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.

Yes, even a ride in December!

The final ladies ride for 2009 was sunny, and bright.  Seven of us left the cafe - bit of a wrench as I had sucumbed to having a quick coffee (got up too late for one at home!) but off we went up the new cycleway (again).  A quick photo  at the end before heading through Guilden Sutton to cross the A51.  A short wend to Waverton then left and past the Crocky Trail to Walk Mill.

I think we are all agreed that it was as warm and welcoming as ever, with a photo out front before we went in and a brief tour upstairs afterwards.

We returned to Chester along the canal before parting, a cosy 15 miles (I think -  my computer is not working.  Dear Santa.....)

Next ride is the 9th January, 10am, Kingsway Cafe.

November Big Cakes

A suprising seven ladies joined me on the 14th November, braving the threat of rain.  They weren't suprised, but I was!

The weather - a usual conversion point - was kind to us initially.  Black clouds did not deter us as we wound our way through to Boughton and then dropped to the river.  We followed the river bank as far as we could to Saltney Ferry Bridge, where we crossed over.  By now slight precipitation was apparent, but undeterred we continued on the back road around the Airbus factory.  I think the usual jolly converation spurred us on - although we had to stop while Angela put on her waterproof legs. 

Some slight gaps appeared as we climbed the only hill of the day, which led us directly opposite the cafe (Hawarden Fam Shop).  I thought I had fairies with me, but I realised it was my phone (I am not stopping on a hill to answer THAT!!!).  It was Welna who had come out to meet us.

The cafe was very busy on account of a foody festival - but we found space to sit together and enjoy our well earned refreshments.  If you were not there you can only dream of the cakes we had the choice of! 

Proper rain as we left the cafe.  Not mist, not drizzle, not even spitting - but proper fat heavy rain, as we descended the only hill of the day.  One sometimes wonders if flippers would be more appropriate!

However, despite getting well, yes, OK we were very wet - the rain did stop as we reached the bridge and crossed back over the river and headed towards Sealand Road.  The Christmas shopping traffic had backed up already, but we crossed over and cut through to Blacon and up the other only hill of the day.  With some navigational assistance from one of our newest members (Thanks Susan!) we picked up the cycleway and returned to the cafe.

A decidedly soggy 19 miles today!

I'm sorry there are no photos - my husband had my camera in Poland!  I'm not sure anyone would have appreciated me taking photos on this ride - they never do at the best of times.  As for evidence of the big cakes - you will just have to come next time we go there!

Extra ride up the new cycleway!

Chester opened a new extension to the existing cyclepath through Chester on the 25th October - I had permission to explore with a sneak preview on the 24th.

So, on Saturday 24th, due to cancellations because of holidays, illness and the weather, two ladies joined me in Kingsway Cafe for a snack while the rain poured.

Then, as the rain stopped and the sky cleared, we set off on 'the new bit'! I took a quick photo (no change there) and discovered the use of a cycle helmet - as a stand for my camera on self time mode!

We had a lovely ride, meeting a few workmen in tiny diggers and road sweepers as they put the finishing touches to the path. as we approached the Guilden Sutton turning, Nosheen thought she could see a horse on the path. Emma agreed - but as we got closer I said it was a horse - but not a real one! Our resident Hoole artisit was adding finishing touches to the willow horse (like ears).

On arrival in Mickle Trafford, we turned right and headed to the A51, where we crossed towards Chrisleton, and encountered our first headwind. It was a bit of a battle, 'till we turned towards the Gowy bridges and up towards Tarvin.

I could tell how I asked Emma if she would manage a bit of 'off road' on her narrow tyres, and I could tell you that she replied if I told her she could she would be fine - she might have mentioned she was quite gullible, but I do not want to embarrass her.

When we arrived at the start of the Roman Bridges, Nosheen slipped a little but by the time we had righted her, Emma ws no where to be seen! She shot off like a rocket! We managed to re-group and trundled through to Tarvin - where I found a rather super dress shop (probably too posh for me and certainly not suitable for the bike).

A meander around the back lanes of Barrow brought us to the A56, where we headed for Mickle Trafford and picked up the cycleway back.

a neat 18 miles - all in sunshine with blue skies, I may add for the skeptical who though it would rain all day!

You never know who you will meet.....

October ladies ride had a good turn out, new faces and familiar. We set off up Mannings Lane and round the lanes to drop through the Zoo - for some exotic animal spotting. Across the canal and up the hill towards Backford then cross the A41 to head for Mollington.

Being a little less familiar with these lanes, and minus map, a few lucky guesses brought us out near Saughall. I stopped the group for one of my usual 'this is what we are going to do' prep talks, you know the sort - it's a busy road, we are turning left here then next right, take your time, we will re-group.....only to find there were no cars in sight, we turned onto the road and into Saughall with no problem!!! It can happen!

We hung another right in Saughall and followed this lane to the new bridge over the A5117. Despite being only a couple of miles from the Eureka cafe (cyclists cafe at Two Mills) we did not head that way, but instead picked up a cycle track that runs alongside the main road at Sealand - to pick up the Chester - Deeside cycle route.

It was at this point that a cry came from the back - 'can we go faster?!' So, we obliged! It is a nice flat (ish) smooth and straightforward route (ie it is very hard to lose anyone), and we proper zoomed along.

However, despite the promise of coffee and toast at the cafe, a few people planned to drop off along the route. As we re-grouped for a final time, we met a couple on what looked like extended roller blades, but also sporting long walking poles. I had to ask.

Cross country skiers, (without the snow) in training. I tell you, you meet all sorts of people when you are out on your bike! My big regret is that I did not take a photo of them, and more that I did not ask them to take a picture of us - before we spilt up. Those of you who know me - can you believe it!!!

By the time the five of us that were left returned to the cafe we had completed a tidy 16 miles. And all before lunch!

Lunch in Dodleston

Todays ride was unusual as it was planned to be a full day rather than the usual morning. We were blessed with the most fabulous sunshine, and four ladies met myself and my girls at Kingsway cafe. After a little deliberation with a bike pump, and an emergency dash home to collect my track pump, we were able to leave through the streets of Hoole.

We followed the canal for a short while, then dropped to the river and up through Handbridge to pick up the 'Dukes Drive'.

We were heading for the Red Lion in Dodleston, to meet up with some other local CTC cycling groups in the area. we sat outside in the sun and with a few inquisitive wasps.

The return journey back through Westminster Park picked up part of our outward route, so we headed down to the meadows and caught the ferry at Sandy Lane. unfortunately, much to the dismay of my girls, we did not linger at the water park, but headed up through Great Boughton to return to the cafe.

A Leisurely 20 miles today.

August Ladies Ride

Despite the prediction of rainy weather and the ‘intrusion’ of the holiday season, four dedicated ladies braved the poor weather prediction to do the Fabulous Ladies ride on 15 August to the ice cream farm near Tattenhall.







A few raindrops were around as we set off but soon disappeared within a few minutes of the ride. We took quiet country lanes and soon found ourselves in the lovely East Cheshire country side. The ride was uneventful (no punctures!) and arrived at the Ice Cream farm where we parked up and enjoyed some refreshments (lovely scones and tea!).

We took an altered route back to Chester and enjoyed some different scenery. We passed the Crocky Trail enroute which was quire busy. Soon we were on the outskirts of Chester where we all split to go individual ways. As usual, a lovely ride with excellent company at a pace that fits all. Why not dedicate a morning to yourself and come and join us for some good company and a morning out and away from the usual buzz.

By Welna.

Jolly July!

It was a damp morning, but the sun peeked out at 9:31, so I was hopeful.

five ladies joined my daughter and I - but as Kate's friend could not make it she went home (draw of the telly!-teenagers!).

So, not to be detered, six of us set off in slightly damp conditions. we dropped down to Mickle Trafford, through to Guilden Sutton, and crossed the A51 to tootle round the back of Chrisleton. The weather stopped being damp, and we passed through Waverton and the Crocky Trail. In a smaller backlane we were threatened with a farmers watering system, so I slowed to try to time it right (which we did). Maxine, however, was quite keen to be soaked, and I think was secretly disappointed when she also passed through untouched. Adds to the excitement ! (?)

We had a very sociable coffee break in Okells, where we discussed many things. On arrival, Zoya asked where we were exactly. No amount of describing the lanes and villages helped, until we mentioned the pub in Duddon. Say no more! So I got my map out to let out all my secrets of where we were.

On our return journey I managed to get in a style, some photos and the Hockenhull Platts (Roman Bridges/ packhorse bridges/ Gowy bridges), finally picking up the canal in Chrisleton as the sun was coming out and the day was warming significantly! We clocked 17 miles this month.

More photos can be found on the Cycling in Chester group on FaceBook. Check it out!