Middlebrook Valley Trail

Friday Ride Home

2012-02-04T03:46:00.000-08:00

Nice ride home the long way round an a Friday Afternoon, nice sunshine, dry trails a lot of ice and very cold.

Autumn Colours

2011-11-06T06:07:00.000-08:00

Brilliant clear sunny day today so decided to have a ride over Winter Hill to try and catch the Autumn colours. Up to Walker Fold, Winter Hill, Two Lads, Hole int Wall descent and back via Curly's Chippy. Dean not out this week as he has a shoulder problem, had a good easy ride 18 mile, 29 Km, lots of stops.

Saturday Morning Cheeky Ride

2011-10-22T07:53:00.000-07:00

Nice and clear this morning, so as no Sunday ride this week as Dean is away for the week I decided to have a quick ride up to the Pike. From home via Middlebrook Valley Trail, thought about stopping for a coffee at Costa, but carried on.

The full length of Lever Park, Top Barn and onto Georges Lane via the AICR. Very windy at the Pike, strong south easterly. Down the sharp end which is a great short downhill, better than ever now. Down to gate at Georges Lane and a puncture. Fixed it in a quiet spot and home, dint get a coffee.

16th October 2011 Sunday

2011-10-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

Phil, Dean and myself today, set off from the Smithy at 9 am, misty and light rain, visibility very low. Up by Walker Fold Woods to the Saddle, Two Lads, down to Sportsmans Cottage, Georges Lane to the Ice Cream Run, easy this week..

Down the Tea Rooms run, early stop in the tea rooms, before Top Barn and up the alternative ICR to Georges lane. Arcon descent and home. For me 23 miles, 2000 feet climbing

Glentress

2011-10-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

Spookey Wood Descent is perhaps the best in the UK, comes midway on the Red Trail.

went to see the new Peel Centre, bit underwhelmed after all the hype, though changing and showers excellent.

Still Glentress is the best, as usual

Dark Peak Challange

2011-10-09T01:11:00.000-07:00

Saturday 7th October 2011, the BHF Dark Peak Challenge.

Myself and Dean entered this event and it really was a challenge. 34 miles of tough riding in the roughest and wild UK mountains. The route we rode was the "Extreme", 34 miles of hard riding with 8,125 feet (2,500 metres) of climbing. The ride started from Hope, about 250 riders, all clean and polished at the start.

Conditions went worse though and soon the climb to Mam Tor was wet and windy, the rain more or less continued all day, a steady wetting drizzle.

We haven't rode very much in the Peak District, normally keeping to the north of Manchester, but this ride was spectacular, well constructed, hard climbs followed by rocky and wet descents, time after time.

There were four refreshment stations along the route, water, biscuits, juice.

Trail conditions varied from stone flags, to the deepest mud, imagine 250 riders and what they did to to the muddy sections.

On the start line

First feed stop

Long push up, one of many

We rode with these three more or less all day

Near the end

Finish line

The aftermath

The end

Pile of crap

We finished well within the time and had a fantastic and character forming day.

2nd October 2011

2011-10-02T05:48:00.000-07:00

Today's ride with Dean and Phil, Two Lads descent to Spoertsman Cottage.

Sunday Ride

2011-09-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

Didn't start out well - raining just as I was leaving, quick call to Dean and 30 minutes delay. Met at Bob's Smithy, up to Walker Fold Woods an onto the Saddle, down to the Iron Lamp and along Georges Lane.

Ice Cream Run, Tea Rooms downhill and up to Yarrow, Leadmines Clough, down to the bridge and bridletrack to White Coppice, cafe open so a refreshment stop. Then on to Healey Nab for half of the Red Route, back to Anglezark, Top Barn, up through the Gardens, Georges Lane, down to Arcon, with a dog in tow, then home along the Middlebrook Valley Trail. 32 miles, 2100 feet climbing, brilliant day out with Phil, Dean and Rob. BTW, weather got a lot better mid morning, so nice day after all.

Sunday Ride

2011-09-25T10:23:00.000-07:00

Untitled

2011-09-18T00:32:00.001-07:00

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My Movie (5)

2011-09-18T00:11:00.000-07:00

Few bike pics

2011-09-10T07:28:00.001-07:00

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healey nabwlmp - YouTube

2011-09-10T04:54:00.001-07:00

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Healey Nab Red Route Bike Trail Friday afternoon, 9th September 2011

2011-09-10T02:38:00.000-07:00

Group Photo

2011-09-04T10:29:00.001-07:00

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FEW BIKE PICTURES

2011-09-04T09:44:00.001-07:00

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Airport Ride 14th August 2011

2011-08-15T09:38:00.001-07:00

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Untitled

2011-07-16T08:20:00.001-07:00

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BGspotters.net

2011-07-02T12:17:00.001-07:00

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Manchester Airport 2nd July 2011

2011-07-02T11:58:00.001-07:00

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Shiny bits

2011-05-10T23:20:00.001-07:00

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Richard's Canyon Nerve 7.0

2011-05-07T08:01:00.001-07:00

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Freezing Ride

2010-12-23T00:50:00.000-08:00

-9 C when I left home to meet Dean at the Jolly Crofters for a winter ride round Winter Hill.

It had snowed a couple of days before so we didn’t fancy a long push the hill. Set off along Georges Lane, lots of four wheel drives had been up there so the riding was smooth and easy. At the top of the Ice Cream Run decided to give it a go, even with 6 inches of snow we managed fine, again the path had been made by four wheel drives. Down past the Barns, through Lever Park and then back along Middlebrook Valley Trail made about 22/23 miles, so not bad considering the conditions. The weather was superb, well below zero, but no wind and sunny skies.

Icy Sunday

2010-12-12T07:17:00.000-08:00

Very cold ride today. Met Dean and Phil at Bob’s Smithy, rode up to Walker Fold and on to the farm to pick up the road to the gate at Coalpits. Much better than last week when we were pushing through the snow. The trail was in excellent condition, at least in terms of mud and good grip, but very rough in places now after the last few days of snow and frost.

From the Mast Road down to Sportsman’s Cottage, via the gully, great descent.

Along Georges Lane past the Pike and down the Ice Cream Run, which has changed again, maybe a bit smoother, missed the big slabs, seemed to have disappeared somewhere.

Down the icy road to the Chapel Tea Rooms for a teacake and coffee, before heading up through Lever Park and back along Middlebrook Valley Trail.

Quite a quick and short ride, but nice day and nice weather, only very cold.

Sunday 5th December 2010

2010-12-05T07:19:00.000-08:00

We arranged to meet at 8.30 at Bob’s Smithy, this would be the first ride of the old firm since the summer, in the event we were three, myself, Dean and Phil.

When I left home it was still dark and -4C. The roads were deadly, lost the front wheel a few times. The trail down to Middlebrook from the church was very icy. Long slog up to the Smithy, Phil already waiting, I was so cold by then, riding slow cause of the ice. Dean arrived and then there is only one way from there, up.

Walker Fold was really bad, frozen footsteps in the snow made it hard going. Short break at the gate then up to the mast road on the bridleway. Up the road to Two Lads and down the left hand side to the Iron Lamp. Brilliant downhill, conditions under tyre much better as much colder at this height. Along Georges Lane to the Pike, again slow going, but fantastic views from there, complete cloud inversions.

Down to the old toilets back along Georges Lane to the Crofters and then home. For me around 20 miles maybe, enough in the sub-zero temperatures. Great ride and glad we are back together. Not many others out today, must have put off by the temperatures and the snow.

Altura Trail, Sunday 30th November

2010-12-05T06:38:00.000-08:00

Very cold but clear day saw myself and Dean drive up to Whinlatter Forest Park to ride the Altura Trail. Fresh snow, but reasonable grip. Excellent trail, very narrow in places with a long drop on the right hand side made it interesting. At 600 metres was bitingly cold in the forest, we had to stop for about 20 minutes for a mechanical. Got back to the Visitor Centre, was only 2.30 but looked like going dark, had a quick look at the South Loop, but decided the café was the best option.

Long way to drive for such a short ride but well worth it. The weather and scenery superb, we will be back there soon.

Fantastic days riding the Altura Trail in North Lake District today. Very cold but sunny and very slippy trails. 2 riders, myself and Dean

2010-11-28T12:15:00.001-08:00

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Sunset

2010-11-15T10:37:00.001-08:00

Walked down to London bridge to see the sunset

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2010-09-03T19:43:00.001-07:00

Today I drove the 350 miles from Bend Oregon to Seattle Tacoma International Airport for my flight to New York. The route follows the length of the Cascade Mountains from Bend down to Puget Sound.

Its starts off as high desert, lots of old volcano’s can be seen; apparently they are cinder cone volcano’s. There are long tubes inside in which it’s possible to go down some distance, they are formed when the volcano discharges lots of ash and gas into the atmosphere.

I took a few photos of the route along the way, nice clean and smooth roads and fantastic scenery. The very large volcano is Mount Hood.

Farewell Bend

2010-09-02T17:57:00.000-07:00

Last night in Bend OR tonight. Finished five straight days of high desert mountain biking. did around 130 miles of riding, conditions ranging from sleet and almost freezing temperatures to clear sunshine and 30 degrees. altogether a fantastic holiday in a mountain biking mecca. The best are I found was Phil's Trails, starting from Phil's Trailhead. It's an enormous area, I don't know the length of all the trails, but it must run to much more than 100 miles. The quality is excellent, as I said before the trails are smooth and sandy, every turn is bermed. There are very steep and technical ups and downs, the rock gardens are amazing, so much work gone into this area. Further away are still more of hundreds of miles of trails, just can't do it all in one trip.

There are lots or varmints and critters on the trails, big birds, cougar (didn't see one), deer and thousands of chipmunks, they are everywhere, very inquisitive, though wild, I attracted a couple by throwing pieces of bananas, they are too clever though and just pick it up and run away with it. They seem to come in all sizes, with different stripes of different colours...very interesting

Although its high desert is covered in pine trees, none seem more than 50 years old, there is lots of evidence of forest fires in the past, so I suppose that is how the forest is controlled, at least in former times.

Extinct volcano's are everywhere, they are all over the place, they call them "Buttes". Lava is everywhere, I think the last volcano erupted about 6.500 years ago.

So back to Seattle in the morning and an overnight flight to New York. Trouble is hurricane Earl is also headed there!

Bend Oregon

2010-09-01T15:53:00.000-07:00

Arrived in Bend for five days mountain biking. Although I have ridden 5 days in a row before, I have not done five days serious mountain biking before in a row, especially at above 4,000 feet.

Anyway I have found the altitude no problem at all, still go uphill as slowly as before!

Hired a bike, Trek 4500 hardtail, only just acceptable.

The trails are well marked and all seem to start at trail heads where you can park. There are no other facilities, like coffee shops etc!

All the trails, being in the high desert are very dry, dusty and sandy, but the surface is fantastic, fast rolling and smooth, at least between the rocky technical sections.

Basically the trails are like the very best of UK trail centres, except thay are wild and this is no trail centre, but of the rock gardens and the like are mad made. So the riding is superb. When I say high desert its not like a sand desert, its rocky, with lots of vegetation and millions of pine trees.

For the three days I have been here I have managed around 20-30 miles a day, not too much but enough. On the remote sections you are a long way from any help. so taking it carefully.

In the next post will give a bit more info about the particular trails.

Biking the Golden Gate Bridge

2010-08-30T21:22:00.001-07:00

Biking the Golden Gate Bridge is a big attraction, every day hundreds and hundreds of people do it. A lot of them ride to Sausalito and take the ferry back to Fisherman’s Wharf.

I rented a bike in advance, a “mountain bike”. What they gave me was nothing like a mountain bike, a Fuji something, very heavy, although fitted with an air shock.

Overlooking the Pacific

First I rode out the Golden Gate Park, which is a natural park some way to the south of the bridge, lots of natural trails and very steep climbs. Spent a while there before reaching the Pacific Ocean, along the coast to the bridge. There are cycle lanes to both sides of the bridge, but only one opened at any one time. The path is shared by pedestrians as well. There is no safety netting above the guardrail, on a windy way it would be scary, it’s a very long way down, being higher up on a bike makes it worse. The traffic noise is tremendous, which detracts from the experience, but it is a road bridge.


Classic SF mist

The second tower marks the border to Marin County. My plan was to ride the Marin County Headlands for a while. There are lots of trails leading all over the headlands, most of them very steep and rocky, a difficult ride with the heavy bike. I spent about 4 hours riding there doing as much as I could before riding down to Sausalito for a cup of coffee, when I looked at my watch it was already 6 pm. Headed back over the bridge and took the bike back, feeling very tired and mile long walk back to the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit System) to take the train back to my hotel near the airport.

Art Deco?


Marin Residents

Marin Headlands

When I calculated the mileage was astonished to see I had done more than 30 miles, no wonder I was tired.

Day 4

2010-08-27T20:17:00.000-07:00

Out of sequence with the days now. I suppose Day 4 really started at Denver Colorado. This was the first main stop of the day for the California Zephyr, now 16 hours in to the journey. Denver was a bit a disappointment, couldn’t see much and even the station was nondescript.

From Denver westwards the train climbs into the Rockies, from Denver at 5,000 feet up to the Moffatt Tunnel at 9,000 feet. The views were spectacular; the other side of the tunnel was sunny weather. We followed the Colorado River down for many miles, small at first but getting bigger, lots of rafters and kayakers. The photos of the area speak for themselves. Glenwood Canyon was the very best. The scale of this country is brought home by the fact took more than 8 hours to cross only Colorado. As we entered Utah, literally hundreds of miles of desert, canyons and high plains.

Meals have been excellent on the California Zephry; dinner tonight was New York Ribeye Steak with all the trimmings. The next major stop comes at Salt Lake City at about 1 am in the morning, don’t think I will see it. Right now sat in my cabin, in the sunshine watching the cowboys and Indians scenery pass by.

We are still only just over half way to San Francisco after 30 hours on the train, another 24 to go

Night Time on the Zephry

Day 3

2010-08-26T06:31:00.001-07:00

In the morning I had a couple of hours to kill before going to the station.

I took the elevator to the 94^th floor of the John Hancock Building to the Observation Deck. Its 1500 feet tall the same as the full height of Winter Hill, and its 500 feet taller than the Winter Hill Mast! Great views of Chicago and Lake Michigan.

At lunchtime made my way to Union Station to board the Amtrak California Zephyr to San Francisco. First I had a look around the Union Station, it was the last built grand terminal built in the States.

As I had a room booked on the train I could go to the lounge to await boarding. The train is made of 16 cars, all double decked, “Superliner”.

My room was on the top deck just two cars back from the locomotive. It consists of two seats that fold down to form a bed and bunk above that The cars are rather old now, but it’s built well and very serviceable. Down below are the bathrooms and showers. There is a free coffee stand along the hall, and a free fruit juice stand at the other end. folds down.. Its air conditioned and comfortable enough.

On board the Zephyr


Chicago Union Station

Crossing the Mississipi River

The train left Union Station about 40 minutes late as there was a “mechanical”. The train rolls south for a short time before turning to the west, it maintains that heading for the next 2700 miles.

The first few hundred miles are made up of flat farmland, millions of hectares of corn and soya beans, totally flat. We passed through little towns’ right out of the movies, flags flying and chairs on the porch. I noticed that there was no fence between the rails and the gardens of the houses, where the track ran through a town there was no fence, hundreds of level crossings, at each one the engineer blows the whistle a few times, classic American Train mournful sound.ining Car, clean and neat, great meal of salad, buffalo meatloaf, baked potato and a desert, excellent quality.

Dinner Time on the Zephyr

Night time on the Zephyr and the car attendant makes up the bed. As the room is on the second level its quiet, no problems and I slept better than I thought I would, woken a few times by the whistle though. Morning and I set my alarm early, though we gained an hour by crossing into Mountain Time. Shower and breakfast at 7 am. The showers would shame some hotels, a bit small but perfectly manageable. Crossed from Nebraska into Colorado, next stop Denver. Although I have been on this train for 16 hours, we are less than a third of the way there! The crop fields of Illinois and, Idaho have given way to cattle ranches.

Day 2

2010-08-25T20:28:00.000-07:00

Today was the day for the Lakeside Trail in Chicago. It’s a total of 18 miles each way; I did the lot and managed about 45 miles with a couple of side trips, also a few stops for coffee etc.

I rented a bike, a Trek 4700, a “mountain bike”. It was heavy at the front end with a Suntor shock that barely compressed. Anyway a suspension bike is not needed as the trial is paved all the way.

The trail runs along the side of Lake Michigan, it’s totally traffic free, well-marked and all riders keep to their side of the trail depending on the direction. When I say it follows the lake it really does, most times only metres from the shoreline.

I started from the centre of the trial, Navy Pier, and as the wind was from the north west decided to ride the southern half first, very fast on the way there with the wind behind. Met a guy who I rode with all the way down and back to the Pier. He had a puncture which I fixed for him on the way back.

Riding Buddy

Lots of riders, this being Sunday, all types of bikes from cruisers to out and out road racing bikes. The views of the city on one side and the lake on the other made a nice contrast. The trail is very popular and I suppose Sunday is the busiest day, but at both ends many less people. Barrack Obama’s house is at the South end, but I couldn’t be bothered to ride to it!

A great ride in great weather and an ambition fulfilled.

City Skyline

Evening spent waking along N. Michigan Avenue, very stylish and sophisticated. The downtown area is incredibly clean; no litter anywhere, lots of green. Dined in the same restaurant as the night before and even had the same meal, but it was delicious!

The architecture is very varied, from 100 year blocks to the highest tech of all, nice contrasts all over the city. The Trump Tower is something else!

American Trip

2010-08-22T04:47:00.001-07:00

North Atlantic off Greenland

Day 1

Day 1 of the trip was the flight to Amsterdam, then on to Chicago. I had chosen to fly with KLM on the basis of cost, but the flight especially to the USA was superb, the catering and entertainment have come on a lot since my last long distance trip.

The flight route over the Atlantic was take us to the south of Iceland, just touching the tip of Greenland and making landfall in Labrador. The weather was cloudy most of the way so didn’t see too much, wanted to see at least a little bit of Greenland!

Chicago OHare, one of the biggest airport and the slowest immigration, 1 hour stood waiting to fingerprints and photo take. The ride into downtown Chicago by the Blue Line Train, about 40 minutes.

Staying in the Holiday Inn Express, just one block back from Michigan Avenue, the “Magnificent Mile”. After a shower out to have a look round, but very tired by now. Weather was great at 26 degrees, architecture along Michigan fantastic! Ate a burger at an open air café and called it day.

I already paid the hotel bill via a booking agent, but found the agent hadn’t paid the hotel, hope Nadia can sort that one out on Sunday.

Bike ride on Sunday planned, bike already rented, weather looks to be good, so let’s see!

27th June 2010 - Sunday

2010-06-27T10:32:00.000-07:00

We had planned to ride “Tour of Pen-Y-Gent” but had to cancel at the last moment as Dean’s wife wasn’t too well, so he needed to be close to home. No matter a local ride would be just as good.
We met at Bobs Smithy, up Scout Road to Walker Fold, through the wood and went straight on up the climb from the gate. From there across to the start of Coalpits Rood and up to the mast. Like the last few weeks the trails are superbly dry and dusty, no grip, but no mud either. Form the top of Winter Hill we decided of the shoulder descent to Belmont Road. Then Great Hill, unbelievably dry able to ride every inch of it, very bumpy on the slabs through. Took the bridletrack down to just above Brinscall and cut off left through a wood, fantastic single track down to above White Coppice.
Met lots of riders today at all points along the route.
Route home followed the reservoirs down to the castle in Lever Park and then the usual way home, all together 33 miles, and on the hottest day of the year.
Riders today, Richard, Phil and Dean.
HERE is the Sportstracker route
Only one photo today, Phil and Dean at the top of Great Hill, did a video but will take a little time to edit, will post it later

Trying out close up pictures, the bug is a Cardinal Beetle

2010-06-26T10:40:00.001-07:00

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2010-06-20T10:51:00.001-07:00

When I want to make up some miles, but not with too much effort I do the air port run. Its off road all the way to Manchester Airport. Full circuit around the perimeter on the Aviation Bike Trail. Well that’s exactly what I did today, perfect weather for it.
Its 54 miles in all, but not much climbing, the route follows Cycleway 55 to Monton, then Bridgewater Canal past the Trafford Centre/ Down to Stretford, running the gauntlet of the super aggressive Canada Geese. Then Sale Water Park, Chorlton Water Park, Wythenshawe Park, Painswick Park and then the airport.
The Aviation Viewing Park is now free fro bikes, so had my breakfast there. Had a look in the Trident and photographed the Nimrod before setting out back home. A nice 54 miles in the sunshine and super dry and dusty trails.

Coniston and Walna Scar

2010-06-08T05:07:00.001-07:00

Planned a trip into the Lakes and chose Walna Scar to Seathwaite and then back via Torver. We parked at the Ferry Slip in Coniston. The first hill out of Coniston was a big shock, must be the steepest hill in the world! The route up to Walna Scar is very rocky and very steep, one and a half hours later of pushing, carrying and a few metres of riding we got to the top. The downhill to Seathwaite seemed to take about 3 minutes, very rocky, misty and steep. Short stop at the pub for a coffee and then another push/ride to the top of the pass at The Caw and Brock Barrow. Across to Broughton Moor Wood. From there the rain started, “light” rain, Down the tarmac to Torver and then along the side of the lake to Coniston, didn’t bother with waterproofs, so absolutely soaked through.

Photos show Dave just at the top of Walna Scar Road, and then Phil and Dave at the bottom on the other side.

23 miles in a lot of hours!

Nailed It

2010-05-30T03:35:00.000-07:00

Early morning ride up to Walker Fold, then straight ahead on the very rocky climb, (don't know the name of it) only one dab on the way up, across to the mast road and down a cheeky path to the stream crossing which none of us has ever managed to ride down and up. First time went quicker than on the video and a lot more elegantly, no problem, maybe with the winter the line has changed, second attempt for the video not as flowing, but still did it.

After that up the road a bit, then Two Lads, almost blown over by the wind and down the kennels gully to Georges Lane. Too windy for the Pike, fell off the little side trail between the Pike path and the Tower, cut knee. Didn't fall off going down the Ice Cream Run thought, although overtaken by another rider, almost caught him up by the Top Barn, but then went another route. Back home along Middlebrook Valley Trail and home by 10.30 am. 24 miles.

HERE is the video

Southport

2010-04-18T01:06:00.000-07:00

Got up at 04.40, ready for a 05.30 departure, which is the earliest time its possible to leave without having to use lights. Took Route 55 from Little Hulton to Monton, across Barton Bridge, down the Bridgewater Canal to Stetford to join the Transpennie Trail bear Chester Road. Very cold first thing, ground frost but got warmer later. From there the Trail follows the River Mersey to Liverpool. I passed Liverpool Airport, no planes today - ash cloud. Past the Jaguar Works, along the Liverpool Loop Line and finally to Southport.

The trails are excellent at the moment, dry and dusty, no puddles anywhere. The whole route although long is very flat so I made really good time, 7 1/2 hours total riding, just two short stops, at Widnes Bridge and then 10 miles from Southport. When I got there the tide was even in! Chips and tea to celebrate in TRIO fashion.

Took the train back to Walkden, which was the earliest train, then another 4 miles up the 55 to home, all together 88 miles, 140 Kms.

Spring

2010-04-11T13:03:00.000-07:00

Decided at the last minute as everyone else in the house would be out on Saturday to ride to the airport and back. I have the route more or less perfect now, almost all of it off road, or at least on the section through Northenden on very quiet roads.

The weather was absolutely superb, must have been 20 degrees.

Its a long ride but its fairly flat, in fact its very flat especially along the Bridgewater Canal.

The geese are ganging together and in the next few weeks will become aggressive as they protect their eggs and chicks,... have to find another route then for a bit!

The photos I took are HERE.

Commuting

2010-03-23T02:05:00.001-07:00

Well it seems like spring has finally arrived on the Middleborok Valley Trail. This is my daily commute from Farnworth to Horwich, a round trip of 16 miles. I have kept going all through winter through the deep snow and freezing temperatures and of course the darkness. Most of the winter we have had easterly winds, so dry and cold. This week for the first time, the wind is in the south to south west so here comes the rain, but milder temperatures. One of the nice parts of riding the same off road route everyday is to see the change in the seasons and the little things along the way, to see the trail in snow, sun and rain, all interesting and different every day.

So here’s to the spring and summer! Lets hope for good conditions and some sunshine.

New Bike Day

2010-03-21T10:35:00.000-07:00

Publish Post

Lets have a short ride Sunday morning said Dean, so Rob can try out his new bike. So we met early at the Crofters, Rob arrived on his bike a Giant Anthem X4, super white and super clean.

The weather was musty, but dry, up to the Pike from Georges Lane, Ice Cream Run for some AICR for others. Across to Healey Nab for a look round in the woods and on to White Coppice, cafe still shut...

Tried the new bridleway up to Brinscall, very smooth and very rough in places, not finished yet, don't know if its any better than the track that was there before. Found a tea rooms in Brinscall before heading back to Rivington, Horwich and home.

Finally 33 miles, which is the longest so far this year, so much for a short ride! 6 1/2 ours including all the stops.

Settle Long Loop

2010-03-09T00:43:00.000-08:00

Sunday saw myself and Dean trying out the Settle Long Loop, its around 22 miles and as the name suggests a loop from Settle and back. The day was perfect weather, sunshine, no wind to speak of but very cold, it didn't get above zero all day. Tough lung busting climb at the start, then lots of green road riding. Snow mud and ice all the way. Quick descent down to Malham and the longest bike push in the world up from there to the top. Another great and quick descent back to Settle. A good day out, but not to be underestimated, its bleak on the farthest outward reaches and bad weather would make it very unappealing indeed.

Used the Sportstracker for the ride and HERE is the route.

Tunnels and Bridges

2010-02-14T10:54:00.000-08:00

Went to Clapham in Yorkshire for a ride around the Tunnels and Bridges route. I found the route at mtbthedales

The weather was cold but dry, no wind. Just myself and Dean today. The route is about 12 miles, a mixture of steep climbing, fast descents, singletrack, bridleways and even some road. Cafe stop about a third in.

Great day and great route, look forward to doing it i the sunshine and summer.

Evening Ride

2010-02-06T01:59:00.001-08:00

After a full week commuting in snow, ice, headwinds, Friday evening and an early finish , coupled with a nice evening, warm even at 6 degrees I rode home via Lever Park and Georges Lane.

There was a nice sunset across the reservoir, I rode the full length of the park up to the Top Barn. From there up the alternative ice cream rum to Georges Lane. The track up there has been damaged badly by the frost, the surface is broken and soft, very muddy. Made my way along the full length of Georges Lane to Chorley Old Rod, then usual route home via Middlebrook Valley Trail.

Gisburn Forest

2010-01-25T00:07:00.000-08:00

We planned a day at Gisburn Forest, first time I have been there, but Dean and Dave have visited a couple of times, but before the completed Red Trail was finished.

The car park was full when we arrived at 09.30, we got the last two spaces, itb was in bad condition after the winter weather, but lots of riders setting out to do the trails, in fact there were quite a few traffic jams.

Lots of riders riding big heavy downhill bikes, way to big and burly for the trail riding on offer.

The trail is excellent, it just seems to on and on, long sections of twisty singletrack, fire road climbs, rock gardens, super high berms and lots of mud.

The trail builders have excelled themselves, it’s a superb ride, great scenery and features, including a quarry and a rock slab drop if you want!

The tril took us the best part of three hours to complete, quite a bit of waiting at the jam points.

We will definitely be back there, through perhaps on a weekday. It’s a fantastic resource for Lancashire, all it needs is a better infrastructure at the car park, a café and shop would bring it up the standard of the best.

Of all the trail centres I have ridden Gisburn comes second only to Glentress.

17th January 2010

2010-01-17T07:55:00.000-08:00

We all got back together for the first time today, except fro Rob who s away to Australia on Wednesday.

The trails are all still very icy, the path from the iron lamp to the mast road was passable and from there we went to have a look at the decent off the sharp end of Winter Hill. It was a bit better than thought it would be, just about ridable keeping away from the track. The ice was very think on Belmont Rood. Back to the Pigeon Tower through the gardens and along the side of the lake back to Horwich. Enough for a cold day.

Winter Video

2010-01-10T03:14:00.000-08:00

Having seen last week a fantstic video from Ed Oxley, I was inspired to have a go myself. So on Saturday morning I went up to Winter Hill via Walker Fold and took a few sequences. There are certianly some tricks involved to end up with someting resonably interesting, very short action sequences and to be as close as possible to the camera. I would like to music, but its a minefield of performing rights etc. Here it IS

Winter Comes To Middlebrook Valley Trail

2010-01-10T03:01:00.000-08:00

No blogs for a while, got to get back into it. Not stopped riding though, managed 3750 miles in 2009 and looking forward to lots of riding in 2010.

The snow has come and made it difficult and interesting at the same time, managed to continue with the daily commute through the snow, though it is taking a lot longer than normal. the scenery however is fantastic, transformed: no mud and the bike is as clean as a whistle.

Here are some PHOTOS of the trail in winter.

Sunday

2009-11-22T08:05:00.000-08:00

Long wet, cold, muddy, misty ride around the usual haunts, Winter Hill, Walker Fold, Coal Pits, Winter Hill again, Ice Cream Run, Yarrow, Healey Nab and back to Lever Park. Riders, Richard, Dave, Rob and Phil. Missed Dean today, not so well this week, hope he back soon.

Very wet and muddy, slippy everywhere today, also did I say cold, 6.5 degrees, just like winter!

North Face Trail

2009-11-15T10:41:00.000-08:00

The weather started out very bad when we arrived at the car park, heavy rain and low visibility. After the usual faff of getting ready it was a little better. As usual now Phil shot off and left us, but we picked up another ride, Bob from Tynemouth and he stayed with us for the rest of the ride.

The trail was great, better than I had remembered it in April, though every hollow was filled with muddy water, and there are lots of hollows, so very wet today.

Had some fun on the boardwalks, they were actually treacherous, there is no wire mesh on the boards, just slippy wet wood....

A great day and good ride, not to long, but in the wet long enough.

Had a try at a short video, see it here

2009-11-01T01:09:00.000-07:00

Saturday started off better than I thought with the weather, so although I wasn’t planning a ride, I couldn’t resist the sunshine.
Up from Scout Road to Walker Fold, then took the left hand option uphill, it’s a really technical climb, we only ever came it once before, so first time up. Then up to the mast and down to Two Lads, had a look at “Hole Bottom” on the way, you can see the old brick kilns , or rather where they were, I don’t think many people know where this is and what it was a long time ago. You can fid out a lot more about Winter Hill HERE.
Then down to Georges Lane, from Two lads. Came down the Ice Cream Run at the fastest speed yet, normally ride very slowly and normally fall off, but faster seems better, my GPS said approximately average speed of 10 miles an hour, which if you know the ICR, is not bad.
Back via Lower Barn, full of riders and other day trippers, easy ride home again
21 miles in good weather and warm temperatures.
Sunday’s ride cancelled due to bad weather.

Night Rides

2009-10-30T11:45:00.000-07:00

The first week of winter and managed two night rides, the first on Wednesday, perfect weather, still, moonlit and clear. Very dark in Lever Park in the trees, couldn't see the trails as the leaves covered everywhere. The view from the Pike was awesome, stayed there a while, 4 other riders had the same idea, it was like a normal Sunday.

Tried to take some photos of the moon and lights reflecting on the still water, but phone camera not good enough for that.

Friday evening ride not so good weather, very windy on Winter Hill, but still good.

Quite happy with the Cateye front light.

SUNDAY

2009-10-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

Long ride today around Rivington, Healey Nab and all the usual places. Met very early at the Jolly Crofters, weather was cold and dull, in fact it lasted all day and never seemed to warm up, in fact it got colder as the day went on. Met quite a few other riders including one gut on a Marin Wolfridge, brand new bike.

Felt a bit ill towards the end, didn't eat anything during the ride except a packet of crisps and a gel sachet, felt faint and sick climbing back to Georges lane from the Top Barn. Had to stop in the fishery cafe for sausage and chips before I could carry on.

On the top of Winter Hill came a across a cloud inversion, not sure if it was a ground inversion or an inversion aloft, anyway it doesn't matter.

Miles 35 for me and about 20 for Phil and Dean

Glentress

2009-10-17T04:04:00.000-07:00

Took the opportunity after a meeting in Kirkcaldy to do the Red again at Glentress on the way home, which is the best man made trail I have done. The weather was superb, autumn sunshine and warm enough. I have visited Glentress four times this year and this was the busiest I have seen it. The builders were resurfacing the access road and it looks like the new visitor centre will be open soon, it looks good and should be a vast improvement over the portacabins that are there now.

Spooky Wood descent is the best downhill section I have ever done and yesterday on the dry trails it was fantastic.

Marin Trail North Wales

2009-10-09T01:44:00.000-07:00

Five of us went to North Wales to ride the Marin Trail. I think it was of the first trails built in the UK. It starts straight out of the car par and the start is very promising, twisting ascending singletrack. But very soon it stops at a fireroad, a trend that was repeated many times on the trail.

The riders were Dean, Rob, Dave, Phil and Richard. Phil had decided that he wanted to get value for money and set off to ride the trail twice! So we didn't see him again till he finished.

For the rest of us we continued on and were very surprised at the amount of climbing on the trail, unfortunately the climbs seemed to be all along the fireroads, which made for a very boring time, but we shouldn't be too critical, of course the scenery is fantastic everywhere in the forest, the rocky singletrack sections are brilliant, though if you went over the bars you would know about it!

Its a really tough trail, there does seem to be much more climbing than descending, but I suppose there really can't be. For the four of us once round was enough but for super rider Phil it must have been a major workout.

We finished off at the tea rooms for a snack and a drink, I went to Manchester for the train to London and others had to wait for Phil.............

16 miles (or 32)

Photographs HERE

Southport Airshow

2009-09-27T00:34:00.000-07:00

Managed to combine a bike ride and a trip to the Airshow on Saturday. I drove to Tarleton, found a convenient lay by, parked and then rode to Southport. I found a route along the banks, (this earthwork keeps the water off the farmland) all the way to Marine Drive and then down the cycle track to the show. Its the best way to go the traffic queues were awful, miles and miles. Spent a couple of hours there watching the planes and listening to the excruciatingly bad commentary. took some really bad photos, planes too far away and too small!

Sunday Group Ride

2009-09-21T09:00:00.001-07:00

The whole group was back together again for a long local ride, all the usual places. We stated from Georges Lane, up by the quarries, to the mast road, down to Walker Fold, Coal Pit Road, Winter Hill, down the steep end, Leadmines, White Coppice, Healey Nab and back via Rivington and the Pike. A long ride for me, 36 miles, weather absolutely superb, war and sunny. Trails very dry and dusty, makes a change from cleaning the mud off! Riders were me, Dean, Rob, Phil and Dave. We even managed a coffee stop at White Coppice Cricket Ground, where we found the café open!

Lots of people on the pike and even came a group of riders having instruction near the Pigeon Tower.

Photos HERE

Winter Hill Air Crash

2009-09-21T07:06:00.001-07:00

I have been reading again “The Devil Casts His Net”, the story of the 1958 Air Crash on Winter Hill. It’s an interesting story of a tragedy that occurred not as a result of a single mistake or action, but a long list of circumstances and mistakes. These were weather, visibility, impatience, bad luck and finally air traffic control and pilot error. 35 were killed that day in February 1958; the plane was on its way from Douglas Isle of Man to Manchester Airport. It hit the highest ground in the region and remains to this day the UK’s worst high level air accident.

I have tried to find evidence on the ground of the exact crash site, but failed to do so, people have said there is a scar on the hillside and even evidence of spilt fuel, but I can’t find it, but it has been a long time. The aircraft hit the north side of the hill a couple of hundred metres from the trig point and near to where the “rocket” shaped antenna is positioned. The photo shows me looking to the direction the aircraft came from, towards Chorley.

Mabie Forest

2009-09-21T07:04:00.001-07:00

The Phoenix Trail in Mabie I think is one of the first purpose built trail centres. The Phoenix Trail is 17 km long and traverses the forest; it seems to reach the boundaries and was conceived to have a maximum distance in the space available. From other reports I have seen it doesn’t seem to get an especially good press. It’s basically a ride through the forest on fire roads and single track, nothing spectacular anywhere, no particularly hard climbs and no special downhills, but reasonable distance But the scenery is excellent and if you are in the area worth a visit. It was very quiet when I was there, feels remote somehow. The photo of me was supposed to show me overlooking the loch, but taken too low, so sorry, missed the loch!

Glentress Black

2009-08-29T03:15:00.000-07:00

I was in Edinburgh all day Thursday on business, stayed overnight in Livingston and drove down to Glentess on Friday morning. Last time I was there I did the Red Trail, this time it was to be the Black. The weather had promised to be bad all week, but the overnight rain had cleared and it was just windy. However the trails were very wet with lots of water splashes. As usual the trails are in excellent repair, the Black has a different character to the Red, much more rocky and exposed. The Black is 30 Kms, it took me 3 ½ hours in total with a couple of stops. The climbs are very big, but the trails are so well designed its almost effortless. Some of the downhill are very exposed, a fall from the trail and you wouldn’t stop till the bottom of the valley! I felt a long way from the trailhead when I reached the TV tower, it’s over 600 metres high, Started the return through Deliverance and then Redemption passing through the Ewok Village, minus the boardwalks, they are being replaced. The Black joins the Red towards the end, before arriving back at the trailhead.

A fantastic enjoyable ride, superbly designed trails, may be the best in the UK.

Sunday Group Ride

2009-08-24T01:53:00.000-07:00

We met at Wildeswood car park, Dean, Phil, Dave and I. Dean had a plan to ride over to Great Hill and White Coppice. Today was the first outing for Phil's new bike, I know he's pleased with it.

The route took up to the Mast Road via Two Lads, then off Winter Hill by the steep end, down to the road and across to the flagged path to Great Hill, weather was warm but very windy. The descent to White Coppice is brilliant, in spite for the wind trying to blow us off course. A short trip up up Healey Nab and back to Horwich.

Really tired today after yesterdays ride, but managed 30 miles all in, some new trails again today and some nice countryside, interesting to see how some parts of the hills are very wet and muddy and a few metres away dry sandy ground.

Mileage so far this year nearly 2,400, already beat last years modest total by 200 miles and its only August! Lets see what it is at the end of the year.

Early Saturday

2009-08-22T07:36:00.000-07:00

The weather wes decidedly cool at 7 am when I left home, the sun wasn't quite up, but it promised to be a good day. Usual route to Horwich, then Lever Park, the Pike, Two Lads, Winter Hill and then down Coalpits and home, a nice 30 miles, became relly warm at the end. Trails very wet and slippery. Lots of other riders around this morning.

Sunday Group Ride

2009-08-17T00:46:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning and back to normal after all the holidays etc with the usual group, Richard, Dean, Rob, Dave and Phil. We met at Wildeswood Car park.

The route took us by the iron lamp path towards Two Lads, but we cut off or the mast road before getting to Two Lads. We then went along the edge of the ridge towards Scout Road and Walker Fold, along the road and then up towards Coalpits Road. We diverted off the usual ascent to have a look at the lake (actually a reservoir) that used to supply water to the Barrow Bridge Mill. This lake is not well known and is only really visible as its reached. It’s a nice spot and has fantastic views over Bolton and Manchester. From there up Coalpits to the mast and down the cheeky trail to Belmont. Phil took off down the trail and left us all for dead, arriving a full three minutes before the rest of us!

At the bottom of the cheeky trail we met up with some guys who were out testing Scott carbon bikes, all very impressive, they were with Alan’s Bikes of Wigan.

From Belmont we found a path up by the right hand side of the road, which proved to be a bit wet and muddy, also we had to pass a bull which provided some light relief! Then to the top of the pass, along Belmont Road to Georges Lane, a quick trip up to the Pike and then home.

It was great to be back out with the group after a few solitary rides.

Sports Tracker said 25 miles, see the plot HERE

Yorkshire Dales

2009-08-08T13:25:00.000-07:00

Took a drive up to Askrigg which is in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire. The route is a circular route that I chose to start at Askrigg. There was nowhere to park in the village, so a small layby had o suffice, a few hundred meters from the village centre. Normally I don't like to drive to ride somewhere, I like to ride right from the door, but anyway it's a nice drive up the M6 via Sedburgh. The whole of the route is ridable, the first leg included a long climb on a green road, and I mean green, a carpet of grass for the most of the way. There is a long easy decent from the top to Thoralby, really nice, with a few technical sections is Aysgarth Falls . There is a cafe and tea room at the falls in the National Park Centre, which is where I had lunch, the weather was excellent around 20 degrees and sunshine all day. From Aysgarth there is a climb up to Bolton Castle, another tea room there!. The next section back to Askrigg is via green roads and stone tracks, all dry and as I say ridable, not last weeks sortie to the Lakes.

See the Sports Tracker route and a few photographs HERE

2009-08-06T11:45:00.000-07:00

I knew when I set out that it was going to be a tough day, but I didn't know how tough!

I left Staveley around 09.30 on a figure of eight route. My plan took me from the village, up to the top of Garburn Pass, and down to Kentmere. This first part was fine, good riding, steep ascent, but more or less ridable all the way except for a couple of short pushes. The descent into Kentmere is brilliant, steep and rocky all the way down. Stopped for a sandwich and drink half way down the next section from Kentmere to Sadgill was also fine, a bit muddy and an indistinct trail. The next climb took me up by the side of Buckbarrow Crag, the bridleway is very old and seems to have built by placing massive flat stones on edge, so the effect is really bumpy and where it was very steep not possible to ride. So it was a very long push to the top of the next pass, Gatesgath. From there down to Dudderwick, no respite, the next climb was to the top of Nan Bield Pass, a major undertaking for me, coming after what had come earlier, it ended up a very long push and carry to the top, all 3 miles of it. In some places this trail is almost vertical, climbing up great rock steps. At the top is supposed to be the start of 14 miles of “classic singletrack”, I didn't seem to find it, the first section was very steep, and being so far from the car and on my own I took it very carefully, when it levelled out and it was possible to ride, it seemed that every 20 metres there was a deep stone drain, about 600 mm deep and for me impossible to ride over. The last few miles were easy enough, and through beautiful countryside, but was by now too tired to appreciate it.

Back in Staveley I wanted to have a look at the famous Wilf's Cafe, when I got there there was some kind of beer festival going on outside, there were lots of fatties with big bellies hanging out in the sunshine, I just rode past, back to the car and home. Bought a very large cup of tea at Forton, with lots of sugar!

I used my phone with Sports Tracker, unfortunately the battery went flat, but anyway I was quite impressed with the result. You can have a look HERE

Iron Man

2009-08-02T06:01:00.000-07:00

Got up very early, leaving the house at 4.30 to get to the start of the Iron Man Competition at Rivington. The start was 6.00 am, with a 2.4 mile swim, then 112 miles on the bikes and finally a marathon to finish. I think about 1700 took part. At 6.00 am there weren’t very many spectators, a few hundred I suppose. The swimming start was good as it’s a mass start, soon thinned out though, difficult to see much, swimmers too far away.
Rode up to the summit of Belmont Road off road to catch up to the riders as they crested the summit, there were all shapes and sizes and indeed all different ages, there are some over 70’s in the comp. Interesting to see the different bikes, from all carbon to ancient garden shed models!
Watched for a while then got out my stove and pans and cooked my breakfast, it was freezing in the wind at 7.00 am! Rode back along Belmont Road, then to the Pike for a short loop and back home by 10.30.

Ladybower Loop - Again

2009-07-19T12:06:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-12T09:05:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-10T23:34:00.000-07:00

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!

Breakfast at Twa' Lads

2009-06-26T00:30:00.000-07:00

Got up very early and rode up to Twa' Lads, (Two Lads) on Winter Hill. Set up my stove and cooked my breakfast, great views and great weather. Back down to Horwich, shower, then in work by 8.00 am!

Healey Nab

2009-06-21T07:38:00.000-07:00

Had a good mornings ride around our usual area of Winter Hill, Rivington etc.
We decided to have a look at Healey Nab near Adlington. Healey Nab Mountain Bike skills area is an on-going project so as yet is not fully completed. It is short descent, which involves berms, a lot of roots and rocks and winds down a small wooded area. It was well worth visiting. Retuned back to Horwich via a number of trails through to Adlington and then to Horwich. The weather wasn’t promising, but got better as we went along.

30 Miles, Horwich Section 21 Miles

Photos HERE

Glentress Forest

2009-06-19T05:18:00.000-07:00

Spent a great evening riding the Red Trail at Glentress Forest. The weather was windy and a bit rainy, but lots of protection from the trees. The trails are kept in exceptionally good condition, on the lower sections very smooth. The signage is very good. The descent through Spooky Wood is the best ever descent I have done!

19kms, 2 1/2 hours.

Photos: HERE

Ladybower Loop

2009-06-14T01:05:00.000-07:00

Superb ride today from the Ladybower Car Park, did the look anti-clockwise, 3 really great climbs and descents, lots of very technical sections, specially on the climbs. Excellent views and nice weather, quite exposed on places so its not one for bad weather. Lots of riders doing the loop, in both directions. Went alone as we aren’t riding on Sunday. Definitely recommend the ride, much more technical that I thought.
4 hours, about 20-22 miles, lots of up and down!

Photos HERE

Route HERE

Sunday 31st May 2009

2009-06-09T05:46:00.000-07:00

The Manchester – Liverpool Charity Bike Ride was held on Sunday 31st May. We were a team of 9. We were riding to raise money for Wigan Cancer Care Site Suite. We all wore shirts kindly provided by Halbro, thanks Rob!

The riders were:

Dean
Robert
Angela
Sue
Sandra
Dave
Phil
Ian
Richard

The route was 39 miles, on what was the hottest day of the year; it was mostly off road, following loosely the Transpennine Trail.

Everybody completed the ride and it was an excellent day out. Altogether there were 1500 riders!

Click HERE for more photos

Friday 29th May

2009-06-09T05:31:00.001-07:00

After an 18 hour work day on the Thursday, a day off on Friday! Arranged to meet Mark at his place, from there up to Georges Lane, up between the quarries and then up to the mast road. From there we took the bridleway to Adam Hill and down to Scout Rood. Then up the bridleway to join Coal Pits lane. We diverted to look at the lake on Smithills Moor, a place not often visited, see the photos. It was beautiful day and the lake looked great. From there up to the top of Winter Hill, then Two Lads, down to the Bottom Barn for a break, back along Georges Lane and Home, excellent mornings ride in great weather. Total 27 miles

25th May Bank Holiday Monday

2009-05-25T08:22:00.001-07:00

Probably the best day so far this year for temperature and weather, at least in the morning. Just Dean, Phil and me today. Met at the Jolly Crofters for a change. From there up Georges Lane, past the quarry and to the mast road, back down over the top of Walker Fold and Phil’s favourite climb of the day. Coal Pits up to the mast. Two Lads next, where a couple of Stoats (or weasels) were running together just a few metres away from us! Amazing to see them so close and in bright sunshine. Back down to Georges lane and through Wilderswood, which looked great in the sunshine and new growth. From there a few “Phil” loops around the hillside to the west and east of Chorley Old Road, before the finish at the Jolly Crofters, downwind from the burger van!, but just about resisted!

Next week, charity ride from Manchester to Liverpool.... Team Halbro!

Tockholes

2009-05-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

Four in the group toady, Dean, Robert, Phil and me. As a change we went to Tockholes, it was very windy and we hoped the trees would give us some shelter, however we spent most of the trip on the high moorland. There are countless track and trails through the Tockholes area, there is some singletrack, some forest roods, and bridleways. The Witton Wevers Way threads through the area. From the main Belmont to Abbey Village Road we went in a sort of clockwise direction around the route you can on the map, theres quite a bit of climbing, but Darwin Tower is worth it...The view from there is 360 degrees and on a clear day should be superb.. lots of walkers around so its very popular.

Total distance 36 miles, Tockholes section 12 miles.

Sunday 10th May 2009

2009-05-11T05:11:00.000-07:00

Another Sunday morning ride around Rivington and Winter Hill. Started out from Halbro up via Wilderswood and from there a series of loops around Winter Hill, the quarry, through the gardens, a lot of up and down and up again. Only 11 miles for the Horwich leg, but a real stretcher just the same, Phil's knowledge of the paths and trails around Winter Hill is legendary!

The reason why the photos are all from the back is because that's where I was all the time!

Riders, Richard, Dean, Dave, Rob and Phil.

Biking in the post Manchester Landscape.Rode from home down through Prestolee Country Park, tried to find the Irwell Valley Sculpture Trail, but failed, difficult to see how I missed it! Continued through to Salford along side the River Ir

2009-05-09T10:25:00.001-07:00

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from richard's posterous

Middlebrook Valley Trail

2009-05-09T03:42:00.001-07:00

via middlebrookvalleytrail.blogspot.com

Landegla

Posted via web from richard's posterous

Sunday 26th April 2009

2009-04-26T07:07:00.000-07:00

A good longish ride from The Crown in Horwich, via Wilderswood, up the road to the mast for a while, then down to Georges Lane. Down the Ice Cream Run, along the road to Leadmines, a couple of loops around there, back over the tops to Rivington, through the park and back home.

The trails are very dry and dusty for the moment, superb riding and fantastic weather. Lots of lifting bikes over gates! and a lot of up and down.

Riders today, Richard, Rob, Dean, Dave and Phil. In the photo the guys climbing up out of Leadmines...its steeper than it looks!

29 miles round trip, Horwich part 13 miles.

Llandegla Forest

2009-04-19T08:50:00.000-07:00

Llandegla

Spent the morning in Llandegla Forest, absolutely fantastic day! Trails are superb and challanging, there's boardwalk, berms and really interesting descents. The board walk section is called "Not Sure"! There's aslo the "Technicolour Berm", "The Somme" and the "Tin Hut".

The weather was excellent. The team today was Dean, Rob, Dave and me. Spent a while in the cafe, looking at all the nice bikes go by.....

Satruday 11th April

2009-04-11T23:28:00.000-07:00

A nice day today for a change, sunny and even warm! Took the route up to Winter Hill via Walker Fold, down the sharp end to Belmont Road, Rivington and a refreshment break at the Chapel Tearooms. Then on to Leadmines Clough, visted the Wellington Bomber Memorial. I then went north up the track from there towrads Belmont, the track finally turns to a path, where clearly bikes are not meant to go. Struggled back up to the Belmont Room and then usual route home. 29 miles.

2009-04-10T02:57:00.000-07:00

Two long rides all around WinterHill, Rivington, went with a group of riders on Sunday, dicovered lots of new paths and tracks all over the hill, total milage for the weekend 50 miles.

Grizedale Forest

2009-03-28T03:59:00.000-07:00

Visited Grizedala last Sunday, with Dean, Dave and Ian. we did the North Face Trail, excellent ride and the trails were dry and dusty. The route is very well arranged, lots of singletrack sections joined togeteh all ove the western side of the forest. Its 11 miles long and needs about 2 hours or so. The boardwalk sections are interesting.

Up The Hill

2009-03-23T05:25:00.000-07:00

Rode to Rivington, around Lever Park, then up the alternative ICR to the Pike, back down to Georges Lane and on to Winter Hill, freezing cold and very windy on top, also misty so couldn't see anything. Down to Belmot, trail rough after the winter. Along the road to Scout Road, then down to Beaumont Bridge to re-join Middlebrook Valley Trail and then home. 25 miles 8 hours.

New Bike - 2

2009-03-17T01:42:00.000-07:00

Today was the first ride to work on the new bike, first impressions are good... Its more comfortable and faster certainly, needs less effort, which is good. Riding position is fine and I hope for some long rides without a stiff neck!

New Bike

2009-03-14T01:31:00.000-07:00

The Giant Trance 3 arrived yesterday, excellent service from Wiggle. Haven't ridden it yet, but seems easily as light as my old bike, which is now 11 years old, Giant ATX 970. I need a new tyre pump and I will have to try and work out the best settings for the suspension.

Otherwise have done 5 days commuting and also managed two side trips up to the Pike and around Lever Park after dark, its slowly getting lighter at night, so I just about manage before it gets completely dark.

Mileage slowly increasing, now standing 535 so far this year.

Feb - 09

2009-03-01T03:07:00.000-08:00

Last week of Feb and managed to ride everyday this week, mileage slowly increasing, now up to 390 miles this year, havong a weekend off.

Leeds Liverpool

2009-02-22T07:48:00.000-08:00

I wanted to try the Leeds Liverpool Canal, from Adlington to Leyland, didn't quite make it due to very cold 20 mph head wind. Up the middlebrook Valley Trail to Horwich, a circuit around Lever Park, across to Adlington to join the canal towpath. I should have turned north, but because of the wind changed to south. I rode along the canal for a few miles, till near Westhoughton and the back home by road. A cold and windy day, 25 miles, 3 hours.

Urban Sprawl

2009-02-15T00:19:00.000-08:00

I have wanted to have a look at the Fallowfield Loop for a while, so Saturday I set Off. But I didn't take a map which nearly blew it.

I set off down to Sale Water Park by Route 55, very wet and muddy. In Chorlton, I ran out of signposts, tried a few options and just as I was seeting off to Manchester City Centre I stumbled accross the western end of the Loop. I travelled to the full length and arrived at Sport City. From there to the City Centre and I tried to pick up the Bridgewater Canal, failed, but joined it near Old Trafford, from there back to the 55 and home. The weather was cool, just above freezing, but the mud was everywhere, I would have loked it a little colder.

In contrast to the 55 the Loop is well kept and almost litter and fly tipping free.

Let it Snow!

2009-02-02T07:27:00.000-08:00

Super ride to work this morning in the soft powder snow! Great conditions and good traction, lets see what its like later when its melted and re-frozen! Wind is very cold from the North East, so with me going.. and against me coming back.

First Week Back!

2009-01-11T09:52:00.000-08:00

I managed 4 days to and from work in the first week back at work. The weather has been very cold all week, one one morning it was -6C! A total of 65 miles for the week, which gets my new yearly target of 3000 miles off to a good start.

Christmas Break

2008-12-28T06:42:00.000-08:00

I have only managed about 6 commutes to work and back this month due to work commitments, so I wont manage as many miles in the year as I had hoped, around 2,200 in all.

Today was cold and clear with a breeze from the east, I rode down Route 55 from Little Hulton to Manchester, stopped off at Krispy Kream in Trafford Centre for a coffee and a doughnut!
#Came back along the Bridgewater canal to Leigh then back o the road to Bolton.

25 miles in temperatures of around zero.

Happy New Year!!

Sunday Freeze

2008-11-30T06:08:00.000-08:00

I set off from home at 07.45, the intention to be somewhere over Rivington. I decided to follow the trail up to Winter Hill by Bob's Smithy, through Walker Fold Wood to join the road to the top. It was freezing cold this morning, I think around minus 2 degrees. I as really cold and the trail was very icy. Made it to the top, there was a breeze blowing from the north, Even colder!

The back to Georges Lane and up to the Pike, I was overtaken by 3 out of 4 other riders!

Didn't stay long on the Pike, down to the Lower Barn, it was marginally warmer inside, but not much. One bacon barm and a tea later then back home. A really tiring ride, one I have done before many times, but never feeling so tired.

25 miles

2K

2008-11-26T11:24:00.000-08:00

This morning, in the dark and rain, I passed the 2000 mile mark, (since Jan 1st 2008).

Work commitments have prevented me from riding a lot these past few weeks, so its just been a few days here and there, mostly in the dark and sometimes in the rain.

But antway I have passed some sort of arbitary milestone, something to beat next year.....