** POSTPONED - DATE TBC ** Cycle Hubs Exploration

PRiDE OUT is a cycling group for LGBT+ people (and friends) in Manchester and Northern England. Everyone is invited to join us, regardless of age, gender identity, bike or ability and we especially welcome newbies!

This 17-mile circular route is perfect if you have done a bit of cycling before and now want to build up or maintain your fitness levels. It is fairly flat all the way round, though there may be one or two gentle hills to climb at your own pace, with a chance to regroup and recover at the top if needed. We will aim to maintain a steady pace of 10 to 12 mph and we’ll be riding along a mixture of cycle paths and some fairly busy roads. The group will always ride at a pace that is comfortable for the slowest rider, so no one will get left behind.

The route takes us on a tour of some of the Cycle Hubs, provided by Transport for Greater Manchester to offer safe, secure, dry cycle parking facilities at a number of handy locations. Starting from the HOME arts and entertainment centre, it's a short nip along the road to the first hub at Oxford Road station. Then we’ll briefly venture through the heart of Manchester City Centre, passing the Palace Theatre, the iconic Central Library, the Opera House on our way to the second hub at Salford Central station via Spinningfields. Next, we will head out past Salford Cathedral and Salford University to discover the safer cycling route that runs alongside the busy East Lancs Road. The route then follows National Cycle Network route 55 across to the hub at Eccles Station, before using a series of cycle paths to take us across to the hub at Media City. This hub offers additional features including showers and cycle maintenance provision. We will then pass the Imperial War Museum and the Lowry Theatre on our way to the Manchester Ship Canal, which takes us into Manchester City Centre. We'll more than likely see plenty of gulls, ducks, geese and swans en-route, but keep your eyes peeled for some less common wildlife, such as herons and cormorants. As we hit Manchester, the route picks up the Rochdale Canal towpath which we’ll follow back to our start point at HOME.

At the end we often like to have a drink (or a bite to eat if you’re peckish) which is a great social opportunity to chat to other people that you didn't get chance to during the bike ride - it would be great if you could join us :-) ... please bring a bike lock to keep your bike safe!

Due to the mixed nature of the route's surfaces, road bikes with narrow tyres are not advised. Please check that your bike is roadworthy before the ride, as you will be responsible for dealing with your own mechanical issues, should they arise on the day. There's a helpful video showing you how to check your bike at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qtx60bcNk0

It is recommended that you wear a helmet and suitable cycling clothing. Layers, including something waterproof, are best so that you can add/remove clothing during the ride, depending on the weather. Please have footwear that is appropriate for your bike and it’s a good idea to wear eye protection too.

Whilst it's a good idea to travel light, we advise that you also consider bringing some of the following: spare inner tube and tyre levers, any special tools that your bike needs, some food or snacks for energy, a cycling bottle attached to your bike and plenty of water, bike lock, eye and some cash/card(s) to pay for drinks, snacks, lunch or in case of emergencies. Don't forget sun cream (if it's summer) - you just never know with the UK weather!