Andrew Br
Still part of the team !
- Location
- Chorlton Cum Hardy
Not a forum ride as such but I've just posted this to the Chorlton (CH) massive:-
"An early note for your diaries. I'll confirm whether we ride on the Saturday or Sunday nearer the time.
We've done this ride in previous years and it was good fun.
Briefly, we'll leave Chorlton CH at ~09.30 and head out through town (largely off-road) to pick up NCN6 through Kersal Vale and Prestwich Forest Park and along the Irwell Sculpture Trail to Radcliffe. This section of the route has been resurfaced so we can avoid having to climb up to the A56 as we've previously had to do.
After Radcliffe, we skirt aound Bury and go though Tottington and then Upper Ramsbottom.
As in previous years, we'll have lunch in the Chocolate Cafe before pressing on along the old railway line to Irwell Vale.
From here we climb out of the Irwell's valley (not too long but it's a bit of a bum-burner*) and head down the road into Rawtenstall where we can get the ELR to Bury.
The final section is back to MCR along the A56 although we could pick up NCN6 again after Whitefield if everyone's in favour.
We'll finish by riding along Deansgate under the Christmas lights. The shoppers will, no doubt, admire our elegant steeds, our honed physiques and ruddy red faces. We can pity their shallow, empty lives.
Unless it's tipping down in which case we'll be jealous of their warm, dry cars.
Back in Chorlton CH, we may head for beer.
Unless it's tipping down (see above) when warm showers and dry clothes may have more appeal. I hasten to add I'm not suggesting a communal shower.
For the hard men and women amongst us, there is the option to cycle back from Rawtenstall to meet the train at Bury (there is a very good pub on the station platform for whoever gets there first).
If you don't have the time or the legs to do the full ride, it's possible to get the train back from Ramsbottom after lunch although you'll still have to cycle back to MCR from Bury.
Most of the route is either on tracks and canal tow paths or on quiet roads. The exception is the return from Bury although, as mentioned above, we can pick up NCN6 again after Whitefield.
Despite all the tracks, a road/cross/touring bike is best for this ride. I did it on 24mm slicks last year.
For the dentists amongst us, your Pinarello will be fine.
If there are any investment bankers in the group then your Crumptons and Parlees will also be fine but make sure the Di2 battery is fully charged (ask your bike shop).
Please only come on a mountain bike if you're very fit; I want to get to the Chocolate Cafe as near to 12.00 as possible and then we have a train or trains to catch.
If the numbers on the ride swamp the bike carrying space on the train, we may have to stagger the return over two trips (15.15 and 16.05).
Distances are ~40 miles using the train to get to Bury, ~47 miles riding all the way back.
You will need front and rear lights and appropriate clothing. Mudguards on the bike are also a good idea; the surfaces aren't very muddy but there will probably be a lot of leaf mulch on them.
Finally, it's worth noting that ELR are celebrating Lancashire Day when we'll be riding. Anyone wearing a red rose will get a 2 for 1 deal on travel.
I can imagine the dilemna this would cause for Yorkshire folk; would they want to get a bargain (they're renowned for being, ahem, thrifty) or would pride prevent them wearing the symbol of Lancashire.
Bikes, chocolate, steam trains and beer. It doesn't get much better than that.
If you have any questions, please ask away.
Andrew
Pictures from the 2011 ride:- http://www.flickr.com/photos/31668252@N05/sets/72157636336326016/
ELR timetable:- http://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/visit-us/timetables-calendar-2013/blue-timetable-2013/
ELR events calendar:- http://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/whats-on/elr-events/ "
If anyone wants to come along, just let me know. I can arrange to meet people at MCR's stations (before 10.00) or meet locals en-route.
In previous years we've got back into MCR around 17.30.
If Saturday trains are more flexible, that could decide which day we ride.
* Thank-you Alice
"An early note for your diaries. I'll confirm whether we ride on the Saturday or Sunday nearer the time.
We've done this ride in previous years and it was good fun.
Briefly, we'll leave Chorlton CH at ~09.30 and head out through town (largely off-road) to pick up NCN6 through Kersal Vale and Prestwich Forest Park and along the Irwell Sculpture Trail to Radcliffe. This section of the route has been resurfaced so we can avoid having to climb up to the A56 as we've previously had to do.
After Radcliffe, we skirt aound Bury and go though Tottington and then Upper Ramsbottom.
As in previous years, we'll have lunch in the Chocolate Cafe before pressing on along the old railway line to Irwell Vale.
From here we climb out of the Irwell's valley (not too long but it's a bit of a bum-burner*) and head down the road into Rawtenstall where we can get the ELR to Bury.
The final section is back to MCR along the A56 although we could pick up NCN6 again after Whitefield if everyone's in favour.
We'll finish by riding along Deansgate under the Christmas lights. The shoppers will, no doubt, admire our elegant steeds, our honed physiques and ruddy red faces. We can pity their shallow, empty lives.
Unless it's tipping down in which case we'll be jealous of their warm, dry cars.
Back in Chorlton CH, we may head for beer.
Unless it's tipping down (see above) when warm showers and dry clothes may have more appeal. I hasten to add I'm not suggesting a communal shower.
For the hard men and women amongst us, there is the option to cycle back from Rawtenstall to meet the train at Bury (there is a very good pub on the station platform for whoever gets there first).
If you don't have the time or the legs to do the full ride, it's possible to get the train back from Ramsbottom after lunch although you'll still have to cycle back to MCR from Bury.
Most of the route is either on tracks and canal tow paths or on quiet roads. The exception is the return from Bury although, as mentioned above, we can pick up NCN6 again after Whitefield.
Despite all the tracks, a road/cross/touring bike is best for this ride. I did it on 24mm slicks last year.
For the dentists amongst us, your Pinarello will be fine.
If there are any investment bankers in the group then your Crumptons and Parlees will also be fine but make sure the Di2 battery is fully charged (ask your bike shop).
Please only come on a mountain bike if you're very fit; I want to get to the Chocolate Cafe as near to 12.00 as possible and then we have a train or trains to catch.
If the numbers on the ride swamp the bike carrying space on the train, we may have to stagger the return over two trips (15.15 and 16.05).
Distances are ~40 miles using the train to get to Bury, ~47 miles riding all the way back.
You will need front and rear lights and appropriate clothing. Mudguards on the bike are also a good idea; the surfaces aren't very muddy but there will probably be a lot of leaf mulch on them.
Finally, it's worth noting that ELR are celebrating Lancashire Day when we'll be riding. Anyone wearing a red rose will get a 2 for 1 deal on travel.
I can imagine the dilemna this would cause for Yorkshire folk; would they want to get a bargain (they're renowned for being, ahem, thrifty) or would pride prevent them wearing the symbol of Lancashire.
Bikes, chocolate, steam trains and beer. It doesn't get much better than that.
If you have any questions, please ask away.
Andrew
Pictures from the 2011 ride:- http://www.flickr.com/photos/31668252@N05/sets/72157636336326016/
ELR timetable:- http://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/visit-us/timetables-calendar-2013/blue-timetable-2013/
ELR events calendar:- http://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/whats-on/elr-events/ "
If anyone wants to come along, just let me know. I can arrange to meet people at MCR's stations (before 10.00) or meet locals en-route.
In previous years we've got back into MCR around 17.30.
If Saturday trains are more flexible, that could decide which day we ride.
* Thank-you Alice
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