Leisure Cycle to Marple and Macclesfield
3 people attending
5 places left
Join Paul for this any bike any rider cycle to Marple and Macclesfield.
This 25 mile one-way ride is perfect if you have done a bit of cycling before and now want to build up or maintain your fitness levels. We will aim to ride at a steady pace of about 10 mph along a mixture of off road trails, quieter roads and cycle lanes. As always, we'll stick to the pace of the slowest rider so no one will get left behind.
Starting from Manchester City Centre, we will head south using the dedicated cycle route which takes us through Rusholme and Fallowfield to Didsbury. Then we'll join a section of the Transpennine Trail which runs alongside the River Mersey into Stockport.
Next, we will ride out to Marple along Alan Newton Way (four miles of relatively new, off-road paths and some quiet, old farm lanes in the lower Goyt valley). Finally we will join the Middlewood Way, a 10 mile former railway line which takes us all the way to Macclesfield.
The route is relatively flat but there will be some fairly gentle climbs along the way, so gentle you might not even notice them. There is one short steep climb out of the Goyt valley as we approach Marple. We can walk up this, unless anyone wants to test their legs and wait for the rest of the group at the top. The surfaces are mostly level and suitable for all bike types, but there are some sections where caution may be required if you have a road bike with narrow tyres.
The ride ends in Macclesfield, where we will find somewhere to enjoy a drink and maybe a bite to eat. You will need to make your own back to the start point. There are frequent trains from Macclesfield to Manchester Piccadilly, but make sure to reserve a bike space with your ticket, otherwise you may not be allowed to board the train with your bike.
If you're not a regular cyclist, please do 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.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete the Cycling Participation Statement in addition to booking your event space before attending a cycling event.
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who has recently tested positive for Covid-19, is asked not to attend.
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 drinks and snacks.