Rivington Reservoir Ramble

Sky Ride Local in Bolton

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.

This route is perfect for families that want to explore Rivington without climbing the pike. The route stays mostly on bridleways so can get a bit bumpy, and don’t be put off if it rains as this is a great ride for putting on the waterproofs and having a splash in some puddles. Starting at Rivington Hall Barn, we will head along the hill without having to climb up all the way to the back of Blackrod School. We will then cross over Rivington Lane and head along the reservoir passing the Go Ape! tree-top adventure area before heading back.

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

• Jim Taylor Hi,
  I’m Jim Taylor and have been cycling for the past 14 years but 2012 is my first year as a Sky Ride Leader. Cycling has given me immense pleasure over the years and the opportunity to help other to also share that enjoyment is the reason I became a Sky Ride Leader.
  For the past 12 months I have been a Volunteer Bike Leader for Wigan Leisure Services Active Living Team and aims to help people get back cycling. The rides are all off-road and are suitable for beginners and those who are a little more confident.
  I am also a volunteer ranger for the cycling charity Sustrans. This entails promoting the work of Sustrans at various events and helping to maintain, sign and promote cycle routes on the National Cycle Network.
  I look forward to riding with you all to provide plenty of enjoyment and fun on all the rides.
  
• Michael Bower My love affair with the bicycle started at around the age of eight when I bought my first 2-wheeler from a friend for threepence, however it probably cost my father at least a week’s wages for new components to get it working safely.
  
  During my late teens other issues took over such as work, cars etc. which led to the other things, such as a wife, home and kids.
  
  In my early thirties and with encouragement from my wife to lose a few pounds (stones) my interest towards the bike was rekindled. I began by just doing a few miles locally and eventually took to riding with a club, as I had done in my youth. The wonderful memories of those early years came flooding back.
  
  Riding amongst the thousands of other happy bike riders in the initial Manchester Skyride with my then nine year old granddaughter led to my participation in the Skyride Local events which for me opened up a whole new avenue of extremely enjoyable safely controlled social cycling and the start of many new greatly valued friendships.
  
  Becoming a Skyride Leader has given me the opportunity to welcome and encourage others into the participation and pleasure of safe group cycling, be it a family tootle around the park or a 20 miler through country lanes. It's all great. Please enjoy!