Looking for a nice spot for elevenses on the way to Styal it was decided to call at a garden centre at Broomedge and what a treat it turned out to be. The day was overcast and very cold but it was decided to dine outside at tables with very large rush type umbrellas.

To our surprise, on sitting down a waiter came and switched on a reflective gas heater that was situated in the top of the umbrella giving off a very welcome radiated heat. Coffee and toasted teacakes never tasted so nice.

Having prised themselves away the ride continued through the quiet colourful Cheshire lanes via Tatton Park and Ashley before entering the noisy tunnels beneath the two runways of Ringway Airport. Our usual route from here to Styal has been closed due to foot and mouth problems so a little detour was taken off road through a park taking us to Quarrybank Mill, our main stop of the day for lunch.

Later on the return journey through Dunham Massey the much sought sun of the bank holiday weekend began to filter through the breaking clouds at last and in celebration a shandy was enjoyed in a local beer garden.

HTHE Clarion 10 mile championship took place at Garstang on a reasonably mild Saturday afternoon during the event held by Wigan Wheelers.

The favourite for the gold medal went as expected to Andy Horner scoring another personal best in the process, 22mins 58secs. Silver also went as expected to Fred Smith with a fine 23mins 32secs ride. Tom Butterworth, back after a long absence from time trials, took the Bronze with 24mins18secs. A total of fourteen clarion riders rode the event, the best showing in a championship for a long while.

Clarion Rides Sun13th May - Two rides this week, The Easy Pace section are off to Bronte country, over the Wuthering Heights of west Yorkshire no doubt. The Medium Distance group are taking a much less demanding route across the flat Lancashire Fylde district to Knott End.

Please note the earlier summer departure time of 8.30.am. from the town hall square. Enquiries on above to secretary, 01204 491595.