Too Much Snow...

...It is getting in the way of my cycling!

Despite sending out my reminder email at the start of the week, the first ladies ride of 2010 was doomed the next morning as Chester finally received some snow.  By that evening, a good four inches lay deep and crisp and even, and with temperatures not rising above freezing, by Saturday morning roads remained dodgy to say the least.

As I live so close to the cafe, I decided to go along anyway, just in case anyone else came by.  Which they didn't.  Never mind, the short ride on what I thought would be clearer roads convinced me that no roads (that I would want to ride along) would be safely passable.  So, after coffee and toast and a self-timed pic outside the cafe (to proove I was there), I headed back home.

Of course, I cannot just go straight home, without investiagting other options, so I headed over the playing fields to the cyleway 'just to see'.  Riding along the path prooved manageable, so I continued on te cycleway.  Yes! It was  rideable, hard packed snow, which was slow going but otherwise fine!  And so pretty!  I asked a chap with a doggy to take my picture this time (to proove I was there).

So, the shortest distance and lowest turn out for the ladies, but I hope you are all proud that I gave it a go!

Sue

Happy New Year 2010!

Hello all and welcome to a new year on the Ladies blog.  I have managed postings for a whole year now, and look forward to continuing through 2010!

Yesterday I was out on the bike to the new years day meet we have each year at the Carden Arms, Tilston. Although not billed as a ladies ride, I went with two ladies - Moira who has been on a few of the Ladies rides, and her sister Ali who may come again.

It was a slippy slidy snowy day, but also fabulous weather - apart from mad snow shower the instant I stepped outside the front door (which stopped by the time Ali and I got to the Piper). I don't know exact distance as I need a new battery for my computer. 

2010 promises as much and more for cycling as last year.  The ladies will continue with the monthly rides and Kingsway 10am Saturday mornings; but also there is the promised formation of a 'sister' group on the Wirral, led by my cycling chum and all round good egg, Janet.  They will meet in the Wirral and on the third Saturday morning each month starting in February.  I Very Excite!

Santa also promised me a GPS - I am still checking out what I want but hopefully in a few months (or sooner) I will be able to post the routes we have taken, so that you can follow them at your leisure.  If you do, be sure to let me know how you got on!

I am also plotting a ladies cycling weekend to Bridges YH end of May (28th -31st), there are already about 10 interested ladies - I will email out soon as we will need to book.  Email me or post a comment beow if you would like to particiapte.

We (as Chester & North Wales CTC) also have our usual varied programme of events and rides through 2010 - check out the website for news and updates, as well as full rides list for all cycling groups in the area.

Sue

New Years Day 2010

I did not plan to meet the group this year, as I planned to cycle out with Moira and Ali.  Ali called to my house - and as we left it started to snow!
We found Moira at the Piper, and set off through the soft thin layer of snow down the cycleway.

Nearing Adford, on the bit of road that affords views of the Duke's estate and clock tower (a mini Big Ben - well, he does own Westminster!) I noticed two woodpeckers flying alongside and ahead - fab!

After Aldford, Andy passed us in the car - with all the children in it!  They laughed, we laughed, Andy took photos, Ben threw snowballs (really there was very little snow!), and then we set off again.

No snow at Farndon but more along the lane, where we followed cycle tracks, an then to the pub!

A great gathering, photos on the C&NW website.

Coming out, the temperature was dropping and the thin layer of snow was now smoothed out by the cars and very slippy!  We had a nice ride back, with Welsh John, and Tony & Mike.  We left the latter two in Waverton, and John headed home from Pipers Ash, as did Ali.  I succombed to a quick visit to the Wrights and to try to prise my girls away from the Playstation 3!

I don't know my miles, my computer is not working.  I suspect it needs new batteries.