According to gps: trip odo 14.8 moving time 2h14m odo 14.81 max speed 19.8 moving avg 6.6
One of the initiatives at The Message Trust (where I work) is the Big Deal - working in areas of Greater Manchester, focussing on the boroughs and working with the communities, councils, police, churches, schools and other organisations to reach them, improve the community and to share the Christian Faith. Last year was Salford, and this year it's the turn of Stockport. As part of this, a sponsored bike ride was organised, nicknamed 'The Big Bike'.
I decided to do it this year as a rolling steward (as a Message employee, though it was in my own time) - although I asked for sponsorship too! - since I knew I could manage 16 miles. See the link above for the route we took.
To be honest, I enjoyed the ride far more than I thought I would. It was good knowing people there doing it! There were fewer people participating than had been hoped for, I think, but it was great to cycle as part of a larger group rather than on my own or with one other person that I tend to do. Because it was a family ride though it was a bit slower than I'd have normally have gone - average speed of 7ish mph wasn't terribly fast - but the weather was beautiful (very warm and sunny for September), and the countryside suitably nice. The route took us down an old railway line, which is nicely maintained, and also a couple of canals - the Macclesfield canal, I think, then down by Marple Locks, over an aqueduct, over the tunnel that the canal goes through and along some very nice off-road tracks. We were also treated to refreshments every few miles by local churches who turned out to support us!
All in all it was a very enjoyable ride and raised some money for a good charity initiative. If you would like to sponsor me in retrospect for this, please email me - or you can donate directly through The Message Trust's website. Many thanks.