It was a fine Saturday morning that greeted Stockport Community Cycling Club members as they arrived in Levenshulme ready to set off on the Popup Bikes 2018 ride.

The outward journey saw us picking up the Fallowfield Loop.

We followed this section of NCN Route 60 for a while as it took us through Reddish and to Gorton.

Leaving NCN Route 60 we cycled through Gorton and towards Clayton Vale.

In Clayton Vale, we decided to have a go of one of the MTB trails.

It was great fun!

We then joined local route 86.

This took us through Philips Park.

Continuing along local route 86 we briefly followed the Ashton Canal.

A little further along, and a few steps up took us to the Etihad Stadium.

Neil loved this bit, Andy Sykes not so much!

We continued to follow local route 86 as it essentially followed the River Medlock.

From here, we turned and made our way around the back of Piccadilly, back on to the Ashton canal.

Through New Islington.

Then down towards St Michaels Flags and Angels Meadow.

On Corporation Street, in one of the arches under the railway line is Popup Bikes cycle cafe. This was our coffee stop. Since there were a lot of us, the service was quite slow. They did, however, go out of their way and provide a special gluten-free option for Sarah. And when they arrived, the toasties were excellent.

After the break, we set off towards the centre of Manchester.

Through Shudehill.

We had to walk the bit along Mosley Street.

Back on our bikes again, we navigated the back streets of the city centre.

Around Manchester town hall.

Then on past Manchester Central.

And the Bridgewater Hall.

We then made our way towards the university quarter.

We cycled along Oxford Road. past the University of Manchester.

Then through the back streets of Rusholme.

Eventually we rejoined the Fallowfield Loop and headed back to Levenshulme.

This had been another enjoyable cycle ride through the centre of Manchester.

You can follow our Popup Bikes 2018 route below: