Looking forward to blowing out some cobwebs? GTTC taking on the twitterati at https://twitter.com/TryanuaryMCR

There are plenty of new tastes for the new year and before that – shirts and posters available! But cycling is not just about trying out new breweries – don’t forget the pies!

And if you think this could all be too much then starting a new regime could not be easier than with ‘0-50k in 49 days’. Build up your cycling proficiency and stamina until you can complete some distance in time for a springtime or summer challenge. Perhaps a short ride for charity? Then – get to the coast!

More updates to follow soon!

visit gettothecoast.co.uk again soon for updates

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

GTTC very pleased to attend successful launch for new campaign to increase and support walking and cycling to address universally accepted objectives.

Not sure how the idea of seeking to allow bikes on Metrolink on a trial basis is something which might be regarded as an objective for all of Greater Manchester. Perhaps try for something a bit more ambitious….. eg how about removing seats from half of every other carriage on all GM trains as well as trams? These could be replaced by folding down seats and more standing space as well as being accessible for more buggies, prams, wheelchairs and thereby increase attractiveness of trying to travel by public transport for a wider range of users – people not just of our tribe! It would also allow for more capacity with more standing room at peak times.

At GTTC while mainly enjoying substantial trips to get to the coast we also

• help businesses to promote more cycling to work;
• offer corporate cycle based entertainment; and
• seek to encourage a wider cycling and general activity movement with for example ‘0-50k in 49 days’

We look forward to supporting #walkbikegm under whatever name is eventually chosen for this great initiative.

More updates to follow soon!

visit gettothecoast.co.uk again soon for updates

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

Planned rides from Irlam Station

Plans afoot for short – medium – and longer rides on a Sunday morning starting from Irlam Railway Station at 09:00 and designed in particular for people who are maybe not that fit; maybe not that experienced as cyclists; ‘reluctant returners’; and others wanting a bit of gentle exercise. An ideal complement to a personal fitness regime – like ‘0-50k in 49 days’! (on which see more below)

More rides and publicity material to follow – for now here is a short and a medium example. No need to wait until September! Try the rides yourself – any time while the sun is shining is a good time to start!

Irlam short circuit with walk alongside the moss

Irlam Astley Worsley Barton: mainly off road lanes and canal side

fitness regime off to flyer!

We are pleased to present (albeit in draft form!) a new flyer for your new fitness regime – ‘0-50k in 49 days!’

any and all comments welcome!

designed to help and encourage you with having a go with progressive cycling!

0- 50k does what it says – helps you to ride from a modest start to an achievable target!

0 to 50k in 49 days leaflet

and in other news…. GTTC supports Christie effort!

At GTTC we are very pleased to support fundraising efforts such as the phenomenal Manchester – Blackpool ride on behalf of the Christie Charitable Trust. We took a slight diversion (the never to be repeated and unique ‘Tour de Leyland’) off to slake the thirst en route https://www.facebook.com/themarketalehouse/ but otherwise managed the 100k route in some 7h30. For some this represented the longest bit of cycling for a number of years …… or ever!

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/2837543185

The route back was long and arduous – the van coped better than the passengers with the traffic and a well deserved stop was enjoyed at the Dressers Arms in Wheelton http://www.dressersarms.co.uk/

Monies raised in a good cause – find fundraising link here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gettothecoast?newPage=True

Bikes and trains

WI-WI-WHI!!!

Just enjoyed a very pleasant coast to coast Walney Island – Whitby via Rylstone and Cracoe (? – WI!)

Highlights included Kirkby Lonsdale, Settle, Kettlewell, West Tanfield, Ripon, Wass Bank, Ampleforth Moor, Helmsley, Blakey Ridge …… and loads more in between

I took three and just a bit days – it was nice to do it like that with each day becoming easier!! On reflection though starting in Settle on Day 2 gave me no chance of beating the first hill without legs being warmed up. That was the only one that I had to walk up so this route is eminently feasible for anyone with a modicum of fitness and the right attitude

Day 1 Walney to Settle 120km 1170m elevation

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/2764187335

Day 2 Settle to West Tanfield 93km 880m elevation

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/2764187398

Day 3 West Tanfield to Blakey 82km 860m elevation

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/2764187440

Day 4 Blakey Ridge to Whitby 37km 296m elevation

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/2764187455

Once I develop the skill to upload albums there will be pictures to show!!!

Having seen and much admired the success of couch-5k https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/couch-to-5k-week-by-week/ we thought GTTC should make an effort to encourage similar efforts …. in cycling

Following in the steps of other great ideas start small – with nothing. If you haven’t cycled for a while; or if cycling a modest distance is a bit of a challenge; or if you don’t even have a bike this could be the kick start you need!

GTTC will be pleased to support this initiative to build confidence and fitness by incremental steps so that within seven weeks you can complete a 50 km ride. Using routes on flat lanes, quiet roads, and off road cycle trails! Why not ask if anyone else will provide a local bespoke service. We are running ours from 14 June!

The commitment is an evening (eg Thursday) and a morning (Sunday) but this can also run at other times by arrangement.

More updates to follow soon!

visit gettothecoast.co.uk again soon for updates

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

Planning for new variation on Walney Island to Whitby

features include:

• Ulverston in the Lake District
• Haverthwaite – Lindale – Leasgill – Kirkby Lonsdale
• Settle in the Yorkshire Dales
• Airton – Rylstone (WI!) – Grassington – Kettlewell – Leyburn – Bedale
• Helmsley – Hutton le Hole and Pickering Moor in North Yorkshire

More updates to follow soon!

visit gettothecoast.co.uk again soon for updates

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

We see the sea! From just three days to the coast!

If you live far from the seaside then gettothecoast.co.uk can bring you to the coast! By cycling on a range of routes across England you can experience the full variety of countryside from rugged hills to flatlands and sunny slopes to scary climbs. Picture postcard villages and market towns steeped in history. Urban grit and industrial archaeology. Not forgetting afternoon tea and full breakfasts not to be missed.

England: tourism on two wheels!

Routes are selected to encompass the full panoply of tourist opportunities while providing a significant challenge to your legs and lungs.

These routes are for you if you are time poor yet want to see the sea! Best undertaken west-to-east or south-to-north to seek maximum shelter from any prevailing weather the basic routes can be adjusted to fit your timescale and interests.

Short breaks by bike!

We aim to help you see the sea without having to take two weeks to get from one end to the other! And our service includes supported and accompanied riding so if it becomes a bit too much you can be assured that assistance is not far away!

Are you ready for the challenge!

The rides we do are meant to be challenging. Other people can do rides which are easier. If you want to see the sea – with a sense of having deserved it – get to the coast with gettothecoast.co.uk!

More updates to follow soon!

visit gettothecoast.co.uk again soon for updates

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

Yes – time for another ridearound. The next edition of the Gatley Denton Poynton Ridearound will be 19 May 2018!

DO NOT EXPECT  loads of free advice about compliance with the GDPR!

DO EXPECT some light reference to the right to be forgotten!

It will probably be far too late for any big corporations who have not yet updated their privacy policies to do so prior to 25 May but those are not really our concern. Except on a personal level – who does not want to be free of prying corporations? But on a more interesting level this ridearound features some alliterative suburban flat lining and then some pretty significant hill climbing!

Long Lane and Monks Road (Charlesworth)! Whaley Lane (Whaley Bridge)! Mudhurst Lane and Higher Lane (Higher Disley and Kettleshulme)! Then back from hillside to the flat side to Pott Shrigley and Poynton!

850m gain; 50km (about three hours at pretty moderate pace)

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/2610670096

The first section is – with reluctant returners in mind and plenty of public transport joining or leaving opportunities – far easier. It’s less than an hour – barely ten miles and pretty much no climbing at all.

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/2610670070

If you don’t want to have a go at the harder stuff the van can!

Travel home by bike on the flat side! Or by train from Poynton. Plenty of sustenance opportunities en route. As well as a bit of G-D-P-R!

More updates to follow soon!

visit gettothecoast.co.uk again soon for updates

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