Rochdale Canal & Irwell Valley

This 30 mile event being led by Rich is suitable is suitable for road/hyrid/mountain bikes and intermediate cyclists. 

If you have recently completed a 20 mile bike ride you should be well suited to complete this event.  The event will mostly take place on canal tow path, quiet roads and traffic free cycle path. A map of the route including elevation can be viewed and downloaded at: https://cycle.travel/map/journey/208944

IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL: If you register for an event and then are unable to attend, unfortunately it's not currently possible to cancel your place directly from our website event pages. Please contact us if you need to cancel as soon as possible so we can give someone else the opportunity to attend.

COVID19

We ask that all riders respect social distancing guidelines wherever possible. We encourage riders to bring masks and hand sanitiser, just in case you need them before, during or after the event.

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’.

Pace of the ride

The purpose of the ride is to get some easy exercise at a moderate pace while being able to socialise in a relaxed environment. We will regularly stop to allow people to catch up. We never leave people behind.

Terrain and potential hazards

This bike ride event will be travelling on a mixture of quiet roads, traffic-free paved cycle way and canal tow path. We will try to stick to the roads with least traffic. Hazards you may need to watch out for include bumpy paths in parts, Canada geese on the canals, brief cobbled sections on the canals and potential broken glass.

What bike should I use?

This event is suitable for road/hybridmountain bikes that are in good mechanical order.  Please have your tyres pumped to the correct pressure and with oil on the chain etc.

Refreshment breaks

There will be no refreshment stops during the bike ride but we may be able to stop at a shop along the way.

Usually we have a drink after the event because is a great social opportunity to chat to people you didn't get a chance to during the bike ride. Unfortunately due to COVID19 restrictions, more than two households are not able to meet indoors or outdoors, therefore this may not be possible at this time.

What else should I bring?

We advise you wear a helmet for your own safety, but it's not compulsory. You should also consider bringing some of the following: spare inner tube and tyre levers, any special tools your bike needs, some food or snacks for energy, bottle(s) attached to your bike and plenty of water, bike lock and glasses can be useful to prevent grit or insects getting in your eyes. Please wear/bring waterproof or warm clothes dependent on the time of year and weather forecast. Bring lights if you are likely to be travelling in the dark or wet weather is forecast. Please have footwear that is appropriate for your bike. Don't forget suncream (if it's summer) - you just never know with the UK weather!

Who's welcome on the event?

In a nutshell, everyone, as long as they are respectul of other attendees. PRiDE OUT is an LGBTQ + cycling group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex and asexual people. We also welcome allies.

Meeting point description

Meet in the centre of Piccadilly Gardens by the grassy area. There is plenty of paid parking nearby or you could also consider free on-road parking 1 mile away at George House Trust, 75-77 Ardwick Green North, Manchester, M12 6FX.

Any finally…

Have fun on the event. We promise to make you feel welcome and we’re sure you will meet some amazing new 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.