There seems to have been two types of weather for Thursday CER rides this year. Rain, as in the torrential stuff, not just drizzle or scorching heat wave conditions. The latter was the theme of the day today. When I set off from Slate Grey Wales the temperature was a pleasant 17 deg C but by the time we met Steve T at Ness it had crept into the low twenties.
Undeterred we had sufficient members for two groups with Dave H, Ray and Anthony heading up the Wirral whilst the mod + group set off for a leisurely ride to Barrow. The group consisted of Fiona, Elwyn, Steve T, Steve H, Alan Kevin (very nice man), Clive and Chris. Our plan, if you can call it that, was to swing around the north of Chester, meet up with Neil T at the Blue Bell, thus allowing the Chester contingent a short ride home thus avoiding the mid-afternoon heat.
From Ness Gardens we turned left into Ness proper and then into Little Neston. The roads are fairly quiet with only the occasional Cheshire Tractors to avoid. We scooted across the Chester High Road and skirted Raby. I remember Raby Mere as a real attraction as a child. It seemed as big as Bala Lake and was memorable for the rope swings and the electric shock machine. Neither, I would wager, would satisfy todays Elf & Safety requirements.
As we approached Cheshire Oaks I voiced my
concern to Clive on the surface of the cycle path on “Oil Sites Rd”,
fortunately Clive has the navigational skills of a homing pigeon and he quickly
re- routed us through Bridge Trafford and ultimately to the Blue Bell where we
met Neil.
I can only commend the staff on such a hot day for their attentive service and ministrations in serving the food promptly and providing litres of cold water for the thirsty crew. Neil and Clive independently suggested as we had come in from the north, we route out southbound. So we set off to Tarvin Road, then using the cycleway back track up to Guilden Sutton and the Greenway. Steve T took the opportunity to head back to the village from the Café
Fiona & Elwyn left us at this point, choosing to go home via the river and a further café stop. On joining the Greenway Chris come to the front and the average speed increased by a good 5 miles per hour. Clive & Kevin peeled off, followed shortly by Chris, leaving Alan and myself to pause for breath and cross into the loving arms of Sir Fflint !
I don’t believe I can say how many miles we covered as other than Fiona & Elwyn who rode together, everyone else did a different route. I understand the core route is appx 35 miles. Looking on Strava most covered 40 to 50 miles, which on a day like today is a laudable achievement. (ST - The gpx file below is courtesy of Clive - many thanks)
Thanks again to everyone for their company and a special thanks for the staff at the Blue Bell Café.
Steve H
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