On a misty morning, Sue can be seen trying to locate any lost souls who may have made it to Timperley Bridge by 9:30 and who may be wondering what comes next. Nobody was there, so we pedalled off to Hale Station for the 9:45 meeting point there. Paul and Jeanette were in situ, getting puzzled looks from fellow members of the Seamons club, who were about to set off on their road bikes and were concerned that Paul wouldn't be able to keep up on his mountain bike.
It took a few miles of tarmac, with rear lights handy in the mist, before the bridleways of Laureen's Ride presented an opportunity to pause for a group photo.
The bridleways of Deepest Cheshire seem riddled with purple signs denoting 'Laureen's Ride:
The route comprises several loops, with the southern bridleways rather muddier than the northern ones we enjoyed today. We came across some highland cattle. Sue's picture, shown here below mine, is as usual better than mine...
The paths like the one shown here are a delight to ride, and we didn't encounter any horses, whom Laureen probably had in mind when the route was designed.
The bridleways of Deepest Cheshire seem riddled with purple signs denoting 'Laureen's Ride:
The route comprises several loops, with the southern bridleways rather muddier than the northern ones we enjoyed today. We came across some highland cattle. Sue's picture, shown here below mine, is as usual better than mine...
This path is by Lindow Court Park, by the entrance to Lindow Moss,
and features on our Lindow Moss walks.
and features on our Lindow Moss walks.
On this occasion those ahead stopped at the point pictured above, and we enjoyed elevenses in the sunshine.
We disturbed some crows on the perimeter track, attacking a kestrel, which looked very sad. I couldn't think of a way of getting it to a rescue centre, and I thought it might be kinder to despatch it rather than simply leave it to the mercy of the crows. There were other people around, so I moved on.
Soon we arrived at the Earlams Community Cafe in Styal village, where we enjoyed more coffee and cake before descending down steep steps past Styal Mill
Our route is shown below - about 60km with 300 metres ascent. After stopping at Paul and Jeanette's house in Hale for more tea and cake, our total time out was about six hours, but cycling time was around four hours.
We had plenty of time to get ready for a visit (all four of us) to the Aspire restaurant at Trafford College, a few minutes walk from our house. For £22.50 each we enjoyed the following menu, plus different breads to start, and lovely chocolates and coffee to finish. Cocktails and wine were very reasonably priced.All the courses were delicious. I'm reluctant to fumble with a camera too much in these circumstances, but the dessert shown below gives a clue as to the standard of each course.
We have booked again for an Asian themed taster menu in January. These students clearly have excellent tutors.