Back to School

 I always think September is one of the points in the year that marks 'new beginnings', such as back to school.  A legacy from our own long school holidays and, in time, for our children too.  New bag, uniform that is a bit too big, shoes that are not scuffed yet and certainly a new pencil case stuffed with new pens and pencils.

Without the pencil case, this September felt even more like a new beginning, as we seem to be moving further away from the lock-downs and restrictions of the past eighteen months.  Covid has not gone away, but group numbers are not restricted and face masks are not mandatory (although I am still wearing mine inside to move around)

Kingsway Cafe has also had a revamp, a bright sunshiney
yellow and new clock on the wall.  

So, no online booking this month to see how we get on; leaders had their own sign in sheet and pen so we each signed people in as they arrived.  No specific groups as it is one easy route - out along the Greenway as we have since 2013 (gosh, that long!).

Four new faces joined us this month, and were subjected to the usual start up photo and my talky bit.  

Kingsway Cafe also has a new flag!

Lovely warm weather, for the time of year, and a nice spin out along the Greenway:

I wanted to drop by to see 'Charlie's Orchard'.  Charlie was a member of the Wirral cycling group, but he had helped me for a couple of years with the Bob Clift Cycleway Rides- literally my right hand man, checking people out and in, and then writing all the certificates.  He sadly and suddenly died in 2019, and as a club we have planed an orchard out near the greenway, as it splits to go Neston/ Connah's Quay.

Found it (eventually!)

We contined around the industrial park, and over the marsh boardwalk, to the gates at the other end.

However, this year for a change we headed right, up a slight hill, to Burton Manor college and cafe ('Burtons at The Manor').  We sat outside, although a fine misty rain threatened so 2/3 of us relocated inside (I believe it stopped, as four hardy stalwarts stayed outside - you can tell who from the photos!)

Then, we headed straight back (with a pause under the trees nearer to Chester to allow a heavy shower to pass), losing a few to their own routes home along the way.

Alison's in August

Oh dear - I was away again.  Just long weekends, but they all fell over second Saturday.  So, we turn again to Facebook...!

There are not photos of each group, but just enough to proove we were there!

(although I have no idea what was going on! - Here is Mary.  Just Mary!)

Great Ride out this morning - thanks Linda for leading regular ride and thanks Mary for taking the pictures. Sorry the fast group was too fast for the photo shoot!! 

(9:30 earlier start, that is why)

To aid social distancing, we had staggered starts, so not all at the cafe at the same time.

It was great to be back. I’ve missed you fabulous ladies. An easy leisurely cycle, catch up, cake, coffee and chat is just a perfect recipe. ++=

Shire Horse Centre

 I was away for July, so I only have facebook posts and photos to go by - but they sum it up nicely!

fabulous group ready to go looking just fabulous

Fab 30 miles to Cotebrook with these lovely ladies. Thank you Sue H for leading and for the little detours Lunch stop at The Shire Centre

Fabulous ride out with the FF Group great bunch of ladies . We welcomed new lady Michelle great company and chats all the way

Great support with Jo Puncture

Thanks for Alex for leading

Huge thanks for the wonderful welcome ladies. Such lovely support and encouragement.  Extremely gracious for the exhilarating experience. 

Summer Ice creams

One of the effects of a pandemic, is that when you finally do get out, back in a group, you want to stay out, maybe go a little further; but also having not been out sometimes a bit of fitness is lost.  

We are not quite out of Pandemic times, as there is one more unlocking date to go in the Government 'roadmap' (although there may be a delay).  I write this now, for some context when reading back in the future!

So, we had our usual three groups, and the promise of sunny skies.  The morning was quite cloudy but warm (bit of a chill wind mind) but as the day progressed it became better and better.  I know, as I was out in it for what ended up a longer ride than intended.  Partly due to lots of hills, a slower rider than me, two stops and as mentioned increasingly lovely weather.

Helen and Sue led the slower group away first, we are having staggered meet times but there was a bit of overlap as some have not been out since March 2020!

And - Kingsway cafe was open, so maybe next month we can gather for drinks.  We will have to see.

The group amended their cafe destination, as it was planned to be a little further than usual and they instead headed as far as Delamere and the new visitor centre cafe.

Linda and Collette's group, which I joined, were next to leave at 9:45, heading out
to follow the Cheshire Cycleway.  With a few variations.  It ended up being a combination of Linda's planned route and deviations I had in my head, usually involving a track or two.

Alex and Cheryl set off in the faster group, and passed us in Delamere.

A favourite track of mine near Mouldsworth

Delamere Forest

We enjoyed not only a snack and drink at The Ice Cream Farm (Great Budworth) but also an ice cream, it was such a lovely day!  And we had one of the roaming chickens settle in under our table.

Returning back we did not follow the Cheshire Cycleway; instead turning left towards Antrobus, Frandley and Bartington which brought us back again to Action Bridge - from here we followed the River Weaver Path to cross it then under Dutton Viaduct - more of my favourite places.  I love to share these locations with my group (who are very tolerant of my whims) but it does lead to a great route.

Sluice gate

Duddon Locks

Duddon Viaduct

From here we continued up towards Delamere and - to be honest I am writing this in September - I have a photo of  Stonehouse Farm B&B who also do coffees and
cakes; I recall I rather fancied a scone and Collette very kindly stayed out with me.  After this, returning via Manley I also stopped at a farm I have seen advertising burgers, sausages etc and as we were heading home was able to get some - it was only then I realised it was nearly 5pm.  So much for a morning ride lol.

As I say, we have not been out much and it was such a glorious day!

May

 Unfortunately May was cancelled due to torrential rain and high winds.

Got to love the British Weather.