The final Stockport Community Cycling Club ride of the year had a festive theme to it. In previous years, occasionally members have come with tinsel on their bikes. This year was slightly different …

This year, we made a big thing of it, and our club members turned up brightly dressed – both in person and the bicycle.

Our ride began at the car park at the bottom of Vernon Park.

The first thing we had to do was cycle up the hill and to the top of the park!

Then we cycled through Woodbank Park.

We passed a Santa on the run on the way!

This would be an urban ride. First stop – Offerton.

Next, we headed towards Great Moor.

Then, on towards Woodsmoor.

A little further on we reached Cheadle Hulme.

Next, we cycled through Bruntwood Park.

From there, we weaved our way around the back of Cheadle village.

This brought us out onto Manchester Road where we joined NCN Route 62.

A little further on is The Gateway pub in Didsbury. This was our coffee stop.

After the break, we began by repairing a puncture

Finally, back on our bikes, we continued following NCN Route 62 and picked up the River Mersey.

The next urban village we cycled through was Heaton Mersey.

After following a few paths we came out at Heaton Moor.

Continuing to weave our way through the streets we crossed the A6 at Heaton Chapel.

From Heaton Chapel, we made our way towards Reddish.

Eventually, we dropped down towards Stockport town centre.

Finally, we joined New Bridge Lane and returned to Vernon Park.

This had been a fabulous little 16-mile ride. As we had been cycling around many passers-by had smiled and wished us a merry Christmas. Drivers in cars too. This had been a cycle ride with a true festive spirit!

You can view our Festive Ride route below: