#Womens100

For a couple of years, Rapha, a cycle clothes company, have been promoting women's rides, encouraging rides and challenges (there is one between Christmas and New Year, to complete 500k.  That is all very well if you live in Australia and maybe do not work!).  This year we decided to play our part, and Alex volunteered to plan a route.

Well, she probably planned several routes.  The first one looked OK, and I don't think many people paid attention to the route posted on facebook, until it was nearer to the ride date.  I know I didn't, but when I did I thought 'Hmm, don't remember that road [coming in near Aldford]?  But I do know of a track there...'.  No problem, Alex planned to ride it the Tuesday before, and consequently replanned the final route.

The next hiccup was that although we knew Race for Life would be on the same morning, this did not interfere with the route, as it was the other side of Chester.  But, there was also a triathlon (Deva Diva's, or similar) which I became aware of following a conversation with my mum (who lives in Handbridge, and quite likes watching the bikes swish down her road).  After much discussion on facebook Alex reversed the route and posted it back up.

Road closed at Guilden Sutton, but we could get through

Wet now at Aldford, turning in by Duke's gates.

new insides at Cleopatra's

new friendly staff

The full group at Cleopatra's.  Christine left us at this point.

Sunday morning - meeting at The Dee Miller.  The weather forecast was not just wet, but threatened to be 'Biblical' apparently.  But it was dry as we gathered, and set off in two groups.  Some inadvertent group swapping before the start caused me to panic (as a group of 10 but actually 14 set off - stopped and re-jigged to be 10); and group 2 set off shortly after.

The bus stop makes a great cycle shed!

We managed 5 miles in the dry via Mickle Trafford and Guilden Sutton (road closed!), before drizzley spots started!  Coats on and undeterred we continued through to Waverton and Saighton, down the hill into Farndon and up into Holt; and a new cafe.  Hildegard has now left, and the new cafe (Cleopatra's) had to be sampled.  Very nice!




After coffee stop, it was back to Farndon, and right through the lanes to Tilston, then Shocklach.  We passed a short stretch of lane that was swooping with swallows - not sure why there but it must've been their lunch time!  We continued to Sarn Bridge, and right after the bridge over the Wych brook and up.  There are some lovely lanes, and my second group actually caught up with group one at one stage.  A short bit of main road then a few more lanes brought us into Ellesmere, where we headed straight to the boathouse.

The Boat House was busy and full, but we squeezed in on selected tables and queued and waited for our respective refreshments.

Leaving damp Ellesmere

When we worked out which blue line we needed to follow out, we were soon on our way again.  Following a route the other side of the river Dee, we headed back to Holt and Cleopatra's again - this time for coffee and cake.

By now numbers were beginning to dwindled as people headed back their respective ways; but a core of us continued to Rossett, and Eccleston.  Back along the river Dee, finally two of us made it back to the Dee Miller - where we celebrated with a little half to toast a lovely day (despite the rain!)

Tractors and Tranquility

No cafe open for us again this morning, they are short of volunteers and my daughter (#2) was working.  My eldest was also working - but as I am organising the ladies, groups, signing in I get a phone call - forgotten her pass to get in to Chester Racecourse, can I help?   Argh no!

I left her to it - after contemplating taking my group home then across Chester to the racecourse, all the wrong way to Bunbury!  She got in.  Phew!

Soooo, 22 or so of us met up, signed in and grouped into smaller riding parties, setting off after the mandatory photo.  Some new faces which is always nice!

small climb near Utkinton, love the sandstone
cuttings we have in Cheshire

a particularly flowery gateway

My group followed me out through Waverton to cross the A51 at Duddon, and then out towards Tarporley, with a little hill.  We timed it well at Tarporley, as the village carnival was on later but did not hold us up - nice to have the flags out, and we passed the fete field before turning right down a lane I am not sure if I have been down before but it was really lovely, small and quiet.

Unfortunately it did bring us out on the A51 again (unavoidable), so after a quick reassurance that it was only to the next right, we set off in smaller groups single file before regrouping on the next small lane.

This takes a delightful drop down to the Bunbury locks, where a picture of tranquility included a canal boat, onlookers and probably ducks - we were on a downhill with following uphill so no chance to soak up the peace or take a photo.  Sometimes the essence of what you are passing, the emotions and ambiance, can be experienced.  This adds to the day - anticipation in Tarporley, then the quiet and slow pace of the canalside.

I digress.

new friends

We landed in Bunbury, although couldn't remember which way to go for the cafe!  We found it, and settled in with group #1 (Alex with faster further).  

Tilly's at Bunbury

On leaving, we again set off in two groups; I had planned to go out and cross the A49 but found myself at The Yew Tree; no matter we headed right towards Peckforton which afforded us lovely views of Beeston as we followed the lane.

Beeston

I was looking out for our Elephant & Castle, but missed it.  Next time!

We stopped briefly for a pic at Beeston Gates, as it always looks good!

You pass your camera to someone else, and they manage to chop top of the castle gates off.

Super run back, downhill from Beeston, down to the very humpty back bridge by the Shady Oak, where a chain jumped off - so we waited at the end of the lane for Rosie and Sharon to catch up.  We will always wait!

view as you drop down by Beeston -
looking acress to Tarporley

waiting to re-group -
Peckforton hills in the background

catching up

Rick posing with tractor!

 We often come across tractors in the lanes.  We had stopped in the morning for one - they do not have a choice about using country lanes, but would also find it hard to pass a group of cyclists.  This tractor photo was purely for photo chance, and to help explain the blog title!!!!!

Final run into Chester along the canal - Swans by now have re-located from Christleton Pond and lurk along the canal - it is fine if adults and babies are on the same side but if they are either side of the towpath, feathers may fly!