5th January 2017: Rhuddlan

The outside temperature was around -4C, and the 1982 “The Clash” Classic came to mind "Should I stay or should I go now". I decided to go, and the roads were largely dry up to Hawarden. Another lyric came to mind as I cycled "In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone". I was the first to arrive at The Gallery and I was glad of the warmth therein and the hot coffee. 

Soon Tom turned up in builder's mate mode, followed by Andy B from Mold. Dave H then arrived, initially just checking if he was the only one out today, before parking his car and rejoining us. Andy suggested a ride near the coast where the Gulf Stream would have warmed the roads up sufficiently to be ice-free. So we decided to head Dyserth way. 

Just as we were to depart, Dave P turns up in solo mode today. So with Dave P leading, we’re off via Ewloe and Northop bound for Holywell. The sun is shining, the air is clear, and the views over the estuary are worth braving the cold. As ever, the short stretch of the A55 is the only way to access Halkyn and the Windmill. At Pentre Halkyn, we dive down to Holywell then taking the old A55 out to Lloc, then turn right to Dyserth. The A5151 is quiet as we bowl along towards Dyserth. I suggested we go on to Rhuddlan and thus make for the “Morfa Table" pub by the River Clwyd.  

Arriving after 23 miles, we are quickly served with the Lunch Club specials, which were much needed to top up fuel reserves for our internal combustion engines. Conversation was as varied as ever. I suggested we take the river path to Rhyl and then the esplanade all the way to Talacre. 

As soon as we are on the beachfront at Rhyl, Dave P reluctantly concludes that he has left his Garmin back in the pub. Note to Dave P: New Year's Resolution #21: Produce a saddling up checklist! He’s happy to retrace the route back home. So we three trundle down the prom and  through a very busy golf course and an almost deserted mobile home holiday camp, before arriving at the Point of Ayr at Talacre. We now take the cycle path around the remains of the coal mines to access the coast road. 

Now it’s the usual boring route back to Flint, but I did see a lone fox suspiciouly wandering through Bagillt village. At Oakenholt, Andy and Dave take Papermill Lane towards Northop Hall to get back, after 31 miles, to Hawarden. By now the sun has dropped away and the lights go on. So 54 miles in all, during 4 hours of cycling in -4 to +1C temperatures with largely dry roads and not once experiencing that back-wheel sliding feeling. You should have been out and have come with us!

CA

PS: Dave retrieved his Garmin successfully: it had fallen out of his helmet as he left the table in the pub. 

7th August 2014: Rhuddlan (brisk)

Brian (back from his travels), Clive, Ivan, Ray, Tom and the Tandem Duo met on a perfect summer’s cycling day at The Gallery.  The Duo decided not to join us on a hilly ride over Halkyn Mountain to Rhuddlan with Clive leading, as he said he wanted to be home smartish. After passing Lixwm and Caerwys, Ivan suffered a broken spoke from a hilly newly tarred and stoned road; this required much pushing & pulling of bits from his hub, but soon we were on our slightly slower way.  Down the steep Rhuallt hill on the old A-road and onto the coastal flood-plain, we stopped at the first pub in Rhuddlan, but were denied entry as there was a funeral taking place. Whether the coffin was still there, I know not.  We soon found another hostelry, The New Inn Hotel, High Street, LL18 2TY, tel: 01745 592027.  The two meals for £8 were good, the lack of real ale, not so.

Photographs by Clive Albany

After lunch, we had the obligatory photo stop at Rhuddlan Castle, one of 14 giant fortifications that Edward I had constructed after he overran N Wales in 1282. From the castle ramparts, we headed north along the tidal River Clwyd estuary that was full of wading birds seemingly unperturbed by the megopolis of the surrounding caravan parks. We then headed east along the coast past the hordes of sun-worshippers on the golden sands of Rhyl, Prestatyn and Talacre.  Heading back on the coastal A548, the pace hotted up as Ivan had been watching too much time-trialling at the recent Commonwealth Games. A steady 23mph cruise took us quickly down to Flint for afternoon tea.  Replenished, but slightly weary from the pace, miles and sun, we bimbled back through Connah’s Quay, crossing the Dee at Hawarden rail bridge.  Here Brian swung off while the other four carried on to complete 71 miles back to Chester.  Round trip from Hawarden 55 miles.

BMac