Sunday Easy Ride to Manchester Velodrome

9 easy riders ignored the rain and went on an urban adventure from Styal to Manchester Velodrome.

We sampled every type of bike path imaginable, from the very poor (footpaths along busy main roads, redesignated as cycle plus pedestrian routes) through to excellent. The Fallowfield Loop was treelined with a better surface than most Cheshire lanes. The low point was probably the short stretch alongside the canal, just before the velodrome, complete with burned out shopping trolley and broken glass! Simon G's front tyre went flat shortly before we got there, but there was a well placed bike shop next to the cafe, so he was able to fix it, whilst John took the rest of us on a guided tour of the velodrome. The route back made the most of the Fallowfield Loop, and then took us through Wythenshawe Park (a real park with mature trees and a manor house, never knew that was there!) Some of us had to get out the emergency rations at that point, urban riding certainly burns up the calories. Then the sun came out so we had to stop to remove waterproofs, arm warmers etc. We finally made it back to Styal by about 3.30pm. A good day out!

Katherine

Pre ride brew at Styal

Investigating Simon's flat tyre

Velodrome inspection