Fabulous Ladies join Bicycle Belles and 'Pedal it Pink'!

Two weeks of unbroken sunshine led up to the Wirral Bicycle Belles 'Pedal it Pink' ride.  Some Fabulous Chester ladies joined them - although the train journey alone was an adventure!

Twenty pink ladies congregated at Port Sunlight Station where balloons were dished out to be tied to saddlebags - I am sorry to say not all the balloons made it to coffee stop!

I led the second group (or pretended to, I think it was really Tricia at the back!) and we meandered through lanes to Ness gardens, passing Raby Mere on the way.

Fortunately, there was some cake left for us when we arrived, and we all sat outside in the most beautiful of sunshine!

We left the cafe and returned through to Neston where we picked up the Wirral Way - and joined the first group, so we all rode together to Hadlow Road Station.

More photos and the real write up can be found on the Bicycle Belles website; also checkout 'CTC North West' on facebook!

If you go down to the woods today.....

...you would have seen us tucking into cakes, bacon buttys and scones!

The weather forecast was a big yellow sun; so I proposed to the assembled 12 ladies to push it a little further this Saturday, and head to Delamere.  There were no objections, so off we set, down the cycleway to Mickle Trafford, left to the A56 then right after the railway, picking up the Cheshire Cycleway (route 70) through to Manley and Mouldsworth.  One or two hills, but it is a nice time of year as you do not get too hot climbing.

We lunched at 20 to 12 at the Station Cafe in Delamere, sitting outside making the most of the warm spring sunshine, and much jolly conversation was had!

Leaving Delamere on a short track brought us back to the lanes near Kelsall, where we didn't go up the big hill to the left (The Yeld) instead carried on round to come into the middle of Kelsall, enjoying the views over Ashton on the way. 

We then dropped down the hill and followed through to Oscroft and Tarvin, crossing the A51 to join the Roman Bridges.  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hockenhull_Platts)

25 very sunny and pleasant miles by the time we returned to Kingsway.  lots of daffodils in bloom which added to the sunniness generally!

One of these days the GPS I have will plot the whole route and I will work out how to share it with you all.

In the meantime, if anyone wants to know any of the routes we have used, do leave a comment and I will get back to you!

Ten Mile Totter

Today was only ever going to be a short ride, as I had to get back for my youngest. 


13 bright and cheerful ladies gathered outside the cafe for a prompt 10am start, and we went right, up Columbia Road (for the first time ever!)  After a brief admire of what I call Crocus Valley we wended through the streets and eventually through the Zoo bridleway.

 We crossed the canal , and after another hill meandered round the lanes of Backford, Stanney and Stoak.  Then, crossing the canal again we followed a small lane from Croughton to the bottom of Butterhill (behind the Zoo) which we then climbed.  ound to Picton Gorse and, afer picking our way down a thorny lane, we headed back to the cafe.

Despite being a grey day, with still a bit of a nip in the air, snowdrops (as well as the crocusses) were abundant, and signs of Dafodills on their way. 

If I can work out how to save and upload it, I have the route plotted out on my new GPS (Christmas pressie, only arrived last month).  General concensus was it was about 10 miles.

Foggy February and First Signs of Spring?!

As ten o clock came and went more and more of my fabulous ladies arrived at the cafe.  It was difficult to see them until each one came within twenty yards of the window due to the thick fog!  Only one lady needed convincing to come for the ride, with a promise of bright sunshine later - honest!

We set off up the cycleway towards Mickle Trafford, all chattering gaily as usual.  Left on the A51 (on the footpath because it is a horrid road) and left at Stamford Bridge to climb into Barrow.  When I say 'climb' it is but a gentle tilting of the tarmac really.

Down a few misty lanes, with a small detour to see a couple of farms.  Some may think I was lost, but it was really a deliberate plan.  :-D

A small re-trace brought us back on route and more quiet lanes.  After passing a couple of horses, we arrived at Manley Mere and the Crazy Chameleon Cafe.  WHAT a smashing cafe! - we sat around the table that was on fire - perfect amount of seating for the 16 of us - and the chocolate cake (Wicked Chocolate Cake) is HIGHLY recommended!!

After out sociable break we emerged outside into bright sunshine (I told you so!) and tranquil lake.  Stunning actually.  Moira, Lesley and Kris headed straight back, Flo turned her front wheel to Helsby and home, and that left 12 of us to explore Dunham-on-the-Hill and its duck.  A sneak down a no entry and a zig via Wimbolds Trafford brought us back to the A56, along which a short ride was unavoidable.  Then we climbed up the back of Mickle Trafford before arriving at the outskirts of Chester and all spilt our various ways.

This month was 22 miles, I think (my bike computer batteries are dead, need new ones!)

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!