26th September 2013: Wybunbury

On arrival at the Ice Cream Farm Clive and I were greeted by Mike M holding open the gate for us to pass and join the group already waiting for coffee.  Mike was himself joining us for coffee and promising to get the bike out!

Already gathered were Dave M and Andy, both out on their bikes but also only joining for coffee.  Well-done Dave (wife and friends) on his contribution for the MacMillan fund raising cake morning and raising £230.00.  Andy back from his epic 1,500 mile cycle ride but sadly not joining the group today.  Harder ride looming Saturday.

Two routes were proposed for today by Dave H and Ivan, and the saunter to Wybunbury won the vote!  Ready for a prompt start were Dave H, Steve T (out for his second ride), Kevin, Dave & Liz on the tandem, Clive, Dave Raynor and Ivan.  So with a turn right on the road we say farewell to the coffee hoppers and set off towards Beeston.

It was a lovely autumnal morning and the Tandem was cracking the pace on the front.  Passing Beeston Castle and heading towards Bunbury and doing a loop round Dob lane we join Cappers lane to Brindley, Baddiley and passing the secret bunker (French lane), into Nantwich and on to Wybunbury.

Arriving at the Swan at 12:30 and ready for lunch.

As a new venue for CER the pub offered good food although half the menu was not available.

As the group had sprinted the outward leg of 23 miles in good time it was agreed that Clive would increase the return route back to the ICF so after lunch we set off again towards Wrinehill.  Thursdays would not be the same if we only encountered country lanes so before long we were bumping along the grassy verge of Gonsley Green lane to Chorlton.  On through Hough, Shavington and Nantwich and taking a right hand diversion along Welshman’s Lane and the well cycled route through Wettenhall, Eaton and afternoon tea at the Old Fire Station at Tarporley.

After the welcome tea and cake stop we happily set off for the final miles home.  At the junction of Brassey Green we split with some riders going back to the ICF and Clive, Ivan and Dave sprinting back to Waverton and Chester.

The round trip from and to the ICF was 53 miles and for the Chester riders 72miles.  An enjoyable good days riding with the bonus of lovely autumn weather.

ID

19th September 2013: Irby Hill

I’d been looking forward to today for quite some time: my first day back cycling with CER after an enforced five months out of the saddle.  A start from Ness gardens promised an easy first ride, so even though the wet weather didn’t put me off, it did confirm the decision to drive to the start!  By 10:00 I was the only one there although Steve turned up a few minutes later, to be followed by Dave H in his civvies.  Given his extended tale of woe and jobs to be done, including his new post of kennel master, we were honoured that he made the time to join us for coffee.  Steve and I agreed a route: Eastham Ferry, Port Sunlight, Storeton, Barnston and Irby for lunch at Irby Mill or the Farmers Arms.  At half past the hour Ivan arrived to make a riding group of three.

From Ness Gardens we head up to Ness and turn right towards Willaston to join the Wirral Way for a couple of miles.  Then it’s the back roads to Childer Thornton and on to Eastham Ferry where we stop to admire the hazy view across the Mersey where it’s just possible to make out the grey mass of the Anglican Cathedral through the drizzle.  Oh the joys of cycling!

Photograph by Ivan Davenport

Leaving Eastham ferry behind we take the off-road cycle path along the coast before turning off along the disused rail line path to Port Sunlight.  Port Sunlight is gearing up for it’s annual festival when we arrive.  We make do with a leisurely tourist circuit from the Heritage Centre to the Lady Lever Gallery and back, before leaving the town to climb through the suburbs to Storeton.  It is now decision time: Landican or Barnston?  Personally I prefer the more scenic Landican route but bearing in mind the weather we opt for Barnston and find ourselves heading straight into the wind.  Ivan kindly goes in front to give me some shelter but I just can’t stay with him and so struggle on to the main road where we at last get some shelter.

On the way through Pensby Steve notes that it’s already lunchtime and Ivan consults the Good Pub Guide on his smartphone and announces that we are only a few miles from a list of “good” pubs.  I was pleased to note that his list included the intended lunch stop of Irby Mill.  No change of plan needed, so it was only a few more minutes before we were flying through Irby and turning into Irby Mill pub off the roundabout.

Irby Mill proved to be much better than I remembered: a brilliant choice of ales including Tribute, Two Hoots and Autumn Red plus an excellent range of food.  Steve’s choice of fish and chips saw the arrival of the largest battered fish imaginable.  Another venue to add to the repeat visits list then.

14:00 hours saw us ready to leave the pub with the decision made to head back along the Wirral Way.  A left turn at Royden Park and we were heading downhill to the coast to join the Wirral Way in Caldy for a leisurely ride through to Parkgate.  From here on, we looked out for a link path down to the old docks and the Harp Inn but missing the link we came off the Wirral Way by the rail bridge and took the road to descend from the mini-roundabout to the Harp and onto the Burton Marshes link path.  The newly opened farm café, aka Net’s Coffee Shop, along here proved too much of a temptation and we stopped for coffee and cake where Steve admitted that he had eaten more cake since he started cycling than ever before! 

After a relaxing break Ivan headed back to Chester across Burton Marshes while Steve and I climbed back up to Ness Gardens to complete an enjoyable 33 mile ride.  Thanks go to Ivan and Steve for staying with me on my first ride back.

.

BW

12th September 2013: Ellesmere

I had ridden out to Hildegard's with Ivan. His Garmin told him he was running his heart up to 166 beats/min - so that's why we got there so quickly! No one had prepared a route, so I offered to make one up "on the tyres" towards Ellesmere. So Steve, Dave H, Paul, Ivan and myself set off with the Tandem Two bound for Wetreins Lane (mercifully "repaired") and Tilston. Here the tandem sanctioned an early split by making their own way to the favoured Red Lion. We duck down to Chorlton bound for a reverse Dymock's Mill transit to cross Wych Brook. This transit is best made from south to north, but was OK today since it was dry under tyre. Out through Talland Green, we head for Little Arowry and Hanmer. We discover that the "Hanmer Arms" is closed and up for sale! Rejoining the A539 for a short while, we dive off left down a narrow grass-centred lane Welshampton way. Just off the main road in Welshampton I notice an even narrower and grass centred "lane" towards Colmere so up and down it we go. In the dip by the canal and the mere, we find a beautiful thatched cottage: the cue for a Lord Litchfield moment. 

Photograph by Clive Albany

Turning right on the outskirts of Colmere, we find another lovely lane taking us to Spunhill and the main drag into Ellesmere. As ever the Red Lion is welcoming and the food is plentiful, tasty and excellent value on the Pensioners Two Course special. Very soon the tandem appears to join us for lunch. Bizarrely they have covered a mile further than we did to get to the pub. The weather has improved as I guide the group back along my favourite lanes to Farndon. Only 40 miles round trip today with only one off-road lane, plus two grass centred lanes. On a day that started out with wet roads, but just got better as the day progressed, I shall nevertheless need to wash the bike - sometime soon.

CA

5th September 2013: Aston (mod)

Two Runcorn guys were joining us for the first time:  Karl Ashton and Steve Tan.   I knew they were both strong and fit, but were only just getting into cycling, so a moderate ride led by Jim had been planned.  It was great to see Mike Morley looking and feeling relatively well, and learning later that he had been inspired to take a short ride that afternoon.  

The aspirational group led by Clive took off as agreed, including George on temporary loan.  The newcomers and myself then headed downhill behind Jim.   Jim promptly fell off due to gravel as he attempted to turn left into Smithy Lane.  Fortunately, his accident was at low speed so although badly winded and a bit damaged around the edges, we didn’t need to call the air ambulance for him.  Once we had walked back to Rose Farm Garden Centre with Jim we set off again, unfortunately without him, and only myself having any knowledge off possible routes.  We didn’t even have a Chester and Wrexham OS map.  We headed for Nantwich at a steady pace via Heath Green, Eaton and Wettenhall.  We tried to cycle through the grounds of Reaseheath College, but retreated having been confronted with large tar rolling vehicles, and not wanting to invite any further accidents. On reaching the edge of Nantwich we turned west passing the marina, where you can enjoy a snack sitting in the sun on the boardwalk, next to the narrow boats and glittering waters of Basin End.  On our left was Dorfold Hall, a Grade1 listed Jacobean building.  We passed The Star pub that has recently won a good food award, but it is too early for eating.  Left at St. Mary’ Church, Acton with its fine C13th. Tower.  We decide to give the Farmer’s Arms a miss at Ravensmoor, and eventually cross the River Weaver by footpath down the delightful track past Woodcotthill Farm direct to the Bhurtpore Inn.  Three curries and three lime and sodas; for the record there are lots of interesting beers on offer, and a pretty barmaid.  Mike Morley would be purring like the Cheshire Cat if he was with us today.

Our route back is via Wrenbury, and a combination of my sketchy memory and a map app on Steve’s phone got us back through Chorley before crossing the A534 at Brindley.  On reaching Tilly’s at Bunbury we met Petar and Steve who had lost touch with their brisk brethren.  Cake and coffee arrived at the same time as Clive and the rest of his merry men.  It was a pleasant surprise for us all to be together again, before we went our different ways back on the last leg.  Our hilly route back to the cars, particularly the steep climb at Tilstone Bank, showed our newcomers that even easy riders on a moderate ride have to put their back into it occasionally!  My two new guests thoroughly enjoyed their ride and I fully expect to see them again. They coped admirably, and although we deliberately went at a modest pace it was obvious that they are easily capable of going further and faster if required.   Cappuccino and cake-curry-to cappuccino and cake was about 2,000 calories. Distance just short of 38 miles. 

DH

5th September 2013: Swettenham (brisk)

The "last day" of the long run of summery weather found us at Rose Farm with two rides in prospect. Dave H had arrived with two friends and was going to be riding with Jim. My ride to Swettenham was an easy sell to Petar, Dave R, Steve and George. As it happened, both the rides went out towards the Whitegate Way and then across the canal and railway into Davenham albeit by slightly different routes. Dave M was out for a local ride round, so accompanied us to Cotebrook. The ride out was unremarkable except that the roads were largely deserted and we were speedy. Arriving at the Swettenham Arms just after 12:00, we were sitting in the sun discussing literary historical writing styles and munching our somewhat expensive repast. However there was a wide range of good ales.

Photograph by Clive Albany

 

We were soon setting out again at 13:00 and took the rideable bridle path through the Davenport Estate in the lovely river Dane valley. The lonely long lanes through Brereton soon found us on the outskirts of Middlewich. There is no pretty way round this town, so after a lot of housing estate, we exit on the Nantwich road bound for Winsford. Ditto here, to enable us to out onto the Wettenhall Road. It was still early, so I proposed a deviation to Tilley’s, which was seconded and approved. Towards the end of Long Lane, the leading trio turn right and as I can see Steve and Petar not too far behind, I assume they have seen us turn. The trio dawdles along the lane then waits at the Tollemarche Arms for the duo to appear but appear they do not. As they know where we all going, we set off bound for Bunbury. Guess who is sitting down at Tilley's then - the dynamic duo plus Dave H plus two friends but minus Jim. Jim had taken a fall but was OK, though he had gone home. The circular return would have been via Tarporley for a 54 mile circuit. However as George had his car at Duddon, Steve was going to Kelsall, and Dave R to Waverton, the four of us set off via Beeston and Burton bound for our respective homes. As I arrive home with 80 miles under the tyres, I can't remember when I needed to wash the bike over recent weeks - no doubt this is about to change!

See route map and/or gpx file download.

CA

 

PS: It was really an unexpected pleasure to see Mike Morley at Rose Farm café this morning. It was good to catch up on events. He was looking very well and upbeat. He hasn't been out on his bike yet but doesn’t rule it out. Hopefully we shall see him for coffee again when we are meeting not too far from Delamere.

29th August 2013: St Asaph

Another lovely summer's day - when will it end? Paraphrasing Bryan's explanation of why we start in the Gallery Café "Hawarden means hills" and so it was. Jim and Bryan were riding out for coffee only so I lead out Ray, Ivan, Martin, Steve and George on a 50 mile circular to the Plough at St Asaph. I figure that the main roads will be quieter just now so this is a chance to go on a few rather than duck around all the lanes. The idea was to follow the A541 out of Mold to Bodfari. Apparently this is the most dangerous road in North Wales but I only find this out the following morning! So off via Buckley and Altami we head for Sychdyn. Here Martin's front tyre goes flat; this being the second of the day as I had found my own tyre flat in the garage at home before I set out today. No more flats I instruct the group and they comply! Up towards Gwernaffield, we exit right down a delightful lane to Rhydymwyn just touching the A541 before climbing out to run parallel for a mile or so then back on the A541 for two miles before exiting through Nannerch. A similar approach here finds us back on the A541 just before Ddol. Now we have nearly 5 miles of a slightly downhill run at 20mph to Bodfari. A quick right takes us along to Tremerchion where the locals seem to be celebrating, in tableau format, various aspects of breakfast (and PG Tips + monkeys).  (Bryan: cue picture and no comments pls!)

Photographs by Ivan Davenport

Taking the B road into St Asaph, we arrive at the Plough after 27 miles. Although it is a bit pricey (£1.50 for a L&S), the food is plentiful and enjoyable. Martin correctly predicts the return route will be using Rhuallt Hill Old Road. We exit the back way out the town to start the 3 mile uphill climb as we run parallel to the A55. The route back is predictable from here via Babel, but I add a twist by taking in Lixwm and Rhys-y-Cae before the fast run down to Northop. Here George splits for home as the rest of us run back into Hawarden where Martin drops off home. A 50 mile circuit with "only" 2,242ft of climbing but it felt considerably more to my legs! So as the four of us take the Dee path into Chester we will have 65 on the clock and I wonder if this the last summery day's ride? - next week will tell.

CA

22nd August 2013: Lymm

Another lovely summer's day in prospect at Manley Mere.  Relaxing in the sun as I arrived was Bryan, Dave M and George. Dave M was in "not on my bike for some time" mode, but the good news was that Bryan was in CER cycling strip and had cycled out for coffee. Having been given the "you can get back on your bike" medical approval he was taking it steady for a while. Another pair of lost souls then arrived - Jim was out today as was Ivan back from his motor home summer peregrinations. "Where are we going?" is the cry – “50m to Lymm or 60m to Croft” - George decides on the basis that he is unsure where Croft is. To be honest, I hadn't prepared a ride today but just downloaded two routes from summer 2011. So with the Pike Pair completing the group of five bikes I lead out for Delamere. At Hatchmere Jim turns for home and we cut through Forest Lane and down the lovely Beech Lane bound for the Weaver. Out via Acton Bridge, we head for Antrobus and the winding lanes towards Lymm. A quick diversion to the koi carp pool in the centre of Lymm then finds us at the Crown Inn's beer garden tucking into "2 for £10" repast-and tasty it was!

Photographs by Clive Albany

The afternoon is warming up to the high 20s as we take a modified route back since I wanted to explore a short cut in Grappenhall. So we take the cycleway past the cricket pitch and circle Grappenhall Heys Garden to Fox Covert Cemetery. Down the third "No through" road, we exit at Appleton reservoir bound for Moore.

Runcorn has a maze of cycleways but I stick to the canal side complete with herons and canal boats. Out via Weston we decide to take a Costa Coffee in Frodsham. Here Ivan splits for home, then George and I do the same leaving Liz and Dave to wend their way back to Manley. So 50 miles in glorious sunshine with some panoramic views on the way and a recycled 2011 route to enjoy.

CA

15th August 2013: Llanarmon DC

Only Roy, Liz and Martin arrived at the Tea Rooms in Chirk.  This, a rather upmarket cafe with good scones and coffee but a poor taste in piped music that even follows you to the toilet.  We decided to take a route SW to Llanarmon DC and a flatter return along the Ceriog valley back to Chirk.  On walking out of the cafe we met Dave and Liz P driving down the main street.  They pulled up and after a short discussion they decided to do their own thing in view of the hilly terrain with the possibility to meet up for lunch.  The three of us set out and immediately hit a short steep hill out of the town.  The hills continued with 15-20% gradients appearing frequently on the Garmin.  Roy, of course, led on the climbs but was happy to wait at the top for the oldies to catch up.  The further west we rode the wilder the countryside became with views to the left of the Berwyn summits.  Finally a long steep climb brought us to the highest point.

Photograph by Liz Donaldson

Outside The Hand in Llanarmon DC

From here it was down hill all the way to Llanarmon DC where we found a choice of two pubs.  A conversation with a group sitting outside The Hand made the choice for us.  In particular they recommend the steak sandwich.  Before even entering the pub we saw Liz and Dave riding towards us having followed the Ceriog valley - almost perfect timing!  The food was excellent albeit expensive (£8 for steak sandwich and chips). We all took the same route back along the Ceriog Valley and this was much easier but very pleasant. Liz and Dave decided to do some exploring whilst the remainder of us returned to our cars in Chirk having clocked some 33 miles, 850m of ascent and no punctures.

I think Chirk deserves to be a more popular starting point.  It is short drive in terms of time with the alternative of a train journey from Chester.  There is beautiful surrounding countryside with quite lanes, plenty of interesting hills, a good cafe and choice of lunch stops.

MD

8th August 2013: Aston

On yet another lovely summers day Ray, George, Dave & Liz P, Clive, Steve, Mike G, Trevor, Liz and Martin D gathered at the Ice Cream Farm.  Dave M also turned up for coffee but did not ride.  Martin, in the absence of any other contributions, suggested a ride to the perennial favourite - the Bhurtpore Arms at Aston.  We took a fairly standard route at a moderate pace over Harthill and then through Brown Knowl, skirting Malpas, No Mans Heath and Marbury.  With only a few miles to go there were two punctures in quick succession for Clive and Martin but we still arrived at the Bhurtpore Arms in good time for lunch.  The usual wide selection of excellent real ales and curries were on offer.  I think the curries produced by this traditional English pub are easily superior to those offered by most Indian Curry Houses.  All but two of us ordered the spicy fare.  In Clive's case this might have not been a wise choice as on the way back he had to drop off the back into the bushes for a call of nature and there was quite a wait before he rejoined the group.  The route back was in a northerly direction with a stop at Tilley's Cafe, Bunbury for tea/coffee and cakes.  From there it was a short ride back via Beeston to the Ice Cream Farm. A ride of only 40 miles but pleasant enough and still a reasonable distance for the majority of riders returning to Chester.

MD

1st August 2013: Birkenhead

With the long ride happening today, only a select group was expected at Little Roodee. It turned out to be very select with just Brian Mac and Steve, though Bryan joined us for coffee at the start. 

Brian proposed a tour of the Wirral and we set off along the River Dee to Hawarden Bridge and then across Burton Marshes (PIC 1) before striking out NW for the Mersey shore by way of Port Sunlight. Passing the Lever Art Gallery our eyes were caught be the sight of a dozen new and shiny cycles, including a tandem, set out on the grass.  With a small detour we discovered a young guy who’d just launched a cycle hire enterprise (www.wirralcycle.weebly.com).

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

Shortly after we hit the shoreline and followed this on generally quiet roads and tracks to Birkenhead and a photo stop (PIC 2) with Liverpool and the Three Graces behind us. Just up the road was Gallagher’s Pub and Barbers. Yes a barbers!, though drinking and having a haircut at the same time don’t mix – you get hairs in your pint. It has the distinction of being a CAMRA Merseyside pub of the year. It served good beer, but unfortunately not food, although they were open to customers bringing their own from the café at 32 Market St. 

After our stop we headed for the seaside and the crowds, passing a pirate ship made from driftwood swarming with children (PIC 3), as we followed the Wallasey shoreline to New Brighton and loads of families enjoying the hot sunshine. Weaving carefully through the crowds we then followed the north Wirral coast to West Kirby, there picking up the Wirral Way and heading speedily down to our afternoon tea stop, Elephant Coffee in Neston, winner of the Café Society’s Gold Award (PIC 4).

Being on his doorstep, Brian headed home shortly after and Steve continued back until meeting the Greenway and heading home to Kelsall. If we’d returned to the Little Roodee it would have made a 62 mile round trip.

SH

1st August 2013: Eccleshall (2013 long ride)

The day promised to be the hottest day in the year so far (in fact since 2003 according to the BBC) so the obvious thing to do is to ride for 100 miles in the heat. Were we put off? - No! There were nine of us starting out at 08:00 at a chilly (18˚ C) Chester station - Martin, Dave P, Dave H, Mike G, Ray, Colin W, Paul, Roy, and myself. To get out of Chester quickly, we take the canal all the way to Waverton. Up Guy Lane we run apace since we are 10 minutes late in meeting up with Jan at Duddon. Out via Utkinton, we take the Tarporley "bypass" to Eaton and thence on to Calveley Lane running parallel to the A51. A quick dash up the A51 takes us off at Barbridge and down Wettenhall and Welshman's Lane to access, via the back streets, the Nantwich café stop. We arrive slightly before they open at 10:00 but we are enthusiastically allowed in from the rear "bike park" door and are soon filling up on calories. 22 miles done 75 to go. Suitably refreshed the route takes us out passed the Secret Bunker turn to the outskirts of Audlem. Skirting the town to the south, we access national cycle route 75 to Norton in Hales. Crossing towards Mucklestone we are now in uncharted territory. The countryside here is gently rolling and turning out of the pretty village of Ashley, we take a long narrow lane to Slindon and Sturbridge on the outskirts of Eccleshall. 

Stomachs are rumbling as we pass through Eccleshall with cries of " Are we nearly there yet?" Well we are, as the Star Inn comes into sight at Cop Mere. 52 miles done, 44 to go. A really welcoming pub this is, who have reserved us a section of the bar following my earlier call. The selection of ale is good, as is the service and the food. 

Although we haven't seen much of the sun until now, it is out in full force as we meander up the lane taking the Bishop's Offley "bypass" via Walk Mill, and then towards Market Drayton. Passing Chipnall, we enter a hidden vale growing elephant grass (for biomass use) in the fields around. I really like this vale and have cycled it a few times now. Into Market Drayton we pass enticing close to the Jules brewery but soldier on to take the long 5 mile lane that takes up to Calverhall. After Ash Magna, we take the back way into Whitchurch. As one café eschews our custom, we find Jacks Café where we are enthusiastically welcomed with waitress service. 

Which way to leave Whitchurch? Why go up the main road when you can take the canal; so the canal ride brings us welcome shade and we end up near to the Malpas turn at Grindley Brook. A few miles from Malpas there is a rifle shot sound and Ray's rear tyre explodes. There is plenty of advice on hand and a patch is applied to the torn side wall, which holds all the way home for Ray. The plan is to meet up at the Carden Arms, so we all storm off from Malpas to Tilston. On counting up, a few are missing as Martin succumbs to a puncture. Nonetheless as he arrives at the pub, we all take a pint in the shade. Jan heads for home via Carden Hill and Tattenhall. We decide to amend the published route to go via Cuddington and Churton back to Chester. Here for some unknown reason (probably the sun getting to our heads) we steam along at c 20mph all the way back to Chester. Martin and Dave Pipe however took a slightly different route from Tilston via Farndon. 

Photographs by Clive Albany

Only 96.5 miles back in Chester, but with over the magic 100 on the dial as I arrive at home after a memorable day's cycling. Oh, just to say that Roy had cycled from Frodsham, so set off back with 130+ on the clock! My thanks to Dave M for the initial route suggestion - some beautiful Staffordshire countryside on display.

CA

PS: They say things come in threes, so I shouldn't have been surprised to find a flat front wheel on my bike the morning after!

25th July 2013: Maesbury Marsh

Mixed bag of weather predicted for the day as eleven of us congregated at Hildegard’s for the ride; Liz & Martin, Liz and Dave P (tandem), Jan, Brian Mac, Petar, Ray, Steve, Trevor and Mike G.  Bryan came out to survey his ‘clan’ and enjoy a morning coffee. He is not yet up to riding with us but I suggest when he does we have a ‘special ride’ to celebrate his return to the saddle.

Brian Mac enquired whether I had any suggestions for a lunch stop, I knew of a reasonable pub next to the Montgomery canal at Maesbury Marsh (Navigation Inn) a round trip of about 55 miles and this was accepted.

With a south westerly breeze against us we took the minor roads to Sutton Green, on through Bangor on Dee passing to the east of Overton via Cloy Hall and Adrafelin; then on through Dudleston Heath, Perthy and Welsh Frankton taking in the panoramic views to be found. We joined the A495 for a short length before turning left to Babbinswood, crossing the A5 near Aston Hall. The tandem duo were having difficulty keeping up with the main group of largely ‘brisk riders’ and decided they would proceed at a more leisurely pace to our lunch stop. As we were not far away I showed Dave P the intended route we were taking and agreed to meet up later. On to Maesbury Marsh with the remainder of the group or so I thought until when ordering lunch ‘Where’s Trevor & Petar?’ Mutterings of Bryan having me publicly flogged for losing two members of the group particularly after what happened earlier in the year were raised. Telephone calls were made to respective mobiles but no answer. Then out of the ‘blue’ they arrived about twenty minutes later having had a little tour of Maesbury and remembering the pub is next to the canal. 

Photographs by Mike Gilbert

After pleasant lunch and some nice ‘Stonehouse Station Bitter’ bitter we set off passing through Woolston, with a ‘tail wind’ taking us through West Felton and Grimpo. We bypassed Ellesmere by turning right at Tetchill and on through Lee and Colemere taking in some of the ‘Meres’ crossing the A495 at Welshampton. The sun was out and the cycling conditions were good.

Return to Hildegard’s was via Breaden Heath, Penley, Threapwood and Shocklach the group arriving back just after four thirty having covered 56 miles. Those from Chester and beyond will have cycled in excess of 75 plus miles.

Overall a very pleasant cycle ride. 

MG

18th July 2013: Goostrey

My recent e-mail suggestion for a volunteer to write the weekly CER Report was met with deathly silence, as was Bryan’s request to the group when we met up in Rose Farm; so, I thought that I’d start the ball rolling as the Pipe Duo were leading this ride out to Goostrey.   It was good to see both Bryan and Mike M for coffee before the start, where Bryan reminded us to sign up for the Special Rides coming-up soon.  

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

Andy, Brian, Dave M, Dave P, Dominic, Lizzie, Paul, Ray, Roy, Steve and Trevor all assembled for a disjointed group photo outside (pic 1).  Dave M initially led us at a smart pace out past the Race Track to the start of the Whitegate Way, where he peeled off home. A meander along the shaded former rail line (pics 2 & 3) brought us out near the canal in Winsford.  We continued east via Davenham (pron: Dave – n – ham, I was told), crossing the old Roman road that is now the A530.  Ten of us arrived at The Red Lion at Goostrey without a booking, but the manager didn’t mind, as they had served 50+ cyclists “much older than us” the previous day, with no problem.  

Our resident chemist Andy gave us good news when he announced that beer at 3.6% hydrates in this hot weather, but at > 4%, it doesn’t.  Question:  Can I have a skinful then at 3.4%?  I thought that the beer at the pub was better than the food, but it was good value, considering that the place is in the Manchester commuter belt.  

We took a southerly route back, led by our newest and youngest member, Dominic. After skirting Holmes Chapel, we passed to the south of Middlewich; for those who studied Latin, it was named “Salinae”, as the town was their largest supplier of that precious commodity, salt. A helmet-cam would have been useful here, when a plonker driver of a skip-lorry blasted his air-horn right next to us, causing Dave P to take to the hedge, fortunately without injury.  Unfortunately, it all happened so quickly, no one took his reggo or business name.

Passing through Church Minshull, we were all gasping in the very high temperatures by the time we reached The Shire Horse Centre at Cotebrook for a cuppa.  Continuing on the final leg, Liz and Trevor peeled off to their cars at Utkinton, after a very hot 50 miles, whilst the remainder went downhill to Chester, clocking about 75 miles.

Some lessons learned today for future leaders and writers of these Reports:

1 Make a note of who is riding before you set off, as you won’t remember a few days later.

2 Ask the leader where we have been, BEFORE you go home

3 Write it up asap, when details are still fresh

4 It doesn’t take long to scribble something down; this took < an hour

5 Bring an OS 1:50,000 map and a pencil.  It worked for Dave P & Dominic today.  Garmins are not compulsory

6 Leading by committee actually can work.  Most members have some local knowledge of an area, and don’t even need a map; just ask 

BMac

11th July 2013: Horseshoe Pass

For Hawarden there were a lot of riders today viz; Brian Mac, Ivan, Ray, Steve, Roy, Paul, Dave P and his son, Dominic, and myself. Dave M was there in civvies nursing "you know what". It was going to be a hot one - weather-wise, hill-wise and rider-wise. "Where are we going then Clive? Up and over the Horseshoe Pass with lunch at the Abbey Grange Hotel complete with its "Llangollen" brewery attachment". No dissenting voices as we head out and over Buckley bound for Nercwys and Eryrys hills. After Llong, Roy breaks a link and quickly repairs it. Off again, we meet the local sheep farmer and his flock.  

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

The slog up to Eryrys is rewarded with a long swoop down to Llanarmon-yn-Lal. Here we briefly view the remains of a Welsh motte and bailey castle as we head out bound for the top of the Nant-y-Garth Pass. The slog up to the Ponderosa is rewarded by panoramic views of the hinterland. A text from Brian Mac confirms that he is not feeling too good, so he takes the Llandegla road back presumably to the Penyffordd railway station. We all enjoy the 3 mile helter-skelter ride down the new Horseshoe Pass, and passing the Britannia Inn, we stop at
Abbey Grange Hotel. The in-house brewed ale is judged to be good and the meals appear one at a time as we sit in the sun outside. I cannot elicit a serious discussion about blog writers (ref Brian Mac's email), so I settle for a generously provided second pint, and hence know I shall be writing the blog tonight!


Photographs by Dave Pipe


At 14:00, we set off for what turns out to a 29 mile return against the 22 mile outward journey. We take Old Coach road for a while, then up onto the A5 for a 100yds, then back down on a parallel lane with a very steep turn back to the A5. The original idea was to go back via the Llantysilio mountain road, but I judge the ascent to be too steep and terrain too exposed in the hot afternoon sun. So we motor along to


Carrog where some of us top up on fluids. We then take a long climb out and back up to the A5140 at Bryneglwys. Nipping off to the left we run parallel to the main road with fine views over the Vale of Clwyd. The route back was straightforward from here on the A5104 via Penyffordd to take on more fluids. We have ridden 51 glorious miles and "bikeroutetoaster" calculates 3560ft (1085m) of ascents. Not quite up to the Alpine lads sojourn, but exceptional on a very hot summer's day (at last!). With five of us returning to Chester, we will have cycled 70 hot miles, with Roy probably notching over a 100!

CA

4th July 2013: Dunham Massey

It was promising to be a rare warm day as we rolled up to Manley Mere.  It was great to see Mike Morley who had driven down to meet us (and took our photo).  Mike Gilbert arrived glistening having ridden from Shotton. The riding group consisted of Steve, Paul, Mike G, Trevor, Andy, myself and Ivan ‘Choo Choo’ Davenport. I had a route to Dunham and hot Mike had planned something similar. We settled on The Swan with Two Nicks at Little Bollington for lunch.  I shared Andy’s fondness for the Lavender Barn, but its setting is more attractive than its food and service. Ivan was desperate to go to the pub.

Photograph by Mike Morley/Ivan Davenport

We took the New Pale, Waterloo and Dark Lane route into Kingsley, and Roddy Lane out. We reached Acton Bridge via Actoncliff. The strong wind soon had us bowling along to Great Budworth, the habitual feasting place for our missing tandemists. After passing south of Arley Park we headed north up Cann Lane and over the M6 briefly stopping at Booth Bank under the M56 at the site of a former Wesleyan chapel.  A few minutes on we were sitting outside in the sun, enjoying good food and friendly service, at our chosen lunch venue.

Following lunch we crossed the exceedingly slim bridge over the River Bollin and climbed over the wall into Dunham Park, passing deer by the Hall.  We then headed out of Dunham Town by Back Lane, crossing the Bridgewater Canal and joined the Trans-Pennine Trail. Ivan wanted to know what I was up to, as I headed down a short stretch of overgrown bridlepath toward the centre of Lymm. He seemed to grow a little apoplectic and then fell over!  Fortunately, he hadn’t injured himself, and seemed to think it was a good thing to get used to falling over again as long as ambulances weren’t involved. Strange fellah!  We cycled south out of Lymm and via a myriad of quiet little lanes and the old airfield at Stretton, were soon passing Garland Hall and heading for the duck pond at Higher Whitley.  Mike Gilbert’s map-reading skills and support were much appreciated here. The last stretch took in Aston, and then a designated cycle route to circumnavigate the first hill into Frodsham. Andy and Trevor weren’t too keen on the Frodsham route, because of the busy main road and steep climbs back.  I totally understand this perspective, but it is always hard work from the Weaver back to Manley whichever way you choose, and once up the Ridgeway, the last nearly three miles are 95% downhill. The headwind didn’t turn out to be an issue on the way home, because of the lush summer hedges and sheltered route. Actually, some breeze was welcome on a warm afternoon heralding a fine week ahead. Thanks to Steve for his support work at the back of the peloton, this is always appreciated. 54 miles, Manley to Manley, and considerably more for Mike the Map. We all rubbed along very well, and I thoroughly enjoyed everybody’s company.

DH

27th June 2013: Llanymynech

Rain and hills were forecast today - and neither disappointed. I had texted a few people (i.e. those not in the Alps, or off to the TdeF or on yet another foreign bike holiday) to see if there was any interest. Six said "Yes" and a further two turned up as well. Ivan and I had taken the train out as had Brian Mac, with Liz, Petar, Steve, Roy and I think Mike G, coming by car - so it was "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves" today. Dave H had advised finding an alternate to the Plantation café so the recently opened Chirk Tea Rooms, next to the Hand Hotel, were duly sampled and gained a gold star (it had a toilet, railings outside to fasten the bike to, decent coffee and very pleasant service).

The route to Llanymynech was "agreed" upon, although no one, except perhaps Mike, knew where it was. The sheep were duly lead out via the back of the town on the Glyn Ceiriog road. A few miles of rough main road found us turning left and up past the site of an ancient Henry II battleground in 1185***. The lane now ran high above the Ceiriog valley before coming down at Dolywern. Up the inclined road past Glyn Ceiriog and on to a left turn in Tregeiriog. The next one kilometre plus was a 15-20% gradient with a couple of false summits before we all took a rest at 1200 ft. From hereon in it was a swooping ride of hills, vales and ridges through lots of "Llan" prefixed villages. "Llan" means "place of" or "church of" by the way! We arrive at Pen-y-Bont and take the lane to Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain*. Here the Lion pub seems to be assumed to be the lunch stop, but no, we ride on to the Bradford Arms Hotel in Llanymynech**. 

Photograph by Brian MacDonald

The patron here makes us very welcome even offering his garage as a rain-free bike park. The fare is good as is the beer, and as we hear the rain thundering on the conservatory roof we rue the fact that there is 15 miles back to Chirk. We leave bound for Maesbury and thence through Oswestry. Up and out past the Iron Age hill fort we slosh through the rain bound for Weston Rhyn and the canal aqueduct access to the back of Chirk. As we arrive back in Chirk, Brian Mac heads for the station and I look for Ivan, but by the time I find him, we have missed the train by seconds. Reluctantly, we had to "dry out" in the Hand Hotel bar for an hour. Only 40 miles, but quite a lot of hills and a lot of rain post lunch

The weather forecast was unfortunately spot on today. Light rain started about 12:00 and increased as we traversed the Berwyn foothill south and westwards. It became heavier in the afternoon as promised.

CA

 

*Meaning: Llansanffraid means "Church of Saint Bride" in the Welsh language and ym-Mechain refers to its location in the medieval cantref of Mechain.

 

** Llanymynech: The name is Welsh for "Church of the Monks". The village is on the banks of the river Vyrnwy, and the Montgomery Canal crosses through it.

 

*** The Battle of Crogen took place in the Ceiriog Valley, Wales in 1165, between the vanguard of the forces of Henry II of England and an alliance of Welsh princes led by Owain Gwynedd. Although outnumbered, the ambush tactics and valour of the Welsh aided them in their defeat of King Henry's army. Some sources report that adverse weather conditions also played a major part in Henry's defeat. Those weather conditions however were endured by both sides

20th June 2013: Overton

The week of 17th to 21st June was overall quite warm and sunny-with the exception of our cycling day, Thursday.  So it was with some trepidation that I planned a route that, in true mountaineers fashion, had a couple of escape routes if all went pear shaped.

Despite the threatening forecast a sizeable group met at The Ice Cream Farm, including Bryan in civvies looking brown and healthy, Dave M, Ray and Andy just out for a short ride. The main group of Dave H, Dave R, Brian Mac, Martin, Liz, George, Paul, Ivan, Clive, Jan and Jim (joined by Jan’s husband Dave) set off in dry but muggy conditions to climb over the Mid Cheshire Ridge. Going via Bolesworth Castle allowed us to miss the slog up to Harthill, but we were soon donning our waterproofs before continuing through Brown Knowl, where Brian Mac left us. We crossed the main A41 at No Mans Heath with the rain recurring from time to time throughout the morning but we soon dried off in between the showers. Cycle route 70 was followed to the south of Malpas and down through Threapwood, and then south to Tallarn Green before heading west to Holly Bush. The group split here to allow the staff at the White Horse time to take the orders, and by the time the last ones arrived the early group was all sorted. The meal was very tasty and economical, and about an hour later we were heading back up the road towards Worthenbury. The threatened rain had ceased to be replaced by quite a mild afternoon for the route back up to Shocklach, Tilston, Tattenhall and back to the ICF for afternoon tea. 

A total of just over 40 miles, or 60 plus for those from Chester.

JD

13th June 2013: Woodside

I arrived at Ness Gardens and pulled up alongside a cyclist unknown to me. We made friendly acknowledgement through the car windows, rightly guessing that we were both there for the scheduled CER ride. I already knew that half the club was elsewhere, and that Brian Mac our Wirral Wizard was in the North-East. It was Colin’s second week, but we hadn’t met because I’d been in Spain. We went inside the café where Martin was in civvies on a rest day from his Wigginsesque training week.

Colin and I decided on a straightforward coastal route rather than Wales via the new Burton Marshes path with its bunny-hopping humps. Colin led confidently out, but immediately my gears were slipping. I had replaced the chain, but not had chance to road test it, and under pressure it was useless. A new cassette was called for, but what about now? Well, if there had been more of us, I would have cut my losses and driven home to the gym.  However, it didn’t seem in the fraternal spirit of Chester Easy Riders to leave a new guest to fend for himself having made the effort to join us for a social ride.  As I rode along I realised that I could probably manage on the least worn outside cog at the back and middle and outside chainwheel. I had two gears for the day: quite high and very high. It was going to be a Ray Hardman cadence ride! Just as well we hadn’t chosen the Welsh hills.

We were soon cruising down the Wirral Way from Neston to West Kirby. After a little miss-ferreting here and there, we were soon bowling along the coast east of Hoylake, stopping briefly to stroke a young lady’s cute puppy. The wind was strong, but nicely behind us. Colin happens to be the son of Harry the Bike, and he recalled taking a day off work to accompany his dad on his sixth hundredth ‘Unique Ride’. He lived in Birkenhead as a child and pointed out where his granddad, a master joiner, used to have a cabin on the dock. Colin would sometimes visit at dinner-time for beans on toast. 

We passed the former site of the One O’Clock Gun, which I could clearly hear when cycling back to school in West Derby, Liverpool circa 1960. The forecast rain had arrived, so we decided to take lunch in the listed building of Woodside Ferry Terminal. The café was called “Home”.  The food was fine; the setting full of character, and there was a great view of the Liverpool waterfront across the Mersey.

Plan ‘A’ had been to head for Eastham, but it was raining, there were only the two of us, and Colin was mountain-biking at World’s End later.  Plan ‘B’, to cut-and-run, was undertaken via Birkenhead Priory, Port Sunlight, Raby Mere and Willaston. The rain stopped, it was pleasantly warm and we were soon swooping through beautiful Burton and back to Ness. Not many gears, not many miles and only two riders, so not a typical CER day. But in other ways it was a typical CER day: lovely views, relaxed riding, interesting and easy company, and the weather better than expected. Roll on next Thursday! 

DH 

8th June 2013: Corwen Audax Rides

With CER members taking part in each of the three audax events the first thing to say is we were very lucky with the weather.  Warm and sunny with light winds was perfect for a great day out.

200k riders at the start

Looking back at Barmouth on the Boulevard

Barmouth Boulevard 200k: 3500m ascent

There was a small entry for the original, very difficult, version climbing to Cross Foxes Inn after Dinas Mawddwy, with one rider from C&NW CTC successfully completing the course in 11h 30min.

Ten riders entered the mega difficult Vyrnwy Variant from Dinas Mawddwy taking in the hard side of the Bwlch y Groes after 150k of very hilly route and then the Northern Hirnant from Lake Vyrnwy.  Times varied from 9 hours (beat that Bradley Wiggins!) to 13h 15min.  All commented that this is a fantastic ride and deserves to be widely known.

To appeal to a larger number of riders the event may be moved to the last Saturday in July before the school holidays. The original finish via Cross Foxes is to be abandoned due to new road works and increasing traffic so the route is to take the Vyrnwy variant in future - 204k and 3750 metres of ascent - one of the most scenic and challenging 200k's in Britain.

Brenig Bach 107k: 2000m ascent

Bird Rock near Abergynolwyn- Barmouth Boulevard

A large entry of over 40 riders for this Graham Mills' classic included one tandem which successfully navigated the steep and narrow, hilly route.  Seven riders from C&NW CTC took part.  Everyone had a great day out and I have had much feedback as to the quality and enjoyment of the route.  (The fame of this route is spreading to the extent that a number of requests have been made to ride this as a "Permanent" audax ride.)

The final section of this ride down the A5 from Cerrigydrudion will be examined prior to 2014, to find the safest route back to Corwen on a summer Saturday.

Bala Parade 60k

Tal-y-Llyn in the shadow of Cader Idris - Barmouth Boulevard

Riding the Bala Parade

A super day out was had for around 25 riders with great service from the pub at Llanuwchllyn.  Seven riders from C&NW CTC took part including two vets whose combined age was well over 140 years.  Congratulations also to Geraldine Goldsmith of Peak Audax who determinedly struggled round the course with the handicap of a partially healed broken leg.

It is intended to re-route this ride next year to avoid the main road alongside Bala Lake and the town itself: too much traffic in summer.      

DM

6th June 2013: Cockshutt

The Met Office must have run today's forecast through an old BBC micro instead of a Cray Supercomputer because the promised wall-to-wall sunshine was wall-to-wall cloud and it was cold! Anyway, there was a plethora of CER riders at Hildegard’s cafe.
Photographs by Brian MacDonald

I had met up in Hoole with Ray and Ivan who was on his first CER ride since his accident. We had taken the long way round to Holt notching up 18 miles before the start. It was good to see Bryan's happy demeanour as he surveyed his brood. Trevor had a proposed ride to Ellesmere and mine by coincidence, was in the same general direction but going a bit further south. We agreed to ride out together and then see who wanted to lunch at the Red Lion as opposed to the Leaking Tap in Cockshutt. So I led out via the back lanes to Bangor a disorganised "peloton" consisting of Jennifer, Liz and Martin, Liz and Dave, Trevor, Dave M, Andy, Jan, Brian Mac, Ray, Ivan and new rider Colin.

Fooling them all in Bangor, we head out and up the hill towards Worthenbury before turning down to Holly Bush. We take the flattest route using the tiny lanes via Sandy Lane to access Ellesmere. Here Andy and Dave M decide to bail out, so the rest of us cycle through Ellesmere on the Tetchill Road. Turning left over the canal we swing off through Lee down new lanes bound for Cockshutt. As last week I had rung the pub before we set off and they assured us we could be accommodated for lunch. So after a modest 23 miles we arrive and were expected, in fact I think we were the only lunchtime clients!  Third time lucky this week. The table was set for us and mainly we opt for the good value two-courser of standard pub fare. 

Anyway unbeknownst to us there was a surprise in store as we left at 14:00 - the clouds had cleared and the summer sun was out. The ride back was quintessentially English countryside riding down the tiniest lanes I could find via English Frankton, Lyneal, Hampton Wood, Street Lydan, Mulsford and Shocklach.

Approaching Holt and Farndon, we run on the new road surface at 20mph with Ivan and Martin leading the way. Here after 45 miles, we split up into those with cars and those riding home.

Back home after 76 miles, I reflect upon the idyllic afternoon's riding in warmish sunshine down wild flower bedecked lanes. It's what cycling is all about, for me anyway.

CA

30th May 2013: Norton in Hales

It was "Ladies Day" at Rose Farm café with three new female riders (Jan, Jennifer and Alison) riding out with Liz D and the rest of us (George, Paul, Andy, Trevor and myself) for a run down to Norton in Hales. The weather was going to be showery and not very warm as we set off via Tarporley bound for Bunbury. We then go via Cappers Lane to Faddiley and turning westwards, head down via Chorley for Wrenbury. The Bhurtpore pub is passed by in Aston as we head further south. After last week's fiasco with a non-opening pub, I had rung ahead before we left and "booked" ten places at the Hinds Head in Norton in Hales. All sorted then! 

South of Aston, we head for Wilkesley down beautiful Royal Green lane past Combermere, Dogkennel and Bawhill woods. A swift right and right again in Adderley takes us into Norton in Hales. We find the pub after 29 miles and enthusiastically enter only to be told that, despite booking two hours ago, there's only one chef on, and they can't accommodate us. The troops took it well as I suggested we head for the Bridge pub in Audlem. Despite turning up mob-handed the Bridge's "Two for a Tenner" order is quickly placed; and good it was with Hobgoblin bitter to wash it down. 

We have now sunk 34 of the 55 miles, so the run back to Tilley's via Sound, Ravensmoor and Haughton, is not too arduous. At Tilley's, Jan, Paul and Alison head back home as someone mentions they are going out for a run at 18:00! We remaining six meander back to Rose Farm via Tilstone Fearnall. Almost 55 miles, and the weather was not as bad as forecasted. Well done to the new ladies, especially Jennifer who enjoyed 37 percent "extra free" miles over the 40 miles expected. My round trip was 83 miles, the furthest so far this year.

CA

23rd May 2013: Lloc

This posting should be subtitled "Cym again-maybe!"  now read on.

Keith, George and Roy were already at the Gallery as I arrived around 10:00. It had rained on the way out and the NW wind was strong. Soon the "Prophet of Doom" arrived; Jim was in civvies since he predicted a wet, windy and hilly ride and he didn't fancy three wet rides in a row. Well Jim was right, as we departed it started to rain again as we left bound for the Blue Lion at Cwm. I had chosen this as a lunch venue after the positive November 2012 blog. Up towards the Brantwood pub, we turn around Mount Pleasant Lane headed for Buckley. The plan was to circle around Mold towards Loggerheads and take the main Ruthin Road passed the Clwyd Gate. Just as we reach outskirts of Padeswood there a shout from behind and Keith is laid out in the road. Thankfully nothing broken or a major hurt, except perhaps his pride. Having recently taken a phone call, Keith decides to return to his car to attend to matters at home. So the "Four Riders of the Apocalypse" are reduced to three. We maintain a steady pace with the rain and wind hard in our faces. Out past Nercwys and Loggerheads, we head for the Clwyd Gate and the fast run down to Llanbedr and the turn to Bodfari. Picking up speed down the pass, the rain stings our faces and we concentrate on staying upright. We make the turn without incident and take the B5429 to Llandyrnog. 

After a slight deviation through Gellifor, we bash on through heavily rain lashed lanes. We have to stop though when the hailstones arrive - just too painful. A blue horizon appears at the back to the clouds and we push on to Bodfari. From here to Rhuallt, the lane rises and falls and thankfully the rain stops and we get fine views of it dropping all across the Vale of Clwyd. Cym arrives at 30 miles and we arrive at the Blue Lion to find it firmly shut! The website suggests its open every day- so why phone them! After apologies to Roy and George, I suggest we head for the Rock at Lloc. This means a very stiff climb to exit Cwm and onto the top - just what wasn't needed at this point. So at 35 miles before lunch and around 14:00, we arrive at the Rock to find the food is on and there a fire to dry out our gloves etc. The food is served promptly and was very welcome and tasty. 

With the wind now thankfully at our backs and the sun shining, we take the conventional way back to Northop over the top, and here George learns of the prohibited entry Buxton Lane shortcut which bypasses Pentre Halkyn and avoids the drag up Halkyn Hill to the Bluebell pub. At 900ft at the Windmill, we just stay upright with the wind at our backs ready for the fast descent into Northop. George turns for home in Northop, and Roy and I have a fast run back into Hawarden. With 50 miles completed the "Prophet of Doom" was only half right in that from 13:30 onwards, the rain stopped and the sun came out. As ever, each CER ride is memorable, and as I turn for Chester struggling to stay upright crossing the Blue Swing Bridge, I feel thankful that I bothered to get all my winter and wet weather clothing on and made the effort, as did Roy and George, to get on my bike for these enjoyable 66 windy miles.

CA  

16th May 2013: Jodrell Bank

How lucky we were today with the weather - a few showers were forecasted to mar the sunshine but we only had a few minutes of half-hearted rain. A big crowd set off bound for Jodrell Bank. There was Dave, Paul, Petar, Keith, Ray, George, Brian Mac, Dave & Liz P, the re-spoked Stephen and myself - quite a lot to negotiate successfully 32 miles of outward journey to Jodrell Bank radio telescope. 

As ever the route was slightly unconventional starting out towards Aston and Kelsall before turning out to Utkinton and Cotebrook. Oulton Mill pond looked beautiful in the sunshine as we continued on passed Oulton Park. Taking in Little Budworth village, we also pass by Budworth Mere on our way to Whitegate Way. Here the bridge was closed off explaining the lack of traffic on this usually busy country road. Exiting off Whitegate Way, we escape Winsford via Clive Green making for the outskirts of Middlewich. Skirting through miles of suburbia, we finally exit Middlewich on the 71 cycleway. Here I plan a route-shortening manoeuvre to ensure we get to Jodrell by 13:00. The original plan was to swing west and north sounding through the Davenport Estate and Swetenham but legs were getting tired and stomachs empty! More suburbia through Holmes Chapel we take the thankfully quiet main road through Twemlow Green heading for the big dish.

Photograph by Clive Albany

The car park is not too busy so there is hope that there are inside tables for us in the café; and there were. I have eaten here before and just as then, today's menu did not disappoint. Many riders commented on the good cuisine. The route back is flatter and we set off by circling the biggest Sky disc bound for Goosetrey. The lanes are flat and the traffic light as we zoom through Lach Dennis and Davenham. Along the A556 Chester Road counter-direction cycle path, the rain comes down for a short while until we get to Cuddington. The hills to Norley warm us up and dry us out as we enter Delamere forest that is finally coming to life. At the farthest crossroads, Stephen heads for Kelsall as half of us head down to the bottom of Mouldsworth hill, and the rest take the shorter incline on the official route back to Manley. Not quite 56 miles and no one got dropped - quite a successful day to an unusual destination and excellent lunch stop.

CA

PS: We were all in red club colours today except for one exception who FINALLY is wearing a helmet! You know who you are - and many thanks for the East Anglia OS 1946 map!

9th May 2013: Llansilin and beyond

Our first foray into the countryside around Chirk was supported by Dave H, Roy, George, Jim and possible new member Steve. The cafe was friendly and reasonably priced but the absence of any facilities meant that our first stop was back at the car park!

I had planned a route that didn't look too bad on the map, going south skirting Oswestry on the west and then sweeping westwards and northwards towards a return down the Ceiriog Valley: a very reasonable 37 miles.

We left Chirk and almost immediately set off uphill towards Weston Rhyn. The wind was gusting fairly strongly and any flattish lanes seemed to be due south direct into it. Soon we turned west with the wind on our left but this meant uphill. Well, it is Wales. We meandered round the back of Pant Glas, crossing the B4580 near the Old Racecourse. By now the wind had dropped but it was beginning to rain thus spoiling any views that we might have had of the approaching mountains.

We skirted part of the Offa’s Dyke ridge to Creoesau Bach and then north west to Llansilin. From here on the route climbed steadily (Clive would have been proud of us) past Moelfre lake -probably very nice on a sunny day - following lanes that became narrower and dirtier as we gradually made our way over the ridge into the next valley. The rain was heaving down and cries of 'how far to the pub' began to emanate from the happy band. To make us even more cheerful, Steve then gained two broken spokes but as the nearest cycle shop was probably in Wrexham we descended very carefully towards Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog. 

We pulled up outside the Hand Hotel with relief and anticipation-would the fire be lit? After all it is May. We were in luck being met by a charming landlady who was not at all fazed as we squelched in through the door. We left our wet kit over the chairs in reception and made our way to the tables next to the fire. We were very kindly provided with towels to dry off with and soon served with very tasty lunches. 

All too soon it was time to head out into the wet Welsh afternoon but with only 15 miles to go we were feeling almost cheerful. One mile later we were brought to an abrupt halt with the news that Steve had a puncture. It was decided, due to the conditions, that Steve should walk back to the pub and Roy would drive back up in his van to collect him. The route I had chosen down the valley, following some quieter scenic diversions was abandoned in favour of expediency, which cut the journey down to about 12 miles, and mainly downhill for a change.

We swept down the B4500 with our rear LED's blinking in the deluge, soon to arrive back at the car park. Roy then set off back to collect Steve who had been sitting by the fire drinking tea - much more sensible than freezing at the side of the road mending a puncture.

With 1558 metres of ascent, not a typical Easy Riders day out I have to say, and I hope the experience won't colour Steve's thoughts of the club: next week it'll be sunny - maybe!

JD

2nd May 2013: Hartford (brisk)

As the promise of a sun-filled day brings out the caravans on the roads, so it also does CER riders.  There were obviously too many for a single ride so, as I needed to back in Chester by 16:30, I offered a brisk ride to the Hartford Hall Hotel.  Jim took the sedate group Audlem way.  At first there was just Brian Mac and myself on the starting line, but soon Ray, Paul, Liz D and Martin ensured we were not a "Billy no mates" pack. 

We set off bound for Tilstone Fearnall via Beeston and the Bunbury bypass.  Then out via the quiet lanes to Wettenall, where a left turn took us into Glebe Green and then the Winsford suburbs.  The bright sunshine was enough to even make Winsford look good!  Approaching Foxtwist Green, we take the downhill road to Whitegates. Here a right up the incline takes us into the Vale Royal Golf club entrance.  Here we employ the reverse "Mathews Golf course traverse" route along the lane beside the Weaver Navigation.  The "road" here is now in a poor state after the severe winter, but just rideable in the dry.  Across Chester Road, we are at the Hartford Hall Hotel at 12:00 with 20 miles completed. With the spring sunshine continuing we partake of a promptly delivered and tasty repast in the garden.  Lunchtime conversation covers all the subjects that should not be discussed in a pub i.e. sex, religion and politics.

An hour up, we're off via the windy estate roads to take the old Chester Road westwards from Hartford heading for Cuddington and Norley.  The run back to the Ice Cream Farm is now straightforward via Delamere Forest, Kelsall, Willington and Huxley.  We arrive at the ICF by about 15:30 with 39 miles completed with no incidents on a fairly brisk, warm and dry ride.  Post refreshments, Ray, Paul and I make our way Chester bound as Brian Mac, Liz and Martin take to their cars.

CA

2nd May 2013: Audlem (mod)

It was almost the full contingent of members who met at the Ice Cream Farm on what can be described as perfect weather conditions for cycling.  Mike G took full advantage of the situation cycling from his home in Rhos on Sea.  Being such a large group we split into the ‘brisk’ led by Clive and ‘moderate’ who had decided a trip to the ‘Shroppie Fly’ in Audlem was appropriate. Brian Mac took advantage of the situation by collecting subs.

After a little discussion on a route Dave M led the group out joined by Dave & Liz P, George, Keith, Trevor, Jim, Dave H and Mike G. Bryan came with us as far as Beeston before returning to Chester. 

With such a large group you have a mixture of strengths and abilities so I asked Dave M to take a route that was gentle in climbs so we could enjoy the scenery and have a good chat. He duly obliged at a pace that satisfied most of the group.

From Beeston we cycled to Peckforton, turning east passing Bunbury, then south through Brindley, Stoneley Green, Ravensmoor and onto Sound. From there we headed almost due south through Hall o’ Coole joining the A525 about a mile west of Audlem. It had only just gone 12 noon so with Dave M’s knowledge of Audax routes we added a little loop. On the outskirts of Audlem we turned right with a climb to the A529, right and first right with a climb to Wilkesley with views across the Cheshire plain, returning from where we came. On the climbing Trevor at this point appeared to be suffering from the vagaries of his recent Red Sea cruise.

Our arrival at the ‘Shroppie Fly’ was met with shock horror, as it was under new management whose lunch provisions were sandwiches and chips. Short discussion ensued and we decided that overall we would put up with what they could provide as the setting was so good particularly with the warm sunshine and Timothy Taylor Landlord on tap. 

Following slow service (In the circumstances they did their best) we eventually got going just before 2:00pm and we travelled back via Nantwich using the A529, passing Henhull Hall, taking Route 75 to Cholomondston, then west across to Alpraham and on to Tilly’s coffee shop in Bunbury arriving after 4:00pm. Return to the Ice Cream farm we would have cycled 52 miles however the group split opting to make their own way towards Chester and beyond for which eventually they would cover 70 plus miles. 

In conclusion a superb days cycling. 

MG

25th April 2013: Bollington and Above

The weather forecast was rubbish and some core members were unavailable.  Nevertheless, Martin and Liz, Brian Mac, Ray, George and David M were already on their marks when I arrived at Redes Mere with Keith.  Soon Mike G arrived from Knutsford, and the ride began bang on time. We undulated towards Gawsworth before a sharp climb at Oakgrove, and on to Sutton Lane Ends.  A very steep climb up a Quiet Lane set pulses racing. Some keen vintage riders acknowledged us as they flew by just after the Haddon Farm hairpin.  The Hanging Gate pub was prettily perched on the hillside. Then left, and more conversation-stopping steep climbing. From now to lunch was a long, uplifting dive down followed by the sheltered serenity of Wildboarclough. We arrived a little early at the Stanley Arms where two tables had been reserved for us. The service was friendly, and the food just the job.
It had rained whilst we were inside, and it was becoming cooler, but we soon warmed up on the slog to the A577. We hurtled past Lamaload Reservoir, most of us confronting a Land-Rover at the point you would least want to. A few more steep banks, and more fast downhilling with panoramic views, before heaving on the anchors just above Bollington and turning right to picturesque Pot Shrigley. The climb through The Brickworks and up Bakestonedale Moor was quite demanding, but our Premiership players, Martin and Ray were soon at the top.  A short, fast stretch around the hairpin at Charles Head was followed with a sharp left up the side of Reed Hill. Despite Mike, who knew the way having stopped, thinking that he had dropped something, the tail managed to miss the turn! Blame the leader. More shortish, steep ups then a long cruise down to the rocky track leading to the East Parkgate entrance to Lyme Park. Suddenly Dave M was revolting. To be fair it was like asking Sebastian Vettel to tackle a rally stage in his Formula One car. Dave’s smooth carbon fibre road shoes, hand-stitched by fairies from silver thread spun by a thousand specially bred spiders, are likely to land you on your arse if attempting one moist step. Dave played safe with his butt and kit by returning to the road and riding down to Disley and the main entrance. We continued with our poachers approach via a rickety wooden bridge to the gatehouse. The views are usually outstanding here. We noted The Cage on a hill to our right, but were now exposed to a very cold wind and some rain as we headed down to The Hall and some shelter. Dave appeared after a few minutes, and we all snaked down the teeth-rattling, wooded path to East Parkgate.

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

The troops were restless for tea and cake, but I rejected the slow-serving Victorian Coffee House as we were booked in at Bollington for 3:30. There were fine views to our right over Manchester and Stockport. We passed Shrigley Hall, turned up round the corner and then into a delightful ‘secret lane’. We walked over the wet, steep cobbles on reaching Bollington’s stone houses, and cycled up to the Macclesfield Canal. Café Waterside was comfortable, friendly, and generous with its cake and drink. Forty minutes later we were climbing the tough little slopes out of well-heeled Prestbury, and soon speeding past Birtles Hall and Henbury Hall back to the cars. Mike turned down a lift and cycled back to Knutsford. 40 very hard, very hilly miles had been covered. Martin couldn’t believe how long we had taken, but was impressed with the 1,300metres of ascent that he had recorded. George and I conjectured if being nearly a year older was what made it seem harder than last time. Brian Mac was concerned about the amount of punishment he had taken! Ah well, ‘no pain, no gain’! Nevertheless, the ‘Championship’ riders did themselves proud, never really straggling. Limping, recently non-league Keith, with his reconstructed knee had been, indefatigable. I certainly enjoyed it and was grateful for the support.            

DH