Starting from the Raven at 10.30am. This is one we've done before but a few folk have asked to do it again as it's fairly flat, very scenic and has a pub stop at fiddlers ferry.
This is around 28 miles and should take around 3 hours. Map shows 33 miles but that's strava routing, we can bypass some bits to save distance and be more direct. The route is relatively flat, except for the climb from the weir at Woolston up to the trans Pennine Trail and a short climb from the Mersey up to Jubilee bridge in Runcorn.
The ride is more suited to MTB/Gravel/Hybrids or wider tyres (I'll still be on a gravel with wide(ish) road tyres as I can't be bothered changing them and they manage ok on towpaths).
Most of the ride is off road, parts of the TPT are a bit bumpy and could be muddy in the shade and the ride from Spike Island down to Sankey Valley Park is hard pack which doesn't get that muddy. There's a chance for a couple of stops, one at the Ferry Tavern and one at The Maltings (just off Sankey Valley Trail). Quite a bit of the TPT is the recycled rubber stuff so quite smooth. I'm not sure if all the cooling towers have gone at Fiddlers Ferry but there is a lot to see on this route.
As usual, this will suit riders of all levels and the same rule applies, out as a group, stay as group, this isn't the Tour De France so it'll be at a relaxed pace, no PR's or KoH/QoH record breaking. So, whoever is at the front, just have a look behind occasionally and check everyone is still there 😀
This ride will suit all levels of fitness, it's not a race. Younger riders with road awareness welcome, we do hit a few roads that could be a bit busy (mainly the A57 crossing at Woolston and A49 at Winnick).
We carry a few spares and tools on every ride with spare inner tubes but these are mainly for standard wheel sizes. 27.5, 29, 700c and 650b along with puncture kits and pumps. If you have an odd wheel size it is advisable to bring along a spare tube or 2.
The ride is open to anyone who fancies a trek out, Road/Gravel/MTB/Hybrid/e-bikes, just turn up before the set off time.
The ride should take around 3 hours with the coffee (beer) stop(s) and a final beer (coffee) stop back at the Raven.
GPX for the ride Strava GPX
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