8th September 2016: Norton-in-Hales (mod)

I’d been very tempted by the write up from the brisk group for the Hinds Head at Norton-in-Hales a few weeks ago. It was a place that demanded a repeat visit, and starting from the Ice Cream Farm it was a manageable a ride of around 50 miles. I had copied most of the brisk route but reversed it.

Our group included both brisk and moderate riders: Steve T, George, John M, Andy from Mold, Ray, Tom, Paul, Dave P, Dave H, myself and Bryan who was only joining us for the first few miles. The early rain had stopped as we left and troubled us no further. We started through Tattenhall and over Harthill, before passing by Cholmondeley, Wrenbury, Aston and Adderley. Lovely quiet lanes were traversed under a little cloud and some sunshine, and by 1230 we had arrived at the pub.

Photo by John M

The key question was whether the Hinds Head would live up to the reputation of the earlier visit. We had a friendly and efficient welcome from an Aussie barman, who served us good quality beer and lime & soda at 60p a pint.  The food followed and was good: my steak and ale pie was full of tasty meat and accompanied by excellent chips and gravy. The group’s collective view was positive and so the Hinds Head will find its way on to our list of favourite lunch spots (an updated version will be on the blog shortly).

Photo by Steve T

The benign weather continued as we cycled back on more fine lanes. We skirted Audlem and then passed through Sound, Ravensmoor and Brindley, to emerge in Bunbury for an obligatory stop at Tilly’s. Then it was the usual route by Beeston Castle, where George left us, and on to the Ice Cream Farm. A total of 49 miles in good September weather.  Let’s hope we have a good many more days like this before winter.

SH

1st September 2016: Hale (mod)

It was a very good turnout at Ness Gardens for Macca’s annual Mersey Meander, but where were the fast lads?  I’ve heard that riding the Wirral from Ness isn’t always the most popular day, but 1 or 2 of today’s riders could easily have coped with the fast group’s pace. .

A relatively lucky 13 ( Bryan, Dave H, Garnett, George, new John B, Jim, Mike G, Petar, Steve T, Tandem Pipes, Trevor et moi) set off to circumnavigate the Mersey Estuary – Bryan suffered one puncture, not bad considering we cycling a total of 800 odd miles on the day.  A good pace along The Greenway had us meeting the Mickle Traffford crew spot on 1130.  Onwards past Manley Mere, upwards past Alvanley Hill took us to Frodsham where Garnett’s greenhouse construction called him home. We were then guided safely through the usual impassable Runcorn jungle by Dave H.  As the tandem was slower negotiating the street furniture, I split the group at The Bridge to allow the faster riders to order their lunch sooner at “The Childe of Hale” (L24 4AX, 0151 425 2954).  The meal was average; would be interested to see if it makes Egon Steve’s list. 

The usual return route saw us pass through Speke and Garston to join the Mersey at Grassington.  Once on The Esplanade, the way is idiot-proof all the way to Pier Head.  At Dingle, as some were understandably anxious about my plans to foist 12 bikes on Merseyrail Underground in the rush-hour, 3 or 4 of us sped ahead to catch an earlier train under the river.  Mike and I were enjoying afternoon tea at Hamilton Square and were eventually only joined by Bryan for the simple 12 mile ride back to Ness.  Phone calls made elicited that some stayed at Pier Head to catch a later ferry, some trained all the way through to Chester and Liz caught a bus home (had they had a domestic??).  A sunny 60+ miles of urban and country riding was covered at 12.5 mph average.  Special thanks must go to Steve T for sticking to his back-marker duties, as 13 riders are a handful to count when leading. 

BM

25th August 2016: Grinshilll (brisk)

After a few weeks of cycling in Devon and Cornwall, it was back to Cleopatra's at Holt for today's ride. Always trying to look for new lanes to ride, I had a route to Grinshill and the 'Inn' which I had contacted prior to ensure they would be open. The regular Brisk riders Tom, John W and Ken were already at the café and were ready to ride.

We set off back down the hill from Holt and over the Dee and up the bank through Farndon heading for Shocklach. The weather forecast for today had changed often since Monday but this morning it was being kind with warm and dry conditions although cloudy. We head along the B5069 to the junction for Sarn and Tallarn Green. Bypassing Whitchurch via Fenn's Bank and Whixall, we pass through Wem and a past hostelry 'The Tilly Raven'. We had ridden a good pace to this point and at 11:45 with 10 miles before lunch we were forced to put on our pac mac's. Passing Clive and Yorton, we arrive at Grinshill and the Inn. The Inn is a rather posh pub/restaurant boasting Michelin chef and a shower in the gents!!.

The meal prices reflected the status of the place but, as it was raining, not much was made of the price. We were the only diners but our hosts were very welcoming. After consuming our gourmet meal, we set off with the bonus that the rain had stopped and roads already drying. Expecting to make a left turn, our lane was a blocked track!! - quick recalculation and onward we continue. We join the A49 at Acton Reynald for a short main road ride to Preston Brockhurst.

The remaining route takes us along pleasant lanes and villages up to Prees and Tilstock before arriving on the outskirt of Whitchurch. We ride through the town to Grindley Brook taking the Malpas road. It was now the normal route through Malpas to Tilston and the left onto Wetrains Lane for Farndon, arriving back at Cleopatra's for 15:15. We had ridden 58 miles and enjoyed some new lanes for our efforts. After coffee and cake, Ken bade farewell and Tom, John and I set off for Chester.

ID

25th August 2016: Maesbury Marsh (mod)

It was a good turnout at Cleopatra’s in Holt, too many in fact to fit in the newly refurbished back room.  The fast lads left early.  Of those remaining, Trevor wasn’t out for a full ride, leaving our newish member Andy, Jim, Mike G, Jane, Charlie, Chris, Bryan, Dave P and myself. I had in mind a visit to the Navigation Inn at Maesbury Marsh, a good destination that we hadn’t been to for some time.

We set off through Farndon, Worthenbury and Holly Bush before taking the sharp right turn at the bottom of the hill that would eventually lead to Duddleston Heath.  It was here that too much enthusiasm on the descent led Andy, Chris and Charlie to overshoot and disappear into the distance towards Penley. The rest of the party continued while I waited, but after nearly 10 minutes the three had not returned.  As someone might have said ‘to lose one rider is a misfortune, to lose another two looks like carelessness’.  I re-joined the main party as we pondered what to do.  Andy had appeared by then, but there was no sign of the others and calling them elicited no response.  We decided to carry on, to be surprised when they eventually appeared behind us.

We crossed the A495 at Welsh Frankton and continued along delightful lanes and two very humpy hump-backed bridges, to pass through West Felton and approach our destination from the south. The Navigation had been warned of our arrival and we settled down to some good food and good beer, justifying the pub's place in our favourites list.

Here we said goodbye to Andy who had to return to Mold for an appointment, and temporarily to Dave P who had to pick up a part for his lawn mower from Oswestry, though we hoped to meet up again later. The return by-passed Oswestry and took us through Whittington, before skirting Gobowen and entering St Martins.  From here we followed the main route, through the steep valley of Shell Brook, to enter Overton.  Here we stopped for refreshments at the Cup 'n' Saucer, previously the Woodlands Deli, another of our favourites.  We were served essential quantities of cake and caffeine, while Dave P re-joined us.

From Overton, it was into Bangor and up the busy main road before turning right and then following the little lanes northwards to the west of the Dee. Here an unexpected move from an errant pedestrian and an oncoming car forced Charlie into the verge, but no harm was done.  We arrived back in Holt with 53 miles on the clock, grateful that under overcast skies we had avoided any serious rain and had a good day out.

SH

18th August 2016: Norton in Hales (brisk)

In the absence of the usual ‘brisk’ ride leaders, there was a certain amount of indecision, even chaos, before Ken came up with a ride down to Audlem – a nice steady 50 miler, or so it seemed. Mike G offered to help with the navigation and so Ken, Mike G, Andy B, Tom, new rider Garnett and yours truly set off – but not before we’d spent 15 minutes trying to fix Tom’s loose head…I mean headstock... on his new bike. After various CER members had offered allen keys of various lengths and sizes and opinions on how to eliminate the wobble, the bike was no better, so we set off anyway down the road towards Tarporley. From there we took Birch Heath Road and Crib Lane out to Beeston and then on to Bunbury Heath and Bunbury, crossing the A49 as we did so.

From there we followed Long Lane down to Brindley and across the A534. By now, we were fairly whistling along, since Mike G had taken the lead and had his foot down. He explained that he’s usually the slowest of the brisk group, so he’d decided to take the lead and set the pace so as not to hold the rest of us up. Personally, I think he was on something! So on we sped, crossing the Llangollen Canal at Swanley Hall and then on to Brindley (where we crossed the A 534) and Ravensmoor to Sound. Taking in the sights and sounds of the countryside on a beautiful summer's day, we zoomed along the lanes epitomising all that is great about CER. After a mere hour and twenty-five minutes, we arrived at the boundary sign for Audlem, only to turn right and skirt the village. Unbeknown to me, our leaders had decided that our destination should be modified and we would press on towards Market Drayton. Ah, I thought it must be the Joules Brewery …

So we pressed on via Swanbach and Kinsey Heath and ran down into Norton-in-Hales, arriving just after 12.30. The Hinds Head in the village has been a point of call for CER in the past and reports had been good, so it was decided to stop here for lunch. As we trooped in, the landlady was just taking lunch orders for a group of 9, so we ordered our drinks and food, expecting to wait a considerable time for the grub to arrive. Incidentally, the lime and soda here was but 60p a pint, putting The Hinds Head at the lower end of the price range we see. In the end, the food came in about 40 minutes and was unanimously considered to be of a high standard at a very reasonable price. Perhaps Steve H would consider adding this hostelry to the CER list of ‘favoured lunch stops’? (www.hinds-head.co.uk ).

Resting in Wrenbury

After lunch we rode through the village, a really pretty spot, turning up the bucolic lanes of North Shropshire to Adderley and Shavington Park. There was a park at Shavington as early as 1577. The current house was built in 1685 for the sixth Viscount Kilmorey and the landscape park was extensive by 1752. The park was expanded to around 1500 acres by 1851, but it had fallen into a dilapidated 'wilderness' by the 1890s. Although the site is now administered by Parks & Gardens UK, sadly the park is not open to the public.

As we went on towards Aston, Mike G was again setting a cracking pace (who said anything about a nice steady ride!) and we soon found ourselves in Wrenbury. We stopped at the Llangollen Canal partly because the bridge was up, but mostly for a breather…and a photo. Then it was back into the saddle and on towards Cholmondeley Castle Gardens, crossing the A49 as we passed the Cholomondeley Arms (expensive!). Thence on to Bickerton and up Harthill. Reaching the top, we were rewarded by the long downhill stretch into Tattenhall, where Tom, Andy, Mike and Garnett peeled off to head back to Chester; Tom was intending to take his bike into the shop to get his head fixed today if possible.

Ken and I then meandered back to Utkinton via Huxley and Clotton, arriving back at Rose Farm in time to get a cuppa before they shut up shop.

This ‘steady ride’ turned out to be 58 miles at an average speed of 16 mph. Thanks go to Ken and Mike G for guiding the rest of us so ably on a lovely summer’s day.

ST

Photograph by Steve Tan

18th August 2016: Whitchurch (mod)

The prospect of light wind & sun brought the crowds to the beach and the CER ride from Utkinton.  The Mods were ably led out by Steve H, followed by Andy, David M making a rare appearance, Dave P, Liz P, Jim, Petar, Trevor and Macca was back-marker.  We headed

anti-clockwise for Whitchurch, via Clotton, Beeston, Bickerton Poacher, Malpas to Grindley

Brook, the most northerly settlement in Salop. Here we joined the madding crowds messing

about in boats on the Llangollen Canal where it descends from the hills down a staircase of 6 locks onto the Cheshire plain.  A short ride along the canal path and over the lift bridge took us onto the filled-in canal at the edge of Whitchurch.  If you read the history of this canal, it was plagued by poor planning and lack of funds, just like HS 2 & 3 today.  Plus ca change. 

Photos by Macca

Our photographer

Whitchurch has a plethora of decent pubs which CER has frequented and Steve chose an old favourite that’s recently changed hands - the Old Town Hall Vaults tel: 01948 664 682 at SY13 1QU.  Even though we had not booked 9 for lunch, they quickly served us, washed down with excellent Joules beer; general opinion said that the food was only average, but the L&S was only 50p.  After an Ulster £20 note was used as payment, discussion ensued over what comprised legal tender; Google and texts to an I O M tax adviser found that while Ulster and Scots money was acceptable, CER’s off-shore funds in the IOM were not.

After visiting the Grade ll listed privy we headed NE to Wrenbury and Chorley, where Trevor decided to snap his gear cable.  We “bimbled” along with him in one gear to Tilley’s at Bunbury where even Dave P with all his spare parts, could not fix the problem.  Afternoon tea finished, we cycled  north through Tarporley back to Rose Farm, having completed a hot but easy 48 miles at 12mph average and 70 miles from Chester.  

Macca

11th August 2016: Maeshafn (mod)

Clive had “pre-advertised” a 65 mile ride from Hawarden Rooms circling the Clwydian Hills. This sounded a bit long and a bit hilly to me, so I threw together a shorter 35 miler to Maeshafn trying to avoid the steeper hills.  However, at 10:20 in the Gallery Tea Rooms, all the riders were intending to follow Clive, excepting Jim and David M who were not out for a CER ride.  Dave P then arrived and decided to join me, so the two of us set off.

We started heading south out of Harwarden and took the steep lane leading to the A55 footbridge, and then on lanes south again skirting Penyffordd and Hope, to cross the Afon Alun by packhorse bridge into Caergwrle.  Then it was steeply uphill along the flanks of Hope Mountain to Ffrith, after which we followed the course of Offa’s Dyke to reach Treuddyn.  On again to Nercwys where we turned left up another steep hill and then right past a No Through Road sign.  This may have been a mistake. Before long we were faced with a deeply rutted, overgrown and boulder strewn track. The only choices were to retrace our steps or dismount and walk up it.  We chose the latter and several hundred metres later emerged. Lunch was only 2 or 3 miles away so we pressed on, but either I’d suddenly lost my leg strength or something was wrong with my bike. Upending it and clearing the mudguards and brakes seemed to make a difference and soon we were at the Miners Arms in Maeshafn.

Tucking into our lunch we noted that the menu had become fancier then previously and saw that the local CAMRA had awarded “the most improved pub of the year” award to our venue. 

The morning had been marked by very low cloud and some intense spells of rain, so we were hoping the afternoon would be an improvement. Our hopes were in vain as we soggily crossed the A494 to meet the Moel Famau road by the forest – no views today! Then north through Cilcain, over the A541, and up another steep hill to pass through Moel-y-crio and Rhosesmor. Then it was through Northrop and the familiar route through Ewloe back to our start point.

Just over 35 miles on the clock but the satnav showed almost 3,500ft of climbing, so not such an easy alternative to Clive’s ride.  There’s a lesson for me in that: pay more attention to the contour lines when planning a route. Nonetheless a very good ride, but one to be done in good weather to appreciate the views.

SH

11th August 2016: Clwyd Circular Special Ride

Another day of Pocket Rockets on and off as I set off in the rain for Hawarden. There was a hardy group of four (John M, Steve T, Tom and Andy B) who elected to hitch their ride with me over the hills and along the Vale of Clwyd today. Out via the main roads to Buckley, we were soon passing Llong and up into the hills as the gloom and heavy drizzle descended along with more wind than advertised. We have now hit the highest point of 1190ft passing through Nercwys and arrive at a crossroads. It dawns on me that the planned road is actually a closed road to a quarry, although OSCycle shows it as patent. A quick re-route finds us going down double-chevroned exit to Maeshafn and into Llanferres.

We are now on the A494 Ruthin Road bound for the Clwyd Gate and Llanbedr. The rain starts again as I suggest care on the downhill run into the right turn at Llanbedr. All are down safely and then a crashing sound as John slides off just after the turn. He is OK and so is the bike except for a front puncture. We huddle under a tree as we take ages changing the tube and annoyingly can't find anything wrong with the inner tube or tyre. We now wander along the floor of the valley ending up on the Ruthin-Denbigh main road. I decide to cut out the Brenig loop section to try to make up some time. 

Out and around St Asaph, there is now 6 miles of cycleways as we ride right along the Clwyd River path in a fierce crosswind into the Wetherspoons in Rhyl at around 1400. The “Sussex Arms” is heaving with holidaying families, but as ever, we are served quickly and the food arrives promptly. Just what we needed after 38 miles of rain and high winds. I promise a flat and wind-assisted return as we access the promenade for 10 miles of NCN5 to Talacre. As we pause for a photo, the wind is whipping the sand off the beach and sand blasting our legs and bikes.

Being sandblasted at Rhyl

Cycling at 20mph we feel no wind on our faces as I am tempted to see if the cycleway extends passed Talacre;- and it does!. So we circle the flattened Point of Air coal mine and commence our transit of the A548 coast road race track. I employ the usual dodges on the way to Flint to ameliorate the boredom of the main road and we end up in the usual cafe behind Sainsbury's.

 

Steve T needs to get back so he makes his way to Oakenholt and then up to Hawarden with 66 miles cycled with 2900ft of ascents and several mm of rain! We remaining four run along into Connah's Quay where Tom and Andy head for home as John and I access the Greenway. So thanks to the group for "scouting ahead on the hills" today and enhancing a very enjoyable Clwydian Circular in very unseasonable August weather.

CA

PS: It seems the likely reason for John's dismount was a slowly deflating front tyre as he later found a pin-prick hole in the tube. He was very fortunate that this didn't cause him to come off on the downhill run into Llanbedr.

Photograph by John Mills

4th August 2016: Little Bollington (Mod)

The moderate riders group comprised: Steve H, George, Keith B, Trevor, Petar, Kate and myself. I offered to lead to The Swan with Two Nicks at Little Bollington. I had checked on other attractive pubs around Dunham, but some reviews had put me off. Continuing the trend of counter-intuitive starts we headed west, then south-east to Ashton Hayes. Here we headed north, but then snuck up a narrow lane past The Grange, which I had fancied checking out. Some of the troops thought I was taking a wrong turning, and were a bit reluctant to follow.

This was to be a recurring theme! I suppose if you choose to join a cycling Dad’s Army, there are bound to be moments of reticence and confusion.  At Brine’s Brow I wanted to go right, then left. Steve, however, thought I wanted to emulate Colin McCrae, and headed uphill, then down a rough forest track to nowhere useful. As Steve was now forty yards ahead, further discussion would be as effective as arguing with my wife when she had moved into another room, totally confident that she always knows best. Just past the Delamere Forest Visitors’ Centre, I thought we could cut diagonally down a pleasant forest trail past Blakemere Moss, and avoid the dodgy B5152. George and Trevor reacted like stubborn holiday donkeys on a Greek Island, being urged up a rocky track with 16 stone women from Manchester onboard.  So, not having a big stick handy, we headed for the B5152. 

We reached Acton Bridge via Norley and the lovely, quiet hamlet of Onston. We seemed to have spent a long time getting this far! We started to make brisker progress north-east to Frandley, passing Bartington and the attractive Cogshall Hall estate on the way. After crossing the double-dodgy A559, we turned right at Antrobus and headed for Bate Heath, then north-east past the back of Arley. An intricate ‘home-made’ route of little lanes then took us to Hoo Green, Booth Bank (with its historic Methodist connection), and finally, and hungrily, to Little Bollington and lunch. We had endured some persistent and heavy showers, and covered over thirty miles, but everyone was in good spirits. Kate went to The Ladies to blow dry her pony tail. Most of us didn’t have to worry on the hair drying issue.

Lunch was a little slow being served. Keith was ecstatic over his, because he had a huge portion. Kate, however picked up on the fact that some full meals were no bigger than the light bite cheaper versions. She’ll be doing a survey on lime and soda prices next! Kate’s relative youth, gender and bright smile adds pleasure to the group, so I hope she doesn’t become too institutionalised in a pensioners’ world of lunch value trivia.  Besides, the post of Far Too Intense Lunch Scrutineer is already more than adequately filled by Brian Mac.

We started back by crossing the narrow bridge over the River Bollin, and skirting the deer park of Dunham Massey, before cruising along the Trans-Pennine Trail toward Lymm. I then cut off on an obscure path which becomes a small road coming out near Lymm centre. Few if any followed at first. Was that shouting, or the braying of a stubborn Greek donkey, digging its heels in again? Actually, it was Trevor who thought I’d gone wrong. To be fair, Ray Hardman wouldn’t have followed me either! Trevor is familiar with Lymm, and took his leave in order to visit his son’s house, or perhaps to munch a few carrots.

The back lanes south of Lymm led us to Sworton Heath. The weather was now dry and sunny, and Keith was ploughing through the wind like Ian Stannard. We turned towards Whitley Reed, crossing the old WW2 Royal Navy airfield. Near Antrobus Hall a plane could be spotted in a field. These lanes west of Arley Hall are quiet, lush and sheltered.  Little Leigh was soon reached, and at Dutton Locks we rested for five minutes with the warm sun shining on our faces, and the Weaver twinkling. Two horses crossed our path alongside the river on the south side.

The pain of the last lap started at the steep bank up from the river, continued through the back routes of Kingsley, and on up to Birch Hill. Steve and George were on good climbing form. Kelsall and North Wales must provide good climbing training grounds. Or, perhaps they eat less jelly babies and sausage rolls.  Steve insisted that turning up New Pale was the best direction for Manley, but more rolling hills were more than my legs fancied, so I bailed out after 30 yards, and took the Simmonds Hill route as I had planned. I was enjoying an ice cream with Steve Tan, when the remains of the mutinous mob finally turned up at Manley Mere. Just over 57 miles were covered together, with more like 77miles for Keith. Petar had left us at pace just before Kingsley as he had to pick up family at Manchester Airport. He made it on time! Leg-pulling apart, it was another really good day’s exercise in the convivial company of Easy Rider friends.

DH

4th August 2016: Chelford (brisk)

There were a lot of us at Manley today, so two groups where always in prospect. The Briskers consisted of Tom, Steve T, Dave P, John M, and myself along with guest rider Andy B. Andy had ridden over from Mold and was keen to join the 60 miler today. We set off out around Mouldsworth and Delamere Forest bound for the Egerton Arms at Chelford. The weather was threatening rain and did so as we end Onston Lane near Acton Bridge.

Do we put our wet weather gear on or not? We did and needed it, but as so often happens, as soon as you have it on, you need to take it off again and vice versa. As on the Long Ride, a few riders got ahead of themselves around Little Leigh, but I went with it today as we marched on towards Great Budworth. Conscious of the recent anti-cycling publicity hereabouts, I take the northern bypass which actually meant we were spared the drag up through the village itself. Maybe the Cheshire Cycleway 70 can be re-routed this way now?

We now are motoring along towards Tabley Brook when Andy christens his first ride with us with a puncture. I remember that John W did the same on his first ride to Barthomley. In and out of busy Knutsford, we get a mini-drenching and, just short of the pub, shelter under a very large tree. As ever, the Egerton Arms is busy yet always welcoming, and soon we are ordered and watered watching the rain pouring down outside.

Andy B peeping out from behind the tree.

Big houses need big Sky dishes!

Soon its time to leave, and I plan a re-route via Bate Mill. Jodrell Bank looms over the landscape as we make our way, in improving weather but strengthening wind, towards Goostrey and Middlewich. A mini-diversion here takes us along a short section of the canal path before entering the metropolis of Winsford. It's not a pretty town, so we head on out via Cassia Green to Sandiway.

I'm feeling thirsty, so plan a major diversion to the “Lounge” cafe at Oakmere Lodge Country Park. We sit outside in the sun reflecting on the reason for pink bales of silage amongst other things. Our roving farming reporter John M finds the reason later. See http://www.fwi.co.uk/news/share-your-pink-bale-pictures-with-farmers-weekly.htm. I've had enough of hills today so junk the planned return via Norley and Delamere for a run down Kelsall Hill and the back way out of Ashton towards Manley. So 60 miles around with Pocket Rockets on and off – a grand day out and Andy has still to cycle back to Mold.

CA

Photographs by John Mills

28th July 2016: Llanymynech (mod)

Arriving at the Tea Rooms, Chirk no one to be seen.  Quick check on the mobile phone (what would society do without them?), yes, I was at the correct venue. I had planned a 46 mile ride with one long climb and a minor one nothing out of the ordinary for this area. I was about to leave and Dave P arrived. He was intending to cycle to Oswestry if no one turned up. After a brief discussion about my suggestion of a route, and Dave sorting out his bike; we set of for the Ceiriog valley at 10:50.

We followed the B4500 to Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceriog in light occasional showers then as we started the climb over to Llanrhaedr-ym-Mochnant the heavens opened and continued as we cycled on the B4580 following the Tanat Valley. A right turn in Pen-y-bont Llanerch Emrys took us across on a minor road to Llasantffraid-ym-Mechain (no short village names in this part of Wales) for my intended lunch stop at the Red Lion. It was shut so decided to head for the Bradford Arms in Llanymynech arriving soaking wet at 13:20 having covered about 29 miles. Two lovely meals for £14 (Haddock and Chips each) washed down with a nice pint of Black Sheep Best Bitter followed by Black Sheep Holy Grail. Just after 14:15 with the rain receding we set of for West Felton following in reverse the route of the Bert Bailey. Dave was not in a rush to return and as the sun began shining so we extended the ride passing through Grimpo, Rednal and Welsh Frankton. Hinford followed then we took the back lanes to the B5070 and thence onto Chirk, arriving at 16:00 for coffee and cake at the Tea Rooms. Overall we had a pleasant day cycling covering 50 miles with 2,800ft of climbing.

MG

21st July 2016: Ellesmere (mod)

Ten riders gathered at the Ice Cream Farm at Tattenhall on a fine summer morning -  Daves H, P and M, Liz, Bryan, George, Trevor, John M, Petar and Steve T. As usual, Dave M was here only for coffee, as domestic duties called, so it was nine who set off for Ellesmere, the destination chosen after a quick conflab between Daves H and P.

After a couple of false starts as Dave H stopped to adjust his map holder, we set off down Newton  Lane, turning right at the end and heading towards Bolesworth Castle, where we passed several signs advertising  ‘CarFest North‘ on August 29^th. This is the annual bash organised by Chris Evans (of Top Gear infamy) which raises funds for Children in Need.

Crossing the A534, we sauntered through Brown Knowl and Duckington, crossing the A41 at Edge Green. Then briefly down the Cheshire Cycleway before turning right into Whitewood Lane at Kidnal.  The leading group followed the road round the corner towards Horton Green before being hauled back and pointed in the direction of Chorlton Lane and Cuddington Green. We continued through sleepy Threapwood before crossing into Wales at Tallarn Green, where George could now feel ‘at home’.

As we left Tallarn Green, Trevor raced up from the back to inform us that the tandem had decided to do its own thing, so the magnificent seven pressed on, stopping only to ask a local for directions to Three Fingers and/or Croxton. ‘No idea, mate’ was the response.  Was that Two Fingers? But we did eventually find Three Fingers and then Little Arowry, before cycling on to Hanmer. Here we found that the Hanmer Arms, one of our favoured stops, is now closed; the pub sign has been taken down and there was no sign of life. Sadly, Steve H will have to take it off his list.

Out of Hanmer and past Bettisfield Park which was looking idyllic in the warm summer sunshine, we ran for a short time along the A495 before turning off for Bettisfield itself, crossing the Llangollen Canal as we did so. A loop round to Balmer Heath took us back into Wales once more.

Then on through Lyneal to Colemere where a vineyard has been planted recently. Is this pure optimism or something to do with global warming? Picking up the A528, we cycled into Ellesmere. It has been agreed earlier that we would stop for lunch at the Red Lion rather than The Boat House as the fare on offer there is more varied and they serve beer. The waterfront at Ellesmere was crowded with children, dogs and the best fed ducks and geese in Wales, but we managed to get through without running into anything or one.

The Red Lion Coaching Inn (http://www.redlion-ellesmere.co.uk/) offers an ‘over 60s’ two course lunch for £5.50 and a pint of lime and soda for £1 – excellent value for money.  The pub was busy, so it took a little while before we were served. Dave H endeared himself to our waitress when his food arrived by saying ‘It’s so long since I ordered, I’ve forgotten what I asked for.’ Fortunately, she took it in good part. Several members took the spotted dick dessert, including Trevor, who claimed that it would add to his performance after lunch.

Lunch conversation included (inevitably) the Tour de France, the Americas Cup yachts and Bryan’s new app which tells him when it’s going to rain. The app says it won’t rain this afternoon – we hope that it’s right!

As we were finishing our meal we got into conversation with two elderly cyclists. After telling them where we had come from, we asked where they had ridden from. Their reply was ‘Shrewsbury’, whereupon Dave H, in his usual subtle style asked ‘What do you do for entertainment in Shrewsbury’. Again the question was answered without any offence being taken and it seems that there is a pub where jazz can be heard some nights at no charge, so there is life in Shrewsbury!

Leaving the Red Lion, we head right at the roundabout, up Swan Hill and then left up to Sandyhill, Trevor’s spotted dick kicks into action and he comes flying past us all. Sadly, the effect is short lived. Dave then leads us down Lion Lane, a tiny road alongside Lion Lane Wood which leads on to the A539 at Sandy Lane. After only a short distance on the A-road we turn right into quiet Burgess Lane and head up to Holly Bush and Worthenbury.  From there we go through Shocklack (where John M left us to head home), Tilston and Clutton along the quiet and flat lanes of the Cheshire Plain before reaching Tattenhall .  Soon after leaving Tattenhall, we turned right into Newton Lane, but George turned left, heading for his car parked in Waverton.

Back at the Ice Cream Farm, Bryan consulted his app, which told him to expect ‘light rain in 6 minutes’. We continued to drink our coffee and chat for much longer than this, but no rain appeared. So much for technology!

49 very pleasant miles on a dry, warm summer’s day at an average speed of 12 mph – true ‘easy riding’.

ST

14th July 2016: Chester Station to Wrenbury (mod)

Today is the day of the Club’s annual long ride with 12 members scheduled to ride.  How many would show for the alternative, particularly as the start was changed at the last minute to the Chester Station Café as the Little Roodee was still closed?  I arrived early but soon there was a steady trickle of members arriving for coffee.  By 10:15 seven of us had assembled: Bryan, Chris, Mike McC, Trevor, Petar, Andy (after quite an absence) and Mike G.  No one had a pre-prepared route but Trevor volunteered a couple of suggestions and Andy a ride to Wrenbury.  With a minimum of discussion we plumped for Wrenbury.

At 10:30 Trevor led us out through Piper’s Ash to Christleton where Andy took the lead.  The weather was good and with the wind behind us we made good progress through Huxley past Beeston Castle and onto Bunbury resisting a stop at Tilly’s.   With the temperature rising we made a stop to shed a layer before pressing on through Brindley and Ravensmoor where we turn south criss crossing the Llangollen Canal for the final stretch to Wrenbury.

Photo by Mike G

The Cotton Arms was our chosen hostelry where the wide choice of real ales was much appreciated to wash down the excellent double decker sandwiches.  The discussion today was dominated by Theresa May’s new cabinet appointments as the sound of mobile phone alerts constantly announced new appointments.  With bewilderment at some of the choices Petar reminded us of Machiavelli’s dictum to keep friends close but enemies even closer!

After lunch a more direct and shorter route back was agreed through the lanes past Cholmondeley Castle, over Harthill and thence to Tattenhall.  With the wind against us progress was a little slower than on the way out but nevertheless we made Tattenhall by 15:00.  Andy took us to a new tea stop in the village, which unfortunately had just closed for the day.  The alternatives of the Ice Cream Farm and Old Ma’s were considered.  With the decision to head for the Ice Cream Farm Trevor took to the front to lead a somewhat circuitous route despite cries to the contrary from the back of the group.

After a relaxing coffee and cake we finished the ride back to Chester through Saighton where the group fragmented.  Overall we had done some 52 miles in true CER style.  A great day out in good company and ideal cycling weather.

BW

14th July 2016 : Summer Long Ride to Harmer Hill (brisk)

Starting in 2009, there has been a CER tradition of a long (over 100 miles) mid-summer ride. The rides were: “Vets 100” (2009), Shrewsbury (2010), Stone (2011), Welshpool (2012), Eccleshall (2013), Tibberton (2014), Cheshire Cycleway (2015) and today’s ride to Harmer Hill. Harmer Hill currently has the record for the highest number of riders at 12 hardy souls. So the list was Ivan, Ray, Tom, John W, Steve T, Paul, Martin, Keith M, John M and his guest, Andy Mc, and myself. Just the other side of the Old Dee Bridge, we pick up Dave P who had had an alarm mis-function but was now ready to roll. We speed off just after 0800 in the cool morning onwards through Rossett where we pick up Ken.

Ready for the off and obeying local instructions

At Borras, Dave P decides that he should drop off; so onwards, circling Wrexham and Erddig, our Cyclist Dozen are now bound for Ruabon. The long run down and slog up the Dee Valley, finds us in Chirk at 0930 after 25 miles. The “Tea Rooms Bistro” were warned the day before that we were coming but, basically they were disappointingly unprepared and it took well over an hour to get breakfasted in and out. Admittedly they had contractors in, but a little disappointing. 

It has warmed up a little now as we rise through Weston Rhyn and down my favourite little lane to Oswestry’s Iron Age hill fort. Rounding Oswestry and via Middleton, we are soon out into Maesbury marsh territory. There are long traffic-free lanes here as we sidle through Maesbrook and new lanes to Melverley close to the Welsh border. This is Offa’s Dyke country beside the River Severn. Crossing the A5 at Montford Bridge, the leading riders get a little cocky with their Garmin routing and turn left, as the leader’s pack just cross the road and up the hill towards Forton Heath. I take a left, which is incorrect judging by the chorus behind, but carry on re-routing on the fly via Yeaton and Merrington. This adds no extra mileage except adding a long, easy hill.

The tiny lane out of Merrington elicits a phone call from Ivan who has missed our turn but is re-routing back onto the published route. Within minutes, we see his group pumping up the hill right in front of us, but now we have lost John W who has zoomed back to find Ivan! We are now just ten minutes from the "Bridgewater Arms" at Harmer Hill, where we all are grateful for a lunch stop after 60 miles. The tables are reserved, the beer is good, the staff attentive, the food comes quickly and we are in and out in just over the hour. Just as we are ready to go, Keith has a bike lock malfunction which is soon rectified using a pair of pliers, and a subsequent later visit to the bike shop for a replacement! 

The lock is removed!

It’s now sunny as we take the long lanes towards Loppington where I go marginally off piste again. The ride into Whitchurch is quicker than I anticipated (I estimated the distance wrongly) so we head out to the canal-side cafe at Grindley Brook. Ivan has a problem with his pedal cleats and a temporary fix is effected. Out onto the home stretch, we sidle either side of the A41 turning off in to No Man’s Heath and out into Ebnal Lane. Here Steve, having nowhere to go, runs into the back of a suddenly slowing John W resulting in serious problems with John's rear derailleur. None of this is known by the rest of the group who are waiting up the road. Ivan finds out that Ken is converting John’s bike into a fixie and they would make their own way back. The route now is via Tilston and Tattenhall and thence home. In Waverton, Ivan and Co zoom into view as a few of us had been taking it easy back into Chester.

We have had a glorious day’s riding with everyone broadly keeping together at over 15 mph average and 105+ miles and 4400 ft of climb. Yes, a few incidents, but importantly no accidents! This has been my fifth year leading the summer long ride, so maybe next year someone else might come forward…….?

CA

PS: Many thanks to John W for being back marker and whipper in. I wonder how many we would still be looking for if he had diligently "carried out orders"!

Photographs by Clive Albany and Ivan Davenport

7th July 2016 : Holt to Horseshoe Pass (brisk)

Cleopatra’s looked very quiet when I arrived with only Tom sitting with his drink. However, within minutes others arrived and by 10.15 a small band of CER members were all clustered around the tables discussing the days routes and options. Clive  decided to lead the Moderate group out towards Whittington for lunch but  I fancied a trip up around the new Horseshoe Pass and convinced Steve T and Tom to join me. Dry roads  and the mid-teen temperature  made the first few miles through Borras  very pleasant  and  gave us time to warm up ready for the challenge ahead.

Crossing the dual carriageway, we weaved our way through Acton, under the railway, and out of Wrexham on Stansty Road towards Pentre Boughton. From this point  the only way way forward was up and Steve attained ‘King of the Mountains’ points by cresting every hill in first position. On through Minera, we passed the old lead mines and made our way west towards Llangollen. The lovely quiet lanes above Rhos provided great  views across Cheshire and contributed to making the morning very pleasant. The route then see-sawed steeply up and down the whole way through Pen-y-Cae, Garth, and past Trevor Hall Woods with Steve pulling further ahead with  KOM points at every opportunity. Finally, we started our descent via the Panorama path where we had a brief picture stop and this also gave us the opportunity to put on waterproofs as insurance against the rain clouds that  were building up ahead.

The Panorama panorama view

We entered Llangollen, in drizzle, after a steep double chevron descent and passing over the canal to arrive by the town bridge. According to the road signs the Eisteddfod was supposed to be in full swing although the town appeared very quiet with only an ambulance and police car attending to an incident on the bridge providing any action. We turned right  to start our ascent of the Horseshoe  and saw a sign indicating we had 4 miles to go to our  lunch stop. Fortunately  for us about a mile into this stage  the roads dried and the sun came out so we were able to stow our coats in readiness for the climb.

The combined strain of the increase in road gradient  and the duration  of the climb started to tell  and Steve  slipped from his familiar first place to the back of the pack but Tom,  invigorated by the prospect KOM points or lunch,  showed his hand and took off for summit leaving Steve and myself to struggle on to the top.Lunch consisted of pie and chips for Tom and Steve, and baked potato for myself. During the break we reviewed our return route in order to ensure Steve reached to Holt by 3:30pm.

The morning was was predominantly uphill but the afternoon was going to be a blast along well surfaced roads and mainly downhill; bliss. So we took the main road and headed to Bwlchgwyn where we turned left  freewheeling down past the Ffrwyd pub and into LLay. A left and then right turn took us through  Hope and  at the junction of Kinnerton Road, Tom left us to make his way home while we continued and turned right down through Rossett  and back to Holt.

A super day out, with 83 km(52 miles) covered and 1224 metres of ascent and a maximum height achieved of 426 metres - according to Strava. Most of the hard work was confined to the morning, thankfully the afternoon was easier, which is just how it should be and even the rain held off until after we had ordered our  final coffee at Cleopatra’s.

KP

Photograph by Ken Page

7th July 2016: Holt to Gobowen (Moderate)

Would it be a dry ride - well almost! I fancied a Moderate ride today so, as we saddled up outside Cleopatra’s, there were the Three Graces (aka Liz P, Kate and Jane) and the Dis-Gracefuls (aka Steve H, Keith B, Charlie, Petar, Dave H, Dave P, and myself). The route I’d pre-planned was to take a circuit around to Gobowen. Jane had asked if we could go to Whittington since she was leading a ride out that way soon and wanted to recce the area. So this was factored in and a few steep hills removed.

Off and out around the Industrial Estate bypass. We end up all together in Bangor on Dee taking the Overton Road out and up. At the top of the first “hill” just past the racecourse, I’m told the tandem is “going to Malpas”. We wander through lovely Overton and out on the Oswestry Road. Here we take the eponymously named Pant Lane as we climb up the valley. A right down and left up, finds us wandering past the lone Dudleston church and the awaiting mourners of today’s funeral. We entered Gaia Lane. Apparently Gaia was one of the four primeval Greek Deities. It surely would have been happy down this mud-strewn lane — thankfully all dry today. One to miss after a period of rain! We take Church Lane around the back of St Martins and on down across the A483 and into Weston Rhyn. Taking one of my favourite lanes south, we trundle down parallel to the A483 and into Gobowen.

It starts to rain, so we opt for Derwen College for lunch. It’s busy as per usual, but they find room to accommodate us. My phone rings - it’s Tandem Dave who is now at the Olde Boot in Whittington - so much for Malpas then! We ride the back way to the pub, where the group promptly disintegrates into Dave H (who is going to stay with the tandem) and Jane and Charlie who will make their own way back. 

We Happy Five now take the well-loved cycleway 455 for a while and then split off bound for Elson. On the way to Penley, I remember Sandy Lane, so we dive off down here bound for Worthenbury, thence to Shocklach and the cafe. Just as we get to Farndon it rains just hard enough to decide to don wet weather gear. All safely back after 50 miles, we find two-thirds of the Brisk Group (Steve T and Ken) inside.  After cake and coffee it is back to Chester hoping it won’t rain for a third time, and it doesn’t!

CA

30th June 2016: Utkinton to Peover Heath (moderate)

The fast lads had been conspicuous by their absence last week, but like Theresa May, had now returned as an aspirational force. Some had expensive shoes, but none had kitten heels. It was good to see Petar back, and the Donaldsons on their return from cycling in Germany and Austria. The moderate riders' plans were .. er ..moderate: fifty-five fairly flat miles to The Dog, just short of Chelford.  The group members were: Steve and Steve, Liz and Martin, Liz and Dave, Trevor, Brian Macca, Keith Metcalfe, George, Petar and myself.

Photos by Macca

Steve was leading, and set off in the opposite direction to our intended destination. This illogical behaviour is known as the Clive Perverse Loop Manoeuvre. The route took us to Kelsall, then on the Delamere Forest switchback, heading for Acton Bridge via Norley and Onston. Great Budworth was as cute as ever, and had the additional attraction of interesting figures dressed up, and placed throughout the village. By the time we reached Plumley Moor via Pickmere and Higher Wincham I was tempted to snatch a coffee at The Colonial Cafe while we waited for the tandem. I don't know what had delayed the tandem; they'd likely stopped off to buy duck eggs from a local farm. They do have previous form in this regard. From Smithy Green we crossed the A50 and avoided cycling along the Macclesfield Road by riding a semi-circle of pleasant lanes from Ollerton to Marthall, and then Peover Heath.

Despite being posh, The Dog is always a welcoming and attractive destination for us cyclists. The food was very good and the service very friendly, but we did have a fair wait.

After lunch we meandered on an equally picturesque, but more southerly route home via Goostrey and Lach Dennis. Steve then took us to a new coffee stop destination on a farm before Davenham (the Pump House Café at Shipbrook Hill Farm: www.riversideorganic.co.uk). Some of us discussed the current political upheaval following the Brexit vote. This was probably not a good idea given the wide range of political allegiances in the group! However, I don't think we really fell out, and the atmosphere was as convivial as ever as we returned to stroke the lambs adjacent to our machines. At this stage Martin and Liz decided to crack on, and we counted how many we should be. We had had a problem counting in the morning at Rose Farm, so we were hoping we wouldn't learn later of any forgotten, flattened CER cyclist reported on the North-West Tonight programme. The back road into Davenham passes the church, and then has varied and attractive character properties either side. We headed down under the railway from Moulton and over the Vale Royal Cut. The Whitegate Way provided shelter from the headwind from the Salt Mine to the old station. We then headed for Little Budworth, and stopped to don rain jackets. The time Dave Pipe took must have been down to more serious garment strategy, perhaps wet suit underpants, and, of course, topped by a vintage cape. Suffice to say, by the time the tandem and its vast panniers were cleared for take-off, the rain had nearly fizzled out, and I'd lost the will to live! Only joking, Easy Riders would never be the same if they stopped coming. We were soon back after the usual climb from Cotebrook, no longer haunted by the past Macca nightmare of having a car locked in. A very enjoyable ride in great company, excellently led at a very inclusive pace. Our thanks to Steve, also to Brian for the trouble he goes to for his action photos.     

DH

30th June 2016: Utkinton to Sandbach (brisk)

Having led 106 rides in the last three years with CER, it becomes increasingly difficult to find a different ride from our starting locations. So I set about with today's ride to Sandbach to try to find new roads and lanes to go down on the way to “The George” pub in the town centre. So the Famous Five, consisting of John² (M and W), Tom, Paul and myself, set off in and out of Tarporley bound for Wettenhall. NCN551 runs some 6 miles down to Nantwich, and it was pleasing to see that at least some of it has been patched up. No such luck for the “Boot and Slipper” pub which has been demolished! We take the ring road around Nantwich and then the parallel cycle path towards Winsford. Here we wander through Wistaston before arriving in Shavington. The pace is somewhat fast but I'm to blame for that!

We shuffle through Basford and Weston and bypass Crewe Hall Hotel on our way to Oakhanger and the eponymously name Moss, then to fly over the M6. We are briefly on the Cheshire cycleway 70. Here, there is a 1.2 mile shortcut using the 70, but I remember in time the last time I went down this bone-shaking farmer's track and decide to avoid it. So we loop around the edge of Alsager, passing the forlorn Manchester University's Alsager Campus, which will be soon be demolished to make way for 400+ houses.

After three more crossings of the M6, we pass though Malkin's Bank and into Sandbach and the pub after 30 miles at 16.5mph average. Service is swift and enjoyable at this Wetherspoons and the discussion surrounds the weighty Matters of State that are now upon us all. I can't resist a group photo in the Market Square which is heavily cobbled. There are market stalls out today as well.

                     

It is decidedly chilly when we leave the Market Square bound for Ettiley Heath, and we are soon out of the metropolis and into the countryside. We wander through Moston to Wimboldsley, where we join the A530 before sliding around Clive Green and the edge of Winsford. Using the Hebden Green back lane, we 're now on our way to Little Budworth. As there is time, a course change takes us to the Old Fire Station cafe in Tarporley where we are expertly served by Work Experience staff from the local high school. It is getting a bit darker and colder now, and we are all wondering if the rain will hold off. So as John M heads for his car, the four of us rush down the A51 to Duddon and then via Waverton to home. I'm on 78 miles at 16 mph average, and Paul is out for his 100 today. Remarkably, a dry day!

CA

Photographs by John Wilkie and Clive Albany

23rd June 2016: Harwarden to Caerwys

I was already warm after cycling up to the Gallery Coffee Shop and the expectations for the day were high with no rain, plenty of sun and a little breeze.  This had encouraged a good turnout of 13 moderate riders: myself, Bryan, Keith, Dave & Liz, Charlie & Jane, John Mills, Dave H, Kate, Steve T, George and Trevor. But where were the brisk riders? Rumours that they had worn themselves out with their trip over the Lakeland passes last week were probably untrue.  Despite the turnout no-one had a route.  Reluctantly I found one to Caerwys on my satnav, and as this was to the Piccadilly Inn our enthusiasm grew.  Twelve of us set off, with Trevor deciding to make his own way back.

The route out skirted the north of Bwcle and through Sychdyn, and then came the grinding climb up steep hills to Rhosemor. With the hardest work done, we crossed Halkyn Mountain and passed

Photo by Steve T

through Babell before a joining the busy B5122 for the final mile to the pub. Due to our numbers we had phoned ahead to alert the pub and we received a warm welcome as the landlady seated us in their restaurant.  Good beer and good food followed, justifying the Piccadilly’s place in our list of favourite lunch stops. Conversation covered several topics from satnavs to, inevitably, the referendum with various reports on the nature of polling stations that morning.

On our return the group started to fragment.  John wanted to try out his new satnav and would make his own way back – we assume he made it. The rest of us headed back up the B-road before turning left to cross the A55 at the daffodil fields, now looking bare and ragged. We then looped round for a couple of miles on the main road to Lloc, before taking to the lanes again through Pantasalph, and up towards Halkyn Mountain. On the way we met a bemused motorist as we took a short cut, the wrong way up a one way street. On the mountain Dave H realised that he was a risk of missing his appointment in Warrington and left us speeding ahead. When Keith noticed Dave had gone, he realised that his lift had gone with him, and pelted off to catch him up!

Three riders down, we continued to Rhosemor and retraced our outward route down the steep hills, meeting oncoming vehicles at just the wrong moment. Then on to Northrop where we said goodbye to George. The eight remaining riders crossed the A55 and said farewell to Kate, Jane and Charlie as we headed back into Harwarden. Here Steve T and the tandem dropped off, leaving Bryan and myself to ride back into Chester, but not without first re-fuelling at the Hawarden Estate Farm Shop – well worth stopping at.

Overall, a total of about 42 miles with quite a few hills, a fine day, a good pub and excellent company.

SH

16th June 2016: Special Ride - Grange to The Drunken Duck (mod)

Kate and Macca were already in the Seaview Café when Keith, George and myself arrived, after a quick and trouble-free motorway journey. Keith Metcalf soon joined us. Keith was brought up not very far east from here. The six of us set off at 10.30a.m. for the public conveniences on  Grange promenade. The weather was ideal, and I warned the troops not to overdress at the start, as the first climb to Cartmel would soon have them well warmed up.

Photos by Macca

We wound through Cartmel with its ancient Priory, pretty square and picturesque race course, and started climbing again, before an exhilarating plunge down through Low Wood and on to Haverthwaite. The little lane threading up The Rusland Valley was quiet and beautiful.  The climbing through Grizedale Forest became challenging, and I began to regret the half bottle of red, and watching football late the night before.  The others were politely patient as they waited for the heaviest and oldest rider in the group at the top of the climb! We were soon hurtling down to Esthwaite Water, and then passing through the tourists in Hawkshead. The climb from Outgate gave us terrific views across Langdale Fell.

We arrived at Barngates and the Drunken Duck after twenty miles, and sat in the sun tucking in to fish finger sarnies and the like. This is a very attractive spot, and the service and food was just the job for cyclists wanting to move on.

After lunch we had to squeeze past a huge logging lorry on the narrow route over Hawkshead Hill. We flew down to the side of Coniston Water, with fine views of the lake and The Old Man of Coniston to our right. Speedy progress was made on the undulating, green canopied lakeside road. We passed Brantwood, the former home of John Ruskin. This area also provided the setting for ‘Swallows and Amazons’, and the brave world water speed record attempts of Donald Campbell.  Campbell’s grave is in Coniston village, and his story is told in the fine museum there.

We stopped at a wooden jetty in order to walk out into the lake and soak in the tranquil atmosphere and majestic surroundings of water, and high mountains one last time. On Tuesday, Steve Tan had accompanied me on a rehearsal of the route. It had been a particularly warm day, and a group of young American tourists had decide to park their bikes and were having a great time swimming in the lake.  They had invited us to join them, but we weren’t sure that the elastic in our nickers was up to it.  On Tuesday the threatened heavy showers had not materialized, and I finished sitting in the sun with Steve on Grange promenade licking an ice cream, as special steam train thundered past.

Today, Macca had been taking lots of photographs in the knowledge that later it would be a bit wet for pretty pictures.  We made brisk progress on an exhilarating stretch to Lowick Bridge.

The rain started, so we headed for the wooden bus shelter in Spark Bridge to get into appropriate gear for a hundred minutes of rain. I made an expedient route decision, and we reached Greenodd and the bridge over the River Leven in short order by using the quietish main road. The cycle route follows an old railway line. It is rough to begin with, but is a pretty flat and pleasant way to make progress east. At Haverthwaite we cycled alongside the steam railway and climbed around Great Hagg. The rain hadn’t been too bad, but now it started to bucket down. Macca overcooked a downhill corner, bounced off a bush and fell off.  He appeared to be o.k. though, as where there is no sense there is no feeling!  We decided to escape into The Swan at Newby Bridge. We were made very welcome despite our drowned rats’ appearance. Cake and coffee lifted our energy levels, and George didn’t seem too bothered, as we saw Sturridge score the late winner for England against Wales on the

tele. With little prospect of the weather clearing up we climbed up the streaming little lane  to Seatle, wondering if the roads would be passable on this last leg toward Cartmel, and, finally, Grange. Keith Barlow was particularly enjoying the challenge of the adverse conditions, and there was a stimulating sense of adventure in navigating rivers of rainwater in order to get back in one piece on tired legs. We really licked along on the fast stretch past Field Broughton to Cartmel, and then faced the final stiff climb from Headless Cross to High Fell Gate. The rain had stopped, and we were soon back down on Grange promenade.

It had been great to have the company of familiar mates, but also to get to know Keith better, and catch up with Kate after four years.  I think we all enjoyed the ride, and I certainly appreciated the support on a day that was bound to have a wet afternoon, and the counter attraction of that big football match on the television at home.  We covered 48 miles or so, with plenty of hills, memorable views and typical easy riders’ camaraderie.        

                                       

D.H.