Our latest lockdown Sunday ride was due to be swelled to capacity, with Tracey joining us for the first time. Unfortunately, Andy S had to drop out at the last minute, suffering from a sore knee. The other Andy S put together the route this week, his first in this series of lockdown cycle rides, and he described it as being variations on a theme of familiar Cheshire lanes.

It was an overcast but thankfully warm morning that saw us start from Davenport Green.

We had only cycled a few miles into Bramhall when Andy introduced the variation. Plotaroute mapping suggested a byway path along the back of some houses. We’ll give it a go, he thought.

What followed, was an ‘adventure’ into Carr Wood.

We walked most of it …

And clambered under trees for some of it …

Down ravines for some of it …

And over roots and obstacles for the rest …

Finally, we came out the other side. A half-mile section had taken probably the best part of 45 minutes. We won’t be including that on a Stockport Community Cycling Club ride!

Eventually, we were back on our bikes and cycling though Woodford.

Then into Wilmslow.

From Wilmslow, we made our familiar way up through Mottram St Andrew.

We then picked up a section of local cycle route 70, also known as the Cheshire Cycleway. We are hoping to complete a tour of the cycleway later on in the year.

Further on we reached Alderley Edge and had contemplated having a break and a cup of tea here. However, it was quite busy, so we kept on going.

Instead, we stopped at a bench near Great Warford, where Andy refuelled on his butty …

While the rest of us talked.

Andy, by now refuelled, next led us back towards Wilmslow.

He decided to take us on another short off-road route. It is the official cycling route around the back of a farm, and we have used it once before. However, the alternative path around the front edge of the farm is the one everyone, including walkers, usually uses.

Soon we were entering the outskirts of Wilmslow.

And another short bumpy section.

Next, we cycled through The Carrs park.

Before making our way up through Lacey Green.

Then, via another off-road track, through Styal.

Back in Stockport now, we cycled through Bruntwood Park …

And Abney Park.

Our last section saw us weave our way through Cheadle Heath.

Before finishing with a cycle up Councillor Lane.

This had certainly been a ride of variations, and it will go down in our little groups cycling folklore! That said, it had also proved to be an adventure, and one we had all enjoyed.

You can view our Alderley Edge Variations route below: