjoyed the delightful cycle along the front.

At the far end of Parkgate we stopped for a short comfort break and took the opportunity for a photo before a second stint on the Wirral Way, this time a short blast to the outskirts of Neston. From there the cycle route takes a twisting tour of a local housing estate to get us down to the estuary and a short distance along the edge of the marshes gets us to our lunch stop.

The breeze coming off the marshes kept the temperature cool enough to dine alfresco without roasting in the sunshine. A thin blanket of cloud helped too. I explained the choice return routes back to Meadow Lea. Going via Kinnerton and Eccleston was rejected as being too far while returning along the river was not popular with the majority of riders because of the headwind, although this seemed to be Elwyn's favoured choice. However majority prevailed and the Greenway route won the day.

All three routes required us to cross the marshes. Most of it is on tarmacked footpath but there is a short section of boardwalk across the worst of the marsh. We lamented the state of it as we rattled across. Patched in several places with many more boards showing signs of rot, it will not last very much longer without major repairs. After so many people campaigned for so long to get installed in the first place it would be a great shame to lose it.

After crossing the marsh and passing through the industrial estate Elwyn made one last-ditch attempt to coax Fiona onto the river path. However, she was having none of it and we all followed the Greenway back towards Meadow Lea. Elwyn and Fiona left us at Blacon to find their own home while the rest of us carried to complete just over 34 miles.

TC

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