The Shroppie Fly at Audlem

The clocks went back last weekend; and so a week later we are reaping the benefits of British Summer Time.  I had planned today's route, and at 63 miles a little further than usual, especially for early April.

 13 of us met at Chester Town Hall.  A helpful passer by offered to take our group picture (I was just about to ask when he offered) - he took his time, and ended up right low on the floor (probably not my best angle!) so I will show both of them just because of the effort he went to!

We set off through town and followed the canal out to Christleton, and into the lanes.  I tried to keep a steady but slightly faster pace that I may normally plod at, holding a fairly steady 13 mph, but this dropped as we hit the hills just after Tattenhall (Harthill specifically!).  From here we had a down hill and gentle undulations to pass Cholmondely Castle. I had tried to negotiate using the tea rooms at Chomondely, but the estate manager insisted we would have to pay an entrance fee (£6, reduced by a pound on normal entry).  This is such a shame, as now they have lost out on 13 teas/ coffees, and the chance that people may come back and visit.

So we went to the very friendly and helpful Cholmondely Arms, just a little further on.  Teas, coffees, hot chocolates and a cappuccino revived us a little but five decided to head back (plans for the afternoon).

So, I phoned The Shroppie Fly and booked a table for six, although the landlord was not convinced we needed to and that we were mad riding to Audlem in this weather (what was actually a rather pleasant spring day!); and we set off.

It was a bit of an adventure -  I plot my route at home on the computer; and then follow my little blue line on the GPS.  I should really ride a route in advance but I'm afraid I do not have time for that.  Hence two of the roads were labelled 'closed' on our way - one was not closed at all

but gave us a nice traffic free road from Pinsley Green to near Wrenbury station; the other was the final drop to Audlem on the A525.  Imagine our glee when a motorbike (which had beeped at us as it passed) and a car had to reverse back out and turn around - we just dismounted to cross the bridge (as pedestrians!).  

Lunch was pleasant (if not a little confusing - I had poppadum and naam bread with my Chilli con carne...?!)  and as we finished Tony and friends headed off to get back earlier as he had a rehearsal at Theatr Clwyd.








So that left Bob, Dave and myself.  Heading out of Audlem on the A529 (the correct direction and not towards Market Drayton) we picked up a little lane/ track introduced to the club by Stu a few years ago.  It saves a long detour to Nantwich to cross the River Weaver, and is a delightful and quiet lane through two farms.  The only person we saw was a chap who appeared concerned for our welfare - 

Him "this isn't a cycleway you know"
Me "yes, but it is a lovely cut through and it is a right of way"
Him "But it is a private road"
Me "but it is a public right of way?"
Him "It is dangerous"
Me "Why?"
Him "because of farm traffic"
Me "oh well, thank you we will be careful"

Suffice to say we saw nothing and no-one else.  

Then we met some geese in the lane, lovely to see but they had a good hiss at us!














By this time Dave also had to leave us to get to work, so he left us at Sound, and we continued to Ravensmoor; I then found a little lane Bob had not been down before.  I was feeling weary so I ditched the route over Peckforton, as candle workshops would be closed by now anyway, and we headed round Beeston instead.

West Kirby

Ray posts: "Whilst assembling for Bob's ride out to West Kirby a religious parade from Abbey Square went by. Norman brought along his new carbon bike - which was was very nice indeed & no doubt more comfortable than the donkey would have been !! - and off we set. I was a bit under par so abandoned at Landican, but cheers nevertheless to "me oul' segotia" "

And shared some photos on facebook (stolen by me to populate the blog!)

The Tea Cosy Cafe at Lady Heyes, Frodsham

Ian's turn to lead a wintry ride.

Ray again took photos and posted "Ian's ride, a bit hilly in places & I'm unfit, but despite the cold an enjoyable day again, at least it was by evening time looking back! Seriously though, all thanks to Ian for his time trouble and effort."

In the sunshine at the Pond - inc. Ray!

In the sunshine at the Pond -
Ray a former shadow of himself...

I joined the group at lunchtime, so missed morning coffee at Rose Farm in Utkinton.

I came out along the Cheshire Cycleway to Manley and up the hill to Manley common.  As I topped over the Sandstone Ridge and caught sight of the other side, I noted a lot of snow on the hills near Manchester and the Peaks (a long way away!)

Lunch was a very breakfasty affair, and very nice despite Tony's dismay that there was no beer available!  

After lunch we had a little climb back over the sandstone ridge (I had mislaid my camera so no pics from me - happily I have since found it!).  It was a very cold day, and we had lots of little ups and downs as we wended our way over to Walk Mill for afternoon coffee and cakes (by popular vote).

Caroline found an extra topping for my caramel slice,
as it was Mothers Day!

Dave writes:

Nine of us meet up at the pond for Ian's ride to Lady Hayes. After the usual pre ride photo's (and some of the Ducks and a Comorant) we departed. Ian set a leisurely pace out through Waverton past the Crocky Trail, but we were all disappointed to hear that the book shop at the lunch venue had closed. We passed Duddon Common heading for Rose Farm for our morning stop.


When we parked up the donkeys took a keen interest in our bikes! After coffee Graham and Jane said their farewells as they departed for home, and we continued a short distance before Martin also headed home as we turned right up Quarry Bank before turning to head towards Kelsall.  At Forest Farm Road Lesley was the next rider to turn for home [I passed her at Manley, so had all the climbing to do! - Sue]. We passed Eddisbury Fruit Farm along the track into the forest then on to Hatchmere; down Pytcheleys Hollow past the Tigers Head into Norley before turning left onto Marsh Lane; and on into Crowton.  At Lady Hayes Sue joined us for lunch and the afternoon (see above!). After lunch we turned right out of Lady Hayes to climb Dobers Lane and on up to Newton;

Ian just checking the route.

going on to Manley Common then Barrow where the the lane through Hollowmore had more potholes than the track in Delamere forest! 

Tony - 'still no beer?!'

We then went through Tarvin and onto Walk Mill for our afternoon tea stop. As we headed back to the pond riders started to depart in various directions for home.

Thanks to Ian for a great route.

The Nags Head at Willaston - as planned

Apologies to Gill and Richard - extreme rain in January meant we had already visited this fine establishment; but Gill and Richard had planned this from the outset, so this is the proper official ride!

Ray posted - Gill's ride to Willaston, and a very successful and jovial one it was too! She was obviously well supported - in the main anyway - by hubby, so it's yet another thank you very much for a ride not even blighted by rain (the sun appeared for a short while after lunch...)

Climbing the blue bridge on the Greenway...

Fab photos thank you Ray. Despite the weather forecast nine of us set off with Nosheen joining us for a section en route. Great chat all the way and a couple of us Willastonians had a little reminisce over lunch in The Nags Head. The wind was kind to us and helped us down the Dee Marshes. Morning coffee at Ness Gardens where there is a bamboo bike, up to Raby Mere and then lunch in Willaston. After a lovely lunch we headed down through Neston and up to Burton with afternoon tea at Hosta. 39 miles and only two small hills in great company made for an easy early season jaunt.

Clearly this is like a photo booth...

Morning coffee in Ness Gardens, where they have a bamboo bike hanging from the rafters...















Finally, settled in to The Nags Head - Bob peruses the menu...

The Pheasant at Burwardsley

February - bright blue skies and sunshine, despite the odds!

We struggled to take the photo at the start this morning; the sun was so bright and so low.

And then, trying to get everyone to huddle was another challenge - but we got the post box in, so that was nice! (even if not all the riders - there were 11 of us!)

I have lost count how many times I have taken us cycling under the Eastgate clock, but it is so iconic, and with such a blue sky it looks fab! 

But this was something new - a bit of excitement down by the river.

It looked like the Fire Service were having a practice/ exercise with their boat, lowering it into the Dee.  We were able to squeeze past though 

(St Mary's, Handbridge, can be seen left of centre)

Approaching the Old Dee Bridge.

Fairly unremarkable route to Holt - at one point Nosheen and I drifted off the back of the group, but we saw Stu go round a corner in the lanes in Darland so followed him; secure in the fact Dave must've used the usual back lane...only to come out at the end to see them approach from a different direction!  At least we caught up!

There were many cyclists out on this fine sunny early February morning - we met Welna and Stephen sat outside at Cleopatra's, and we joined them as the cafe was already full of cyclists! Then the Mold Section turned up - both of them!

 It was chilly sat outside, there is no denying that!

The cross and memorial at Holt

As we left Farndon, and after negotiating Wetrains lane, the sky darkened.  We luckily somehow did not have a downpour, but did get to enjoy a rainbow fully circled over our heads.

Approaching Cuddington I certainly wanted my camera out, as I recalled a ride about a year ago, and noticed how many snowdrops there are in the church graveyard.  Not disappointed (but harder to capture than I thought as we passed by!)

We dropped down to nearly Tattenhall, before climbing back up towards Harthill (but not all the way) - and another rainbow could be spied off to our left.

We all arrived safely to The Pheasant - but unfortunately one of the party became unwell, we needed to call an ambulance and it stalled the day somewhat.  Fortunately our rider recovered, although did spend a night in hospital.  






I think we had had the best bit of the day, weatherwise certainly.  A pleasant and manageable route for early February, with some lovely views from the pub (can't really be captured on camera).  Thanks to Dave for leading, Ray for popping back home to get his car and take the spare bike home, and the wonderful staff at the pub (Eve) for sitting with us until the boys in green arrived.

40 miles

NB If you are going to call an ambulance, make sure you have the postcode of your location - and try to make it to the pub before you become poorly!