4th April 2013: Eastham Ferry

It was good to see Ivan at The Gallery, well on his way to recovery, as he handed out the new Club shirts for their inaugural ride.  Plus we had the bonus of Bryan back with us on yet another cold but sunny winter’s day.  Café Talk was of riding the newly built (though not yet officially open) Sustrans path over the Dee Marshes and as some wanted a shorter ride, I volunteered to take one to Eastham Ferry.  Martin led Bryan, Dave P, Jim, Keith, Liz P, Petar, Ray, Trevor & me down through his homelands to cross The Dee at the rickety rail bridge at Shotton.  From there it was a mystery tour through Zone 3 of Deeside Industrial Estate to join the new cycle track across the marsh.

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

We stopped at the site of the old Hospital of St Andrews, where travellers to Ireland were given hospice at Denhall from 1231 to 1496; here Jim & Bryan were summoned home early. We eventually exited the marsh at the end of the cycleway by the best pub in Cheshire, The Harp at Little Neston.  I like to dispel the rumours that The Wirral is flat, so next came the long drag up Bull Hill to Woodfall.  From there we joined The Wirral Way through to Hadlow Road Station (closed 1956), where Trevor left us.  Incidentally, The Wirral Way there was the UK’s first designated Country Park, in 1973 and is now the start of the very popular CTC Tuesday Evening Cycles (Free advert) from 7 – 9pm.

From Willaston we headed across the peninsula, through Eastham Rake and Carlett Park, and arrived at another excellent Marston’s pub, The Tap at Eastham Ferry.  I’d wanted to bring CER here for ages, but it was not to be this time; The Tap only served toasties and crisps and as CER are a discerning bunch, we retired to the Eastham Ferry Hotel next door.  The usual 2 for £10 meals were washed down with an excellent Pedigree, while conversation ranged from nuclear war with North Korea through to the problems caused by having a welfare state.  So, CER members are gourmets and philosophers, as well as keen cyclists. 

After lunch, Keith found a large hole in his tyre, which he quickly replaced with one of the many spares that Dave P carries, while the rest of us stood in the sun watching him.   Our route back towards Wales took us past Hooton Park and The White Lion at Childer-Thornton.  Now that is an excellent little pub to put on a future lunch stop.  At Capenhurst, Brian abandoned ship, leaving the remaining six to find their own way back to Hawarden, to end a sunny and easy 37 mile ride.

BMac

28th March 2013: Great Budworth

There was a fine turnout at Manley Mere despite the cold and snow.  The Mallorca contingent had enjoyed their vacation and were now sewn back into their thermals.  Andy had been chatting to the Olympics star Sarah Storey at the carousel in Palma airport. She said that she had eleven gold medals, but he wouldn’t be getting one for his chat-up lines. On his own evidence that was the closest he got to a fit rider all holiday. The full cast for today’s ride was: Clive, Jim, Mike G, Trevor, Andy, Petar, Ray, Paul, Brian Mac and myself. Dave M. couldn’t make it, but had pedalled out for a coffee and chat. Sugar Lane and New Pale were given a miss because of the conditions. The snow bank behind us at Newton Firs was a dramatic backdrop, but it appears that the dazzling expanse of white was too much for Brian’s camera. We stuck to the B5153 from Kingsley to Acton Bridge.  

Photographs by Brian MacDonald & Clive Albany

The Weaver was crossed, and then we climbed up the wooded rise from the Trent and Mersey canal, riding into Ash Tree Lane on the other side of the A533. This area was now free of snow and ice as we headed up towards Frandley. More quiet lanes meandered north and we were soon passing through the gates of Arley Hall. We turned right down the long drive where I was reminded of the time I ‘did an Ivan’ and finished up in Warrington General. I added a westerly loop down Budworth Road, right at Frog Lane and right again along Park Lane with Pick Mere below on our left.  We were now enjoying the chill east wind on a better-protected pair of cheeks! I had phoned The George and Dragon at Great Budworth the day before to warn them to expect about ten cyclists at a quarter to one, and we were spot on. There was a warm welcome inside where it was busy, but two tables near the fire had been reserved for us. The food and drink was excellent, and it was hard making the effort to leave.  

The route back was intended to be sweet and short, but I decided to do a semi-Clive, and go slightly off-piste at Comberbach. Instead of turning left just past the church we carried on to Higher Whitley duck pond via Senna, Goosebrook, Old Mill and Norman’s narrow lanes. We crossed the A49 passing Grimsditch Hall and the former Millstone pub, reaching Frodsham by way of Dutton, Aston and Sutton Weaver. Pedestrian lights changing and traffic meant Trevor following a cyclist up Fluin Lane in Frodsham thinking that it was one of us! Communication was eventually made but not well synchronized, so after a while waiting in Main Street we purchased a voucher for Specsavers for Trevor and carried on to the Netherton Hall.  A left turn up Tarvin Road was followed by a steady pull up the Ridgeway. We were waiting at Four Lane Ends when Trevor appeared. Sugar Lane was now safe for swooping down and I had a last blast behind the speeding Paul down Manley Road. Some of us had a final coffee, and Petar was about to complete a personal best of 67 miles by riding back to Tarporley. Another typical and enjoyable Easy Riders day in good company. Ride distance Manley to Manley: 45 miles.
DH

21st March 2013: Gobowen

Cold and windy it was and little did we know what the following morn would bring - so on balance, the cold (0°C with wind chill), windy, and thankfully dry day was to be enjoyed. I had cycled out from Chester using the same route that Ivan, Ray and I had taken on that fateful 31st January. As I turned into Pentre Lane, I carefully took "Davenport corner" before the slog up the steep hill into Llay. I found a back way into the Alyn country park and as I crested the Alyn valley again, there was George in his car looking perplexed for a non-existent car park. He was near but so far from where he should have been. There were only five brave souls out today: Petar, Dave H, Jim, George and myself. Jim and I each had sort of prepared a route but given the cold and strong E wind a non-mountainous ride was decided upon with the lunch destination of Derwen College at Gobowen. 

There is no easy way to miss Wrexham, so the route was via Maelor Hospital and Bersham before finding the aptly named Corkscrew Lane and along into Ruabon. Out towards Cefn Mawr, I had suggested we access the canal via the aqueduct to negate the slog up towards Chirk. 

Photograph by Clive Albany

We continued canal side walking one dark tunnel before avoiding the 400 yard one in Chirk. Out past Chirk Bank I wondered if the canal path was passable further on to miss the A5 roundabout. A group of walkers confirmed it was muddy as evidenced by their boots. So up the incline to the A5 roundabout and a short section of the St Martin's road found us riding parallel to the A5 and soon into Gobowen. The Derwen College café was busy and as usual, the service was friendly, fast and fulfilling. The return route was on the little lanes via Hindford then NE to Overton. Rolling fast down the main road out of Overton and over the Dee, we take the back way to Sontley and wend our way back through central Wrexham to the Alyn. A round trip of 41m, but for me, the very pleasant day out was marred by a rear wheel puncture at the bottom of Marford Hill on my way back to Chester.

CA

14th March 2013: Whitchurch

A light frost greeted the early risers, but this soon melted away as we made our way down the lanes to the Ice Cream Farm. The group of 10 consisted of Dave H, Petar, Trevor, Brian Mac, George, Paul, Colin, Keith, Mike G and Jim.

We were joined for coffee by Ivan who is making good progress and now limping well with his stick.
It was decided to head for Whitchurch via Tilston and the Wyches and we made steady progress until the downhill just after Carden Park. At the bottom of the hill we turned left for Tilston when Brian informed us that we were 3 members short. We stopped in a lay-by while Brian returned to investigate, coming back later with the news that there was no sign of Trevor, Dave and George. Calls to the respective mobiles brought no response and we presumed that they had missed the turn and gone onto Stretton. No problem as the lane went back to Tilston anyway, so we set off to wait at the Carden Arms. Still no phone contact after a lengthy wait so we decided to continue and hope that we met up for lunch. It transpired later that Trevor had punctured well before the junction, which was why Brian hadn't been able to find them, and some phones were back at home!
The main group continued on through Lower and Higher Wych to join the A525 just west of Whitchurch. Lunch was taken at The Black Bear next to the church on top of the hill. Still no sign of our colleagues, and no phone contact. They had made their way along the lanes but couldn't recall which pub we were in, so lunched at the one with the grumpy landlady (now apparently replaced by a much more pleasant landlady, so could be back on the radar).

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

The main group set off back to the east of town, up the hill towards Marbury, then Bickley Moss. At this point we came across a 'road closed’ sign but decided to keep going anyway. As we approached the canal bridge we could see threatening signs of cranes and large concrete culverts-more than just a bit of tar and chipping then! However, Mike used his charm and we were allowed to walk our bikes over the temporary structure to the other side and off towards Cholmondely.
Then another 'road closed' sign. Once again we ignored it to find that the roadway had been partially washed away, presumably as a result of recent heavy rain.
A steady push up to the top of Harthill was rewarded by a long downhill back to the Ice cream Farm for afternoon tea. About 36 miles or near 60 for those from Chester.
A chilly but mainly dry day, marred only by the misunderstanding early on, which only reinforced what we have learned from previous exploits-keep together and keep the phones switched on!
JD

7th March 2013: New Brighton

With a rainy overcast sky forecast throughout the day, it was a very welcome sight for me to see 10 riders raring to go at 10:30 from Ness Gardens.  There has always been a good turnout from this cafe over the years, even though routes are somewhat limited from Ness.  Here was me thinking it was because I was leading this time, until George pointed out what a lot of us like about CER; they meet every Thursday, whatever the weather, and that is a real motivator.  Clive, Dave H, Dave P, George, Jim, the 2 Lizzies, Roy, Paul & myself were joined by a CER virgin, Keith.  We set off north, waved off by Martin, who was only here for the coffee.

There are only two ways round the Wirral and both have been done by CER; this time I tried to go clockwise around the peninsula, utilising the plethora of lanes along the western or Deeside coastline.  There were no dramas reported before we reached The Magazine pub in New Brighton, a proper old boozer we had visited a few winters ago.  Reactions to lunch were mixed, but all agreed that the Real Ales on tap were 1st Class.

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

Heading south along the banks of the Mersey, we passed New Brighton’s very own “Black Pearl”, a half size pirate ship breached above the high tide, built by local artist Frank Lund & Major Mace.  Constructed entirely from driftwood & items washed ashore, it’s worth checking Google & Flikr for its provenance.

The tandem picked up a puncture by Twelve Quays & while we were waiting, Clive did his impression of an ostrich, immortalised forever on camera.  The return was via a drab Cammell Lairds, now in full swing fabricating offshore wind-turbines.

After Eastham, Clive and Roy peeled off to Chester; while the rest of us wended (is there such a word?) our way back to High Tea at Ness, having clocked up 41 miles, a record for a Wirral Circular.  Next time, the new Sustrans path from Neston to Shotton will be finished, opening up the possibility of different routes from Ness.

BMac

28th February 2013: Ellesmere

The early risers were met with a fairly heavy frost, which soon melted away as the group assembled at Hildegard’s. Both new members returned for another ride, not having been put off by last week’s headwind. Petar and Dave R, were joined by Dave H, Clive, Martin, Liz, Andy, Ray, George (recently back from the fleshpots of Thailand), Dave Hill (on his way to work), Dave M, and Jim. After a brief discussion the choice was either a trip round the Wrexham industrial estate, or a visit to the Red Lion in Ellesmere for a two course pensioner's special £5.50.

We set off for Ellesmere only to find that Dave M had a puncture right outside the Cafe. A little later than normal we set off again, making for Farndon and Tilston. The plod up the hill into Malpas wasn't too bad without the usual southerly wind and we were soon racing through Lower Wych onto the A525 crossing at Eglwys Cross. The back lanes west took us to Hanmer village where we picked up cycle route 45 down into Ellesmere.

The Red lion service was as speedy as usual with Ray at last being able to claim his pensioners’ rights.

The sun shone benignly as we retraced our steps briefly as far as the Penley turning, crossing the A525 again this time at Holly Bush, heading for Worthenbury. This being the end of February we have been beset with hedge cutting this last few weeks, and this week was no different. Fortunately a short diversion allowed us to by-pass the obstacle, and we reached the village without incident.

The usual route from there north to Shocklach and Farndon had us all commenting on the pleasure of being able to ride on quiet lanes in pleasant countryside. Back at Hildegard’s the afternoon coffee and cakes set us up nicely for the short drive home, or ride in some cases. 40 miles in all or about 64 from Chester. But what a difference in the weather - dare I say it - has spring finally sprung?

Incidentally, talking of thorns, it is the responsibility of the local Highways Dept to ensure that any hazardous material deposited on the highway -thorns or mud - is cleared up by the perpetrators: just give the council a ring with exact location and dates.

JD

21st February 2013: Wrinehill

It was going to be a cold and windy day and the weather didn’t disappoint. There was a whole crowd at Rose Farm including Petar for his second week, and a new rider, Dave R, who wanted to savour one of our rides. Just as we were about to leave "Hop a Long" Davenport arrived by stagecoach with clipboard and sample shirts. He was there to "put the shirts on our backs", which was duly accomplished - well-done Ivan - a thankless task. 

Jim and I discussed routes as he had one to Goostrey but agreed that, with a strong SE wind, the Wrinehill option was more sensible. So Ray, Paul, Liz D, Dave H, Jim, Andy, Petar and Dave R and I set off for Tarporley. Dave M was in "big ride prep mode" so went his own way, and Trevor accompanied us to Bunbury before turning for home. After Bunbury, we took the Haughton Moss option towards Acton on dry roads. Nantwich was bypassed by taking the river park diversion but then there was no avoiding short sections of the A529 and the A51 to get us to Wybunbury. Missing the obviously named Wrinehill Road, we turn back down the hill to admire the big sandstone church by the correct turn. Here it was just a matter of following this long lane over the West Coast railway line to the Crown in Wrinehill. 

The car park was reassuring quite full for a small pub as we gratefully rushed inside for the warmth therein. The landlord was welcoming, and soon the order was taken. After a short wait, the whole order arrives in more or less in one go. Most of us had the fish and chips main meal and expressed our satisfaction with quality and quantity. We ready for the return ride knowing the cold wind is going to be behind us. 

Dave H, Jim and Petar opt for a leisurely return, so the rest of us head up the main road through pretty Betley for a mile or so before finding the little lane to Chorlton. Here we "admire" the large housing estate with enormous houses at the lane's edge enjoying panoramic views of the main West Coast railway line. More A road takes us back to Wybunbury, just kissing where we rode through this pretty village a few hours earlier. Cutting through Nantwich, we take the Wettenhall lane north to Eaton. On the way we pass the Metropolitan Machine Knitting centre and inquisitiveness and the cold encourage to stop for an inexpensive hot drink with cakes. Up through Eaton, and the hill out finds us transecting the A49 back to Rose Farm. A dry, cold day with a 45 mile circuit to places and lanes anew. Andy, Liz, and Dave R head for their cars as Ray, Paul and I head back Chester clocking up 70 miles under the tyres.

CA

14th February 2013: Gwaenysgor

After yesterday’s snow and rain the weather today was greatly improved with a forecast for a sunny day.  Ray, Roy, Paul, Dave P, Martin, Bryan and a new rider, Petar, turned up at the Gallery Cafe, Hawarden.  Bryan had a sick note and was planning to do only a short ride and when Petar heard of the proposal for a hilly, 40-50 mile ride he decided to join Bryan.

The remaining five chose to follow a route that had been led by Bryan Wade a year or two ago.  We headed off to Northop and up onto the Halkyns, passing through Whitford, Llanasa and eventually Gwaenysgor.  There was a headwind the entire way make the going quite hard but this was tempered by the usual fine views across the Dee Estuary.  As we were slightly early for lunch we visited the viewpoint above Prestatyn at the top of the 33% hill from the coastal plain. Lunch was taken in the Eagle and Child and was perfectly satisfactory.

After lunch we descended the rough, steep, narrow lane to Dyserth and then along the splendid road through Cwm to Rhuallt with views across to Snowdonia.  After the hard climb up Rhuallt hill we rolled along the tops with the wind at our backs through Babel, down into Rhys y Cae and then up the hill to Moel y Crio, Rhosemor, Alltami, Buckley and eventually Hawarden.  We were hoping to grab a cup of tea at the Gallery Cafe but he was in the process of closing.  Ray and Paul continued on to Chester and Roy to Runcorn (!).

It had been an enjoyable hilly ride at a faster than normal pace on a sunny winter day with great scenery throughout.  One of my favourite routes. Total mileage from the cafe was 49 miles with 1210 metres of ascent.  Probably 65 from Chester and 90 from Runcorn.

MD

7th February 2013: Lower Peover

It felt a bit bleak at Manley Mere, but once inside the fire was toasty and the staff friendly. Bryan, Paul, Ray, Jim and myself were soon snugly installed with hot drinks. Andy, back from the sun, and David M were there for a chat but not riding.  Dave and Liz Pipe arrived later, and then Mike G made a welcome appearance. Ivan’s positive progress was discussed, and we look forward to his return.

Jim had a route, and I offered to lead until lunch (and add a few twists). We were soon climbing toward the hairpin on Sugar Lane, past David Yeo working on a sandstone wall. The fast lads had been asked to rein in initially, as we had unintentionally split in different directions here in the past. We turned right at the top of Pingot Lane, and wound up New Pale Road up to the old Kingswood Hospital site. The views were panoramic on these lofty heights before we burrowed down Dark Lane into Kingsley village. The tandem had already had a testing workout with only a few miles covered. Roddy Lane was quiet, but had an unnerving surprise of sheet ice around a corner. I was convinced I was going to ‘do an Ivan’, but finished upright on the grass after some fishtailing. We avoided the B-road by reaching Acton Bridge via The Cliff. 

We had spent some time winding, climbing and waiting without getting very far. We now could make more effective progress on a straightforward route to Comberbach and Great Budworth. The steep bank to Willow Green was the only cause for some delay. It was raining, and the known delights of The George and Dragon were very tempting.  Indeed for Dave and Liz ‘Rhubarb and Custard’ Pipe, the temptation was unsurprisingly too much. In fact none of us can remember the last time the tandem managed to pass this particular hostelry!   Those who have ridden tandems will understand, that a return ride with rain and more steep slopes to face, made their decision a no-brainer.  As it happened, the remainder of our ride to lunch was flat and largely dry.

Pick Mere appeared deserted down on our right. For many decades this was a very popular destination for day-trippers. There were boats for hire, a lively fairground and a large café well capable of handling charabanc loads of people. During the Second World War many evacuees were housed in hundreds of chalets around the lake and in the local area. We turned left in Higher Wincham, navigated the busy A556 and made steady progress down Plumley Moor Road. We were persuaded that The Crown would provide a warmer welcome and better value than The Bells of Peover. This snug C17th. Pub was indeed just what we needed, and we stayed for an extra coffee.

The shorter return route had us heading for Lach Dennis and then through the attractive village of Davenham. Jim’s faultless navigation and Paul’s memory successfully found the Weaver crossing at Moulton.  The steep left in Whitegate was avoided, and we crossed the A556 just west of Hartford, and the A49 at Bryn, passing the site of the old Eden Vale yogurt factory at the edge of Cuddington.  At Ruloe the last climbs back to Manley began, up through Norley and Delamere Forest. We tried two different ways after Spy Hill, but neither Dark Ark Lane, or Delamere Lane and the steep bank by the Goshawk, avoided the usual demanding, grinding last effort for tired legs. As I was strapping my bike on the car at Manley Mere it was nice to be joined by Bryan and Jim for coffee and cake. 44miles in the usual excellent company or 60 plus miles for those riding from Chester.    

DH

31st January 2013: Bangor on Dee

The weather was forecasted to be very windy and I had a little niggle that the day may turn out not as expected.   I met Ray at the Old Dee Bridge at 09:15 and Ivan arrived shortly afterwards. As they were slightly unsure of the route to Alyn Waters I led them out via Lache Lane to Dodleston and Pulford. We turn towards Marford and take Springfield Lane running parallel to the bypass. Here Ray is leading and knows that it is a right turn over the bypass then slightly downhill then a left turn at Pentre Lane ready for a sharp single chevroned grind up to Llay.  At the Pentre turn, Ivan comes off his bike as Ray starts up the lane. I'm at the rear and manage to miss Ivan who is on the road and the bike is elsewhere. It is immediately obvious that his injuries are more than road graze.  A call is put out to 999 for an ambulance. Several cars stop and soon there is a queue of young ladies proffering blankets and a cushion for his head. Ivan clearly is in great pain but wants to know if his bike is alright. After what seems hours, a paramedic arrives and quickly decides not to move him and get some morphine into his bloodstream. Another car stops; it is a local doctor, but he agrees there is nothing more to be done right now. After what seems another long time, the ambulance finally arrives. They get him into the ambulance and start to make him comfortable. Meanwhile I phone Marilyn to tell her the bad news and suggest she goes to Wrexham Maelor A&E. By this time Dave and Liz arrive in their car and collect his bike. Martin and Roy also arrive from the Alyn café. There is nothing to do but to ride to the Maelor A&E where we find Marilyn and her daughter. Once we know Ivan is in A&E we decide to make a short ride out to the Buck at Bangor on Dee. We decide to return to Holt via the back lanes and I notice that the fields near the Dee are well flooded. There is a short section of flooded road soon followed by a long section that Roy bravely offers to check it out. We three see that as he fades from view, the water is over his boots. We turn back to ride the B road and meet up with him at the Holt bypass. The water was only half way up his calves apparently!  We decide to stop at Hildegard's and take a hot drink - and wholly underserved, two of our number take cake as well. Roy and Martin head for Pulford and Ray and I head for Chester. Only 45 miles but what drama - a day we shall not forget easily. "There before the grace of God go I" comes to mind.

PS: It’s 16:23 and I'm at home and a text comes in from Ivan!  Have fractured my hip, shoulder and hand - being operated on soon and home next week sometime; will be out of action for 4-6 months. If you have his mobile number, I'm sure he will appreciate a text from you to wish him well.

CA

24th January 2013: Calverhall

Would the lanes be rideable? That was the question on my mind as we sat at the Ice Cream Farm. Ivan had helpfully brought some samples of the proposed team garments and we "oohed and aarhed" just like a ladies lingerie party. Trevor and Dave M were in four-wheel mode, and Dave H and Jim were in "Jim recovery mode"; so Roy, Ray, Ivan, Paul, Martin and myself plus the tandem duo set off on time bound for the Old Jack in Calverhall. As we rode towards Beeston Castle through the snow covered fields, I wondered what it would have been like to be on sentry duty 350ft up on a raw day back in the 1220's when the castle had been built. No performance fabrics in their medieval attire - just woollen cloth and skins. At Peckforton, the tandem sanctions the pack to ride ahead and "we will meet up later on". So we dodged our way down a rutted Stone House Lane turning left towards Spurstow. Here the first diversion from the planned route was executed having seen the icy state of the side lane. So through Bunbury and towards Faddiley via Capper's Lane. I suddenly realised that something was different - it had gone deathly quiet. Everyone was concentrating on keeping on one of the black strips down the lane and avoiding the numerous cavernous potholes with ice to the right and left. Dodging right down Brindley Hall Road, we hit the dry A534 and take a left and right towards Swanley. Here the transfer lanes are even worse! Edging towards Ravensmoor, we motor on dry roads towards Wrenbury Station and slide past the Bhurtpore pub. Across the A530, we head south bound for Ightfield via Burley Dam. The outskirts of Ightfield are quite bad and we walk for some distance, but the turn left to Calverhall is dry. As we arrive at 12:30, a text from the tandem indicates that are safely tucked up in the Farmers Arms at Ravensmoor.

There is always a warm welcome at the Old Jack and there's a real fire as well as a good selection of beers. We all order and in dribs and drabs the hot meals arrive - some of the best chips as well! We chat about the cheery Danish crime and US terrorist TV programs as well as the specification of Ivan's new bike (with a triple no less). The return journey is re-planned given that going back via Wirswall and Marbury might be a bit ambitious. So it’s straight down the road to Whitchurch and then the B road to Malpas. Here the clouds part and a watery sun appears and stays with us all the way back to the Ice Cream farm via Duckington and Brown Knowle. We all take a hot drink and, as Martin heads back to his car, he notices that the tandem duo haven't returned as yet since their car is still in the car park. Roy zooms off bound for Runcorn and will have cycled nearly 90 miles today - well he is half of most of our ages! The circular route is around 46 miles but those from Chester will have chalked up nearly 70 miles in the balmy 1˚ C weather.

Well, the ride was thankfully incident free, and we were lucky that the tiny lanes were passable with care.

CA

17th January 2013: No Mans Heath

Rising early to ride required real resolve on a stone cold day.  Ivan, Ray, Bryan, myself and the recovering Clive arrived at the Little Roodee Café.  Martin turned up tanned from his skiing at Chamonix. He was resting today, his quest for fresh snow not quite stretching from the lower slopes of Monte Blanc to those of Larkton Hill. 

A route in the direction of Malpas was agreed, partly because any chilling breeze was likely to come from the south east and so assist our passage home.  Clive led, as his intimate knowledge of these lanes would be of benefit, and, being Clive, he obviously would incorporate some interesting extra meandering loops.  We headed out along the river, behind The Boathouse, past Huntington Hall toward Aldford via Saighton. Clive was supposedly not 100%, but his pace was, by my moderate standards. A lone approaching cyclist had shouted an ice warning. Reasonable caution and good gritting meant that ice wasn’t a real worry for the rest of the day.

Unfortunately, a tractor on Chapel Lane was cutting a hedge and sprayed thorns all over the road. I duly picked up a puncture and we all had a very cold 15 minutes, as I double checked my tyre and replaced my inner tube. Ivan earned a pint for being particularly helpful. We were soon turning left at pretty Churton. Peaceful little lanes took us south east through Coddington to Clutton, where we became semi-detached. Ivan did his usual eager sheepdog-on-a-bike act, and soon we were together making steady progress south to Cuddington Heath. A straight route left to Malpas was shunned for a nice, quiet detour to Oldcastle Heath and north east along Bishop Bennet Way.  Bryan wasn’t feeling like a spring chicken, and it was a little hilly and a lot cold. Ray and Ivan went ahead, partly because Ray requires a good toasting every two hours in order to survive the cold. (And Ivan needs two pints of beer every two hours to survive, period).       

We finally made the familiar Wheatsheaf after 26 miles, more than ready for food and warmth. Sausages in Yorkshire puddings were no longer on the menu, but the food was fine. The new owners were very friendly and our conversation was convivial.  Circulation was a theme: Ray prays every Thursday that winter can be turned into summer because of his perceived poor circulation, Bryan’s fingers go white in his own living room, and we discussed the theory that continually circulating train routes may reduce the need for more lines.

We were a little late heading back, and with light, cold and possible wintry weather considerations, took the fast way back via the Old Coach Road to Broxton Old Hall. We reached Tattenhall and considered a coffee, but we had already been riding through some fine, snowy precipitation and it was becoming a little murky. We crossed the A41, and at Saighton the frisky three took off, and Bryan and myself cruised into Chester via Boughton. 

A thoroughly enjoyable day, which despite the natural speed differentials was managed without a problem. Winter brings both its stark and sparkly charms to our beloved Cheshire lanes. I for one was glad that I made that early morning effort to get up and out. Many thank to Clive for leading.

DH   

10th January 2013: Hanmer

What a difference to last week’s balmy weather!  At 9:00 as I left home for the ride to Hildegard’s it was cold, grey and with a touch of fog.  A relieved Dave H was already there, having arrived early and then been concerned that he had gone to the wrong venue.  Hildegard made a large pot of tea and within a few minutes two of the tables were full as Ray, Ivan, Dave & Liz P and Paul also made an appearance.  With the weather outside being so cold there was some reluctance to get out and our start was a little delayed.  No worries though as we were following my route to Hanmer and I could always cut a bit out if necessary.
We were soon out in the country riding south on the back lanes between the Dee and Wrexham Industrial Estate, which if it hadn’t been for the state of the roads would have been perfect.  Unfortunately this set the tone for the rest of the day: beautiful, almost traffic free, lanes thoroughly covered in gunk and with the occasional flooded section.
Through Bangor on Dee we went, past the racecourse, and then just as Paul swept past to attack the coming hill, a left turn up Brynhovah Bank.  Continuing south through the lanes the sun made an attempt to show itself and it did seem a little warmer although Ray was still complaining about the cold.  At the southern end of Lionlane Wood Ray spotted a sign to Hanmer “not much further to lunch then”.  Sorry Ray but “we’re going further south to Bettisfield before we turn north to Hanmer”.  So ignoring the signs we continue south: after all we still had a few more chevroned hills to pull in before lunch.
After Bettisfield it was a straight run north to Hanmer and the group fragmented as riders made off for the warmth and comfort of the Hanmer Arms.  The Hanmer Arms Hotel was packed with a large funeral party but we found a space by the fire in the front bar and while Ray warmed himself we ordered food and drink from the bar.  The food was excellent as usual and the range of ale more than enough to satisfy the drinkers amongst us.  Talking to the barmaid it appears that the existing lessee has just put up the lease for sale.  Let’s hope that the new management maintains the current standards.
By 14:00 it’s time to make a move but a reluctance to leave seems to have gripped the group with half the group claiming they were just waiting inside for those already standing ready to depart outside in the cold!  To warm up we retrace our steps up to Arowry and then turn north to cross the A525 to eventually drop down to Lower Wych.  Once up the other side we take a meandering route through the lanes to Shocklach and on to Farndon.  Here Andy and Paul leave us to ride straight back to Chester while the rest of the group continue to Hildegard’s for coffee and “nice” cake (pineapple and coconut).  Suitably refreshed I leave at about 15:45 for the ride back to Chester in the gathering gloom with the fog thickening.
Yet another great day out covering some 39 miles or just over 60 miles for those riding from Chester.

BW

3rd January 2013: Aston

We met at the Old Fire Station in Tarporley as Rose Farm café was closed.  It was a good turnout: Martin & Liz D, Dave & Liz P, Jim, Bryan, Brian Mac, Dave H, Dave M, and Andy. In addition, Big Roy of Runcorn was a welcome returnee.  I don’t know if some of us were wearing new Christmas gear, but Dave M. was sporting a particularly snazzy top, and Brian Mac a daft Everton hat.

We meandered up Eaton road and bumbled through the village of Eaton heading out in an easterly direction with Jim in the lead, before turning right just past Townfield Farm towards Wettenhall.  The riding was easy, the atmosphere relaxed, and there was a chance to chat.  Liz’s description of her and Martin’s recent Vietnam cycling experience was both fascinating and disturbing.  Reaseheath College was soon passed and shortly after we were in Nantwich, along Welsh Row, noted for the variety, history and character of its buildings. We turned right shortly after Malbank School, through a residential area, right again over the Shropshire Union Canal, and then headed for Wrenbury Heath.  Some risked the short, muddy track through Woodcotthill Farm and over the nascent River Weaver.  A local man walking two dogs informed us that the water had recently submerged the bridge.  Some of us chickened out and rode the long way around on tarmac.  We all finished safely in the friendly and familiar Bhurtpore Inn, with its luvvely curries and strong ales.  Ray arrived shortly after having been delayed by punctures before he had even got to the start and hence being forced to make his own way to Aston.

Home was via Wrenbury, Chorley and Brindley to Bunbury.  Someone shouted “Left” at Larden Green, and thereby some of us were split from the main group, but we were soon reunited.  Jim punctured, and Dave Matthews kindly proffered ‘a proper pump’.  This was a vintage lightweight inflator of a particular length that exactly fitted his exotic, old cycle frame. Unfortunately, in trying to help Jim, I was too enthusiastic and destroyed it (see photograph).

Photograph by Martin Donaldson

Tilly’s coffee and cake in Bunbury was very welcome.  We then headed for Beeston, and most of us to Chester through Brassey Green, Huxley, Waverton and Christleton, with variations.  Roy, Martin & Liz D returned to Tarporley for their cars. It was getting dark, but it still wasn’t cold.  Jim and I started and finished at Guilden Sutton, clocking up over 58 miles; with just over 60 miles for those from Chester.  The Tarporley-Aston-Tarporley ride proper came in at an easy 38 miles. It was a very relaxing, convivial day. Many thanks to Jim for leading once more, let’s hope that he doesn’t break a leg skiing!

DH

1st January 2013 : New Year's Day Ride to Carden Arms

The official CER meet is at The Little Roodee (shut) with an option of The Blue Moon (open).  Ray made it to the official start and picked up Andy and David M on the road near the Blue Moon---shortly to be joined by Dr Martin.  The Blue Moon provided a warm recovery point to nurse our hangovers before setting off to the official New Year's Day meet at the Carden Arms in Tilston, via a welcoming stop at Hildegard's in Holt.
The day was dry, the temperature reasonable for time of year and the pace, set by Dr Martin, reasonable.  At the Carden arms 52 cyclists from all parts of Chester & North Wales received a warm welcome and equally warming meal from a giant stewpot (non-veggie or veggie to suit).  David Ackerley presented prizes to C&NW CTC riders who had won the CTC tourist competition yet again.
After the presentation we all left in dribs and drabs to follow our various ways home in the fading light.
Yet another excellent New Year's Day meet at the Carden Arms---Thanks to Harry for organising yet again.
DM
Note: The Carden Arms is under new management and very keen to accommodate cyclists.  They will send details of opening hours & meal facilities for the website.

27th December 2012: A 2nd Beating of The Bounds (or the Ice Cream Farm)

I had volunteered to lead a ride from The Gallery Tea Rooms and had a number of uneasy feelings beforehand.  No 1, would it be open two days after Christmas?  I arrived at 09:45 to find it still closed for Xmas, so parked my car outside to act as a refuge from the cold for those early CER birds.  Andy, Dave M and Paul arrived at 09:50 and we decided to cycle to Hildegard’s for coffee, which we knew never closes.  Uneasy No 2 was would anyone turn up at all?  That was soon dispelled when five others arrived, all feeling equally bloated after over-indulging: Dave H, Jim, Ray, Martin, Andy and myself.  I thought “Golly”, this is a good turnout, just as we cycled through that appropriate named hamlet.  It was a straight and uneventful ride southeast past Hope through Rossett to Holt.  

Hildegards had even opened on the 25th to serve 28 covers for Christmas Dinner; so serving eight cyclists was nothing.  Dave H, Jim & Dave M all peeled off then as the rest of us decided to head SE to see if we could find food in Malpas.  My spy in Malpas phoned me with news that all the pubs there were only serving drinks and she even phoned Bellis’ in Holt, who were serving food.  I didn’t have the heart to tell her that we had just left Holt.  Stopping on the edge of the Malpas metropolis, the lunch committee decided that we’d head for The Ice Cream Farm on spec.  Turning north, we passed Broxton and Beeston.  As we neared the ICF, I have never been happier to see the car park so packed.  Food at last!

After lunch, we all headed back for Chester, via Christleton, but here it all went downhill for Martin, who picked up the first of three punctures, just as dusk was falling.  As my car was parked at Hawarden, I stayed with him to help, to save all 5 of us catching frostbite.  The two of us returned via the Greenway and Sealand and arrived back at the start in the dark, having completed 54 miles.

It was good to see 1 or 2 younger people taking their holiday leave to cycle with us (I believe that they are called workers, but it all seemed so long ago)

One lesson learned today for the CER ride on Thurs 26 Dec 2013 is that the only places that seem to serve food are Hildegard’s, Bellis’ and The ICF.  You have been warned.

BMac

21st December 2012: Café circuit

Thursday's weather was forecasted to be "heavy rain all day"; and so it was; and this was the reason that the penultimate ride of 2012 was exceptionally moved to a forecasted "dry" Friday.  At Manley aka Café #1, the message had got through to everyone and Dave M confirmed that no one had turned up on the Thursday.  So my proposal of a Café to Café "beating the bounds** " ride was accepted, as was the lunch venue of Hildegard's café.  We six, (David M, Dave P, Ray, Andy, Martin and I) set off on time up Sugar Lane bound for Mouldsworth and the back lane into Kelsall.  The weather was dry but annoying heavy drizzle could be seen sweeping across the plain as we exited Kelsall bound for Café #2 in Utkinton.  No time to stop, so onwards to Tarporley, where waterproofs were donned, then Huxley bound for Café #3, Ice Cream Farm.  David M decides to peel off, so we five motor through Tattenhall.  On the Clutton road out, there is a sizeable flood at the top of the hill and we roll down towards the A41 testing our brakes.  Safely across, we turn right down Dog Lane, Chowley, into Aldersey Lane and thence to Coddington.  The weather improves.  Across the A534 and passed the Cock o' Barton, we turn right down Wetreins Lane bound for Farndon and Holt.  The Dee is in full flood as we arrive at Hildegard's Café #4 by 12:45.  Hildegard looks after us royally well and we tuck in to a hot meal and a free glass of red wine and extra tea/coffee.

Photographs by Clive Albany

An hour later we set off, but with Andy nursing the beginnings of a cold, and Martin deciding to get back to his car in the light, they leave us bound for Chester.  So Ray, Dave P and I roll along the straight road into a head wind bound for Borras.  Crossing the Wrexham bypass, we arrive in Bradley and take the back way into Alyn Waters Park Café #5.  In doing so we get close to the Expresso (former café #5).  Along the main road we go northwards to Caergwrle and take the lane across the river valley passing close by the now closed Tudor café (also former Café #5).  Safely on Lower Mountain Road, we slowly ascend to Bilberry Wood genuflecting towards Hawarden and Café #6.  Taking the usual return route, we decide to stay on the south side of the River Dee at Saltney Ferry and arrive at the Wrexham Roundabout via Curzon Park.  Here Ray and Dave P go straight across making their way home.  I turn left and pass by the Little Roodee Café #7.  I cut down by the river back to Mollington with 60 miles on the clock and part way towards Café #8 at Ness.  If you had gone back to Café #1, you would have cycled 58m and got there by 16:00 and in the light.  I was home and had washed the bike by 16:00!  So as the old saying goes, "CTC" really stands for "Café-to-Café".  As I write this, the Mayan End of the World forecast is happily incorrect as was the Met Office's forecast for the day! 

Best Seasonal Wishes to all CER riders, and I hope Santa brings you those cycling goodies you’ve been hinting at all year.

See route map and/or gpx file download.

CA

 

Note ** 

According to Wikipedia: Beating the bounds is an ancient custom still observed in some English and Welsh parishes.  Under the name of the Gangdays the custom of going a-ganging was kept before the Norman Conquest.  A group of old and young members of the community would walk the boundaries of the parish, usually led by the parish priest and church officials, to share the knowledge of where they lay, and to pray for protection and blessings for the lands.

13th December 2012: Pontcysyllite

Leaving home with the temperature gauge on -6˚ C I was feeling decidedly un-enthusiastic about a ride round the Welsh mountains.  I needn't have worried: most of the Easy Riders had clearly opted for a lie in as the only ones at the cafe at Alyn Waters were myself, Dave H, and Dave & Liz P on the tandem.  I proposed a short ride down to the aqueduct at Pontcysyllite: only about 13 miles but with the option to extend down to Chirk if the weather improved.  As it happened it didn't and we set off uphill through Windy Hill and onto the Steps' passing gingerly through several sections of ice before reaching Minera.  From here on we followed the B5426 southwards towards Rhosllanerchrugog and Acrefair.  A little confusion within half a mile of the aqueduct caused by the water board parking a van on the pavement blocking the sign was soon sorted and we gladly reached the pub, at this point all agreeing that 13 miles was quite far enough, as we were all chilled to the bone and the temperature had not yet gone above freezing.

Some hearty liver and onions, and famous home made steak pie went down really well and we set off at 2 o'clock for the return.  Round the back streets of Ruabon, we picked up the old main road and headed north to the outskirts of Wrexham.  Here things got a little confused, despite having the use of the GPS, but we managed to keep mainly off the main roads and threaded our way round the back of the council offices and the hospital.  Crossing the A483 we took the lane up to Summerhill and finally back to Alyn Waters.  The temp by now had leaped up to -1˚ C: positively toasty!!  An interesting ride for all concerned followed by a well-earned coffee at the centre.

Total distance a very chilly 26 miles - but at least we were out there! 

JD

6th December 2012: Christmas Lunch Ride to Higher Burwardsley

Very cold, icy and rain forecast for late afternoon: just what we needed for the Club’s Christmas Lunch Ride!  David M rang to say he was going by car, as it was too icy.  I decided to cycle out to the meet at the Ice Cream Farm using the main roads as much as possible.  The BBC had shown their “documentary” ‘The War on Britain’s Roads’ the night before, portraying a war between motorists and cyclists.  This seemed to have been taken to heart by Chester’s drivers as I was cut up three times within the first mile and then shouted out for making use of an advanced stop line!

Once in the country, things calmed down and I was caught by Clive, Ivan and Ray taking the same route out.  At the Ice Cream Farm Colin was already demolishing a toasted teacake when we arrived.  Before long there were 14 of us present although one wasn’t riding.  While the rest of us chatted Jim did a fantastic job of painlessly extracting the monetary balance due from everyone for lunch.  Though how he managed to do the ride with pockets bulging with cash is another matter.

Photographs by Bryan Wade

By 10:30 it was time to leave with a short circuit of the Peckforton/Bickerton hills planned to get us to The Pheasant by just after 12 noon.  I led out round Beeston and on to Bunbury before cutting across to Peckforton.  By this time we had all warmed up, the weather was more favourable and by and large the roads were clear with just a few isolated patches of ice turning slushy.  Nearing Bickerton it was clear that we wouldn’t make the pub by noon if we stuck to the planned route so I cut out most of the Bickerton circuit to head straight for the old Copper Mine pub now renamed the Sandstone.  Then it was over Harthill before taking a sharp right and the climb up to Burwardsley and the Pheasant at Higher Burwardsley.

The Pheasant had reserved a window table for the 15 of us: Mike G, Colin, Dave B, David M, Clive, Ivan, Trevor, Dave P, Jim, George, Ray, Liz P, Mike M, Dave H and myself.  Once seated and refreshed with a pint, dinner was served.  Food was excellent although a complaint about the turkey was conveyed to the kitchen.  To be fair to the pub the menu described the turkey as saltimbocca style.  It would therefore be churlish not to expect some form of rolled turkey although in this case it was more of an industrial roll rather than the more traditional rolled and skewered pieces.

From The Pheasant the way back was a fast downhill descent through the lanes to the Ice Cream Farm where those with cars loaded up leaving the rest of us to make our way back to Chester.

Only 18 miles today (38 for those Chester bound) but a great day nevertheless.

BW

29th November 2012: New Brighton

Cold, crisp and even was the day's weather with the sun out all day and no wind to speak of. There were eight of us at Ness Gardens café  (Bryan, Ray, George, Liz and Dave P, Dave H, Jim and me) and the group were easily satisfied with the promise of the flattest ride ever, so much so that no one asked the distance!  I fancied an anti-clockwise Wirral periphery ride, viz keep the water on your right hand side as much as possible.  So we set off on time to access the Wirral Way via the half a mile railway cutting on the edge of Neston on our way to Childer Thornton.  Here we have to negotiate a deeply flooded road on the way to Eastham Ferry where we pause to watch a small tanker vessel slowly motor past.

Photographs by Bryan Wade

Then we access the start of the newly sign-posted Wirral Circular Way. This part of the route is the reverse of what we took on our way back from the Beatles Tour ride. Today it was well signposted as we wiggled left and right through housing estates and along the river side. We have to use the pavement at Bromborough Pool to avoid the A41 itself.  Eventually we arrive at Birkenhead Priory close by Woodside ferry. Weaving around the ferry station, we keep close to the water with wonderful views across the Mersey to Liverpool, before emerging by the swing bridge and onto the prom at Seacombe Ferry.  It was then a pleasant ride to New Brighton itself. I did not have a pre-planned lunch stop but the Sea View Café did us proud and most of us enjoyed inexpensive good wholesome food served quickly and with a smile. It must be a good place because it was very busy. No ale today, so Ivan would have been disappointed. 

The route back is familiar to all as we spin along the maritime cycle path towards Hoylake. Here turning into the main drag we lose the tandem who we assume we will shall see at the roundabout. No sign of them so we assume they are ploughing on to access the Wirral Way in West Kirby. We take the rail side cycleway and when at Grange Road phone the missing duo. A puncture - will be with you in "four minutes" - obviously time runs differently for the Pipe family. Eventually they arrive and we wend our way past dogs and their owners towards Parkgate and Neston. Dave H had decided to go ahead and we meet up at Ness gardens. The sun is setting and the temperature is falling to near zero.  Bryan, Ray and I head for Chester via Burton and Puddington and the others get into their warm cars. About 39 circular miles (60 plus for those Chester bound) and 1,395 ft. of climbing - even a flat ride is hillier than you might expect.

CA

22nd November 2012: Aston

Meeting at Hildegards on Thursday were Dave M, Dave H, Brian Mac, Ray and Jim.

The absence of any of our usual leaders threw us into the usual panic regarding destination and leadership, but with the wind blowing strongly from the south and even worse weather forecast for later, Dave M suggested the relatively short trip down to the Shroppie Fly at Audlem. This seemed to be a good idea, then Dave informed us that he wasn't coming anyway as he had done a couple of long rides already this week and was setting off home with the wind!

We decided to navigate by committee and chose the direct route down to Tilston, Duckington, Cholmondely, and Wrenbury. The going was tough at times when we rounded a corner and got the full force of the wind, but we struggled on manfully. At Wrenbury we re-assessed the situation and decided to head for the Bhurtpore Inn at Aston as we all fancied a curry and it was nearer anyway.

Suitably refreshed we set off for the return journey at 13:30, and with the wind mainly behind us we made good time cutting back through Bickley, No Man's Heath and Malpas until we passed through Tilston again. Here Ray decided to remove a clump of mud from his tyre that was irritating him only to find the mud masking a gift from a friendly farmer, at which point his tyre promptly deflated. Brian and Jim meanwhile were sheltering in the entrance to Lower Carden Hall, much to the discomfort of the owner who waited to ensure that his electric gates had closed before he set off for the golf club - after all one can't have riff-raff prowling around the outbuildings can one?

By now the gloom was closing in despite the relatively early time of 3pm and we got back to Farndon about 30 minutes later with the rain clearly intent on giving us a good soaking. Unfortunately Ray still had to ride back to Chester and would have caught the full force of the front.

The rest of us just about got our bikes on the cars without too much discomfort and set off home for an early bath.

35 fairly strenuous miles or nearer 60 for Ray.

JD

15th November 2012: Swan Green

It was real struggle to ride the 14 miles out to Rose Farm; it was cold, foggy and my legs were already gone after two weeks decorating leave!  There were eight of us in all (Ray, Mike M, Mike G, Dave H, Dave M, George, Paul and myself) although a phone call from Dave P advising a delayed departure, meant there would be 10 of us at the chosen lunch venue, the Crown at Swan Green. Dave M had suggested this as a good lunch venue earlier in the week, so I came prepared with a shortish 41 miler. 

The route out to Winsford was via Whitegate Way, which was bestrewn with Mother and Baby Club walkers and the usual dogs and their unaware owners.  Minimising the architectural delights of Winsford, we exit via the eponymously name Clive Green Lane on our way to the further architectural delights of Middlewich.  Over the M6, we have no real alternative but to take the quiet A50 north out of Holmes Chapel towards Cranage.  Thence over the M6 twice more as the sun shines and the Crown comes into view.  A decent pub this; George recalls we have visited it before but it's a first time for me.  The lunch discussion is varied, but the straw poll on those who intend to vote for the local Police Commissioner is only one in eight of us; this turns out to be about the national average as well!  As we finish our main course, Liz and Dave arrive and order an uncharacteristically small repast. 

As we set off to return with the winter sun in our eyes, half the group shoot off in the opposite direction to the leading group.  Not sure why, but the planned route home is only 17 miles!  We five (Ray, Paul, Mike G and Dave M) cross the M6 for the last time bound for Lach Dennis and Davenham.  Here we utilise the "Dave M Golf Course" manoeuvre to access Foxtwist Green via Vale Royal golf course from Davenham.  As we approach Little Budworth I decided not to go the same way back as out, since I can't remember ever riding through this pretty village.  Dave M decides he wants to go another way here, not sure why really since our route is back via Eaton and the bifurcated Heath Green Lane. The circular route is 41 miles although the remaining four riders returning to Chester will have clocked 65+ on the day.

CA

8th November 2012: Cwm

Although overcast and a little windy on the ride out to Hawarden the omens for the day were favourable.  I had come with a route to The Blue Lion Inn at Cwm, having checked the previous evening that they would be open and serving food.  By 10:30 a small band of seven were ready to leave and with no other suggestions the default destination of Cwm was agreed even though no one knew were it was!

With the group comprising Martin, Liz D, Dave H, Ivan and Dave & Liz P, I led out along the B road taking the direct route to Northop.  Within a few minutes Ivan was alongside.  “I’ve left my reading glasses at the café” he says. “I’m going back to get them and I’ll catch you up.  Are you going along the A55?”  “No” I reply, “We’re going straight over the Halkyns”.  “Brave choice” is the comment from someone behind and Ivan decides to collect the glasses on the way back.

In Northop we take the left at The Green and start the climb up to the Blue Bell.  At the top the views across the Wirral to Liverpool are magnificent and I get to wondering what it must have been like for the kids watching their home city being bombed while billeted out to families up here during the war.  Then we continue west across the moorland through Windmill and Brynford to Gorsedd where, aware of the time and the need to get back in daylight, I shorten the route by taking in a short section of the A5151.  The best bit starts as we turn off the main road to take the narrow lane past Llyn Helyg and on to Cwm where on the final descent we are rewarded with a spectacular view across the Vale of Clwyd to Snowdonia.

The Blue Lion proves to be the pub ‘find of the year’.  A warming open fire and an even warmer landlady to greet us.  Marston’s bitter on tap and an excellent choice of food from light snacks to a three course lunch for £10.  This is definitely one for future visits.  A very well run pub that deserves to succeed.

Photograph by Martin Donaldson

All too soon it was 14:00 and time for us to leave.  We dropped down to the Dyserth to Rhuallt road and contoured along the side of the Vale of Clywd stopping to take in the views: not forgetting a photo.  The back lane out of Rhuallt started steeply up to the A55 footbridge and continued upwards thereafter.  Halfway up Dave P gets a call.  It’s from the Landlady of The Blue Lion to say they have found his wallet.  The thought of going back and doing the hills again is just too much, so Dave wisely decides to drive back in his car later in the day after returning home.  We continue on to Babell where I surprise the group by taking the narrow undulating track to Lixwm.  At Pentre the notorious entrance to the farm track is even muddier than the last time I did this section so we take the alternative route to Rhes-y-cae instead, before the climb over Moel-y-crio.  With the hills behind us now we descend quickly to Rhosemor and Northop where with darkness coming on we hurry on towards Hawarden to make it back by 16:30.

What a wonderful day: 43 miles done or 58 for those cycling from Chester.

BW

1st November 2012: Grappenhall

CERs turning out for battle on a cold, bright day were Brian Mac, Ray, Dave H, Bryan W, Mike M, Dave M, Andy, Jim (gratefully returning into the world of retirement), Liz and Martin D.  Bryan, Brian Mac and Dave M indicated that they intended only to do a truncated ride but in fact got caught up with the joy of it all and completed almost the whole ride.  The Good Pub Guide having being consulted the chosen destination was Grappenhall.  The usual Cheshire Cycleway route was taken through Delamere, Norley, Acton Bridge and Antrobus.

Photographs by Brian MacDonald.

The final stretch to the pub was pave, good training for next years early season Classics.  The hardest decision of was the choice between the two adjacent pubs.  Locals having been consulted the Parr Arms was selected and an acceptable lunch was had although coffee was "orf"!  To avoid retracing our steps and in view of the limited crossing points over the Weaver the route back to base was a northerly route in parallel to the M56.  This lacked scenic qualities and in part was main road with busy traffic.  Eventually Frodsham was reached at which point Bryan, Brian and Jim took the direct route back to Chester whilst the remainder toiled up the considerable hill behind Frodsham and then down towards the setting sun and Manley.  Ray and Andy were the last men standing to complete the ride back Chester.  38 miles or 62km, 600m of ascent and 2200 calories consumed.  A satisfactory day.

MD

25th October 2012: Ellesmere

Brian Mac, Mike G, Ray, Tony, Dave H, Dave M, Liz and Martin were on parade today at the Expresso Cafe who gave us their usual warm welcome.  There were sighs of relief when Martin suggested spurning the N Wales hills and taking a flat route to Ellesmere.  One drawback of heading in this direction is that there is an initial ride through Wrexham which is rather busy and tedious.  Eventually we emerged into the countryside and followed extremely muddy lanes towards Overton, Dudleston and then into Ellesmere.  Dave M left an early stage for an appointment in Malpas.  Lunch was taken at the Black Lion pub which proved perfectly satisfactory.  The return route was to Penley, Bangor on Dee and Erdigg where a visit to the cafe there was suggested.  We entered through the back gate only to be later chastised (politely, no racial abuse) by a NT official for not using the official entrance and paying the entrance fee or showing a membership card.  We than rode through the heavy school pickup traffic of Wrexham to Gwersyllt where Ray and Tony continued to Chester, Mike G having left earlier to return to the railway station.  About 40 miles round trip from the cafe.
MD


Great pictures from Brian MacDonald.

Alternatives to Gwersyllt

A number of members have commented on the unsatisfactory nature of Gwersyllt as one of our regular meeting places.  Members will recall that Gwersyllt was chosen as the least unsatisfactory option when the café in Caergwrle closed.  Since then dissatisfaction has been voiced on a number of occasions.  David M has previously suggested Chirk as a possible alternative and more recently he has suggested Malpas.  Mold has also been mentioned.

To move the debate forward perhaps members would like to consider the options, suggest new alternatives or comment on the suggestions already made.  Please leave your comments below so that everyone can share your views and allow us to focus in on the most favoured/best alternative.

Issues that come to mind include the distance to the meeting place, the quality of the journey there, the range of rides accessible from the meeting place and the quality of the café.  You will no doubt have other considerations so let’s start the debate and see where it leads.

Bryan

18th October 2012: Aston

Brian Mac, Dave H, Andy, Ray, Clive, Mike M, Lizzie and Martin met at the Ice Cream Farm (ICF).  Dave and Liz Pipe arrived later but without cycling shoes so were unable to join the ride!  I like the ICF at this time when it’s free of the crowds.  Martin proposed an unadventurous route the principal purpose of which was to arrive at the Bhurtpore Inn for lunch.  This is one of my favourite pubs with an unbeatable combination of real ales, curries and open fire.  The usual route was taken over Harthill, Hampton Heath, Marbury and into Aston.  The weather was dry but the lanes remained wet and mucky from the recent rains.  

Photograph by Martin Donaldson

Vegetarian curry (medium heat) was the most popular lunch choice and went down very well with one of the 8 or so cask ales on offer.  We then continued the anticlockwise circuit back to the ICF via Ravensmoor, Bunbury and Beeston.  The pace picked up towards the end as rain threatened.  Some of us took tea/coffee and cakes in the ICF before wending our separate ways home.  Only 36 miles to and from the café; no mechanicals or lost riders; just a pleasant ride with a good lunch and company.

MD

11th October 2012: Central Lakeland

Sunshine, blue skies and some of the best scenery in the country! ... well that was the idea anyway as Clive, Ivan, Ray, Dave P, Dave Heath, Brian Mac and Andy met at the ferry car park in Bowness.  Actually Brian and Clive were still in Booths supermarket cafe having seen some signs that the ferry was out of action.  A quick check found that not to be the case and that it had been running for the last 500 years (believe that if you will)!

The forecast for the day was less than promising, with light rain to 12:00 hrs followed by heavy in the afternoon … and we all know what that means in Cumbria!

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

At this point Andy thoughtlessly offered the incentive of a free beer to any rider who managed the two big hills with no foot down ... a pretty stupid offer as it turned out!

With typical Easy Riders optimism we buried our heads in the sand crossed the lake then followed a nice well surfaced track for a couple of miles along the west shore ... good riding and a few gentle hills leading past High Wray and on towards Ambleside.  The Under Loughrigg Road allowed us to bypass the town on a pretty car free route then a short fast main road to Grassmere village. 

Replenishing caffeine levels in Grassmere was tempting but the day’s plan was to separate the two major climbs of the day by a break in Chapel Style in Langdale.  So ... up the 25% Red Bank it was ... tough but not too long with Dave P, Ivan and Ray unsurprisingly leading the pack.  A fast mile across the fells above Elterwater brought us to our deserved break at Brambles Cafe in the Cooperative shop.  So far so good and not too wet.

Heading west along Langdale the heavy rain came just as forecast obscuring the outstanding views of the Pikes.  Up the 25% hairpins to Blea Tarn along a road now turned to river ... and guess which three arrived first with a pale Andy trailing behind at the thought of that promise of free beer!

A lovely fast decent to Little Langdale had us recalling Ivan as he was drawn to the Three Shires.  Our route was a track through Tilberthwaite Woods then on to Coniston and the Black Bull that brews the famous Bluebird Bitter out back.  Good food, warm fire and Andy with a lighter wallet (even Ray forced a beer down at my expense) and we mounted up for the final stretch with resolve quickly diminishing in the wet gloom.  A quick conference agreed a revised route over Hawkshead Hill, then straight to the ferry via Far Sawrey.

A companionable and memorable day ... not all for the right reasons of course.  Only 38 miles but a couple of challenging ascents.

Perhaps we will try again next summer?

AW

4th October 2012: Whitchurch

While riding out to Hildegard’s this morning I was suddenly struck by the thought that the ride I had downloaded for today was based on starting from the Ice Cream Farm rather than Holt.  A quick check on arrival proved this to be correct.  Oh well, you can’t win them all and someone is bound to have something else prepared!  With ten of us present you would think so.  Mike M, Trevor, Clive, Dave H, David M, Ray, Andy, Dave & Liz P plus me and no one had a route.  I volunteered my route from the Ice Cream Farm to Coton suitably modified to take us from Hildegard’s, but Mike thought the Dog and Bull had closed.  Clive then confirmed that my alternative of the Waggoners at Platt Lane had burnt down in 2010.  Well it should have been rebuilt by now then.  With that optimistic thought in mind seven of us were ready to depart leaving Andy, Ray and David M with varying excuses for not riding.

The weather was perfect, a beautiful early autumn day, with just a nip in the air and the sun overhead.  What could go wrong? A delayed start while Clive repaired a rear wheel puncture.  Once away everything was fine.  An easy start took us down to Shocklach with little traffic in evidence then onto the back lanes to Chorlton Lane to join the original route down to Dymock’s Mill.  The idyllic scene at the bottom provided a photo opportunity before the climb up the rough track provided the first surprise of the day with the two oldest club members being the only ones to make it. 

Photographs by Bryan Wade

From here it was southeast through Drury Lane and down to Fenn’s Bank before a left turn over the canal brought us to a burnt out Waggoners: no joy here then.  Our next option was to try Tilstock just up the road where ten minutes or so later we discovered the Horseshoes was temporarily closed with new landlords in the process of moving in.  Next stop Whitchurch!

It’s only a short ride north to Whitchurch and with the superb weather to cheer us we enjoyed the lanes as we made our way through Alkington to the centre of Whitchurch where we found the White Bear open and welcoming.  Excellent food plus Doombar and the Rev James ales made for a great lunchtime venue.

The afternoon started with a post-lunch climb up Wirswall hill where we stopped outside Wicksted Hall to take in the views over Marbury.  Then it was north to Bickley followed by a devious route to Duckington, Tilston and finally Holt but not before another rear wheel puncture this time on the tandem.  Arriving back at Hildegard’s at about 16:15 gave us plenty of time for coffee and cake before the final leg home.

Another great day out with friends covering some 42 miles in almost perfect cycling weather with those heading back to Chester clocking 60 plus miles.

BW

27th September 2012: Ravensmoor

There was a decent turnout at Utkinton: Alan, Andy, Mike M, Ray, George, Liz and Martin, Trevor, Brian Mac, myself, Dave M in civvies, and usually last but never least - Liz and Dave.

I had promised to lead a moderate ride, and the fitter guys chose to go along with this. We took off in the direction of Tarporley, then turned left up Heath Green on the old route to Eaton crossing the A49. Shortly after Eaton most of the bunch suffered a drenching from a passing Audi hitting a very large puddle.  We were soon bowling past Wettenhall towards Nantwich. It was good to hear people chatting away in a relaxed manner.  I was aware that we tend to totally trust the leader, but that my chosen route was unfamiliar to me for many stretches ahead. Well, at least if I felt like the Lone Ranger, Mike “Tonto” Morley was there to help. We were a little ahead of schedule, so Mike suggested the cycle route through Reaseheath College grounds (photo). At the edge of Nantwich town we turned under the canal, and then past the marina that has a pleasant waterside café. We turned left at St. Mary’s church, Acton that has the oldest church tower in Cheshire and some Norman carved stones inside.  Tonto had already identified a suitable lunchtime hostelry using his renowned hop-seeking senses. We arrived at opening time at the Farmer’s Arms in Ravensmoor.  Dave and Liz were a little late, as they had been hunting for duck eggs.

Photographs by Alan Jeffs

Lunch was excellent, and Mike fell in love with the waitress. We set off again, heading south towards Wrenbury.  Martin thought that the pace “was even slower” after eating, but I had eaten poached salmon and drunk no ale.  Anyway, I took the hint and turned the wick up slightly as we undulated our way in a loop taking in Wrenbury Heath, Wrenbury itself, Chorley, Larden Green and Gradeley Green.  We had to hold our nerve through a number of flooded sections of road, but otherwise, it was all quiet and pleasant. It was quite hard work for the tandem at this stage because of the slightly increased pace, number of small hills and the amount of pudding Dave had eaten. I overcame my lack of knowledge of these roads by permanently perching my reading glasses on my nose and plotting ahead whilst riding, using my handlebar map holder. We were soon heading north through Brindley and towards Tilley’s cake and coffee shop (photo).  The Chester section then headed for Beeston, and the rest were riding back to Utkinton. Unfortunately, we somehow missed the left turn for Tilstone Fearnhall and Tarporley and finished up on a longer route via Alpraham and Eaton.  Still, the rain held off and we had all clocked a very sociable 44 miles at least.

DH