Cheshire Lanes

We will set off from Old Trafford Stadium and head out on a brisk 40 miler around the Cheshire lanes.

Our ride will take us through Lymm, Tatton Park, Knutsford, Mobberley and back into Hale Barns via the Airport Road tunnels.

A notice on pace: this ride will be at a fairly brisk average pace, something like 15-16mph. With this in mind, please do consider if this ride is approprite for you and your bike. If you are unsure, please do email us and the ride leader will be happy to advise.

This route is almost entirely based on open public roads. In some parts these roads might be fairly busy.  Once we are out in Cheshire, the lanes are generally very quiet.

There will be opportunities to stop for a coffee during the ride.

All being well, we should be back at Old Trafford at or just before mid day.

Route & Elevation

A map of the route can be viewed at:  https://www.strava.com/routes/2982007475316998978

The route is very gently undulated for the most part - there are a few short hills but overall ascent is low, at just over 1000ft.

What bike should I use?

This event is suitable for road bikes and hybrid bikes, in good mechanical order. Mountain bikes are not suitable.  Please have your tyres pumped to the correct pressure and with oil on the chain etc. We highly recommend you carry out an 'M Check' before coming on the event to ensure you and your bike will be safe - watch this 4 minute video to see how to do this.

IMPORTANT: Pace and finish time   Please note all our bike rides are primarily social events, rather than focussed on speed. If necessary, we will stop regularly to allow people to catch up and we never leave anyone behind, without their permission. We always try to cycle at the pace of the slowest rider, therefore finish times are estimated, and could finish later than planned. Please keep this in mind when paying for parking or booking advance train tickets etc. Naturally if you need to leave the event at a given time, we'll do our best to signpost you on if needed.

First event?

We know it can be nerve-racking joining a new group or event where you haven’t met anyone before… even for the most confident of people. We’ve all been in the same boat before, so we want to make everyone feel welcome. If you’d appreciate chatting someone before the event or having a buddy to meet you prior to going to the start point, please let us know by sending an email to hello@prideout.co.uk with the subject line ‘request a buddy’.

Who's welcome to attend the bike ride?

In a nutshell, everyone, as long as they are respectful of other attendees. PRiDE OUT is an LGBTQIA+ cycling group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex and asexual/ace people. We welcome allies with open arms.

Refreshment breaks

There will be opportunities to stop at shops along the route for snacks/drinks. As this is an early morning ride, we will not be stopping for lunch. Alternatively, feel free to bring your own food if you prefer At the end we often like to have a drink which is a great social opportunity to chat to other people that you didn't get chance to during the bike ride - it would be great if you could join us … don’t forget to bring a bike lock to keep your bike safe!

What equipment do I need?

Wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable; Lycra is optional. Please wear/bring waterproof, warm clothes which are suitable for the weather forecast and time of year. You will be exercising so lightweight layered clothing is best. Please have footwear that is appropriate for your bike. We recommend you wear a helmet for your own safety, but it's not compulsory.

You may also wish to consider bringing some of the following items: fully charged mobile phone with spare battery pack, front and rear lights (especially in winter or dull conditions), 1 or 2 inner tubes, a pump, tyre levers, a multi-tool, any special tools that your bike needs, food or snacks for keeping the legs moving, a cycling bottle attached to your bike and plenty of water, bike lock and eye protection. Don't forget sun cream (if it's spring/summer) - you just never know with the UK weather!

Any finally…  Have fun on the event. We promise to make you feel welcome and we’re sure you will have lots of opportunities to meet amazing people. Please try to avoid cancelling at the last minute - it could deny someone else the opportunity to attend the bike ride.

If you have any queries or need assistance, please email hello@prideout.co.uk and we will put you in touch with the event leader. We look forward to meeting you on the ride!