'Let's Ride Through Winter': Bickerstaffe and Rainford Loop

The first part of the ride is mostly on busy main roads till we reach the cycle path on the East Lancashire Road and travel west. We will pick up the much quieter and scenic Coach Road. Unfortunately, whilst very quiet and free from vehicular traffic, the Coach Road surface is not the best. It is mostly tarmac surface but has been poorly maintained over the years so caution is needed on this part of the route. A loop around Bickerstaffe then takes us to the popular ‘photo and water' stop at Bickerstaffe Church for the now obligatory team photograph. From here will head to Rainford Junction and our refreshment stop at Bridge farm cafe. After our cafe stop we will return partly via the Rainford Mineral Line; this is mostly vehicle free but can get busy with walkers so caution is advised. We return to our starting point on a route that take us via Berringtons Lane, Crank Road, passed Windle Hall on Abbey Road, Kiln Lane and return to our start at Taylor Park; and, if you need an ice cream ‘fix’, we can always finish the ride alongside the boat house on the lake in the park!

A British Cycling 'Lets Ride Through Winter' ride to Bickerstaffe and Rainford and a stop at Bridge Farm Rainford for brunch!

This ride is suitable for hybrid bikes (fitted with road and off-road tyres), mountain bikes and road bikes (with caution) and is mostly on hard surface roads, cycle paths and park paths with loose stone surfaced cycle paths along the Rainford Mineral Line and Berrington Lane.

There will be cafe stop at Bridge Farm Café in Rainford Junction so remember to bring along some money for a coffee and some of their lovely home-made cakes (or a full English breakfast if you prefer!). We hope to have a table pre-booked for us at the cafe once final numbers are known

All riders will be required to wear a helmet and carry spare inner tubes and the means to be able to repair a puncture (assistance will be provided if required). We expect all our riders to adhere to all the current government guidelines with regard to social distancing and precautions needed during the current pandemic. It is advisable to carry your own hand sanitising gel and a mask for your own benefit. If in any doubt please ask and we will provide all relevant BC guidance. Please also do wrap up warm and wear plenty of layers and don't forget your gloves; it will be cold!

It is essential that everybody enjoys the ride so it will be at a gentle pace (average 8-10mph) but will be determined by the overall pace of the group. Plenty of stops for a breather and hopefully an opportunity to take lots of photos! Always remember, we will never leave anyone behind!