Croft 2017 (read about the 2016 ride here) was the latest re-incarnation of a popular Stockport Community Cycling Club ride. Popular, not least because it is one of the flattest rides on the calendar. Indeed, it is so flat that we had been arriving too early for lunch, so last year had to extend it a bit to ensure we arrived a little later.

It was another sunny day as twenty of us arrived for the start of the ride at Timperley Sports Club.

We set off weaving our way through Altrincham.

And then out through Dunham Massey.

We made our way over to Warburton.

And crossed the Manchester Ship Canal and River Mersey at Warburton Bridge.

From here we cycled on through Hollins Lane.

And then Glazebrook.

Before arriving at Culcheth.

Cycling alongside all the rapeseed was a colourful experience.

Next we cycled through the centre of Culcheth.

Before turning towards Croft.

Lunch was at The General Elliot.

This was another great place for lunch that while not advertising gluten-free options helpfully had gluten-free bread and hence Sarah could choose from the range of sandwiches. The food arrived quickly, was well presented and tasty, and reasonably priced. Couldn’t ask for more really.

After lunch we cycled through Locking Stumps and Birchwood.

Then turned onto Manchester Road. This is quite a busy road which we were glad to keep moving and get out of the way as quickly as possible.

Then it was back over Warburton Bridge.

The return route took us towards Dunham Town.

This proved an extremely busy area with people visiting Dunham Massey – possibly because everyone was eager to get out at the first sign of sunshine.

Eventually we managed to make our way out the other side and turned towards Altrincham.

This had been a great day for cycling, and hopefully a sign of a good cycling summer to come. We had cycled 31 miles by the time we arrived back at the start.

You can view the Croft 2017 route below: