Case study - Pride Sports expedition

Situation

The challenge was to take the Pride Sports men’s group on a three day expedition ride from Sheffield to Manchester. The ride’s finale would be to ride into Alexandra Park in South Manchester, in time for the start of the Manchester Pride Sports weekend.

Our solution

We risk assessed the best option as a largely off-road route from Sheffield to Manchester via Castleton, the Peak Forest Canal towpath and Marple. The route was nearly 50 miles in length with plenty of challenging terrain to keep the group on their toes. The first day’s ride started at Endcliffe Park in Sheffield and took in Stanedge Pole and Hathersage before finishing at Castleton in the heart of the Peak District.

Torrential rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of the group who were eager to ride despite the weather. On arrival in Castleton the group got changed and headed for a well deserved meal in the village.

Day two started with much better weather and took the group to Linnet Clough near Marple via a long climb to the top flanks of Mam Tor followed by country roads, bridleways and canal paths until the final rocky climb up to Linnet Clough and a warm bunk house.

Day three was sunny too thankfully. The expedition’s final leg from Linnet Clough to Manchester took the group along canal tow paths, national cycle routes and the Fallowfield loop to finish in Alexandria Park. As the group rode into the park a crowd awaited to cheer them on to the finish line. A great end to a fantastic few days riding in beautiful countryside.

Benefits

• Many in the group had low self esteem and lacked confidence, this was soon replaced by a healthy "give it a go" attitude

• A number have now taken up cycling and are pursuing other sports to keep themselves active

Related projects

• Pride Games mountain bike race at Clayton Vale in September ‘08