Wirral Way is a old branch line form ‘West Kirkby’ to Hooton on the Wirral just outside Liverpool. Will be a good easy warmup for upcoming BUC, at 12 miles long and as being for trains, no more than 6% gradients.
My house, for 10:30am.
28 School Lane.
Bidston
CH43 7RQ
I’m on that frapper page
Plan is to meet at mine, then depending on how many are coming, we’ll fill up cars and drive down to hooton and start from that side.
When we get to west Kirby we can fuel and feed up at weather spoons and catch the tube back to mine. Station is like 3min walk from my house.
Hi Zippy,
I’m still coming.
I’m presuming it’s all smoothish ‘footpath’ riding like the bit you can see from the road at hooton? Nothing too cross countryish?
Wahoo! I rode 12 miles - my longest ride ever - along the Wirral Way on my 29er with Zippy.
I debated which 29er to take - Kenda Klaw tyre and 140 cranks or Big Apple Tyre and 125mm cranks. I decided upon the Big Apple because it’s more versatile and I still think it was the best decision.
The trail was variable - some tarmack but mostly either hardpacked bumpy mud/rocks or flatter looser gravel. And more or less straight - a few small hills and some riding on the road.
The weather was perfect - lovely and sunny but with just enough of a cold wind to keep us cool. I saw some gorgeous countryside somewhere that I had never been before and tasted the most fantastic icecream that I have ever had. No one said anything unpleasant to us and the “WYOW” were minimal.
Most importantly, the expensive cycle shorts that I was wearing proved well worth the money. I’m a little sore but nothing serious. The legs held out well too. I could probably have ridden for longer if I’d had to.
The most surprising thing was how long it took. With occasional botty breaks, an icecream break, a toilet break and minimal walking, it took us three hours. But it was a great day. Thanks Zippy (and the cheesy beans on toast were fab).
It was, 3 miles along the Blackwater valley to the pub with the kids, dinner & decent beer followed by the return leg. A very enjoyable, but gentle, day.
Well done Cathy, now you know you can do 12 miles you’ll soon be ready to double that. Don’t forget B. butt’r or similar helps with cycling shorts. Remember the only thing that can be worn under cycling shorts is another pair of cycling shorts great on a very long ride, or w/e of riding.
Nice one guys and gals, sorry I missed the ride, Sounds like you had a great day. I guess Zippy sorted out that lean of his. 12 miles of ridding should do it
Well done to you both, only managed about 5 miles, and I slept for a week after, how did you get on with saddle sores, cos I was … well let say side saddle… just sitting on the couch.
I got to admit I ride in jeans, not the best ever but I ride in them loads commuting to work (two wheels), so it feels odd to ride in anything else, I was wondering how did you and zippy keep the same speed with the different wheel sizes? I don’t ride too well at a really fast pace or slow pace, I sorta have to keep my own time. Slow I can’t keep my balance and fast I get a wheel wobble.
and pm me a contact No. for on the day.
great on a very long ride, or w/e of riding.