I wanted to get a 100+mile in midweek in preparation for the Cycling Weekly CW125 Sportive on Sunday, which is 125 miles of cycling round fabulous Cheshire, including the dreaded Mow Cop at about 95 miles into the ride!
Another ride to Altrincham, this time to check out the new Gran T’s Coffee House sounded perfect and the weather today was about as good as it was due to get this week. Perfect!
I set off from home on the normal route up through Market Drayton, Nantwich, Middlewich, Knutsford, Tatton Park and Ashley. A strongish wind was coming from the west and hampering me a bit but I’m used to riding in the wind so it was not a problem.
Just before Middlewich, I stopped for elevenses at the lovely Hopley House Farm Cafe. I’ve been here quite a few times now and get recognised when I go in. Always nice to stop for a chat as I pass. After a lovely latte and cake, I carried on the route.
In Altrincham, I went straight to the cafe and thankfully they put my bike in a back room as I normally bring my bike lock, but my wife had gone out in the Jeep with the lock in before I had a chance to get it out of the car!
The cafe itself was lovely, with friendly staff, great food, lovely decor and great music.
I got chatting to this nice lady who was in with her granddaughter asleep in a pram and spent way too long in the cafe as a result. Not to worry as it’s always nice to chat with people when out on a solo ride.
Setting off back home, I headed past the home of Altrincham FC on Moss Lane (which reminds me, I must get to some matches soon as cycling has been getting in the way!) and then onwards via part of my old cycle route to school from many years ago.
At Jodrell Bank, I stopped for a quick rest by a gate with a great view of the telescope. My legs were feeling fantastic and not a problem with the distance, which bodes well for Sunday’s ride.
In Woore, I called in at the Coopers Arms to refill my water bottles and had a sneaky pint while I was at it.
From there it was an easy ride home via Cheswardine, Sambrook and Howle.
A fabulous ride out and my legs still felt like they had lots left in them at the end. The weather behaved itself pretty much too, with only two occurrences of light spitting. Really enjoyed that!
Route: click here
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