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!

The changing seasons

 This autumn has been alternately unseasonable warm, or cold and wet.  The annual debate about whether to put the heating on yet or not will be discussed; but if you are a jumpers on sort of person, put another log on the fire person, or sod it put the heating on now, there is no getting away from the need for waterproofs when the forecast is for heavy showers.

I was sat on my own until half past, wondering if the forecast had finally put people off, with cafe staff asking me if anyone was coming.  Oh they of little faith! (in my ladies, that is; as it is a run by volunteers from the churches I do not doubt their ultimate faith!)  Eleven expectant ladies joined me, and we managed a quick chat in the sun and set off before the black cloud could deposit any of the damp stuff.

I had no 'official photographer' this morning!

As I had not set groups off individually, we ended all heading out along the Greenway, and we sorted ourselves into two groups at the end.  We were all heading generally the same way.  By co-ordinating my group of six to ride side by side, fairly close, along the A56, and with me at the rear giving 'Paddington' stares to vehicles that came up behind, we had safe passage until we were able to join the lanes after the railway bridge.  (I do not give a mean stare, even just a glance over the shoulder is enough usually to slow cars and for them to pass a little wider.  Don't ask me how that works, but it really does).

We enjoyed glorious sunshine all the way to the cafe, although the trees have not yet come into their full autumn glory.  One lady had recently returned from a trip to Scotland, and noted the trees there were already all shared of gold and red.  Next month I am sure we will see the difference.

On arrival at the cafe, there was another dubious large black cloud, so we quickly locked up and headed inside, where I secured three tables as others queued.  The second group arrived shortly after.  

Although only the 14th October, 
the cafe was fully decorated
with Halloween paraphernalia!

Delamere has a new large cafe, so booking was not needed.  It was not too busy today, but there were plenty of staff and I think more loos than I have ever seen even in motorway services!  Makes a change from lots of cafe's we visit who only have the one toilet.  New barriers to the car park too, it is a while since I have cycled that was so I was a little unsure.

Leaving all as one group we headed along the rough track that brings us to the bottom of the Yeld, by Kelsall Cycles.  We did not head up the Yeld (with an average gradient of 4.7%), but along the bottom and then followed the gradient around to Kelsall.  By the time we got to the t-junction in Kelsall it was raining, and Mary stopped to put her rain legs on (waterproof over trousers).  We dropped down the hill but Mary unfortunately missed the last turn off to the left, but had said she would make her own way back if she missed us.

We regrouped at the end of Common Lane, but by now an insanely black cloud was rudely throwing large amounts of rain at us (including a rumble of thunder!) - so after a quick photo (of course) we huddled under a slightly dryer large tree (as the trees still do have leaves, they still offer some shelter).  This was a wise move, and enabled Rowena to also put her rain legs on.  Just as the rain started to ease, the sun slipped out and caused a rainbow I was certain we would see (I had kept looking at signs of brightening of the sky, but to no avail until now).  

We were now able to pedal on down to Oscroft and Tarvin in the sunshine, where we picked up a terribly overgrown cycle path which takes us alongside the A51.  (Report any faults of potholes you find to the Council here).

Changing times and The 'New Normal'

October was approaching, we have not had group ladies ride since March when we were heading rapidly to a lockdown, and no-one knew (or would've believed) how long it was going to last (and is still ongoing).  Now, cafes have started to open back up, with increasing safety measures which, although more consistent in the last few weeks, still remain sporadic to different establishments.

We had a zoom leaders meeting in August, and delayed restarting group rides as it was still very uncertain.  By September we agreed that maybe some leaders could have up to six in a group, and with about six leaders happy with this, we set up plans to restart in October.

A week before the rides, however, our Flintshire ladies were faced with new restrictions (alongside Wrexham) and were not allowed now to cross the border - Chester lost half the leaders overnight.  Alex suggested a Flintshire Fab ladies, and we ploughed on with Chester, now with three leaders.

Wednesday, the weather forecast was promising, and of course by now we have wonderful autumn colours.  It has been very wet (I usually start each post with a weather synopsis, so here it comes!).  However, by Friday teatime the weather had gone from 10% rain to 80%.  Some riders dropped out from one group, and by Saturday morning Jane and Hayley had cancelled their ride.  I had three cancellations, but that still left three of us - this is our story.

The Debate

Take out only at the cafe

I met Sue and Karen at Kingsway cafe.  We sat outside and had waitress service, after ordering at the table across the door.  Liz, the new cafe manager, was also sat outside so I was able to have a catch up with her and introduce myself before we left.

Sitting under the covered alcove in front of the cafe window, we talked about the Fab ladies, as both riders today are interested in supporting as leaders; so it was useful to have that dedicated time to share how we used to organise ourselves, the ethos of the ladies (social and leisure, to encourage women to join group riding), and update over recent weeks.  

The Outward Ride

Hargrave

By 10:15, the rain was much less, and we agreed we were here anyway, so let's go for it.  Suitably waterproofed up, we wended our way through Christleton and Waverton, by which time I realised I had not updated the cafe.  We paused in Hargrave, a strategic stop near a bus stop shelter, and phoned the cafe.  Just as I started to speak to Lisa, the heavens decided to open - so we quickly shuffled into the shelter (this is a beauty of small groups).  After a short shower we were off again.

Worth sheltering from this!

Chowley Oaks, another downpour

We sheltered again in the porch of an office building, at Chowley Oaks business park - I wanted to double check my may anyway, and as it started to rain again this was another strategic pause.  Karen recognised the route after this - but she said she usually does it the other way.  I love this about cycling, the same route reversed seems totally different.

The Cafe

We arrived at 12 to the Lakeside Cafe, very pretty small cafe with decking overlooking a small lake.  It is also a campsite, tucked off the main road in a pretty quiet corner.  

(Note to self, the Cock O' Barton pub is 10 minute walk away, so tempted to book in with the camper either soon or next spring).

The Return Journey

There comes a time when all bacon butties are consumed, coffee drunk and facilities utilised and we have to get back out there.  It was not too cold, and the rain was less frequent. We climbed (small incline) to Churton, and took to the back lane.  Similarly to Aldford, after about a mile on the 'B' road we went around the back, admiring and discussing estate houses (belonging to 'the Duke' - of Westminster).  Rejoining the 'B' road, we had seen ominous clouds coming from North Wales and heading our way, so plumped to stay on the 'B' road.

Lovely colours - and sunshine and blue skies!

The Flintshire Fabs

Flintshire Fabulous Ladies Ride - 2 groups of 5 brave ladies in each group.

 

Cheryl - My group finished off in the new bike shop cafe in Mold ( bike/cafe is Alpha Cycle Worx on the Bromfield industrial estate). Great coffee and lots of socially distanced seating

As it was rather soggy we didn’t stop much and my phone was in a waterproof bag, so not many photos. My group did a 4 mile shorter, less hilly and more moderately paced route than Alex’s group. All the ladies were exceptionally good at socially distancing while riding as well as when we stopped at the top of a couple of inclines.

Alex had planned for us to stop at Hope Post Office where they sell take-out coffee, but my group didn’t want to drink coffee in the rain, so we opted to finish the 24 mile route and have a coffee in the new bike shop Alpha Cycle Worx in Mold. In the end, most of the group went straight home, with only Becky and myself trying out the new cafe. Alex’s group had made an impromptu stop at Honey’s in Hope. Despite the weather, we had lots of laughs and even saw some blue sky, albeit only for about 2 minutes, then it disappeared.

 

Liz - "Great ride ! Didn’t even notice the rain Thanks for leading and to Alex  for organising"

Sue - "Great ride ....despite the weather. Can you send me details of your waterproof cycling trousers please??"

Becky - "Thanks so much everyone it was a great ride!"

 

Alex

Very wet but not cold ride today for the Flintshire Fabs. One group went to Honeys Cafe in Hope and sat under a patio heater in the dry. The second had coffee at the new bike shop in Mold after the ride. Well done all who ventured out!

Alison - "Great morning / lovely to catch up with you fabulous ladies"

Sharon - "Thanks Alex, really enjoyed the route and the ride"

Awesome Autumn

I heard on the radio the other morning that we have had the driest start of autumn since 1951.  This has meant the leaves have stayed on the trees longer, allowing them to change to the wonderful colours we have all enjoyed for the past 4-6 weeks.  Then a few days ago we had lots and lots of rain; yesterday a touch of frost and ice and lovely clear blue skies, followed by torrential rain at 3am this morning.  It was still decidedly damp as we assembled at Kingsway Cafe, leading to contemplations between the planned ride to Cotebrook or a shorter one to Okells garden Centre.

Catherine persuaded us to stick to plan A, and Sonia pointed out that the weather forecast said it was going to stop at 10am.  So we gathered under the shelter of the front of the cafe for a photo, before sending Alex and her faster group off.  

It stopped raining.  Ace!

We made our way out through the lanes, and up over Utkinton to drop down to the A49 and Cotebrook.  We pulled some tables together, and the cafe were really helpful and friendly saying chairs are moveable and they made us feel very welcome.  A variety of refreshments were brought to us, and we started to wonder where the faster group were?

Alex and her small group arrived in time, having had a small incident near Waverton (a woman, part of the hunt gathering, had caused one lady to stop suddenly and there ensued a tumble; once all had dusted themselves down, they discovered  a puncture which took a couple of attempts to fix.  All were OK though and apart from some bruising and scuffs to clothing, were able to complete the ride).

Our route back seemed to bring together all the best views and colours still available, and by now I had been able to charge my camera a little in the cafe.  So now I can share some colours and photos with you!

When we got back, and re-joined our faster group, a few of us retired to the Dee Miller - I wanted to book us in for next month Christmas victuals and we finished the ride with a little drink.  Very nice

26 miles (+ further faster)

Six ride to Bala...

...but only from Corwen!


It seemed like a good idea at first, and a few weeks ago it was turning into a Grand Day Out as six of us tried to communicate with email and facebook to co-ordinate cars and lifts to Corwen.  But with a 9am start, this meant getting up around 6am and congregating at my house for a 7:40 set off!  At least it was light by then!


Six fabulous ladies at the start



 The first quest was to find the cafe and parking, and the second was to navigate to the loos!  The cafe and craft shops are housed in the old workhouse in Corwen - which I never knew existed.  We had a quick cuppa before venturing out of Corwen and up the first hill of the day.  It was a nippy start, with promise of no rain, and even some sunshine. 









The route was simple - follow the river up to it's source at Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid); go around the lake, then back along the valley.  Simples.  What can go wrong?

Vicky and Krissy deep in conversation
- and not a route sheet between them!


The first thing that happened (after Vicky and Krissy sailed off into the distance) was another lady we befriended had a small exploding incident with her rear mech (the two wheel coggy thing by the back wheel that changes gear).  Once she had retrieved the parts form the road, we realised it was totally unridable (Sarah - "what do we do when a bike cannot be ridden?", "Hmmm, good question!").  We contacted the organiser, and negotiated a pick up.  Then carried on!



Photos on-the-go!





 

Random pointing with Bala below

Quick photo stop

After a photo stop or two later and small mistake with the route (50 yds) we arrived at the control at Llanuwchllyn, and after debating prescription cycling glasses we charged to Bala along the main road (mercifully quiet).

Sarah passing Lake Bala (and me!)

Cafe and Control in Bala, then continue to the B road after Bala, and side lanes to follow the valley.  Now on much quieter lanes, narrow and full of pheasants who leaped out at me (usually in front) with much clacking and flapping, sometimes just running along the road in a bit of a quandary before appearing to remember that they have wings!  Not to mention the added sudden appearance of a landrover - not a lot of space to pass, especially as I had just been taking photos, and we were gliding downhill!

Then Raina had a puncture - courtesy of local farmers/ landowners not clearing up very well after mashing the hedges.  We helped by taking photos of each other, pumping up tubes, admiring the view....at least she unglued the tyre from the rim (thanks to a certain cycle shop!). 

We were soon on our way to rendezvous with Vicky and Krissy (sat in Corwen for past few hours...).  Super route, fabulous scenery, great company, good day out all round.



First sighting of Bala Lake



Bridge over River Dee near Llandderfel

Sue

[it has to be said, after all that, we managed to lose Nosheen between the cafe and car park when heading home.  This is the car park across the road.  I still do not know how she does it!]

37 miles, 42 Pheasants, 1 puncture, -1rear mech.