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

No ride for March

 

New discovery

Backdated blog post, I wrote this in October when I realised I had missed Feb and March posts!  I have no excuse, no idea what I was doing!

I do have photos, so we definitely met, split up and rode out.  On the way we 'discovered' a new cafe called The Cobbles, so called in and we will try to book ourselves in another year!

so - photo story it is!

Two Blue Bridges and blue skies

 And so starts another year.  Our fifteenth year, by this summer.  Christmas and New Year long forgotten we met as always at Kingsway, adorned with or carrying in reserve plenty of waterproofs and overshoes.  We have had a lot of rain recently, the rivers are high, and some windy weather, so it is good to be prepared.

New photographer for us, as Rosie was not out but Sonia had been ferried in by her husband, so he kindly took some pics.  A good start to the new year; although we were two leaders down as one was not well and one had a small disagreement with a curb on her way and had to call home for a rescue - nothing broken you will be glad to hear.

A simple route out along the greenway, but coming off just before the first blue bridge (The Dragon Bridge) and heading along to pick up the river path.

When we got to the river, we were greeted by a watery sun brightening the day - quick get a photo before it goes again!

Our second blue bridge of the day is really quite majestic and takes us along to Queensferry.  A quick google tells me "The bridge was built by Sir William Arrol & Co. between 1925 and 1927. It takes its name from an earlier bridge on the same site which was completed in Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee year of 1897. The abutments of the old bridge are still visible at both sides to the left (facing north) of the current bridge." (Wikipedia)  Grade II listed building.  Who knew!

After the bridge we took a left and around a few back streets to cross the main road in an underpass, which brings you out at the end of Sandycroft.  From here a long straight to the airbus factory on not a great road but there is little option, and a more winding lane after the little roundabout with cars still trying to go too fast.  It was OK this morning and before long we were turning in to the airfield and negotiating hangars (also with blue doors) to the cafe (Chocks Away).

The site is littered with old airplanes, and very interesting.  Sometimes, if you are very lucky, you may see the Red Arrows.

The return home was even more direct, heading to Saltney Ferry Bridge (not blue I'm afraid) along the river, around the racecourse, along the Groves, up to Boughton and along the canal.  I did take the opportunity of another 'blue' shot, which (with a bit of post processing magic) I can highlight the blues.  Just for fun!

18 miles covered, back home for just after 1pm.

Snow day

 The final ride of the year, which we have not seemed to have for a few years now; but I was limited with leaders and as the week progressed the forecast was getting colder.  On a phone call to a friend midweek I forgot myself and arranged to join her for her 50th Parkrun, to help her celebrate.  So, we cancelled the ride.

Just as well, as although I had a very icy frost where I was, Chester actually had snow and remained very cold.  So no pictures and no write up - but I thought I would share my Parkrun photo - we went to Rosliston which starts with an 'R' so is part of the Pirate Challenge (7 'C's and an 'Rrrr').

See you all in 2023!

Another new cafe for November

 This month felt like we were getting a little more back to normal, although numbers are still down to what we had pre-pandemic, there are some familiar and regular faces coming out now.

This month is our eighth new cafe for the year, bringing our total of all cafe's visited to 67.  Just around Chester, not including weekends away.  Twelve of the
cafe's have now either closed or re-opened with a new name.  

So, as it is November and you cannot be sure of the weather PLUS people have started Christmas shopping in earnest, our chosen cafe was a little closer to home (Aldford).

Unlucky for some 13 turned up, but Sarah met us at Aldford so that evened numbers a little.

What can I say?  The weather was kind, we enjoyed a sociable amble out, and the trees still had fabulous autumn colour.  

And then we filled the cafe on our pre-booked table, enjoying coffee and cakes.

I do have small portable tripods, so I really should start to carry one.  Or my Selfie Stick! Had to make do with balancing my camera on a table.  

And then we headed home (I did offer to take a long route home, but it was unanimous to head straight back).  So I caught a few at the top of Saigton Hill.

(I wish there was an easier way to set my photo's out with Blogger!)