Rhino Hunting in the Suburbs

Chester has had a recent invasion of over 50 5' Rhinos, brightly decorated and scattered around the city.  I thought we could hunt some down, as a one off different type of ride.  So we did - this is our hunt diary!

12 Rhino Hunters met at the Kingsway Cafe Hunting Lodge, with perfect hunting weather - the strong winds would cover our scent and the warm humid weather would bring them out of hiding!


We set off down Kingsway, and joined the cycleway through the new houses by New Scene Youth Club - a new entrance to many ladies!  Following the cycleway we also tried out the new link to the canal, following the latter till we came to the bridge, and followed up through Blacon.

Crossing the old railway bridge we paused and checked out the new mosaic, unveiled at the station only 1 hour previously!  So - we had a quick gander (and photo!) before continuing to seek out Rhinos!

First stop was Dee Point Community Centre, to visit Rhinocerbus, with his sunglasses; then we dropped down Clifton Drive, and after crossing Sealand Road (easier said than done!) we located BIGgles at Big Storage.  Weaving through the industrial estate to the stadium, we found a rather sinister rhino with a moustache.  I don't know why!!!!!

Retracing and joining Sealand Road we then headed down ferry lane to cross the river by Saltney Ferry bridge.  At the end, due to a mis understanding (when I said left I meant on the road, but some ladies turned onto the riverside path) - so, we all went down there - a new route for me!

Through Saltney, and round Boundary Lane to Lache, where I asked a lady if she had seen any rhinos (not something you can usually ask in Chester!).  She had, and so we found Rhino No. 4, African Rhino.

Leaving Lache we went through Westminster Park and Handbridge to locate the Rhino outside Queens Park High School; then we crossed the river (again) on the Suspension Bridge from where we saw a few but were only able to snap one (a lovely gold one with hearts).

Now we had a decision to make - did we head along the groves to the right and find a few more Rhinos - or do we head left to the cafe?  Oddly there was a rapid and unanimous call to head straight to the cafe!

After welcome refreshments at the Blue Moon Cafe, we had one final Rhino to find - it was a tricky one hidden in the park, but he was no match for us and he was soon found and photographed!

So, that was our successful Rhino hunting trip!

A suprising 14 miles, 7 Rhinos and 12 ladies!

More about Rhino mania can be found at

www.rhinomania.co.uk/home

A Wednesday Evening Ride

An extra ride for ladies in Chester happened during Bike Week (19-25th June); a ladies only version of the weekly Wednesday Evening rides.

We met outside the Town Hall - a goodly turn out of 23 people (not all ladies) which meant a variety of rides could set off in different directions.

Can you believe I forgot my camera?!

The ladies were the last to set off, as I popped across the Town Hall Square to notify the pub how many were returning for refreshments.

We headed through town and to the river, crossing on the Suspension bridge and up through queens park - dropping a card in at my parents house on the way.

Out along Dukes Drive to Eccleston, to the old Wrexham Road and out past the garden centre towards Pulford.  Then we realised we were missing a few - so I pointed the group on towards Dodleston while I back tracked (over a mile!) to where Liz was mending her puncture.  And me with no camera!!!!

We continued through to Dodleston, but no sign of the others - as I was wondering if they had slinked off to the pub they appeared - they had gone to the pub, but only to fill their water bottles (a likely tale...!)

Time now was pushing against us, so we headed back in through Saltney and Curzon Park to cross the Grosvenor Bridge (England had actually won a match that day, and two likely lads wrapped in an England flag were singing their way in the other direction.  Can you guess what they sang at us - clue, it is a song by Queen.....)

We arrived in a genteel and elegant fashion at the Coach House at precisely 9pm, the time I had suggested (threatened) Tim, Bob and Dave to be back for!!!!!  Perfect!

The sandwiches were superb, and plentiful (and me with no camera!!!!)  you will have to use your imagination!  We sat outside, it was a beautiful evening all round!

Again next year?

14 miles, 12 ladies (I think, it was hard to count!)

(I do have a photo on my phone - I just have to work out how to download it....)

Cheshire Cycleway Rides - ladies ride out!

Each year sees the Cheshire Cycleway Rides, based on the Cheshire Cycleway route first devised by Bob Clift in 1982, and has been running ever since.

This year, I wanted to do the 100 miles; so I joined Janet (Bicycle Belle) and we tagged along with Tony and Alan from Mold riding group, and set off at 9:00 on Sunday morning.

We kept a good rolling pace through the morning, heading to Kelsall, then through Delamere and out to Acton Bridge.

We hit some hills out by Bollington, after riding through Knutsford (definitely in Cheshire out there!) and more hills by Alderley Edge (up one called 'The Wizard').  After more hills we found lunch stop, still dry and feeling like we were miles above Macclesfield (which we were).  However, the views across Cheshire had shown significant black clouds, that were to proove unavoidable!

Sure enough, no sooner than we had negotiated the higher back roads of Macc, and started to descend than the heavens opened, and the rain came down!

We stopped under some big trees to shelter, and although I was sure it would pass, as the rivers started to flow down the road we decided we would have to continue, so the raincoats went on and off we went.

I must say the time between checkpoint number three at Lock 57 (no idea where I was then!) and where missed the turning near Darnhall (Winsford) were a bit of a slog and blur, between rain showers!

We finally arrived at Eaton, the last checkpoint before the end, and enjoyed cakes and coffee (as much as I could cram by this point as my energy was properly ebbing!)  It was now gone 6pm, and we had to be back to Christleton before 8pm.  15 or so miles - should not be a problem - but I was going at a snails pace!

But - we made it!  I was soo tired - and I think it is fair to say so was Janet and the lads!!!!!

(we reckoned we actually did 107 miles!)

Meanwhile - several ladies also completed the 50 miles - here is their story as told by Jo-Anne.....

50 Mile Challenge

We all gathered at Waverton Institute for a 10.00am start. Chris and husband Roger, Kris, Lesley and I (Jo) met at different point’s enroute to Waverton where we met up with Emma, Pete, Flo and husband Sam. We were delighted that Pete arrived; we had sweet-talked Pete into coming on the 50 mile challenge on the Wednesday evening ride the week before. He must have been fairly keen as he rode the whole route on the Friday which meant that we could throw away the ordinance survey maps (every bit of extra weight adds up you know).

We set off with waterproofs on as the sky was grey, only to stop about 5 minutes up the road to take them off due to being too hot. At 1130am, after a fair few climbs around Delamere and about 13 miles in, we were at our morning stop at Carriers Inn in Hatchmere http://www.thecarriersinn.com/ drinking tea and eating enormous pastries filled with jam, the sun was shining and we were still full of energy. Getting back on our bikes after those pastries was hard going, the pastries had given us lead weights in our legs and it took a few miles to lighten the load again.

We cycled through Maddocks Hill, Norley onwards to Whitegate, Little Budworth, Rushton and then Eaton where we stopped at the Jessie Hughes Institute http://www.eatonandrushton.org.uk/JHI.html at 1pm (perfect timing) for lunch cooked by the wonderful W.I. (not attired as the W.I Calendars would suggest). The obliging helpers erected a large table so that we could all sit together. Beans on toast were scoffed and a welcome mug of tea drunk. They also had a variety of delicious looking homemade cakes to eat, which were irresistible if you had room. We all popped to the loo for the umpteenth time (you need to go when and where you can) and before we knew it we were on our way again, but not before we had taken a few photos. Sue would have told us all off if we hadn’t taken any pics!

25 miles to go and no stops planned in, we decided we would stop at Beeston Castle. We left the Institute and thanks to Pete, we did not miss the right turn at the grass triangle into Brains Lane. There was no grass on the triangle, in fact no triangle really and no sign to say it was Brains Lane. Thanks Pete, you’re a star! At about 29 miles we headed into Bunbury and passed the church. At this point Pete shouted back that we would be back here in a bit. We looked at each other in a puzzled way, did not for some reason ask him what he meant, and sure enough we arrived back at nearly the same spot. They must have been short of a mile or two when they drew up the route.

Beeston and Peckforton castle could be seen high up in the distance and we realised that although it was a beautiful view, we would be ascending with our wearier legs up to that point. We arrived at Beeston Castle, 35 miles done, used the facilities (yes, again!), and had a drink, snack and welcome break.


As we were leaving it started to rain, it then proceeded to rain and rain and rain. In fact it did not stop raining, but we didn’t take any short cuts, we followed the map in every detail, even though we did get within 2 miles of the finish and still had 6 to do. It was tempting, but we stuck with the route instructions and at 3.50pm arrived back at Waverton Institute to collect our certificates, weary, exhilarated and looking like drowned rats! A good time had by all!!! Thank you Bob Clift.

June ladies ride - two year anniversary!

Yes - this June ride marks the two year birthday for the Fabulous Ladies!  It feels like we are finding our feet, which is about right for a two year old!

12 eager (?!) ladies met at the cafe, and as the sun broke through the grey clouds, we set off across Hoole, along the canal and then past Boughton to pick up the route through Caldy Valley Nature Park.  Out to Saighton, where Zoya had to leave us to go to a garden party.

No-one else could be persuaded to turn back, so we continued to Bruera, crossed the A41 to Old ma's coffee shop.

When the cafe owner had recovered from the shock of 11 ladies eyeing up her scones, we all sat outside and the usual banter and gossip ensued.

Heading back (still in glorious sun but with a sneaky head/side wind) we regrouped in the bus turning circle in Waverton (the wind was a bit strong for a few who dropped slightly back) - until, that is, the bus came!  We set off, but then pulled in to a side track to let the same bus pass (it was just easier!).

Back to Waverton, and re-joining the canal to head back to Chester.

A pleasant, sunny and very chatty 18 miles!

Sue

Extra ride to the Eureka

With the promise of glorious sunshine on Saturday; and because Nosheen will soon be leaving us for New Zealand; I called an extra impromptu ladies ride.  She told me (on a brief excursion we had the Monday evening previously) that she had never been to the Eureka Cafe, a particularly famous cycling cafe in our area (see http://www.eurekacyclistscafe.co.uk/).

So, after a flurry of emails, the day did indeed dawn hot and sweltery.  Seven of us left Kingsway Cafe (Angela called by but was between holidays - oh, to be retired!) but this did mean she could take our photo!

We set off down the cycleway, although we knew we faced a diversion later due to works.  At the point we had to leave, we came across a bewildered couple with a helpful lady doing her best to direct them out and round and back to the canal (arms a-waving like a air traffic controller), and were able to say a cheery 'follow us' (much easier than directions).  So we did have a gentleman join us for a short duration, but he had strict instructions to stay at the back! (:-D)

Re-joining the cycleway after the canal, we continued out past Sealand, and hung a right down an old lane past Sealand Camp (RAF Base) and followed round to the Lodge Lane bridge crossing and so to Woodbank.

As we joined the main road up to the cafe, I noted we were missing several ladies (already!).  I parked Flo in a layby and turned about to go in search - Lesley shouted over the road that Ali's chain had come off, so I set off to the rescue, visions of oily fingers and nails looming.  Fortunately (for me) Ali and the ladies had solved their short delay and were merrily now heading on to the cafe (phew, saves my nails!).

A wonderful sunny sit in the garden with refreshments set us up for the return back to Woodbank, but this time all the way to Shotwick Lights (Welna had come in this way and hijacked the group! so that we returned up the river, which was nice!

From the river at Chester we joined the canal, and negotiated the few pubs with people spilling all over the towpath - Races in Chester!!!!

To be honest I do not have the mileage for today (still no computer!) but I guess it was about 17-18?  Will measure it another day!

Volunteer of the year!

My huge thanks to Lesley and those who supported the nomination for CTC Volunteer of the year 2009, which I won for the North West Region!  Collected my certificate and a bit of a gong on Saturday at the CTC National Dinner in Loughborough.

Here I am receiving it from Lord Berkeley, CTC Vice President and pro cycling Labour Peer - bit of a dude as he sometimes cycles to Westminster on his Brompton!

I was also in the paper with a select few (the ones that came on the last ride) - many thanks to Susan too for the write up and photo!

Winners and more information can be found at http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopModules/Articles/ArticlesView.aspx?TabID=0&ItemID=416&mid=13677

Latest News

Ladies weekend is bearing down - time to get excited!

10 of us are booked onto the weekend, which remains flexible and open to options.  I have planned a few routes; and I intend to ride down on the Friday (53 miles - ish).  I will email out to the intrepid 10 in the next few days with more information and plans!

Watch the blog in early June for a round up of the weekend, and of course photos!

Next Ladies Saturday morning ride will be the two year anniversary on the 10th June.  I have an idea of where we will head, but as usual I will wait till the day when I know who is coming and possible weather conditions!  (it is June, after all!!)

See you soon,

Sue

Boat Museum and Bluebells

The weather forecast was pretty grim, and certainly not the sunshine we have become accustomed with through April.  But, undaunted (as ever) I met the ladies - of which we had 7 altogether, at the cafe.  Moira's husband was also lurking, but he was advised that no, he could not come out with us, and if going for a ride will you please go in the other direction!  However, Andy served a useful purpose and once we were lined up he took the now traditional photo for the start of the ride.

I followed my usual route to work - so that not only did I know the route off by heart, so does my bike!  We had a brief photo call en route (to go in the paper) and I cannot relay here the word Susan suggested we used (to make us look like we are smiling - it is the new 'cheese', apparently!) - you will have to ask us when you see us what the word was. 

Once in Ellesmere port we followed through a housing estate to cross a canal bridge and then explore the outskirts of Stanlow, before arriving at the Boat Museum.

Last year they did not have any cake, so I eyed up the sandwhiches and sausage rolls carefully before discovering a very chocolately chocolate cake - and the girl said to me 'help yourself' (she don't know me, do she!!!!!).  This is becoming a terrible habit now!

We were joined by a couple of quite oily Bicycle Belles (our sister Wirral women on wheels group) out to recky their route for next week.  Oily because Sylvia had had an arguement with her chain and almost lost but between her and Janet (and I do not doubt some stern words!) they reunited the chain with the chain wheel and were able to contine!  And they have had a bike maintenance course!

Saying our farewells, we followed the canal all the way to the back of Chester Hospital, (suprised a brood of 7 ducklings - sooo cute!) and then followed the streets back to the cafe.  We lost a few on the way - planned of course as people neared their home, or left to get back for work.

Total of 17 miles

Fabulous Ladies join Bicycle Belles and 'Pedal it Pink'!

Two weeks of unbroken sunshine led up to the Wirral Bicycle Belles 'Pedal it Pink' ride.  Some Fabulous Chester ladies joined them - although the train journey alone was an adventure!

Twenty pink ladies congregated at Port Sunlight Station where balloons were dished out to be tied to saddlebags - I am sorry to say not all the balloons made it to coffee stop!

I led the second group (or pretended to, I think it was really Tricia at the back!) and we meandered through lanes to Ness gardens, passing Raby Mere on the way.

Fortunately, there was some cake left for us when we arrived, and we all sat outside in the most beautiful of sunshine!

We left the cafe and returned through to Neston where we picked up the Wirral Way - and joined the first group, so we all rode together to Hadlow Road Station.

More photos and the real write up can be found on the Bicycle Belles website; also checkout 'CTC North West' on facebook!

If you go down to the woods today.....

...you would have seen us tucking into cakes, bacon buttys and scones!

The weather forecast was a big yellow sun; so I proposed to the assembled 12 ladies to push it a little further this Saturday, and head to Delamere.  There were no objections, so off we set, down the cycleway to Mickle Trafford, left to the A56 then right after the railway, picking up the Cheshire Cycleway (route 70) through to Manley and Mouldsworth.  One or two hills, but it is a nice time of year as you do not get too hot climbing.

We lunched at 20 to 12 at the Station Cafe in Delamere, sitting outside making the most of the warm spring sunshine, and much jolly conversation was had!

Leaving Delamere on a short track brought us back to the lanes near Kelsall, where we didn't go up the big hill to the left (The Yeld) instead carried on round to come into the middle of Kelsall, enjoying the views over Ashton on the way. 

We then dropped down the hill and followed through to Oscroft and Tarvin, crossing the A51 to join the Roman Bridges.  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hockenhull_Platts)

25 very sunny and pleasant miles by the time we returned to Kingsway.  lots of daffodils in bloom which added to the sunniness generally!

One of these days the GPS I have will plot the whole route and I will work out how to share it with you all.

In the meantime, if anyone wants to know any of the routes we have used, do leave a comment and I will get back to you!