November Sun

Another November day dawned with blue skies and sunshine!  Despite the gales and rain of the previous week, the wind had dropped for us by the morning of the November ladies ride.  Three new faces to Chester ladies were welcomed, and a returning few who had missed several rides.  I think that is one of the really nice things about the ladies group; every month is a little bit different depending not only on the route but also who is out. 

So, 10 of us met and I managed to drag the early birds out of the cafe (this could be harder as the winter progresses!) and we set off up Mannings lane to the country lanes.  There were some large sticks and 'tree debris' scattered around the lanes, and a tree was down in Picton Gorse Lane (but the road was clear).  We headed to the zoo, where we had to walk on the pavement as the road was closed one way (we waved at Ali's house as we went past).  Then we had a lovely downhill to the canal, where I snapped a few pics!

There was a gentleman walking by, saying hello to each lady - until he got to the fourth and fifth, whereupon he exclaimed "how many of you are there??!!".  I caught up and we re-grouped at the top, before heading through Backford to the A41.  After crossing this busy road (unusually busy, Christmas shoppers??!!), we had another downhill-uphill to Mollington.

Crossing to Saughall, we passed the Vernon Institute (which had a farmers market on...wonder if they do refreshments?!), and on to the old railway bridge where we joined the Greenway back to Chester, Kingsway cafe, and cakes/toast/bacon butties!!


The whole gang, before departures





A very pleasant and surprisingly warm 14 miles!  Back to the cafe for 12.  Perfect timing!


Jean gets a cuddle in the cafe!

Congregating with The Chelford Chicks at Cotebrook!



15 ladies at the cafe

 It dawned a beautiful 'post-bonfire night' morning - not a cloud in the sky!  Possibly why 15 of us met at Kingsway cafe.

The plan was to have a coffee, and chat rather than leaving on the dot, as we were meeting another ladies group for lunch, and to leave too early would mean we may miss them (or be leaving as they arrive).  But as 11am drew near, black clouds were approaching from Wales.


So it was, unfortunately, that we got caught up in the said - and rather heavy - rain shower.  Not everyone had a waterproof (c'mon, it is November!) - including me!!  Ensuring everyone was across the main roads slowed us down, and my plans to out run the rain (which I am sure we could have done!) dwindled.  But there was blue skies behind the grey, and by the time we got to Tarporley it had actually stopped and was returning to be a nice autumn day.  No photos from the morning - it was too wet!!

We arrived at Cotebrook, and inside were nesting the Chelford Chick, headed by Carol, their Cafe Queen.  I satisfied my urge for taking photos by going round the tables - here we all are:

 





Fabulous Bun!









People left in different groups, as they needed to get back, so after we waved goodbye to the Chicks...

...only 6 of us were left to head home.  An enormous black cloud was pondering over Kelsall (as we waved ta ta to Veronica and sent her in the direction of that big black cloud!).  We managed to skirt most of it, but the tail end caught us - just as we had the most magnificent and brightest rainbow - the end was in the field next to us.  Again no photo - it was a bit wet, and people wanted to get back - and you have to be very quick sometimes to catch a rainbow, they can disappear so quick!

We landed back in Chester just after 3, so not too bad, and time to get to any firework displays that were on.

Janet, Carol and Sue; Esteemed leaders!

29 miles; 10 Chelford Chicks, 4 Bicycle Belles and 11 Fabulous Ladies!

Mechanical session for ladies (or how to change a bicycle tube!)



Dave Parry introduces Bike Session



A local bike shop kindly offered to do a free cycle maintenance session for the ladies, so we took them up on it!

Nadia demonstrated as Dave explained the whats and whys of how to change a tube.

He also talked through what you need to do to keep your bike working well, and we asked questions about lighting, clothing and anything else we could think of!

Any questions......



With thanks to the bike factory!