MG- NW/NE Winds Best Short I Can Do

by Neil Tanner
2 years ago
Near Chester, GB

25 views

This one is very versatile for winter conditions and covers virtually all northerly wind types. it also allows for most of the bad wet lanes.
It can be be shortened in various areas. However it is aimed at a hilly route, when winter is not so bad, but means it can be easily shortened for tougher conditions, such as taking out Bickerton loop (favourite of mine, but not good after heavy rains) Note the last bit home is through Carden Park, this is to get around Hollywell lane, which is pretty bad most of winter, once the first big rains come and the farmers have sown their crops Out onwards. going through CP means we can then come back up via Dog lane, in order to cross the A41(trust me a better option than Hollywell lane
The route really searches out the best lanes regarding wind cover and uses the down hill bits to best advantage hence, a little tricked up at Bickerton ( fab cover going up hill then fast going the other way heading to No man’s Heath.
The bit across the bottom to Threapwood is a fab slight down hill all the way, so NW wind is only a cross wind, but won't matter.
NOTE, this one uses the A41 for a few hundred mtrs to No Man’s Heath, as there is 1 mtr wide hard shoulder. There is no point, especially in winter in taking the short cut pathway, across the A41.
The only tougher bit is heading across to the East from Tilston, but if wind is anything toward NNE then the cover on the lane is pretty good. Likewise after Threapwood coming back is small lanes good hedgerows but direct into wind at times until CP and then great protection. Even through Tattenhall is not bad, of course a nice down hill into Tattenhall and tail wind in frog lane. Again aimed at a ‘ no stop ride’
This route also has a cafe option in Malpas ( Firestation cafe) @ a perfect 18miles, if it is cold. However, if You don’t want a cafe and an easier shorter ride then simply miss out the Bickerton loop, and go straight on at the point where you should go left. This saves 3 miles and some climbing. The cafe would then be to early at 15 miles, so head home.

This one is pretty good for NW winds as well, not brill but better than most, because at worst it’s only crosswind. The bit to Tilston on return is down hill, so cancels out the wind & then through Carden Park is so well protected from any wind,