Wirral Bicycle Belles

Seasons Greetings

2011-12-27T10:18:00.003Z

Hi Belles, Wishing you all the very best for the Season and best wishes for the coming year. Let's hope it's a good one.
And finally to round off 2011 you might like to follow this link to watch a short video about women cycling pioneers and feel inspired.
http://www.goskyride.com/Breeze/ShowArticle/We-celebrate-women-cycling-pioneers?retURL=/Breeze/Index/2
Happy cycling!

Heswall 17th December 2011

2011-12-27T08:59:00.000Z

Saturday 17^th December Christmas gathering in Heswall

The snow had fallen here on the Wirral so it was with greatreluctance that I decided against leading our last ride of the year. This isbecoming something of a tradition for the Belles.

Never mind. Sonia still offered to host anyone who couldmake the journey over to Heswall. Ten of us did by a combination of foot, car,bus or bike. Sue and Margaret had cycled from Port Sunlight. Well done you bothand this was Margaret’s first adventure with us. Sheila was also on two wheels.Oh and there was a dog as well, who waited in the porch very patiently.

We made a start on the mince pies, mulled wine and othertasty offerings. Outside, the sun made an appearance and it certainly seemed tobe thawing. What might have been …

Sheila kindly took a couple of photographs of our gathering.

Let’s look forward to our cycle rides in 2012.

Words from Janet.

Photo's by Sheila

Parkgate Ride 19th November 2011

2011-12-20T09:24:00.001Z

Once again, we enjoyed dry, bright weather for our ride today. The main concern was would the café in Parkgate accommodate us? And there were a lot of Belles arriving outside the station in Port Sunlight this morning. A final count said 25. Is this a record?

Caroline, Kim, Liz, Sue

There were too many of us to ride together. We split-up into three smaller groups each with a leader and someone looking out at the back. Janet and Tricia have been trained recently as a ride leader so now was the time to put the theory into practice! Thanks to Sylvia, Sue, Sonia and Elaine for helping us.

Kim, Heather and Caroline

Elaine and Liz

My group was the first to arrive on the Parade at Parkgate. And guess what? The café was very busy with other visitors. Gill landed the last table and one with a fine window view. Some of us went for the take-out option.

Judy and Gill outside pub at Parkgate

Janet, Elaine and Julie

It was sunny enough to sit outside for a short while at least. Others headed next door to the pub which was not only serving tea/coffee but also toasted snacks. It all worked out fine.

Ana and Susana

Gill and Charlotte

Helen and Lynne

Elaine and Lynne

Ana and Susana

Julie, Judy and Gill

Kim hits the deck outside pub at Parkgate

Judy, Keely and Suzy

Susana, Ana, Tricia, Sue and Sylvia

Keely, Julie and Elaine setting off after coffee break

Suzy on parade at Parkgate

Liz and Lynne

Caroline, Kim and Charlotte.

Kim and Caroline

Heading back to Port Sunlight

Liz andLynne cycled with us for the first time today. I’m told they thoroughly enjoyedthemselves. Hopefully, that goes for the rest of the group. From Parkgate, wepedalled on to Little Neston using the Wirral Way. Then through Raby, ThorntonHough and Clatterbridge. We returned to Port Sunlight a little before 1pm. Thatcould be a record, too!

Janet wrotethe words. Elaine and Susy took the photos.

Follow this link to look at our route for theday http://connect.garmin.com/activity/129385224

Saturday 15th October, 2011 - Tam O’Shanters Urban Farm in Bidston

2011-11-08T15:07:00.001Z

It was lookinga fine day for cycling as we gathered outside Port Sunlight station in thesunshine. Our destination was Bidston which is one of the few high spots of theWirral so be warned, it meant a bit of a climb. Michelle and Helen hadreturned with a change of bike. We welcomed two other newcomers this month –Jayne and Debbie.

Storeton

Liz, Beryl, Ruth, Sylvia off-road NCR 56

Derry and the rough stuff

Janet led onthe outward route, up to Red Hill before dropping down to Storeton village.Here the fun began. First, a very muddy stretch which some chose to walk ratherthan cycle. We met horse riders, walkers and a very fast moving cyclist travellingin the opposite direction. The Belles negotiated it all safely to reach thetarmac of Landican Lane.

Heather rides it!

Helen and Michelle cycling the track to Landican

Cycling through the woods to Landican

Tarmac at last! - Landican Lane

On through Woodchurch and Beechwood using Sustrans NCR56 to reach Bidston village and the start of the hill which is best cycled at your own speed or walk it!

Liz, Beryl and Sue Woodchurch

The staff inthe café and the rangers soon had us parked, fed and watered. There were plentyof other younger visitors, too. Sue was celebrating her birthday today so shedeserved that cake.

It's Sue's birthday today

Judy, Derry, Keely, Julie at cafe stop

Caroline, Heather, Janet at cafe

Elaine at Tam O'Shanter

Liz at Tam O'Shanter

Helen and Michelle

A day for sitting outside

Full cycle racks at the urban farm

Tam O'Shanter Cottage

The story of Tam O'Shanter

Sylvia ledus homeward - an interesting route past Wirral Ladies golf club to crossTownfield and then Holm Lane into the leafy suburbs of Prenton. We settled forthe busier roads back into Bebington. We had cycled a little over 15 miles and673 ft of climbing. Well done.

You can look at the detail of our ride here http://connect.garmin.com/activity/119880772

Thanks to Janet for the report and Sheila and Elaine for the photos.

Scourge Of The Modern Cyclist

2011-10-17T11:18:00.000+01:00

Hi Belles. Here is a subject close to every cyclists heart. No I am not talking about that dream bike you have lined up in your minds eye the day you win the lottery but potholes. The infamous pothole, scourge of the modern cyclist. Surely they were not this bad back in the day..... mind you come to think of it they didn't have roads then (or so the revered elder stateswomen/men of our noble art are fond of telling us.)

Do you ever wish as your front wheel disappears down yet another black hole that there was an easier way of reporting the pesky little blighter's. Well now there is. Those clever people at the CTC have created a website dedicated to reporting the offending blot on the cycling landscape to the relevant authorities, namely YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL. They can only fill in a pothole if they know its there, so as the CTC says "...If you want it repaired, you have to report it ".

So there you have it, now you can report to your hearts content. Just follow the link below and see how easy it is.

While I'm at it the CTC also provide an excellent service called Stop SMIDSY (‘Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You’). There you will find all kinds of information and advice if you have been involved in such an incident. Again just follow the link below.

Happy cycling!

Links: http://www.fillthathole.org.uk/
http://www.stop-smidsy.org.uk/
http://www.ctc.org.uk

Belles Ride To The National Boat Museum Ellesmere Port: 17th September 2011

2011-10-16T09:48:00.000+01:00

Today we welcomed friends Michelle and Helen. The routewas an 18 mile circuit – out through Raby, Willaston, Childer Thornton andthrough Ellesmere Port town centre. We descended the steps to join the canaltowpath to reach the national boat museum.

Helen, Michelle,Sonia & Ruth

Using the bike runnel down to the canal at Ellesmere Port.
Caroline shows how it is done!

Helen is in the foreground as the Belles continue their descent

Sonia on Towpath

Our destination was the visitor’s café. Our timing wasperfect. The rain blew in as we arrived but amazingly, it cleared ready for ourdeparture.

Boat Museum

We were a large group today of 20 so it took a little whilefor us all to get served. There was time to catch up on news. Jane had joinedus for coffee by car.

Coffee Stop

Ana & Elaine

Janet & Sylvia

Maria & Beryl

Jo & Cerys

Two Sisters Ana & Susana

Sonia took the lead for the return trip which took us outpast the boats moored-up, crossing over a busy junction with the M53 and on toa quiet backwater at the rear of the Vauxhall plant. It cut the miles down alot.

Jo in action

Shelia on the move

Judy, Gill & Susana

Group photo

Helen and Michelle were flagging by now.Sylvia suggested new bikes. Janeteven had one that might be suitable.

We emerged at Eastham Country Park and the final stretchalong the cycle path back to Port Sunlight. Well done everyone.
Thanks toElaine for taking the photos today and to Sonia for helping out with the route.
Link to National Boat Museum at Ellesmere Port:
http://nwm.org.uk/Home.html

Ledsham Ride 20th August 2011

2011-10-12T10:13:00.001+01:00

Jane led 20 Belles out from Port Sunlight in glorious sunshine. Such a contrast to last months ride!

Port Sunlight Station

Signing in

We rode a steady pace out to the Garden Centre in Childer Thornton

Enjoying the sunshine

Returning back to Port Sunlight via Eastham Country Park.

Cycling on Buttermere

2011-08-17T22:52:00.000+01:00

Hi Belles, I've always said cyclists can ride on water. Follow the link below to view the photo that proves it!

Cumbrian schoolboy push-biked ON WATER | Cumbria Community Foundation | : connecting people who care with causes that matter

Up and Coming Events

2011-08-17T11:14:00.000+01:00

CTC Two Mills Picnic Ride: Sunday 21st August 2011

Come and join us for this popular annual picnic ride. The route is a comfortable 30 mile circuit leaving from Eureka café at 10am and returning by 3-3.30pm. Our catering team will provide a very generous sandwich lunch, tea and coffee, for just £5 per person. The ride pace is gentle. We welcome newcomers and old timers. We just ask that you purchase your ticket from Janet by Thursday 18^th at the latest so that we can buy enough food and drink. Also you need to let Janet know of special dietary needs. Hope you can join us and keep those fingers crossed for picnic weather!

You can contact Janet on:

Mobile: 0795 4333 930

E-mail:twomills@ctcchesterandnwales.org.uk

Chester & North Wales CTC President's Ride: Sunday 11th September 2011
Meeting in the car park at St Asaph Cathedral at 11.00am. The event is open to all C&NW CTC Members and their Guests.

Details of the ride, lunch and booking forms to can be obtained from the website at: http://ctcchesterandnwales.org.uk/

Eureka Anniversary Ride: Sunday 11th September 2011

If you can't make it out to Wales the Eureka annual Anniversary Ride is taking is taking place. Starting from the famous Eureka cyclists cafe there are two routes 50 mile and 80 miles.

The 50 mile route takes in the quiet lanes and byways of Cheshire and North Wales.

The 80 mile route is very hilly and of course much longer!

Details and entry forms from the Eureka cafe
Tel: 0151 339 5629
E-mail: info@eurekacyclistcafe.co.uk.
Closing date for entries is Sunday 4th September.

Arrowe Park Ride 16th July

2011-08-09T10:20:00.000+01:00

The forecast for the day was for heavy rain showers and it didn't disappoint!
14 hardy souls braved the deluge and rode out to Arrowe Park led by our leader Janet with Sonia in the middle of the group and Tricia and Sylvia back marking.

A day for wet gear

The outward journey took us through Prenton then via Oxton Community Fields to Woodchurch and on to the Red Room cafe in Arrowe Park.

The Red Room - Arrowe Park

The tea cakes went down well, especially with Janet!

A chance to warm up and dry out

The return journey took us back to Port Sunlight via Thornton Hough and Clatterbridge Old road. The only mishaps a slipped chain and a disintegrating shoe (don't ask) !

Active Belles

2011-07-14T10:34:00.001+01:00

Hi Belles, check out the latest news by clicking on the Active Belles tab above.

If you have been active on your bikes and would like to share your activities with the group then just get in touch. Hope to see you all on Saturday. Don't forget to bring your rain gear!

Eureka Ride 18th June 2011

2011-06-25T07:40:00.001+01:00

To celebrate Team Green Bike Week, we rode out to the famous Eureka cycling cafe at Two Mills. It was our longest ride of the year at 22 miles. Despite the forecast for heavy showers twenty two of us set off prompt at ten including seven newcomers. We split into two groups so as not to hold up the motorists out on their Saturday shopping trips!

Janet had planned a cracking route ( you will find a link to the route at the end) which led us down quiet Wirral lanes and cycle paths to arrive at the Eureka in good time and a well earned lunch stop or late breakfast for Gill.

The famous Eureka breakfast

Was it something I said!

Having a good old chin wag over lunch

Cheers!

Anne (the owner) had pulled out all the stops to make us feel welcome and had arranged for a selection of female bike attire to be on display.

Trying it on for size

Anne was also on hand to answer the many questions put forward by the group.

Before leaving we paused to have our photo taken outside the cafe

We had certainly caused a stare. I don't think the Eureka in all it's 81 year history had seen so many woman cyclists in one go. It made a nice change to turn the tables on the men who found themselves out numbered for once!

Links: http://www.eurekacyclistscafe.co.uk/
http://www.bikeweek.org.uk/
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/94551770

2011-06-24T19:34:00.003+01:00

Active Belles June 2011

Various Bicycle Belles have been active on their bikes this month. The following are just some of the things they have been up to!

The Wirral Bikeathon

These intrepid Belles took part in a sponsored ride at the annual Wirral Bikeathon and completed 28 miles in atrocious conditions. Well done!

Janet with help from Sustrans Volunteers at the same event.

Clun Ladies Weekend

Several Belles joined members of the Chester Fabulous Ladies group for a cycling weekend in Shropshire.

The group stayed at the Youth Hostel in Clun apart from Janet and Tricia who opted to camp in the YH grounds.

Tricia's one woman tent!

CTC Two Mills Treasure Hunt

The annual CTC Two Mills Treasure Hunt organised by Janet was well attended despite the cool and showery conditions.

Signing in

Looking for clues!

What about our other Belles? Would you like to share your cycling exploits here? Just get in touch.

Neston Ride 21st May 2011

2011-06-21T14:12:00.000+01:00

Marietos in Neston 21st May 2011

We had a cracking ride today out to Marietos in Neston where we were made very welcome.

Following is a selection of photos and a short video clip which you can view at the end of this report. Tricia is going to be helping me to publish stuff to this blog - see if you spot the improvements!

Sonia led the group, out through the lanes of Raby to arrive at Neston in good time.

We created a lot of interest in the cafe...

...and in the town square.

So many women riding bicycles!

Thanks to everyone involved. See you in June for the big one to Eureka Cyclists cafe.

Thurstaston Church Farm 16th April 2011

2011-05-19T21:05:00.018+01:00

Here are a selection of photos from today's cycle ride taken by Elaine, a newcomer to our Bicycle Belles who had a camera handy.

A good turnout.

A new venue - Church Farm outside

And inside

Welcome back Caroline!

And Helen and Cerys

The Dell, directly opposite our meeting place.

Outside Port Sunlight station

Eastham village and Bromborough Pool Saturday 19th March 2011

2011-03-20T21:33:00.008Z

What cracking weather today. 17 Belles reported at Port Sunlight for the 10 am start. Julie had cycled rather than taken the train - well done you! No newcomers this month. Our route was Raby and Benty Heath to Eastham village and then on through the country park to the river front. You can have a look here www.connect.garmin.com/activity/73920529

Because the cycleway to Port Sunlight is flooded very badly (again), we found a new way through the business park to Bromborough Pool - a hidden gem. We stopped for a few photos

Tricia has kindly found these two links to the history of the area www.prices-candles.co.uk and

www.wirral.gov.uk/my-services/environment-and-planning/built-conservation/conservation-areas/bromborough-pool There is plenty to read at your leisure.

We returned across the A41 by foot and were soon back in Port Sunlight village a little earlier than usual so time enough to visit the cafe at Lady Lever art gallery. Sylvia went for the chocolate slice to celebrate her retirement earlier this week. An excellent choice.

Health and Wellbeing award 10th March 2011

2011-03-11T09:08:00.016Z

The Bicycle Belles group have been awarded a grant by the Rural West Area Partnership Board which is funded by NHS Western Cheshire and Cheshire West and Chester Council. We went along to a celebratory event to meet both the people who have given us the money and representatives from other community groups who have been successful.

We were invited to talk about ourselves and how we plan to use the award

The Chair of NHS Western Cheshire kept us all to time. 11 groups shared their story. Some of that involved audience participation. Neston Ecumenical soon had us singing and the yoga teacher demonstrated better breathing techniques.

There was a chance to 'network' as well as publicise our efforts to get more women cycling.

There was a very good lunch, too, to round things off.

Anniversary ride to Country mouse in Brimstage Saturday 19th February, 2011

2011-03-11T08:33:00.007Z

Whilst I was away in Cuba enjoying wall-to-wall sunshine and cycling, our rides here went on. 13 of you turned out on a cold and damp day. A couple of newcomers, too. Sylvia was leading. Tricia at the back. And Sonia helped out in the middle somewhere.

Inside the Country Mouse and it looks intense thought here!

And plenty to talk about here

The anniversary today is ours. The Bicycle Belles have cycled for one year now. And this is the very cafe where we first sat round together. We have welcomed many new faces since and look forward to meeting more in the year ahead.

Saturday 15th January 2011 Sonia's in Heswall

2011-01-22T21:30:00.006Z

Port Sunlight to Heswall 15th January by twomills101210 at Garmin Connect - Details

Follow the link to look at our ride for today. We now have our very own Garmin GPS. Janet is still learning how to use it. This was my first attempt to map the route beforehand. I've not got it quite right yet. It didn't speak to me as we went round. Never mind.

14 of us did show on the right day for the first ride of the new year. A big welcome to three newcomers - Julie, Sue and Lisa. And the weather was better than expected. A strong headwind on the way out but it stayed dry and very mild.

Our destination was Heswall. Our route took us out through Clatterbridge and Thornton Hough, the Runnell and Gayton. Bit of a climb up through Lower Heswall. Sonia had kindly opened her house and garage for us.

Here we are getting back on those bikes after a glass of mulled wine as well as the tea, coffee and cakes! Thanks alot Sonia. You did us proud.

Christmas get together 18th December 2010

2010-12-27T16:31:00.003Z

The snow had finally arrived yesterday evening which put a stop to our plans to cycle to Sonia's in Heswall for a festive gathering. I stayed at home on the morning of our ride with the phone switched on just in case anyone did try to brave the elements and found no-one at the start.

And 10 day later, here I am later still pretty much grounded. Never mind. It was the only ride we missed during 2010.

We have sorted the dates for next year. I've uploaded the list to this blog. There are printed copies for you when we next meet.

Enjoy your time off over the holiday. See you on the 15th January.

Janet

Burley Dam Garden Centre 20th November, 2010

2010-12-04T20:30:00.010Z

The Belles are gathering - 17 of us turn out this morning.

Sonia mapped our route for today on her Garmin gadget. Follow the link to have a look for yourself. You can zoom in by clicking inside the map. It's very clever.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/57296594?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4ce7ec765f3b3cea,0

We cycled 14 miles, gaining some height as we pushed up from the river front to Eastham village. Another little rise over the M53 to reach our mid morning destination - the Burley Dam Garden Centre.

We parked between the planters and headed inside. Santas grotto also arrived this morning. It was busy but the staff in the cafe soon served us all. Seated together gave us the chance to chat about Christmas. We are planning a bit of a party when we meet in December.

We set off together for the return through Hooton, Raby and on to Clatterbridge. Jane managed to sprint ahead to take these photos of us using the cycle route to cross that M53 (again).

Saturday 23rd October to Birkenhead Park

2010-10-27T23:20:00.007+01:00

There was a heavy downpour earlier this morning so I thought not many would show for our cycle ride. How wrong was I. By 10am, 20

Belles had gathered in front of the station inluding six newcomers.

Today's ride was different because we were heading north into the urban jungle of Birkenhead. Our route was planned carefully to keep us off the busier roads. Tricia had put together some information about the points of interest along the way.

Janet gave the safety speech and we set off through the village to cross the A41 at the pedestrian crossing and into the out lying parts of New Ferry. From Shorefields, we got our first views of the river. A steep climb right took us into Rock Park. The houses here are still pretty impressive.

We zig zagged the A41, through the quiet back streets, past the former Cammell Lairds and a cheeky use of the pavement to arrive at Birkenhead Priory. Several took the opportunity for a look inside. Tricia did the honours taking some photos.

Janet led the way down to Monk's Ferry, along the promenade, past Woodside Ferry and on to the Morpeth dock. The surfaces are not complete in parts so proceed with caution. There is another hazard in front of the college at 12 Quays - tramlines. Poor Caroline found them to her cost. She fell heavily. The rest is history but her cycling was over for today and several weeks to come. Heather gave us an update later that afternoon - fractured thumb, wrist and elbow and best get the bike checked out, too.

The 'ambulance' group caught us up at the visitors centre in Birkenhead Park. We set off after the coffee break later than planned but together. The hills of Oxton did split us up. Then the rain came in so it was a dash back for home through Prenton and Bebington. The front riders arrived at the station 10 minutes ahead. Some took advantage of the cafe across the road to wait. An eventful day. Best wishes from us all, Caroline. Don't let it put you off.

Saturday 18th September to Eastham Village

2010-09-24T15:57:00.008+01:00

There was a good turnout today - 17 Bicycle Belles. There were familiar faces - Les Girls from Tuesday Evening Cyclists. As well as newcomers, one or two who had travelled all the way from Liverpool. Poor Helen didn't last too long. Puncture on a wheel without quick release and no suitable tools. We had to admit defeat She was soon on the train home. Hope to see you next month.

We moved off from Clair Farm. Then Joan called out with a front wheel puncture. This time, Julie-Anne was able to do her stuff. Wheel off, tube out, find and remove the thorn (it is that time of the year for hedge cutting), fit the new inner and inflate. Just those fiddly cantilever brakes to delay our onward journey to Raby. There was another small incident on the hill up to the Mere when Julie's chain jumped off. Those of us at the back lost the group for a short while.

Finally, we arrived at Jemimas Coffee shop in Eastham village - a second visit for the Belles this year and we rather overwhelmed them with our numbers.

Thank you Sylvia for leading us today. We did get home before the rain really set in.

Saturday 21st August to Arrowe Park

2010-09-24T14:22:00.006+01:00

Here are some of us using the cycle crossing today at Clatterbridge.

Then our photographer managed to get in the front!

Our destination was the Red Rooms in Arrowe Park. It's part of the golf club. There was a tournament going on when we arrived finally - some of us a bit worse the wear for the journey! This group shot was taken after we had been inside for quite a while, eating drinking and chatting.

New faces today - Margaret and her friend Esther who was very brave cycling for the first time after many years. Then we had two Gills. One we know from our Tuesday Evening Cyclists. The other one was from across the water. Word about us is spreading!

Saturday 24th July to Willaston

2010-07-28T22:23:00.009+01:00

Tricia kindly sorted the Belles ride today and in her own words "I didn't lose anyone!". There were 14 altogether including 5 new riders. Two came all the way from Wrexham to join us. Jane back marked and took photos. Sonia rode in the middle.

Our destination was Pollards Inn in the village for tea/coffee break.

The rain held off until the return trip and even then was only intermittent. One small problem with the route as the Hooton Road leaving Willaston is closed at the moment. We were able to walk our bikes through to join Benty Heath Road and continue as planned. The group arrived back at Port Sunlight Station at about 1.15pm.

Saturday 19th June to Eureka cyclists cafe

2010-07-02T12:34:00.008+01:00

Our destination for today is a very famous meeting and eating place for cycling enthusiasts and clubs based in the north west.

You can read more about the 80 year long history of the cafe in the citation from the CTC.

It seemed right and proper that the Bicycle Belles should visit and when better than at the start of this year's National Bike Week.

The cafe is situated on the A540 Parkgate Road at Two Mills. It is open Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays from 8.30am until 5pm. Telephone 0151 339 5629. Commercial break over!

It was going to be a good stretch for us from Port Sunlight through Eastham, Willaston and Ledsham village.

13 of us set off. A little unlucky for some. Madeleine couldn't quite unclip pedal from cleat as Janet stopped rather quickly in front of her ... oops!

A challenging morning, too, for Sue and her friend, Michelle, who joined us for the first time today on our longest ride so far - 22 miles by the time we got back to Port Sunlight! They did reach the cafe but decided on alternative way home - the train from Capenhurst. A wise move.

It was another fine sunny day.
Here we are sat outside the cafe.

There was a need to re-fuel.
Janet plied her wares for National Bike Week
Is that the largest cup of tea, Sylvia?

Tricia kindly took up the role of leading the homeward bit. A very short stretch on the A540 and first left into the safety of Puddington and Burton.

Another commercial - Chester Cycling Campaign and other local cycle organisations are fighting for improvements to be made on the A540 to protect better the many cyclists who use this route for commuting, training and/or leisure. Please take part in the survey which you will find here

Photos from Tricia and the words from Janet

Saturday 22 May 2010 Burleydam Garden Centre

2010-06-09T17:32:00.006+01:00

Is this a new member? Sylvia encouraged us to stop on the ride out through Willaston and admire the characters at the pony sanctuary. This one is called 'Hooly' which is short for Hooligan. Perhaps he'd be a bit disruptive for our group.

A good turnout today enjoying the fine weather

We enjoyed the coffee stop, too, and found someone to take a group photo as we left.

Pedal it Pink

2010-04-17T22:29:00.044+01:00

Today the Bicycle Belles staged our own Pedal it Pink event to raise money for the Breast Cancer Campaign. A very big thank you to everyone who took part on the day and the many more who sponsored us. We raised £475 towards important research to understand how breast cancer develops, leading to improved diagnosis, treatment, prevention and cure.

10am outside Port Sunlight train station was a mass of pink. Barbara was doing an excellent job blowing up Campaign balloons for everyone. We welcomed regulars and several new faces including four Fabulous Ladies from Chester. Bob and another partner had the dubious male honour of recording our departure in the sunshine - 22 women in total. Sue has to take the prize for most chic.

We divided-up into two groups to cycle through Spital, Raby Mere and Willaston for coffee break at Ness Gardens. We made good time, arriving just a little past eleven o’clock. We took tea outside, causing quite a bit of interest and donations from amongst the visitors. Sue and Tricia went around each table taking photos.

Time to return. We said goodbye to our sisters who were heading back to Chester. The rest of us cycled towards Neston to join the Wirral Way through to Hadlow Road station. Sue demonstrated her control of the bike, recording us and the odd runner on the move.

More of our number chose to leave after the stop at Willaston. It was close to lunch time now. Some of us couldn’t call it a day, though. We took the scenic (longer) route through Raby, Thornton Hough and on to Clatterbridge using the Route 56 cycle way to cross the motorway and back to Port Sunlight station. It was 2pm - a little later home than planned. 20 miles is the furthest we have done together as a group.

Congratulations Jo. You didn’t think you would make the full distance with us. We hope to see you and other newcomers next month. No requirement to wear pink that day!

Saturday 20th March - a damp start

2010-03-20T21:39:00.030Z

Here we are checking todays route the week before. Then, 10am outside Port Sunlight station and 10 of us have arrived despite the rain. Tricia has just shot off to check if anyone is waiting for us at Lady Lever gallery. Some newcomers today - Barbara, Sheila, Derry and Philippa. Our 'other' Barbara and Isobel have returned from last month. Then we have the helpers - Sonia, Tricia, Sylvia (who planned today's route), Maxine and Janet who spent the day up front, leading.

The route out takes in that hill again but a little gentler by the side of Brackenwood golf course. No-one is walking this time. Then the swoop down to Brimstage and on to Thornton Hough. The rain has stopped now so in the village we take the chance to put away some of the wet weather gear. Watch out for the puddles and pot-holes on the lanes through to Raby, crossing Willaston Road to Benty Heath and Eastham Rake.

We arrive in Eastham village for 11.15am. Jemimas coffee shop is expecting us. Plenty of space for our bikes outside and a table set up inside. Janet does the sales pitch giving those bright yellow Travelwise bags to newcomers, filled with all sorts of goodies. Derry is thinking of raising the height of her saddle. Believe us - it will do wonders.

Time to press on for the last leg. We drop down to Eastham ferry and through the country park. Nice views here of the river and Liverpool on a better day. The cycle route to Port Sunlight is badly flooded under the bridge so overland to cross the New Chester Road at Mill Road to Spital and re-join the old railway route back to Gladstone Theatre and the station. 14 miles in total.

A successful morning for us. But there was more. Ready to cycle home and Sonia discovered a rear puncture. A chance to put those newly learned skills from Cycle Solutions into practice. She was soon into the muck of it all, watched on by others. How many women does it take? And we won't say how long it took. Thanks to the guiding hand of Maxine. Hope it got you home, Sonia. Well done you all!

Brimstage country mice

2010-02-21T14:42:00.000Z

Then three

2010-02-21T14:40:00.000Z

Just my bike at Port Sunlight station

2010-02-21T14:35:00.000Z

Saturday 20th February - we meet for first cycle ride

2010-02-21T12:34:00.000Z

Frosty start this morning. Only me and my bike at Port Sunlight station. Soon 3 more arrived. Emma was on her way - went to Spital by mistake. Tricia looked out for more arrivals at Lady Lever. She missed Sheila, though, who was sat waiting for us in the cafe. Sorry!

Finally, 10 of us set off through the quieter roads of Bebington to Rest Hill. Bit of a cruel climb for a first ride. It was worth it for views. Sunny and warming up by now. Dropped to Storeton and joined Route 56 to Brimstage. We stopped at the Country Mouse Restaurant for elevenses - two tables reserved - and we were careful on that newly cleaned carpet. I gave out the goody bag kindly supplied by Travelwise - filled with lots of useful information for the budding cyclist + free puncture repair kit! Then on to Thornton Hough and Clatterbridge, using the recommended cycle route.

We arrived back at Port Sunlight station for 12.45pm - 12 miles - not bad for a first effort . Only one mishap - me the leader falling off her bike - whilst rest of group looked on - very undignified - it happens to the best of us! Hope to see you all next month - same time and meeting place - Saturday 20th March - different route.

Janet