The Wheatsheaf at No Mans Heath

8 riders met at Chester Town Hall, on a gloomy but dry and not windy November morning, amidst the hammering and drilling of the elves assembling the Christmas Market stands.  The is one thing about meeting in the city centre, you feel in touch with what is going on!

Bob led us out of town via the Old Dee Bridge, and out to Eccleston, Straight Mile and up to Marford hill.  The golden leaves still lingering on some of the trees gave a slight glow to the lanes,  and took the edge of the grey skies.

Autumn colours on Wrexham Road

After a little meander around Hoseley, we headed to Holt.  Finding Hildegards full to bursting with cyclists we instead went to Bellis's, where there is plenty of room.

unlocking at Bellis's

Returning through Holt we dropped to cross the river on another old sandstone bridge, classic Cheshire Dee bridges! and climbed up through Farndon.  I can still see the swollen river as it was in February when I cross here, or the time it was frozen with thick ice and a small channel flowed through.

Passing Tilston church

From Farndon, we headed to Stretton Mill - no photo as it is at the bottom of a hill- and through the Carden Park gold course - because it is both sides of the road.  We came into Tilston, and passed the church, emerging by the Bull at Shocklach.

We came past this beautiful old manor house, with the most exquisite chimneys, a quick check of the map showed it as Lower Carden Hall, a 15th century grade 1 listed building.

I think I stopped paying attention because next we are heading into Malpas past the church, before a right-left at the Cross heading downhill to No Mans Heath.

note the road sign on the wall to No Mans Heath -
below the impossibly large speakers!

We have been here before, a few years ago, but the selection of food and prices was marvellous.  Some of us found a friend and chose 2 for £10 meals, and some had small portion two course for £3.50 - amazing prices and very nice food - and friendly to boot!

Arriving at The Wheatsheaf

No photos after lunch, as it was quite dark.  We followed some lovely lanes, almost bordering with Shropshire here, and made it to the Teddy Bear tea rooms in time for a coffee and a cake.

Lights on now, as the watery sunset could be seen - pale peach and pink lines in the now darker grey sky.  Much discussion about what lights are best - not just to be seen but to actually see where you are going/ where the potholes are / where the side of the road is.

50 very pleasant miles, back to Hoole for 5:40.

Remember, Remember

 Every Wednesday evening through the summer there are summer evening rides; but a small band of dedicated (and slightly mad) cyclists continue through the winter months with what is fondly referred to as 'The Circuit'.

However, last year (2013), returning from a Tuesday Day ride I came across a fab firework display on the 5th November, at The Plough in Christleton.  I suggested to the circuit riders that we could vary the route for one night, and enjoy the spectacle.


We met and headed straight out to Christleton; the display was due to start at 7:30 I think, but was late.  There were a million and one cars, but we were able to cycle past them to the main gate, park up and then lurk behind the tape.

Oooohh........

....aaaaaahhhhh.....

....aaaaawww!

To mark the occasion I bought along some sparklers from Aldi, so we could all join in too!

Then we headed to the Ring O Bells to warm up!  A very short night but good fun!

The Holly Bush at Cefn Y Bedd

At the start, Little Roodee Car Park.  

Lesley writes "I only stayed with the others to just past the coffee stop (at Jemoleys, Penyffordd I think) as I had to get back for something in the afternoon. We headed down the river path, across to Saltney Ferry, Bretton, probably near Kinnerton (where Kath, etc, joined us) and a fair old climb to Pennyffordd.  
I just wish I’d been able to stay for the climb up Hope Mountain – honest!"

These must be the climb up Hope Mountain....whichever way you go there are arrows!

I understand it was very very windy up on top of Hope Mountain!

Kath sheltering

Dave looking for his bike

Gill nearly being blown over!

Is this Bellis's in Holt?

Ian, leader of the day

Caption needed.............!

Many thanks to Ian for leading and to Ray for the photos.

The Red Lion at Winsford

Can you believe the field of Rape seed on the right?!

Autumn sunshine

Receiving further instructions

Cotebrook Mill pond

Cutbacks at the Shire Horse Centre
- very little horses of austerity!

Aaawwwww!

Hill Climb and Freewheel 2014

The annual hill climb and freewheel events have a certain predictable quality about them.

We all meet in the car park at Llysfasi College...

We then all ride along the road to the first left, and then to the first corner, where we assemble expectantly, chatting among old friends who we may not have seen for a while.

At this point there are shouts of 'car up', as Arthur always passes us here before the comp starts - and every year I forget he is going to come past.









Nearly every year the cows come across to the corner, to see what we are up to.  I guess they are new cows each year!

Approaching the finish line

This year the sun was shining, as we all took our turn to climb the hill.

Every year I forget how steep it is - although it really does not look it.










And when we are all up the hill, we get to enjoy the mostly downhill ride to the start of the freewheel.  I was chasing someone (I forget who, as I am posting 6 weeks later!) until I nearly met a tractor on a bend just as I was about to pass.  Brakes working well, at least!





And then, we assemble at the top of the hill, to take turns at going downhill.  I did hold the furthest freewheel for a few years, but I lost my title last year to Diane (from Menai) and this year I spectacularly failed again, as I had my feet the wrong way around.  It happens.




But at the end of the morning's trials, we all get to sit in the pub and enjoy lunch and mixed company. 

Ian John and myself tried to represent Chester, but we are up against some veterans (and in some cases 'super-vets'!).

You can read the reports and see more photos and winners on the main website:  Hill climb & Freewheel

Presidents Ride 2014

This annual event takes part at the end of the summer, and draws together riders from all the clubs across Chester and North Wales, from Caernarfon through to Two Mills on the Wirral.  Today 46 members congregated at Walk Mill, the start point for this years ride.

All at the start - can you spot fab ladies tops and Chester riders?

Important ride information and stuff from Mike

We set off in quite large groups, which soon settled into smaller sections, and we were encouraged to ride with someone you do not usually see - chance to make friends across our member group (Chester CTC is part of Chester and North Wales,which is in turn of course part of the National CTC - just in case you didn't know or had forgotten!).  





It was lovely to see Doreen from Criccieth, who leads a growing group on Thursdays, Ifor from Menai, I rode a bit with Darryl from Prestatyn who likes long distance audaxes and has many tales to tell.  Roy from Colwyn Bay, right to ride rep often seen on the coastal paths and beyond (I always bump into him on route 5!), Wrexham riders, Two Mills, Wednesdays (day riders) and even a select 6 Chester riders - a really good spread!

Leaving Walk Mill, the sun is out

We were heading for the memorial hall in Tilston, and we had a choice of two routes - to be honest I just followed other people, which makes a nice change from route finding and leading!














Familiar lanes rolled by as the weather improved and became more sunny - and then I had a puncture.  A few friends stopped to help, as groups passed by, all asking if we were OK.  John lent his gas cannister (super quick inflation, no idea what psi!) and we were able to continue on our way.  We passed two riders, but no-one else as we headed past Farndon, to Shocklach and then Malpas before the final downhill all the way to Tilston.  

Ooooh - Pavlova!

We were late (only 15 mins!) but the feeding could then begin.  A fabulous cold buffet included in the £10 ticket price - cold meats, salads and then pavlova and black forest gateau followed by tea and coffee.

this year Ifor from Menai
won the presidents trophy

Presidents brief speech, presenting the presidents trophy (no category, just who is felt to meet some sort of achievement for the club this year or over the years), Raffle prizes, and time to head off again.  



Round Carden Park, Tattenhall, Beeston, Huxley - and too close to the 50p shop not to stop at Christines cafe - so sunny so lovely to sit outside on the last Sunday in September!

Beeston - in case you don't recognise it!