The Dusty Miller at Wrenbury

This is the second ride led by The Cannons of Kinnerton (only last year Gill was away with the Fab ladies, leaving all the steering to Richard!).  

Start - at the Finish!

The first 10 miles were most eventful - ie they were full of events.  The Chester Half Marathon, which in it's ninth year was not the small event Gill anticipated!  But 12 riders made their way through the crowds, barriers and closures; an apt starting photo was taken behind the finishing line.

Chester's iconic Eastgate Clock is undergoing renovation this year, so I captured us riding underneath for posterity.  We continued out along the canal and to Boughton then Saighton.

to be fair - just looks like a club ride!

On the way was passed a road race, going the opposite direction, with a race car at the front.  Then another!  A third was poised at Saighton Grange, ready to lead another pack of racing boys (and I hope girls!) out on the route.

(Apparently the 'Steve Jones memorial road race'; run by Graham Weigh racing / Deeside Olympic)

Cow parsley in the lanes - my favourite!

Right at Farndon

Bellis's was our cafe of choice in Holt, for no reason other than space I think.  But they do not open until 11am (note to self, a 9:30 start will get us to Holt too early for Bellis's!)  so we retraced to Hildegard - for her last day.  Her scones were astounding!  We all wish her well as this is her final final day now before closing the shutters and heading back to Germany.  Her (and her scones) will be missed.

re-grouping at Malpas.  

Arriving at The Dusty Miller

After coffee break, we headed back over the Dee and into England, and followed many merry lanes around Malpas, No Man's Heath, Norbury, nearly Marbury to Wrenbury.  I sense a theme with these names!  'Bury' meaning 'a fortified place'.  We are in the borders here with Wales, so that makes sense.

Between Malpas and Wrenbury we were tangled up with what we thought was another race - but it was (just) a charity ride from Stoke to Llangollen and back (110 miles) - in aid of their local hospice.  They were just speeding past in a terrible hurry!

Bob doesn't usually do things
by halves...

Very nice food at the Dusty Miller, they were a little stretched as they were busy and some staff had let them down (not a great combination).  Originally a Corn Mill it was converted in the 1970's, and had an upgrade in 2011.

Cholmondeley - but a tad too early
for the Rhododendrons

We returned to cross the A49 and pass by Cholmondeley (for those who do not know, pronounced 'Chumley', and meaning ''Ceolmund's wood/ clearing'.)

reaching the top of Harthill

This brings us up over the back of the Sandstone Ridge, near Bickerton, to cross and climb Harthill - with the Teddy Bear Cafe in our sights!

Photos of all of us on the decking with superb views across to Liverpool and North Wales.

Of course, it is all downhill from here, with people heading off as we near their homes and villages.  

About 50 miles, many thanks to Gill and Richard for leading and Ray for some photos (that are not mine)