Southport

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.