I had not got a sportive booked this weekend as I’d decided to take a weekend off and spend *some* time with the family. That did not mean I did not want to do a 100+mile ride though, so planned a ride out to Altrincham and lunch at the Manchester Airport Visitors Centre restaurant.
As I was cycling through Childs Ercall, I saw about 20-30 Raiders coming the other way. It was the Saturday morning 9 am ride and they were headed my way, at least for a mile or two.
I joined the group and had fun catching up with friends. A mile or so later they turned left towards Stoke on Tern and I carried straight on towards Market Drayton. What a lovely surprise!
I then rode up through Audlem, Nantwich and towards Middlewich. I stopped at the usual Hopley House Farm Cafe just south of Middlewich for elevenses – coffee and cake.
After Middlewich, I was wondering if my old pal Ged, who lives in Stretford in Manchester was around so called him. He was in the middle of decorating his daughter’s bedroom but suggested I come round and we could go out for lunch at his local. Perfect!
After Tatton Park and Ashley, I amended my route to go into Hale and then through Timperley before picking up the A56 to Stretford and Ged’s house.
We had a nice lunch at The Urmston and then I headed back off on my bike. I took the usual route home from Altrincham via Mobberley, Jodrell Bank and Sandbach.
On the way back I stopped to refill with water and have a pint at the Cooper’s Arms in Woore. It was starting to get dark by now so I opted to head home via a more direct route than planned.
I ended the ride with 118.7 miles on the clock, which is the longest ride I’ve ever done. A fabulous day out on the bike and totally satisfying.
Route: click here
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