Showers, Flowers and Wind

'March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers' as the saying goes - and we had all three today!
At 9:30 the sky darkened.  As grey clouds slipped over the previously tantalising blue and sunny morning, the promise of a faulty weather forecast also dwindled!  

As requested everyone who was planning to come had let me know (except one lady who had a new email address and therefore had not had my email, and one brand new who did not know).  21 riders assembled, signed in and then grouped under cover for the start up photo.

We sent of Alex with the regular/ furtherish group (only two leaders today, therefore only two groups) before I set off with the slow and steady.  Several new faces out today which is always nice!




Using the greenway to get going, we headed to Mickle Trafford and then the A56 - a bit further than usual to include Dunham Hill (sneaky climb).  

We could see the black clouds heading our way, and after a descent and being passed bythe faster group (they had had a detour!) it started to rain.  

Not too bad at first, but I had to backtrack as I changed my mind about the route - and this brought us to a heavier shower.  

The rain shower was very short lived and soon we were climbing the back lanes of Barrow, between deep sandstone cuttings topped with bluebells.





The cafe was very busy despite me phoning ahead and warning that 21 of us were on our way!  We took over slightly (!), and even had to send the Wrexham Cafe Hoppers away (sorry guys!) as there was just not enough room (even then people were nearly sitting on each others knees!).

Just before we headed back off, I wanted to explore the bluebell woods.  Barrowmore Estate is part of the Cheshire Bluebell Recovery Project.

We then regrouped and set off, with slight changes to riding groups and a nice downhill start (the sun still shining!).  It was at this point I realised that,due to waitress service, I had forgotten to pay!  Flo was heading back that way, so I gave her my money and she kindly offered to pop in on her way back and pay my bill (and one other lady,not just me!)


Then we had a very windy return along the A51 (footpath) to re-join the lanes and head through Guilden Sutton and Pipers Ash and back.



21 ladies, 15 and 22 miles.  

Brakes, Bridges and Blossom

My 100th Fab ladies blog post!

I arrived at the cafe a little later than the 1/2 past I had intended - to find everyone sitting down nice and quietly (it can sometimes get a bit hectic on a Saturday as everyone arrives!).  Kath and Welna led the further faster group off, followed by myself and Jo-Anne with the regular pace - Nicky and Gill had a few slow and steady riders.


















Regular ride - we set off up Kingsway/Mannings Lane, to cross at the lights and have a nice downhill.  We had a short stretch of A56 (quite a quiet main road usually) but one new rider appeared to be struggling.  After we turned into the lanes I invited her to ride 'up front' as this can help to set a pace a slower rider can manage but also is not as demoralising, trying to catch up a group.  But we could hear something rubbing, and realised that her brakes were catching - and she was effectively riding with her brakes on!  We stopped, and I loosened off the brakes (sounds scary, but as long as you tighten the nut after loosening the cable all should be good!)  and much improvement was noted!

Heading through Kelsall

I picked a slightly circuitous route via Ashton and Kelsall, with a couple of climbs - but this also gives smashing views  across Cheshire to the Welsh Hills.  Then we dropped to Duddon and came in the back of Okells.

Wow! New cafe!  - we have been here a couple of times before, but last Wednesday they opened their now extended cafe.  Very nice, and very efficient (which was a good job as I only managed to phone them that morning!!)







Suitably refreshed, the further faster lot went off, and I took the regulars along the Gowy bridges (as it had been dry but this route also offers shelter from the slight headwind).  Mandatory stop for photos on the bridge - not actually my idea, I must add!  The steady group caught up with us, so more pics!

A lovely spring feel to the air, trees in blossom Rape fields just coming out.  And a nice warm up for the Spring 50 tomorrow (see Chester CTC Blog)

Team Honk Bloggers Relay #cakecrawl

And now for something completely different!

Earlier this year I had become aware of a Sports Relief 'Bloggers Relay' - but when I found out what it was, the route was decided and despite me whinging on facebook (sorry to my fellow bloggers) that it was seeming to spend three days in Manchester, it looked like we could not really participate.  The Manchester ride did however coincide with the March Ladies ride date, and (typically) in the week before I decided to plot a route taking in several cafes, and do our own relay - blogging is after all, in the virtual world!

So, armed with some sign in sheets, a sponsor form, a 45 mile route and not much else, I headed to Kingsway Cafe for our usual start.

It was delightful to see about 6 new faces join us - but I had to warn - this is not a regular usual ride!

Kingsway Cafe #1

18 of us left Kingsway cafe - cafe #1.  I had seen a baton on the real relay, bedecked with ribbons.  So, not to be outdone, I dug out a small pump, and we tied some ribbons around it.

Chester Groves, by the River Dee

It is a challenge in itself to navigate 18 people out of Chester, being stopped and split at traffic lights and even a couple of hills.  Lots of re-grouping and a late start from the cafe put us quite behind time arriving at our first destination.  







We lost five and gained five at Chester Lakes - quick turnaround as we were so late, needed to phone the next destination, Hawarden, get a photo with cafe owner and as many riders - and of course the baton!

At Chester Lakes, cafe #2

 Now I had leaders for a second group, and the open country roads ahead.  I ditched a loop round Dodleston to try and make up time, but Hawarden is on a hill, so climbing was unavoidable.  The groups mingled on the hill, but all eventually made it, before climbing up through Bluebell woods, and the Hawarden Estate.  

When we made it to the Farm Shop, I know I was hungry, so people had a little snack stop - we stayed outside and the girls very kindly brought us some free drinks for our efforts - orange and apple juice.

Photos, tweets, message to Helen sat waiting at the next cafe, and then we set off again - lost a few and gained one (I have lost count now!)

Hawarden Farm Shop - cafe #3

The next leg dropped us down through Mancot - quite a pleasant route - to Sandycroft, where we used an underpass by the tip to get to the Queensferry road.  This is all quite industrial, run down and quite a contrast to the green fields, country lanes and views across Cheshire we had had so far.  Much of it was alongside a main road, on a cyclepath - but good link as we needed to cross the river.

What Joy and Delight awaited us at Woodbank. As we join the main A540 road from Chester - a usually busy and fast but also unavoidable road - we passed through some traffic cones and realised that the road was closed for line painting.  No cars!  Absolutely fantastic (of course, I took the credit for arranging for the road to be closed!).

Hosta Cafe - cafe #4

Back into the lanes and to our next cafe - where Helen had been patiently waiting, pacing, drinking coffee and generally entertaining herself until we finally arrived.  Sadly, we had missed the Wirral Bicycle Belles who had come down especially (but they did leave sponsorship - which was great!).  Another re-fuel stop - I allowed the ladies to sit down this time!  Hosta Cafe is hidden in a garden centre, but does have great cake!

if you look carefully you can see shadows!

Photo, with Rod the bemused cafe owner, and off again.  The next stretch was the longest leg - 10 1/2 miles.  Again I cut off a corner as I knew time was now short, and we followed route 56, a little off road section with gates at which point the sun showed up, and more little lanes and a climb up behind Chester Zoo.  






The last few miles was another avoidable main road - but it was not too bad.  But when we got to our next cafe it was closed!  I had tried to phone but had not got through a couple of times - it was only 3:30 so not sure if they are away, closed down or what.

Cafe Fresh - Closed! - cafe #5

Now I made a few phone calls.  Will we make it?  It is only 3 1/2 miles to the next cafe - a new one for us - and then about 1/2 hour to get to the last one. Next cafe - they closed at 3 - but will wait - "Oh I promise we will be about 20 mins!"  Last cafe - closes at 5, should be OK - "we are still coming!".
  

We leave one at the cafe and one heads home,so now we are down to the final stretches, and 5 riders.  I ditch another lane as that would take us over Dunham Hill, and just follow the lanes around to Little Barrow.  The lanes here - very close to Chester - are marvelous - flat at first with views to Frodsham and Helsby hills and Delamere, and then some climbs with deep sandstone cuttings.  In the spring the banks are full of bluebells.



We found the Bluebell Cafe, and very very nice it was too!  China cups and saucers, small selection of cakes, and a small keen band of lovely ladies.  My scone was a little delayed as they were photographing it to go on their facebook page!

Bluebell Cafe #6 - nearly there!

After a short stop,one eye on the clock,we had a few photos and then set off again - Oscroft, Tarvin, towards Walk Mill.  At the top of Tarvin the time was 4:47 - I suggested I shoot ahead (although I am not that much faster) and make sure they were there.

They were and Caroline welcomed us with cheers - an appropriate end to the ride.  Glasses of water was all we needed, and of course the photo with Caroline and her small person.  Walk Mill opened about the same time that the fab ladies started - we laughed that in about 30 years it will be our respective daughters running the cafe and ladies rides!  (or not...)

Walk Mill - Cafe #7 - Hurrah!

Leaving Walk Mill

But it is not actually over - we still need to get home.  43 miles tucked away, and time pressure relieved slightly, we make the last 6 miles back to where it all started.

Arriving at Kingsway as the sun sets

Final survivors - and baton!

Huge thanks to all wonderful ladies who participated and sponsored,and to all the cafes accommodating a large group appearing and dashing off again.

Then there were three

For only the second time in 6 years, I was unable to be present for the ladies ride.  So I turned to my trusted leaders, set up three ‘events’ on facebook and asked people to ‘book on’ to help keep track of numbers.  The weather was forecast to be truly awful, and one leader went down with a tummy bug on the Friday.  There have also been a few comments recently that some people wanted a slower ride, so we had an additional ‘Slow and Steady’ category.  Catherine,  Jo-Anne and Alex  took to the front of each pack, and their accounts are below…

Jo Writes: The weather forecast on Friday evening reported heavy rain and strong winds. Saturday mornings after rising and walking over to open the curtains, I was feeling less than sprightly at the thought of cycling in the wet and wind. However, as I pulled the curtains open I was met with blue sky and sunshine. Yes, yes, yes! Not that it lasted but it helps to motivate one up and out.

Approximately 18 ladies met at Kingsway minus Sue, which felt rather strange. [awww - Sue]

There were 3 groups

Slow and steady led by Catherine

Regular led by me, Jo with help from Sharon

Further faster led by Alex with help from Gill

The regular group set off towards Guilden Sutton, through Mickle Trafford and on towards Picton and Little Stanney. The weather changeable as was the scenery - from country lanes and country views to industrial landscape and urban sprawl.  We cycled along the pavement/cycle path along the A5117 and then zigzagged through a housing estate, crossed the A41 and ventured towards Capenhurst where urban sprawl met country lanes once again. On through Ledsham and arriving at the legendary Eureka cafe at around 11.30 am and just ahead of the further faster group.

On leaving the Eureka a number of ladies were going to depart early for home, so the regular and faster further group joined forces and headed back together. Alex up at the front and me, Jo as back marker. We made our way along the Parkgate road to wood bank where we said Cheerio to Lisa, Sharon and Gill and then headed towards Saughall and the greenway back to Chester.

 Thanks everyone for your company.

Alex writes:  5 ladies went on the further faster ride, which ended up being 35 km. Trying to extend the route, we went out towards Mickle Trafford and wiggled around the lanes towards Backford. After that we picked up the bridle way towards Capenhurst, took turns opening the gates. We caught up with one of the other groups just as we were arriving at Eureka. The cafe and coffee was great. After a natter, the slower group set off first, while the two faster groups merged and set off for Woodbank, where we rode through an enormous puddle! We said goodbye to Lisa, Gill and Sharon who headed off towards Queensferry. We headed to Saughall, where Jo-Anne left us for home, and made our way to the Greenway. Rain, wind and hail greeted us along the greenway, but we all made it back in one piece.

Juliet (via facebook) - This was my first ride with the Fabulous Ladies. I had a fab time on Catherine's 'slow and steady' ride. Thanks very much!

Catherine - And lovely ride for my first time leading.   Very nice pace, company and fine weather. 

Juliet replied - Gosh, you would never have thought it was your first time leading! I thought you'd done it loads! You gave such clear instructions ahead of the route. Good job!!

No room at the Inn!

Each month I email out and post on facebook about the pending ride the following Saturday, and since our numbers swelled I have needed to know in advance to be sure we have enough leaders.  So, the week progressed and numbers of potential riders tipped over the 30 mark. Even with a few last minute drop outs they are usually matched by last minute attendees.  I phoned ahead to the cafe, and was assured that they had space for 40, so we should be OK.




I lost count this morning - I knew about a couple of cancellations, but also saw a few faces arrive that had not been able to confirm.  The sheets soon filled up - as soon as the longest distance was filled I called Jo and her group outside, assembled them, took a photo and sent them on their way.

Next up was my group, with an advertised 14 miles that I had actually re-planned to be about 15.  Looking a bit shiny in this photo - don't know why?!!!! (don't think flash was on?)

Welna led the third group, and posted a photo of her group.  They had a planned 9 miles out to the Rake and back along through Picton.  Her route can be found on the fab ladies facebook group.




Linda took the fourth group, which was originally 9 but became 11 miles.

As we rode, the clouds from the rain earlier in the morning gave way to blue skies.  The roads were wet with many large puddles and nearly floods, and a little bit muddy too.  I was so busy chatting to Wendy about California that I forgot to turn off and my amended 15 miles became 16 - but I do not think anyone noticed!

Heading out along the Greenway

Leaving Greenway at Saughall - now blue skies!

Heading to Mollington

I did notice two large clumps of Mistletoe in a tree at the junction of Picton lane and Mannings Lane, in Mickle Trafford.  That is quite unusual this far north, usually mistletoe is around Hereford and that area.  

Jo's group, taken by Gill C.  Not sure where!

However - when we did arrive at Meadow Lea Farm cafe, it was bursting at the seams!  Welna and Linda's groups had arrived just before the Wrexham Cafe Hoppers, who took the last seats.  Even though we had phoned ahead!  Then Jo's group turned up, which meant there were twenty of us looking for a seat.  The decision was made to head back to Kingsway cafe as it is only 2 miles up the Greenway!

This we duly did - or about a dozen of us did - only to meet the rest of the Wrexham cafe hoppers who also could not get a seat at Meadow Lea.  

It was a long cafe stop - no rush as nearly home!  Cafe also report record takings for a Saturday!!