A reduced field this week gathered at the British Legion, torrential rain earlier in the week had threatened to return but held off enough, the clouds even clearing to let the sun shine through on the way home!
11 riders headed for Loggerheads while the remaining 12 (including 3 new riders) headed direct for Chester through the Forest, Tarvin and straight along the back of Saighton to Blue Moon Cafe. I was thankful for the first leg only being 25 miles as my legs were dead and found myself slipping off the back. Those on the front will have also found the going tough with a gusty headwind.
I’ve not been to Blue Moon Cafe before, a brilliant little cafe by the river side with cool old music and film posters. Service was fast and food really good too, even a salad garnish with your baked beans on toast! I believe Andrew Risk tried it but doesn’t think it will catch on!
Fully fueled and with the sun now shining Al put forward the plan of going down the river to Connah’s Quay, then back along the cyclepath home. The wind along the cycle path couldn’t decide whether it wanted to stay behind or push from the front. A breakaway group broke clear for the long stretch, Kev “Cancellara” Campbell pulling it along the whole way. Although my tactic of hiding behind a lean Craig Darrall didn’t work out!
A run right down the full length of the cyclepath before the normal route back home then followed, with new lad Matt struggling with cramp we took an easier pace.
The traditional blast through the forest was next to follow. Odds on favourite Kevin Campbell even bringing along support in the form of Jack Campbell such was the importance of the race. As the pace wound up the field was soon whittled down. Wood and Darrall attacked on the front side by side through the forest, turning the ice cream van corner Wood punched it into the big ring and knocked it down a couple of cogs to go clear of Darrall. Seeing the light ahead he knew the finish was near, could he hold on and drive for the line? Entering the light, Wood was still clear but soon enough there was Campbell sprinting past on the outside to take the win by several bike lengths, leaving Wood and Darrall to pick up second and third. Campbell’s experience of hiding in the wheels coming in to play.
We rolled through Acton Bridge and Weaverham back home. I ended up with 65 miles on the clock in the end. Great idea by Al to take the river on the way home, cheers for the lead.