The Seven Stars at Thornton Hough

Here’s a brief summary of our ride on Sunday.

Ray - I only see three here
(plus you behind camera)

Eight of us arrived at the Town Hall and set off along the Greenway where we had to ride with care owing to the very large number of runners coming in the opposite direction, unfortunately I don’t know what the event was for, but it was very well supported.

At Sealand we stopped to pick up Nosheen. And Ray who very kindly offered to take the photo’s for us in Sue’s absence, assembled us for the first group shot!

...but not in the
group shot!

Crossing Marshes

When we reached Denhall Lane we left the Greenway and climbed up into Ness and had the morning stop at Ness Gardens.  Heather left us here as she had to head back and Carolyn joined us.

The meal at The Seven Stars was enjoyable and we were not rushed even though it was Mother’s Day!

Our ride then went round Raby Mere through Dibbinsdale and into Bebington, followed by quiet lanes through Storeton and Brimstage, picking up route “ 56” to Parkgate. Here a stop was made to enjoy some of  Nichol’s  famous ice cream! 

Joining the route again after Neston we had a leisurely ride back to Chester. Weatherwise, it was generally overcast with some sunny spells and light winds.

The Lord Combermere at Audlem

A lovely sunny spring start to St David's Day, our first Sunday ride in March.  

Meeting at the pond, as that was the direction we were heading, the first order of the day was to admire Ray's new bike, with much pointing and oooh-ing.  9 of us left the pond, but numbers were going to get complicated today as some were leaving at coffee, and others were joining at coffee stop...

We set off through the village of Christleton, with the church bells pealing as we went.  A usual straightforward route through Waverton, Huxley and finally to Tiverton before dropping down to the Lockgate Cafe, a first for some in the group, and an old favourite for others.

Despite the sunny weather, it was quite windy, although having it behind you for the start of the day is very deceiving - and with no leaves on the trees it is even harder to see the wind direction.  This flag does show it though!

Huxley

Heading to Tiverton

Arriving at Lockgate Cafe - still sunny!

Final full group shot before the Magnificent seven set off for lunch,
and the Fabulous Four set off back towards Chester

I am afraid I had to leave the group, setting off into the headwind for Beeston, so I will wait for someone to fill in the gaps - I believe it involves crackling and sheltering from the hail......

Ray writes:

Small, but amiable bunch set off for the Lord Combermere at Audlem. Uneventful journey through Bunbury etc interrupted only by an enforced stop not far short of Audlem to don waterproofs in a sharp shower.

 

Seven hardy souls took their places at a table in the very warm and pleasant surroundings of the Lord Combermere and there enjoyed the food with only a few very minor issues. The pub was certainly popular on such a windy and wet day.

 

Progress resumed in the still windy, but not rainy conditions, and on the whole the hedgerows were most welcoming windbreaks.

 

It was quickly realised that any chance of reaching the Teddy Bear Cafe at Burwardsley was gone so the route was amended to cut out that section. After passing Faddiley and joining the A49 the group was hit by a sudden and strong hailstorm. This felt much like what I imagine sandblasting the face would feel like, and shelter was sought by Skip Brown Cars at Ridley.

 

The decision was made to make a direct a route back as possible and this involved a short section of the main A49. The cyclist versus motorist issues were once again brought into the spotlight as a range Rover driver saw fit to blindly try and overtake, only to be forced to brake hard in the face of an oncoming car.

 

Back on minor roads we headed past Beeston Castle in the general direction of Tattenhall and decided to chance our luck at the Ice Cream Farm which still appeared quite busy. Unfortunately we were just a bit too late so pressed on.

 

Due to riders dropping off at various points on the route back,  three remained as we reached Christleton. The only issue I had was wet feet that were becoming increasingly cold.

 

It may have been wet, windy and occasionaly more than that, but an hour after arriving home there is immense satisfaction with the days outing and a hot bath is true bliss.

 

The route Christleton and back amounted to 58.54 miles at an average speed of 12mph and an ascending altitude of 2,493 feet.

Paul also added:

Yep, you’re right we did need to stop for waterproofs a mile or so from Audlem. The food was quite exciting as it was presented very well although not quite VFM as I traditionally like, (Value For Money).  It wasn’t raining on our leaving Audlem and the sky was blue for a while until near Beeston at 16:15 when it got nasty for a while but the skies cleared again for my solo effort returning past tarpaulin [Tarporley!] but I arrived home a bit soggy  and cold. It was a marginal day of pleasure as the amount of really cold rain and water on the roads was a little testing of one’s mettle.

Until next time but it was worth it as there are many pleasures to be revisited [ie Cheshire villages we are so used to] which were noted on the way and with Irelands superiority on the field it was just as well to go about some other distraction to make the time worthwhile.

The Trotting Mare at Knolton (near Overton)

The day after Valentines day, and time for another Sunday ride.  Sunshine, always a nice start to the day!

(need to crop this!)

We were due to pick up three en route, so set off down Bridge Street and out along Lache Lane.  

Sadly the sun could not stay with us; February lanes can appear too dreary so not many pics.

We headed up Marford Hill,then around the back to Borras Head, dropping down to the new roads and Waterways Garden Centre.

The bike parking was hard to access, as they have put display sheds up in front, and large pots.  Bit of a scramble to get in.


And they had closed off the access at the side only the previous weekend, so we had to go all the way through the centre, past reptiles, plants and ponds!

Herons on guard duty!

Baby tortoises! soo cute.
Turtles were sweet too.

We took over half of the cafe - but they were not that busy.

We bade farewell to Gill and Richard, who were going to seek inspiration for kitchens from various show homes in Farndon.

The rest of us carried on around Wrexham industrial estate, carefully avoiding the half marathon village bakery event on the same day

Coming along the A525, I was trying to picture the roads last year, on the same date, when the floods were high.  The main road was reported to be underwater by Bangor on Dee, but no-one took any photos!


We left Bangor past the racecourse, and carried on to Overton.

After Overton we carried on the A road for a while, as there was no option.  I took a little side road to get us off the main road for a little bit, this was lovely - and closed so no cars!  Apart from a few large holes easily navigated (and a lot of mud) it was no problem, although we still had a little bit of main road before arriving at The Trotting Mare.  

Ray's not Roast dinner
sizzling!

We were warmly welcomed and there were two large tables set out ready for us (unlike last ride to Lady Heyes when I believe there were not tables set aside even though Dave had phoned ahead).  Roast dinners were the order of the day (although a few other dishes slipped through!).

I found some lovey hearts table decorations, so set them out; and shared some love heart sweets too!  The red roses were already out.

Time for a selfie before we left...

...and then back into the lanes towards Penley.  I had to cut out a loop I had planned down to Ellesmere because of the time, but the lanes were great and very quiet.

Then Ray occasionally shoots ahead to take photos as we cycle past.....

The next thing I know I am recognising the lane as we drop to Sarn Bridge, to pass the Queens Head, where we came exactly a year ago!  and the climb back up from the Wych brook.




Hoping for a coffee and some cake at Bellis's, we were slightly disappointed that they had shut early; but not to worry.  I had noticed as we came past the Cross that Hildegard's lights were on, so she was obviously back from her week in Germany.  So some of us retraced and were welcomed in, with cake on offer.





As we unlocked and turned lights on, we bade farewell to people heading for the other side of the river - Holt-Farndon bridge is the first public crossing of the Dee upstream of Chester, so to cross again you either have to come all the way back, or you can duck off through Rossett.

Till next ride!

Lady Heyes

As the rain clouds parted, so a goodly number of cyclists gathered at Chester Town Hall for the February ride.  There is some blue in the sky!

Dave led us through town to the canal, the group becoming a little fragmented until we could re-group.  We
lost Nosheen, who discovered a loose pedal, so had to wait for a rescue and could not join us.
















Once in the lanes, there was quite a significant head wind, making life hard depending which way the lane twisted.  We looped past the rugby club and Littleton, to rejoin the A51 nearer to Stamford Bridge, and from there into Barrow.





Arriving at Manley Mere in sunshine, I was unable to stay as I had to collect my daughter, so I bade the group farewell.  

Coffee Queue (Manley)

Sunshine at Manley Mere, but a windy day.

Table for 16 please?!!!

Photos by Ray, unless they are by Sue!