Thirty or so riders met at Hartford and split into three groups – a long ride to Garth, an intermediate group on a roundabout route to the ice cream farm and a beginners’ group straight to the ice cream farm. A large group elected to ride to Garth, with Ewart leading. And as all blog followers will by now know, when Ewart leads, anything can happen!
Kevan led out almost the whole way at a good pace, via Oulton Park, Beeston Castle, Brown Knowl and Tilston, then onto the A534 (I think this bit was a mistake, it’s unusual for us to spend any time on such a busy road) for a stretch of time trialling, and then onto the B5130 (which John Conboy reckons is the “longest road in the UK”) past the Plassey, then via Eyton onto Ruabon and up through Penycae on beautiful quiet lanes up to the Prospect Farm tea rooms. We had started the ride into a chill wind and in cloud but by the time we arrived at the cafe the sun was out and we sat outside, enjoying the warmth.
Anyway then the fun began. Ian and Lou decided they fancied the trip up to World’s End so set off on their own. The rest of us decided that we’d had enough and set off (or so we thought) to go back down the hill – (“it’s downhill all the way from here”, they’d reassured me at the cafe) – but Ewart had different ideas: and led us on a succession of left turns that involved several more climbs, whilst technically “contouring” round the lower slopes of Ruabon Mountain. Despite the hard work it was well worth it as this was a beautiful route on quiet roads with great views. We ended up at the Bersham Iron Works when once again Ewart suggested a left turn – at which the couple of riders who knew where we were mutinied, and set off on their own return route through Wrexham. The rest of us climbed back up (again!) to Coedpoeth and then at last downhill, to Cefy-y-bedd. The return route via Holt was led by Kevan, Craig and John Conboy who took turns at the front and set a cracking pace, assisted to some extent by a tailwind. Back through Tarvin and the inevitable race through the Forest, with John C just pipping Kevan to the post and Kevin beating Dennis, me, Derek and Andy. Kevan and I got back home at 4.30 having clocked 90 miles – not a bad day out!
Thanks to Ewart for leading. My “man of the match” award for today goes to young Andy who although only 15, coped incredibly well with such a long distance, took some long turns on the front, tried constant digs even towards the end, and remained positive throughout.
And now another message from Malcolm Verity…It hasn’t been my week. I don’t know whether you heard, but I came off in the Macc Wh 25 on Saturday when a car crossed a no overtaking line into my path. Result was a broken collar bone, bruises and abrasions, plus damage to my brand new Dave Hinde time trial bike.
I wouldn’t have bothered you with this, but by a strange coincidence, the bike was stolen last night from the locked shed in our garden. So if anyone in the club is offered such a bike, or a pair of black Krysium Elite wheels, or a Centaur groupset, in suspicious circumstances, then I, and Cheshire Police, would be very interested. By the way, I can identify the frame and bike through the slight damage it sustained on Saturday.
Could we put such a message on the website? Thanks in advance.
Food Report – Icecream Farm Tattenhall
Several of us purchased the ‘chicken, bacon and mayo’ baguette. The bagette itself was around 8 inches long and nicely stuffed. It was freshly baked and retained an excellent crunch. The filling was a chunky pre-mixed amalgam of chicken chunks and bacon pieces, bound with Helman’s mayo. Whilst tasty, the ratios of bacon to chicken and chicken/bacon to mayo, favoured the latter of the former and the latter of the latter. I would also have liked a little more black pepper with mine. The accompanying side salad, whilst fresh and inviting, lacked substance and any dressing. A simple balsamic or vinagrette would have sufficed. Also, cucumber in any meal should only be included subject to the purchasers consent.
A large pot of tea was provided for the price of a small, but could have done with an additional bag.
The newly refurbished dining area and shop are a credit, clean and comfortable. As always, the welcome warm.
All in all, I’d say 8.75/10.
The ride was good as well.
Mark