Cheerful in Chester

16 of us enjoyed a longer warm easy ride last Sunday from Macclesfield to Chester.

Most of the group started from Broken Cross or Siddington, led by Rachel L, who kindly stepped in at short notice when John found that he had some unexpected wheel changing work to do on my bike. John and I met up with them at Shakerley Mere where we attempted to split into two equal groups. The result was a group of nine led by Rachel, who endeavoured to get to the cafes five or ten minutes ahead of our group of seven.

Kev had warned us of potential traffic problems around Oulton Park due to its biggest event of the year, so John had replotted our usual route to avoid this, using part of a national cycle route. We still had to cross a steady stream of traffic, but it was better than being in it. There was an extra track section, the first part of this was deep dry sand, so we had to walk this part. The last part was more like a footpath, bordered by brambles and nettles. I ended up with vegetation in my rear mudguard which I pulled out, but a couple of miles later I punctured. There was a cut in the side wall of my rear tyre. We were about a mile before our first cafe stop at Rose Farm, Utkinton, so we sent the rest of the group on whilst John fixed it.

Most of the group had brunch at this first stop, so after another ten miles it was mostly drinks and ice cream on Chester riverside. The ride back was very warm, particularly when going uphill. We stopped at Riverside Organics for some much needed refreshments and great views. Well done to everyone who turned out, but especially ‘Bollington’ John who did his longest ride with us so far.

Our easy ride this Sunday will be to Alsager Courtyard cafe, leaving Broken Cross at 10.30am, full details are on the website and everyone is welcome.

Katherine

Rose Farm cafe Utkinton

Chester riverside