Following Land’s End to John o’Groats getting back to riding local was always going to be interesting. A couple of days after we arrived back home we went with Stockport Community Cycling Club on their Saturday ride around Lower Peover. So that was a start.

However the eXtra Ride to Appleton Thorn on Sunday 10th June was always going to be a more substantial challenge as this would incorporate a 50 mile ride plus cycling to the start and finish too. And for a while it looked as though Sarah might additionally have to do this on her mountain bike. There was a notable silence on news of our road bikes arriving back from Scotland. Thankfully they finally appeared and  we were able to pick up them up from Woodsons Cycles on the Saturday afternoon. Sarah was pleased. 🙂

We had hoped to recce the Manchester City Centre ride I am leading next week on the Saturday but it rained practically all day, so it was with a thankful heart that we awoke on the Sunday to find the sun shining.

Meeting up in Gatley we headed out through Styal and Marthall, towards the edge of Northwich before turning to Lostock Gralam and then Appleton Thorn. Being out in the Cheshire countryside on such a pleasant day was lovely and a reminder of our recent trip. And our new found cycling strength ensured the cycling felt relatively easy. Everything is in perspective of course, for rolling Cheshire is hardly like rolling Devon where the climbs are somewhat stiffer!

Lunch was at the Thorn Inn and it was good to be able to eat outside and enjoy the sunshine. The food was fine if a tad expensive.

Then it was back home through the lovely village of Grappenhall, Lymm and Hale. It was a strange feeling cycling on ‘home’ territory, however whether the route is completely new or familiar there really is very little that beat cycling down country lanes on a sunny day.

We were back on our bikes last night too, when Sarah and I along with our friend John finally recced the upcoming Manchester ride. I have selected a route that goes through the city centre utilising the canal network. And whilst this ride is never going to win any picture postcard prize for its scenery, the canal network is in many ways one of Manchester’s hidden gems. As we cycled past the various buildings we were given a brief but fascinating glimpse of its industrial past as well as an insight into the continually evolving and changing heart of a city of today. I hope this cycle ride will prove as interesting to the club members who come along this Saturday, as it did for us on our recce last night.