Another ride with fish & chips and beer

Setting off to the coast on a sunny Bank Holiday Saturday doesn't sound the most sensible thing to do, and indeed the traffic was heavy going up the M1. My sat nav diverted me off in what appeared to be the wrong direction at Garforth, but to my surprise I ended up joining the A64 at Tadcaster. Traffic was heavy here too, but always moving, and after turning off onto the A166 there was a further hold up at Stamford Bridge. After this it settled down, and I got to the Wold Top Brewery a quarter of an hour after registrations had opened. I signed in, picked up my camping token (they knew I'd attended last year's event for some reason), set up my tent and put my wheels onto the bike. At this point I found my back wheel seemed to be rubbing in the brake, but there was no time to sort it out before the start.

We set off just after one on a very warm day, with not a cloud in the sky. Whereas last year's event had an easterly wind helping us out on the outward leg, this year we had to content with a niggly headwind, making it hard going in places on the undulating Wolds roads. As usual the countryside was magical, with lots of green fields, hedges and trees in blossom. 

The road climbed steadily for the first fifteen miles, culminating in a high point before a nice 10% descent of Cowcliff Hill brought us to North Grimston, where we joined the B1248 for a while before turning off down Cordike Lane. Here I stopped to tighten my rear skewer which looked open - didn't want my wheel to come loose at speed downhill! We went through Langton which had a huge wall of a hedge, then through Eddlethorpe and down a 14% descent into Kirkham, past the Abbey and over a lovely stone bridge, from which a group of lads were jumping into the River Derwent. Over the bridge and across the railway, the road rose sharply at around 10% for a short lung-busting stretch, with a glorious scent of wild garlic, after which we turned off towards Crambe and along Riders Lane to re-cross the railway. At the end of the lane we turned left to head back for home (and the food stop of course!). We crossed the Derwent again at Howsham Bridge to look forward to five miles of climbing, at times up to 14%. We went past Ryedale Vineyards (who knew there was a vineyard in t'north?) and past the Jolly Farmer Inn, where a couple of the riders had decided to stop for a beer break. 

We reached the high point at Aldro Plantation, and then started a fabulous descent through glorious countryside, passing a herd of Highland Cattle (with calves feeding), sheep and lambs, flowering gorse and blossoming trees which ended all too soon at the welcome food stop at Thixendale.

Here I had a coffee and various goodies, a rest and bit of a stretch, before setting off again for the last twenty five miles. We followed a gently descending lane for four miles, which had the occasional rough stretch with potholes to catch the unwary, and I passed a couple of water bottles on the road which had obviously been jettisoned from bottle cages without the owners noticing! After a short climb into Fimber, we turned left on the B1251 for a nice downhill towards Sledmere, and after crossing the B1248 Beverley Road resumed normal climbing up towards Sledmere. 

We passed Sledmere Pomnik and Wagoners Memorial, and Sledmere House and then turned onto the Yorkshire Wolds Way at Croome Road for five miles of mostly downhill rising. It had become a little cloudy by now, which was better for rising, and with the wind at my back I was making good progress. Eventually we reached the Main Road at Helperthorpe and turned right back towards the brewery. Now we could have stayed on this road and retraced our route to the brewery, but the lovely people who designed the route clearly thought we needed some more climbing, so shortly after Weaverthorpe we turned off and headed up White Sprunt Hill (not sure what a sprunt is), turning right at the end onto the B1253. Crossing the B1249 Scarborough Road near the East Riding Cemetery we were treated to four and a half miles of descending, including a 10% drop into Wold Newton. Here we crossed the Main Road again and paid for the downhill fun by enduring a mile long climb at up to 9%, then a short, sharp descent into Fordon. Here we turned right onto the road to the brewery, and the final, cruel, climb up the brewery driveway at up to 12%. 

Ride done, I signed back in, dropped the bike off back at the tent and went back for my fish and chips, and a pint. 

The clouds hadn't lifted, and so I wasn't expecting a sunset like I'd experienced the previous year, however as the evening wore on a gap appeared on the horizon, and I was able to sit and watch the sun disappear behind the Wolds for the day. It was the perfect way to end another very enjoyable Sundown 60 ride.

Crewe, Nantwich and South Cheshire RNLI Three Shires - no lifeboats needed......

I first noticed this event last year, what struck me wasn't "ooh that's close" or anything like that but "why is there a branch of the RNLI in deepest Cheshire, 50 miles from the sea? Having looked further it appears there are several fundraising branches around the country that are miles from the nearest set of waves, so ours isn't unique by any way. Having spent many years living by the seaside and supporting the RNLI, it made sense to join in this years event. 

A bonus was that it started and finished at Sandbach RUFC, so I had a nice gentle warm-up / cool down to look forward to! The day dawned with lots of sun, although a little chilly to start with, so set off with arm warmers with the intention of losing them half way round. There were quite a few riders at the Rugby Club already when I got there just after half eight, but I registered quickly and then took my place in the queue to go. I set off at the back of the group and settled into a steady rhythm, picking off a couple of smaller groups on the way. Turning into Cledford Lane in Middlewich I had a nice surprise - the road had been resurfaced! Previously it was crumbling down the left hand side, so the new tarmac was a pleasure to ride on. At the end of the lane another pleasant surprise - the traffic lights at the A533 went green for me within a few seconds of my arrival, usually they seem to ignore me for a minute or so. Through Middlewich and Warmingham I passed another couple of groups, and past Leighton Hospital I stopped at the road works lights for the usual long wait! Past Minshulls Garden Centre and down Eardswick Lane I got passed by a fitter cyclist, who I'd get overtaken by later in the day. Through Church Minshull and out the other side, there was a triathlon cycle leg taking place, and I marveled at the lack of athletic looking bodies (and bikes) who were participating. Have to say a big kudos to them though, even though I probably could do a tri, there's no way I would! 

A little later on we were directed right, off the Nantwich road, and following a couple of farm lanes the route brought me onto Wettenhall Road at Poole, where we joined the actual triathlon course for a mile and a half. We'd been warned about this, and I kept checking behind to see if there were any triathletes speeing up behind me so I could keep out of their way. It turned out there was only one that passed me! Crossing the A51 into Welshman's Lane, I found myself at some traffic lights in Nantwich, where a group of walking ladies in keep fit gear gave me a cheer and said 'keep going' - I wonder if they thought I was in the triathlon (ha ha). The route then followed a very picturesque trail through Acton, Swanley, Stoneley Green, Wrenbury-cum-Frith, Sound, and past Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker (not so secret now), and over two stretches of canal, busy with narrow boats. A short while after the bunker came the first pit stop at Overwater Marina, where I refilled a water bottle, had a banana and removed the arm warmers, it being very warm now.

Setting off again after the pit stop. my legs seemed very heavy and it was hard work pedalling for a while, but thankfully I soon settled down back into a decent rhythm. The route then went into Audlem and through the village, rather than turning left for Swanbach as I'd expected. This led to a stiff climb out of Audlem, which wasn't that welcome! A little while after Audlem the route turned right through more small lanes, and over another stretch of canal, to join the road to Adderley at Swanbach. At Adderley the route turned off and I passed another small group who that stopped at the side of the road, before enjoying a roller coaster of a lane that went over a disused railway line (not much evidence of the line other than the bridges that crossed it!) on the way to Norton In Hales, where the route turned back north again. This stretch of the route climbed for two miles before descending again for a similar distance through narrow lanes in part shade, which caused a couple of moments where I held my breath as small potholes were hidden by the dappled shade, only becoming visible at the last moment. Fortunately I avoided any disaster and crossed Woore Road towards Hankelow, passing another couple of riders on the way, and being passed by a group of five who seemed to be treating the event as a race! 

At Hankelow we turned right onto Audlem Road, and shortly after turned off at Birchall Moss onto a lovely scenic stretch of road, with lot of greenery and flowers. I passed a home made sign advertising honey, and shortly after was assailed by a fantastic aroma of flowers in bloom, better than anything Airwick or Glade could come up with. I'd been aware of another cyclist behind me coming out of Hankelow and fully expected to be passed at any time. Knowing you have another rider on your tail always makes you not want to slow down, so I continued at a reasonable pace along the undulating road, which in hindsight may not have been my most sensible move! More undulations followed as the road dived under the Crewe London railway line, and I knew we weren't far from the next pit stop at Betley. 

Here I refilled a water bottle and had a banana, and as there were biscuits on offer felt it rude not to take advantage: 2 bourbons and 2 hobnobs! As I stood eating and drinking, I couldn't help but notice the RNLI flag above the gazebo which was suggesting the last eight miles were going to be into a not inconsiderable gusty headwind! Also noticeable, or rather unmissable, was the tandem carrying a child and music player which was pumping out favourites such as The Wheels On The Bus and Head, Shoulders Knees and Toes! 😁

I set off again and was definitely feeling a little tired now, my previous exertions catching up with me. That, and the head wind, made it tough going in places, and every little incline began to feel like Alpe D'Huez. Indeed, after leaving Betley we were treated to a mile of climbing before descending down through Balterley and Barthomley to Alsager. Here, as I rode through the town, fate played a cruel trick on me by wafting delicious roast dinner smells under my nose! After Alsager we went over the Trent & Mersey Canal (another little climb) at Hassall then through Malkins Bank before climbing up to Sandbach to join the Alsager road at The Hill, promising a lovely freewheel down to the junction with the A534 Wheelock Bypass. Crossing over we climbed past St Mary's Church and The Old Hall, onto the cobbles of the High Street for a taste of Paris Roubaix, past the Hightown Drinking Fountain and Raffaele's, where punters were enjoying their drinks, and made our way back to the Rugby Club where we were given a warm welcome by the volunteers. 

I signed back in, picked up my bright T-shirt and medal and headed to get my free pulled pork bap (very tasty). As I stood eating this, I reflected on a lovely day out riding through some of Cheshire's (and Shropshire's and Staffordshire's) finest countryside on a beautiful day. I made a point of thanking the volunteers at the marshal points, pit stops and at the headquarters, who had given their free time willingly so that the cyclists could have their fun, and will certainly look to make this a regular outing. As I finished my bap, and prepared to set off for the two mile ride home, my last thoughts were of the committee meeting at the Rugby Club that had agreed on the name of one of the ends at the main rugby ground - The Bell End| 😂

2023 first quarter retrospective

How often have I wondered where the time went, and now again at the start of May I am thinking how fast the year has gone. 

It started off badly, we lost Sandra's Dad mid January after a short illness. It was unexpected and devastating, and for a while it took over almost all our time. I did a lot of train chasing last year, cycling to reasonable spots where I could take videos of steam trains on the mainline, and I would always send the videos to my father-in-law, who loved trains and was a train spotter in his younger days. After the funeral I had a chance to get a video of a steam train passing by Sandbach, and whilst I walked to the canal and got a decent video, it wasn't the same with no-one to share it with. I will miss his presence on my rides this year, even though he was never with me on any of them - he will be there in spirit.

January was a sparse month for cycling for obvious reasons, and February started slowly. I'd planned a 60+ mile ride on the 11th, but didn't feel like I could complete it early on, so aborted the original route and carried on with a view to a much shorter ride. Not long after I'd made the decision though, I found I wasn't feeling too bad, and kept on plugging away until I got to the point where I realised I could manage 60+ miles. When I got home, I'd ridden just over 64 miles, and although I was understandably tired it was no worse than other rides I'd previously done. The rest of the month was made up of the usual set of rides of just over 30 miles.

March saw me covering the usual roads, with a couple of 50 mile rides thrown in. One of these took me to Kelsall (for a cuppa at Kelsall Cycles) after which I rode to Beeston, one of the more scenic destinations in my portfolio, stopping to take photos at Beeston Castle and the bridge over the Shropshire Union Canal Main Line. I bought a new front light at Kelsall Cycles, and was so impressed I went back the next day to get a front light, this time going north from Kelsall to Mouldsworth for another 50 mile ride.

April saw me resuming the train chasing rides, and the first of these was on the 5th. This was to get a video of the LNER A4 Pacific Sir Nigel Gresley - my father-in-law's favourite and hence a special moment for me. It was a bit of a grey day, and indeed after I'd got the video, on the way back it started raining and didn't stop until I got home. Fortunately I was prepared and was wearing my rain jacket, but it wouldn't be the last time that would happen this month! On the 10th I checked the weather forecast and saw that the morning was showing dry, with rain appearing around lunchtime. I set off for a two hour ride before nine o'clock, and after an hour the first of the sharp showers hit me! A couple more followed before the full on rain set in, and I arrived home looking and feeling like a drowned rat! Fortunately Sandra was waiting for me with towels and a cup of coffee! Another train chasing trip to Wrenbury took place on the 16th (with light showers on the way home), followed a couple of days later by a double! I'd planned my route meticulously, a ride to Dunham on the Hill, a stop for lunch in Beeston then a second video at Wrinehill, back by three! Unfortunately the first train was 45 minutes late, so I had to cancel my lunch stop and head straight to Wrinehill, all the time hoping I'd make it in time. Fortunately I had a couple of energy bars with me, and I made it with around ten minutes to spare. 

I'd noticed to my shame that I hadn't ridden my mountain bike for over six months, so on the 20th I took off to the Peak District for a very pleasant circuit covering the Tissington and High Peak trails and Carsington Water. Despite it being a very sunny day it was quite cold and a strong wind made for hard work in places, but as I loaded my bike into the car at the end I reflected on an immensely enjoyable day. 

On the 23rd I had entered an Audax ride organised by my old cycling club, the Weaver Valley. Audax are long distance rides, usually of 100 / 200 / 400 km, and they have time limits for completion rather than being races. This one was a 100k event (actually 108k), and I'd considered riding to the start and back home to turn it into a 100 mile ride, however looking at the forecast common sense prevailed and I drove the the event HQ. It was a good ride, and although the day was forecast to be showery I didn't get a spot of rain until a couple of miles from the end. It did turn heavy though, so although I didn't get too wet before the finish, it would have been a nightmare having to ride home. The month ended with another train chase, timed to perfection as I only had five minutes to wait, in a superb idyllic setting, and back home in time for lunch. 

I'm looking forward now to some warmer and sunnier weather for the next few months, as although I don't mind being out in the cold and wet, cycling is definitely better with a warm sun on your legs and arms!