A Tootle Along the Tame

Sky Ride Local in Manchester

If you’re fairly confident on your bike on dirt and gravel surfaces and ready to broaden your cycling horizons, our Off-Road Steady rides are ideal. At a comfortable pace, and possibly with some modest hills along the way, there is barely a metre of tarmac in sight on these rides so come and enjoy the scrunch of gravel and the squelch of mud under your tyres with us! Rides are between 6 and 15 miles long, at a moderate pace of between 7 and 10 miles an hour.

We start with a gentle ride up Blackberry Slopes, taking in the magnificent viaduct, before looping back on ourselves and heading along the Trans Pennine Trail. We then swoop down to the banks of the River Tame, where we wind our way along the rivers course amongst rhododendrons, before heading deeper into Reddish Vale. From here we climb gently again for views along the top of the vale before heading back to cross the river and have a short lung bursting climb back to the TPT before heading back to the visitors centre and swooping descent back to the start point. So close to nature it even touches us at times.

Additional Information

Helmets must be worn by all under 18's regardless of ride level.
The minimum age for these rides is 8, there must be no child trailers or child seats, the child capable of riding within the demands of the off-road specification.
Please bring equipment with you to repair punctures, Ride Leaders are there to help but are not responsible for your bike.
All rides leave at the time stated you must arrive early Ride Leaders will not wait.

Meet the Ride Leaders

• Laurence Moore I've been pretty much a lone cyclist all my adult life and enjoyed the solitude and time for reflection that it's brought. But last year, with no great enthusiasm on my part, our daughter persuaded me to participate in a couple of Skyride events and I enjoyed them that much that I applied for and became a ride leader last December. The events brought home something that I guess I've known for a long time, and that's that if there were enough cyclists around every corner of every road then drivers would have to start noticing us and the roads would be far safer for all. So I see the rides as helping to promote and encourage (and perhaps help with the confidence that's needed for) the greater use of bikes. Bring on the revolution. Please supply your own puncture repair kit and pump though.
• Ian Gent Hi, I'm Ian, I've been a keen cyclist and mountain bike rider for many years. This is my 3rd year as Sky Ride Leader. I've got a good knowledge of the local ride routes. I'm equally happy doing road or trail rides that can be 5 or 50 miles, so can help you to enjoy your Sky ride whatever your level of cycling. Sky riding is about having fun on your bike in a safe environment - so book on to a ride and have a very enjoyable day out