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

20th September 2012: Anglesey

It was the Famous Five that met at the Edinburgh Wool Mill café at Llanfair PG for the round Anglesey Special Ride. Only five (Dave H, Andy, Ivan, Ray and myself) but what quality for a quality ride. The route out to South Stack RSPB café, by the famous lighthouse, would be a minor variation on that taken by Ivan and I in Jan 2011. The return would mainly be a surprise. The weather threatened rain but little comes although the stiff breeze will feature all through the 35 miles to the South Stack café. Taking cycleway 8, we run down quite lanes parallel to the Menai Straits with panoramic views of Snowdon and the Rivals. Through Newborough, the road takes you through the forest to Maltreath. Here the Maltreath Drain takes the water out of the marsh that extends right into Llangefni. The first minor variation takes us down a "No Through Road" (says the binman) along the estuary. The OS seemed to indicate we can get through and we can by taking a short cut along the foreshore to access the lane out. The next variation involves us ignoring the main road to Aberffaw by taking a tiny road across the sand dunes to access the original trip-trap bridge. It works, and we then have to use the main road to get to Rhosneigr. A very popular town this appears to be with several cafes (open but ignored) and lots of holiday homes; but we press on inland to circle RAF Valley before crossing the causeway to Holyhead Island proper at Trearddur Bay.

Photographs by Clive Albany

We follow the coast climbing over hill and down dale towards the windswept RSPB café for lunch. The choice of hot food is a bit short but it comes quickly enough as we sit enjoying the seaward view. I was remembering that just two weeks prior, I had been sailing around South Stack trying to beat the tidal stream on my way to Cemaes Bay to anchor there before it got dark. We leave and cycle the short uphill distance to see the lighthouse itself where Ivan procures a pink-clad young lady to take the snaps. Off around the mountain, we make our way along the front at Holyhead and turning almost into the seaport itself, we pick up cycleway 8 again to take past the now quiet aluminium smelter to get us across the causeway. Turning left in Valley, we eventually access the B5109 towards Llangefni and Mona's Café. This road is parallel to the old A5 and the busy A55 but there is hardly any traffic as we go down and up dale arriving at Mona's at school chucking out time. Ivan espies the "Gwesty Bull" and as the four of us take tea and cake, he takes a pint of Cardiff ale. There are traffic jams in Llangefni as we leave to ride the short distance back to the car park. I am keen to avoid the obvious way back so we take some more tiny lanes which once again give us 180° vistas of the Snowdon range and the Llyn peninsula. We ride over the A55 footbridge and with 62 miles done we are back at the car park. There were just a few spots of rain all day, the sun came out, there were majestic mountain vistas and sea panoramas, almost no cars, and wonderful countryside, and apart from the one lane out of Rhosneigr, decent road surfaces all day. What more can you ask for on a CER ride - where were you all!

CA

13th September 2012: Little Bollington (mod)

Only five out today (George, Dave H, Andy, Bryan and myself) at Manley.  Dave M came for coffee and was nursing a bad cold. Weather-wise it was bright but a little chilly, clouding over later, but brightening up at tea time. "Little Bollington" I offered; "Where" came the reply - "Next to Dunham Massey" - "Oh there! How many miles?" "50" and "OK". Off we go, out and up the ridge towards Alvanley and the fast descent to the outskirts of Frodsham. Then out through Frodsham, turning off the main road at Dave's suggestion to avoid the freeway. We access the Bridgewater Canal at Preston Brook and cycle northwards towards Warrington. We pass the Daresbury Laboratory that boasted the Synchrotron Radiation Source until it closed in 2008.

Photographs by Clive Albany

Very pleasant it all was until, tempted by a further canal path section, the inevitable rear wheel puncture happens. It happened to be mine, and managing to nip the newly-inserted inner tube, I have to borrow another from Dave H. Anyway the group needed a rest! Crossing the A49, we go up and pass Appleton Reservoir, and ignoring the "No Through Road" sign, we make our way along lanes anew and down through Stockton Lane ("Closed") and finally the cobbles in Grappenhall. Ducking about the canal, we find Waste Lane towards Lymm, passing the Lymm Dam and thence to Outringham Lane and alongside the same pub-infested canal until the "Home" pub comes into view. 

The Home is deserted, but the food comes quickly and is well received together with the Flowers IPA. The return route is "straightforward" but weaves about a lot on our way back to Manley via Hoo Green, Comberbatch, Acton Bridge, Norley and Delamere Forest. Under the M56 there is a curious plaque commemorating John Wesley's preaching at Booth Bank - he would have to speak up today given the volume of traffic passing by on the M56. Passing close to the Great Budworth Ice Cream farm proves too strong so we stop for afternoon tea and cake. In Delamere Dave H peels off to go back to Manley whilst us four continue via Ashton Heyes back to Chester. The circular route is 54 miles; with the Chester add on making it around 65+ for most of us. It was a wonderful autumn day through heritage countryside embracing the age of canals and high nuclear physics - a pity that only five of us were out to enjoy it.

CA

6th September 2012: Sun Inn, Trevor

The Expresso Cafe, Gwersyllt is not the most popular of CER starting points.  Possibly the café itself, the distance from Chester, the hilly environs or a combination of the three.  So on a lovely late summer day only Ivan, Ray, Bryan, Colin, Martin & Lizzie and Liz & Dave P turned up at the café.  We were then joined by three Wrexham Cafe Hoppers - Bruce, David and Mike.  However the numbers were soon whittled down as Bryan was in less than good form and decided to do his own thing, the tandem arrived punctured and Dave & Liz decided to meet us at the lunch stop and the three Wrexham boys retired early on the initial climb up to Minera preferring a less hilly route.

Photograph by Ivan Davenport

The five remaining riders continued on with the winding climb through Minera towards Llandegla, past the MTB centre, briefly onto the A565 and then along the gated lane that emerges on the road halfway up to the top of the Horseshoe Pass.  We soon reached the Ponderosa Cafe and started down the steep Old Horseshoe Pass Road and the right to the bottom of Worlds End and up to the Panorama route.  This must be the most picturesque ride in our area and the road surface is now good but it is littered with rocks and debris that have been washed down from the steep slopes above.  Perhaps as a result, it is a frequent puncture site and true to form Ivan had done so by the time he had reached the Sun, Trevor.  The repair was a protracted procedure requiring 3 inner tubes taking place during lunch eaten outside in the sun with a lovely view over the Vale of Llangollen.  Dave and Liz then arrived after cycling over Worlds End - pretty impressive on the tandem.

The return was along the canal path to Acefair, Johnstown, Bersham, Wrexham and Gwersyllt. Ivan and Ray then continued back to Chester, Martin to Hawarden and Colin and Lizzie took their cars home.

A beautiful hilly ride of only 33 miles but 1,160 metres of climbing taken at a slow pace. The return journey to and from Chester adds a further 28 miles.

MD

30th August 2012: Lower Peover

With summer drawing to a close and on a sunny morning, it was not unexpected seeing 10 riders at the Ice Cream Farm.  Dave M offered to lead a ride as long as I wrote it up.  We, Mike M, Colin, Ray, Andy, George, Alan, Trevor, Clive and myself followed him east towards Oulton Park, but Clive soon turned off as he had commitments elsewhere.  We fairly quickly had splits in the group with the varied pace of different riders and soon lost Mike at a junction.  This happened to others a number of times during this day’s ride.  I would ask all members to think about dropping back at a junction if there is someone behind and then waiting so that the person behind sees the change of direction. Simple but effective: and keep your mobile switched on so that we can call you if you are detached.

A fairly uneventful ride took us through the suburbs of Northwich, past Lach Dennis to Lower Peover, where I was reminded that it was a silent “O”.  If that is correct, then why not spell it Pea – ver.  Lunch in The Crown was both pleasant & efficiently served.  Plates were cleared, which is always a good sign.

Our return route to The Ice Cream Farm was via another Ice Cream Farm, this one at Great Budworth, where tea & cake was scoffed.  See http://www.icecreamfarm.co.uk.  It was then a trek west through Cumberbatch and Kelsall to the original Ice Cream Farm.  A total round trip of nearly 60 miles.

BMac

26th August 2012: Wild Wales Challenge

What a great ride which took place in ideal sunny and dry weather conditions, providing a brief, dry interlude during one of the wettest summers on record.  As I sit here recovering from yesterday’s efforts the rain is bucketing down once again: but who cares after such a fulfilling day out in the glorious Welsh mountains.

This year’s challenge repeats a route of some 10 years ago riding out over the Hirnant Pass from Bala to Lake Vyrnwy and on to the first control at Llanerfyl village hall.  The route then turns east to follow some very lumpy roads to Machynlleth where there is no control but an opportunity to grab some much needed lunch.  After this brief respite the route turns north to follow a small back road to Corris and then the mountain road west to Aberangell and Dinas Mawddwy.  The Bwlch y Groes looms above this control and provides a challenging route back to the finish in Bala after a total of 83 miles and 7,000ft of climbing.

There were 6 of us Chester Easy Riders at the 08:15 start in Bala - the Geneva-Nice team (Martin Donaldson, David Matthews, Dave Pipe & Ray Stigter) putting all that alpine fitness to good use, along with Lowri Evans and Dave Hill who employed locally gained Welsh mountain fitness to get the two of them round the demanding course.

The following account relies mostly on my own experiences as we rode at our own pace and only coincided on the road as circumstances and pace allowed.  The mountain goat team of Martin and Ray disappeared into the distance beyond Lake Vyrnwy never to be seen again.  I believe they finished 2 hours ahead of the rest of us in the speedy time of 8 hours.

Since riding this course some 10 years ago a couple of handy books have been written by Simon Warren which document and grade 200 climbs in Britain’s hills.  Three climbs from the books are included in this ride, which gives some idea of the overall challenge.  The hills between the listed climbs often seemed just as severe as we linked up the well known, “big ticket” ascents.

First up was the Hirnant (grade 7/10), which provided an ideal warm up.  Not too steep at first, but rising to a 15% gradient for a brief section near the top.  The descent was fairly tricky as the road through the trees was damp in places.  There was also a fair amount of gravel that caused at least one rider to crash out.

On the Hirnant

Photographs by David Matthews

Once down at Lake Vyrnwy, whilst I was still in touch with Ray, we had a real blast riding with bunches of cyclists along the level, lakeside road to Llanwddyn.  Beyond this point I left my comfort zone of well-known roads to climb through a series of steep narrow lanes to eventually emerge onto the A458 at Llangadfan.  A short distance after this the first control at Llanerfyl village hall was reached.  There were long queues of cyclists here that caused a wait of 15 minutes or so to get through to the electronic control check and subsequently grab a snack.  Whilst waiting in the queue I met up with fellow Seamons CC rider Stuart Kay, last met on the Costa Blanca in April, so the queue time passed quickly for us as we caught up with the club news.

Leaving the control southwards the route follows one of my favourite roads in Wales along the peaceful and remote Nant y Eira valley, protected by its multitude of cattle grids.  On this occasion the road had recently been covered in liberal quantities of gravel which slowed things down a bit but the wheel crunching noise did give warning of a small convoy of 1930’s touring cars creeping along behind us.

After this relatively gentle interlude, there were yet more steep, twisty, narrow lanes that eventually led out to “big city” Machynlleth.  It seemed that most of the 500+ riders had arrived here simultaneously as every cafe and shop was filled to bursting with hungry & thirsty cyclists.  After standing in a cafe queue for 10 minutes and getting nowhere, I gave up and raided the local Spar shop for water, Eccles cakes and a banana.  Not the best meal---but packed full of energy!

The next section turned north for Corris and the Dyfi Forest climb (grade 7/10) with its 17% and 20% gradients over to Aberangell.  I wasn’t looking forward to this climb as I had traversed it with Ray some 12 days previously when checking the route sheet for the new 208k (130 mile) Audax “The Barmouth Boulevard”.  The three big lifts through the forest seemed really exhausting a couple of weeks ago after riding a challenging 80 miles prior to the ascent; on this occasion the climb coming after 60 miles of hilly roads seemed more reasonable to both of us.

Commemorative slate

Beyond Aberangell, a narrow riverside road leads to Dinas Mawddwy where the village hall control point is overshadowed by the looming presence of Bwlch y Groes. After a quick snack, I nervously rode out along the 4 mile approach road up the Afon Dyfi valley to the foot of the pass (the highest tarmacked pass in Wales; grade 10/10) and the start of the real climbing just beyond Llanymawddwy.  The road immediately rises up at 25% and maintains a similar gradient for the next 3 miles to the summit.  Most riders (self included) walked a few sections of the pass to relieve the strain, so congratulations to Ray and Dave Pipe who rode the whole way.

Once on top of the Bwlch y Groes there is an exhilarating descent to Bala Lake followed by a quick blast round the east side to Bala, the final control, a brew and a well earned commemorative slate.  A great day out and it’s all on again for next year.  

Many thanks to Organiser Denis Holder for coming out of retirement and once again providing such a consistently great event.

DM

23rd August 2012: Mersey Estuary

Liverpool skyline

All aboard

Ray, Trevor, Dave B, Mike M, Clive, Liz D and Brian were all raring to go from Ness Gardens by 10:25.  Brian had asked for a smart, sharp departure before 10:30; Ray was so quick getting away, that he forgot to pay.  A quick ride diagonally across to Woodside saw us catching a ferry, much preferred to the electric train.  All on board safely, a picture taken of us seven, showed Dave decidedly sea sick and Mike cropped out completely.

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

Is Dave sea sick? What's happened to Mike?

After the Albert Dock, an easy ride took us downstream on the Lancs side past Otterspool, through Grassington Park, old Garston village and out at the old Speke Airfield.  A path is marked on the A-Z atlas running between the airport and the estuary.  It may be worth checking out before the next ride to see if it’s passable.  Good time was made to The Wellington Pub in Hale, a Marston’s roadhouse similar to The Eastham Ferry.  A wide menu choice was on offer with the bonus of Lime and S only costing £1 and beer at £2.50.  Result.  Worth a return visit, as this area was devoid of pubs and cafes.  

Widnes staircase

After lunch, the ride saw us on parkland along the river bank and across The Bridge to that other desert, Runcorn.  The place has always been a minefield to cycle through, as it’s devoid of signs & what there are only point to places in the middle of the town.  Dave H had come to the rescue with a map running south to north, which I used on the recee.  Returning south, we saw a sign for a place we recognised called Acton Bridge & followed Sustrans route 562 past bingo halls, parks and motorways, before being ejected out onto the A56.  

Over the bridge

A ride along the main road through Frodsham, took us to the B road across to the Windsurfing Centre, where coffee and cake was consumed.  Suitably refreshed, and with Mike having departed earlier, we set off on the final leg through the Mickles to Mollington, where Clive left us.  Liz, Trevor & Brian arrived back at Ness after 7 hours and with 59 easy miles under our belts.  This ride could be done quicker in winter, provided you did not catch the ferry, which is both more expensive & slower than the frequent trains from Hamilton Square.

BMac

16th August 2012: Audlem (mod)

With a glorious sunny day in prospect a good turnout at Hildegard’s was to be expected.  Brian Mac just returned from his work at the Olympics was engrossed in a newspaper while demolishing his breakfast when I arrived.  He had apparently been up since five and had already done his ride!  Martin & Liz D, Jim, David M, Dave H, Andy, Trevor, Ray and I made up the remaining nine plus Mike Roberts from the Wrexham Reivers/Café Hoppers joining us for the day on his trike.

Jim had a route in mind to the Shroppie Fly in Audlem via Tilston and Wrenbury that sounded just right.  It was soon apparent that out of the 11 present only eight of us were riding, leaving Brian Mac, David M and Trevor to indulge further.  After a little cajoling we set off with Jim in the lead clutching a scrap of paper that doubled up as his GPS and satnav.  We made good progress through Tilston, then bypassing Malpas to No Mans Heath where we crossed the A41.  Mike Roberts decided to turn off just after Bickley Town as we reached the A49.  From here it was a lovely relaxing ride across to Wrenbury where we arrived with perfect timing just as the canal bridge was being lowered: no waiting today then.  Conversation continued as we made our way on the final stretch through Aston and Brown’s Bank to Audlem.

The Shroppie Fly was already busy when we arrived but we got two outside tables to soak up the sun while our orders were prepared.  The selection of ales was good ranging from Timothy Taylor Landlord to Bays Winning Gold (brewed for the 2012 Olympics) but the lime and soda drinkers found the price excessive.  That aside, it’s a lovely quiet spot here on the bank of the canal: a perfect place to relax and forget about the troubles of the world.  

The route back saw us retracing our steps to Wrenbury but then heading north to Cholmondeley before turning off to Hampton Post and Hampton Heath for the return leg back through Tilston.  Arriving back in Holt by 15:30 we had plenty of time for tea/coffee and a choice of Hildegard’s cakes before it was time to split up and make for home.

A lovely relaxing 43 miles with friends: a perfect day.

BW

14th August 2012: Barmouth Boulevard

The Barmouth Boulevard is a brand new audax 208km event heading out from Corwen round Lake Bala, over the Trawsfynydd mountain road and on to Harlech and Barmouth.  The return is through the Bird Rock road to Abergynolwyn, Corris, the mountain road to Mallwyd, Cross Foxes and Bala town.  It is scheduled as a calendar event for October 20, but can be ridden anytime as a "permanent". 

The purpose of today’s ride, apart from having a great day out, was to get Ray to check out the route sheet as initially prepared by DM.  It is quite remarkable how many first time errors appear in route sheets (as well as subsequent changes put in by road makers) and the best way to counter this is to get a second person to ride the route and see it through their eyes.

After several false starts caused by rubbish weather, we eventually left Corwen at 07:30 on Tuesday 14 August and headed out to Bala on a day that threatened just a few showers.  We turned off the main Bala road to ride alongside the E side of the lake, which road was covered in rather dangerous new gravel in several places, to the first control at the Eagle Inn in Llanuwchllyn.  After a good fill of coffee and doorstep toast, we set off for Trawsfynydd over the narrow mountain road.  The gravel spreaders had been at work here also and made the first 10k dangerous as well as strenuous up the steep hills.  The gravel rather spoiled the spectacular mountain views, as all our senses were required to stay on the bike.

Fortunately the gravel ended abruptly just before the last hill, so we could then enjoy the ride and views over to Trawsfynydd and the subsequent main road route to Harlech.  After a deli stop in Harlech, we then continued down the main road to Barmouth, followed by a ride over the Causeway to the Towyn road.  This section of road is really beautiful as it climbs above the sea before finally turning inland near Llanegryn, leading to the fantastic mountain views along the Bird Rock road to Abergynolwyn.

The official control here is at the local library/cafe/post office which we now know is open 6 days per week - closed Tuesdays.  Fortunately we spotted a nice pub down the road where we got our cards stamped and filled up selves and bottles with liquid refreshment.  The route now leads northeast past several lakes and a big climb to Corris.  After Corris, we turned off along another mountain road through Aberllefenni that has been recently resurfaced.  This nice surface helps just a bit on the 17% and 20% ascents over to Mallwyd and civilisation.

The next part of the ride was one of the hardest in our fairly tired state, as we had to climb 10k from Mallwyd up to Cross Foxes on the main road.  No chance of falling asleep here as white van men and tourists whizzed close by on the road and Tornado jets screamed overhead on low level exercises.  Once recovered in Cross Foxes, we headed off through Brithdir and then the main road to Bala followed by the Pale route to Corwen.

Overall a hard but very fulfilling day out of 132 miles (212K) and 12,000ft (3500m) ascent in 13.5 hours.  Thanks to Ray for his company, improvements to the route sheet and for waiting for me at the summit of the hills.

David M

9th August 2012: Dunham Massey (brisk)

Arrived at Rose Farm cafe, Utkinton at 10:00 to find Ivan sat on the benches outside in glorious sunshine. 

No one else had turned up by 10:30 so we set off for the Red Barn at Dunham Massey via Antrobus and all sorts of obscure lanes.  A few miles beyond Antrobus, we alighted on an old aircraft runway where Ivan pulled out his DNA test kit to confirm that the bloodstains on the runway had in fact been left by Trevor a couple of weeks ago.

To Ivan's dismay we could not find the pub at Dunham Massey, so settled for soft drinks, sandwiches and supercharged German almond cake (DM only on this one) at the Red Barn farm.

Still in glorious weather, we returned through Hale (excellent for ornithology according to Ivan who fell off my back wheel at this stage) along DM's old Seamons CC tracks and onward through Tatton Park to Knutsford.  From here we followed the now traditional route past The Bells of Peover to Davenham and the secret road to Whitegate and the Shire Horse Cafe for a well-earned brew.

Finally we rode along the secret lake road to Utkinton and Oscroft where Ivan continued onward to Chester.  70 miles round trip for DM and 80 miles for Ivan; at a pace somewhat above brisk.

DM

9th August 2012: Tracks & Trails of the High Peak

The cast of thousands - well 14 of us - assembled at the car park at the start of the Monsal Trail at 10:00 and set off at 13 mph: true Easy Riders pace! for coffee.  Martin, Liz, Trevor, Jim, Andy, George, Dave Hill, Bryan, Tony, Dave & Liz P and Dave H with special guest Collette.

Photographs by Dave Hill

The route followed the trail and tunnels for the first 9 miles avoiding the unlit walkers and ghostly cyclists appearing out of the gloom. We soon reached Bakewell Station and shot off down the unusually named Station Road to the town centre.  A bit of dicing with the locals and we were heading uphill on Yeld Road towards Youlgreave (why is it that downhills are always shorter that uphills? I bet there is a mathematical formula for that).  On reaching Youlgreave we realised that 5 of the group were missing. We had stopped to look at the medieval village at Conksbury, which we didn't find; perhaps they were still there? A phone call sorted out the problem and we agreed to meet at the pub at lunchtime. Onwards and upwards, through Middleton by Youlgreave and Elton, past the two faced stone and finally to the pub at Winster.  We seemed to have been going continually uphill for the last hour - Clive would have been proud of us!

After a leisurely lunch in the beer garden at The Miners Standard. We all set off north towards the High Peak Trail.  After a toilet stop by the junction with the Tissington Trail at Parsley Hay, the route continued north to the end of the trail.  A short dogleg across the A515 and we were following the Midshires Way north back towards Taddington. The track became steadily rougher culminating in a true off-road downhill descent to Blackwell Hall. Then a quick thrash down the B road (max 37mph) to Millers Dale followed by a short and final uphill to the car park and the coffee wagon. Then 3 miles back along the trail to our starting point. Nearly 40 miles, tough in places and easy in others, but with brilliant weather all the way.  A spectacular day was had by all.

JD

2nd August 2012: Llanasa

The team assembled at Spiros in Hawarden at 10:00 am like the cast from the Usual Suspects:

Martin & Liz, Mike M, Ray, Tony, Clive, George, Dave H and Jim.

There was a general atmosphere of disinterest for a long ride so I proposed a shortish trot to Llanasa for lunch and back (about 40 miles) leaving us back in time to catch the cycling at the Pleasuredrome.  All were in favour so we set off at a steady pace for Northop, Halkyn, Whitford and Llanasa.

Service was a bit slow but we didn't mind as it was heaving it down outside and I'd left my helmet on my handlebars!  Dim move, but we all make mistakes! The route back was up that interminable hill towards Trelawnyd, over the A55 and up towards Babell and Windmill. The group split at that point with those eager to see Victoria Pendleton in her lycra leading the way with myself, Dave, George and Mike following at a more sedate pace.  A slight detour from Halkyn Hill allowed us to miss the little narrow lane, at present full of mud so George assured us, and back to Northop, then Hawarden.

40 miles, with 60 for those from Chester, and we still got home for 4 pm.

JD

26th July 2012: Moore

The sun was out at Manley Mere and a cyclist's dozen were out to day - 12 bikes but 13 riders.  No one had a route; so the one I had prepared last November would do. I'd been out with Harry last November but didn't fancy his extended route from Grappenhall, so found my way home via Runcorn's canals. To mix it up a bit, the obvious way to Kingsley was ignored as we exited Helsby and ground up the chevroned road to Alvanley; then up onto the top via Commonside and Newton. Somewhere here the message came that Jim and Mike M were going to do their own thing, so we pressed on via Kingsley to Acton Bridge.  Aren't English lane names fascinating; there was Cliff Lane without a cliff, and Roddy Lane with a rod, and thankfully no offal in sight in Offal Pit Lane! Somewhere near Frandley, Martin and Liz decided to make their own ride, so the rest of us (Ray, Ivan, George, Trevor, Roy, Paul, Tandem Duo and myself) found ourselves zigzagging down the lanes towards Appleton Thorn via the old airfield. Here Trevor involuntarily left some of his DNA on the road as he skidded trying to avoid water-filled pots. He was OK, as was his bike, but attention was cleverly diverted to George's mudguards. Once all fixed, we skirt the Young Offenders Institution and savour the downhill run into Grappenhall. Out towards Stockton Heath, George's mudguards feature again as we ride up to Appleton Reservoir. Soon we run down into Moore and at 28 miles, are ready for lunch. The Red Lion needs a bit of TLC but the food is good. In fact, Trevor liked so much that he is due to return to collect his saddlebag sometime soon! The novelty part now starts as we "admire" the outer Runcorn estate housing architecture, and access the Runcorn branch of the Bridgewater Canal at Norton. We ride the canal towpath all the way to near the station thus bypassing most of Runcorn's architecture. Here Roy is on home territory and helps us out and up to Weston to admire the Mersey view and the Castner Kellner plant.  In Frodsham, we enjoy lattes in the air conditioned Costa Coffee before tackling the long hill out and up towards Riley's Bank and the downhill back to Manley Mere. The route was a leisurely 44 miles, but around 65 for those of us Chester bound.

CA

19th July 2012: Pendle Witch Country

The weather was uncertain, but the lemon cake was a sure thing at Number 51. We were having a communication problem with Dave M., who had apparently turned back in the face of miserable motorway rain. So it was that the certainties, myself, Brian Mac and George were conjoined by the last minute surprise trio of Mike Morley, Jim and Bryan Wade. 

We scooted around to briefly view Whalley Abbey entrance, and then headed for the golf course. There was a lot of up: Clive’s altimeter would have been whirring its wheels off. We weren’t in much risk of whirring our wheels off though as we strained slowly up from Sabden Brook. The narrow ridge road passed through a grotto of green onto the top of Padiham Heights, with Burnley below. Soon we were cruising, the weather was dry and the riding was easy.

After the delightful hamlet at Sabden Hall, it was 100% effort again just before reaching steeply situated Newchurch in Pendle with its strong connections with the Lancashire witches. In 1612 ten witches from the Pendle area were sent to the scaffold. In the graveyard of St. Mary’s of Newchurch is a tombstone with a skull and crossbones known locally as ‘the witches grave’. George appeared to be the expert on witches having married a local girl; he even knew where one of the Nutters was buried. 

East from Newchurch we bowled down Jinny Lane to the last remaining Clarion Room in the country. 

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

Hundreds of mill workers and their families used to come up here for refreshment and fresh air at the weekend. But there was much more to the Clarion movement than this, and fitness and fraternity through a national network of cycling clubs was a significant element of this socialist movement. Cyclists and walkers still come here for a drink and a break on Sundays. From here we rode into Barley, ignoring the cosy tea rooms as my little black timetable book had us behind schedule. We then whacked our way around the impressive green bulk of Pendle Hill. Right and ahead was a panoramic view stretching as far as the Yorkshire Dales. Our geographers, Jim and Brian Mac, recognised Pen-y-Ghent and Ingleborough on the horizon. We hurtled down the multi-arrowed Pendle Road to famously filmed Downham. Here we ran into two lively ladies who stalked us to the post office tea shop. I think they were looking for Specsave!

We crossed high above the A59, and over the Ribble at Chatburn (site of a yummy ice cream shop) and made our way south west to wonderful Waddington. The Lower Buck tempted, but I wanted the back of the ride broken by lunch, so we carried on easily to Higher Hodder Bridge. We ground around the heavily wooded Waddington Fell and up the Hodder Valley. We had done a lot of climbing, and after at least three hours in (and out of) the saddle, our lunch stop, at Chipping’s haunted 17th Century Sun Inn, arrived not a moment too soon. The food was excellent and the service was courteous and friendly.

We wound out of Chipping up a lush Quiet Lane past Legram Hall. The peaceful road meandered between Burnslack and Fair Oak Fell soaring to our left, and the wooded River Hodder below. The Wild Boar Park was passed, and we soon sighted the unlikely red telephone box as we steadily gained height and faced the last really steep bank of the day by Knot End cottage. The reward was a panoramic view across The Forest of Bowland to Yorkshire, and a lovely long descent to Burholme Bridge. The return to the Ribble Valley was by the route of least resistance! The famous Inn at Whitewell was passed as we followed the Hodder before winding left up the Roman road to Cow Ark, and past Browsholme Hall the ancestral seat of the Parkers, Bowbearers of the Forest of Bowland since Tudor times.

It was mostly downhill from here as we sped to coffee and cake at Balshall Barn. As we sipped next to the cows, Mike, George and I decided to have a look at the breathtaking Stonyhurst College, a magnificent 16th. Century manor house now home to a famous independent Catholic school. We passed ‘Cromwell’ Bridge over the Hodder and the beautiful old Alms House in Hurst Green on our extra loop. We finished by crossing the River Ribble at Great Mitton and returned to Mike’s former home village of Whalley.

It was a pleasure to cycle in such pleasant company. It was quite a demanding ride, and for those, who, because of various circumstances were not at their fittest, very hard at times. I hope now that the lactic acid has dissipated they will look back with pleasure and remember the fine views.  Mileage 46 or 51 with the Stonyhurst College loop.

DH

12th July 2012: Calverhall

Today was all about finding a pub that was open at lunchtime for food.  The target was an unknown pub in Prees, but more later.  As it promised to be a sunny dry day, there was a crowd at the Ice Cream Farm. Bryan was in civvies mode and Dave M in recovery mode.  So the rest of us (Roy, Dave H, Ray, Brian, Trevor, Tony H, Tandem Duo and I) set off bound for Prees via Whitchurch.  Up around Burwardsley and Harthill we find the lane to Cholmondeley closed off for water works but still open for bikes.  We circle Moss Wood to Swanwick Green and onto Marbury.  Up some new lanes to Hollyhurst, we enter Whitchurch close by the station.  We exit via a dead-end road to cross the busy A525 towards Brown Moss conservation area.  The Tandem Duo wave us on so we amble through the shady Brown Moss area. 

More on the pubs; Brian's phone call to his mate reveals that the Prees pub is closed (later confirmed as 3 years ago), the Horseshoes in Tilstock doesn't do lunch, so he suggests the Raven on the A41.  We stop across the dual carriageway from it and there is not much enthusiasm despite it being pint time.  I offer the Olde Jack at Calverhall that is unanimously accepted as a better alternative to the Raven.

Whitchurch Canal Basin

Retracing our route, we come across the tandem bound for the A41. The Olde Jack does us proud proffering a large bowl of free chips when I protest that my meal is without them.  After lunch, we re-access the prepared route via Coton. The pub here was the original lunch venue but a web search mysteriously revealed that it was either shut or open! - it was shut as we rode by bound for Alkington and Whitchurch again. 

Photograph by Clive Albany

We join the towpath at Whitchurch canal basin and exit at Grindley Brook.  Going north, we shimmy left and right across the A41until past the Bell o" the Hill pub I offer a route diversion.  Back a shorter way or onwards via Malpas. The call of the Ice Cream Farm is too strong and we arrive back to meet up with Dave and Liz.  They had eschewed the Raven and taken lunch at the truck stop next door, and very good it was according to Dave. 

Today, Tony H was back with us after his extensive long distance practicing in the US, Trevor had new tyres and tubes, and Roy was a ridiculously strong rider, but then he is half our age! So 54 miles of British Summer weather and quintessentially English lanes - a good day to be out in the saddle.

CA

5th July 2012: Beatles Cycling Tour of Liverpool

1. Ringo's birthplace

2. Sefton Park

3. Coffee

4. Penny Lane

5. Strawberry Fields

6. Paul's house

7. Otterspool Formation Team

8. Ferry across the Mersey

9. Disembark

Eight members gathered at Chester Station to catch a train to Liverpool for the start of The Magical Mystery Tour – Trevor, Martin & Liz, Clive, Ivan, Mike, Ray & myself.  Alighting at James Street, we made our way south alongside the Mersey, to view various important places associated with The Beatles.  (pics. follow in numerical order) 

Ringo’s birthplace in Toxteth was first 1; sadly it had seen better days.  Riding thro Princes Park, Trevor had the first of 3 punctures.  Sefton Park followed, 2 and the call went out “I want a wee” (It’s like herding cats or kids) followed by a coffee stop 3.  Penny Lane, 4 was next (are you singing along yet?) soon followed by “A shelter in the middle of a roundabout” at its northern end.  George’s birthplace near the Picton Clock was next.  There we were not sure what all the Japanese tourists would make of the locals sitting outside their houses in the sun in the afternoon, still dressed in pyjamas.

A long ride east took us to the increasingly more affluent area where John grew up with his Aunt Mimi.  First though, we stopped at St Peters Church Hall, Woolton, where 55 years ago to the day, John was introduced to Paul, who had to audition there to join the Quarry Men.  Along the road we came to 5, Strawberry Fields, an old orphanage sadly looking in a sorry state.  John’s house on Menlove Ave was next, now a National Trust property.  As was the next 6, Paul’s house in Allerton.  A massive carvery followed, costing £3, at a recommended boozer.

After lunch, the CER Cycle Formation Team 7 appeared again on Otterspool promenade, though with all the folk out enjoying the sun, otters were few and far between.  As we were early for the first commuter ferry across the Mersey (are you still singing?), we had a pleasant 30 minutes to kill at the best hostelry in the City, the Philharmonic Rooms.  The ferry 8, 9 was busy and the half-hour trip enabled Trevor to change puncture number 2.  Disembarking at Woodside at 16:45, I spotted a new Sustrans sign pointing to Eastham ferry and as time was pressing, we went for this new route.

We soon found in Rock Ferry that some signs had already been re-cycled into scrap and as a result I was not 100% sure of the new route.  Who should then turn up but a knight in shining armour, a k a, Gary from the local wheelers, who was cycling home to Port Sunlight.  He put us right and we returned via Eastham, the missing Link and Ledsham to Chester.  Distances were 23 miles in the city, followed by 20 odd to Chester.

Feedback received was encouraging and I enjoyed being a tour guide for the day, though the tips were miserable!!  I used a booklet on the Beatles for my guidance and you are welcome to borrow it anytime. 

BMac


Photographs, tour planning and commentary courtesy of Brian MacDonald

28th June 2012: Bradfield Green

Back from two weeks off, namely sitting about on a boat, it was a struggle to get out to Hildegard’s café.  The Alpine Quartet was all there with very professional photos of snow, views and enormous hilly climbs (up to c 2900m!).  Dave M was in recovery mode after his tunnel experience, so the rest of us (Martin, Liz and Dave P, George, Dave H, Ray and I) set off for a 55 mile ride which curiously no one really asked about as I led them out towards Tilston along the main road.

The Secret Nuclear Bunker

“Road Closed” greeted us at the Cock o’ Barton and this was to be a feature three more times. Ignoring the sign, we find it is the annual road patch-up season.  The route takes us through Duckington to the Cholmondeley Arms. Here Martin has had enough for the day and turns back. The same happens with the tandem at Sound as the remaining four cycle towards Nantwich bound for the Coach and Horses at Bradfield Green. On the way we briefly visit the Secret Nuclear Bunker at Hack Green that has a large café – so perhaps an afternoon tea stop on another ride. Several new Bentleys pass us on their way back to the Crewe works and, at nearly 30 miles, Leighton Hospital passes us by and the Coach and Horses is a welcome site.
The reception is very friendly and the food comes quickly and all are replete. I offer afternoon repast at Tilley’s so it is an easy run back into Bunbury via Bird Lane. The heavens open as we sup our drinks (no cakes though).  We wait a few minutes until it clears and make out way back towards the Ice Cream Farm.  Here, George and Dave H make their way back via Tattenhall to Farndon whilst Ray and I wend our way back to Chester with 70 miles on the clock. Apparently there was downpour in Chester whilst we had just a few spots of rain so my rain-avoidance skill/luck still holds.

CA

21st June 2012: Malpas

I had suspected that numbers might be somewhat depleted today as four of our regulars are currently traversing the Alps, Andy is cycling in Croatia and Clive, who led last week's ride, had mentioned that he was away for the following two weeks.  Also, the weather forecast was not great with only a suggestion of some dry weather later in the day.
My suspicions proved well founded, as I was the only CER representative at Utkington today.  A fellow cyclist, who introduced himself as Roy, was sitting there when I arrived.  Engaging in conversation he told me that he had cycled over from Runcorn.  He had cycled with us once before a few weeks ago when the majority of the club were cycling in the Peak District, led by Dave Heath, Roy had joined Dave M and Ray who had offered an alternative ride on that occasion.
As the rain came down and it became apparent we were the only two brave/foolish souls out today, Roy decided to call it a day and head for home.  I was tempted to follow suit.  However, I was conscious of the need to get some miles on the bike.  I have entered next Sunday's Bert Bailey 100 mile Vets event and am not as prepared as last year when it formed part of my build up to my End2End.  So attempting to ignore the light but persistent rain I set off for Malpas through Tattenhall and Farndon.
I had lunch at the Old Fire Station cafe, now rebranded as a "Bistro" but still offering, among its more exotic fare, such old stalwarts as baked potato and toasted panini’s, both for under a fiver and therefore comparing well with pub prices.  After lunch I turned north again through Tilston and then more or less followed the Cheshire Cycleway as far as Huxley before cycling the last few miles through Duddon and back to Rose Farm.  It did eventually stop raining after lunch!
GW

14th June 2012: Llanbedr

The forecast was for sunny spells and although rain threatened several times, only a few spots fell – so I have maintained my “ability/luck” to control the weather over the last three rides!  Six of us left the Gallery Café bound for Penycloddiau pass and the Griffin pub in Llanbedr DC.  Liz D, Trevor, George, Alan, Dave B and I left behind the Tandem Duo and Martin.
Out from Hawarden, we warm up our legs over wet roads past the Ewloe quarry towards Buckley. We take the back way to Soughton to access the steady climb up to Gwernaffield.  Down the steep descent to Cilcain Bridge, we puff up the double chevron ascent and turn right towards Nannerch.

Photographs by Alan Jeffs

At the start of the long climb to Penycloddiau I suggest we meet in the car park at the top for a breather.  In the car park Alan and I enjoy the Vale of Clwyd views and the history of this Iron Age hill fort and patiently wait but no one comes until I spot Trevor who says he is the back marker.  We three set of down the lane to find the others.  A phone call from Liz advises they couldn’t find us in the car park (?) and are down the bottom at the crossroads.  “OK” I say, “be with you soon”.  However down the lane I find Alan assisting Trevor with a puncture so I freewheel all way down to the crossroads and advise Liz and Co to follow the B road to the Griffin.  I grind back up the hill and wait at the turn for the high level lane that cuts across the countryside to the pub.  

The pub is good value and we leave bound for the Nant y Garth “bypass” at Graigfechan.  We wait for Trevor at the start of the run down to Llanarmon.  He doesn’t appear, and his phone I later discover is elsewhere.  I grind back up the road to find him changing the front tyre.  At Llanarmon, we view the Welsh motte and bailey castle thinly disguised as rocky outcrop and a copse.  Up to Trueddyn, we make our way to the edge of Leeswood before turning back bound for the old Chester Road in Penyffordd and Bilberry wood. Trevor and I go back to Chester via Saltney Ferry and the others finish the 45 miles route back in Hawarden. Several other notable riders were resting today ready for their Alps sojourn next week.  I thought they might have relished a warm up over the Clwydians!

CA