So I’ve slipped up here. Going from ‘C’ back to ‘B’ might be considered a remiss return in what was planned to be a weekly jaunt through the #AlphabetofAlliteration (which should have been just as easy as #AlliterationByCycle) or alternatively, perhaps, #AllAboutAlliteration

In any event having missed Doffcocker-Dunham Drop Down and Eccles:Edgeley and of course falling well behind #FFinABC (aka Fishguard:Felixstowe via Abergavenny Banbury & Cambridge) here is something for the new picnic age

Not yet established the precise route for Bury:Bollington as it might just involve a bit of bending to the rules for personal exercise at the moment but it will be one to look out for. Thank you to EG for bringing this to my attention: ladies, gentlemen – behold ye Buckhurst Lodgeside (nr. Bury) to Bollington. Featuring

Further details from the Guardian website; or Buckhurst Lodgeside (BL9 6SZ) or @TheIndianGoat2018  (SK10 5JT)

For now here’s what that google maps suggests:

For more – there is so much more –

visit gettothecoast.co.uk again soon for updates

or send an email  to gettothecoast(at)gmail.com

A lesson today in how to start off: by looking at the map a little more closely. Some of the roads west of M6 are pretty grim for cycling, though not overwhelmingly so.
Having found the route to Radway Green (must return to Alsager sometime) the rest of the route was relatively calm and some splendid sights to behold; small market town squares which must have been quite wealthy in times past but maintain some albeit now quite shabby dignity.

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/5734380705
The overall view of Stoke on Trent from riding through is of a series of badly run down towns and not many signs of prosperity.
Some good countryside in surprising locations not far off the main roads (see in particular Bathpool Park, Acres Nook Road/Boathorse Road). And the museum in Hanley is worth a visit.
And on to Cycle of Good. Always some positive things to remember from visits there!

For more – there is so much more –

visit gettothecoast.co.uk again soon for updates

or send an email  to gettothecoast(at)gmail.com

Bournemouth – Bradford on Avon – Bourton on the Water – Burton on Trent – Bollington (or Broadbottom) – Blackpool

All the ‘Bs’ with loads of teas and other treats along this south – north route with options to include more (or less) hills

A sample here: Stow on the Wold (there was no room in any inn in Bourton) – Burton on Trent. On this occasion the weather had been harsh and the bike had been temperamental; there were ongoing ankle and back issues

Day 3: Stow – Burton 117km 536m elevation gain

Bournemouth:Blackpool can in five days give the most established stamina a thorough beating. Recommended for experienced riders seeking a demanding challenge. Spreading it over a longer timespan – or just doing a bit or two – means more time to enjoy some of the best of English countryside and a fair bit of heritage

For more – there is so much more –

visit gettothecoast.co.uk again soon for updates

or send an email  to gettothecoast(at)gmail.com

Week 1: Aix – Avignon

(actually a bit outside Aix en Provence to a bit past Avignon). Part 1 of Aix:Angouleme. Started from Aix the night before after an eventful flight and bus from Manchester via Marseille. Helpfully met – when lost in the dark – by host. Quite a warm day. Very little gain in elevation made up with plenty of calorific enjoyment of a really lovely day in the south of France.

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1234614609

Later waypoints: Ales (more precisely Saint-Christol-lès-Alès) – Arre – Aguessac – Vezins (literally a breakdown in the alliteration) – Aurillac – and onwards to Angouleme…..

Next week: a bit of Bournemouth to Blackpool…. coming closer Castleton to Chester

For more – there is so much more –

visit gettothecoast.co.uk again soon for updates

or send an email  to gettothecoast(at)gmail.com

In a bit over three and half days – including time set aside for extensive research – a tour for the mind and soul of anyone seeking spectacular countryside, great hospitality and hills. Yes. There be hills. So not for the faint of heart. Immensely satisfying. Features are very numerous. Opportunities for diversion are extensive. Tastes catered for are all encompassing. But beware – there be hills!

Day 1 Walney Island to Settle https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/2764187335

Features include Kirkby Lonsdale.

There is so much more but focusing on the goal helps to get over the numerous hills en route.

For more – there is so much more –

visit gettothecoast.co.uk again soon for updates

or send an email  to gettothecoast(at)gmail.com

Been much engaged in pursuing #marksthepielines recently. A recently tested leg #TraffordCentretoTottington was much enjoyed (and indeed there was a bit of a carry on until Ramsbottom). Numerous great pies en route including Bury Black Pudding Samosas ( – blimey – who knew that was a thing!) Congratulations to all involved at the Victoria in Walshaw!

Next planned is #SwinleytoSaddleworth featuring Horwich, Astley Bridge, Breightmet, Ainsworth, Bury, Heywood, Rochdale, and Newhey. (That’s a bit hilly in anyone’s language).

Moving on from the subject of hilly there has also been a bit of gentle leisure cycling with a few midweek excursions of the flat and easy variety. These are designed to help promote a bit of extra exercise and fitness for those not (yet) inclined to the inclines.

Various routes explored including an interesting variation of the pie line theme along the canal from Astley to Leigh. Much more pleasant that the Bridgewater: less people and a better surface. Cheaper. Interesting heritage at the mining museum and countryside at Pennington and all along the canal.

In political news plans are progressing for a couple of foreign trips: Dieppe:Angouleme (wot? no alliteration?) and #BirchtoBelfast (for 2021, subject to vaccinations) and #StudentskiGradtoSindos (2022).

More updates to follow soon!

visit gettothecoast.co.uk again soon for updates

or send an email  to gettothecoast(at)gmail.com

Feels like I’ve been away in lockdown time. Not sure how I came to be unable to keep up this news channel – I suppose it is mainly because I have become a fiend on that Twitter (tho’ not yet worked out how to link it all together)

Updates:

• making goodish progress with #marksthepielines
• thinking about #VforVeganByBike
• not making much progress on #BRingv022020 (even forgotten which # to use – on which more anon)
• tried a bit better approach to sales
• discounted merchandise
• started and ran a bit of #0to50Kin49days (at present on lockdown shutdown)
• and plenty of other news

 

More updates to follow soon!

 

visit gettothecoast.co.uk again soon for updates

or send an email  to gettothecoast(at)gmail.com

 

Never let it be said that we might be short of a new idea …. or to re-hash an old one. In The New Year there will be an old favourite #Tryanuary and then it will be time for #BRing02022020

Starting on 02022020 and continuing until 12022021 why not

KEEP CYCLING

and have a go at

GREATER MANCHESTER B:RING v.2020

aka #BRing02022020

 

More updates to follow soon!

 

visit gettothecoast.co.uk again soon for updates

or send an email  to gettothecoast(at)gmail.com

 

PRICE DROP ON B:RING MERCHANDISE!

Slightly dated – still as stylish!

Shirts: were £26.40 now £18.48 – save! 30%

A2 (unframed) Posters: were £8.40 now £5.00 – save! over 40%

 

COMING SOON! #marksthepielines

A new project to link together the best pies – by bike!

#marksthepielines will be a series of rides featuring the best of sustenance for two wheeled travellers

Already bound to be included will be homes of the tastiest pies that we have come across while giving our fullest and most detailed consideration to route planning ….. never knowingly passing a good pie emporium is a mantra to which many cyclists would, we would wager were we gamblers, willingly NOT withstand …..

We will not suggest that these are the only pies – rather that if you cycle down this way a fine pie will never far lead you astray

visit gettothecoast.co.uk again soon for updates

or send an email  to gettothecoast(at)gmail.com

Been a bit busy recently with inaugural ‘Ride Hope:Hope to be a Tour Guide’ swiftly followed by a trip to #TdY and then our very own #RideoffourHope and a quick spin round Manchester courtesy of Tour de Manc.

 

Next up #FlixtontoFulford taking used inner tubes to Cycle of Good in Stoke on 19 May. Not sure that anyone is up for riding an elephant bike even though the main route is across the flatlands of Cheshire. Let us know if you think that could be you – or if you fancy the elephant suit (really!  … pics to follow!).