The Late May Bank Holiday weekend promised some sun (something we haven’t seen much of this year so far) as Sarah and I made our way over to Cringle Park for the Stockport Community Cycling Club‘s ride to the centre of Manchester for a visit to Popup Bikes. This wouldn’t be our first visit to the city centre, we’ve previously visited for a city centre ride a few years back and last year via the Ashton Canal. However this would be the first time we would be cycling right through the heart of the shopping district – a challenge in itself!

There was a healthy group who met up at Cringle Park, perhaps the sun had brought them out.

We began by making our way on to the Fallowfield Loop.

  

We turned off on to the spur towards the canal.

However, for a change, we headed off through Openshaw.

Soon we turned off at Clayton Vale.

This is a park often used by British Cycling riders, but the first time I can remember our club ride utilising it on a route.

For Andy Shaw, unusually this was a flat ride. He still however managed to find one short sharp climb though

Leaving Clayton Vale we crossed the road and entered Philips Park.

At the far end of the park, near the Etihad Stadium, we joined the Ashton Canal.

Passing some of the warehouses of Manchester’s industrial past.

Next we turned off and cycled around the New Islington quay development.

And then cycled through the back streets of Ancoats.

We were early for the coffee stop, so paused for a short time at St Michael’s Flags and Angel Meadow.

Our coffee stop was at Popup Bikes which is in the arches on Corporation Street near to Victoria Station.

  

This is a fantastic quirky little place serving tea, coffee, toasties and cake.

Replenished, we set off towards Manchester’s shopping district.

  

Being rather busy, some walking was occasionally the order of the day – no harm in that.

  

Still walking …

And now back on the bicycle …

More back streets as we made our way past Manchester Town Hall and on to Manchester Central.

  

Then past the Bridgewater Hall.

Before cycling along First Street.

And then on towards Moss Side.

Next, we cycled through Alexandra Park on the border of Moss Side and Whalley Range, another little hidden gem of a park.

Finally we rejoined the Fallowfield Loop again.

This was an interesting new urban ride around a familiar area, and different for most of the other club rides. For those of us who have been cycling with Stockport Community Cycling Club for awhile a new ride is always particularly welcomed. We cycled 16 miles, and by Andy Shaw’s standards there was hardly a climb on the whole of the route (he must have been feeling a little unwell when he was plotting it!)

You can view the Popup Bikes route below:

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