At least 12 of us arrived at the wind surfing centre in windy (NW) and spotty rain conditions. Fortunately the weather forecast predicted improving conditions and moderating winds for the rest of the day.
There were one or two new riders present, so we agreed to split with the slightly faster group heading out to the cafe at Malkins Bank golf course near Alsager.
We (David M, Ray, Mike, Paul and Alan) set out on a lumpy route to Hatchmere and then via Darnhall to Church Minshull. A left turn here took us over towards Warmingham where we turned south through lots of minor roads until we arrived at Hassall Green (where we saw the sad sight of "The Romping Donkey” boarded up) and shortly to Malkins Bank. The facilities here are much improved and we enjoyed a good welcome and an excellent lunch.
 |
| Malkins Bank Golf Course cafe |
Photograph by Alan Jeffs
Return route went out to the A50 and a hard ride back against the still strong wind to Middlewich. We navigated a few busy roads here to return to Hatchmere through Davenham and Acton Bridge. More lumpy stuff through to Mouldsworth got us back to Manley Mere just as the light was going sometime after 4:00pm.
Ride distance was 100k (62m), from Manley and back to Manley at an average riding time speed of 22kph (14mph). Most of us had covered around 120k by the time we got home. A great use of all the available daylight and an excellent hard training start to the year.
DM
