Audax UK - the long distance cycling organisation

Ranging up to the 1400 Paris - Brest - Paris and the 1600 London - Edinburgh - London, audax rides can start as low as 50km - which was the plan for this months inaugral Momma audax rides.

The idea was born last September, and when I mentioned it to our esteemed local Audax rider and organiser he was so taken with the 'beginner' level ride, that he added a short one to his October rides in North Wales - and also added a 100km and 200km rides to the September Momma audax.

(Named Momma because - the start point cafe is known as 'old ma's'.  I think that is the connection!!)


getting ready to leave Manor Farm

 I met Raina and Jo at Waverton, and Janet joined us at the cafe.  We also had two Tuesday evening riders (from the Wirral), one of whom was also a lady - so I thought with a majority of women I could pop this ride on my blog.

The weather (usual point of conversation!) promised to be wet and getting wetter, but started off dry enough which was nice!  I had planned the route a year before, but could not remember it - and Dave had 'tweaked' it, so I was not sure my gps would be accurate enough.



sunny corner with a particularly good field to pop into!

 We headed out to Beeston, then past Tarporley to Eaton, where we were challenged to try and work out kilometers on the route sheet against out mileometer computers.  We had to find a clue - name of a house - and although very rural there were still quite a few houses round.  We decided the Chapel House must be right and carried on turning before Cotebrook to pick up some lovely quiet lanes, eventually crossing the A51.



Bunbury

 In Bunbury we had to make a small purchase to obtain a receipt as evidence of passing through - but everyone locally had decided to do their weeky shop, and the queue snaked down the shop! A welcome bite of butties before we headed off again, crossing the A49 this time and heading to Peckforton.



Cup of tea at Carden Arms

 It was lovely following the sandstone ridge - and strange for me as only a week earlier I was walking it with my friend. (Snadstone Trail, that is).  We had abit of main road - just unavoidable in that area - but over quite quickly and we climbed over a little hill, before a wonderful long and gentle descent to cross the A41 and head into Tilston.

It was still dry - and had even been a bit sunny - by the time we reached the Carden Arms in Tilston.  I enjoyed a well earned pint and two ladies shared a pot of tea.



Checkpoint Charlie - or control point Dave!

 a few black clouds threatened to dampen us, and a very short shower ensued - but we were mostly stopped under a tree so managed to stay dry.  Straight back to Tattenhall but now into a headwind meant that a stop before heading home was certainly on the cards!

34 miles (=50km).

September berries

I am sorry to report I was not going to be available for the ride this September - the first one I have missed since August 2008 (I think it was). 

I believe that 10 ladies headed out to Hawarden Farm shop, and had a lovely time!. 

I asked Welna, Moira and Jo-Anne to lead the ride in my absence - and I know Welna has written a little something on her blog!

Not sure how far they all went, I will try to find out more and post some pics here too!

On her blog, Welna mentions recent foraging with the abundance of berries this September.  I was enjoying a warm sunny ride home from work today, when I was also distracted by the sight of blackberries dangling at head height.  So out came the buttie box, and it was half filled with blackberries by the time I got home!  My husband informs me that they go well with elderberries in wine making; so that is the plan!

Clockwise round Beeston

Fabulous Flowers!

You can tell it is August by the clouds of impending doom!  I love our summers!

Eight of us mustered by the cafe, Terry was again coerced into taking our photo - well actually, he was lurking by the door as I think he quite likes to take our pics!

I could hear magical music coming from someones bag as we were about to leave - then realised it was my own phone (I think someone has tinkered with the ring tone as I did not recognise it). we were ready to leave, and I could not work out my voicemail, so left it (but put the phone in one of my back pockets in case it rang again.)

We headed out via Llittleton and Christleton, past the Crocky Trail and out via the 50p shop, to pass through Huxley and finally to Tiverton, where we dropped down the hill to the Lockgate Cafe, near Beeston.  A very friendly welcome was swiftly followed by bacon butties, drinks and cakes.  This was even more quickly followed by the arrival of some of the North End (Racing club from Birkenhead) - one of which was the boyfriend of one of the ladies.  what can I say!  they were very co-ordinated as usual, but we are too cool to be bothered by that!



Overlooking canal and lock

 We finally dragged ourselves away from the decked area and up the hill towards Beeston Castle, where we turned right (avoiding the sandstone trail ramblers!) to enjoy the views towards Tarporley and dropped round Beeston hill.  Ah! my apologies if the title to this post is misleading - we didn't actually go around  Beeston!  Never mind, we can do that another time!

We headed directly back past the ice cream farm, and Martins Lane to pick up the canal in Waverton. 



Beeston Castle

 Despite the clouds it did not rain, and we accomplished a not insignificant 28 miles by the time we got back to the cafe!

Apologies to Nicola, who was trying to ring me as we left.  Not only had she had a dash to local bike shop on discovering a puncture that morning, but she also took a wrong turn coming out to meet us!  Never mind, see you next month!

8 riders for the eighth month!

Kelsall Hills

Very often my blog entry will start with a weather resume, and this month is no different. So often I have looked out of the window on a Sunday morning (my usual day for riding) and thought ‘Hmmm, wet, doesn’t look good’ – but the days I have been out (despite early prognosis) have been no where near as bad as I thought. So, even though days in the previous week had been plagued with heavy summer rain showers, Saturday was forecast to be dry and sunny – and that was exactly what we had.
11 of us grouped and left promptly at 10am – I am sorry if anyone came after we had gone, but I had planned a slightly longer route, so we needed to make a start.

Greenway to Mickle Trafford, then through to the A51, where we followed the footpath. At Stamford Bridge we took a short back road, before joining the A51 for a short stint to the roundabout by Tarvin. It is rare for me to venture onto main roads, but sometimes you need to in order to pick up a different route. However, as a large and mostly pink group we were quite visible and I made sure everyone was comfortable with the plan before we set off.




Hence we were able to sneak into the back of Tarvin through a secret gate, and down to a track I had recently tried out – a short one past the grazing cows and affording a lovely view of Tarvin church. Through Oscroft and across the A54 to the back of Barrow, then round to Ashton. Elaine was keeping track of where we were as she has family in the village.




Tarvin



Ashton



The one hill I had promised goes up a small lane out of Ashton, and is signposted as a dead end. I remember the first time I went along this lane with the club, it was in my early days of cycling and when I saw the dead end sign I thought there must be some mistake. However, it is not a dead end, and links up with another lane on the edge of Delamere Forest. Additionally, it is a very small quiet lane, with a fern filled valley halfway along.

We paused for a breather at the top (it was not a major climb, quite steady and not very long), before continuing over Brine’s Brow and along to the tea room at Eddisbury.

Unfortunately, two ladies who had dropped back on the final road missed the last turning (signposted ‘tea room’ – and they both admitted that they had seen the sign!); so when we noticed their absence, I headed out to find them. I guessed (hoped!) they had gone straight past, and went to Kelsall, where they were located safe and sound. We agreed that they would stay in Kelsall, as we were coming through that way and could pick them up later, and I re-joined the group (extra 2 miles for me!).



Eddisbury Fruit Farm tea room.

 Eddisbury Fruit Farm and tea room is situated at the bottom of the Yeld, a locally infamous long straight climb which is a 1:4 – it is a beast! We did not go up there! Instead we followed the contour road to Kelsall with its wonderful views across Cheshire to the North Wales Hills. That was where I got a puncture!

Sending some of the group ahead (to meet the other two who were already at Kelsall) I set to sorting my back wheel out. I recently bought a new tyre for my bike – and really should have put it on, as my tyre was badly ripped and torn. I had a moment of ‘oh dear what do I do now’ before we decided that gaffa tape was the way to go. I have a small roll in my saddlebag so I patched the inside of my tyre with that, changed the tube, and set off very gingerly! (it did hold and got me home!)

 

Essential items:
rubber gloves and gaffa tape!



We all finally rendezvoused in Kelsall, and set off down the hills towards Tarvin. After we crossed the A51, I noted that the two ladies were not with us. What had happened was that despite the route all being downhill one lady had stopped for a call of nature, and missed where we went. The two of them best guessed the way, and made their way home. Reassured by the rest of the ladies that had spoken to them while waiting for me to fix my puncture that they were happy to make their own way, we carried on through to Waverton and Christleton and back.

Notes to self:



 

1. Get myself a small address book for people’s numbers so that I can contact them if I lose them! (This is the first time in 4 years!)

2. Print out some ‘business’ cards with my number on, so that others can call me if there is a problem.

3. If I buy a new tyre – fit it to my bike!!!!!

30 miles

1 puncture

11 ladies

2 lost!

Wednesday Evening Bike week ride

For the second year running, I ran a ladies only ride alongside the usual Wednesday evening rides, for bike week.
Due to an enormous downpour between 6 - 6:35, only 11 people mustered outside Chester Town Hall - not bad given the circumstances!



11 cyclists at the Town Hall!



By this time it had actually stopped raining, and the big black cloud had headed northwards over Kelsall and beyond.  A few photos later and I led 4 ladies off for a 20 mile circuit up the Greenway to Mickle Trafford, Guilden Sutton, Stamford Bridge, a bit of A51 which was not too bad at 7:30 if not for the large lorries and accompanying spray!  Tarvin via a sneaky bridleway, Oscroft, Barrow (great and small) and finally back into Mickle Trafford, where I noticed that St Plegmunds well had been 'dressed' so we popped there to see that.  Sweet!



St Plegmunds Well - Well Dressing!



We were back in perfect time to meet the others at the Coach House for sandwiches and a beer!  and we were still dry - it was nice enough to sit out too!

Sue



Welcome to Hildegards new cafe in Holt!

If you follow my blog, you will know how I like to seek out new cafes, to add to my growing list of cake-selling establishments in about a 10 mile radius of Chester.  So, imagine my delight when I hear that a certain lady, known to cycling communities for many years, was opening a new cafe in Holt.  There was therefore no hesitation in picking the destination for June's ladies ride - Holt it was!!

18 sets of wheels gathered at Kingsway - the usual array of familiar faces and new.  18! that was an impressive line up navigating the lanes, I can tell you!  It is so many in fact, that the starting off photo had to be split into two, in order to show who we had!  It was traffic stopping, as we crossed Hoole Road! (safety in numbers - check out CTC campaign here).

I think I am getting little more confident leading a large group across town and negotiating junctions, traffic lights and all the obstacles that a city can throw at you (while staying together and not losing anyone).  we dropped down to the canal and along to come out along Boughton, before dropping to the river.  I had to stop to re-group - nothing to do with the half clad young men from the rowing club - honest!  We crossed the river by the Old Dee Bridge - it really is pretty along there.  I have lived in Chester all my life, and I think that sometimes you just don't see what it really looks like.  Cycling is the perfect opportunity to have that different perspective.



Leaving Eccleston



As we left Eccleston, coming under the Duke's Drive, a wonderful vista of the Welsh hills opens out - big black clouds and all!  There was a very large threatening cloud, but I was not sure if we would meet it, with the direction we were heading.  so far, so dry!

As we approached Pulford, a couple of ladies who needed to head back decided to turn off - we had a little ponder about where there may be a cafe, and I remembered Chester Lakes - so we sent them off that way.  The rest of us (now down to 15 as someone else had a date with a new allotment) continued to Rossett.  Lisa and Jo decided to forge ahead and see how fast they could go - promising to wait at the turn off. 



Cooks Bridge



We wended around Darland, and Hoseley, before returning to the main boring long straight B road to Holt.  By now that black cloud was actually quite close, and the rain trails could be clearly seen underneath it. 



Pedal as fast as you can away from that cloud!!



At the T junction about a mile or so out of Holt, I gathered all the ladies and pointed out the cloud, and requested (politely!) that they ride like stink - as fast as you can! - to get to the cafe before that gets here!!!  And we did - Just!

Hildegard was extremely accommodating, and gathered all the spare chairs she had in the establishment before settling us in the back room.  We just about fit!

choosing cakes in Hildegards cafe

After coffee, tea, carrot cake, scones, bacon and avocado baguettes etc all round, we returned to the bikes (now it had stopped raining and the sun was back out) to discover a flat tyre.  The offending wheel was dealt with, along with impromptu how-to-fix-a-puncture narrative.  We sent the Welsh girls off to the hills (to save them coming all the way back to Chester) and so now 13 of us left Holt.  It is sometimes quite mathematically challenging leading a ride!!!



changing tube with lots of help!




Crossing Holt-Farndon bridge

The weather tried a few times to rain on us, but apart from a few drops, we escaped any shower, and continued back, dropping a few here and there as we passed turnings to their village, or their street, leaving me with four of us near the cafe.  Flo was sent up the cycleway towards Mickle Trafford, and Jean and Vicky returned to their cars.

25 miles (or thereabouts!), 1 puncture, 7 Carrot cakes, no rain - Ha!!!

Xtra bank holiday ride to Llangollen

Just sometimes I plan an extra ride, if the weather looks particularly good, or if there is an appropriate cycling event happening, or if I just feel the need for some hills.  The latter caused me in May to call upon the ladies to see if anyone wanted to join me on a tootle into Wales, and specifically to Llangollen.

A few people politely declined (I am keeping a note of all these excuses!), but Sue and Lisa agreed to join in.



Jenny & Sue climb lower mountain

I met Sue at the Roodee, at 9:30.  Not a bad starting location.  We set off out along Lache Lane to Kinnerton, where we met Jenny - taking her new bike out for spin but with no particular plans.  Imagine her joy when I suggested she join us (at least to the cafe in Caergwrle) which meant she had to climb back up all the hills she had just sailed down (well, she did want to get used to her new gears!).

Therefore three of us met Lisa at the cafe (a new one for the ladies and not as far out as I thought, so it will be on the list for a 'normal' Saturday ride!). 



Tudor House Cafe, Caergwrle

Twas a damp and breezy day, Jenny and Sue could not stay out, so Lisa and I pedalled off towards Cefn (Y Bedd) and turned right up the road past Ffrith (known to cyclists as 'the steps').  Coats on and off intermittently, rain had actually ceased by the time we were near Bwlchgwyn, and across to Minera.

One more hill (!!) brought us on to the top of Worlds End, where hills gave way to a brutal headwind!  Bleak is another description!!!


Sue riding into the wind on Worlds End



We dropped through the Ford and took the panorama road to pass Castell Dinas Bran, before dropping to the Wharf Cafe on the canal.  At this point the sun came out!!  We were able to sit outside and enjoy the warmth with a spot of lunch.



Rocky cliffs of Worlds End



Lisa heading to Dinas Bran (centre pic)





at the Wharf Cafe above Llangollen



The canal leading out of Llangollen

We followed the canal (saved dropping to the main road, which can also be quite busy) and rejoined just as the canal goes under the road.  We headed up past Vale Crucis Abbey and the Britannia pub, and steadily climbed the Horseshoe Pass, stopping once for a photo (and enjoying being pushed up the second half by the same roaring wind which was now on our backs!).



Lisa on the last bit of the Horseshoe Pass



Another short break at The Ponderosa, before dropping spectacularly down the other side.  I remembered a small gated road that cuts out the main road, roundabout and a particularly nasty junction; so we followed that, comparing sheep and enjoying the extremely quiet lane!  As we rejoined the main road (and Lisa realised where we were!), we were able to be blown over the Llandegla Moors and then drop over the other side past Treuddyn and home.

I did 57 miles from home - but, believe me, they were QUALITY miles!!!!!

Plagued with Punctures!




13 at the cafe, puncture No.1 fixed

It is bad enough to experience a puncture when out of a ride, but to have one (or two) before you even set off is just darned unlucky!  So began our May ride, with a first timer and her flat front tyre.  Jean leapt to the rescue, and I left them to find and fix the hole while I attended to the next mechanical question - Angela arrived mudguard in hand!  It had 'fallen off', so we just took it off and left it with the cafe to pick up at a later time (good excuse to come out to the cafe!).
After the puncture was found and fixed, we set off - but most unfortunately Jean now had a flat tyre.  She waved us on - but in retrospect I should've told her to meet us in Waverton - just didn't think - so this is my public apology - sorry Jean, I will buy you a cup of tea next time to make up for it!

Joining the canal near Vicars Cross

I had a plan b and c in case of rain, and the wind was strong so was not sure how we would get on. We set off up the canal, and followed it out past Waverton (joining the road at Eggbridge), until Jane (another one!) also had a puncture.  I sent the ladies ahead with Marvellous Moira while we attacked Jane's puncture.  As we crossed the canal at Golden Nook (I love the way all our canal bridges have names - is that just a local thing?) we found Emma, Jane and Jo attending to Jane's second puncture.  (We have had words about this!!).

It was just getting so complicated, as now the other 7 girls had pedalled off into the distance of Tattenhall.  I left the four with directions to 'stay together and follow the road!' while I bombed ahead to find them.  With the tailwind I was averaging about 21-22 mph!  However, I was also conscious how strong the wind was (that we would have to head into to return), and that the time was getting later, so I ditched plan a (we will try that another time) and reverted to plan b which was to head to Old Ma's.

Finally we all landed at Old Ma's, and enjoyed a variety of refreshments before some headed back.


Heads down into the wind at Gatesheath





...and on towards Bruera.



We, the main group - now 8 of us - returned via crossing the A41 and into Bruera and Saighton.  Stopping at the top of the hill by Abbeygate College there is a lovely view across to Eaton Hall. And the sun was out!



View to Eaton Hall across the fields.



21 miles.  4 punctures.  No rain!

Fabulous Belles on a Treasure Hunt

It is such a long time between rides i thought I would blog about the Treasure Hunt Janet and I did on 30th April.

Organised by one of the ladies from Wrexham Group (and also currently secretary of Chester and North Wales CTC) I know it would be a good (difficult and challenging!) Treasure Hunt.



Diane leaving Expresso Cafe

 So, bright and early on a Saturday morning following a certain wedding, I caught the 8:22 Cardiff train first stop Wrexham.  A couple of miles back roads brought me to Gwersyllt, and the Expresso cafe - as good a start as any to a days riding!  As more people arrived, I noted Janet (esteemed leader of Bicycle Belles) crossing the car park, and we agreed to partner up for the treasure hunt.



View to Beeston from Gresford lanes



Sue and Janet enjoy a break between events

 The route was pleasant, the weather glorious, and the clues devious!  We got most of them right (despite having an answer for everything - no comment!), and came second out of the four teams (teams of two).



Noting the number on the postbox

 Many lanes were retraced in the afternoon map reading.  Janet left me and I joined forces with a couple of friends (although it should be completed alone).  The idea is simple - you are given a list of map co-ordinates (24 of them), which you have 15 minutes to plot on your map and decide a route to visit as many as you can.  The locations were all post boxes, so easy to spot as bright red!  All are worth at least a point - some up to 5 points!   We didn't really enter as we rode together but it was most pleasant and we got 18 points!  I had an advantage as I knew the lanes very well, so could quickly navigate between points, but a strong headwind made us rethink the points we were aiming for.  You only have two hours to complete the challenge, which is not long!

This is the first map reading comp I have taken part in locally, and I think I have devised some strategies for next time. 

Many thanks to Lowri for the time and effort put in to devising both competitions, and look forward to next years events!

Spring to the Eureka

It was one of those dark gloomy mornings that threatened rain and - despite the clocks going back a week ago - seemed to be getting darker!


Undeterred, 10 ladies gathered at the allotted time for the obligatory photo shoot by Terry from the cafe. (he loves being part of the ladies - if we only allow him in for 5 minutes!).

With one new face in the 10 we set off past my favourite blossom tree.  We wendled our way through Upton to the Zoo, and took a fairly routine route out to the Eureka - although new to most apart from Jo as we cycled (nearly) past her front door!

Near to Mollington there is a part of route 56 that has about 7 gates along its length.  So, I explained all about 'Gate Etiquette' (see new addition to the bottom of the 'rider communication' page).  This was taken on board marvellously, and allowed swift passage through to the main road by Dunkirk.

We were met at to Eureka by Sonia from Two Mills / Bicycle Belles.  Much chatting and quaffing (of tea!) as usual, followed by a spring filled return via Woodbank and Lodge Lane to pick up the Greenway at Sealand.  By now the sun was definitely out, and the day was warming up and becoming decidedly spring like, helped significantly by the tail wind I had been searching for all the way home from work yesterday!



Leaving Eureka cafe, Two Mills.  There has been a cyclists cafe here for over 80 years!

 18 miles.