1969
Saturday 11th January 1969, 13.45 – 19.10, 52 miles, 9.7mph
Crewe, Church Minshull, Winsford (14.15), Oakmere (stop), Eddisbury Hill, Delamere (15.30, stop), Hatchmere (15.45, stop), Forest Lane and ashort walk in the forest, Manley, Simmons Hill: was going to have a look from the top but foggy, Alvanley, Helsby, Frodsham (16.40), dark now at Sutton Weaver, Little Leigh: coffee from automatic machine at Shell garage, Northwich, Davenham, canal bridge by Middlewich, Bradfield Green, North St, Lime Tree Avenue, home.
Sunday 19th January 1969 Pistyll Rhaiadr, 112 miles, 10.00 to 22.45, Went to Queens Park to find local C.T.C. group and join their ride to Tanat Valley. Couldn’t see them but then I was late! Tried the same route. Crewe, Nantwich, Whitchurch (11.15), Ellesmere (12.30), Oswestry (13.30), gears broke on road to Llansilyn so left with 3rd gear only, Llanrhaiadr(15.40), Pistyll Rhaiadr at 16.15, Tanat Valley, Oswestry, Ellesmere, Whitchurch, 112 miles
26th January 1969 Vale of Clwyd, Denbigh, Rhyl, Mold, 121 mile, 09.55 – 21.30 11mph average, Crewe, Minshull, Eaton, Tarporley, Tarvin, Chester, Buckley, Mold, Moel Fammau, Ruthin, Denbigh, St Asaph, Rhuddlan, Rhyl, Flint, Chester then to Crewe on the train.
Sunday 2/2/69 14.15 – 20.15, 52 miles
Crewe, Hassall Lanes, (40 mins) Little Moreton Hall, (stop), Mow Cop, Biddulph Moor, Source of Trent, , Biddulph Moor (walk), Rudyard Lake, puncture – repaired at garage on main road, Bosley, (17.00), Congleton, Sandbach (stop), home at 20.15
Thursday 13/2/69 21.10 – 22.40, 18 miles
Moonless, starry night, nippy but not freezing. Snow about but mostly cleared up. From Crewe college, Willaston, Nantwich (21.19), Acton, Burford crossroads, Beambridge, Worleston, (stop), Church Minshull began to tire after stopping only once), Bradfield Green, North Street, home.
Saturday 15/2/69 14.30 – 18.30, 42 miles
Crewe, Stanthorne, Davenham, Northwich stop at 15.30, Anderton, Marbury Hall stop, biked snowed up, icicles on spokes, Antrobus very cold from here! Lanes for Knutsford but turned back, Warrington road, Rudheath, King Street (snow very thick in places but main roads free, very cold) Middlewich, cleared ice from mudguards, Bradfield Green, Lime Tree Ave.Crewe.
Sunday 23/2/69 13.10 – 20.30, 74 miles, 10mph
Snow mostly thawed. After dinner had a ride out to Nantwich then along the Wrexham road to Farndon and Wrexham (15.15). It was foggy over Bickerton Hills, short stop in Wrexham, on to Coed Poeth, managed the hard climb from Minera over Worlds End (16.45) but found out it was snow blocked at the top. Turned back, down to Wrexham (17.15), Marchwiel, stop for coffee (17.30 – 17.40) back along main road to Whitchurch (19.00), Nantwich, had a coffee there. In the café was the Bangor Cycle Club run who had cycled here and were about to ride home in the dark. It was already late enough, they wouldn’t be back until near on midnight.
Wednesday 26/2/69 18.30 – 21.00, 33 miles, 13.2mph average.
Crewe, Pyms Lane, Nantwich, Wardle, Tilstone, Four Lanes crossroads, Tiverton, Beeston Castle – short stop by the gates, round the castle to Peckforton, Bulkeley, Ridley, Faddiley, Burland (stop), Acton, Nantwich (stop), Wistaston, Crewe.
Friday 7/3/69 18.30 – 22.45, 47 miles
Crewe, Congleton, Bosley, Sutton, Macclesfield, Broken Cross, Monks Heath, Chelford, Withington, Holmes Chapel, Brereton, Sandbach, Crewe. Two chain derails en route, chain too slack.
Sunday 9/3/69 13.15 – 18.15, 47 miles
Crewe, Weston, Betley, Keele (stop), Whitmore 14.30 – 14m(stop), Baldwins Gate, Maer, (stop), Standon (stop), Cotes, Swynnerton (15.30 – 9miles) (stop), Trentham – puncture in rear wheel mended, Newcastle (15.45), Keele, Madeley, Betley (stop), Weston, Old Park (stop), Haslington, Crewe.
Sunday 16/3/69 10.15 – 20.30, 92 miles
Crewe, Whitchurch 15miles (11.15), Ellesmere 12m (12.00 – 12.15 stop, bought milk), Oswesty 8m (12.40), Trefowen, Tanat, 3 miles from Llanrheader got a puncture in front tyre, mended. Llanrheader Ym Mochnant stopped for coffee 14.40 to 15.10, Pistyll Rheader waterfall 15.30, Llanrheader 16.10, Tanat, Oswestry 17.55, Another puncture at Llyncls, mended again. Whittington (18.15) Ellesmere 45m (18.55) Slow puncture now, pumped up and stayed up as far as Whitchurch 12m (20.30). Help from police who stopped and bike in car they drove me home.
Thursday 20/3/69, 21.10 – 21.55, 12miles, 45 mins, 16mph
Crewe college, Wistaston, Nantwich, Middlewich road, Bradfield Green, Lime Tree Ave, home
Friday 21/3/69 19.20 – 22.05, 30 miles.
Short ride to Mow Cop. Crewe, Alsager 20.00 – 6miles, Mow Cop, very windy 20.45 – 5m, Astbury 21.10 – 4m, fast home it was very cold, Sandbach 21.40 –6m, Crewe 22.05 – 8m. Strong easterly wind, back light trouble, no splashers, only took map, notebook and watch.
Sunday 30/3/69 12.40 – 19.15, 65 miles, average 10mph
Temperature near normal but a strong westerly wind. Last weekend on old BSA bike. Crewe, Hassall lanes, The Cloud, Rycroft Gate, Bosley, Buxton road, Gradbach, Flash (15.40-30m), Axe Edge, Cat & Fiddle, Macclesfield (17.10-13m), Congleton, Sandbach, Crewe(23m).
Wednesday 2/4/69, 18.00 – 20.15, 35 miles
First ride on new Carlton Corsa Strada. Crewe, Wimboldsley, Davenham, Oakmere, Delamere, Cotebrook, Tarporley, Wardle, Nantwich, Wistaston, Crewe. Cyclometer not yet fitted
Friday 4/4/69 (Good Friday) 14.00 – 19.40, 73 miles, 13 mph
Crewe, Whitchurch (15.00) stop for milk, Ellesmere (15.45-26miles), Whittington (16.00-5m), Chirk (16.30-10m), Cefn Mawr, Ruabon, Hanmer (18.00-11m), Whitchurch stop for milk (18.25-5m), Nantwich, Crewe (16m).
Saturday 5/4/69 13.25 – 20.15, 75 miles.
Crewe, Nantwich, Bickerton, Farndon, Holt (14.40-21miles), Wrexham, Minera, World’s End (16.00-13m), Llangollen(16.30-4m), Ruabon (17.10-5m), Bangor on Dee (17.10-7m), Malpas (18.15-8m stop), Nantwich, Crewe (17m). Payback for abandoned ride on 23/2/69!
Heavy wind against me back from Llangollen
Sunday 6/4/69, 19.00 – 20.00, 10miles
Easy ride to test toe straps fitted. Crewe, Warmingham, Occleston Green, Leighton, West Street, home
Monday 7/4/69 (Easter Monday), 13.30 – 20.50, 82 miles, 12mph.
Very strong east wind but warm, rode out for Matlock via Barthomley, Audley, Newcastle, Burslem, Etruria (15.30), Ashbourne (16.45-36miles), Buxton (19.00-20m) Earl Sterndale, too late for Matlock and wind too strong. Gear trouble riding up Axe Edge, With the wind behind me it only took 20 minutes to get from Axe Edge to Macclesfield (19.30-10m) and another hour from Macclesfield through Congleton (20.00-8m) to Crewe (11m). Gears failed to respond at Buxton but easily climbed to Cat & Fiddle with wind pushing.
Friday 11/4/69 18.30 – 21.00, 30 miles, 12mph
Crewe, Weston, Englesea Brook, Barthomley, Audley (lane route), A500, Kidsgrove, Red Bull crossroads, Scholar Green, Astbury, Hassall lanes (lights needed), Winterley , Crewe.
Sunday 13/4/69 13.40 – 21.00, 80 miles, 11mph
Crewe, Market Drayton, Stoke on Tern (hailstone shower), watched gliding at Tern Hill airdrome (15.30-20m), Waters Upton, Wellington 916.30-5miles), had planned to go to the Wrekin but started this ride too late. Returned via Wroxester (roman ruins), Atcham (17.15-13m), Lord Hill monument, Shrewsbury, Hodnet, Market Drayton (19.15-20m), lights on at Audlem (20.00-6m), Wybunbury, Crewe (11m).
Wednesday 16/4/69, 19.00 – 21.45, 38 miles, 16mph
Crewe, Nantwich, Burland, Barbridge, Calveley, Tarporley, Beeston Castle, found a safe way over the walls near the caves but didn’t risk jumping down into the grounds, on to Peckforton Estate and found lane that leads to the castle but didn’t explore nearer, Bickerton, lighting up time at Ridley, Faddiley, Acton, Nantwich, Willaston, Shavington, Hough, Weston, Weston Road, Macon Way, home.
Thursday 17/4/69, 18.20 – 22.40, 58 miles, 13.5mph.
Crewe, Ightfield, Marchamely, Hawkstone Park, Weston under Redcastle (20.05-26miles), Wem (20.20-5m), Welshhampton (21.00-9m), Whitchurch (21.50-7m), Nantwich, Shavington, Weston, Weston Road, Crewe (14m).
Sunday 20/4/69 08.20 – 20.50, 129 miles, 11mph.
First full day’s ride in 1969. Crewe, Nantwich, Hack Green, Ightfield, Prees, A49, Clive (10.35-26miles), Myddle, Bascurch, Ruyton, Knockin (11.30-12m), Llanymynech (12.00-5m), Llansanfraid, Llanfyllin, Llanwydynn, Lake Vyrnwy (13.20-14.00-13m), Hirnant Forest, Llanrhiadr Ym Mochnant, Pistyll Rhaidr (15.20-15.35-15m), Tanat Valley, Llyncyls (16.30-13m, stop), Oswestry (17.00-5m), Ellesmere (18.00-7m), Whitchurch (19.15-10m), Audlem (19.55-9m), Wybunbury, Crewe (10m). With wind going out, against me on return.
Wednesday 30/4/69, 13.15 – 17.20, 63 miles, 15mph
Crewe, Alsager, Kidsgrove (13.45-10miles), Burslem, Rudyard Lake (15.00-15.30), Rycroft Gate (16.00), The Cloud top road (16.20), Astbury (16.30), Hassall Green, Crewe (53m).
First day out of hospital, felt grand. No nose trouble after operation to widen nasal passage. Didn’t take saddlebag but strapped cape, tools and pullover with gloves under the saddle.
Saturday 3/5/69 12.55 – 18.10, 60 miles, 11 mph
Crewe, Church Minshull, Winsford (13.25–10miles), Over, Sandiway, Weaverham, Little Leigh (14.10-8m)Dutton, Halton , Runcorn, Widnes, Hale Lighthouse (15.15-15.30-13m), Runcorn, Northwich, Davenham (17.10-18m), Stanthorne, Warmingham, Crewe (11m)
Monday 5/5/69 18.40 – 21.20, 28 miles
Crewe, Warmingham, Sproston, Bradwall Green, Brereton, Bears Head, Brereton Hall, Brereton Heath, Somerford, Wall Hill, Brownlow, Smallwood, Hassall, Sydney, Crewe
Thursday 8/5/69 18.30 – 22.15, 43 miles, 11.5 mph
Crewe, Minshull, Swanlow Lane, Over, Sandiway, Weaverham, Crowton, Kingsley, Overton Hill (20.00-20.20- 21miles), Frodsham, Kingsley, Delamere (20.40-21.15 –8m Forest Walk), Winsford, Minshull, Crewe (14m).
Sunday 11/5/69 09.15 – 21.00, 12 hours, 120 miles
Fresh ground explored. Crewe, Sandbach, Congleton, Bosley, Macclesfield (10.30 –21miles). Watched ‘Nice Time’ backwards walk to Buxton, Buxton (11.40-12.15 12m), St Ann’s Well (café), Chapel en le Frith, Castleton (13.20 –13m) via Mam Tor road (still intact then), Bamber, Ladybower Reservoir (14.00 –6m), Snake Pass, Glossop (15.40 –13m), Hayfield (16.20 –5m), Chapel en le Frith, Whaley Bridge, Kettleshulme (17.40 –7m), Macclesfield, Congleton (19.00 –14m), Sandbach, Crewe (14m).
Tuesday 13/5/69 20.00 – 21.00, 14 miles
Crewe, Oakhanger, Smiths Green, Crewe Old Park, Weston, Crotia Mill, Casey Bridge, Shavington, Gresty Road, town, home.
Wednesday 14/5/69 18.30 – 23.00, 48 miles, 11 mph
Crewe, Nantwich, Poole. Calveley, Eaton, Cotebrook, Delamere, Norley, Overton Hill, Frodsham, Kingsley, Delemere (lights on), Oakmere, Winsford, Minshull, Crewe. Heavy showers.
Sunday 18/5/69 09.00 – 19.15, 84 miles.
With Anthony Shea, 8 Spring Gardens. Crewe, Bickerton, Farndon (10.55 -21m), Cross Lanes, Ruabon (12.20 –12m), Acrefair, Telford’s canal viaduct, Vale of Llangollen, Plas Newydd, Llangollen(13.20 –6m), Plas Newydd, bridge and shops, café, Horseshoe Falls &chain bridge (14.50 –6m), A5, Plas Offa, Newbridge, Ruabon, Overton, Bangor on Dee (16.20 –14m), Worthenbury (17.00 –4m), Malpas, Chorley, Acton, Nantwich, Wistaston, Crewe (21m).
Saturday 24/5/69, 10.00 – 19.15, 86 miles.
New ground, Crewe 08.49 train to Shrewsbury (first time I have used train help) to rear of Long Mynd, Bishops Castle (22m), Clun (12.45 –6m), Craven Arms (14.00 –8m), Stokesay, Ludlow (14.30 –8m), into Herefordshire at Bromfield, Leominster 7m, Hereford 20m from here but didn’t go further than Bromfield (15.25 –4m). Had 2 ½ hours looking around Ludlow and castle, walk, river, bridges, shops, Whitecliff walk. Took 4 photos (15.30–17.00) returned via Craven Arms (17.30 –15m), Church Stretton (18.30 –8m) and the A49 back to Shrewsbury (19.15 –13m). Very wet day. Home from Shrewsbury on the 19.34 train, home 20.15. This was my first ride using another town and train help to go a further distance and my first ride in this area except of course on the back of Dad’s motor bike. Very wet day, heavy downpours around Bromfield but mainly drizzle with dry spell inbetween. Despite the rain this one of my favourite rides to date. I took many stops going at Pulverbatch, Ratlinghope, East Onny river, Lydham, Bishops Castle, Clun Castle, Clunton, Craven Arms, Stokesay castle and church, Ludlow (major stop), Wooferton, Bromfield, Little Hereford, Ludford and Whitecliff in Ludlow. First impressions of a new area explored; Long Mynd on Ratlinghope sidenot as impressive as Stretton side where the hills rise steeper from the valley, good views coming out of Pulverbatch, steep hill to Clun but grand view of the forest, Clun castle reached across a field. Clun and the road to Craven Arms are Welsh like, Clun has a similarity to Llanrhaider ym Mochnant. The old milestone at Craven Arms, opposite the hotel, shows a long list of names on it but then this was a major coaching house on the Bristol road, they include Edinburgh, Plymouth and Portsmouth. The 7 miles from here to Ludlow are interesting. Took a look inside Stokesay castle on the way to Ludlow. Took cape off at Arcott on yhe way back to Shresbury, made a last stop at All Stretton. Gentle down all the way from Leebotwood, no stops until I reached Shrewsbury’s English Bridge, 10miles. Got very wet from Crewe station to home up Macon Way
Monday 26/5/69 12.15 – 21.45, (Spring Bank Holiday) 84 miles.
Crewe, Farndon, Holt (13.50 –21miles) Wrexham (14.30 –7m) Coed Poeth, Wrexham, Rossett, Chester (16.50 –17.40 –13m), (2 hours there), Hoole, Ince by canal (18.30 –10m – made a drawing – see sketch book, Ince Marsh, Helsby, Overton Hill (19.10–19.45 –7m) one hour walking), Kingsley, Norley, Delamere, Hatchmere (20.05 –4m)Cotebrook, Eaton, Calveley lanes, Calveley, Barbridge, Nantwich Wistaston, Sydney, Crewe (21m). Gear cable snapped at Wrexham, very wet and showery from Wrexham to Chester.
Saturday 31/5/69 11.30 – 14.00, 28 miles.
Crewe, Nantwich, Tarporley, on main road and back to Tarporley (12.15-12.55) to watch the Milk race go by on the New Brighton to Stoke stage of the race- I missed it because it went by on the Nantwich-Wrexham road at Bickerton not the Nantwich-Chester road, typical !
Nantwich (13.30) Crewe was floode the day before, but only fine rain today, mostly dry.
Sunday 1/6/69, 08.45 – 20.45, 100 miles
Crewe, Hassall, Astbury (9.30 –11miles), The Cloud, Hanging Gate, Meerbrook, Leek (10.25 –10m), Cheddleton., Ipstones (11.10 –7m), Winkhill, Mayfield, Cheadle (13.30 –22m), Hawksmoor, Ilam, Dovedale (15.00 –12m) Wetton, Manifold trail, Thors Cave, tunnel (17.00 –9m), alongside old rail track (still in place then north of tunnel), Hartington, Morridge, Mermaid Inn (18.10), Thorncliff, Meerbrook, Hanging Gate (19.05 –12m), The Cloud, Astbury (19.30-19.50 –6m), Hassall, Crewe (11m). Rode with 5 cyclists from Cheadle Wheelers from Ipstones to Cheadle. Very hot and a clear day. Went to see the Milk Race go past at Ipstones, met up with the Cheadle Wheelers. Didn’t rain today after many rainy days.
Monday 2/6/69, 18.30 – 23.00, 50 miles 17mph
Crewe, Warmingham. Middlewich, Holmes Chapel, Congleton, North Rode, Bosley crossroads, Lakeside, Leek, Endon, Burslem, Tunstall, Kidsgrove, Red Bull crossroads, Alsager, Oakhanger, Crewe. Dark at Endon and I was without lights. No bag, it rained heavy back from Red Bull. Stops at Rudyard, Leek, Burslem and Alsager.
Thursday 5/6/69, 19.15 – 22.15, 33 miles.
Crewe, Winsford (Puncture, first in Carlton, soon mended at Bottom Flash), Whitegate, Winsford, Middlewich, Holmes Chapel (21.15 –16miles), Brereton Hall, Bears Head, Sandbach (21.40), Haslington (21.55), Macon Way, Crewe.
Sunday 8/6/69 13.20 – 23.20, 99 miles
Crewe, Congleton, Bosley, Three Shires Head, Axe Edge, Buxton, Goyt Valley, Fernille Reservoir, Goyt Valley, Axe Edge, Cat & Fiddle, Macclesfield, Alderley Edge, Wilmslow, Gatley, Didsbury, Northenden, Altrincham, Rosthorne, Mere, Lostock Gralam, King Street, Middlewich, Wimboldsley, Bradfield Road, Crewe. Warm evening, good for cycle shorts all the way.
Wednesday 11/6/69 18.45 – 22.00, 39 miles
Crewe, Shavington, Hough, Chorlton, Betley, Bowsleywood, Newcastle, Stoke, Hanley, Stoke, Trent Vale, Necastle, Keele, Betley, Weston, Crewe
Thursday 12/6/69 20.00 – 22.30, 30 miles
Crewe, Willaston, Nantwich, Sound, Coole Pilate, Lightwood Green, Doddington Pool, Walerghton, Wybunbury, Shavington, Macon Way, Crewe.
Sunday 15/6/69 09.50 – 18.40, 82 miles
New ground covered. Crewe, Wybunbury, Woore, Norton in Hales, Market Drayton, Tern Hill, Stoke on Tern, Waters Upton, Wellington, Wrocwardine, Forest Glen, The Wrekin, Hells Gate, Heavens Gate, Ravenbowl, Forest Glen, A5, Atcham, Shrewsbury, Battlefield, Shawbury, Hodnet (changed to shorts), Tern Hill, Market Drayton, Audlem, Wybunbury, Crewe.
Wednesday 18/6/69 19.00 – 22.30, 28 miles
Crewe, Slaughter Hill, Alsager, Red Bull crossroads, Mow Cop (19.45 – 20.30), Cheshire Close, Dane in Shaw, Astbury, Little Moreton Hall, Brownlow, Smallwood, Hassall lanes, Winterley, Haslington, Crewe.
Sunday 22/6/69 10.15 – 18.50, 84 miles
Fresh roads covered. Crewe, Salt Works, Sandbach, Holmes Chapel, Goostrey (11.00), Redes Mere, Alderley Edge (13.20), Wilmslow, Didsbury, Fallowfield, Piccadilly (15.00), Cathedral, Deansgate, Manunian Way, Piccadilly, Stretford, Sale, Altrincham, Tatton Park, Knutsford, Peover, Byley, Middlewich, Warmingham, Crewe.
Saturday 28/6/69 14.30 – 20.30, 61 miles
Crewe, Beeston Castle (15.30), Huxley, Clotton, Willington, Primrose Hill, Kelsall, The Yeld, Manley, Birch Hill, Common Side, Helsby Hill, Frodsham, Overton Hill, Hatchmere, Delamere, Cotebrook, Eaton, Tarporley, Nantwich, Bradfield Green, Crewe.
Sunday 29/6/69 09.35 – 20.10, 110 miles, 10.5mph average.
Crewe, Beeston Castle (10.25), Gatesheath, Bruera, Aldford, Ecclestone ferry, Chester, Blacon, Saughall, Mollington, Fernbank, Ness, Neston, Parkgate, Heswall, Caldy Hill, West Kirby, Hoylake (1 hour there), New Brighton (walk along coast), Birkenhead, Leasowe, Moreton, Upton, Barnston, Dee road, Chester (18.00 – 18.30), Tried for train home, Sunday service, no train. Stopped for snack by the river, Rarvin, Tarporley, Calveley, Barbridge, The Barony, Nantwich, Middlewich Road, West Street, Crewe. Hottest day of the year so far, many cyclists.
Wednesday 2/7/69 20.30 – 22.15, 26 miles
Crewe, Haslington, Elton Wheelock Heath, Sandbach Crosses, motorway bridge Newcastle Rroad, Dean Hill, New Inn, Hassall, Wheelock Heath, Elton Flashes nature reserve, Groby Road, Middlewich Road, Crewe.
Sunday 6/7/69, 22 miles
Short ride from Wick Ferry to Hengistbury Head and Mudeford Bank in the morning. In the afternoon I rode along Bournemouth Promenade from Southbourne to Bournemouth Pier, back to Chines and along Christchurch road back to Wick Ferry.
Monday 7/7/69, 63 miles
Christchurch, Bournemouth, Sandbanks, Studland (by ferry), Swanage, Tilly Whim, Swanage, Corfe Castle, Arne, Wareham, Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch.
Tuesday 8/7/69, 88 miles
Tour of the Isle of Wight. First time I have taken the bike off the mainland. Christchurch, Mudeford Quay, Milton, Hurst Castle, Lymington, Yarmouth, (IOW ferry), Yarmouth, Totland Bay, , The Needles, Freshwater Bay, Chale, Ventnor, Shanklin, Sandown, St Helens, Ryde, Newport, Cowes, Newton, Yarmouth. Missed the last ferry. Policeman took me in for the night.
Wednesday 6/7/69, 15 miles
Yarmouth, (IOW ferry), Milford on Sea, Highcliffe, Mudeford, Christchurch.
Friday 11/7/69, 18.30 – 21.40, 30 miles
Christchurch, Tuckton Bridge, Tuckton, Soutbourne, Boscombe, Boscombe Pier, Bournemouth Pier, town, Canford Cliffs, Sandbanks, Poole Quay, Bournemouth, Christchurch.
Sunday 13/7/69, 10.30 – 18.45, 98 miles
Crewe, Tarporley, Chester, Parkgate, Hoylake, West Kirby, Caldy, Heswall, Chester, Tarvin, Huxley, Beeston Castle, Bickerton, Ridley, Nantwich, Crewe.
Tuesday 15/7/69, 18.40 – 22.20, 51 miles
Crewe, Nantwich, Wrenbury, Marbury, Bickley, Malpas, Threapwood, Sarn, Hanmer, Redwood, Whitchurch, Sound, Nantwich, Crewe
Sunday 20/7/69 10.00 – 20.15, 107 miles
Crewe, Barthomley, Audley, Silverdale, Madeley Heath, Keele, Whitmore, Cock Inn, Eccleshall, Gnosall, Church Eaton, Weston under Lizard, Tong, Weston Park, Shifnal, Ironbridge, Buildwas, Leighton, Little Wenlock, Robin Hood café (Wrekin), A5, Uppington, Atcham, Uffington, Battlefiield, Shawbury, Hodnet, Market Drayton, Audlem, Wybunbury, Crewe.
Tuesday 22/7/69 19.15 – 22.15, 37 miles
Crewe, Nantwich, Acton, Chorley, Cholmondeston Park, Bickerton Hill, Harthill, Burwardsley, Upper Burwardsley, over Bulkeley Hill, Bickerton, Ridley, Faddiley, Poole, The Barony, Middlewich Road, Bradfield Green, Crewe.
Friday 25/7/69 18.00 – 22.30, 58 miles
Crewe, Cholmondeley Park via lanes, Malpas, Worthenbury, Bangor on Dee, Overton, Ellesmere to back of Mere, lanes to Brereton Heath, Redwood, Whitchurch, Sound, Nantwich, Wistaston, Crewe.
Sunday 27/7/69 10.20 – 21.20, 95 miles
Crewe, Astbury, Rycroft Gate, Gun Hill, Roach End, Hazel Barrow, Longnor, Monyash, Bakewell, Edensor, Chatsworth House, Beeley, Rowsley, Stanton in the Peak, Stanton stone circles, Birchover, Harthill Moor, , Winster, Elton, Gratton Dale, Middleton, Youlgreave, Arbor Low, Long Dale, Hartington, Warslow, Mermaid Inn, Meerbrook, Rycroft Gate, The Cloud, Astbury, Hassal lanes, Winterley, Crewe.
Thursday 31/7/69 18.25 – 22.45, 35 miles
Crewe, Acton, Barbridge, Alpraham, Tiverton, Beeston Castle, (3/4 hour look around the castle grounds), Newtown, Burwardsley, Higher Burwardsley, Peckforton Bridge, Spurstow, Haughton Moss, Burland, Acton, Nantwich, Crewe.
Tuesday 5/8/69 18.25 – 22.35, 54 miles
Crewe, Sandbach, Congleton, Eaton, North Rode, Bosley, Cluelow Cross, Allgreave, Axe Edge, Cat & Fiddle, Macclesfield, Eaton, Congleton, Wall Hill, Brownlow, Hassall lanes, Winterley, Crewe
Sunday 10/8/69 08.35 – 22.00, 150 miles
Longest ride to date, covering new ground. Crewe, Chester, Holywell, Dyserth, Rhuddlan, Abergele, Colwyn Bay, Conway, back to Lllandudno Junction, Deganwy, Llandudno, round the Great Orme drive, to Great Orme summit, Llandudno west shore, town, Colwyn Bay promenade and pier, Abergele, Rhuddlan, Prestatyn, Llanasa, Holywell, Chester, Crewe.
Sunday 17/8/69 11.00 – 20.50, 100 miles
Crewe to Stafford by train, Stafford, Newport, Wellington, The Wrekin, Atcham, Shrewsbury (13.00), Pulverbatch, Ratlinghope, Postway, Glider field, Pewdley, Craven Arms, Ludlow, Stokesay Castle, Church Stretton, Cardingmill Valley, Dorrington, Shrewsbury, back from Shrewsbury to Crewe by train.
Sunday 24/8/69, 12 miles
Short ride to Barthomley in the evening, Crewe, Crewe Green, Old Park, Weston, Englesea Brook, Barthomley, Smiths Green, Oakhanger,Wheelock, Clay Lane, Crewe.
Sunday 7/9/69 12.15 – 21.00, 95 miles
Crewe, Chester, Mold, Ruthin, Horseshoe Pass, Llangollen, Ruabon, Overton, Bangor on Dee, Malpas, Nantwich, Crewe.
Sunday 14/9/69, 09.15 – 22.30, 130 miles
Crewe, Malpas, Bangor on Dee, Ruabon, Llangollen, Horseshoe Falls, Carrog, Druid, Bala, Llanuwchylin, Bala, Milrirr Gerrig pass, Llangynog, Tanat valley, Llyncyls, Oswestry, Ellesmere, Whitchurch, Nantwich, Wistaston, Edleston Road, Crewe.
Friday 19/9/69, 09.10 – 18.45, 86 miles
Holiday. Crewe, Nantwich, Acton, Peckforton, bridge over the hills, Burwardsley, Harthill, Farndon, Wrexham, Ruabon, Llangollen, Worlds End, Minera, Coed Poeth, Wrexham, Farndon, Broxton, Coddington, Tattenhall, Beeston,, Tiverton, Nantwich, Crewe.
Saturday 20/9/69, 10.45 – 19.30, 45 miles
First train ride out to Birmingham with the bike. Birmingham, Solihull, Knowle, Hampton in Arden, Meriden, Coventry, Kenilworth, Warwick, Leamington Spa, Wellesbourne, Stratford on Avon, train back via Birmingham Snow Hill and Birmingham New Street to Crewe.
Thursday 25/9/69, 18.20 – 22.10, 40 miles
Crewe, Wimboldsley, Clive, Winsford, Over, Oakmere, Hogshead, Vale Royal Abbey Arms, Eddisbury Hill, Delamere, Hatchmere, Delamere, Vale Royal Abbey Arms, Cotebrook, Tarporley, Calvaley, Barbridge, Acton, Nantwich, Crewe.
Saturday 27/9/69, 09.45 – 22.00, 113 miles
Crewe, Sandbach, Holmes Chapel, Jodrell Bank, Chelford, Monks Heath, Alderley Edge, Prestbury, Bollington, Pott Shrigley, Lyme Park, New Mills, Hayfield, Glossop, Snake Pass, Ladybower Reservoir, Bamford, Castleton, Winnats Pass, Chapel en le Frith, Buxton, Cat & Fiddle, Macclesfield, Congleton, Hassall lanes, Crewe.
Monday 29/9/69, 09.10 – 22.10, 115 miles
Holidays, 3rd week. Crewe, Tarporley, Chester by pass (A41), Upton, Backford (stop), Eastham, Birkenhead, ferry to Liverpool, Docks, Crosby, Hall Road, Formby, Ainsdale, Southport, Ainsdale, Thornton, Aintree, Walton, Lime Street, ferry to Birkenhead, Bromborough, Spital, Fairfield, Hoylake road, Mollington, Chester, train home to Crewe.
Friday 3/10/69, 08.55 – 18.00, 70 miles
Holidays. Crewe, Hassall lanes, Cheshire Close, Biddulph, Biddulph Moor, Rudyard Lake, Leekfrith, Roaches, Ramshaw Rocks, Buxton (there 2 hours), Cat & Fiddle, Macclesfield, Gawsworth Hall, Congleton, Brownlow, Sandbach, Crewe.
Sunday 5/10/69, 10.30 – 20.30, 87 miles.
Crewe, Astbury, The Cloud, Rycroft, Poolend, Leekfrith, Meerbrook, Ramshaw Rocks, Morridge, Longnor, Arbor Low, Youlgreave, Rowsley, Matlock, Matlock Bath, Via Gellia, Newhaven, Hartington, Warslow, Mermaid Inn, Meerbrook, Rycroft, The Cloud, Congleton, Asbury, Hassall lanes, Crewe.
Sunday 12/10/69, 10.30 – 20.30, 110 miles
Crewe, Whitchurch, Hanmer, Overton, Ruabon, Newbridge, Chirk, Glyn Ceiriog, Llanarmon Dyfrynn Ceiriog, Llanrhaider Ym Mochnant, Pistyll Rhaider, Llanrhaider, Llangedwynn, Llynclys, Oswestry, Whittington, Ellesmere, Whitchurch, Nantwich, Crewe.
Wednesday 15/10/69, 18.10 – 22.20, 44 miles
Crewe, Bradfield Green, Middlewich, King Street, Lostock Gralam, Northwich, Little Leigh, Cuddington, Oakmere, Tarporley, Barbridge, Nantwich, Crewe.
Sunday 19/10/69, 09.00 – 19.00, 103 miles
Crewe, Middlewich, King Street, Rudheath, Great Budworth, High Leigh, Lymm, Warburton, Hollins Green, Glazebrook, Glazebury, Leigh, Golborn, Abram, Hindley, Aspull, Horwich, Lever Park, Belmont, Winter Hill, Houghton, Preston, Tarleton, Hesketh, Southport, Thornton, Litherland, Liverpool Docks, Everton Liverpool Liver Building, Lime Street station for 20.50 back to Crewe at 21.50.
Sunday 26/10/69, 09.30 – 22.45, 140 miles
Crewe, Nantwich, Tarporley, Chester, Broughton, Lloc, Mold, Cat Hole, Llanferres, Clwyd Gate, Ruthin, Denbigh, Denbigh Castle, Bodfari, Tremierchion, Cwm, Dyserth Waterfall, Rhuddlan, Bodelwyddan marble church, Kinmel Bay, Rhyl, Prestatyn, Flint, Chester, Tarporley, Nantwich, Crewe.
Saturday 1/11/69, 86 miles
Crewe, Sandbach, Congleton, North Rode, Bosley, Rushton, Meerbrook, Thorncliff, Mermaid Inn, Warslow, Hartington, Alsop en le Dale, Parwich, Tissington, Thorpe, Dovedale, Manifold Valley, Ecton, Warslow, Mermaid Inn, Meerbrook, Bosley, Congleton, Sandbach, Crewe.
Sunday 9/11/69, 09.30 – 13.00, 50 miles
Crewe, Bickerton, Farndon, Wrexham, train to Chester. Suffered cold attack – blue hands at Farndon.
Winter weather, heavy rain
16.55 – 18.15 Chester, Tarporley, Nantwich, Crewe
Sunday 23/11/69, 09.10 – 23.10, 142 miles
Crewe, Prees Heath, A49, Shrewsbury, Church Stretton, Cardingmill Valley, Craven Arms, Ludlow, Culmington, Much Wenlock (dark now), Buildwas, Atcham, Lord Hill monument, Shrewsbury, A49, Whitchurch, Nantwich, Wistaston, Market Street, Crewe.
Saturday 6/12/69, 13.30 – 21.15, 63 miles
Crewe, Hassall lanes, Astbury (40 minutes), The Cloud, Hanging Gate, Gun Hill, Meerbrook, Three Horse Shoes, Ramshaw Rocks (gear trouble), Axe Edge, Cat & Fiddle, Macclesfield, Gawsworth (dark now), Congleton, Sandbach, Crewe.
Sunday 14/12/69, 14.00 – 21.15, 78 miles
Crewe, Farndon, Wrexham, Ruabon, Telford viaduct, Llangollen (17.20) dark now, Posted Christmas cards there! That’ll make some people wonder who they know in Wales. Ruabon, Overton, Hanmer, Whitchurch, Burleydam, Audlem, Wybunbury, Shavington, Macon Way, Crewe.
Sunday 21/12/69, 13.50 – 20.30, 65 miles
Crewe, Sandbach, Holmes Chapel, Jodrell Bank, Siddington, Macclesfield, Cat & Fiddle (low clouds), Goyt Valley, slow ride through the Goyt and back to the Cat & Fiddle, Macclesfield (lights on), Congleton, Sandbach (rain), Crewe.
Sunday 28/12/69, 13.30 – 19.00, 64 miles
Crewe, Chester, Sealand, Queensferry, Shotton, Connah’s Quay, Shotton, Quensferry, Sealand Road, Watergate, Chester, Tarvin, Kelsall, Vale Abbey Arms, Over, Church Minshull, Bradfield Road, North Street, Crewe.