Follow the Old Brick Road

Sky Ride Local in Manchester

You don’t have to be the next Bradley Wiggins, but you’ll need to know your way around a bike and be fairly fit to take part in our Challenging rides. If you’re comfortable riding with other people and fancy a fresh challenge, these rides are perfect for you. They start at around twenty miles long, and are paced at between 11 and 12 miles an hour.

Starting in the great little town of Poynton we explore the amazing countryside and towns around the Peak District.  You may never win the 'King of the Mountains' jersey, but if you can do this ride you'll at least feel that you might have been a contender as it's a wonderful (but tough) ride over one of the Peak District's iconic climbs.  Prepare for a real sense of achievement once you are at the top, and we're sure you'll agree it's well worth the effort for the views.  After a few more climbs (thrown in for good measure) on the return journey, you'll be ready for a cup of tea and slice of cake back in Poynton. Please be aware that this ride is not for the faint of heart!

Additional Information

Helmets must be worn by all under 18's regardless of ride level.
Please make sure your bike is in good working order and 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
• Shelagh Stelfox Hi, I'm Shelagh. This is my first year as a Sky Ride leader and really looking forward to meeting you on our rides together. I rediscovered my love of cycling three years ago and now ride road bikes regularly. I am a member of Weaver Valley CC and also Team Glow - a ladies cycling club. I am also a British Cycling accredited race marshall. I enjoy the social aspect of group cycling, meeting new people and hearing about their experiences. Looking forward to riding with you soon.
• Chris Craggs