Ladybower Loop - Again

We tried the Ladybower Loop again today, though in different weather conditions than the last time. Instead of sun and dry trails we had rain and a lot of mud! Just myself and Dean today, parked the car at the Ladybower Visitor Centre and made our way up the trail. Its a great ride no matter what the weather. We had a coffee break at Derwent Visitor Centre before the big forest climb and then decent to the Snake Road. The long downhill into Aston is fantastic, a green path with a few technical bits thrown in. A short stop for a puncture and then back the car, altogether about 18 miles.
Photos show me and Dean crossing the river, which is actually the trail and Dean at the side of Derwent Reservoir.

Sunday 5th July

We arranged to meet later than usual on Sunday, with an idea to ride around Tockholes, though on the way after being caught in a thunderstorm, we decided to stay local around Rivington. After the usual start and riding down to the mast road, Dean hit a water bar on the trail the wrong way, next second he was over the bars and hit the ground just behind me. These water bars are to be treated with respect they are made from granite sets and don’t seem too dangerous, but they are set at an angle to the trail. Anyway that was the end of the ride for Dean, the bike had damaged bars and Dean had multiple minor injuries, so he retired back to Horwich, at least it was downhill!
For the rest of us it was business as usual, around and about Rivington on the trails, up Coalpits,Road down to Belmont Road over the top, across to Leadmines, on to Anglezarke Reservoir, back to Rivington, up the alternative ICR and over to Wallsuches and then home. 30 miles.

Saturday 4th July

Airport Loop
Very early morning start to do a loop around Manchester Airport, not exactly a full loop as to get there and back I have to use the same Route 55 to Monton and back, but at least a circle around the airport, there is an airport orbital loop signposted. Made use of the Bridgewater Canal towpath till Sale Water Park, then part of the Transpennine Trail. The total route is 54 miles, The canal path from Streford to Sale is being upgraded and should be good when it’s finished.
Still experimenting with my semi-camping breakfasts, this time tried macaroni cheese as you can see, still not 100% satisfactory, will try something else next time,
A good ride in great weather and back home by 11.00 am!