Now in its eighth year and voted number five in The Independent’s 10 Best Cycling Events for 2012, the Manchester to Liverpool ride is quickly becoming something of an institution. Starting at the Salford Watersports Centre, Salford Quays (Map here) the 40mile route, mostly traffic-free, is ideal for family cycling and takes riders along part of the Manchester Ship Canal towards Liverpool and the Mersey while the longer, all on-road 60mile route (new for 2013), crosses the canal to Culcheth and Rainford before passing through Knowsley Park Estate to meet the riders on the short route heading for the finish at Otterspool Park, on the banks of the Mersey. Both routes finish at Otterspool Park, Liverpool (click here for map).
Participants in both distances are encouraged to raise funds for the event’s official charity, the NSPCC, and those raising over £25 will receive a commemorative medal. Entree fees are £8.00 for children (age restrictions apply varyingly to the distances), £17.00 for adults and £12.00 for students. Pre- or post-ride transport can be arranged for an additional £23.00. Full details and online entry at bike-events.co.uk
