Congleton Cycling Club

Congleton Cyclist’s Hostel Weekend, AUDAX and Time Trials

Nine club members enjoyed last weekend away at Wilderhope Manor YHA near Much Wenlock in Shropshire. Wilderhope manor was built in the early 16th century, and has changed little in nearly 500 years, apart from the addition of modern conveniences.

Four rode out on Friday April 4th in glorious summer-like conditions. Bob Norton, Denise Hurst, Mary Renshaw and Peter Nelson enjoyed a 65 mile cycle via, Alsager, Market Drayton and Wellington to cross the Severn at Cressage, before riding through the South Shropshire hills to the hostel. They were joined at the hostel by motorised Georgina Norton, Doug and Angela Taylor and Peter and Beryl Swash.

Saturday dawned cold and grey, but still dry. This was a rather special day as Pete Nelson was celebrating his 75th Birthday, proving that age is no barrier to enjoying cycling. He has already competed in some 10 mile time trials this year, and seems certain to win age related honours at this and other time trial distances this season. Some of the party set out with Pete for a leisurely ride to explore lanes around Wilderhope and visit Ludlow, covering about 35 miles. Others went walking on Wenlock Edge. The first snow flurries fell before the groups returned to the hostel.

Overnight on Saturday more snow fell, and Sunday dawned as a Christmas-card scene around the area. Luckily even the minor roads were snow free, enabling the 5 of the party (the outward 4 plus Doug Taylor) to ride home via a longer 73 mile route. Crossing the Severn, this time at Atcham near Shrewsbury, the homeward route passed near or through, Shawbury, Wem, Whitchurch, Audlem, and Alsager. All were pleased with their weekend and Club Chairman, Bob Norton, promised to organise another similar trip later in the year.

Rob Waghorn completed his 6^th to 9^th 200k AUDAX rides of this year. His latest 200k was the Holmes Chapel to Ironbridge which was held in a mix of wintery and spring weather last weekend. The first hour was cold and dull but after Market Drayton the sun appeared and the ride into Ironbridge and back to Prees Heath was pleasant but then the snow recommenced and the headwind increased which made the last two hours a “slog”.

Karl Austin, John Harrison, Peter Hayhurst and Peter Nelson have ridden more local 10-mile Time Trials, with Karl improving to 24 minutes 57 seconds on the Pulford course near Chester.

Roll-on the REAL Spring!

For full results and other details of Club activities see
www.congletoncyclingclub.org.uk

The Club meets every Thursday at 8.30pm at the Rugby Club, Park Street and welcomes anyone who would like to swap ideas and stories on all cycling topics.