It’s been a while since I’ve been on a full Sunday run, so I set out with some trepidation. I needed to get some miles in (but had at least done some warming up over the past weeks using Zwift to make sure that I didn’t make too much of an idiot of myself!).
A really good number turned up at the club this morning, and the number roughly halved to serve each of the two runs.
We were soon on our way after the usual pre-ride chatter, and headed out, led by The Boss (Graham), who lured us into a false sense of security initially, by taking the usual route through Delamere. Here, one of our number turned off for home for other responsibilities, seeing as she’d already rode 250* miles to the club, this seemed reasonable, although I was a little concerned at the cafe to have received a picture of her bike at the top of Old Pale!
Me thinking that we were on the usual route to Mickle Trafford/Greenway, Graham navigated through Oscroft, Waverton, and then off towards Saighton. Where were we going? Soon enough, he had led us on a route through Huntington, and back into Chester, before dropping down to the river, and onto the path that follows the Dee. Today was different than most days that we hit the path, as there was no howling headwind. Very pleasant.
Not soon enough for me, we ended up on the border of Wales, and headed back up to the main road to lead us to the cafe. Here, my aching legs failed me, and maxing out my heartrate, I plodded up the gentle hill. Carol and Emily had dropped back to nurse me along, but on the main road, I couldn’t resist, so attacked for the cafe sprint, despite only having two to race. That was a dumb move, pushing my biggest gear, I ran out of steam in about 10 pedal strokes and Emily came past me like a steam train, uttering expletives that no lady should utter! Don’t know who won the main sprint.
Beans on toast and spare, and a big mug of tea and fruit cake with icing were the perfect thing for me, and it was good to be back at the Mills, the best cycling cafe in the world.
After feasting on our various fuels, we left the Mills, got on the main road and started to head back. It was here that it struck me just how tiring that cycling was, as despite the rest, Titch chose to have a little lie down on the grass verge to recover from the few hundred metres from the cafe. We waited, and he awoke, and joined us again, as we came back via the usual route along the gated path, down Demage Lane, and out towards the back of Chester Zoo. At Mickle Trafford, I chose to carry straight on the Helsby, where I don’t live, whilst the other turned off. No doubt to warm up for the Delamere sprint.
A very tiring, but excellent day for me, and the usual friendly chat and banter that this excellent club offers. Thanks all, I may do this again…
*I may have stretched the truth a bit here.