Larkling: Tatton Park
Five out for a scorching hot bimble around the Cheshire lanes
Riders out today were: Kirsten, Simon, Jim, Richard and myself, Ian.
Larks & Larklings on totally different routes this week. The Larks were on a hilly one to Edale where us Larklings stuck to the flattish lanes around Tatton. I suspect Simon just wanted to test his newly built (round the world) bike out but didn’t fancy an alpine stage!
Duly covered in sun cream we headed off up to Broken X, Whirley, Alderley Edge and down the Wizard rather than the usual Artists Lane. Over to Lindow End and we were then on quiet narrow farm lanes until reemerging just north of Mobberley. After Ashley we took a pleasant 5 mile loop out through Rostherne to avoid going up Tatton Mile, eventually emerging at the Rostherne entrance of Tatton Park.
The park was busy with tourists as well as a wedding reception in the mansion. We arrived at the cafe at an impressive 10:30am! I have never been to the cafe here before. It was very nice, if rather pricey. Breakfast baps all round, except for Kirsten who had the full English! I had to go back for a £2.75 cookie! We had a good spot in the shade outside and we stayed here for some time.
Tatton cafe, before the hordes arrived.
By the time we were getting ready to leave it was super hot outside. We headed out via the other exit of the park and went on the back roads out of Knutsford. We were soon on the quiet lanes heading toward Plumley. From here it was lovely relaxing riding all the way over to Goostrey, where it was decided we would do the unthinkable and have a second cafe stop! We arrived at Pastimes of Goostrey and went around the back to discover a secret garden, well a covered passage anyway. We sat outside here and Simon got talking to some other cyclists on the table next to us who seemed to be “ex Wheelers”. Earl Greys and milkshakes to stave off the heat.
When we left Richard discovered he had a flat, so while he and Jim tended to that, the ex wheelers came out to marvel at Simon’s pinion gearbox. Much joy was had with: through axles, valve cores, pliers and two mini pumps!
So, how does this pump work then?
Simon’s bike attracted attention from those in the know. Note the recumbent in the background.
Simon’s bike.
Heading out of the cafe it was on toward Swettenham, Marton and Gawsworth, at which point Jim headed off toward Wilmslow. Shortly after that Richard and myself split and headed back via Sutton, whilst Kirsten and Simon presumably went on into Macc.
What my Wahoo said:
50 miles, 2,200 ft elevation, 13.2mph average.
A nice relaxing day for working on the tan lines!
Right, Vuelta time.