Liverpool to Manchester Off-Road
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Join us for this 48 mile off-road ride from Liverpool to Manchester via the scenic Trans Pennine Trail and the Bridgewater Canal. We'll be riding along docksides, canal towpaths, former railway trackbeds, riverside trails and quiet urban roads as we view a diverse changing landscape ranging from the peaceful wetland bird reserves along the River Mersey to relics from our industrial past along the Manchester Ship Canal and the ever changing urban landscape of 2 of the great cities in the North West.
We'll finish the ride on Canal Street in Manchester where we'll relax with a few drinks before heading home.
Although this event will be at a relaxed pace with easy cycling on paved surfaces near Liverpool & Manchester and along the Bridgewater Canal, it should be noted that 30km of the ride will be along the unpaved Trans Pennine Trail between Widnes & Altringham which is a bumpy earth surface in the dry and can get quite muddy in the wet. This event is therefore not suitable for road cycles though hybrid bikes are fine.
Concerned about riding the full distance but want to give it a go? In the event that any riders find the route more challenging than expected, there is the option to leave the event at Warrington (circa 44km point) to catch a train to either the start or end point as needed.
What to bring
Bike: a mountain bike or hybrid (no road bikes)
Helmet: OutdoorLads requires you to wear one
Clothing: lightweight and layered, shorts are great even in rain as they allow free movement of your legs. Avoid jeans, which are uncomfortable when wet, and baggy tracksuit bottoms, which can snag in the chain. Colourful and/or reflective clothing will make you more visible to other road users
Footwear: grippy soles if your bike has standard 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 a packed lunch with you as there are very few opportunities to get food along the trail until we reach Manchester.
Also please ensure you have plenty of water and snacks to keep your energy levels up along the way. Although the route is pretty much flat, the bumpy terrain can sap your energy and you'll consume more food and water if it is hot.