Delamere 2019 – Blown Off Course

1 February 2019 Andy

A smaller than usual turnout of Stockport Community Cycling Club members met at Frodsham for the Delamere 2019 ride. Perhaps, many were put off by the predicted 50-60mph winds. Sarah was today’s ride leader, while I was the back-leader. You will note that the majority of the photos (most of which were taken by myself), are from behind the riders – it was just too windy to get ahead of any riders on this ride!

Indeed, as we left Frodsham and were getting blown around, we were wondering whether it was the correct decision to start the ride.

A steady climb from the start point brought us to Tarvin Road.

This took us on towards another climb as we cycled towards the village of Alvanley.

We headed on along Manley Road.

And climbed another little hill.

At the top, we had a great view out towards the Mersey estuary.

Next, we turned on to Sugar Lane.

And then a nice hairpin bend on to Cob Hall Lane.

For now, the cycling was made a little easier since we had a tailwind.

As we cycled past Barrowmore, and then along Heath Lane, we had to negotiate not one, but two large puddles that filled the lane.

After crossing the A54, we cycled through Oscroft. We still had a tailwind.

Things changed dramatically when a little further on, we turned into Common Lane. Now the wind bit back!

We reached Kelsall and decided to take an early lunch at The Morris Dancer. This represented a change from our planned lunch stop.

Over lunch, we also decided to deviate from our planned route back, and stay out of Delamere Forest, where the cafe was closed for safety reasons. Additionally, we decided against climbing up Manley Road, which we thought might be more exposed to the elements.