Skelton Lake Country Park (Services)

Join us for an easygoing pootle to the extremely popular Skelton Lake Services

The weather looks forecast is looking good, 17 degrees C at 10am

The route is tarmac all the way to the gate at the services

The first 1.4 miles is on the Leeds Liverpool towpath will be busy with walkers/runners/cyclists, but it is a good way to practice balance, gear changing and braking, there is another section of .05 mile as we head out past Royal Armouries before the path goes quiet

Option to start at 10.15am at Candle House, Wharf Approach (cylindrical residential tower at end/start canal) if you do not wish to ride on the towpath from museum

This is a lovely route to suit all abilities, a mix of town and country, plenty to see and explore the cycle lanes in Leeds city centre

Leaving the car park we head down Viaduct road (439ft), picking the towpath up and down to Leeds city centre, coming off at Candle House and onto Wharf approach then Canal Wharf turn right at the lights at Bridgewater place onto the cycle lanes on Victoria road and Meadow lane
and into Aire Park, we will stop at Hibiscus Rising, a colourful flower sculpture standing 31ft tall then make our way around Aire Park past The Tetley, picking up the new cycle lane before turning right into Leeds Dock past Royal Armouries and onto the transpennine trail which we follow until the turning to Skelton Lake country park and our coffee stop, the path up to the services is new tarmac but turns to gravel once through the gate into the services, this short section up can be walked

Our return route is our in route


There is a set of steps we will need navigate, but we will help each other out if required

This ride is ideal ladies returning to cycling or just want a short ride in the sunshine


https://extraservices.co.uk/facilities/eat-drink/

Skelton Lake Services - various cafes to choose from or bring your own snack

Pennies for a caffeine stop and sweet treat Spare inner tube, bike pump and levers

We never leave anyone behind


Please try and arrive 10 minutes early to complete the 'M' check before we set off

The M-Check Process

Following the flow of the letter M, the check is divided into 5 distinct steps:

The Front Wheel

Security - Check that the quick-release lever or axle nuts are tightly closed and secure

Condition - Inspect the tyre for tread wear, cracks, or bulges, and ensure it is properly inflated

Spokes & Brakes - Make sure no spokes are loose, and check that the front brake rotor or rim and brake pads are intact and aligned and mudguards are secure


Handlebars & Stem

Tightness - Straddle the front wheel with your knees and attempt to twist the handlebars, they should not move independently of the wheel

Brakes - Squeeze the brake levers to make sure they engage strongly without hitting the handlebar grips, and that the cables aren't frayed

Headset - Apply the front brake and rock the bike back and forth, there should be no clicking or excessive play in the headset bearings


Pedals & Crankset

Security - Grab the crank arms and wiggle them side-to-side to ensure the bottom bracket (the bearing system connecting the cranks) isn't loose or damaged

Movement - Spin the pedals to ensure they rotate smoothly and freely

Drivetrain - Check that the chain is relatively clean and lubricated.


Saddle & Seatpost

Security - Try to twist or rock the saddle. It should be securely locked into place and not exceed the minimum insertion limit for the frame

Alignment - Ensure the saddle is visually aligned straight with the frame.


The Rear Wheel

Security & Condition - Just as you did with the front wheel, ensure the axle is securely fastened and that the tyre is properly inflated and free from damage

Function - Spin the rear wheel to check that it rotates true (without wobbling) and that it isn't rubbing against the brake pads or mudguards