3rd September 2026 : Whatcroft (brisk)

A fine and slightly warmer day in prospect today and NO RAIN!. Meadow Lea cafe is always popular with walkers and cyclists alike so the CER riders were well ensconced inside as I arrived at 1000. A few more arrived a little later; so there were at least two rides in the offing.

There were two “new” riders today one of whom, Simon, threw his lot in with the Brisk group who were going to Whatcroft - where’s that?  was the universal question posed by all and sundry; well at least three people!

I had spent my usual diligent approach when curating this ride i.e. about 10 mins before I left home; so it would be all ok with no hidden issues arising. The peloton consisted of Chris,Toby, Nick, and Ray with new rider Simon and myself. Chris’s friend the bike balancer Ronnie also joined us albeit briefly.

We turned left instead of a planned right turn out of the gate so that Nick could get some fluids for the ride as he had forgotten to refit a bottle cage on his bike. There are two shops in the centre of Guilden Sutton housing estate near to the village hall. Nick gets his fluids as Ray remarks that he never knew there were shops here.

We set off towards Dunham and Mouldsworth and Manley via a slightly longer route than normal. We are soon climbing up to 500ft as we crest Birch Hill on the fast run down to Kingsley. We take the tiny lanes to Acton Bridge followed by a short stretch of the main road towards Weaverham. The village information board describes this as a  pretty, sleepy village until ICI arrived close by in 1921. A bit later on we sidle around the huge landfill site towering above the road bringing us to ICI’s successor plants of Tata Chemicals at Winnington.

The traffic lights at the Weaver Navigation bridge are well backed up today for some reason. Turning up the short sharp Soot Hill we motor on to Comberbach then onto Great Budworth, which is as pretty as ever. It’s a pleasant run now through Pickmere and Wincham to Plumley passing the well-scaffolded Smoker Pub, where Nick used go for works Christmas do’s.

I can hear rumbling stomachs now as we hit Lach Dennis at 32 mls out. Fortunately, the Oakwood Marina is just 5 mins away. We have been here a handful of times and never been disappointed with the service and quality of the food and today was no exception. Eggs Florentine, giant sausage rolls, beans on toast and a very good three egg omelette, were the selection today along with usual table banter.

The return is predictable via Hartford to Norley. At the Hatchmere crossroads, I’m ready to set loose the dogs for the usual fast run back through Delamere Forest. We recover at Dark Lane crossroads deciding which way back. As Nick has to go back to Tilston, we follow him to Aston Hayes. Simon wants to climb Mouldsworth hill so we say farewell as he rides solo back to Chester. 

Very close to Meadow Lea, we pass Keith and Steve by as they head home, as we now head down the Greenway. So a 54 miler with the tight peloton keeping close with shades of the old days, and where the ride leader was the only person with a detailed or recently cobbled together route. 

Many thanks to the Chester rider companions today who will have at least mid 60 miles ridden and Nick with quite a lot more today.

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

15th January 2026 : Whitegate (mod)

I always look forward to riding from Meadow Lea. Not least because, being my closest starting point, I get to have a lie-in on a Thursday. Although it was going to be a cold day the prospect of a rain-free day with little wind was enough to attract a good number of riders. Seven of these were moderate riders, these being Andy W, Dave H, David M, Keith Mike G, Ray and me. Dave had a ride in mind but was quite happy to go with mine – a 41-mile trip to Whitegate with without too many hills.

We took the usual route out via Wicker Lane, cycling through Waverton and down Martins Lane. After passing through Hargrave and reaching the Tattenhall road we ignored the 'road closed' signs and turned left. However we did our best not to ignore the numerous holes in the road as we cycled up towards Huxley. We then cycled through Tarporley and on to Eaton where David was seduced by the smell of coffee and lured into The Drays Coffee Shop never to be seen again. (Not really – I made that last bit up).

The remaining six of us rode on through Darnhall to the outskirts of Winsford where we wound our way through the backstreets to reach the big roundabout at the bottom of High Street. We usually use the underpass to get across the dual carriageway safely but it had been fenced off and replaced with a light controlled crossing. Having got across we cycled up past the old salt mines heading for the end of the Whitegate Way. We had intended to cycle along this but it was clear that it was going to be muddy. I decided that staying on tarmac would be a better idea. An extra mile or two and a few more ups and downs but a lot less scrubbing of the bikes afterwards. The diversion took us through Whitegate village and brought us close to our intended lunch stop at the Whitegate Station House Cafe.

When we arrived at the cafe the lady at the till was already looking flustered. She admitted that several groups had come in at the same time and the cafe was full. She had just finished doing this and the arrival of six hungry cyclists did nothing to help. Anyway she managed to hold it together and took our orders and by the time that was done we had managed to find seats. It is a community-run cafe and the staff (all local volunteers) were brilliant and soon had the simple but delicious food in front of us.

We always forget to take a photo for the blog. I was determined that we would have one this time so after lunch I rounded them all up in front of the old station sign and took a selfie of the group. I only noticed Mike's pose afterwards. I didn't know what he was doing but Mike did offer a suggestion – which I can't possibly print it here!

Our return was by way of a more direct route. We carried on along Clay Lane, crossing the A54 and passing the main entrance to Oulton Park. We crossed the A49 at Cotebrook and headed up towards Utkinton, passing close to Rose Farm. From there we carried on to Duddon and past Walk Mill before reaching the top end of Martins Lane. We were then retracing our steps from the morning back to Meadow Lea.

With about 400m to go I left the group. There were a few disgruntled mutterings about leaders not leading to the end of the ride, but I ignored them. I had every confidence in their ability to find their way back without getting lost. It was a good day out with almost 43 miles under our belts.

See route map and/or gpx file download

TC

15th January 2026 : Tiverton (mod +)

A cold start for me on route to Meadow Lea, in order to meet the crowd, literally! 

Meadow Lea was rammed, in fact Shane couldn’t park (that’ll teacher him to get up earlier and ride in -Lol. I reckon there were possibly 17 of us on what looked like one of the best days since before Xmas, as there was virtually no wind and no rain expected. Still chilly, but almost summer like compared to last weeks ride- Lol.

I had a plan to ride to the Lockgate on the A49, which is a quirky cyclists cafe, rarely visited. I got outside expecting to have my usual small group, only to find I had 9!Clearly the fast boys were feeling lazy and decided to tag on to yours truly. So, my band of merry men consisted of Shane, Toby, Kev aka ‘very nice man’, half of the CB’s in the form of Allan, non elec Ray, Chris, yours truly and the electric interlopers (Clive & John)

As we set off right, I was instantly wondering about my cafe pick, as 9 is more of a crowd than a group. The obvious alternative was Tilly’s, but that’s not much bigger really. However, I decided we’ll decide closer to the venue, but in the end the decision was taken out of my hands- Lol.

My first surprise for the group was to turn into Ince Lane, off Warrington Rd, which I am never too keen to be on. Ince Ln ultimately dropped us into Dunham On The Hill, via a nice little kicker. I heard somebody behind me suddenly realise where they were when they said “that’s a different way to get here” and then somebody else said, “where’s here”- Lol.

After turning right and then double left, we were then heading toward Manley Mere and enjoying another lovely stretch of smooth tarmac, which would become a theme for the day, as I had hoped I had remembered a lot of the new tarmac in the area. That brings me to the local councils and their efforts to keep the roads in good order, which I know many of you moan about, especially Jim -Lol.

I think they do very well at repairing the roads, that’s coming from an ex southerner. The roads up here are 10 times better than down in the shires ( Oxford & Buckingham, my old stomping ground)

It wasn’t long before we were crossing the A49 and starting the steady long 3 mile- ish haul up to the top of the Sandstone ridge via Kelsal, turning right at the Crows Nest cafe for a few more mtrs uphill. 

We turned left at the top of Chapel Hill and carried on up along Tirley Ln, after a few hundred Mtrs I turn right, strangely, still Tirley Ln, all the way down the fast descent into Utkinton.

We passed Rose Farm and descended into that horrible little kicker, which we all moaned about, except for the Electric interlopers of course, as they flashed by, chasing after Chris, who was leading the way uphill again, with me bringing up the rear, along side ‘the very nice man’. Now into the top of Tarporley high street I turned immediately left up the hill, which seems to get longer every time I ride it- Lol.

10 minutes later we were hurtling down Sapling Ln toward Eaton, in order to turn right, ultimately heading around Tarporley, because that high street is awful to ride through. It was now time to consider a diversion, if we were to find another lunch venue and I suddenly thought that Alison’s wasn’t that far away and a better option than Tilly’s, which meant turning right at Brook Rd, in order to get to Brassey Green. However, I suddenly realised the breakaway group were out of sight and we were therefore committed to riding the busier stretch of the A49, which I had intended to avoid. 

Anyway, we caught up with them at the traffic lights of the A49 junction. We should have done a little 2 mile meander in order to come out at the Tiverton junction, just 200 mtrs up the A49 from the Lockgate cafe, but the breakaway group buggered that up-Lol.

Slightly shorter route than planned, we arrived at the Lockgate cafe and fortunately there were 3 tables along side a big radiator- Oooh! We settled into our orders and spread ourselves across the 3 tables.

There were a few comments from those who hadn’t been there before, admiring the cycling memorabilia, in fact, Chris was taking photo’s of some of it whilst also admiring the rusty old frame outside, with no wheels and in fact no paint. Clearly he was thinking about his next bike, possibly an even better bargain than the £35 special he has been riding with us- Lol, Lol.

I was sat with ‘the very nice man’ and CB1 and there was no shortage of conversation, although most of it revolved around bike components as I tried to answer Kev’s questions. He is looking for a solution to his wife’s arthritis in her left hand, which makes it impossible to change gear so he was considering Di2, which I do have on my Look.

However, it just so happens I was on my Whyte on the day, for the first time this year, which happens to have an Apex 1 SRAM gear system , with double tap gear lever on the right brake lever. For those who may not know about SRAM gears, the double tap system means you select up and down your gears with the one lever and the perfect solution for Kev’s wife, who wouldn’t have to use her left hand at all (apologies, as I can’t remember her name-Lol) Anyway, food interrupted conversation, after a short-ish wait, which was good value, in the current over priced cafe market.

We set off again for a short return to Meadow Lea, via Tiverton and in the words of Clive “not the Tiverton in Devon”-Lol. We are soon through Brassey Green, with a very light tailwind and swinging around Black Swan corner, as I call it, heading uphill toward the 50p shop, which prompted somebody to ask me if said shop was still there, to which I responded with yes  “and the cafe is still going”.

A few minutes later we were passing very close to Okells ( one of the best cafes in the area, although a bit pricey for most)

After crossing the river Gowy, catching the traffic lights just right, we cruise past Walk Mill cafe and wind our way into Waverton, although the breakaway group were still out front and in fact simply carried on to Meadow Lea by turning right in Waverton and completely forgetting about the ride leader, who was bringing up the rear, again, with the very nice man’, because he is a gent-Lol. I tell Kev to turn right through the housing estate, as it might help him to catch them up, not that they cared mind you, which left yours truly suddenly riding on my own without so much as a by your leave- Lol.

So I wiped the tears from my eyes, as it dawned on me I was alone and set about finding my way home, as clearly there was no point in me going back to Meadow Lea. I just hoped that ‘the very nice man’ did catch them up. I got home 7 miles later with 50 miles on the clock and an unusually slow AS, which was 13.9 Mph, but it was hilly, although I think that just reflects the lack of winter miles and fitness.

A cracking day again, with no rain and some great company. It’s a good job the chatter box didn’t make it today other wise this would have been the longest blog ever.

Till next time gents,

See route map and/or gpx file download

NT

12th June 2025: Bunbury (mod)

 The weather forecast was decidedly iffy for the ride so I planned a meandering route out to Bunbury and back through Aldford. However, if it turned unpleasant we could head straight back to Tattenhall and then Meadow Lea, only taking just over an hour. 

The morning was very pleasant and warm and the 4 of us, Dave H, Andy, Ray and myself set off up the A56 towards the Barrow turning, but heading then up to Ashton. Skirting Kelsall, we crossed the A51 and took Corkscrew Lane towards the Shady Oak and then up to Beeston. Round the castle, then a short distance took us to Bunbury and the Nags Head for lunch. 

Fortunately we weren't in a rush, and lunch was served at a leisurely pace. We set off down the lane towards Peckforton and felt the first drops of rain. By the time we reached Tattenhall it was clearly settling in for the afternoon so an executive decision was taken to cut out Aldford and head back. It rained on and off all the way to Christleton where Andy and Dave left us. 

Ray and myself returned between the showers, not too wet after all. 

36 miles,not too bad considering we cut a chunk off. 

Jim Dale

12th June 2025: Church Minshull (mod+)

 There was only subject of conversation at Meadow Lea Cafè “when will the rain start”. The wind whisperer had taken the extreme measures of booking a family holiday in the Lake district to avoid today.

 During five minutes of preparation the previous evening, I had downloaded Steve T’s ride from June last year. Steve T also had a ride to Malpas, however the apprentice wind whisperer Alan spoke of favourable wind direction on the return leg if we ventured to Church Minshull, so that sealed the deal.

 An Octet of riders set off consisting of Fiona, Elwyn, Kevin, Shane, John M, Steve T & H and Alan. The long road drag along Warrington road to Bridge Trafford certainly had the blood pumping. However, a right turn and Morley lane provided a more CER in keeping lane to circumnavigate Manley and Mouldsworth.

 The descent of Dark lane and the sharp turn into Ashton road always signals two to three miles of uphill to Hatchmere and Norley. Steve T and John M left the group at this point to return home via their own routes. The road from Sandiway to Church Minshull was nose into the wind and I was grateful to Alan and Shane and later Elwyn who all took turns on the front.

The Badger exceeded our requirements with “surprise” chips for some of our riders who haven’t yet managed to read the menus correctly :) Replete with food we were delighted to be rewarded with a brisk tailwind from Cholmondeston to Wettenhall. Here we turned slightly south skirting Tarporley and following Utkinton road then heading towards Walk Mill. By now the wind was from the side and passing gates by Walk Mill was interesting!

 Shane and F&E left us to return home leaving the trio of Alan Kevin and I to head towards Waverton and latterly to Meadow Lea.

 Did we avoid the rain? Strictly speaking yes, if you count the conclusion of the ride being Meadow Lea, however everyone had ridden from home so there were a few “moist” riders rocking up finally at home.

 The route was approximately 40 miles with a non-too shabby average speed of 14.5 mph , so thanks to the folk who ventured out against their better judgement and for the humour and company on the day.

 Steve Hu 

See route map and/or gpx file download

12th June 2025 : Nantwich (brisk)

Bonus week – two blogs for the price of one- now read on!

Ivan had planned a ride out on Tuesday after we had both been away. So I was sent a ridewithgps route which was a “climb every mountain” route up to Minera and over Worlds End. Aware that this was a feel-good ride for Ivan on his new electric Cervello, I said OK but plotted a personal bail out route at Minera. 

We set off after meeting at Blacon Old Station on the greenway. Just as we were approaching Kinnerton I noticed the tell-tale white spots on the dark cherry red frame of Ivan's Cervello ie a rear wheel puncture – and the second on this tyre from new. Ivan decides to return home but encourages me to ride on anyway. This I do but with him Chester-bound by way of a short stop at Chocks Away cafe with 25 miles ridden all round. Ivan decides to buy new Conti tubeless tyres and spends a frustrating time later in the day of removing and fitting the new rear tyre and giving up fitting the front tyre as it will not come off!

So now it's Thursday and he has a route to Nantwich which young Chris decides to ride with us. We are out of the gate at speed bound for Waverton and Tarporley and onto Wettenhall. We now run down the Winsford to Nantwich “unmade” main road – well that's what it feels like on a bike at speed. Just as we hit the nice and smooth resurfaced section, we turn off left down an even worse lane called Poole Old Hall Lane. At the end we hit the main road to Nantwich bound for the marina cafe. Service is slow as the weather looks like rain and the wind is getting stronger. How long can it take to make three coffees and dispense two plates of cake? 

We set off back at high speed with a wind-assist via a regular routing towards Bunbury and out via Beeston castle to slide around Tattenhall bound for Sandy Lane. Well, we certainly put our SPDs down hard, as we got back to the top of Sandy Lane at an all-round average speed of 17 mph with 50 miles ridden.

So despite the wind being somewhat against us on the way out, we reaped the benefits on the return. Did I mention that we were back home by 1400 and no rain at all, but it did start to rain in  Chester just after I got home. 

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

10th October 2024 : Bunbury (Mod)

It was good to see rare bird Andy Whitgreave who was accompanying Dave Matthews after his challenging north Yorkshire adventure. It was also very pleasant to meet Chris Evans for the first time. I checked with Chris at the weekend, and he obviously enjoyed his ride, and I expect that he will turn out again when he can. Trevor was nursing a sore toe, so was riding solo locally. The moderate group for the day consisted of Keith, Andy Barber, Ray, Jim, Dave Pipe and me.

Our route out was via the A56, Hollowmoor Heath, Oscroft and Cotebrook. We meandered on little quiet lanes before reaching Alpraham and heading for The Dysart Arms at Bunbury. I had originally hoped that we would reach Tattenhall for lunch, but the troops were getting hungry and Alison’s now seemed too much of a stretch. 

Having lost their winter fuel allowance the lads were feeling parsimonious, so Dave Pipe managed to persuade them to save a tenner by carrying on to The Nag’s Head. Healthy eating Pipey decided to have a starter of black pudding slathered with a thick mustard(?) sauce. The pub atmosphere was very friendly and the food was indeed fine and good value. Keith later mentioned to me how lunch reminded him of relaxed eating with Dave and Liz over past years. 

Certainly, we were all quite laid back when remounting our bikes about four hours later! Our return was straightforward via Beeston Castle, Newton and Hargrave. It had been lovely weather for cycling all day, and the slightly cool headwind didn’t detract from our pleasure. Nevertheless, for a while I took shelter behind Electric Ray’s considerable bulk at an enhanced pace. 

Christleton was a madhouse with hundreds of pupils spilling out of school mainly into bloated SUVs cramming the narrow roads. Dave Pipe suggested taking the next road into Christleton in order to miss the school at this time in future. Andy at this stage had parted for Mold. Keith and I managed a late coffee at Meadow Lea. It had been a thoroughly enjoyable thirty eight miles of scenic cycling in relaxed company.

DH

29th December 2022: Nantwich (brisk)

Midweek between celebrations, on checking the weather forecast for today there was a good chance of a fine day to ride. The usual WhatsApp message was broadcast to the brisk group elicited only two responses, John W and Ken. A route was created to start and finish at the café and allow Ken to drop off at Rossett as he was riding out to Chester in the morning. Route posted to both and Ken also proposed a very similar route at the same time as I posted my route!! Great minds! 

Meeting at Meadow Lea cafe, there was a good turnout of riders wanting to enjoy a festival ride and try and shift a few pounds as well as the gears including Matt – very welcome back into the club and riding again. We had the addition of Ray, who decided to join us, so four of us set off along Station Lane to Waverton and the grind from Duddon up to Utkinton. 

There would be no exploring new lanes today as there aren’t any between Chester and Nantwich so it was the usual meandering of lanes via Wettenhall and Cholmondeston to Nantwich. With 27 miles covered, we arrive at our lunch destination, The Leopard Inn, which we have used previously. This is a Joules establishment, so we knew the drink would be good but didn’t expect the pricey menu. After ordering and sitting at our table, we had omitted to notice the "lunch bite" menu posted at the side of the bar so paid nearly double for our main course lunch. It was quickly presented and, although we commented on the price, the food was excellent. 

As it is still Christmas Holidays with decorations adorning most premises, we discussed the many Christmas lunches we have enjoyed being part of the cycling club and the locations and weather we have happily ridden to over the years. I have been chauffeured over the last couple of years so must make more of an effort for 2023 to enjoy the ride to wherever we go. That is myNew Year's Resolution sorted. 

Back out and getting ready to depart, it is very sunny in Nantwich as we made our way out of the town to Wrenbury. Passing the Dusty Miller pub, we are stopped by a canal boat crossing and the bridge up. When the drawbridge is lowered, we roll over to the utter annoyance of a car driver on the opposite side impatient to be on his way; zero Christmas spirit from him to cyclists – same old tales going to hamper us in the New Year no doubt! 

We are all to soon rolling through Tilston heading for Farndon, so we decide to call at Lewis’s for coffee An enjoyable interlude and festive cake devoured, we re-join our steeds and roll down the hill to wait at the lights. The Dee water level is high and fast flowing, but lights change and we head up the hill and on towards Rossett where Ken leaves us for home. Our route is via Dodleston and Bretton before joining the cycle way along the Dee back into Chester and the café. 

A round trip of 62 miles and today ridden on relative clean and dry roads and only minor water at the side of the road in places. Along the greenway though a different tale as at the bridge under the M53 motorway, the path is flooded again but passable on a bike or wellies. 

Thanks to John, Ken and Ray for an enjoyable day out.

A Happy New Year to all CER riders and our blog readers

See route map and/or gpx file download

ID

2nd June 2022: Commonwood Fisheries (mod 2)

 Approximately 19 of us at Meadow Lea today. The cafe was unusually busy, which slowed the service somewhat, allowing us plenty of time to form into 3 groups.

I offered a flat 40 miler to Commonwood Fisheries with the intention of lifting the pace for a change (wannabe brisk pace- Lol) This appealed to Steve Hu and Allan and after a bit of a discussion, Steve T as well.

Steve H mentioned the Bhurtpor Inn, much to the delight of Dave H, who claimed he never bribed Steve at all, despite the rumours- Lol. And of course the Brisk boy’s, which I think were 4, did their own thing to Holt.

My route started with a meander towards Cheshire Oaks at first, which prompted a shout from the cheap seats -  “the shopping ride”, which I suspect was Steve Hu or was it Allen? - Lol. Lovely quiet lanes circumventing Chester, past the very nice Rake Inn (another large Brunning & Price pub). It’s worth remembering, as it’s a good spot to wander off to while you wait for the Mrs to complete her shopping fix, as it is just across the main road, from Cheshire Oaks, in Rake Lane.

 

I think my little band of men were pleasantly surprised on how close we got to the infamous shopping centre without actually crossing or going on the main road. It wasn’t long before we slipping by Chester Zoo ( just out of sight) and passing through Saughall, heading for the old Saltney ferry crossing, which as usual showed us the true wind direction, although a light Southerly one.

I decide to go left after coming off the bridge over the river Dee, aiming to skirt the suburbs of Saltney & Lache via a nice little shortcut pathway that dropped us into Lache Lane, heading for Dodleston. 

I think it was at this point that I raised the pace a bit more, after Steve Hu suggested we were breaking Steve T in too easily- Lol. 

I took that to mean the pace was not high enough, so off I went, only to find nobody followed. It transpired that Steve Hu meant the opposite( oops- Lol).Steve T thought the pace was much closer to what the Brisk boy’s normally do, which prompted me to slow it down a bit. However, it wasn’t very long before Allan decided he wanted to lead and gave me a nice break from the now stiffer headwind    (truth be known my quads were feeling my previous days fast hilly ride- Lol).

We are now rolling through some favourite lanes, which took us through Rossett and halfway up Marford Hill, where I turn left, passing Pistol Hill, in order to take the direct and more scenic route to to Borras. As we pass Pistol Hill, I offered a diversion up said hill, which was promptly declined. 

This prompted me to regale about the time I climbed Pistol Hill 5 times, when test riding  3 models of the Whyte bike range that I did eventually buy, although not from Alf Jones, where I was actually road testing from - naughty me- Lol.

 

We now only had a mile to drop down into the Acorn Cafe and my promise of a very nice halloumi wrap and in the case of Steve Hu, the team chips as well- Lol. Conversation was well varied, to the point that I can’t remember any of it. I must have been to engrossed in my wrap- Lol. However, I do remember the discussion about the difference between my hot chocolate and Steve T’s (we must be getting old- Lol). That said, the long and short of which is that it is one of the best hot drinks machines I have ever come across, just don’t get to close with your fingers- Lol.

So, off we trot, leaving the staff putting up bunting for the weekends festivities and both Steve’s asking, “ which way are we heading back?” We had done 26 miles to get to Acorn Cafe, so I figured a direct way back to Meadow Lea, in order to get just 40 miles in, as I had more to ride as usual. We quickly hit Holt and up through Farndon, heading left toward Aldford.  I lead us out through the small hamlet of Churton and Aldford, the latter being my favourite village. This gave me the chance to show Steve T the unusual decorative house with all the gnomes and animal figures on the lawn ( it was in fact the subject of one photo posted in the previous weeks blog) 

 

Our brief interlude, admiring the colourful architecture within the village of Aldford, now over, we set off all commenting about how long it must take to mow that lawn. However, no sooner had we finished that little chat, when we pulled up suddenly to capture todays team photo, after Alan spotted the fairly grand guilded gates of Aldford Lodge (below)

Photo by SHu

I pointed out that the amazing floods of 2020 had actually come up to the gates, right where we were standing, after the bridge walls had collapsed. I actually rode out on that day to inspect the floods at Farndon and Aldford bridges. Suffice it to say, I had to turn back at both of them, my route only ended up, a very wet, mucky, 20 miles that day- Lol. As usual I digress- Lol.

We are now cracking on a pace toward Saighton, via Bruera, with a good tailwind. Steve Hu decides to crack on up the hill, past the college, with us all on his tail. I suddenly realised why, as I spotted 2 cyclist ahead, that we were closing on. Steve clearly had his sights set- Lol.

 

Yet again I surprised Steve T, at the top, when I didn’t turn left toward Huntington, but headed through the village, pointing out the multi coloured rhino figure in the school yard, whilst admiring yet more of the Duke of Westminster’s traditional properties, all nicely painted in his red oxide livery.

This prompted Steve to mention that he hadn’t ridden through there before, which now surprised me- Lol

Barely a mile later we are crossing the A41 for Waverton. We head for the usual left turn that leads up to Vicars Cross and couldn’t help but notice it is another Rake Lane.

At this point I decide to turn back for home as Steve T confirmed he knew the way back for the last 4 miles.

 

I had 7 miles of light headwind home, which I was feeling, as mentioned before. All in all a great day, despite my slightly stiff legs.

The guy’s hopefully got back with exactly 40 miles done. Mine was 59 in the end. Thoroughly enjoyed the company and the day and look forward to next time.

 

Cheers all,

NT

See route map and/or gpx file download

3rd June 2021 : Coppenhall (brisk)

Those of you who read Jeremy Clarkson’s car reviews in the Sunday Times will know that quite often most of his “blog” initially revolves around something else, with a quick verdict on the car being reviewed that particular week. So with this in mind, I want to review the ride that John W, John M, Ray, Ivan and myself did on June 1st.

Cast you mind back a couple of days and you will recall it was a cloudless, very sunny and hot day with a light easterly breeze i.e a perfect British summer’s day. I had been fed up of having to access the same old (rough) lanes to get out of the immediate area to horizons anew. So I hit upon the idea to start from Market Drayton to find new countryside to ride through - and we were not disappointed.

The ride was “just” seventy miles but what seventy miles. Leaving Market Drayton, we headed south down endless quiet country lanes arriving after 18 miles at  the outskirts of Muxton at the MacDonalds for a coffee. The rest of Muxton is endless estates on the edge of Telford. So heading east then north east we find more endless lanes and attractive rural villages too numerous to mention, eventually arriving in Haughton. Here we access NCR5 towards Stafford. This is 4 miles of old railway line looking green and verdant in the June sunshine. We continue on highway 5 to minimise our transfer through a very suburban Stafford, passing (and smelling) the Bostik factory.

More long lanes take us down recently patched refurbished lanes. Here the only incident of the day is that I find I have a slow leak in my tubeless front  tyre. The sealant works its wonders and soon we are searching Stone's pedestrian High Street for a lunch stop. The “Stone Baked” cafe fits the bill as we eat carbohydrate and sugar-rich repasts to top up our tanks.

The route back takes in more unfamiliar lanes until Baldwin’s Gate and Norton Hales become familiar names as we get back into Market Drayton. The Joules pub (Red Lion) beckons to finish off a throughly enjoyable day’s cycling in lanes anew.

But where am I now, oh yes, today's Brisk Ride to Coppenhall with Ivan and John W. A fast run out through Frodsham and a right at Sutton Weaver takes us to the outskirts of Weaverham via Acton Bridge. Davenham comes up, and we head straight through Middlewich via Warmingham to the Coppenhall's Co-op store.  A £3.50 meal deal does the feeding trick and we head of back through a familar route eventually riding around Beeston Castle.

The only incident of day now occurs. There is a yelp of pain from Ivan as something has caused great pain in his left knee. He can’t straighten it - what to do? Fortuitously, his son-in-law is working in Tattenhall and has a van. Ivan decides to cycle on one-leggedly to the Ice Cream Farm. Son-in-law isn’t able to come right away, so we all ride on to Tattenhall and the safety of Alison’s Country Kitchen to wait. Bizarrely, Ivan managed to cycle at 18+ mph most of the way - Yes, just one leggedly as well.

Ivan bravely cycling one-leggedly

After a welcome cake and coffee, the Rescue Van arrives to take Ivan home and John and I make our way back to Chester with 75+ miles on the clock at a fast 16.8mph average.

Today’s 61 mile ride was utilitarian compared with the Market Drayton one. So, whilst the sun shines, like Clarkson, I would recommend the alternative option of the Shropshire and Staffordshire offering over today's route. It could be extended to make a Special 100 miler. For route details see here.

Today's route is also here.

See route map and/or gpx file download 

CA

Update: Ivan reports that his knee is much better this morning and he can walk OK.

Photo :JW

13th May 2021 : Llandegla (brisk)

Meeting at the rearranged coffee start at Meadow Lea cafe, I knew there would only be two brisk riders, John W and myself, so my route today reflected our choice of riding.

The forecast was showers and it was mizzle rain when it blew in the wind. We set off heading for Christleton and on to Aldford. The stone bridge over the Dee River is being rebuilt after a road collision earlier in the year. You can walk across but no vehicle access (during 0930-1430). The road is very quiet (ha ha) to Farndon due to the blockage. Crossing the A534, it’s heads down to Bangor on Dee.

Our route is heading out towards Minera and, after passing through Bangor, we ride mainly lanes which I’m sure I haven’t ridden before. The weather was OK but we did have one flooded lane at Hafod Lane before crossing over the A483. Photo shows John tacked into the wind and floating through.

Wheel washing facility at Haford Lane

The first real climb is from Minera passing the start up to World’s End and heading up to Gwynfryn. It’s a few years since we’ve been on this climb and at 17% it’s hard work. Joining the A525, it’s down hill for our cafe stop the Llandegla fishery. An excellent location. We had a good snack of sausage and egg baps followed by freshly cooked scone and jam.  Whilst lunching, we had the entertainment of two fishermen landing their big catches.

Necessary Calories 

We continue along the A525 before turning for Llanarmon.The next climb is after passing through the village where you climb up to Eryrys. Another long steep road that had us puffing after lunch. Leaving the village behind, it's downhill again for Mold. Whichever way you visit this town it’s a climb out but at only 7% we can spin out and it’s head down again for Northop and our original starting point of Hawarden.

We had an enjoyable day out in the Welsh countryside covering 67 miles and 3500ft of ascent. As is always quoted, the descent equalled or nearly at 3440 ft so really we had a flat ride!

Thanks to John for his continued support on Thursday rides.

See route map and/or gpx file download

ID

Photos  : ID

2nd May 2019 : Marbury (brisk)

Both the Met Office and the BBC agreed that today would be one of mixed fortunes: dry, windy, wet, cool and warm, however neither could agree on the timing. As it turned out, the rain just came and kept us company most of the day! With this forecast it was unsurprising that the turnout at Meadow Lea was somewhat reduced with only 5 ‘moderates’ and 2 ‘brisk’ in attendance.

The brisk duo comprised of myself and John M, who brought along a sore back from gardening and a request for a quiet ride today in order to recover in time for his impending  bike trip to Spain . 

We agreed upon a 95k route to the Bickerton Poacher and rode back along the Greenway and then meandered our way through Chester before exiting the city along Lache Lane. From here we rode through Rossett and Farndon and took Cycle Route 70 through Malpas and No Mans Heath.

Crossing the A41 John commented on the sign to Marbury and enquired about The Swan, a pub he had never visited. After I recounted that Nick and I had visited The Swan in the previous summer, on a CER ride, and had a positive experience, so we  re-routed to Marbury. 

The Swan st Marbury

The Swan was reasonably busy and we found a table near to the fire so we could dry out and warm up. The helpful staff took our food and drink orders comprising of Station bitter  and  fish and chips . Our lunch chat focussed on John’s upcoming trip to Spain,holiday plans, and John’s still aching back. The lunch was followed by coffee, plus Ibruprofen for John, in an attempt to delay our departure until the rain had eased. It worked - both the Ibruprofen and beer combo for John and the rain ceasing!

The homeward journey was in a north westerly direction to Tattenhall ,via  Harthill, and straight into a freshening wind . From Tattenhall we went through Greenlooms into Christleton thus avoiding the boring windy stretch of road alongside the canal. On reaching Pearl Lane we parted company to head our separate ways as  neither of us needed to return to Meadow Lea.

The ride totalled 88km (55mls) with about 600 mtrs (2,100ft) of ascent. Just hoping it didn’t aggravate John’s back!

See route map and/or gpx file download

KP

Photo by KP