The Stockport Community Cycling Club Big Stockport Ride in Reverse usually doesn’t go as planned for me. Last year for instance, I left early due to breaking my gears. This year Sarah was due to lead the ride, but due to struggling with fatigue I stepped in at the last minute and volunteered to lead. It meant today I was both lead and cameraman!

I wasn’t however sure my volunteering was such a good idea when I left home and headed for the start outside Halford’s at the top of Lancashire Hill.

Leaving the start we headed down towards Penny Lane.

Then by the River Mersey and River Goyt.

From here we climbed past the market.

  

And made our way through Woodbank Park.

Next we weaved our way through the streets Offerton.

We then headed towards Hazel Grove.

Before picking up the Middlewood Way.

It was still raining, and some of our club riders were more prepared than others! …

This took us on to Marple where we joined the new Alan Newton Way.

We then dropped down to Chadkirk.

  

We turned off and enjoyed a coffee break at Marple Wyevale garden centre.

Thankfully, we came out after the break and the rain had now abated. We continued along the Alan Newton Way as we followed the Goyt Valley.

There were plenty of puddles to splash our way through.

The route passed Goyt Hall.

Eventually we came out at Bredbury and headed for Brinnington.

  

  

From here we turned and cycled through Reddish Vale.

Next we weaved our way through more side streets, this time those of North Reddish.

Before eventually picking up the Manchester Cycleway briefly.

Here we turned left and cycled along Nelstrop Road.

And through Heaton Chapel.

Finally we worked our way through the Whitehill Industrial Estate and made our way back to the start.

We had cycled 20 miles through a broad range of terrain. In spite of the day starting wet, the improvement in the weather had made for an enjoyable ride. And at least I had completed the full distance this time out!