Larkling Ride: Betley

Four out for a flat(ish) cruise around the cheshire lanes.

In a break with tradition, the Lark & Larkling rides were heading out in completely different directions today and without the usual cafe regroupment. Sunny, still fairly cold but with zero wind at South Park for the start, attire choice was difficult to get right. Most of the Larks were in shorts, whilst the Larklings were still in tights.

Simon, Richard, Jim and myself (Ian) headed out on the standard route through Gawsworth, Marton, going around the outskirts of Congleton. Once we crossed the M6 near Hassall Moss this was all new to me. From there on it was lovely quiet lanes pretty much all the way in to Betley. The village itself was really nice too. We got to Betley Tea Room around 11:00 ish, still time to get breakfast in! I was on the brie, bacon & cranberry toastie. Food and service were excellent.

Preparing to leave the tea room after a leisurely lunch: Richard, Simon and Jim.

Once we left the cafe we were immediately back onto beautiful lanes through Shaleybrook and Barthomley. We had to pull into the side several times to allow a convoy of tractors to get past, but they were pretty much the only motorised traffic we encountered. We then returned to civilisation via Alsager and Rode Heath and rejoined part of the route we used on the way out.

When we got to Siddington Richard and Jim left to head off toward Wilmslow, whilst Simon and myself headed up Pexhill. We saw the large 1pm group coming down as we ascended, Matt L resplendent in his purple Teggs Nose champions jersey.

One of the nicest flat(ish) rides I have done in ages, my Wahoo says: 54 miles, 13.5 mph, 2,700 ft of ascent. Cheers to Chris for the great route, and Simon for leading.

Right, let’s see what happened in the Giro, Ian.

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