Bike Week 2026: Leisure Cycle to Monton
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Bike Week 2026 is taking place from June 9–15, and it's our chance to be part of the UK’s biggest celebration of cycling
Whether you ride every day or haven’t cycled in years, Bike Week is all about showcasing how cycling can fit into daily life - for everyone.
Join Paul on this leisurely social bike ride starting from Central Manchester.
The 17 mile circular route starts with a brief venture through the heart of the City Centre, passing the Palace Theatre, the iconic Central Library and the Opera House on our way to Salford Central station via Spinningfields. Next, we will head out past Salford Cathedral and Salford University to discover the safer cycling route that runs along the busy East Lancs Road towards Worsley.
The route then follows a former railway loopline to Monton, where we have the option of a pub/snack stop. Finally, we will join the Bridgewater Canal which takes us past the Trafford Centre and Old Trafford all the way back to the city centre.
Pace and Terrain
This will be a leisurely ride, suitable for all levels of fitness. We'll aim to maintain a steady pace of around 8-10mph. The route is relatively flat with level surfaces, apart from a few short, cobbled bits. Suitable for any roadworthy bike. Please make sure your bike is in good condition - check the tyres are well inflated, chain is oiled, and you've got a spare inner tube, drinks and snacks with you.
The first part of the ride includes roads, but once out of the city centre we have the option of using shared cycle/footpaths and cycle/bus lanes which offer protection from the traffic. The second part of the ride, once we are on the loopline is almost all off road, There's just a short on-road stretch where we will have to leave and rejoin the Bridgewater Canal to cross the Barton Road Swing Bridge.
Photos taken by the ride leader and used with permission.
What to bring
Bike: any well maintained bike, road (ideally with 28C + tyres), MTB, hybrid, folding, electric...
Helmet: OutdoorLads requires you to wear one
Clothing: lightweight and layered, colourful and/or reflective clothing will make you more visible to other road users
Footwear: suitable for your bike and pedals
Gloves: cycle gloves help avoid blisters, and are good in the cold
Punctures: spare inner tube, bike tyre pump and tyre levers
Tools: any special tools that your bike needs
Small snacks: such as chocolate or energy bars
Plenty of water: in bottle/s on your bike or in a daysack/bladder
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Eye protection: avoid getting grit or insects in your eyes, sunglasses are OK if they are not made of glass and not too shaded
Sun cream: take care, even on overcast days
Bike lights: be seen and safe
Storage: small day-sack or a bag on your bike
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies
Food & drink
Bring plenty to drink and appropriate snacks.