Friday 2/1/71
11.00 – 19.00, 66 miles
Crewe, Sandbach, Holmes Chapel. (Called on Larry, not in, gone to collect car from Crewe) So a solo ride for a few hours. Lower Withington, Kermincham, Dicklow (very quiet round here, plenty of untrodden snow) Redes Mere frozen up, birds skating on the ice. Bare trees, a cool white sky and everything very still, the trees with icicles hanging. . Broken Cross, Prestbury (13.30) climb out of the village onto Alderley Edge (14.00) Lunch here, couldn’t see further than Wilmslow because of low cloud. Down into the town, onto B 5085 through Mobberley. Past the small pool before Knutsford where kids were having fun on the ice – so thick they were riding bikes on it. A little time around the town then entered Tatton Park, toll 6d but I nearly rode past. Alongside Tatton Mere I stopped and propped the bike against a clump of trees and walked to the water’s edge. There were plenty of people about, all naturists (I think that should have been naturalists on reflection in 2003!) with their cameras and binoculars. One had a camera mounted on a huge tripod taking pictures of the birdlife on the frozen mere. The birds flew together in formation and landed over those on the lake. They took off making a terrific noise, then the others landed, skating over the ice before coming to a stop. The others flew in a big circle around the mere and came overhead and swooped down to the ice and skated as they were about to land, a terrific flapping of wings. The two groups attacked each other and a great noise. It was very interesting to watch. Even the cattle came down to the water’s edge and waded in, breaking up the thick ice. A while later I cycled slowly up to Tatton Hall. The house and grounds were closed, not a soul about. I turned back and paced to the Knutsford entrance, riding through the town and made off over the Heath and left for Tabley. A pleasant lane this but busy at Tabley crossroads a few yards from the motorway link. Over the dual carriageway and back on to the more quiet and peaceful lane heading for Great Budworth, turning right over the hump bridge or I would end up in Pickmere. At the first road junction (Bate Heath) I noticed a green plaque on the corner of a stone wall, “Ministry of Public Works”. It describes the square as a mediaeval enclosure, 5 foot square and 5 foot high with walls 9 inch thick. Past Arley Hall and it was getting towards dusk and becoming colder so on with anorak, bob hat and gloves. I freshened up and rode into Great Budworth. I stopped at the fountain at the crossroads for a brief rest then lights on and up the steep hill to Comberbach and Anderton, through Northwich and along the dark lanes through Davenham then Middlewich Road, Bradfield Road, Henry Street, home.
8/1/71
Crewe 18.00, Sandbach, Holmes Chapel 19.00 (to see Larry), left at 21.30, Middlewich, Middlewich Road, Bradfield Green, North Street, home 22.45
Discussed going to Olympia but put off until next weekend
Saturday 10/1/71
Longest ride, 156 miles 09.00 – 22.30, 13.5 hours
Turned out to be an unexpected perfect day, it was like June rather than January. There was hardly any wind, just a light breeze. Plenty of sunshine, a freak weather day. Not expecting such a great day I set off for Clocaenog Forest then back through Llangollen over the Horseshoe Pass. It was dawn when I set off, giving myself plenty of time for a long ride.
Crewe, Nantwich, Burland, Faddiley, Ridley (sun up), Bickerton, Broxton, Farndon (10.45), Wrexham, Coed Poeth – cycled up. Then on to windswept moors to Rhydtalog (a good following wind), Llanarmon and to top of Ruthin road, some climbing then to Clwyd Gate Inn. I stopped here a while to take in the view, could see for miles today, especially southwards as far as the horizon. A fantastic ride downhill facing the colourful slopes of Moel Eithinen before plunging through the woods then around the hairpin into Llanbedr. Looking back the Clwyd hills were covered in reddish brown heather in the sun. I kept up my speed down to Ruthin (13.00) I ate my sandwiches and bought cake and coffee at a café on the square then rode out along the wide street signposted for Cerrig Y.D. I rode ½ a mile up the hill when I decided that the wind was a little too rough to be out along Mynydd Hiraethog which was my original intention after Clocaenog. I thought I would take advantage of the good weather and was certain this would last the whole day. So I turned back, soon back in Ruthin with the wind behind me. I found this part of Ruthin to be the best, I hadn’t seen this before. A little stream runs with the road for a while, disappearing under small bridges. On the opposite side of the road is a small Welsh chapel, in the background was the reddish brown colour of the Clwydian range over the green valley. Soon I was in the valley and rode along a sunny road to Denbigh, the town in sight well before I got there, the white stone of the castle shining in the sun. The best part was to come as I took to the lanes heading directly for Llandudno, my new objective. I took longer than I thought to reach Henlann. Halfway up coming out of the Vale of Clwyd I had to stop. It was that warm I took off my thick pullover and rolled up my shirt sleeves. I had shorts on underneath but thought I had better not. I would look ridiculous with long socks and high winter cycling boots. I looked bad enough as it was! Henlann is a pretty village, the church is unusual as the small tower is a few hundred yards from the church. Steep downhill then up again, the hills were making the going hard and it was quite a while before I rode through Llanefydd, past the reservoir and I was lost! This is strange countryside. I had to walk up the steep hill to Llanefydd church, 3 miles from the village. I don’t suppose many of its villagers attend! A much steeper walk from the church to the main road that I thought I would never see. This whole ride from Denbigh was great, so different from familiar countryside nearer home – and different in another way from the main coast road only a few miles away. Just before Betws-yn –Rhos I stopped to take in the view hidden most of the way by high hedges. Colwyn Bay, Llandudno (just in sight), Abergele, Rhyl and a deep blue colour to the sea (as it appears from this height) were all very clear. Not far now and I would be in the Conway Valley. Riding down to Dolwenthen up another steep hill then a terrific sweep down off the hills into Conway with the river always in sight to guide the way. I was off the heather moors now and the view on the descent was really grand as I could see along the Conway Valley inland towards Bodnant and the hills beyond. Just above the Llandudno Junction to Glen Conway road the way splits, either keep to the lanes for Llandudno (but it would soon join the main road anyway) or down the last steep drop to the river. For a few brief moments I imagined I was in Salcombe. It looked just like the Devon town from this position, but soon imagination was shattered as I came out on to the busy main road following the river to Llandudno Junction. From the road I couldn’t see much because the railway runs between the road and river. At the roundabout I carried straight on for Deganwy, not bothering with Conway. I’ll be back there in a few months to explore it thoroughly. I was soon in Llandudno, not many people about and hardly any traffic. I looked round for a café but there were none open. I stayed in Llandudno for about ¾ of an hour (16.45 to 17.25), had a walk along the front for a while then out of the town over the Little Orme. Kept up a good speed through Colwyn Bay and stopped at Old Colwyn to freshen up then kept up a good pace along the A55 to Abergele, arriving at dusk 17.45. I didn’t switch my lights on until Rhuddlan as there was hardly any traffic about. I stopped for a while outside Rhuddlan for a brief rest then on to Prestatyn. My lights started to trouble me. The rear bulb blew so called at garages along the road. I finally bought one at Flint but then found out it wasn’t the correct type but it got me home. I changed it later. I tried some garages before Mostyn then rode to Flint. Had a drink at Connah’s Quay. I was in Chester nearly an hour behind time (20.15) I stopped for ¼ of an hour and continued on through Tarvin, Tarporley, Barbridge, Nantwich, Wistaston and in Crewe at 22.30
14/1/71
Crewe 08.45, Sandbach, Holmes Chapel (09.20) Called for Larry, not there, waited until 11.00 when he turned up. He had worked until 10.00, wasn’t aware. We arranged to go to London tomorrow on the 07.49 train, back home through Sandbach, from Holmes Chapel at 11.45, Crewe 12.30
Friday 15/1/71
Larry and I both got a day off work. I was at Crewe Station at 07.30 after rushing. Larry wasn’t there. I waited until 09.00 then got on the next train but decided on one more try. Didn’t expect to see him but there he was. We caught the 09.30 train and arrived in London Euston at 11.30. To the tube, left some stuff at left luggage then 2/- ticket to St Paul’s cathedral (photo slides 109 to 112, 148), not very inspiring in this dismal weather. Today it was very cloudy and a light showers. Went inside, terrific noise from under the great dome, ½ hour inside then after lunch at a café nearby we walked to the Old Bailey. We had a quick look inside then took to an alleyway that led to Dr Johnson’s House, passing newspaper office blocks to Holborn Circus. To the Tube again, now 15.00 and to Earl’s Court on the Piccadilly Line, direct. Earle’s court is a large station. The Boat Show was on at the time. We had to walk along Warwick Road to get to Olympia. The racing car exhibition was taking place there. Next to this was the Outdoor Life exhibition. We paid 5/- entrance each then walked round. At the Carlton stand Larry and I talked with an agent representing the firm. He saw we were interested and showed us the Carlton track bike, all chrome frame and fixed gear and also the 10 speed Road Winner, as used by Brian Jolly in the Milk Race. We spent 2½ hours in Olympia. I made a mistake in daring Larry to have a go on the parachute wire, a long wire connecting two floors in the exhibition lengthways with a net underneath. He was strapped on to a wheel that runs on the wire down to the next floor, to be caught by a rope in front and land on a mattress! I was surprised when he said he would – and he did! We had a snack on the 2nd floor then a look at camping equipment and track suits. Larry was very interested in buying a track suit. He tried one on but the price put him off! Next we went to the Ron Kitching stand, spent some time here looking at the equipment. We got some good advice on gears and chainwheels and bought some catalogues. Larry had a quick look at the motorbikes (brings back memories he says) We had a look at David Soar’s round the world bike. Larry was very interested in this but a bit too far for both of us! Some free pamphlets from the Cyclist’s Touring Club stand that I got for Larry. There were other things like army displays, climbing, parachuting and artillery. On the 2nd floor was a mud track for army training on motor bikes, scrambling style. It was dark at 18.45 when we came out. We walked back to Earl’s Court tube and took the tube to Hyde Park Corner then walked along Constitution Hill, bit dark along there, past Buckingham Palace. The roads here were still very busy. Larry ran straight across but I wasn’t chancing that! Along Pall Mall, over Charing Cross to Trafalgar Square. We stopped here a while. Larry decided not to stay the night on Euston station but to get home. I wanted to stay for sightseeing and shopping tomorrow but couldn’t persuade Larry. I nearly did though as he wanted to see the film “Waterloo” in Leicester Square, but there will be more chances when it’s on release at home. We walked back along Haymarket to Piccadilly then the tube to Euston station, changing at Leicester Square. In Euston at 20.00. We had a good meal then caught the 20.40 train for Crewe. We had a nosy at the sleeping cars as this train was the night sleeper to Inverness. Told Larry not to doze off as this was an express, Crewe was the first stop then the following stop was Carlisle! We were in Crewe at 23.30, saw Larry off on his train to Holmes Chapel and I was home at midnight.
17/1/71
Started off at 10.00 for a ride to Wenlock, rode to Wynbunbury, Audlem and decided to turn back. It wasn’t a fit day to cycle far. There was no sign of the clouds breaking and it could have poured down at any time. Home at 12.30 through Coole Pilate and Nantwich, 18 miles.
Saturday 23/1/71
09.45 to 23.00, 80 miles Crewe, Sandbach, Holmes Chapel (10.30). Thought I was late but Larry wasn’t even up! Out at 11.30 along the Congleton road, stopped to put on sweater. Dane in Shaw, Cloud (walked) Rycroft Gate, Swythamley, Clough Head, back of Roaches. Foggy on high ground here. We stopped alongside road to eat our lunch, sharing sandwiches. On to Hazel Barrow and out of the fog. Colours on lower hills around Gradbach, A53, Axe Edge, fast down into Buxton (16.15 – 17.00). Had another lunch at café in town. Had a look at some tents at army & navy stores, none interested us. A quick look around town. Larry bought some provisions. Back up Axe Edge and turned off for Goyt Valley (17.30), doing a moderate pace along the valley we stopped at Goytsclough then on to Erwood reservoir. Larry was amazed to see such large reservoirs and the water drop by the dam. It made us dizzy to look down it! Back along the road for Rainow. We walked the steep hill ‘The Street’ to the top then took it easy into Rainow. It was dark at Jenkins Chapel but we didn’t put our lights on as we hadn’t seen a car since we left the main road at Axe Edge. Good view down to Whaley Bridge bathed in orange light. Jenkins Chapel has been converted into a cottage and looks very odd with the small tower and nave cum cottage. Larry had trouble with his wheel so turned his bike over and mended it but just then it started to rain. It was soon raining heavy. I swapped my thick jumper for an anorak. Larry donned cape and cap. I found the John Tur stone at the side of the road that I first noticed a few years ago. We rode quickly down to Rainow. There was a bit of confusion on these rains at night but soon found our way into the village – up the last hill then steeply down into Macclesfield. We stopped at one of his Christian friend’s houses in Macc for a while (20.10 – 20.40) for a rest and a welcome cup of tea. We were soaked, puddles formed on the carpets! Afterwards we rode back to Holmes Chapel through Chelford and past Jodrell Bank. We kept up a good speed as far as here but then I slowed down. I didn’t tell Larry at the time, but I wasn’t feeling too well. I left Larry at West Way, Holmes Chapel and rode only as far as the railway bridge over the A50 on the Sandbach road. I had to stop , I couldn’t go any further. I stopped only for about 15 minutes, until 22.00 and sheltered from the heavy rain. I had to freshen up and eat all the food I was carrying – and that was quite a lot, a ¼ pound of biscuits and fruit. I felt a little better afterwards but I was very weak. I had overdone it and the rain had made it worse. I managed to get home in an hour and felt a little better towards Sandbach. By the time I got home I was OK.
30/1/71
Larry planned to go to Blackpool today in the car. He took David and asked me to go too. We set off at 09.00 to find his Christian friend’s house in Tunstall. He eventually found it after some searching. We stopped for a while and he told us a good place to go for tents and camping equipment in Longton. We stopped on the way in Hanley, had a look around the camping shops then on to Longton. We soon found the shop by the station. We were shown a few tents but we weren’t satisfied. Larry was not in tent on buying one there. The weight of them (and the prices) were too heavy. Larry was determined to buy a tent. Last week we saw a good one in Buxton so we decided to go there again and buy it. It was a very dismal day, raining all the way from Crewe and showing no sign of a let up. Just the other side of Leek we ran into even worse hazards –fog and sleet. The car windows were soon iced up and it was quite a job keeping the windows clear. Over Axe Edge was the worst but soon we were under the fog as we came into Buxton. It was raining lightly and all the hills around were obscure .We had lunch at a café in Spring Gardens and bought the tent from the army & navy stores. Larry had a rest in the car while I took his younger brother, David for a walk. At about 15.30 we were out of Buxton and on Axe Edge and back into the fog. The snow had eased a bit. At the junction of the Macclesfield and Congleton roads near the Cat & Fiddle we saw a horrible sight. Two bodies were lying on the road and two cars were nearby. This was the result of a crash in the thick fog. There were hikers about but no traffic stopped. We wondered if the hikers had reached a telephone. Larry made sure by ringing 999 at the Cat & Fiddle pub. The accident had already been reported but it was not known that one person was trapped behind the wheel in one of the cars. We were coming off the hills and into Macc and out of the fog and sleet. It was very cloudy now but it wasn’t raining. Soon we reached the motorway link near Knutsford and Larry drove non-stop on the motorway until we reached the services at Chorley. We stopped for a snack at the transport café and continued north to the junction just north of Preston and drove along a B road for a short distance but found the way blocked by bridge repairs so we had to take the next turn at Catterall following the Wyre into Blackpool. Now this was where the fun started! Larry had an idea that his Auntie lived in Cavendish Road but was it in Blackpool, Bispham or St Anne’s? He bought some petrol and asked for Cavendish Road. No trouble this far, he soon found this. We called at number 19. He knew or had an idea that this was the number. It wasn’t so we tried number 9 then all the nineties! We tried the local paper shop, no luck so we tried the police station, directed here. The desk police sergeant was a sarcastic sort. He took the micky out of Larry and gave him directions for Cavendish Road, St Anne’s telling him there were no Kendrick’s living at Cavendish Road, Bispham. So we tried St Anne’s. There was no luck here either! We tried about 30 houses in all and Larry was beginning to get a little angry. It was a wasted journey. We drove back into Blackpool to get something to eat then we would go home. We had fish and chips by the South Pier then after a brief rest drove out, following the coast to Preston. It had been dark for some hours when we were in Blackpool and I thought how quiet Blackpool was. It was a Saturday night but even in the winter at a place like Blackpool, centre of night life for the whole of the north, you would have thought there would have been plenty happening. One thing that wasn’t happening tonight though was a Kendrick clan get together! There were no bright lights, hardly any people around, the streets were quiet, hardly anywhere open. It might have been in the early hours of the morning there would have been just as much happening – nothing. Larry bought more petrol at Freckleton, enough to see us home. Larry and I shared the cost. Through Preston, on to the Blackburn road and on to the motorway south bound for the long drive back. Larry was very disappointed on not finding the house, and David and I thought he had the wrong road altogether but didn’t dare tell him so! We later found out at Urmston the following Saturday that his Aunt lived at number 19 Cambridge Road near the centre, Blackpool. Off the motorway at Sandbach and on to Crewe. Larry dropped me off at home. David was fast asleep, no wonder, he’s had a busy day. Larry drove back to Holmes Chapel. I was home for about 23.30 after a long day travelling for 15 hours. Larry decided he would like to camp next Saturday, even if it was February. I agreed as we had most of the camping equipment needed. He had sleeping bags but only one airbed. He had a Gaz stove but we wouldn’t be cooking however the Gaz would give us light and warmth. We would go on the bikes next Saturday but not too far so we could camp early.
Saturday 31/1/71
Went to the station at 09.30 to catch the train to Holmes Chapel at 10.00 but missed it, was just in time to see it go out, so walked back home wondering whether to bike it to Holmes Chapel or have a ride. I felt like having a ride, being such a bright day (very different from yesterday). Crewe 11.00, Sandbach, Smallwood, Astbury, Timbersbrook, pleasant surroundings but then it started raining as I rounded The Cloud. Tempted to walk to the top but decided not to so round the other side and down to Bosley. It’s a long time since I took this route. Bosley Reservoir, The Minns (rain stopped), the view back to The Cloud after the rain was good, very clear. Up to the Rose & Crown, no trouble getting up the hill. Along here to the top at Gradbach. Locked the bike up and went into the Eagle and Child here for a mug of tea and cheese sandwiches. Outside I saw two bikes and was surprised to find that the cyclists were elderly (late 50’s at least). One had polished off two helpings of poached eggs on toast and was about to start on a good size helping of pudding. What an appetite! The other was content with a mug of tea. I was surprised later when I met them wheeling their bikes towards Ludschurch and that they were taking them over the hill to Swythamley then on to Rudyard Lake, quite an effort for them, especially negotiating the steps up the steep hill from Gradbach woods up to Roach End. I followed a hiking party down the hill to Gradbach Mill where one told me that this was a good café, large meals and reasonable prices too. I didn’t go in but carried on by the River Dane to Ludschurch. It started to rain but it soon went off by the time I reached the woods, then up the steep path. Those two cyclists must have had quite a difficult effort getting up here. On to Castle Cliff Rocks then followed the path round soon reaching the narrow crevass that led to some steps. Down these and I was in Ludschurch. I did a little bit of climbing at the other end looking for what is called the Bottomless Pit, a very deep cave. I had a good look round but couldn’t find the cave. I met the other cyclists (or walkers!) at Castle Cliff Rocks and made my way back up the steep hill to the bike. I couldn’t see far today but it was bright in between the showers. I rode on slowly from Gradbach following the stream to Flash. There was a wind getting up making it hard work on the way to Flash and soon the worst came – hailstones. I covered up and rode downhill out of Flash into the gale. I could hardly see where I was going and these hailstones hurt! I stopped at the Travellers Rest and waited for the shower to pass. After it eased a bit I rode out over Axe Edge where it finally stopped. Easily rode up to the Cat & Fiddle then downhill all the way to Macclesfield. On then to Chelford, Jodrell Bank and into Holmes Chapel just as it was getting dark (18.30). I was just in time for the service at the Victoria Hall and stayed for a while at Larry’s until 22.00 then rode home through Sandbach, home at 23.00.
Saturday 6/2/71
64 miles, with Larry. Crewe, Holmes Chapel in ¾ hour, 11.00, Cranage, Knutsford, Tatton Park (stop for ½ hour and a walk round) Rostherne, Bowden (stop for a drink at a café), Altrincham, Sale, Urmston. We had 2 hours here. Larry introduced me to some relatives. One of them played in the group ‘Herman’s Hermits’. Back through Altrincham, Bowden, Mere, Lostock, Middlewich (stopped at a café), Holmes Chapel 21.30. The weather was mild but dull. Camped tonight at Holmes Chapel with inadequate sleeping bags, no cooking equipment and only one air bed (Larry without) Very cold in the early hours but we did quite well on our first time camping. It was very uncomfortable but with the proper equipment we’ll be OK. We got up at 10.00 for church the following morning.
10/2/71
Night ride, longest of the year so far, 55 miles from 17.00 straight after work until 22.00. It was very mild and sunny as I left work. Lighting up time was 18.30. Crewe, Church Minshull, Wades Green, Wettenhall, Oulton Park, Little Budworth, Oakmere (dusk), Delamere, Hatchmere (dark at 18.45), Frodsham (stop to freshen up), Dunham, Chester (stop), Tarvin at a good speed to Winsford, Swanlow Lane, Church Minshull, Bradfield Green, North Street, Henry Street, home 22.00
Saturday 13/2/71
Met Larry at Haslington. Rode back home for a drink then set off at 11.00. Crewe, Hankelow (stop for another drink), Audlem, Market Drayton 12.30 – 13.00). Bought food, batteries for the bike lights and drink. It rained a little but soon went off. Weather was now mild and sunny. We were on the lanes to Sutton, Tern Hill and Stoke on Tern. We went to have a look round the church but was closed. Grand ride from here to Ollerton, Great Bolas and Waters Upton where the weather took a sudden change. The Wrekin looked bold before the dark sky, a good sign of heavy rain to come. About 2 miles north of Wellington we had hailstones. We covered up then a hard ride into the wind and hail to Wellington. Larry felt cramp in his right knee and it seemed to be troubling him a lot so we took it easy from here. We rode slowly along the A5 for the turn off for Forest Glen passing through Ercall Wood. Larry needed a drink so he took his bottle to the nearest house. We were invited in for a snack, a pleasant surprise! It was a grand house, the couple were well off looking around the kitchen they had all the latest gadgets. His wife was a good cook too. We were given toast and coffee and biscuits. Larry thought they must be Christians – they were. They were certainly very good to us and even asked us to come again! We walked most of the way up to Forest Glen, except for the last part downhill. We locked the bikes up across the road and went into the café for a quick drink before walking up the Wrekin. The rain had gone off but it was still very windy as we walked up. Larry was still having trouble with his leg but he had come this far so decided not to give up now! It wasn’t a hard walk up but it was painful for Larry. We walked directly up and didn’t follow the zig-zag path. It took us about 20 minutes to reach the top, marked by the Ordnance Survey white trig point. The view from the top was clear, we could easily make out Clee Hills, Long Mynd, Wenlock Edge and far beyond. In the opposite direction we could see Bickerton Hills in the far distance across the Cheshire plain. We didn’t stop at the top long because of the cold wind, We had to hold on to the trig point, the wind was that strong. Larry suggested we camp up here in the summer. It didn’t take us long to get back to Forest Glen and to the bikes. Larry wanted to get back to Wellington for a meal and to buy a battery for his front light so we found a café but by the time Larry had arrived it had shut. He found a shop so went there. After eating we were ready for the road again. It was dark when we started back (18.30). Larry’s leg was troubling him a lot but we managed to keep up a good pace. We had the wind with us and it was a calm evening, no more rain. Larry was speeding along and at times it was hard to keep up with him. Through Hodnet and Market Drayton into Audlem. This was our first stop since leaving Wellington. We called at a pub for a welcome rest and a drink, both of us were tired after a hard ride. Soon we were off again. At first we began to feel the cool night air but soon we were warm after a few miles. Back home through Hankelow, Wybunbury, Shavington, Gresty Road, Macon Way. Larry rode back home through Sandbach and I was home at 22.30. It was bright when we set off this morning, dull in the afternoon and two hailstorm showers, a strong south wind.
20/2/71
Larry came to Crewe, met him on Hungerford Road so back to our house for breakfast. His leg was still troubling him but he thought it might go off after a few miles (the pain that is, not his leg). We started off at 10.45, Wistaston, Nantwich (stop at the canal bridge) to Acton. Larry was worse than last time. I said it was growing pains. He said it was groaning pains, the only growing he was doing was in diameter. He couldn’t pedal up the bank to Acton so had to walk. It was slow progress as far as Hurleston. We swapped bikes for a while, thinking he might find it easier on my light weight bike but it didn’t help at all. At Hurleston he stopped and said he couldn’t go any further. He would ride back to Holmes Chapel. Maybe the ride back would help him. It took him ages to get back but the short ride had strengthened him a bit. I put it down to his cycling muscles developing as he hadn’t ridden a bike any distance except for the last few months. I rode on, Larry insisted. Through Barbridge, Tiverton, Beeston, Gatesheath (started raining but only a quick shower), Bruera (stop, rain again, put cape on but only lasted a few minutes), Aldford, into Eaton Hall grounds and stopped to finish off my packed lunch that I started at Bruera. The weather was quite good now as I passed over the Dee bridge, sunny but still a strong south west wind that slowed me down a bit, Eccleston village, Kinnerton and into Flintshire, Llong, Buckley then Mold. I had a meal here then turned off along the Ruthin road to the right for Cilcain. A long but gentle climb for 4 miles then a series of hills, one very steep near Cilcain where the road dips down into a wood, over a stream then a very steep ascent into the village. This is a no through road for the last 3 miles so there wasn’t much traffic about. Cilcain is picturesque and quiet. Downhill from here and to the back of Moel Fammau marked by the stub of the tower at the summit, directly ahead. I’ve never seen this side of the hill before. On reaching the end of the road at the reservoir I had to ask the way because there are 2 paths to choose from that could lead to Moel Fammau. I was told to try the left one but it just finished up in a farmyard. Thanks for nothing. A stile beyond and a rough path only suitable for walkers, I wasn’t going that way. I double backed and tried the other path. This one was a wide muddy track that led to the west of the hill. I asked a local who told me to carry on along this path until I came to a farm gate on the left then follow the trackwhich will take me to Moel Fammau. The track resembled something like a cyclo-cross course. I lifted the bike over 2 gates then I was at the end of the wide track where I came to another reservoir. I wasn’t too sure at first where to go from here. From the top of the bank over the reservoir I could see Moel Fammau and looked for a track in that direction. I found out later that the best way would have been to have kept straight on the same way then start the gentle climb a little further on but I headed straight for the tower stump, over the field beyond the reservoir then lugged the bike over a fence, keeping near to this fence climbing the short but steep hill until I reached the top. After a hard push up I found I was too far to the east of the tower. In between was a stone wall and another short hill before the summit. I walked along here to look for a gap in the wall. It wasn’t long before I found a gate opening on to a track that led to the correct path. The surface was good enough to ride along here. Once on the track the most difficult part of the climb was between here and the tower, only a few hundred yards away. It was a cinder track so to lighten the weight of the bike I took the saddlebag off and carried the bike on my back to the top then went back down for the bag. At the top, looking down and taking in the view it made all the effort worthwhile. It was very windy at the top, and there was an unobscured view as far as the eye could see (photos 18, 20). Snowdon was easy to make out with the aid of the orientation slabs on the walls of the tower stump. The sun was just setting making the shape of Snowdon stand out clearly. I took a photo slide of this (No. 19). I could see most of the nearby Clwydian range as well as over the Cheshire plain to the Peak District, the Mersey and Dee estuaries, the Wrekin and Breidden Hills to the south. At about 18.00 the sun went down so it would soon be dark. I put on extra clothing for the descent down the path I had walked up. It was rideable all the way down but this time I kept to the main track that brought me to the road over the ridge. I had to be careful not to go too fast! There was still a good clear view into Wales on the descent but I couldn’t see as far from the forest road. I stopped here for a while and decided to go down towards Llanfair then turn off back to Mold. It was a breezy ride down to Llanfair then I turned left before the main road that brought me just above the hairpin on the main Mold to Ruthin road. It was an easy climb up to Clwyd Gate with a following windthen a fast ride down to Loggerheads at about 30mph. It was just getting dark when I reached this point, stopped for a while (18.40 – 19.10), refreshed then down into Mold then Buckley, Broughton, Saltney and Chester at 20.15. On through Tarvin, Tarporley, Barbridge, Nantwich, Wistaston and Crewe at 22.00
25/2/71
Crewe 16.45, Alsager, Red Bull, Kidsgrove, Burslem, Hanley, Fenton, Swinnerton’s cycle shop at 17.45 – it was shut! I did the 18 miles in an hour. I had a snack then back to Red Bull, lighting up time there at 18.50, Scholar Green, Rode Heath, Hassall, Winterley, Haslington, Crewe at 20.30. It was a mild evening but cool, a S.W. wind.
27/2/71
To Fenton with Larry in the car, it was raining heavy. I bought chainwheels and a front changer with cable from Swinnertons. Later we had a look round Hanley and went to the Apostolic Church that evening in Tunstall. Mr and Mrs Shepherd were also there. We camped in Larry’s back garden that night in Holmes Chapel, with full equipment this time.
28/2/71
This morning I rode out from Holmes Chapel at 10.30 through Lower Withington, Siddington, Broken Cross, to Prestbury at 13.00 then on through Bollington, up to Pott Shrigley to the hairpin on the main road and down to Kettleshulme and Whaley Bridge. I had a ½ hour stop at a café for a meal then on to Chapel en le Frith, Rushup Edge, up the side of Mam Tor and steeply down to Edale. There was snow on the high ground above Chapel en le Frith. Kinder Scout looked great in a glistening white blanket. It wasn’t too cold and hardly any wind. There were plenty of walkers about. I was going to walk to Kinder over Grindsbrook but thought better of it in current weather conditions. It would be dangerous on the mountain without proper walking equipment. I had a short walk around Edale then headed out towards Hope village and back on to the main road and into Castleton. I had a look around and then headed up the Winnats Pass. It was an easy climb to the Speedwell Cavern where I stopped for a drink at the café then had to walk up the pass as I hadn’t the gearing to ride up. I took my time then raced down the other side to Sparrowpit and Dove Holes into Buxton. I had a short stop then climbed up to Axe Edge to the Cat & Fiddle. I had a drink here then fast down the hills into Macclesfield. I always enjoy the view of Macc. from the road above and heading down into the town, especially at night when it’s lit up with orange light. Through Macc. to Monks Heath and Chelford, had a short stop here. Then non stop past Jodrell Bank to Holmes Chapel. I called on Larry and collected the cycle equipment bought from Swinnertons yesterday. We called at the Shepherds house in West Way for a while then I rode back home later. I was much more refreshed and it was an easy ride home through Sandbach, home at 23.00, done 70 miles today. There was snow on the high ground and a S.W. wind but calm, no rain.
6/3/71
Larry was to call at 09.30 but didn’t turn up so I rode to Holmes Chapel, hoping to meet him on the road but no sign of him. Called, he was nearly ready and we set off at 11.00 on a bright morning. We rode out through Middlewich, Winsford, Over, Oakmere, Kelsall, Tarvin and into Chester (13.00) non stop all the way – good going for Larry! Down to the river. The cafes were shut so we walked up to the town to look for one. Found a place in Watergate, quite cheap and a good meal. Rode out of Chester through Saltney and The Flats to Broughton then gentle rise to Hawarden, Ewloe, Northop, along the Halkyn ridge to Holywell. It was a good ride across here, good views across the Dee estuary, the Wirral and the Mersey towards Liverpool and the coast. In Holywell at 14.30 and quite warm now, or at least we were with a sweat on! We tried to find a café but none open and Larry’s leg was giving him trouble again. We weren’t far from Rhyl, our destination so he was determined to put up with the pain. We stopped at a pub at 14.45 at the junction of the A55 and Dyserth road, stopped for about ½ an hour and refreshed. At 15.30 we were off again on the road to Dyserth. This was a pleasant road. Round the back of Gop Hill, a local landmark which is the northern end of the Clwyd hills.Its white cliff can be seen for miles from Prestatyn. Through Dyserth we took the turning for the waterfall, not much to compare with Pistyll Rhaiadr but still an impressive sight, especially after the rain today. We walked to the top and could only see one way towards Bodelwyddan. Larry’s leg was worse now. He didn’t think he could cycle home so he would take the train from Prestatyn. He had come this far and was determined to reach Rhyl only 3 miles away. We kept to the lanes, cycling along a twisting but very flat road over the Morfa Rhuddlan into Rhyl at 16.15. We rode through the town to the sea front then along the sea wall to the Clwyd estuary at the blue bridge by the marina. We stopped here for a while to look at the boats in the harbour. I think this is the best part of Rhyl, quietly tucked away at the end of the promenade, away from most of the crowd in the summertime. We had a neal at the Shepards café in the town. Larry was glad for the rest! He bandaged his knee in the washroom then limped downstairs. What a sight with long socks over trousers and limping badly. He looked every part the injured sportsman and people in the café were staring at him. He was no advert for cycling. I was glad to get out of there. At 18.30 we very slowly cycled out of Rhyl. It was lighting up time when we reached the coast road. It was 18.45 at Prestatyn station. Larry hobbled over the bridge on to the platform and I carried his bike over. It cost him £1.05 for the trip back to Crewe, bike included. Larry didn’t have enough cash so I gave him what I had but we were still a penny short. The man in the ticket office was in a nasty mood and a bit reluctant at first to giving Larry a ticket! The train for Crewe wasn’t due until 20.20 so Larry had a long wait for 1½ hours. I would have gone back with Larry by train but didn’t have any more money. I gave Larry all he needed so that he could get home. I didn’t mind cycling back though, the best part of the ride was over. I cycled back along the coast road. It was a moonless night and pitch black. Back through Flint, over Queensferry old bridge, Sealand and in Chester at 20.45, on through Tarvin, Tarporley, Barbridge, Nantwich and in Crewe at 22.30, very few stops on the way back. My mileage for the day was 120. No wind or rain.
Saturday 10/4/71 (Easter)
Strong N.E.wind but no rain. Left Crewe 23.00. Keele, (re-aligned back wheel, secured crank, no more bike problems during the day) Newcastle 12.00, Rugeley 02.00, Lichfield 03.00 (first stop), Stonebridge 05.00 (very cold for about 2 hours, had sandwiches), Kenilworth 06.00 (stop), Warwick 06.20 (no stop), Stratford on Avon 07.15 – 09.15 (breakfast and doze for a while), Edge Hill 11.45 – 12.00 (drink), Banbury 12.45 – 13.15 (had a meal), Woodstock 15.00, photo slides 161, 162 (snack), Oxford 15.30 (no stop), Pangbourne 17.40 (spent some time by the Thames, photo slides 149, 150 163, 164), Reading 18.00 (phoned Mum and Dad), Maidenhead 19.30 (photo slide 166), missing out Windsor, Heathrow 20.30 (very noisy with planes and industry along long straight road called Great West Road), Brentford 21.00, Clapham Junction 22.00 (had a meal in a café), Lewisham 23.00
Stopped at Vicar’s Hill, Ladywell, Lewisham with Uncle Tom and Auntie Doris for the night.
Sunday 11/4/71 (Easter Day)
Up at 09.30. Went along with Aunt Doris to her parish church for morning service at 12.00 to 12.30, offering taken. Yes I did put something in. 12.45 Hilly Fields, Catford for view of London. Clear view for miles. 13.30 Dinner with Uncle Tom and Aunt Doris 14.45 walked to Greenwich, 2 miles and saw the Cutty Sark and the tunnel under the Thames. Took a trip on a boat from Greenwich Pier to Westminster Bridge, (photo slides 167, 168) 40p (15.25 – 16.25). Walked Embankment, Charing Cross, Trafalgar Square (the IRA were giving speeches from the column. Free speech, many people here, Irish support, donations, passed on quickly!) Whitehall, Downing Street (could go up to the door in 1971), St James Park (18.00), Buckingham Palace (no traffic!), Green Park, Park Lane, Marble Arch, Speaker’s Corner (some interesting debates – especially by an African speaking against the English way of life. We can’t help it, we’re born here, have no choice with our system and besides most of us love it), Oxford Street, tea at Bond Street, St Giles Circus ‘folly’ building, Goodge Street, Charing Cross Rowd, Windmill, Piccadilly, Leicester Square, Irving Street, Trafalgar Square (much quieter now!), Charing Cross and caught a 21.54 train to Lewisham, arriving at 22.15. Went to bed at 00.15 after telling Uncle Tom and Aunt Doris what I had been up to today. Good wash and packed for tomorrow’s bike trip.
Monday 12/4/71 (Easter Monday)
New country, Kent and West Sussex. Left Lewisham at 08.30, good road to Catford, Bromley, Farnborough, Pratts Bottom, Kent. (fancy living in a place with a name like that?) In Sevenoakes (Knole) at 09.45, Flimwell 12.00 (stop for snack), Battle 13.00 – 13.30, photo slide 171 (suffered a cramp, had to rest a while), Hastings 13.50 – 14.50 (castle, coast and town), Rye 16.00 – 16.30, photo slide 172, (where I met up with Ashford cycling club), Tenterden (17.30 – 17.45, photo slide 170). Maidstone 19.30 (oat kilns, windmills, National Trust museum), Rochester 20.30 (over the North Downs but easy going, lighting up time at 20.20, over the River Medway), Strood, onto the smooth A2 at the end of the motorway. There was a lot of traffic but overtook it on the inside and on pavement where safe. Made good time, non stop from Rochester back to Lewisham, 28 miles in 2 hours through Darford, Bexley, the South Circular and Catford. I had no trouble finding my way back to Lewisham. It had been a warm day, a mild N.E. wind, no rain. The air was very clear and I think Kent is superb cycling country.
Tuesday 13/4/71
Lewisham 07.45, Kew 09.30, South Circular to Staines, Windsor 10.30, Maidenhead 11.30, Reading 12.30 – 13.00, Basildon 13.30, Wallingford 14.30, Oxford 15.30 – 16.15, Woodstock 16.30 – 16.45, Chipping Norton 17.45 – 18.10, Rollright Stones 62, 18.30, Shipston on Stour 18.45, Stratford on Avon 19.30 – 20.00, Birmingham 21.45, took a train at 22.20 from New Street and arrived in Crewe at 23.20, home at 23.30.
Sunday 25/4/71
Crewe 10.30, Farndon 12.30, Wrexham 13.00, Horseshoe Pass at summit 14.45, Vale Crucis Abbey 15.00 – 15.30, Llangollen 15.45 – 16.45, over World’s End to Minera 18.30, Wrexham 18.45, Farndon 19.10, Bickerton 19.50, Nantwich, Crewe.
30/4/71
Camping with Larry, having slept at Holmes Chapel the previous night,. Holmes Chapel 07.30, Winsford, Delamere, Hatchmere 10.10 and camped for the day.
1/5/71
Up at 09.00. Packed and off from Hatchmere at 12.00, Mouldsworth, Tarvin, Chester, Hawarden, Holywell, Rhuddlan. Larry punctured here, repared it and off again ¾ hour later and into Rhyl at 17.00. We cooked a meal with the Gaz stove on the seafront and set off for home at 20.10 along the coast road through Queensferry and into Chester 22.10. We lugged the bikes on to a train leaving Chester at 22.40 and in Crewe at 23.00. This was the first ride with camping equipment
GREENHALL WHITLEY INTERNATIONAL GRAND PRIX CYCLE RACE
Saturday 1/5/71 104 miles
Warrington 12.00, Tarporley 12.45, Llangollen 14.40, Denbigh 15.30, Abergele 16.21, Rhyl Promenade 46.30
Sunday 2/5/71 118 miles
Rhyl Promenade 10.00, Holywell 10.35, Mold 11.00, Wem 12.37, Tarporley 13.30, Warrington 14.15, Buile Hill Park, Salford 14.45
2/5/71
Crewe 10.00, Whitchurch 11.10, Llangollen 13.10 – 14.15, Corwen 14.55 – 15.05, Bala Lake 15.50 – 16.45, Corwen 17.45, Llangollen 18.50 – 19.10, Ruabon. Overton 20.10, Tilston 20.45 – 21.15 (stopped at pub for drink – coffee), Bickerton 22.00, Ridley, Burland, Barony, Middlewich Road, Crewe 23.00
15/5/71
With Larry, we started off from Holmes Chapel. 100 miles. Holmes Chapel 10.15, Newcastle under Lyme 11.00, Eccleshall 13.00 – 13.30, Newport (Shropshire) 14.00, Shifnal 15.00, Bridgenorth 15.45 – 16.45, (Photo slide 106), Kidderminster 18.00, Worcester 19.00 – 20.50. We took a train from Worcester Shrub Hill at 21.05 to Birmingham, arriving 21.45 and a connection to Crewe at 22.00, arriving 23.24. It had rained earlier in the day so we stopped at Eccleshall. The sun came out and we rode in shorts from Shifnal. Larry had trouble with his rear wheel at Worcester so we had to take a train home from there.
Saturday 29/5/71
Crewe 02.00, Newcastle 03.00, Rugeley 05.00, Lichfield 05.45, Shenstone 06.15 – 07.00, Coleshill 08.30, then on through Kenilworth, Warwick, Wellesbourne, Kineton, Edge Hill and camped at Temple Pool on the Wroxton Estate. It was a very nice field, well manicured with the bottom of the trees neatly cut level. It was only the following morning, having camped in the dark last night, that we discovered we were in a parkland on the Woburn estate. We had just finished our breakfast (bacon and eggs on the Gaz stove) and packed away everything when a red coated rider came over the brow of the hill. He asked in a posh voice, “I hope you are not thinking of camping here?” I replied, “Of course not, wouldn’t think of it, we’re just admiring the view!” From there we made our way to London but don’t have the diary page.
First week in September 1971
Inverness – Shiel – Strome Ferry – Achnasheen –Muir of Ord – Inverness – Perth – Lochearnhead – Loch Lomond – Tarbet – Balfron – Stirling – Forth Bridge – Edinburgh (slide photos 286, 287, 294, 299, 301, 324, 325)