The Springs via Eccup Reservoir & the E.L.O.R

Join us for a gentle paced FridayRidey to The Springs, some hills but nothing to challenging

The ELOR has its own dedicated cycle lane that runs alongside it, with banking to protect from road noise, it is undulating, but a great route to practice skills/gear changing/doubling up to chat etc

Cafe stop: There is plenty of eateries to choose from to suit all preferences

Leaving the starting point we head down Church lane then up Eccup lane, turning right at the junction onto Eccup Moor road and onto Eccup Reservoir, cross safely over A61 to pick up the cycle path round the back of Leeds Grammar School, it has degraded in parts, skinny road tyres may struggle a little bit, but the option is to walk the short section coming out on Manor House lane, watching for golfers and balls, at the T junction we turn left onto Wigton lane and onto the end at the Dexter pub, its right then let at the lights and onto Shadwell, after passing the Red Lion pub we turn right for a short climb up Colliers lane and follow round to Whin Moor road and pick up the ELOR dedicated cycle path that ends at The Springs retail park for our coffee/cake stop

Our return route - for ease we return on the route we rode in on


Bike lock is a must, spare inner tube and pennies for lunch

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