Memory Lane

There are many unusual names to the lanes we spend our time riding around, and you do wonder what the meanings may be.  Chapel Lane, Mill lane and Station Lane are probably quite clear; Platts Lane means a wet meadow which was one we used....but I am ahead of myself!  There should be a few more 'memory lane's' around, as sometimes our rides take you to places you have not been for a long time.  Today was Cath's first ride with us, and as we approached the Candle Factory, she relayed how, as a youngster growing up in Tattenhall she remembered the lady who set up the Candle Workshops, and how they used to help her make candles in her kitchen.  That was in the 1970's, and I remember the workshop from the 80's.

First off, coffee and chat in the cafe.....

After quite a few wet days this year, last weekend was particularly hot and humid, but today was sunny and bright, but quite chilly especially out of the sun.  after signing in and the mandatory group photo, Alex led her faster group off and Welna led her regular riders, leaving me with a small group happy to bimble along.

My group followed a fairly straightforward route out to pass the Ice Cream Farm, we had a short pause here to take off garments as it was such a lovely day.

Between Christleton and Waverton

Platts Lane, as mentioned!

We had the final climb up through Burwardsley, to the candle factory, with fabulous views back over to Liverpool and North Wales.  Photos speak for themselves...

We were later than most to arrive, and had to take our bikes through the workshops and cafe as the gate was padlocked.  But we were able to sit outside in the glorious sun (as long as you were in the sun, as I say it was still a bit chilly!)

Waving goodbye to all as we head off left and down Barracks Lane

We set off down, down and down again, passing Burwardsley church and retracing where I went left instead of right!  More down, really letting rip, and some competitive jostling on the final slopes!

Daffodils, bluebells and small cows

Gosh here we are in April all ready.  I was a little less organised this month, been trying to sort out details for ladies weekend and I am organising the Bob Clift Cheshire Cycleway Rides so unable to email out to all and phone cafe.  But 25 ladies turned up (some later than others!) and a quick call to the cafe as we left was reassuring.

Me :-)

Top Tip #3 (I don't know, I made the number up!) - always leave your bike lock locked.  That way you will not lock your bike safely at the cafe and then realise you do not have the right key with which to unlock it.  This means (if you notice in time) that you will have to phone a friend, be picked up, negotiate all the traffic lights across Chester, go home, get the RIGHT keys, and get back in time to not be left behind.  This was not me, by the way.

There was a little chap sat in the cafe last month, who soon became swamped by the ladies.  This month he had moved in a table, but was still in the midst.  A few of us sat with him, and had a little chat as we finished our coffees.  John was full of questions (how far was the furthest we / I had ridden, what was our favourite ride - that is a hard question!).  He told us about being in Africa in the war, and despite being 100 in two years time, he has never been to the Lake District.  I am sure we will see him next month!

So, most of us (except the latecomers and forgetful key owners) lined up for a picture by our now keen and regular photographer Ken.  Then I sent Alex and Jane off with the faster group, and Linda and Catherine set off with the regular pace.  I picked up the slower group, the latecomers and key owners.








We had a lovely gentle pootle around Picton Gorse before heading back to the A56 to cross the Gowy and return to the lanes around Barrow.  It was a gently sunny morning, almost warm.  









The thing I like about the slower group is meeting other people.  We stopped by a dozen very small cows, in the front of their farm, and the farmer came out.  I was chatting with her and she was telling me about her cows, they had all passed their TB test this week, a big concern for farmers (if they do not pass, they are taken away there and then).



The final approach to the Bluebell cafe (in Barrowmore Estate) is through some of my favourite deep sandstone cuttings.  A very Cheshire ride, with sandstone and cows!

We were first to arrive at the cafe, with a pleasant 8 miles under our belt.  It is run by volunteers, some of which I think live at Barrowmore.  There is iMap which is autism specific, and sheltered housing I think.  So service can be a little slow, confused and 25 women (24 plus Rick!) doesn't help the situation!  But amazing cake and very nice food was received by all.

Some more pics at the cafe...

'Race you to the cakes...'  [photo by Mary]

The return journey took a little negotiation and organising - as some people were heading straight home, or a few were heading back to North Wales.  I waited until I knew everyone could get back or knew what they were doing.  Linda was going to continue round, covering out little 8 miles out for her return journey; but Alex was heading to North Wales with the rest and Jane needed to carry on and get more miles in!




So I shepherded the last few and the rest of my group; a direct route down the hill to the A51 at Stamford Bridge and back along the Greenway.









Distances varied between my 12 miles; or 20 for the regular group, and 22-25 for the faster group - up to 57 for those who rode out from North Wales!

"Looking forward to Saturday's ride .... Where is Drury?"

...was the email reply by one lady last week!

Drury, a tiny outpost of Buckley; where on a Sunday ride last August we passed a cafe and farm shop - and I noted this new cafe thinking it was not too far out!

I managed to get everyone signed and and outside - but sent off the FF group without a photo (whoops!) so after the safety talk Mr Rosie took our picture, and we were able to head out.  I had enough leaders today, but was in jeopardy of losing two at the cafe, as they both lived near to the cafe (well, nearer than coming all the way back to Chester!)



My head had stopped working, so Linda reminded me of her route, and we set off in two groups, but following each other.  The allowed us to catch up and wait from time to time.

One of the great things about cycling in Chester is that you come across different events through the year. Today was no exception as we negotiated the North of England 'Head of the River' race.  ("Established in 1935,as a 5km race for eights on the river Dee from Eccleston Ferry to the Groves, the first winners were Thames RC in a time of 18min 35sec.").  It was not a problem, we went slowly and tinged our bells, the rowers were all very lovely and polite (unlike the grumpy man who appeared

to be having a go at some girls for 'parking' their boat on the path outside his house - on the riverside.  It meant he as not able to swing in /out of his driveway in a manner he so desired and so had to have a go at them.  Well, don't buy a house on the river, next to an established rowing club, who may have races - oh, and get a smaller car you can manage!)

We continued to the racecourse, past the lovely display of daffodils outside whet is now Chester Uni (Used to be County Hall), and then stopped for a little re-group, to check Linda's group had safely navigated the boats.

We continued to follow the river, until Saltney Ferry bridge, where we met a bicycle polo player and his wife (he was just pottering along ion his bike with his polo stick and ball, she was jogging).  She thought it was fabulous to see a ladies cycling club, and wanted to stay in touch (I directed her to the Facebook pages and blog) - a little bit of networking can't go amiss!








We climbed up towards Hawarden, and dropped to Broughton, picking up the small lane that cuts out the roundabout - I do think it gives a cracking view of the runway, especially when it is lit up on a gloomy morning like today. (you may have to click on the photo to enlarge it and see lights!)


We climbed up the Old Warren, a bit of a surprise hill for some, and paused as we went through the gate at the top.  By now the weather had turned to fine misty rain - "the sort of rain you wouldn't notice if you were indoors"....

Not far now, through the Hawarden bluebell woods, short climb into Buckley, turning just after the railway line, and we arrived.  The faster group were already firmly established, as were our Wrexham chums (again - mind you we have not crossed paths for a little while!)

Wrexham Cafe Hoppers heading home

A lovely and quite large cafe was waiting, the cakes looked amazing and apparently the toilets were nice and new (I was too busy chatting!!).  The faster group made tracks and left us, and we headed off by about twenty to one after half an hour at the cafe.

By now it was decidedly damp, and the downhill to Ewloe left us dripping!




I managed to negotiate the big roundabout, and we navigated around and dropped down to Queensferry, where roadworks meant it was safer and easier to edge into the flow of traffic waiting at the lights, and turn right together and head for the blue bridge

Then we have a cycle path that brings us nicely back to the Greenway, by the other blue bridge, which we do not often see from underneath.

Many thanks to Alex for leading the faster ones out and Jane for bringing them back; to Linda for the route and also leading a second regular group out; and finally to Mary who shepherded the last riders back in (I had to head home as fast as my little legs will take me - which is not very! - for a family party in Manchester)

25 riders all together, 25 regular miles; 

Between Pancakes and Valentines

Last week was pancake day, and if you gave up chocolate for lent I hope you secret valentine doesn't give you chocolates tomorrow!  

Twenty two ladies congregated in the usual manner in Kingsway Cafe, sheets signed, coffee and tea drunk, toilet visited before amassing for a photo.  I think we are going to need to hutch up a bit closer with larger numbers!

The watery early sun was also making a welcome appearance, not quite shorts weather, but daffodils and snowdrops can now be seen on the roadside.

We had three groups - a very small and select slower group, and manageable groups of 9 for the regular and faster ladies.

We (regulars) joined the Greenway, and after about 200 yards the faster group came onto the Greenway just in front of us (well timed!)  There was a bit of  a sneaky headwind on our outward journey; but as our lanes twist and turn that can keep you out of the breeze or at least give a little respite.

At the end of the Greenway someone asked if we were stopping at Meadow Lea cafe (the first one of several cafes we passed on our route)

After a short burst along the A51 (on the footpath) we made our way around Barrow, passing the Bluebell cafe, and near to Manley mere where we headed left for Dunham instead; re-grouping for a pic.

Meanwhile...

The faster group, in order to get a few miles in, were heading to Delamere Forest, where they also had a group photo (sort of!)

Our group then had a nice downhill (quick negotiation on a blind bend to cross the A56) and along to Thornton Le Moors, and the cafe, nestling under the towering chimneys of Stanlow (oil refinery)

At the cafe we met up with the advance party of the slow and steady four, before settling down ourselves with refreshments.  The young girls seemed to struggle with the orders but I think it all worked out OK (good job it wasn't 30 of us all arriving at once like last month!)  

They have some farm animals at The Hayrack, and this includes a few more exotic beasts and birds inside - an African grey caught my eye, Joey (Josephine) who does not like women, but will sidle up to any men who talk to her!

And the fluffiest green parrot in another room (who just eyed me suspiciously from one corner of his cage!)

With no sign of the faster group, we made our way out to leave - as they arrived; 21 miles better off! (both slower and regular groups managed about 11 to the cafe) - so it was their turn to fill up the seats we had just vacated.

I did mention pancakes in the title? - If I had seen a menu with this on I think I would have definitely ordered this - may have to come back another day!

We set off to return along the canal (after a boring A5117 trundle, with an intermittent cycle lane - what is the point!), and showed off some of Chester Zoo to newer riders, arriving back at Kingsway moments before the slower group. 

I think we both did about 18 miles, with FF doing about 30?