This Cotebrook 2017 cycle ride was the shorter version of Sarah’s rides to the Shire Horse Centre. Last year the ride was cancelled due to bad weather, but thankfully, though wet at the beginning, it was generally fine. Indeed, quite a few of us cycled to the start of the ride in Winsford.

For today’s Stockport Community Cycling Club ride, Sarah was today’s ride leader and I was the back-leader. So this was not going to be the easiest ride to take photos for this blog.

The first surprise of the day, saw Graham testing out the nifty fold-away bike Dave was loaning him for the day.

Our ride began with us heading out along NCN Route 5.

Leaving Winsford we picked up the Whitegate Way.

We left the Whitegate Way and followed local cycle route 71.

This took us through Little Budworth Country Park.

And towards Oulton Park Circuit. There was some racing going on at the circuit so it was busy around the area … and noisy.

We cycled on towards Cotebrook.

Our coffee stop was at the Lakeside Cafe at Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre.

As usual, the food was fine. Sarah was well-catered for thanks to the cafe having gluten-free bread available.

Interestingly, we didn’t see a shire horse.

After the break, we briefly headed back along the outward route, before turning off towards Rushton.

We turned on to NCN Route  551 and headed back towards the outskirts of Winsford.

Finally, we crossed over the High Street.

Then dropped back down to the River Weaver.

Before rejoining NCN Route 5 and returning to the start.

Cotebrook 2017 had been another enjoyable cycle ride around mid-Cheshire. We had cycled a total of 18 miles. Sarah and I cycled to the start and back, completing 72 miles in total. This was another fine step forward for Sarah as recovers from the stress fracture in her foot.

You can view our Cotebrook 2017 route below: