Desperately Seeking Sarah - GENTS ONLY - Go for Gold Series (31miles/800 feet)

Sarah Storey is a British Paralympic cyclist and former swimmer and the winner of 4 Paralympic gold medals. As one of the “Go for Gold” Olympic themed bike rides in July and August, we are cycling to Eccles to visit one of Sarah Storey’s gold postboxes.

We cycle from Middlebrook along the Middlebrook trail and then weave across the edge of Bolton Town Centre to the Roe Green loopline which takes us most of the way to Eccles with just a little bit of road at the end. After the obligatory photo at the post-box, we retrace our steps for a mile before picking up the Bridgewater Way alongside the Bridgewater Canal for about 7 miles. We then head through Leigh, Howe Bridge and Westhoughton mainly along roads and return to Middlebrook via Wingates. The route is all roads, towpaths and bicycle tracks and hybrid bikes are recommended. The ride distance is about 31 miles with 800 feet of ascent.

Although helmets are only recommended by law and not deemed to be essential, anyone not wearing a helmet will not be able to join the ride. Please be self-sufficient and arm yourself with spare inner tubes, bike levers and pump. Don’t forget your pennies for the café stop. Please ensure you bring along a drink for the ride. Also check you brakes and gears on your bike at least the night before.

Due to Covid, if the Govt restrictions are still in place, it is essential that all ride participants carry their own PPE, that is mask, anti bac gel/wipes and tissues. First aid consumables will be provided by the leader but you will need to self-medicate yourselves. In addition, punctures or any bike maintenance will need to be performed by you, but guidance at 1m with a face mask or 2m without will be provided.

We especially welcome newbies!