May the rain stay away!

Ooooh the forecast on Thursday for Saturday was rain rain all day.  By Friday (which was very, very wet) the forecast appeared to be sunny all day, but the morning to start with did not promise much other than rain!  Still, working on the premise 'Rain before 7, fine before 11'and the fact that hey, what's a bit of rain? 28 ladies dutifully gathered at Kingsway cafe (there was even a bit of sun!).

Never mind the black clouds - this is the ladies ride - we don't have rain!

And a brightly coloured crew we were too!  Three groups; slow and steady, Regular and Faster Further set off on pre-plotted routes  thanks to the magic of modern technology, Map my Ride and Facebook!

Welna and Lind led the regular group, which I joined, and we had a lovely (and even sunny in parts) ride through Hoole, along the canal to Vicars Cross, Boughton crossing by the Cherry Orchard to Stocks Lane, and Huntington to the Rake and Pikel where we took the Saighton road.

At Saighton we dropped down the hill - with one of my favourite views off to the right - Dukes Tower and Welsh hills, with added Rape field to include some colour.

At the ice cream farm a few ladies could not resist having an ice cream (even though quite a cold day!).












After coffee, snacks, and a few ice creams, we set off in our respective groups again,dropping people as we go (as they near their homes and can head back).  Past the two bridges, to Hargrave and Crocky Trail, Waverton and Christleton.  Pearl lane over the bridge and along the A41 (cycle path)

20 miles.  And no rain!

Afternoon tea and Farewell ride to Hildegard at Holt

Hildegards tea rooms at the cross in Holt has become a favourite of cyclists over the last four years.  Prior to that she ran the cafe at Waterways (near Wrexham industrial estate) and before that she was at Bellis's, when it was a small friendly cafe.  

A couple of years ago she was diagnosed with leukemia but recovered and had the all clear following treatment.  However, she is unwell again,and so is returning to her family in Munster (Germany).  I really wanted to pop down and see her again,and with her well, so an afternoon tea ride was shared on facebook for anyone to come and join me.

5 ladies met at the Piper in Hoole, and (after I popped back home for the card I had got out) we set off to Caldy Valley and Saighton, where we met Kath (from Farndon).  It was a lovely sunny afternoon as we dropped past Saighton Grange and along the lanes and back lanes to Churton.

I spied a big black and ominous cloud over Wales (you have quite a good outlook from these lanes,across the lower Dee valley), and pondered if we would make it in time before it struck - if it was indeed coming our way.  A few light spots worried me, but we carried on regardless past the Lions and into Farndon.

We met Welna and Stephen already parked outside in the sun (although they were experiencing different weather every five minutes ( jacket on, sunglasses off; sunglasses on, jacket off!).

Coffee Tea and Cake (CTC!) shared around and hugs and best wishes - and a photo with the selfie stick (I don't know why people keep laughing at me with my selfie stick!)


We parted company, and I set off with Caroline and Kath to Borras Head, and along the fab
 
contour underneath Gresford, with extravagant views across Cheshire to Frodsham, Beeston and more.  Caroline continued up and Kath and I diddled around the Hoseley lanes before also parting company.  

Spring lanes around Hoseley

Wild garlic along Duke's Drive in Chester