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NWA regional ride: Macclesfield Forest, Wildboarclough and Three Shires Head
Fording the stream at the bottom of Cumberland Clough - April 2010
:: Date: Sunday 28th September 2014
:: Distance/time: 18-22 miles / 5-6 hours riding (including stops)
:: Meeting at: Sutton Mill, Gunco Lane, Macclesfield SK11 7JL. Please arrive by 10.00 a.m. for a 10:30 a.m. start.
:: Directions: Postcode: SK11 7JL - Sutton Mill - This is the location of the new Ride and Repair workshop.
Google Map --> http://goo.gl/maps/YpDbO (This centres on Colourserve Ltd who are next door - the arrow shows where to park)
More specific directions to the start point will be given closer to the ride - there is ample free parking, toilets and changing facilities available. There's also the workshop should anyone need a quick repair or 'tactical adjustment' before the ride.
:: Terrain: Well drained fire roads, rocky descents, and moorland tracks. Some road sections including one big road climb. Nothing particularly technical or steep but plenty of rocks and fast descents.
The moorland bridleway opposite The Cat and Fiddle Inn - April 2010
Looking back at the Retrobike Aftermath archive, I hadn't realised that it's been four years since we last rode this route. To recap; the first attempt at this route back in January 2010 was severely affected by heavy snow and meant that a last minute route change avoiding the higher hills was necessary. An successful alternative ride still happened which you can read all about here.
A re-match rematch was organised the following April the aftermath of which is here: --> viewtopic.php?t=97123
So it's a great route to which I'd like to invite you all for a ride.
The ride will start in Macclesfield and roll up the road to Macclesfield Forest. It will include the fantastic descent of Charity Lane and the climb up to The Cat and Fiddle Inn, which at an altitude of 1690ft (515m), is the second highest pub in England.
From there we'll cross the moors and descend to the very picturesque Three Shires Head, where the counties of Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire meet.
Then it'll be down the great Cumberland Clough, and back up around the forest for a final fast descent to finish for drinks and food in my local pub. It's a short roll back along the canal to the start point after that.
This is a tried and tested all weather route, which enjoys great views and proper old school riding. It'll hopefully be Spring like and it's certainly hilly but well worth it for about 18-22 miles of retro fun.
Charity Lane - April 2010
Three Shires Head - April 2010
The last climb is the steepest - Macclesfield Forest - April 2010
The last descent is the most fun - Macclesfield Forest - April 2010
Everyone from all areas is welcome, preferably riding retro of course.
So what say you?!
![NWA-MaccForest-April-018.jpg](/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drystonepaul.com%2FRetrobike%2FRides%2FNWA-MaccForest-April-018.jpg&hash=19e54527ca749d046529f22dba4f7811)
Fording the stream at the bottom of Cumberland Clough - April 2010
:: Date: Sunday 28th September 2014
:: Distance/time: 18-22 miles / 5-6 hours riding (including stops)
:: Meeting at: Sutton Mill, Gunco Lane, Macclesfield SK11 7JL. Please arrive by 10.00 a.m. for a 10:30 a.m. start.
:: Directions: Postcode: SK11 7JL - Sutton Mill - This is the location of the new Ride and Repair workshop.
Google Map --> http://goo.gl/maps/YpDbO (This centres on Colourserve Ltd who are next door - the arrow shows where to park)
More specific directions to the start point will be given closer to the ride - there is ample free parking, toilets and changing facilities available. There's also the workshop should anyone need a quick repair or 'tactical adjustment' before the ride.
:: Terrain: Well drained fire roads, rocky descents, and moorland tracks. Some road sections including one big road climb. Nothing particularly technical or steep but plenty of rocks and fast descents.
![NWA-MaccForest-April-016.jpg](/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drystonepaul.com%2FRetrobike%2FRides%2FNWA-MaccForest-April-016.jpg&hash=4ea4be220754b5a5b02b31c6d93233cc)
The moorland bridleway opposite The Cat and Fiddle Inn - April 2010
Looking back at the Retrobike Aftermath archive, I hadn't realised that it's been four years since we last rode this route. To recap; the first attempt at this route back in January 2010 was severely affected by heavy snow and meant that a last minute route change avoiding the higher hills was necessary. An successful alternative ride still happened which you can read all about here.
A re-match rematch was organised the following April the aftermath of which is here: --> viewtopic.php?t=97123
So it's a great route to which I'd like to invite you all for a ride.
The ride will start in Macclesfield and roll up the road to Macclesfield Forest. It will include the fantastic descent of Charity Lane and the climb up to The Cat and Fiddle Inn, which at an altitude of 1690ft (515m), is the second highest pub in England.
From there we'll cross the moors and descend to the very picturesque Three Shires Head, where the counties of Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire meet.
Then it'll be down the great Cumberland Clough, and back up around the forest for a final fast descent to finish for drinks and food in my local pub. It's a short roll back along the canal to the start point after that.
This is a tried and tested all weather route, which enjoys great views and proper old school riding. It'll hopefully be Spring like and it's certainly hilly but well worth it for about 18-22 miles of retro fun.
![NWA-MaccForest-April-007.jpg](/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drystonepaul.com%2FRetrobike%2FRides%2FNWA-MaccForest-April-007.jpg&hash=f1e6020ebe098feb72d7d4dff9553f15)
Charity Lane - April 2010
![NWA-MaccForest-April-017.jpg](/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drystonepaul.com%2FRetrobike%2FRides%2FNWA-MaccForest-April-017.jpg&hash=35eb0f21a2184de58a4d598d4cfb26a9)
Three Shires Head - April 2010
![NWA-MaccForest-April-020.jpg](/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drystonepaul.com%2FRetrobike%2FRides%2FNWA-MaccForest-April-020.jpg&hash=274387d67d5f2b79c8951767add234e5)
The last climb is the steepest - Macclesfield Forest - April 2010
![NWA-MaccForest-April-025.jpg](/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drystonepaul.com%2FRetrobike%2FRides%2FNWA-MaccForest-April-025.jpg&hash=46dab8e42d13b8359c4736b5b112815b)
The last descent is the most fun - Macclesfield Forest - April 2010
Everyone from all areas is welcome, preferably riding retro of course.
So what say you?!