Autumn Confetti

I have often thought November is the best month for autumn colour, and this year has been exceptional!  Even on gloomy days the view is lit up by the variety and bright colours we have had, and even now enough leaves are hanging on to give a fabulous display.  But not for long, and our routes today with just a gentle wisp of breeze was enough to bring some leaves fluttering down like confetti.  Magic!

We split into two equal groups, and after the photo (the kind charity shop lady obliged again!) we sent of Linda and Sarah's group, followed shortly by ourselves.

I decided this morning, for a change, to go straight through town, we often avoid
this but it was quite quiet and we were a small group, and I just wanted to see some of our sights, for a change.  So around the amphitheater we went, and dropped all the way down Lower Bridge Street, where we saw the other group as they came from the Groves to cross the Old Dee Bridge.

Heading out to Eccleston, and then the Old Wrexham road, we were again in sight of the first group.  But they, like us, stayed in twos and in a neat group; it was
very clear that although there were a couple of cars caught behind them, when they did pass they were indicating, and passing wider and slower, as they were also for us.  It can feel very daunting, our instinct as cyclists is to 'get out of the way' and we expect cars to be getting fed up and impatient; but this did not seem to be the case today.

After diverting off the main road we passed the other group in Rossett, where I stayed on the main route through before turning onto the most delightful little
lanes around Hoseley; the other group looped around Darland and back to Rossett which meant they climbed the steep B road hill up to the cafe, but did also get them there a good half an hour before us!  We instead had a little climb to a wonderful road contouring the back of Marford and Gresford, with superb views across Cheshire, with Beeston and Peckforton hills taking the limelight.

At this point Mary shared that there is a geographical feature near to us, the only place locally where there was a glacier.  Who knew!  Gresford Glacier!  No, really it was a thing.  I had to Google this, and the following sites are really worth a read (if you are interested!) - Maes-Y-Pant country park site has some history, which explains why there are large coal deposits locally (Gresford Quarry) and the sand and gravel pits (left by glaciers); an assessment report of Gresford Lake by Ymddiriedolaeth Dyfrdwy Cymru (The Welsh Dee Trust) for the local council (some interesting ecological data); information about a Kettle Hole (it gets better) from Scottish Geology Trust, and specifically Vicarage Moss (as behind us in the picture)

The trees towards the right are down a steep drop, 
there is a lake, or flash, in there, and is noted on the 
map image below...

...the little green circle indicates where we were 
for the photo; you can see the lake ('Kettle Hole')
and note the contours swooping away
to the right, below the text 'Hoseley Bank Farm'

Well, that was a diversion from writing the blog!  Back to it....

We came into Gresford near The Plough, and crossed over to skirt Gresford Flash, the church, and to drop down the steep hill and under the railway.  Then just a short climb to a road around a quarry, bringing us to the top of the hill (Mary has a name for it, but I can't repeat it here.  Suffice to say it sort of rhymes with  'bucketty', but starting with an 'f'!)

We finally arrived at Rackery Cafe and Farm Shop, a new cafe for us, and we sat inside as the only table outside in the sun was populated by the first group.  Lovely food, a nice natter, and we set off after the others had left, with a speedy 40mph descent back down Croeshowell Road (no chance of a turn towards Burton!) and then just followed the B road home.

A nice round 30 miles, back home by 2pm in time to cut the grass and a little gardening.  Fireworks tonight!

River and Rainbow

Our final ride of 2024, and final meet up at Total Fitness.  It has been interesting meeting different places this year, enforced due to circumstances beyond our control.  But 2025 will see us return to Kingsway Cafe.  Staff at Total Fitness have been friendly and helpful, and i think they quite liked seeing us (although different faces each month)

Start up photo...

...late arrival!...

...that's everyone now!

So we met, and gathered for a photo.  Change of plan to usual December rides (Walk Mill) as there is a new(ish) cafe at Saltney Ferry; generally too close for a normal coffee stop or ride, but certainly worth a short December tootle to it! Plus our very own Moira (who used to ride with Fab Ladies when we started) works there, so a perfect excuse and opportunity to see her.

With the route being off road most of the way, we were able to ride as one group of ten vehicles (eleven riders as we had Team Tandem with us)

Rainbow - faded a little by the time we got to the river

And Moira, one of our original Fabulous Ladies:

15 and Fabulous!

Fifteen years ago Cycling UK ran a 'five miles to fabulous' initiative, with the intention to demonstrate that five miles is very achievable for most people, will take about half an hour, and - particularly aimed at encouraging women out on their bikes - can make you fabulous (thinking of the health benefits).

And so, June 2023 marks our fifteenth birthday, which means we have to celebrate in some way or another!

The plan was a birthday picnic at Walk Mill, with a marvellous cake, and sunshine.  On the day however I was unable to make it to the start as I have recently had a diagnosis of cancer and subsequent surgery two days before.  But I certainly could make it to the cafe to see everyone.

Linda kindly took or arranged for the 'start up photo', three were driving over, one of which kindly picked me up, as I cannot drive either at the moment.

It has been very sunny and warm for several weeks (a great time to pick to be off sick) and today was no exception.  A couple of routes were offered, and the ladies set off, meeting up with us already at Walk Mill in two waves.

I had ordered badges for everyone who came, although I do now have some spares as not everyone wanted a badge.

After copious sandwiches made from the freshest bread(they had had to wait for it to cool first!) and many jugs of water, we agreed that the cake will fare better inside rather than out in the sweltering heat!

After posing for photos with a rather large knife, the serious business of cutting the cake was given to me (!), with Jean in close attendance.  Jean took over, and the cake was divvied out to all, including Caroline and the staff at Walk Mill.

Jean made the most magnificent cake for us xx

After this all that was left was to head home via our chosen modes of transport.

Our ride fell between National Volunteering week and Bike week, which was well timed.  At the end of May I was informed I had been nominated and was shortlisted for a volunteer of the year award, as 'Most Inspiring Individual', which was nice and meant I got a badge (and a certificate and card).  Read the article here

A huge thanks to all the ride leaders and riders, because without them I would just be going for rides on my own.  Make sure you put the 10th June 2028 in your diaries, as we will certainly do something special for our 20th birthday!!!  (Hmm, 10th June again!)

PS I mentioned my diagnosis earlier - it was discovered through the NHS screening programme and is very small and early.  No chemo but radiotherapy later this summer. I will be back on the bike before you know it!

A Spring in our Wheels

I could not resist a 'handlebar in the daffodils' shot,
and then pick out the daffs and blue skies in colour!

 There is nothing more joyous that a mid spring ride, amidst increasing blossoms and under blue skies with fluffy clouds, expect when it follows several days of cold and wet weather.

So 14 of us mustered at Kingsway cafe, with the plan to return to Old Hall Cafe at Wepre Park which we last visited in April 2017.  That day saw 27 of us under perfect blue skies, also in April.

my photo from January, of Jiya running
around in the mud (with her mum!)

I shared some news updates before the photo, and we split into two perfectly formed groups.  Linda and I set off through the Zoo, which those who knew where Wepre Park is were wondering how that direction was right (including myself!); but it was a splendid route.  We saw the baby Rhino Jiya, as she is often not 'on
display' in the mornings but in a back paddock, which happily backs on to the Zoo path.  After a few Onagers and Camels, we dropped down the hill to cross the canal.

From here we climbed towards Backford, crossed the A41, and skirted Mollington.  The blossom in the hedgerows and trees was wonderful against the blue skies; at this time of year as the hedges are just sprouting they seem to be such a bright green.  The colours are so vivid.

 

As we neared the A540 to cross to Saughall there was one of the first Rape fields I have seen.  

We turned right to go down Lodge Lane (I always think of the time when foot and mouth closed small lanes like this, as it goes alongside a farm; and I recall dodging traffic to cross the A494 before the bridge was built).  This 'new' bridge does give a lovely view to the Flintshire bridge (opened in 1998, it is the largest Asymmetrical cable stayed bridge in the UK)

Skirting the industrial park we wound our way to the Greenway by the Welsh / blue/ dragon bridge, and then along to cross the river on the railway bridge, a chance for some portraits!

...including 'some bloke' who got in between my ladies!

It was then a short navigation to Shotton lane, and down Killin Lane (known as 'wet lane' by my friend and long time cycling buddy Harry Watson as it is always wet), cross a small bridge and up to the Park.

Wepre Park is 160 acres of parkland, including Ewloe Castle, a waterfall, and industrial heritage.  Well worth a re-visit another day (they also have a Parkrun).  This sunny Saturday we managed to commandeer enough chairs and a few tables so when the second group arrived we could all sit in the sun and enjoy our snacks.

Collette's photo captures the woodland
and bike parking perfectly

Whilst Linda snapped us in the cafe

Moving people back to their bikes was a challenge!  They were all so settled enjoying the warmth and chat.  But I tore them away and we set off, back down the hill, following Rowena's nose, and we eventually found the track back to the river and the railway bridge.  Losing people at various stages (as they drop off home on a route to suit) the rest returned up the Greenway and Kingsway cafe.

25 miles