09 October 2025: Little Bollington (mod)

 There was a good attendance of members of mixed abilities when I arrived at the Delamere station cafe; despite the cool westerly breeze. Dave Heath was looking rather smart in his civvies as was Dave Matthews. There were plenty of Mods+ and Briskers together with Mods (The Slow Group to some). Keith enquired as to where I was thinking of going and I advised I had a route to the ‘Swan with Two Nicks’ via Knutsford and Tatton Park, returning via the Trans Pennine Trail to Runcorn. Quickly I was to be joined by the remaining Runcorn contingent of Steve Tan, Roy with his resplendent Claud Butler Tandem and friend Carmen his ‘Stoker’.

We departed at 10:30 and were soon overtaken by a rabble of faster cyclists pertaining to be Briskers, which we caught up shortly at Hatchmere. We then navigated our way to Knutsford following part of the Cheshire Cycleway/Bob Clift 100. This included Acton Bridge, Little Leigh, Comberbach and Great Budworth. At Bate Heath a black vehicle overtook us and turned left nearly taking out Roy, Carmen and myself. It was not on camera but a few expletives were said plus I gave the driver a ‘Churchillian Wave’.

At Tatton Park we were advised it was the ‘Rutting Season’ but alas only sheep were observed. The deer must have been hibernating. It was cold and we were glad the wind was in our favour. Through Rostherne and after passing under the M56 we were overtaken by a police car which initially Steve and I thought was on the motorway.

Arriving at our hostelry it wasn’t busy and with their efficient service we had a table to ourselves. The food was lovely but the price of their Soda drinks was excessive (Inflation for you). Discussion at lunchtime covered Wigg Island, Cycle to work Scheme and rust proofing treasured motor vehicles.

On our return, we quickly picked up the Trail.  Quite a good surface to Lymm, it was damp so minimal dust. Through Lymm parts had been physically tarmacked. At Statham we joined the public roads that took us under the M6 Thelwall Viaduct, Thelwall and down to the locks on the Manchester Ship Canal, an engineering masterpiece. We picked up the Trail again to take us through Warrington past Walton Lock then over to Arpley Meadows and the River Mersey. Like all Trails, it wouldn’t be one without a close encounter with a sewage works and duly we passed Warrington’s. Onto the towpath of the derelict St Helens Canal with a cold wind against to take us to Runcorn. We were able to observe the ‘Net Zero’ Fiddlers Ferry coal fired power station waiting for its cooling towers to be demolished. But oh, it was cold and thanks Keith for providing me some shelter. After crossing the Mersey into Runcorn on a nice cycleway we made our separate ways. Carmen & Roy went to Keith’s for ‘High Tea’ while Steve and myself made or way to Heath/Tan country. There Steve made his way to home and I continued onto Chester. Overall, a lovely day with friends, where those from Runcorn will have covered about 53 miles, what I would call the ‘Runcorn Circular’.

MG 

2nd October 2025 : Willaston (mod)

Starting at Walk Mill, George, Keith, Trevor, and I set out to travel to Bromborough and back for lunch. (I tried to recruit Alan O, but he declined, saying it was “the dark side.”)

We headed towards Tarvin and Dunham-on-the-Hill. Because my cycle route app was failing, we relied on TC to help us find Hobs Lane near Thornton-le-Moors. A good pace was then made towards Ellesmere Port.

Again, with my app problems, Keith directed us via Capenhurst. The pace was good, with a tailwind helping us as we travelled towards Ledsham. TC suggested we stop at the Railway Café in Willaston for lunch.

Having never been there before (and nor had GW), we were pleasantly surprised by the menu and how good the food was. I learnt that the railway line was originally built to transport coal from Neston before, and in 1886, becoming a commuter line to West Kirby on the Wirral.

After lunch, TC suggested we ride along the Wirral Way to add some extra miles, then head past Ness Café along the cycle path to Deeside, and finally onto Meadow Lea. At this point, the wind had picked up and persisted all the way. GW mentioned that the Greenway is in fact over 10 miles long. Even with the headwind, we managed to keep a good pace.

During the ride, Keith mentioned he was looking for an upmarket 3D cycle seat—possibly £500—which he thought would be a good investment. Like Keith, I suffer from poor cycle seating, so it may be worth considering one day.

Eventually, TC and Keith turned off for home, while GW and I returned to Walk Mill. The last five miles seemed long, but we managed to keep the pace going (just about for me, though no problem for George). At the end of the ride, it was calculated that we had covered 43 miles, which was a good result considering the problems we had at the start. Thanks again to TC and Keith

See route map and/or gpx file download

RB

NB : Route map is not exactly that as reported above

2nd October 2025 : Audlem (Mod +)

In a reversal of recent weeks, the mods outnumbered the mod+ riders significantly today. Due I’m sure to the excitement preceding a Big Ray ride around the southern parts of the Wirral. Thus Alan, Clive and I set off using a 53 mile route that Alan had acquired from the CER archives. No sooner had the words “I wonder if Chris is out” left Alan's lips then Chris appeared on cue. So now we had a quartet.

So out of the cafè and right towards Burton and the 50p shop. It was clear that ride leader Alan had a cunning plan to ensure he was not asked to lead rides in the future. One technique was to give notice of a left or right turn as we passed it. As Alan was adopting a rear gunner approach eg manage from the rear, this led to Clive sailing past key turns. 

With my memory fresh from Chris’s attacks on the climb from the Shady to Beeston Castle, I preempted his attack and emptied myself on the climb. Other than my red face and lung bursting breaths, I was surprised to see Chris calmly following me up. Youth eh!

Three riders looking at two black swans on a pond

The lovely lanes to Bunbury and Wrenbury were occasionally spoilt by Formula 1 tractor drivers or navigating the detritus of mud from said Formula 1 vehicles. By Wrenbury, Alan was muttering words such as “it's a lot further than I thought” and “where is it?” when referring to the lunch venue. 

However contrary to Alan’s belief, the Cafe at the Marina had not in fact moved and it welcomed us in. Those of you who had ridden with Chris will know he adopts a DIY method at lunchtime. But not today, Chris "seven bellies" despatched a Coffee/egg sandwich/ Egg &Bacon on toast , Oh, and did I mention the large portion of cake! Clearly the lad was hungry. 

A wind assisted route back past Hack Green led to ride leaders ultimate abdication. "I can’t find the route on my computer" came the cry! Fortunately Clive knew a route through Nantwich and Bunbury to get us back. Gleefully free of the burden of leadership, Alan was happy to swoop around the group and attack on the climbs. 

Just after Tilstone Fearnall bank, Clive consulted the group and asked did we want the “flat” route skirting Tarporley, or the hilly route to Utkinton road. Despite three of use voting for flat, Clive took a leadership decision and we ascended towards Utkinton road on Winterford Lane in Eaton. 

At last by Rose Farm, our route back to Waverton was flat and debris free. Clive and Chris turned right for Chester where Chris clocked a respectable 71 miles,  similar to Clive. Alan and I nudged 56, so a good ride at a decent pace in excellent company. 

See route map and/or gpx file download

SHu  

25th September 2025 : Overton (Mod)

Well let’s start with the weather; chilly out of the sun, but fantastic cycling conditions so that’s that covered. The cafe for today's departure was bristling with the CER mob, covering all the groups so that’s that covered. So, onto the riders today: that me and Roy on his tandem and his good lady Carmen (the one at the back doing all his hard work), David M, George, oh and the one and only club secretary Dave H. We set off on a little bimble to the Two Doves cafe at Overton visiting numerous countryside hamlets or one-eyed towns on the way via Churton, Shocklach, Worthenbury and Tilston and this, for copy right purposes, may not be the correct order but hopefully you all get the idea as to be perfectly honest I was just taking in our fantastic countryside and chatting away putting the whole world to rights. Maybe Donald, Keir, Vlad and the Israeli guy, should come out with us and learn a thing or two.

We arrived at the cafe and this is where it got interesting as Dave H was feeling unwell (but when we started the ride we drew lots over whose giving him a kiss of life but luckily Roy had the correct apparatus). I said there’s no way I’m giving him a kiss of life absolutely not, anyway we sorted him out and phoned him a taxi then just abandoned him as you do; come on it’s Dave, if it was anyone else we probably might of showed some sympathy, anyway the girls at the cafe looked after him. He felt well enough when the taxi arrived to transport him back to Alison’s to pick his SUV up so all ends well for him. When I spoke later, he said he’s feeling better which is fantastic because he did look in a bad way, much worse than usual.

On the way to the Two Doves cafe

So that left five of our mob to return back to Tattenhall following a route that took us almost into Farndon. Oops that was mine and Roy’s fault as we decided to follow CER tradition and let rip in a time trial. Dave M who was navigating our return trip mentioned a right turn, but sorry we missed it so lost George and Dave so apologies. Roy plotted a re-route for ourselves aiming for Alison’s which we got to in excellent time. Here I said farewell as I had cycled from Mickle Trafford. On my return journey who should  appear but Ivan telling me to come on, but I was blowing out my backside by now, which in typical Ivan response of "Oh I’ve just covered a hundred" ha-ha yes you could say I was deflated. The man’s a machine, and I seriously think the Spanish Health Service used him for AI experiments.

Anyway, just another top cycling day with great company from start to finish doing what Thursday's CER club days are about supping tea, chatting nonsense, and putting as much effort you want to into cycling. 

KB

25th September 2025: Poole (Mod++)

Public Warning : Excessive "Lols" are interspersed within this report!

I counted 16 riders in total at Alison's, which included a new tandem team and a new vet in the form of Toby. I was expecting just a few in my group and ended up with 9 of us. The likes of Clive (complete with a brand new electric Specialized and very nice too) and Ray deciding not to form a fast group, preferring to join mine, along with our new man Toby. After a brief discussion he reckoned he could manage a 14+ mph pace, which was doing himself an injustice, as we discovered later on. The rest of the group were Chris (I’m not late-today!-Lol) and his friend Ronny, Shane ‘the thief’( more on that later-Lol) And of course the Chuckle Brothers(CB’s).

I attempted to herd my group together, but of course the hold up was the Chatterbox again (Chuckle Brother number 2, also known as Steve H, for the newcomers today). The rest of us were mounted and waiting but alas, not the CB’s. It took some classic Sergeant Major shouting from me to even get CB1’s attention. My final shout across the car park -Lol, was “Steve shut up, we’re off”, which did the trick.

My destination was the Milking Parlour at Poole, as a new cafe for some, although I did say if the sun stays out then the group may prefer the Aqueduct Marina, as we would be passing it. Anyway we set off right out of Alison’s and settle into a steady pace up through Huxley and on to Brassey Green for my usual descent over the canal bridge and up to Beeston Castle, only this time we didn’t lose Chris-Lol.

It was not long before we were heading through Bunbury and I was shouting at Ronny “left”, after he had shot past me down the hill and on past the chip shop. The rest of us all turn left and on up toward the church and down to Alpraham, as we were avoiding a couple of more usual lanes, for me at least, due to them being a bit of a mess on my recce ride. This meant we had a half mile stretch on the Nantwich Road in order to pick up the start of a lovely series of lanes out toward Church Minshull. 

Calveley was the first, which also introduced us to the light headwind, but with most of the group having a go on the front, it didn’t affect us, which also included Toby, on several occasions. At one point I had to really step on it to keep up (14+ mph, my foot- undersold himself by about 2 mph- Lol) 

I enjoyed several spells on somebodies wheel, especially the chatterbox, because of the stunning silence of the open lanes, due to the fact that for the first time that any of us could remember, the chatterbox had not said a word for probably a whole minute or two -Lol. He was setting such a lively pace that I think he was out of breath -Lol.

It was around  Calveley Green Lane that the queries started coming in about our lunch destination, not the chatterbox for once, but his other half, CB1. Anyway, somebody asked for a stop to take off a jacket, which made me remark that I was surprised we hadn’t stopped already for CB2 to take another cereal bar. However, as I said it, he pulled up along side me with one hanging out of his mouth-Lol. I think it was around this point that I noticed our new man Toby folding a map from his handlebar bag! In that moment, I got this instant image in my head of our illustrious leader (DH) throwing a fist pump and shouting “yes! That’s my boy)- Lol -Lol. 

We were now passing the Badger Pub in Church Minshull, which saw Ronny doing another dash up the road, followed by one of many track stands we saw that day, but as it was on a long-ish hill, there was a slow response to lay chase, from some of us-Lol. As we came up on the Aquaduct Marina, the sun had gone in and a fair few clouds were now present so I shouted out “the Milking Parlour it is then”, although Ronny and somebody I forget had already gone passed, so it was an easy choice- Lol.

A really nice 3 miles of good lanes, past Aston juxta Mondrum saw us turn right for the last half mile to the cafe, on Wettenhall Road which unfortunately is the worst bit of lane on the whole route, but the prospect of lunch dulled the bumps somewhat. As usual, the Milking Parlour looked different on arrival. They are always making changes. This time it was a green double decker bus, that appears to be some form of arty/crafting bus, with a little al-fresco cafe area beside it, just in front of the cycle repair shop.

We got our orders in and settle into a few separate tables and I got stuck with the Chuckle Brothers. However, Chris joining us made for a somewhat hilarious lunch break, despite the delay in my food, after Shane had stolen my lunch. He apparently said Yes  to my eggs on toast, because his order was cocked up - can you believe the nerve of the guy- Lol,Lol. I think we both ordered poached eggs, but they didn’t tell us they couldn’t do them, so they did scrambled eggs on mine, but let the thief divert them to his table, I think - sounds feasible to me -Lol.

Lunch conversation covered all sorts on our table from the chatterbox’s recent high cholesterol test to the CB’s Welsh lessons. I suggested that the high cholesterol was probably to do with all those cereal bars he consumes during the rides- Lol. This sparked Chris into a moment of clarity and a light bulb moment, when he realised why the chatterbox, in particular, was learning Welsh; quote, “it’s because he is running out of English words to say”-Lol,Lol,Lol. Even the CB’s chuckled! at that one, just as they were also struggling to get a translation on the app they were using. I then suggested the app couldn’t keep up with the chatterbox and that its response was; for Christ sake give me a break, which had me and Chris splitting our sides again. Got to love the CB’s - Lol.

Having finally got my lunch, which I threw down, we got going, only to be held up by Chris, who was chatting up the young lady in the small shop next to the cafe, oblivious to us all being suited and booted- Lol.(mind you, she did say she would talk to anybody -Lol) We finally got going with the general opinion being the Milking Parlour was expensive and can’t cope with a large group. Now heading toward Nantwich, we enjoyed a lovely smooth couple of miles of resurfaced road, all bar the last half mile. We swing around the outskirts via Millfields and Pear Tree Meadows before heading out into the country again on Marsh lane.

We took a series of lanes, namely; Tally-ho, Springe, Ikey and Whitehaven Lanes, before we could get on the Wrexham Road up to Bunbury again. We didn’t take the conventional route hence, a short stretch of the Wrexham road, in order to take Long Lane up to Haughton, passing  Chestnut Meats factory on the way. Long Lane is in much better condition these days, as opposed to the conventional Brindley Lea Lane , which is now in a very poor state.

Just as we rounded the bend, heading for Bunbury, somebody remarked that we forgot to get a team pic, so I suggested Peckforton castle entrance and therefore road past the Yew Tree pub by-passing Bunbury, so as to pick up Peckforton lane. Team pic done we set off again for Beeston Castle and up past another cafe, as I knew that the lower road was flooded or at least still very wet and mucky from my ride 2 days before.

At Peckforton Castle gates

It was at this point that The Mugger pulled up along side me, who I hadn’t seen all ride (apart from at lunch-Lol) so I thought he was about to pounce, but I was ready. However, to my surprise he confessed to struggling with pace all day. I then remarked that the AS was good at 15.7 mph however, I reckoned we could crack 16, if we pushed on for the last 4 miles to Alison’s. With that Ronny and Chris took off around the down hill bend and I chased after them.

I never saw them again, as I kept going to end of Bird Lane, expecting somebody to pass me at some point, but never did. However, I think that had more to do with Ray, Clive, Ronny, Chris and Toby all turning right to the Ice Cream Farm -Lol. I didn’t know they were going to do that, which meant I was left waiting for the CB’s and Shane.

We headed into Tattenhall, with my legs beginning to fade. The brand new tarmac through the high street made them feel a little better, or was it downhill- Lol. Just before I left the last 3 in the group turning up the hill to Rocky Lane, CB2 asked what our AS was, to which I remarked we had set a record for a Mod+ group, as I had 16mph on my Garmin and we have never done that before. We said our goodbyes and I set off down Frog Lane for home.The CB’s were heading for Holt (where they had parked and Shane of course lives on route at Stretton).

What a great day with some punchy riding at times, with great company, lovely weather and some hilarious conversation. Although the lunch venue is pleasant enough, I don’t think we’ll use it again or at least not with ‘the thief’-Lol, Lol.

Till next time ladies. 

See route map and/or gpx file download

NT ( aka The ‘wind whisperer’)

18th September 2025: Cefn-y-Bedd

 I was a bit late arriving at Meadow Lea, even though (or because) I live closer to the venue than anyone else. I had rushed off at 5 to 10 and got halfway to Meadow Lea before I realised that I'd left home without my helmet and had to go back for it. So, I ended up sitting with some of the mod+ guys and discovered that they are really nice people when you get to know them. The rumour coming from the other mods across the room was that Ray was going to lead a ride up onto The Wirral. However just as we were all getting up to leave the other mods came over and asked if I had a ride. Ray seemed particularly keen to offload the leading duties, a decision he was to come to regret.

 So it was that I ended up leading a ride that I had downloaded from the blog which we had done back in October 2015. There were six of us riding. Five if you count bikes as Dave & Liz had turned up on the tandem. They joined Andy W, Jim, Ray and me as we headed into Guilden Sutton and then out along School Lane and Hoole Lane towards town. A seventh member, David M would have joined us, but a last minute request from a family member for a lift meant he left us to take up taxi duties.

 After dropping down to the River Dee we crossed into Handbridge and headed for Eccleston, Kinnerton and Hope. Crossing the Alyn valley, we continued upwards round the flank of Hope Mountain and onto the Corwen road at Treuddyn. With most of the climbing done (and a lot of moaning from Ray as a result) we sped down the Cegidog valley. At Ffrith we turned up towards Cymau. A short climb here but for Ray it was the 'straw that broke the camel's back' as he succumbed to walking up the final section, pushing his bike. Once we had regrouped at the top it was downhill to the Mold road followed by a short dash on the level to reach our lunch destination, the Holly Bush at Cefn-y-Bedd.

 I'd been telling Jim that I thought it was him that had planned the route originally, but he didn't think it was. So before setting out to write this up I checked and sure enough it was. In his write up he wrote 'The meals were well priced and a good choice: will definitely go there again'. Well it has taken us 10 years to get there again. Prices have obviously gone up since then but there was still a good choice so we 'will definitely go there again', probably in 10 years’ time.

After lunch we cycled up to Llay then down through the houses to cross the A483. Here we took Springfield Road, a delightful ride through woods, spoilt only by the noise from the traffic on the nearby dual-carriageway. At the T-junction Dave & Liz left us and the rest of us turned up Marford Hill. This produced another groan from Ray. So ,when we turned into Hoseley Lane I abandoned the continuing climb up Hoseley Bank and opted instead to turn down Cox Lane and cross over to the Rossett road which was flat. This took us into Holt then onto familiar roads through Farndon and Aldford. After Bruera we had one last climb up to Saighton (definitely the last one, Ray, you can do it). At the top we passed Abbey Gate College, a private school, just as the kids were coming out. Well, you've never seen so much expensive hardware in one place and queuing up the road. Porsches, BMW's, Range Rovers, even a Rolls Royce. When I was young I had to walk to school, as did everyone else. 

Andy left us at Saighton and the three of us continued to Waverton and Christleton. In Guilden Sutton Jim and I left Ray to ride the last mile to Meadow Lea on his own so he was the only one to complete the full 44 miles. Well done him. I expect him to come next week with a plan for a completely flat ride.

TC

See route map and/or gpx file download

18th September 2025: Tattenhall

 Once again, the weather forecast was none too promising and, indeed, it had rained a bit in Runcorn as I loaded my bike on to the carrier. Dave H was not able to come today as he had an appointment for yet another injection in his eye.

Arriving at the Meadow Lea café, I was clear that it hadn’t rained there. There was a throng of CER members in the café as well groups of cyclists from other clubs. I think the yummy mummies were overwhelmed with folk in Lycra! Steve Hughes is just recovering from a dose of Covid, so wasn’t looking for a fast ride. Clive was only out until lunchtime, as he had a hospital appointment later in the day. John M is still feeling his way after being prescribed medication to control his runaway heart rate when he climbs hills. And Elwyn and Fiona ‘just wanted a steady ride’. As I had loaded a circular  ride first devised by Neil, I offered to lead a mod+ ride provided that it would at be my pace and not the mod++ pace which some rides have gone at recently.

The six of us set off along the A56, but we jumped off heading for Little Barrow. Turning left after the railway, we were soon crossing the A54 and in to Oscroft. As we got to the end of Cross Lanes, who should we see but Dave Matthews, on his way back home from Meadow Lea!  Across the Tarvin By-Pass and on to very pleasant lanes. The weather had picked up with a warm wind and occasional bursts of sunshine coming through

Wiggling down the lanes took us through Huxley and on to Bates Mill Lane, the scene of my puncture, two weeks ago. Zooming past The Shady pub and over the canal took us up the steady climb to Beeston Castle. Turning right at the junction we then followed the familiar route towards Tattenhall. By now the wind was gusting quite strongly and Clive kindly went on front to shield me from the worst of it.

As we reached Tattenhall, Clive peeled off heading for home and his hospital appointment. Then there were five…

Alison’s was quite busy, but we were able to get a table outside and order food and drink. The combo of tomato and basil soup + a ham and chutney sandwich was popular, but Fiona and Elwyn went up-market with avocado, egg and sourdough bread. Talk around the table ranged from high end dining to holiday plans.

Replete, we went back to the bikes to continue the ride. But John M had decided that he would go home by a direct route to prepare for the delivery tomorrow of his new Volvo. Then there were four!  

Exiting Tattenhall via Rocky Lane were were soon across the A41 and turned right at Crowley Oak, heading for Coddington. Having failed to take a team photo with all six of us, we decided to stop by the old school and pose to a selfie taken by Elwyn.

Crossing the A534, we went into Carden Park, a clear sign that this route was devised by Neil. Exiting via the triumphal arch, we pressed on to Stretton, passing Shane’s place and heading for Crewe-by-Farndon along Wetreins Lane.

Crossing the A534 (again), Fiona and Elwyn headed for Holt and home, whilst Steve Hughes and I pressed on for Churton and Saighton. This is where Steve took his leave, heading towards Chester and the River Dee, which he intended to follow, rather than using the Greenway which was blocked today.

That left me as ‘Billy No Mates’ to plug on through Waverton and Brown Knoll, arriving back at the Meadow Lea café at 2.40 pm with 40 miles and 14.1 mph on the clock. An excellent day out in first class company on yet another occasion when the weather was nothing like that forecast b the Met Office. Do they really know that they’re doing?

ST

See route map and/or gpx file download

11th September 2025: Malpas (Remnants!)

 As you can see from Steve’s account the moderate ride could have aptly been re-named “The Remnants’ Ride”. I was very happy to undertake a shorter ride with Dave and Liz. I would have great company and less chance of a long stint in wet clothes. For the second Thursday in a row any sensible cyclist, and Neil, would have stayed at home with heavy rain forecast.

I quickly re-jigged my original plans by substituting Malpas for Whixall. Jim and Big Ray came with us through Farndon as far as Crewe-by-Farndon where they headed for Wetreins. We carried on to Shocklach circling west of Malpas and turning through Threapwood toward Oldcastle Heath via Dog Lane. Not for the first time we met horse riders on this stretch and care was taken and pleasantries exchanged, although this didn’t prevent one horse at the back rearing high into the air like the Lone Ranger’s horse, Silver. A bit close for comfort: a bike helmet would be little protection if a load of steaming horse the weight of a Citroen AX landed on your head. We turned left up Sunnyside before the inevitable climb to the centre of Malpas. We agreed to eat at The Little Deli where Dave and Liz used to eat and were friendly with the previous owner. Liz and Dave had just returned from Switzerland and were looking in fine fettle. Dave was the colour of my old brown boots. Being grandparents and travelling seems to be agreeing with them. The friendly staff tailored the dishes to suit the healthy veggie Pipes, and my omelette was very tasty.

I thought about showing Dave my relatively new route out of Malpas, but by the time He had got his act together Liz had walked 100 yards up the High Street so we turned up Chester Road, passing the high school before going down to Ebnal and left at Mates Lane. I received a phone call. It started to rain. My beloved Harry, our family’s life-affirming dog had had had to be euthanized. As I rode on tears mingled with the drizzle wet on my face. Dave was having a trouble sorting out the back of his vintage yellow oilskin cape. Liz mentioned that rain ran down the back of the cape and wet her legs! The rain ceased almost as soon as we set off again from under the trees, and Dave’s cape was only of use as a spinnaker now. From Kidnal we cycled through Tilston, turning left before Stretton Hall and intent on beating the rain. A little shower began as we placed our bikes in the cars, before driving close to The Green at Holt and entering Maggie’s where we had a final cake and coffee before Steve and Alan soon joined us having covered double our mileage. None of us had really got wet, and it had been an enjoyable day. Unfortunately, I would remember the day for a so sad reason and would never again be greeted on my return home by a happy wagging tail and a lick on my knee from a very special dog.

DH

Harry  -  R.I.P

11th September 2025: Whixall Marina (mod+)

On a day when wind and rain were predicted, a small group of CER members gathered at Maggie’s in Holt. Dave M was adamant that he was going home after coffee to avoid the coming deluge. Jim and Ray B were planning a short ride before returning home and Nick was riding back to Tilston to meet up with his son.

That left Alan, Ray S, Dave H and yours truly. Both Dave and I had a route down to Whixall Marina; I was keen to ride at faster pace than ‘mod’, but that wouldn’t suit Dave, so a slower pace seemed to be likely. Just before 10.30, Dave and Liz Pipe turned up on the tandem and Dave quickly agreed to ride with them, destination unknown.

That resolved the dilemma about a faster ride, so Alan, Ray S and I set off for Whixall in bright sunshine, but into a blustery headwind (or ‘cross headwind’ as the Wind Whisperer would have it). Nick came along with us as far as Tilston as we carried on through Chorlton, past Newton Hall and in to Lower Wych. The climb up from Wych Brook was a challenge, but was managed without any problems.

Up to this point, although there were some big dark clouds around, we had avoided any rain.  When it arrived, it was enough to for us to put on our rain jackets, but certainly not the deluge that Dave M had predicted. Crossing the A525 at Eglwys Cross and the A495 as we approached Fenn’s Bank, we saw the signpost for Whixall – 4 miles. But we knew from the last time we’d done this route that the marina was still at least 5 miles away.

Arriving at the marina, the rain had stopped and we left the bikes under the cover of the outdoor seating area. The café itself was full of ‘senior citizens’ and had stopped serving breakfasts at 12.00. So bacon and egg or sausage and egg sandwiches were the order of the day. These were very nice except that Ray’s egg was overcooked and so he had them do another one for him.

After the traditional group photo had been taken, we donned our rain jackets, more to keep warm than anything else as the sky was now cloudy and threatening rain. The first three miles back to Northwood were directly into the wind before we turned north towards Bettisfield, where we picked up the cross tailwind which blew us up to Bettisfield and Hanmer. Here we crossed the A539 and shortly after the A525.

By now the sun had returned, so off came the rain jackets. In several places along the route, the roads were very wet and it was obvious that there had been a local downpour, but, riding our luck we had avoided them all.  Zooming along through Threapwood and Shocklach we soon arrived in Farndon, where Ray headed home for Chester and Alan and I returned to Holt and the café.

When we got there at 2.20, Dave H, Liz and Dave P were already there enjoying a cup of coffee, having returned from their ‘marathon’ ride to Malpas.  

Just under 40 miles covered at an average speed of 13.7 mph and a modest 1400 feet climbed. The last time I did this ride with the mod+ group, my average speed was 14.4 mph, so I still have some fitness to gain; but I’m happy with progress so far.

Thanks to Alan and Ray for their company and support and to Dave H for his understanding.

ST

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4th September 2025: Aston

Seven members gathered at Rose Farm café on a day which was predicted to be wet or even very wet.  As usual, Dave M was only there for coffee, so that left Dave H, Ray B, Mike G, Clive, Ray S (good to see you, Ray!) and myself as riders. After some discussion it was agreed to run just one ride – a sort of ‘mod’ and ‘brisk’ group, but would it work? Too fast for some and too slow for others?

Just as we were donning wet weather gear and helmets (it was raining a bit already), young Chris turned up, which broadened the already wide range of abilities within the group. Nevertheless, we set out on a ride I’d done a few years ago to Aston and The Bhurty (as it’s now called).

So we set off at a good pace down Utkinton Lane to Cotebrook, round Oulton Park and on to Wettenhall and Cholmondeston. Passing the Venetian Marina, I heard a call to knock the pace back a little, so took it easy around Reaseheath College and in to the outskirts of Nantwich.

Heading out to Ravensmoor, we took the direct route to Wrenbury and the newly surface and now very smooth lane past the railway station to Aston and ‘The Bhurty’. Or at least some of us did! Clive had mentioned a preference for ‘Berries’ café in Wrenbury and when he, Ray S and Chris didn’t show up in Aston, I guessed that he’d taken the ‘briskers’ there. At least they’d get a fast ride back to Chester.

The Bhurty was unusually empty, but the food was spot-on, my sea bass risotto was particularly mouth-watering. Despite the grim rain forecast we had escaped a soaking so far, but it began to lash down outside as we finished our meal.  Almost miraculously, the rain stopped as we stepped outside for our return. Our route back was a familiar one via Wrenbury, Chorley Bank and Brindley. It soon became obvious that an enforced lack of sleep and clapped -out hip was going to mean that I wouldn’t be able to match our morning average of 13.9 m.p.h.  We navigated some flooding without difficulty as we headed for Brindley with the interesting loop to Bath House Farm, which I have mentioned before as the historic site of a spa. Tilly’s and the café at Beeston Castle were very tempting to Mike, as well as myself, I guess, but Steve pressed on. The very sharp climb over the canal by The Shady always presents a challenge; it is a risk to run at it in a highish gear because of the preceding blind bend inhibiting your downhill momentum. Approach this bridge in a low gear at reduced speed and with your Vingegaard minus legs propelling nearly five stone more than Jonas you may fail. I mean, I know it is a very short climb, but how would Jonas fancy it with a ten year-old boy on his crossbar? Anyway, with all the determination of a wet lettuce, Big Ray registered a refusal. On reaching Huxley Lane Steve discovered that he had a thorn puncture. Mike and Steve sorted it with minor late assistance from me, with Ray resting like a beached whale on the opposite grass bank. To be fair, “too many cooks, etc…”!  And who would welcome Ray looming loudly into their kitchen to help them out? 

Ray’s cruising holiday, associated guzzling and lack of recent stage race exposure had temporarily set back his impressive post- electric fitness gains. Ray and me went ahead, as Steve and Mike apparently cocked up the final tyre seating and inflation, so didn’t catch us up before Rose Farm after all. As always, it’s a tough haul from Bate’s Mill Bridge to Utkinton, but we had enjoyed a fair bit of sunshine on our return, and for a day that had looked a potential write-off for leisure cycling, it had been well worth the effort. Many thanks to Steve for leading and the usual relaxing friendship from the troops. About thirty-nine miles covered. P.S. Steve did “a Dave Pipe” losing his wallet in Rose Farm car park but retrieved it eventually. Perhaps fortunately, also like Dave, there was not much in it to panic about

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28th August 2025: Llandegla (mod+)

 Only seven riders on this mild but potentially damp morning at the Gallery cafe. Steve Tan walked over to the Gladstone to check for any strays, but none found. The ‘hilly’ roads of Gogledd Cymru probably a bit arduous for some…lol.

Despite the sparse turnout we still had three groups, the brisk duo of  Ivan and Nick, the mods, Steve T and Keith. Chris, his mate Ron and myself, the middling group!

I had a ride to Llandegla which I hoped would keep us away from the forecasted showers. Riding with the brisk lads as far as Northop, I soon realised that the new lad was a bit quick!

Chris was still nursing a sore knee, so he was at my pace as we watched ‘rocket Ronnie’ whiz off the front, catching him up at junctions as he performed a very impressive track stand!

We followed the tried and trusted route up to Gwernaffield, then down to Loggerheads and finally on the quiet lanes to Llandegla.

Lunch was in the community cafe, Chris of course skipped mains and straight to dessert. Ron told us he worked part time and did a lot of riding, think he said he was up to 5k this year! But the biggest surprise was that he was only 21 - I felt like I was on a ride with my son and grandson…lol

So far, we had only had the slightest of showers and it stayed that way as we rode on to the Ffrith and down to Hope.

The proper rain came as we arrived back at Hawarden, where the two  lads split for Chester, me heading for home and a distance of about 54 miles for the three of us.

 Alan

28th August 2025: Brimstage (mod)

 Just six plus one members turn up at The Gallery Café in Hawarden, which has had a great re-furb and also has some very pleasant staff. Ivan and Nick were off to Rhyl; Alan, Chris and new boy Ronnie were headed to Landegla; that left Keith and I to choose our destination. I’d brought a route to the Courtyard Café at Brimstage which Alan had lead a few years ago, but had not expected to use it as Ray B had sent an email round during the week including a route which would lead to lunch at Meadow Lea. But Ray was nowhere to be seen, nor George, Trevor or Jim.

So, Keith and I set off in light rain for Brimstage even though I hadn’t studied the route in detail beforehand. The lack of preparation would lead to some confusion and wrong turns in due course. We whizzed down Gladstone Way to the roundabout and picked our way over using the overpasses that Alan had shown us. This is where I made my first mistake Alan’s route had gone to Shotton , over the river using the Hawarden Bridge and then on to the Greenway. I’d took Keith across the New Jubilee Bridge and into Garden City. Not surprisingly, I didn’t recognise my surroundings and at one stage, we found ourselves on the wrong side of the A494.

Back on the correct side, we negotiated Deeside Interchange and eventually got onto some quieter roads. Fumbling my way past Capenhurst and through Ledsham, I began to feel more confident that I was now on the right route. This was short lived as we soon found ourselves on the A540 heading towards Neston. I’d missed a turning up a track that lead directly to Willaston. My computer didn’t show the error as it had picked up the homeward leg of the route through Burton and wanted me to that way!

Eventually reaching Willaston, we got back on track past Raby Mere. At one point, the road had been dressed with chippings; this is a practice I don’t like as it doesn’t do much to remove potholes and it makes cycling more difficult. However, one of the road signs was worthy of a photo (below)

I wonder what the Cat’s Protection League would think of that?

Having gone around the edge of the housing estates in Stanton, we crossed the busy B5151 at Bracken lane. This is notable due to the very steep hill as you approach the main road and the very sharp descent at the other side. Pressing on towards Storeton, we doubled back on ourselves along Brimstage Lane. At this point my computer told me to turn around and re-trace my steps. Then the penny dropped! This was the ride we’d done after some heavy rain and the road under the M53 was flooded. So, we’d had to turn around and find another way to Brimstage. Today we were able to pass under the M53 and go on to the café in Brimstage

Before we’d left The Gallery, I sent a text to Clive (who had a hospital appointment in the morning) to tell him where the various rides were heading to. He’d phoned me back to say that he’d meet us at the Courtyard Café. Keith and I had just placed our orders when Clive showed up, just as it started to rain.

It was still raining as we set off on the return leg through Thornton Hough and Raby. I’m more familiar with the roads round here, but was still happy to have Clive with us, thus ensuring that there’d be no more navigational errors. Pressing on through Willaston and Burton, we were soon on the cycleway at Burton Point where Clive pointed out the site of an Iron Age fort.

Arriving at the end of The Greenway, Clive left us to head home and Keith and I moseyed on to Hawarden Bridge, where we took the path alongside the River Dee. At this point, the wind got up and heavens opened. Of course, I’d just taken my rain jacket off and had to quickly put it back on! Crossing the river, we were just getting into Queensferry when we saw Alan coming the other way. He’d had a good ride and remarked that Ronnie is even faster than Chris! Keith and I fumbled our way around the busy roundabout and started along Gladstone Way. After a short distance, we took a left turn which took us to Mancot and a (slightly) easier route to the top.

39 miles covered on a ride which sometimes seemed like it was being done by Fred Karno’s Circus. My thanks to Clive and (especially) Keith for their company and navigational assistance. I must make a note to study the routes more carefully in future.

ST

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21st August 2025: Utkinton (mod+)

 Not sure of the total but I figure there was roughly a dozen attendees for today’s meet at Delamere Station cafe, all split between the Mod and Mod+ group.

There was no fast group, with just Nick without any mates, so he joined my merry band of Mod+ individuals, which also included Chris, Shane and the Chuckle Brothers of course. Before we got to discussing routes, Keith had some sad news for us in that he had dropped the chain on his brand new Di2 Cervello, which as some of us know often leads to damaging the paintwork around the bottom bracket hence, he was not on his new steed.

All tears now wiped away, we got on to discussing routes, which in my case meant something a little different, with some new lanes and territory, at least for the likes of my group. I had never ridden the full length of the Whitegate Way, which leads right into Winsford, a place I have always avoided in the past, but thought that today would be a good day to check them out, especially after such a dry summer.

 

We set of the usual way out of Delamere, all be it a bit later, which of course meant that Chris made it in time-Lol. I lead the group up and around Norley on a couple of new lanes to some, after winging a quick change, due to Sandhole Lane not looking very passable. After a few meandering miles we make it to Waste Lane, but from the other direction to the accepted norm and hurtle down the hill, which consequently meant that some overshot the left turn, near the bottom of the hill. Chris made it with some dare devil braking. I suppose I should have warned them all in advance -Lol

 

As you’d expect the Whitegate Way is currently amazing to ride, after such dry weather, although the far end bits into Winsford are a bit disjointed and not such a good surface as I found out to my very near demise. I was carrying a bit of speed when I suddenly found myself going downhill, around a bend on gravel, with the back wheel locked up, heading for a barrier gate. I had no choice but to also lock up the front as well, in an effort to stop. Fortunately, I managed to get my foot out and brace the impact on the gate, just managing to avoid going head over heels and possibly bending my front wheel in the process. Suffice it to say I copped a few comments from my fans who clearly did not appreciate the bike skills involved in staying upright-Lol.

Just a mile or so later we missed the left turn that would have lead us onto Bradford Road. This consequently lead to a bit of extra physical activity, for some impatient individuals, lifting bikes over locked gates, which was not needed or my fault-Lol. Just as CB2 and Nick had got over, I realised where the missed trail was and turned back-Lol. Eventually on the right track, literally, we avoid the road for another half mile and then join it where it became New Road.

 

We then meandered through the south west suburbs of Winsford (clearly not the wealthiest part of the town) in order to pick up a very nice series of lanes that I and most had not ridden before. After about 5 miles we joined a very familiar stretch that lead us into the boundary lanes around the south side of Oulton Park, once we had stopped for another! Energy bar. I’ve never seen anybody eat so many. You would think that CB2 would go like the proverbial Energiser Bunny, but alas not-Lol, Lol.

 

It was at this time that Chris also had his major mechanical- Lol. His bar end plug had fallen out and we were wondering how he was going to carry on. However, after a deep dive into the bowels of CB2’s fanny bag, yes you guessed it, he was carrying a spare, which lead me to wonder what does Chris carries in that rucksack, besides his lunch - more on that later-Lol. We get going again and were soon taking on our only real climb of the day, Heaths Lane, which lead us up, the easy way, onto the Sandstone Ridge only to come straight back down again via Tirley Lane, for a fast descent into Rose Farm for lunch.

 

As usual the conversation was flowing well and the food came quickly, if a little disappointing for both Nick and I. Our ‘eggs royal’ had the smallest portions of salmon I have ever seen. We both had four 1” squares of smoked salmon (cut out with scissors can you believe) It wasn’t as if it was cheap at £12.50.

 

Anyway, just as we were finished bitching about our salmon and Chris stopped laughing about the missing corner of his brownie-Lol, what he did next was even more amusing, firstly because he was half way through eating his brownie and secondly because he suddenly lifted his rucksack and pulled out a spare saddle and then proceeded to go and swap said saddle for the one on his bike. I mean, who carries a spare saddle-Lol. This caused many looks of disbelief, ironically not from Alan, who as we have come to know, doesn’t believe most things-Lol. Saddle now replaced and lunch finished we left with at least me stating that we wouldn’t return for lunch there again, as we turned right down the hill towards Oscroft. 

 

Within 2 miles we turned left, opposite Chapel Hill and both Nick and I decided to wind it up, pretty much all the way to Dave Mathews house, where we part company with Nick and Alan, who were returning to Delamere for their cars via Nicks extended route. Shane, Steve and I all rode up to Delamere, so my route never included returning, especially as Shane and Steve were on one of their 100 milers again and none of us wanted to repeat any of our route. As for Chris ,who knows, what he was going to do, as we later discovered - Lol. So, it was cheerio to them two, which gave Steve’s chance to consume his 34th energy bar – Lol.

 

We headed off past DM’s place, with a passing nod of reverence to the home of one of the regions cycling demigods.  We were soon crossing the A49 and within a few hundred mtrs we turned left towards Okells garden centre and then on past the 50p shop and Huxley beyond. We were heading for Beeston, adding another lovely meander. We turned down to the ‘The Shady’ pub and I made my usual acceleration towards the hump back bridge over the canal, when Chris suddenly shot past me. How he got round the bridge was eye popping. I thought I took it fast, but he left me standing and romped up the hill towards Beeston, never to be seen again, despite a short regroup near the right turn to the ice cream farm, where I parted company with Shane and Steve, who I had advised to miss out Tattenhall, due to the high street being resurfaced for 5 days and therefore shut. I obviously swung around the south side to avoid it as well.

 

As for Chris, who didn’t turn up at the end of Bird’s Lane, where I stopped for 2 minutes, I later found out that he suddenly decided to try and beat a mates strava time hence, he flashed by me. The trouble was, his dash was to the gates of Beeston castle, which was left at the top and not right where we went. Of course, he failed to mention anything to us about his plans-Lol.

I got home with 55 miles on the clock and a very sedate AS of 14.5mph - must have been all those energy bar stops-LOL, although we did do a few small hills.

Cracking day again with great company and some very amusing moments, some at my expense and more than a bit of banter-Lol,Lol,Lol

 

Till next time ladies

Neil.

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