13th April 2013 : Special Ride : Ellerdine Heath (brisk)

The April Special Ride to Ellerdine Heath was a re-visit of that of October 2021; however on that occasion only Matt and John W joined me on a longer version of Dave M’s route. This time out I had extended the route to lanes anew along with old faithfuls to make a 65 miler. 

So six Briskets arrived at Audlem public car park just in time to park up their cars.  I came with Ken, Ray came with John M, and Richard and Nick arrived separately (and just in time for a last parking space). Ken and I did a brisk 5 mile warm-up to assess wind conditions before going to the cafe to meet up with the others.

The route was designed to take advantage of the brisk westerly wind at the start, then head southerly for many miles before turning into the wind to run along into Oakgate Nursery cafe for lunch. So we head east via Bunkers Hill and Madeley Heath to slide through Keele by the university. Back over the M6 and passing the Keele services, it was a fast run down to Chapel Chorlton.

Here we enter the long one and half miles of Butthouse Lane - a very muddied lane of agricultural usage (even with a tractor half way down it). At the grateful end of it at Standon Mill, we use a very large puddle to wash the wheels down. Onwards we wiggle to Croxton where I recall another long agricultural lane known as Ginger Lane. I remarked when we three in 2021 rode it that it would not be necessary for anyone else to do so again. This honour now is also bestowed on Butthouse Lane!

We work our way south westwards via Adbaston and Sambrook where the threatening sky deluges us with rain and hail. At Howle we phone the cafe as per instructions. The next 7 miles are a head-down ride into a strengthening westerley wind. We arrive at the cafe after 41 miles to see the Mods nearly finishing their lunch, and ours almost ready to bring to table. The cafe did us proud in not wasting time when we could refuel with the favourite of the day i.e. toasted paninis.

Suitably refreshed and carbohydrated, we set off about 15 mins after the Mods. We are now following the same route towards  Marchamley and its steep hill. We see them ahead but ignore their hilly route to continue onto to Hodnet. Up and out via Wollerton and Darliston, the rain threatens again as we cross the A41 bound for Ightfield.

It's now “downhill” all the way back into Audlem with 65 miles ridden and a well earned rest. After loading up the bikes, Ken and I drive out towards Whitchurch on the way headlight flashing several members of the Mod Group who are on their way into Audlem to finish their ride.

Overall a very satisfying ride with no “events” to speak of except for that muddy Butthouse Lane. Riding through this beautiful spring countryside was a joy, especially with great company of the brisk riding set who took it turns to punch ahead into the wind or lead on the hills.

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

13th April 2023: Special Ride: Audlem to Ellerdine Heath (mod)

Wednesday's weather was so soaking, that I wasn't sure who would take a long drive to risk more of the same on the Thursday. I was pleasantly surprised by the support, as both the brisk group and the moderate riders arrived in force at our staggered start. The new hosts at the Old Priest House cafe in Audlem were friendly and efficient. A few stalwarts were unavailable for various understandable reasons, but with Steve Hughes managing to join us, we were at full strength with regard to our lunch booking. Alan showed me a picture of Roy's post-crash purple leg. The leg and a broken thumb were why Roy was not with us. The images did not put Alan off scoffing a hearty breakfast! I believe that our attractive route was created by Dave Matthews in his hayday (circa 1965). We had ridden it before, about nineteen months ago, on a warm, sunny day. The moderates set out as St.James's church struck ten o'clock. The group consisted of Steve Haywood, Alan, Steve Hughes, Dave Pipe, Dave Matthews, Andy Barber, Battery-less Baird and myself. Ray had left his battery for his e-bike at home, a million miles away in Moreton, but was still game to have a go on his heavy machine.

Andy Whitgreave had sent me a copy of Dave M's previous route, so I had marked it on my paper maps in the hope of providing some helpful assistance. So it was, that Dave M led us out on the undulating lanes to Norton in Hales and on to Loggerheads. Andy's route map had an interesting looking back road featured at Mucklestone, which I must try if around here again. After Loggerheads, Dave took a turn that led us further down into a pretty hidden valley following the River Sow with Bishop's Wood to our right. The road was closed beyond Adbaston, so we had no alternative but to follow the road through Knighton, over the Shropshire Union Canal, and hope that the Roman Road at the end was viable. It all worked out well as we passed through Sambrook, and crossed the A41 to Howle. 

It was at this point that we decided, with a headwind, but just two relatively straight stretches ahead, to ring Oakgate Garden Centre cafe to tell them we would arrive in thirty-five minutes. Then things unravelled! The apparently straight route to Great Bolas had a sort of 'disguised'(!), right turn in it, which we didn't take, so we ended up in the village of Tibberton instead. Dave M got splinters from scratching his head, and we had to navigate a hummocky three miles or so, which included crossing the River Meese and  the River Tern in order to get back on route. It was reassuring to have Steve Hughes' Garmin-led intelligence at this point. ( I was just hoping to run into Tonto, and was intent on keeping the sun to my left). Our e.t.a. was now out of the window, and I had to inform the Garden Centre to put our lunch back in the oven. This was also a real twist of the knife for Ray, who had to pedal even more miles on his unpowered tank in order to reach our lunch stop. 

Traversing the A442 was a bit dodgy, and it was a relief to get out of the headwind, and finally sit down for our grub. The Oakgate cafe was very busy, but there were two reserved tables for our club. Service was instant, and the staff put themselves out to take and deliver drink orders, rather than have us queuing at the busy counter.  The food was 'lite bite', pre-ordered quiche and Panini fare, but some of us had ordered extra chips. Andy 'seven bellies' Barber was still hungry though, and resorted to vacuuming any leftovers. Dave 'no carbs' Pipe had not touched his new potatoes, and Andy found these particularly enticing. I suppose he has to be a calorie loading machine to have the energy for all those long Audax rides. The Fast Lads arrived a bit wet and muddy, as Clive's longer route, and their timing, meant they had just been a bit unlucky with the precipitation.

Photo by Steve Hu

We returned via Stanton upon Hine Heath, and then headed north with the strong wind mainly helping us all the way back. The notoriously steep Marchamley Hill had some of us walking. Just before that the Fast Lads had been sighted behind, but they were headed for Hodnet. We had also passed the West Midlands Shooting Ground which disturbed a very peaceful, scenic area. On hitting the A442 my route map showed a brief downhill section, then a right turn on a tight bend into quiet lanes, but we had no sign of the lead riders. There followed a number of phone calls, and hopes of intercepting them on a  route through Fauls and Darliston. So, the three lagging musketeers were Dave Pipe, Steve Hughes and myself. Dave and Steve stopped for waterproofs at Millenheath and then stopped at Ightfield to take them off again. The threatening heavy shower was short, so didn't really soak us us. We were quite happy making our own way, but we didn't want the lead group wasting time trying to find out what had happened to us. Steve eventually managed some communication, which meant we all knew our respective locations, and could relax. 

We chose to hit the A525 into Audlem near Rookery Farm, and then had a speedy, wind-assisted last lap back to the start. Dave Pipe and myself had fancied a coffee, but the Old Priest House was, unsurprisingly, closed. We were the last ones to return. I apologise for my part in the ride leadership being a bit flawed, it was not the closely synchronised model of Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee, with clearly defined roles, and a bit of magic to ensure no mistakes. However, we are very grateful to Dave Matthews for constructing such an enjoyable route, and the weather was loads better than expected.  Congratulations to Ray for a sterling effort. Many thanks for your company and support, and I hoped you liked the ride, if not a lot, you still liked it!

See route map and/or gpx file download

DH

11th November 2021 : Audlem (brisk)

Today we met at Meadow Lea cafe and, as usual, a good turnout was evident but only three brisk riders available for today's ride to Audlem. John W, Ray and I set off along station lane to Waverton. We head along Guy Lane passing the Crocky trail and then pass the original “50p shop” at Burton.

We have a call to stop by John, who promptly advises us to remain quiet. It’s 11/11 @11:00 and we pay our respects to our serviceman.

On the way again, there is nothing unique of our route either out or back , so I won't bore you with left or rights as you all know this route, but the autumnal colours of the countryside were fantastic.

Autumn colours 

At 24 miles, we arrive at Crewe Queen’s Park and the splendour equals Central Park NY albeit a little smaller. Gifted to Crewe by the LNWR railway company, it was designed by Edward Kemp and F. W. Webb, chief mechanical engineer and Richard Moon, the Mayor of Crewe in 1888. He also donated a very large house opposite the park which became an orphanage for children after both wars and orphans of the LNWR railway employees killed in action or died at work. Known as Webb house, it later became a railway training venue and one I was fortunate to attend several times during my career on the railway. 

We enjoy a quick coffee overlooking the lake. For reference, it supplies hot and cold food and a large outdoor covered area. Cycling through the park is allowed but, be aware during busy times can be very busy with walkers and children running around.

 
Leaving the park we head to Willaston, Shavington and the leaning tower church of Wybunbury and then into Audlem. The popular Old Priest House is our lunch stop and as usual very welcoming. After our lunch we leave Audlem along the Whitchurch Rd before the right turn at the top of the hill onto Coole Lane. The lanes today are reasonably dry and clean and quiet so not to long we're at Sound and Ravensmoor. Along the A534 through Burland and then Long lane into Bunbury. 

A good day out covering 68 miles as a round trip and as flat as you can have on Cheshire's rolling roads.

Thanks to John and Ray for their company.

See route map and/or gpx file download

ID

7th October 2021: Special ride: Audlem to Ellerdine Heath (mod)

Because of the restrictions and uncertainty caused by the pandemic, we have not had a Special Ride since October 2019, so it was a real delight when Dave Matthews offered to lead a Special Ride from Audlem to Ellerdine Heath. Jane at The Priest House Café had opened early to accommodate the CER riders who gathered for the ride. The ‘mods’ consisted of Daves M & H, Steves T & Hu, George and it was a real pleasure to also see Andy Whitgreave, who was making his first sortie with CER since the start of the pandemic.

After coffee, tea and refreshments, we set off at about 10 o’clock on the Woore Road out of Audlem heading up hill for Norton in Hales and Loggerheads. From there, Dave took us down to Knighton and Newport, where we started heading west for Great Bolas and eventually arrived at Ellerdine Heath at about 1 pm, having covered 32 miles.

Following some excellent refreshments at the Oakgate Nursery and Café and having fiddled unsuccessfully to cure a strange noise that my bike was making, we struck out for home. The route took us via Stanton to the fearful hill at Marchamley. To make things even more ‘interesting’, the road surface on the hill was badly broken up and wet, so the only person to successfully ride all the way up it was ‘super – Steve’ Hughes. The rest of us got off and pushed!

Having recovered our breath and calmed the hearts, we followed the route through Ash Magna and Wilkesley entering Audlem from the east on the A525, arriving as the church clock struck four.

An interesting and entertaining day out on delightful lanes, many of which were new to us on a day when the early autumn weather was kind. Thanks are due to Dave M for devising the route and to the rest of the mods for great company.

Photo by SHu

See route map and/or gpx file download

ST

7th October 2021 : Audlem to Ellerdine Heath Special (brisk)

There were about 10 riders at the Old Priest House cafe in Audlem - about a third of CER membership - a pity more didn’t come and support Dave M’s Autumn Special Ride from Audlem to Ellerdine Heath. Well those who did enjoyed a glorious day out down lanes anew in warm dry autumn weather.

I decided to fashion a slightly longer brisk ride based around Dave’s excellent route. The brisk three, Matt, John W and myself, set off in the opposite direction to the Mods to avoid the slow slog up to Norton-in-Hales before the even longer slog up to Loggerheads. In fact the first 9 miles were all uphill. The other side of Loggerheads we split off left now down many lanes anew. The autoroute function on Plotaroute tried to send us down an unmade lane so we backtracked a little to divert via Croxton. We take Ginger Lane out of Croxton and you’ll be pleased to know that, as we have now very slowly cycled this once-metalled deep-lying lane,  you don’t need to unless you are on a gravel bike!

We'll be alright -it's only one mile downhill 

Bishop’s Offley and Tunstall come and go as we now rejoin Dave’s route just after Shebdon. We now slavishly follow his route across the flat land via Sambrook and Great Bolas arriving at the Oakgate nursery by 1230 after 33 miles.

We are shown to our reserved table and our ordered food arrives promptly and is of excellent quality. After discussing veganism at some length, Matt and John move onto the intracacies of saddle design vs Audex length vs comfort levels. I chill out in the sunshine.

Just as we are about to start to depart, the Mods turn up mumbling something about “getting lost” or perhaps I misheard what was said. Anyway, we set off as per Dave’s route towards Stanton and onwards towards Marchamley Hill. 

I had already decided to go around this hill towards Hodnet and then to Wollerton to rejoin Dave’s route at Fauls. We continue to follow the official line to the other side of Ightfield where Matt succumbs to a puncture - a very nasty thorn is the culprit. We divert off piste now to enter Audlem via Coxbank and Kinsey Heath i.e. the way the Mods left Audlem.

Audlem's staircase locks

Overall, an extremely enjoyable day's 58 miles cycling down largely dry lanes in ideal autumnal weather with like-minded cyclists. You should have made the effort!

See route map and/or gpx file download 

CA

Photos JW

23rd November 2017 : Audlem (brisk)

I had uploaded the route from the ICF to Audlem that Trevor led in August, thinking that this might be a sensible route, given the wind direction (southwest –ish). During coffee, Ken asked if I had a route and when I told him, he said he’d got the same route on his phone. So Audlem it was for the brisk riders, who were Paul, Ken, Andy B, Nick and myself. This is the first time that I’ve had the route on my phone in front of me (as opposed to in my back pocket), so I had the challenge for the first time of following the route on the map as we went along. (Clive makes it look so easy!) For the most part, this was successful, although we did deviate from Trevor’s route in one or two places.

The five of us set off down Newton Lane and followed the usual route via Beeston Castle and Bunbury. At the far side of Bunbury, Trevor’s route had followed Long Lane through Haughton and Radmore Green, but we took the earlier turning south via Capper’s Lane and Brindley. In any event, both routes converged at Ravensmoor and we made our way to Audlem via Sound, Brown’s Bank and Copthorne, arriving in Audlem at about 11:55. 

The choice of lunch venue was either The Lord Combermere, where we ate last time, or the Old Priest House Café, where we haven’t been for some time. I suggested the latter and when we walked in there was absolutely no-one else there. Bingo! we’ve struck lucky, I thought. Then the nice lady asked if we were with the party who’d booked for lunch, which, of course, we weren’t. Oh dear!

But not to worry; “ I’ll put you in the front room”, she says. “Would you like beans on toast?” This was more of an instruction than an offer, so we all said ‘yes’ and also agreed to wholemeal toast. We did, however, get the choice between tea or coffee, so it wasn’t all bad. Lunch soon arrived, as did the party of cyclists in the big room who seemed to be celebrating someone’s birthday.

Wrenbury Canal Bridge - KP Photo

Beans on toast don’t take long to eat, so we were back on the road by 12:45, this time following Trevor’s route more faithfully. We left Audlem, initially on the A525, but quickly turning off for Swanbach and Wilkesley before turning north towards Aston. We passed the Bhurtpore Inn (and the moderates eating their curries) at 13:10. From there, it was up through Wrenbury and a stop at Wrenbury Mill for the team photo – except nobody had told Nick, who flew ahead up the road towards Chorley Bank. After what seemed like light years, Nick came back for the photo and our onward journey via Gaunton Bank, Norbury and Cholmondeley Castle. 

At Clay Lane, Nick peeled off for Tilston and home and the rest of us enjoyed the run down the A534 to Bulkeley, Peckforton and Beeston, from whence we retraced our steps to the ICF. Ken took his leave at the end of Newton Lane, which left Andy B, Paul and myself to avail ourselves of refreshments there.

46 miles at an average of 15 mph on a day when the blustery wind seemed to be in your face, whichever direction you were travelling. An additional insult was the state of the roads; although we never strayed from tarmacadam, I have rarely seen bikes more muddy that those which were parked outside the ICF at the end of the ride.

ST

27th October 2016: Audlem (brisk)

With mild and dry weather forecast, it was perhaps surprising that only a handful of Easyriders appeared at the Ice Cream Farm. Dave M was returning home for grandchild minding and the remaining 6 divided equally between Moderates and Brisk. The latter were Andy B, Ray and me.  Fortunately, given the absence of our usual leaders, both Ray and I had downloaded routes to our garmins and coincidentally had both elected for Audlem as the destination. Andy did not demur and off we went.

After a while, Ray mentioned he didn’t do blogs and as Andy sprinted off into the distance, it fell to yours truly to take on the task for the first time. Oh well I suppose it had to happen sometime.  One difficulty was that we were using a route that Ray had downloaded from this site but we hadn’t studied the detail so had no overview of where we were heading. Now I can hear readers shouting well why not stop and have a proper look. This brings me to my second problem.  Much to my surprise, and indeed to that of Ray, Andy was on a mission to break some land speed records.  So much so that I began to suspect he has a large battery / motor in the sizeable rucksack he carries on all rides.

Anyway, stopping did not seem to be an option as we sped up to Harthill and to No Mans Heath. Somewhere around here, with signs indicating the A41 ahead, we all began to wonder if we had the right route and whether by some happenstance we were shortly to arrive back at the ICF.  So a short pit stop was permitted during which we confirmed we were indeed on our way to Audlem, albeit not from the direction we were expecting.  On we zoomed through more familiar territory of Wrenbury and Aston. At one point we had a close call being forced to brake heavily and take evasive action on a bend to avoid a mother (on the Phone) strolling in the middle of the road accompanied by small children and a couple of dogs.   

Much sooner than expected we observed a sign indicating “Audlem - 5 miles”. Great not far till we can stop and catch our breath. This was not to be as Garmin then instructed us to ignore the direct route taking us on a southerly loop crossing the A525 before eventually swinging east to take us close to Swanbach, and then north to take Audlem by a surprise attack from the South.

We arrived at the Old Priest House Cafe just after noon to be welcomed by the warmth of the wood burner and soon engaged in friendly conversation with two cyclists from the Newcastle’s Tyne and Lyme respectively.  Andy refuelled with an enormous serving of beans on toast - four slices and what looked like two cans of beans! Ray and I, more restrained with a choice of sausage and  fried egg sandwiches, speculated hopefully that Andy might need time to digest his “snack” during our return ride.   

Garmin was  commanding a more direct return to the ICF of only 20 miles via the 552 cycle way, Haughton, Bunbury and Beeston.  Contrary, to expectations Andy was still emulating Bradley Wiggins, claiming a TUE for his overdose of  beans on toast. But, with us all now taking turns to lead, we were still cracking along arriving at the ICF at 14:10 having averaged over 17 mph for the day. We decided not to stop for afternoon cake and rode on together to Saighton before saying goodbye to Andy as he headed on for Mold.  Ray and I were back home in the suburbs of  Chester by 15:00 having done close to 70 miles to and from home. Andy (Wiggo) rode a mere 101 miles from his outpost in North Wales.  All in all a good day out that literally whizzed by but regrettably did not allow time for photos.

JM