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.

Xtra ladies ride for Cycle Chester Spring Challenge

There is something psychologically uplifting when you escape on a sunny Saturday afternoon in early spring. As the first daffodils and blossom were appearing an extra ladies ride was planned, to coincide with and indeed compliment the Chester Spring Cycle Challenge.


3 regulars joined 3 new faces (and me!) at the cafe for a cuppa, before deciding where to head.

With a plan to head for Okells near Duddon, we set off along the Greenway. Flo had already forewarned us that there had clearly been horses on the greenway earlier, and as we set off I pointed out warnings of the excrement adorning the track (as a warning for it to be avoided - see 'rider communications' tab!) - which was merrily conveyed back along the group with cries of 'poo!'. It just confirmed to me the sense of freedom and jollity that the ladies were experiencing!

After crossing the A51, and tootling around some lanes, I decided to take the route along the packhorse bridges, at Hockenhall Platts. I do think it is pretty there (and is actually managed by Cheshire Wildlife Trust) and this afternoon the sun was sparkling on the Gowy, sending shimmering reflections up under the arch of the central bridge. Some recognised the area from previous photos, especially the one that recently appeared in the CTC magazine.

One small hold up on the bridleway as Lorraine's chain jumped off. At the end of the track I was caught out by a short spur of dead end with a stile - so a brief re-trace was called for. Googlemaps on my phone to the rescue!

The cake selection at Okells was very good (although not surpassing the 50p shop - see March blog posting).

The sun stayed out for our return journey, direct back to Waverton where Flo turned off for home, and then along the canal, where we parted at Christleton, so I could call in to my Sister in law to borrow a Portuguese phrasebook!


18 miles of welcome early spring sun!

Merry March and 50p's

11 of us gathered at Kingsway this morning, two new faces, one returning cyclist from New Zealand, and several of the usual gang.  As I have said before, different every time!  I did not subject the ladies to a parting photo this morning, although I do like to start each posting with one.



Swans on canal near Christleton

 We wended our way to the canal, and on to Waverton. I did stop to take a photo, but by then we were so spread out, it took me ages to catch the leading ladies - which I did only just before Waverton.  We re-grouped (and then I got my group photo!) and headed out on Common Lane to Old Waverton.  I suddenly remembered I had promised to call for someone in Waverton, so had to park the ladies on the side while I popped round the corner - but she was not able to join us anyway so we pottered on.

Over Golden Nook Bridge (always a sudden pull) and I held the pace so that everyone could catch up.  However, I realised that I was missing three so we waited a few moments before the Hargrave turning...no sign...so I sent the main group ahead to the 50p shop and retraced to the bridge.  Oh dear still no sign - check my mobile.  Sure enough, missed call from Moira - called her back.  They had taken the scenic route via Hargrave, and had been coming along the side lane and seen us - just as I had sent the others on! 

Anyway, I doubled back again, and caught the adventurous three shortly after the Farmers Arms, and we all continued to the 50p shop.


Christine and her lovely cakes!


What a lovely array of cakes greeted us - with Christine's warm welcome!  And what delights awaited in the 50p shop! The ladies all took turns to peruse the bargains and came out with saddlebags and panniers bulging!  - with promises to return soon (with bigger bags!).

We split into smaller groups for the fairly direct return past Walk Mill and the Crocky Trail, as some wanted to get back sooner, some were a little faster, and I held back with slightly slower ladies to make sure no-one got lost!

19 miles.

We were back just in time to catch Dr.Bike at new Scene where there had been some cycle training and information to do with the Spring Cycle Challenge starting this week and running for two weeks.  It is there again for the next two Saturdays, with an extra ladies ride next Saturday afternoon, if anyone would like to join us!

Angela meets Celia from BikeBoost!

February ride to the Fisheries (or 'the one that got away')

Outside Kingsway Cafe

 I love it when you get blue skies and sunshine in February.  Last week force 7 gales were ripping branches off trees and rain through the week, even up to Friday night, did not bode well for Saturday morning.  But the forcast held out as promised and the morning dawned bright, sunny and quite mild.

Fifteen gathered and, leaving nearly on time, we set off down the Greenway.  We turned off at Blacon Station and made our way to drop down Clifton Drive to Sealand Road.



Lisa helps Sharon change her tube.



Not very far down Ferry Lane came the cry from behind 'Puncture'.  Darn it!  I handed the lead to Moira, explaining the route to the cafe, and sent the ladies ahead with her.  By the time I got back to Sharon (culprit!) and Lisa (hero), the tube had been taken out, replaced and pumped up with gas cannister - all that was left for me to do was take a picture!



Lesters Lane from Bretton



We decided not to take the short cut but to go for it and catch the group - which we did just at the top of Manor Lane near Hawarden.

We all continued and shortly arrived at Chester Lakes cafe near Balderton.  We filled the cafe and were very well looked after.



Leaving Chester Lakes with fishery on the right



The return journey had the usual staggered departures and four of us made it back to Kingsway!

21 miles.

Elvis has left the cafe




Waiting by the Piper

 

The first ride of 2011 was in jeopardy Friday morning, as the snow started to fall quickly.  but the forecast was to turn to rain and the weekend promised to be dry.  I am sure there were some doubts that there would not be a ride Saturday morning, and a few people did query if the ride was cancelled.  All I can say is, the weather in this country (and especially locally) is never as bad as we think,and can only really be determined on the day.  Hence today, despite starting off with the blackest cloud, developed into extensive blue skies and sunshine.  You never can tell.




Littleton

 

12 of the expected 13 turned up at the cafe this morning, inculding 4 first timers.  It is a challenge keeping ths many together as we cross main roads and junctions, but we finally grouped at Littleton.

We continued with splitting and re-grouping, and arrived at the Elvis Cafe in three groups.  It was a little disjointed today, as abilities varied quite considerably.  But, I think everyone enjoyed themselves; and the weather generally stayed glorious. 




Elvis Cafe, Tarvin Sands

 





Joining the Greenway

 


Woody Woodpecker?

 

18 miles.

Winter Wander to Walk Mill

It is nearly Christmas, and the big freeze we have recently endured ceased a few days ago, meaning that the lanes and tracks were no longer a skating rink (for now, at least!) - so it must be time for our annual seasonal meander to Walk Mill, near Waverton.

More new faces greeted me when I arrived at the cafe, and 8 of us set off along the cyclepath to Mickle Trafford, and then round to Waverton.  The Mill was as welcoming as ever, with warm drinks and toast.

Jean got herself two bags of flour (not the best thing to buy when cycling as it is quite heavy to carry!) and a few of us bought a loaf to take home. 

We returned along the canal to Chester - still frozen in parts which shows how cold it was last week as it has been much warmer for the past three or so days!

Well, that is it for 2010!  We have covered 227 miles over 12 rides (one a month minus January, but with an extra one in Nov); a total of 2600 miles between 42 different ladies - WOW!  We have averaged 11 riders per month (between 8-16) and 19 miles a month (between 10-29 miles).  Just in case you were interested!

(Photos to follow)

November Sun

Another November day dawned with blue skies and sunshine!  Despite the gales and rain of the previous week, the wind had dropped for us by the morning of the November ladies ride.  Three new faces to Chester ladies were welcomed, and a returning few who had missed several rides.  I think that is one of the really nice things about the ladies group; every month is a little bit different depending not only on the route but also who is out. 

So, 10 of us met and I managed to drag the early birds out of the cafe (this could be harder as the winter progresses!) and we set off up Mannings lane to the country lanes.  There were some large sticks and 'tree debris' scattered around the lanes, and a tree was down in Picton Gorse Lane (but the road was clear).  We headed to the zoo, where we had to walk on the pavement as the road was closed one way (we waved at Ali's house as we went past).  Then we had a lovely downhill to the canal, where I snapped a few pics!

There was a gentleman walking by, saying hello to each lady - until he got to the fourth and fifth, whereupon he exclaimed "how many of you are there??!!".  I caught up and we re-grouped at the top, before heading through Backford to the A41.  After crossing this busy road (unusually busy, Christmas shoppers??!!), we had another downhill-uphill to Mollington.

Crossing to Saughall, we passed the Vernon Institute (which had a farmers market on...wonder if they do refreshments?!), and on to the old railway bridge where we joined the Greenway back to Chester, Kingsway cafe, and cakes/toast/bacon butties!!


The whole gang, before departures





A very pleasant and surprisingly warm 14 miles!  Back to the cafe for 12.  Perfect timing!


Jean gets a cuddle in the cafe!