This weeks Stockport Community Cycling Club ride was a more urban affair. And yet since I started cycling I have come to realise that ‘urban’ doesn’t have to mean busy roads or less interesting. Our local rides are just different. What they also do is show you some of wonderful places we can enjoy that are right here on our doorstep. This ride was a point in case since it involves a cycle ride up a section of the Trans Pennine Trail.

Meeting up on a cold and slightly damp Saturday morning we headed out out through Heaton Norris. We hadn’t got far when were delayed by one of our group picking up a puncture.

Eventually we were able to move on and splash our way through some puddles as we cycled through Heaton Chapel on to the Fallowfield Loopline where we turned and headed towards Chorlton.

Tea break was taken at a wonderful little vegetarian cafe just on the edge of Sale Water Park (and next to the Mersey Valley Visitor Centre) called Café Ark. We always seem to overpower the catering staff when we arrive since they are not used to serving such large numbers in one go. Sarah chose Falafel and I enjoyed a Brie and Roast Vegetable sandwich. I believe the Courgette soup was deceptively tasty too, and as for the Chocolate cake …

Suitably refreshed we then set off for home along the River Mersey. The mud ensured this was a lively section of the route which tested quite a few of our groups ability to stay upright!

Then it was a bit of road work as we picked our way through Didsbury before picking up the TPT again at Heaton Mersey.

Thanks to Neil for leading a fabulous little ride around South Manchester. Cycling in Autumn can provide some lovely pictures and this ride was no exception.