Just like old times

With a potential shortage of leaders again, and weather which was a bit wobbly, we had a small turn out for a slightly longer ride to Cotebrook, to the pancake cafe; new to us, but a long standing cyclists favourite.  It was a bit like 'the olden days', when we had just one group setting off from the cafe together; and all was well until we got to the end of the Greenway, and one lady asked to stop to pump up her tyre.

So, as is usual as someone attends to a mechanical, we all stood round chatting - until a plea for help as she could not remove the pump from her valve.  Try as we might, screwing it this way and that, pulling and pushing, but all to no avail.  Fixed firmly.  The only hope to try to break off the small screw bit within the valve, as it seemed to be bent and causing the problem.  We even asked the help of a passing cyclist (a man!) who with a bit of extra brute force pulled it off.

We then - after the photo I forgot to take at the cafe - relocated to Meadow Lea Cafe to be out of the way, and she proceeded to change her tube, as the valve was not going let the air stay in, and it was already deflating.

So it was we had a very late start, but that is OK, it still was not raining and we had time.




Using a combination of the routes Linda and Alex had plotted, but mindful of time, we set off up the A51 (using the pavement, just to be a little safer) and with a small detour on the old road at Stamford Bridge, carried on all the way to Tarvin.  

However, crossing over to enter the village, we were stopped by a lady and gentleman  and a road block.  One lady thought excitedly that the women's tour was coming through, but it was the Tarvin Carnival.  After a polite exchange, the chap re-directed us around a couple of side roads to set us on our way - which was rather fun as there were a few small groups lining the road - and who responded to our cheery wave!


A short climb from Oscroft brought us to Willington Corner, chance for another photo. Unfortunatley, by the time we got to Tarvin the lady with the dodgy tyre had ducked out and called hubby to pick her up, rather than try to soldier on.  So now just 8 of us.

After a short climb near Willington Hall, past the last remnants of a rhododendron bush, we gathered once more, before some lush downhills to Cotebrook.













We parked up round the back, and we were welcomed in to the cafe.  Service was slow but personal, and the food great - some had pancakes (as per the brief) - mine was stacked with bacon and maple syrup!

Natalie shared her photo on facebook - and it is making me hungry all over again!

Eventually, bills all paid, we headed back, heading first to Eaton then through to Tarporley - we are certainly on a downhill run now - all the way back!  (hence no pics!)

As we came in sight of Beeston and the Peckforton range, it was looking decidedly grey and misty, I was worried the weather was coming to meet us, so we headed for Huxley, at which point a few of the faster girls sped off, and the remaining ones continued the downhill theme, crossing the closed Golden Nook Bridge and passing the Waverton Institute, start and finish for tomorrow's Bob Clift Cheshire Cycleway Rides, currently being organised by yours truly.

Blossom in unexpected places

We moved the date of the May ride back a week, as there were no leaders available to lead on the second Saturday.

New coffee machine, and cups!

I really need to think of new ways to capture the group at the start!

Heading to Delamere, following the Cheshire Cycleway and a favourite track of mine, dropping under a majestic viaduct by Mouldsworth.  The first part is a dead end lane, but hosting a crop of bluebells (although not our native kind).

The Ashton Brook flows along the bottom of this deep valley

This little adventure finished, we could then climb up alongside Delamere hills (Brine's Brow - don't we have some fabulous names around here!?)  and into the forest along a track, and to the Station Cafe in the heart of the forest.




As we approached Delamere, we passed fields of apple trees in blossom.  It is funny; I have always known there was a fruit picking farm here, my friends came in the '80's.  I have cycled this road often, but never noticed or thought to look for the trees.  And here they are, all in blossom!

Time for a coffee, and the old station (still a working station, so you could pack your bike on the train and get a head start into Cheshire!)

We returned along the same track, it saves going a long way round!

Gill: Thanks Sue Booth for a really lovely ride it was just the ticket down some beautiful lanes and adventuresome tracks


















Final approach to Chester along the canal, another of my favourites!

Blue skies and picnics

April in Pictures - as I got behind with my blogging:





April gatherings with stunning blue skies!  Leaves just appearing on the trees, and early blossom.

We headed across town via canal and river, 

I rather like taking pics along the canal, and today was no exception.

Crossing the Change Bridge, we headed to the river, through a little door in the wall.

Its not too early for shorts with this sunshine!

Second water crossing of the day, over the Dee.

After heading to Hawarden, we skirted the lower hills, 

Killins Lane, a small quiet lane that links Higher Shotton to Wepre, and specifically for us Wepre Park, crossing the Wepre Brook at the bottom.  My friend calls this 'wet lane' as it is always 'wet'!  It may be locally known as this too.

Another ladies ride, another cafe, our first visit to Old Hall cafe in Wepre Park.  

Perfect for picnicking!

Leaving Wepre Park we were able to pick up Route 5, which brings us nicely to the river path and an easy return to Chester.

A chance to have a photo with the Flint Bridge in the background.

Nearing Shotton Railway Bridge

A bit of knowledge sharing

One of the (many) benefits of group rideing, and belonging to a club of like minded cyclists, is the range and wealth of experince and knowledge we have, and are willing to share.  Any club will do this, and the Fab ladies is not an exception.

This month I took the beginner/ slower / shorter riders, but this is not to say necessarily all inexperienced.  

Let me start - as you know I like to do - at the beginning.  34 ladies congregated in the cafe, brimming out of the door such was the popularity! There are hints of spring in the air, snowdrops are still out but the daffodils, crocuses and blossom have joined the floral decor of the lanes.  After storm Doris just over a week previsouly, some tree damage was still apparent but did not hinder our way.  Sadly the weather was not spring sunshine, but it seemed brighter that previous months, and slightly milder.  Certainly dry, always a bonus!

Obligatory photo completed (I am going to start having to take a panorama shot, if I knew the ladies would stand still long enough!), and a few words about group riding, as we sent off the faster then regular groups.  Our usual preferred maximum of 10 per group was slightly exceeded as we were just a few riders over, so the FF group set off with 12, and Linda with the regular and my shorter both had 11, but still manageable.  Some ladies were realising they will have to sign in earlier to be sure of their chosen group!

Christleton Pond

My plan was a 9 mile straight forward (for me) trail out to the selected cafe, Old Ma's at Manor Farm near Tattenhall.  I had not had chance to phone ahead, so Helen very kindly took on that task, whilst I attempted to call some order together!

Louise with some daffodils

On our ride out, Sheila commented that she could not change into her top gear.  At an opportune moment when the group was stopped, I explained about gears a little, to remind not to have in a high gear at the front chain ring and low at the bottom or vice versa - and that low at the front is a small cog as opposed to low at the back which is big.  Obvious to those familiar with their bikes, but not really if you have not been told!  We also talked about the small screws on gears at the back and front, that adjust the amount the gears move across - meaning you may not be able to get that top/bottom gear.  A small adjustment is all you need.

Check out this useful link if you need to adjust or check your gears.

Sue, who has had experience with Chester Tri Club, suggested finding a quiet and straight road, to play with, practice and become familiar with your gears. Sometimes more is less, change down one gear to make pedaling easier - and actually faster!



Anyway, mechanical lesson over, we continued on our way, ending in the cafe.  As we do.










We returned via Bruera and Saighton, allowing me a peek at my favourite view, across to the Welsh hills via Eaton Tower.  Based on The Houses of Parliament or so I believe!

Snowdrops

The year is already moving towards Spring, although it remains jolly cold.  Again, Chester had a yellow warning for snow leading up the Saturday ladies ride, and although there was some on the distant hills, we had nothing - and with not even ice around, it is just a case of wrap up warm and head for the cafe!




23 ladies assembled, no new faces this month, an so after the photo we could go.

any ideas on an alternative to a long line up for the photos...?

I used the same route I had plotted in 2012, via Saighton, Waverton, Tarvin and Barrow.  But first, we have to get out of Chester.




We weaved through Hoole, using secret cut through's and snickets, to join the Canal at the end of Hoole Lane. 












 and then through Caldy Valley.

nifty removal of the bin makes the picture a bit better!

As mentioned, we headed to Saighton, and turned right.  Passing a bunch of runners, we had the debate should they be running facing the oncoming traffic, or with their backs to it as these were?

Nice steady ride after crossing the A41 through Waverton, past the Crocky Trail and Walk Mill, to cross the river Gowy.  Turning left then brings us to cross the A51, and into Tarvin.  This is an old village, with a few little gems of buildings still around.  There is a town trail, if you are interested, which tells you more about the history

"These black and white timber buildings date from the 16th century and are two of the oldest in Tarvin. They survived the fire of 30th April 1752, which destroyed most of the village buildings. Church House is of timber frame construction with wattle and daub infill and was once thatched. Inside are stone fireplaces with carved coats of arms. The building is thought to have been the vicarage until 1790."

After Tarvin, we crossed the A54 and followed the even quieter lanes around Hollowmoor Heath, and what I call 'the back' of Barrow.

I love the deep sandstone cuttings we have scattered around our lanes, sometimes topped with seasonal flowers such as bluebells or foxgloves.

Here is one not photobombed by Louise.





(Here is Louise!)

Louise was wondering how much further we had, as she was in need of a 'gate stop' to put it politely.  At this point I decided that, if we saw a suitable location, I would like to try to take a photo of a snowdrop (for the blog) and we could combine these activities (although not in the same shot!)


A little further down the lane, I found a suitable small clump of snowdrops (and Louise found a suitable gate).

A final climb up and over Dunham on the Hill, to meet the others at Cafe Fresh.

The other groups were already settled in the cafe, which has the most marvellous wallpaper!

wonderful woodlands!

Further Faster Ladies

Tropical suprise!

Kitchen table?!

The rest of the faster ladies

The groups and ladies all left, and as I was alone, I headed back the way I had come to family in Waverton, just because I could!

17 miles for our group to the cafe, Faster group had been up to Willington and Kelsall; Linda had brought the steady group round Wervin and Picton.