What Rain...?

aaah - did the forecast say rain...oh yes, and wind....heavy rain was that...aah right.

So, clearly undeterred, 22 ladies amassed at Kingsway, with five stalwart leaders ready for anything.  I took the group photo inside for a change - and just in case.... and the 'talky' bit (or safety talk as some may call it).

Gill and Gill set off with eight riders for the further faster, aiming to get back for 11 - but we were late leaving (again), although there was a general 'ah well it's November and the weather does look glum' sort of feeling, and Gill 1 was not sure if they would make it in time.

Today's destination by the way was not just a cafe; Vicky one of our ladies was holding a coffee morning in Waverton, and with a promise of cake and a chance to support her fundraising for an Operation Raleigh venture next year,  we agreed to support her.  But, unlike a cafe, the hall was only booked until 12, so if you are not there you would miss out.

Linda left second with the slow and steady group, while I tried to phone Vicky and tell her there were 25 cyclists heading her way.

I led the final 10, with Mary helping from behind.  We set off in the damp gloom along the cyclepath beside the A41 towards Sainsburys, where we re-grouped by the lights.  "We are taking the first left" I instructed as we waited for the lights to change, and then set off single file. 

By now the rain was starting and we took the first left, and followed the street down to the end, with another left.  But we were missing two - Mary from the back and another.  We waited.  It rained.  Someone turned back to retrace to the main road, but no sign of the missing two.  I came back - it is quite wet now and not really conducive to standing around.  

Finally I phoned Mary, and they had missed the first turning, but were not far away - we arranged to meet by the High School.  

A damp ride through Caldy Valley Nature Park

By now time was really ticking along, it was wet and although it was not far we decided to head straight out to Saighton, hang a left and tootle directly to Waverton.  7 miles!

Anyway, the welcome was warm, the cakes splendid, books to browse (I had to remind Sharon she was on her bike and therefore do not buy too many books!). Extra chairs and tables were set out for us and we had a room to ourselves.  



However, the two Gill's also realised that they would not get back to Waverton in time, so they instead stayed in Tattenhall and visited Alison's Tearooms.  This is the first time we have been to differing establishments, and with so many cafe's to choose from it is good people know where they are, and can alter route or plans and drop in to a nearby cafe.

Gills' group at Alison's

Outside at Alison's

When we came out of the institute hall, the sun was out, and we gathered for a photo before heading back.  Linda's slow and steady group did more miles than us!

Group in Waverton hall - Sharon (far right)
....don't buy too many books!

What rain.......?

Back at Kingsway - in full sunshine!