I arrived at the cafe a little later than the 1/2 past I had intended - to find everyone sitting down nice and quietly (it can sometimes get a bit hectic on a Saturday as everyone arrives!). Kath and Welna led the further faster group off, followed by myself and Jo-Anne with the regular pace - Nicky and Gill had a few slow and steady riders.
Regular ride - we set off up Kingsway/Mannings Lane, to cross at the lights and have a nice downhill. We had a short stretch of A56 (quite a quiet main road usually) but one new rider appeared to be struggling. After we turned into the lanes I invited her to ride 'up front' as this can help to set a pace a slower rider can manage but also is not as demoralising, trying to catch up a group. But we could hear something rubbing, and realised that her brakes were catching - and she was effectively riding with her brakes on! We stopped, and I loosened off the brakes (sounds scary, but as long as you tighten the nut after loosening the cable all should be good!) and much improvement was noted!
 |
| Heading through Kelsall |
I picked a slightly circuitous route via Ashton and Kelsall, with a couple of climbs - but this also gives smashing views across Cheshire to the Welsh Hills. Then we dropped to Duddon and came in the back of Okells.
Wow! New cafe! - we have been here a couple of times before, but last Wednesday they opened their now extended cafe. Very nice, and very efficient (which was a good job as I only managed to phone them that morning!!)
Suitably refreshed, the further faster lot went off, and I took the regulars along the Gowy bridges (as it had been dry but this route also offers shelter from the slight headwind). Mandatory stop for photos on the bridge - not actually my idea, I must add! The steady group caught up with us, so more pics!
A lovely spring feel to the air, trees in blossom Rape fields just coming out. And a nice warm up for the Spring 50 tomorrow (see Chester CTC Blog)
No comments:
Post a Comment