No ride for March

 

New discovery

Backdated blog post, I wrote this in October when I realised I had missed Feb and March posts!  I have no excuse, no idea what I was doing!

I do have photos, so we definitely met, split up and rode out.  On the way we 'discovered' a new cafe called The Cobbles, so called in and we will try to book ourselves in another year!

so - photo story it is!

Two Blue Bridges and blue skies

 And so starts another year.  Our fifteenth year, by this summer.  Christmas and New Year long forgotten we met as always at Kingsway, adorned with or carrying in reserve plenty of waterproofs and overshoes.  We have had a lot of rain recently, the rivers are high, and some windy weather, so it is good to be prepared.

New photographer for us, as Rosie was not out but Sonia had been ferried in by her husband, so he kindly took some pics.  A good start to the new year; although we were two leaders down as one was not well and one had a small disagreement with a curb on her way and had to call home for a rescue - nothing broken you will be glad to hear.

A simple route out along the greenway, but coming off just before the first blue bridge (The Dragon Bridge) and heading along to pick up the river path.

When we got to the river, we were greeted by a watery sun brightening the day - quick get a photo before it goes again!

Our second blue bridge of the day is really quite majestic and takes us along to Queensferry.  A quick google tells me "The bridge was built by Sir William Arrol & Co. between 1925 and 1927. It takes its name from an earlier bridge on the same site which was completed in Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee year of 1897. The abutments of the old bridge are still visible at both sides to the left (facing north) of the current bridge." (Wikipedia)  Grade II listed building.  Who knew!

After the bridge we took a left and around a few back streets to cross the main road in an underpass, which brings you out at the end of Sandycroft.  From here a long straight to the airbus factory on not a great road but there is little option, and a more winding lane after the little roundabout with cars still trying to go too fast.  It was OK this morning and before long we were turning in to the airfield and negotiating hangars (also with blue doors) to the cafe (Chocks Away).

The site is littered with old airplanes, and very interesting.  Sometimes, if you are very lucky, you may see the Red Arrows.

The return home was even more direct, heading to Saltney Ferry Bridge (not blue I'm afraid) along the river, around the racecourse, along the Groves, up to Boughton and along the canal.  I did take the opportunity of another 'blue' shot, which (with a bit of post processing magic) I can highlight the blues.  Just for fun!

18 miles covered, back home for just after 1pm.

Snow day

 The final ride of the year, which we have not seemed to have for a few years now; but I was limited with leaders and as the week progressed the forecast was getting colder.  On a phone call to a friend midweek I forgot myself and arranged to join her for her 50th Parkrun, to help her celebrate.  So, we cancelled the ride.

Just as well, as although I had a very icy frost where I was, Chester actually had snow and remained very cold.  So no pictures and no write up - but I thought I would share my Parkrun photo - we went to Rosliston which starts with an 'R' so is part of the Pirate Challenge (7 'C's and an 'Rrrr').

See you all in 2023!

Another new cafe for November

 This month felt like we were getting a little more back to normal, although numbers are still down to what we had pre-pandemic, there are some familiar and regular faces coming out now.

This month is our eighth new cafe for the year, bringing our total of all cafe's visited to 67.  Just around Chester, not including weekends away.  Twelve of the
cafe's have now either closed or re-opened with a new name.  

So, as it is November and you cannot be sure of the weather PLUS people have started Christmas shopping in earnest, our chosen cafe was a little closer to home (Aldford).

Unlucky for some 13 turned up, but Sarah met us at Aldford so that evened numbers a little.

What can I say?  The weather was kind, we enjoyed a sociable amble out, and the trees still had fabulous autumn colour.  

And then we filled the cafe on our pre-booked table, enjoying coffee and cakes.

I do have small portable tripods, so I really should start to carry one.  Or my Selfie Stick! Had to make do with balancing my camera on a table.  

And then we headed home (I did offer to take a long route home, but it was unanimous to head straight back).  So I caught a few at the top of Saigton Hill.

(I wish there was an easier way to set my photo's out with Blogger!)

Three card trick

 This year I have been following a photography challenge, with a new topic each week.  You will know from the blog I do take a lot of photos (what is posted here is a fraction of what I take!) and so it will be no surprise that I have woven this into my Fab ladies and some Sunday rides since January.  As the photo needs to be submitted by Sunday night, I am running out of time if I still have nothing by the weekend.

This weeks challenge is 'rule of odds', whereby an odd number of things in a photo is more pleasing to the eye.  Usually 3,5 or 7.  With that in mind, and a 'warning' to the riders, we set off into a wonderfully autumnal day.

9 Riders

Our destination was Tattenhall Marina, another new destination for us.  So we just took a straightforward route out to Huntington, Saighton and Bruera, crossing the A41 to come in past New Russia Hall.  

3 Calves

Near Bruera I spotted three little cows in a field.  I wish I had my 'big' camera and 'big' lens, but I managed to catch these little guys.

So sunny!  I had planned to head round to Tattenhall, but instead we went straight for the Marina as we had had quite a headwind.

The Marina opened in July 2009 (or thereabouts), and has become a secret favourite of some cyclists, and we were treated very well indeed.  We were welcomed in and they pulled two tables together in the middle of the cafe.  Table service included, we settled to a variety of breakfast dishes.

On another table a lady and a gentleman were practicing card tricks.  When Helen suggested a three card photo, I was hooked and (quite excitedly, I will admit!) popped over to their table and introduced myself.  The lady was more than happy to oblige, three 3's!  (another challenge a different time was 'photo of a stranger', sometimes the picture you take fits into a few challenges!)

3 boats (but a bit lost with the background boats)

We headed back through Hargrave, with one last photo opportunity - I was ahead of the gang and as I waited I shouted out 'come on you THREE'!  Ho ho we laughed (you had to be there I guess)

A little early autumn colour, blue skies and small fluffy white clouds.  A lovely morning out.

Sunny September

 Aah we made it to September, and this year more than ever is an opportunity to invite and welcome people back.  We had a small faster group who hit the lanes, whilst we set off up the Greenway on the tried and trusted route out to Nets.

The pictures say it all, really.

So, we arrived before the other group, but that is OK, they will be along soon.  They will have gone further, we reassured ourselves.

Sitting outside we all soaked up the sunshine and a variety of snacks.

However, when we finished, the other group were still not here.  I was a little worried - but the rolled in just as we were preparing to leave.  Nothing too untoward, just a puncture. But all resolved now.  We left them to their refreshments and headed back along the river.