Tales from today's commute....

[GrumpyGregry]

33 degrees here at it's peak,gutted I tell though and sunny.

oh far cough.

 

[Graham]

Sure Graham - easier to show you on a map. Where do you commute from & what time?

This is my default route at the moment whilst the Metrolink is being put on Mauldeth Rd-normally I would go up Mauldeth Rd, then up Withington Rd or Alexandra Rd South.

The key to the route is to go through Sale Water Park and pass Jackson's boat pub as this gets you into Chorlton. From there you have a multitude of routes to take. The path to Hardy Lane is fine for road bikes too.

On the route I have posted, instead of heading to the big roundabout just outside Deansgate on the A56, there's a shared use pedestrian bridge that takes you over the Mancunian way.

[edit-just noticed that the route turns right in Chorlton on Wilbraham Rd and left onto Withington Rd. I wouldn't normally take that way, but just continue on Manchester Rd, then take the right fork onto Upper Chorlton Rd).

Thanks very much for this - Will try it out, should make a change from coming straight in on the A56.

I probably don't qualify as a commuter - I come in from Tarporley in mid-cheshire about twice a week if the weather looks OK. Anything more would be a bit too punishing! Usually hit Altrincham about 8am. I see your route finishes just about outside our offices in Barbirolli Square.

 

[400bhp]

Thanks very much for this - Will try it out, should make a change from coming straight in on the A56.

I probably don't qualify as a commuter - I come in from Tarporley in mid-cheshire about twice a week if the weather looks OK. Anything more would be a bit too punishing! Usually hit Altrincham about 8am. I see your route finishes just about outside our offices in Barbirolli Square.

Used to work in Barbirolli Sq....didn't put the route right to the front door of the current office.

The thing to do is get over Sale Water Park, then there's loads of ways into Manc.

 

[SportMonkey]

Could I ask how you normally avoid the A56? I come in on it, but it would be nice to find a quieter route. I've managed to miss out Bowden roundabout and a bit of Altrincham by going through Dunham.

I'm from Lymm, there should be an alternate route the same way I go in, I only get on to the A56 at Stretford. Big roads you could take the A49 to Stretton, turn at Grappenhall and take the A56 to Lymm. Small roads across to High Legh through Wincham and Northwich.

 

[SportMonkey]

First commute, it's surprisingly cold cycling out of the city at dawn break. Largely uneventful, although I wasn't allowed to cycle on to site.

 

[Miquel In De Rain]

oh far cough.

Coming back soon to sample the delights of the Mile End Road yet again.

 

[Matthew_T]

Something on the brighter side of riding:

This afternoon I went out for a little 20 mile jaunt and encountered two cars (one a white van) who were very patient and did not tailgate me or try to pass me at all.

The van remained behind me through a 20mph double white lined bridge (I was doing over 20 throughout it) and eventually overtook me with plenty of room about half a mile down the road. Thumbs up!
The car remained behind me soon after the van had passed through numerous pinch points, over a narrow bridge, and around a roundabout. They soon dissappeared and I then had a recovery van behind me. I suspect that there were an elderly couple in the car as they were so cautious. I would have given them a thumbs up if they had passed.

 

[Hip Priest]

Oh joy, my first dark commute of the season.

'tis the season of dressing like a member of Altern8 and having white vans up your chuff.

 

[fimm]

First full commute in the dark. And rain, just to add to the interest. Quite enjoyed it as I had a tailwaind. Also the traffic was really bad so did lots of filtering

 

[PJ79LIZARD]

Went the long way home tonight, first time for a while in total darkness. Lots of dark country lanes. Have to say all the oncoming traffic dipped their full beams, nothing worse than having your retinas burnt out by dozy drivers who can not be arsed to dim their lights. Dry and a nice temp, so all in all a nice ride home.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Brrrrrrr. And that is about it really.

 

[Graham]

I'm from Lymm, there should be an alternate route the same way I go in, I only get on to the A56 at Stretford. Big roads you could take the A49 to Stretton, turn at Grappenhall and take the A56 to Lymm. Small roads across to High Legh through Wincham and Northwich.

Cheers, might try a few different routes. Currently go up through Northwich, then Wincham to High Legh - Quite like that bit! Might try going through Partington and around through Flixton one day. Can't say I fancy the A49 on a dark morning - i use it when I drive and its a pretty fast road with lorries. Have seen a few people cycling on it though - Braver than me. Although they tend to be well lit up - I see one guy sometimes with reflectors everywhere - spokes etc. And three rear lights. And a massive front light as well. And a hi-viz jacket.

 

[400bhp]

Cheers, might try a few different routes. Currently go up through Northwich, then Wincham to High Legh - Quite like that bit! Might try going through Partington and around through Flixton one day. Can't say I fancy the A49 on a dark morning - i use it when I drive and its a pretty fast road with lorries. Have seen a few people cycling on it though - Braver than me. Although they tend to be well lit up - I see one guy sometimes with reflectors everywhere - spokes etc. And three rear lights. And a massive front light as well. And a hi-viz jacket.

Ahh, you're laughing then-spoilt for choice there.

High Legh, straight across onto B5159. Turn right at traffic lights onto A56. Turn left at signs for swan with 2 nicks pub. Go across small foot bridge onto brick kiln lane which skirts Dunham Massey. Turn right at end. Take next left on School Lane (way before A56), first right then imediate left onto oldfield Lane. Turn right at T Junction at bottom, then 2nd left on weldon Rd. Right at T-junction at bottom then you end up on A56 at Broadheath.

That's a great commute.

 

[SportMonkey]

I just tried racing the sunset due to my lack of lights, I like to think I made it... I think I may have to invest in some cheap Cat Eyes over here. Oh well, off to Mellow Johnny's again.

 

[donnydave]

Ahhhhhhhhhh, changed my chain (after 4000 miles) without changing the cassette, thought it would be ok. Had to stand on 48-12 all the way as that's the only gear that didn't try and spit the chain off. Legs now hurting, new cassette is in the post, lesson learned.