10th December 2012

Another cold day but a clear blue sky. Today has been arranged to ride with Graham Sanders, an ex colleague and friend. I chose the route and settled for a spin around the Chadwick End area, back through Shrewley with an inevitable call at Hatton Locks Cafe.  The roads chosen were in the main off the beaten track, so perhaps not as much opportunity for photo ops as normal. Leaving Leek Wootton via Rouncil Lane, through Beausale and Fen End to Chadwick for the first photo.

Poor Clare's Convent

I have ridden past this sign a few times now and found it intriguing. Who on earth was Poor Clare? There are no buildings within sight of the drive so a visit to Mr Google was necessary. It would appear that the Poor Clares were founded by St Clare and St Francis of Assisi in 1212 and quickly spread throughout Europe. Their primary vocation was contemplative prayer in seclusion for the needs of the world. In 1850 the sect arrived in Chadwick and became involved in running the local school. Unfortunately, they are no longer there having left in 2011. Graham could recall helping to relocate these nuns some years ago after a fire at the convent and was amazed at how little they knew of everyday things like street lamps and radios!

The Case is Altered

Turning left along Case Lane we went past The Case is Altered, a curiously named traditional pub. It is one of the few rustic and unspoilt pubs around and serves traditional ales without a jukebox, fruit machine or video games machine in sight. How refreshing. Unfortunately it keeps traditional hours so couldn't call in, not that it was the kind of day where a cold drink would be welcome. We had better waiting for us down the road! 

If anyone knows the story behind the name please let me know.

Hatton Locks Cafe

Through Shrewley and left towards Hatton, tea and a buttered scone was most welcome at the locks cafe. Lovely and warm in there, the staff are very obliging and the place is a haven for cyclists, ramblers and canal people alike. Had to take another picture.  I know it has been on before but this is a different view.  

A good day, in good company. At times the roads were quite icy, especially in the shaded parts but taking caution saw us through OK. We both remarked how bright the sun seemed so low in the sky and our view was impeded at times. Being on the empty back roads was a big help and a pleasure though. Just over 22 miles for me today, another 10 for Graham has he had travelled to my house to pick me up. Looking forward to the next run out with him.