Discussion
I fancy a ride around Rivington and Winter Hill, starting from somewhere around Anglezarke Reservoir off the M61. Anyone been up there and know any good routes?
I've only ridden on the roads, on my road bike. Never been off road but it looks like a great mix of tarmac, forests and climbs
There are some 'old ruins' there, chinese gardens, and something called Pigeon tower. Obviously I want to go past the transmitter too.
Here:
http://maps.google.com/maps?t=k&q=53.649,-2.57...
I've only ridden on the roads, on my road bike. Never been off road but it looks like a great mix of tarmac, forests and climbs
There are some 'old ruins' there, chinese gardens, and something called Pigeon tower. Obviously I want to go past the transmitter too.Here:
http://maps.google.com/maps?t=k&q=53.649,-2.57...
Edited by Parrot of Doom on Monday 24th March 20:12
I used to live in the area. There is some very good riding. The trip up to the mast is an out and back on tarmac however, there are no legal routes off the top unfortunately, however its a good climb and a good blast back down again.
The best legal offroading is dropping off the track that goes North - South past Rivington Pike tower (looks like a castle turret) - penty of decending options. There are likely to be other bikers out when you go, who will I'm sure be happy to point out the best trails (Its been sometime since I was a local). The Pidgeon tower is to the North from the Rivington Pike tower (its a creepy looking thing), take the track decending North West for a rocky decent. Nice fast drop from the Pike Tower, straight down into the valley - not technical, but fast. Some good single track to the South of the pike tower too, just before you get to some woods.
Here are some routes from the web:
http://www.flattyresmtbroutes.com/RivingtonPike.ht...
Memory maps
http://www.mtb-rides.com/north_west_england_uk_mtb...
The best legal offroading is dropping off the track that goes North - South past Rivington Pike tower (looks like a castle turret) - penty of decending options. There are likely to be other bikers out when you go, who will I'm sure be happy to point out the best trails (Its been sometime since I was a local). The Pidgeon tower is to the North from the Rivington Pike tower (its a creepy looking thing), take the track decending North West for a rocky decent. Nice fast drop from the Pike Tower, straight down into the valley - not technical, but fast. Some good single track to the South of the pike tower too, just before you get to some woods.
Here are some routes from the web:
http://www.flattyresmtbroutes.com/RivingtonPike.ht...
Memory maps
http://www.mtb-rides.com/north_west_england_uk_mtb...
Edited by MTY4000 on Tuesday 25th March 19:51
Well blow you all, I went anyway 
I started here and headed east, following my nose to get to the summit. In case you think it all looks a bit flat, check out these piccies:
http://flickr.com/photos/soundman/sets/72157604244...
My destination is the tiny dot on the hill, between the two trees to the right. Rivington Pike. Its about 1000 feet up.
This presumably was the local bigwig's house at one time:
First big climb:
A nice ickle stream:
Almost there!
s
t, no I'm not almost there! 
The summit at last!
Rivington Pike was basically a place for Grouse hunters to nip in and have a brew in front of a roaring fire, but that was stopped around the turn of the 20th century. Before it was built in the 18th century, it was originally a big pile of wood to be lit as a signal beacon in case of any naughtiness from invading armies.
Finally, the view (click the image to see the full size version)
The main things are Manchester (far left) and The Reebok stadium (Bolton Wanderers ground), as well as the Rivington Reservoir.
I took more or less the same route back down, although I went through some lovely derelict terraced gardens there wasn't a great deal of interest to photograph. There was this lovely little twisty bit though, which was 'no bikes' according to the sign but we all ignore those
I started here and headed east, following my nose to get to the summit. In case you think it all looks a bit flat, check out these piccies:
http://flickr.com/photos/soundman/sets/72157604244...
My destination is the tiny dot on the hill, between the two trees to the right. Rivington Pike. Its about 1000 feet up.
This presumably was the local bigwig's house at one time:
First big climb:
A nice ickle stream:
Almost there!
s
t, no I'm not almost there! The summit at last!
Rivington Pike was basically a place for Grouse hunters to nip in and have a brew in front of a roaring fire, but that was stopped around the turn of the 20th century. Before it was built in the 18th century, it was originally a big pile of wood to be lit as a signal beacon in case of any naughtiness from invading armies.
Finally, the view (click the image to see the full size version)
The main things are Manchester (far left) and The Reebok stadium (Bolton Wanderers ground), as well as the Rivington Reservoir.
I took more or less the same route back down, although I went through some lovely derelict terraced gardens there wasn't a great deal of interest to photograph. There was this lovely little twisty bit though, which was 'no bikes' according to the sign but we all ignore those
Hi POD,
Sorry, just seen this thread. We ride up at Rivington every week and you're more than welcome to come and join us.
We ride uphill to come downhill, means to an end as there aren't many lifts in the area....
I only started riding again last week after a couple of months out with a shoulder injury due to a slight excursion on the Winter Hill descent. So I'm by far the slowest of the riders uphill but can hold my own downhill (I will admit to being slightly scared last week coming down my nemesis - read Winter Hill Descent - at night)
We're doing Great Hill and the White Coppice tonight, meeting just off Rivington Lane on the opposite side of the road to the Lower Barn. Meeting at 17:45 to 18:00 if you fancy it?
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://bbs.keyhole.c...
Steve
Sorry, just seen this thread. We ride up at Rivington every week and you're more than welcome to come and join us.
We ride uphill to come downhill, means to an end as there aren't many lifts in the area....
I only started riding again last week after a couple of months out with a shoulder injury due to a slight excursion on the Winter Hill descent. So I'm by far the slowest of the riders uphill but can hold my own downhill (I will admit to being slightly scared last week coming down my nemesis - read Winter Hill Descent - at night)
We're doing Great Hill and the White Coppice tonight, meeting just off Rivington Lane on the opposite side of the road to the Lower Barn. Meeting at 17:45 to 18:00 if you fancy it?
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://bbs.keyhole.c...
Steve
Sounds great, I might do that with you guys at some point - if you have Google Earth I don't suppose you could map it out for us with the path tool could you?
Tonight I'm just going to do my regular run to see if I've managed to sort out my squealy brakes (sanded the discs down to remove the shiny stuff and also baked the pads in the oven). If you're interested in more routes you might enjoy this one, starting in Ringley Village (Kearsley/Farnworth) about 10 miles long, its basically tight twisty woodland with steep drops to the river on one side, then up a long incline along an old railway line (now a nature trail so a great surface to ride on), and then along a derelict canal. Its one of my favourite rides and runs through some beautiful scenery you'd never know existed.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/tom.jeffs4/Google%20E... (right click & save, open in google earth)
Tonight I'm just going to do my regular run to see if I've managed to sort out my squealy brakes (sanded the discs down to remove the shiny stuff and also baked the pads in the oven). If you're interested in more routes you might enjoy this one, starting in Ringley Village (Kearsley/Farnworth) about 10 miles long, its basically tight twisty woodland with steep drops to the river on one side, then up a long incline along an old railway line (now a nature trail so a great surface to ride on), and then along a derelict canal. Its one of my favourite rides and runs through some beautiful scenery you'd never know existed.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/tom.jeffs4/Google%20E... (right click & save, open in google earth)
I grew up around those parts and used to ride up to the top on a regular basis. Coming down was fun back then with no suspension, but I was a little more supple 16 years ago than I am now!
Only ever head back for flying visits now so never really have time to ride which is a shame as that climb looks every bit as challenging as it used to!
Only ever head back for flying visits now so never really have time to ride which is a shame as that climb looks every bit as challenging as it used to!
God i miss those hills!
The surrey hills have nothing on rivvy, probably my favourite place...
i used to start at the car park just below georges lane, ride to the Pike, along towards Horwich past the dog kennels, right at the gate, down into the housing estate and up past the school, up the long bumpy climb then descend into the barn car park and down to the reservoir then back up to the pike before descending down georges lane into the car park. Only took an hour or so but was a fairly hard ride if you did it quick enough!
The surrey hills have nothing on rivvy, probably my favourite place...
i used to start at the car park just below georges lane, ride to the Pike, along towards Horwich past the dog kennels, right at the gate, down into the housing estate and up past the school, up the long bumpy climb then descend into the barn car park and down to the reservoir then back up to the pike before descending down georges lane into the car park. Only took an hour or so but was a fairly hard ride if you did it quick enough!
Parrot of Doom said:
Sounds great, I might do that with you guys at some point - if you have Google Earth I don't suppose you could map it out for us with the path tool could you?
Tonight I'm just going to do my regular run to see if I've managed to sort out my squealy brakes (sanded the discs down to remove the shiny stuff and also baked the pads in the oven). If you're interested in more routes you might enjoy this one, starting in Ringley Village (Kearsley/Farnworth) about 10 miles long, its basically tight twisty woodland with steep drops to the river on one side, then up a long incline along an old railway line (now a nature trail so a great surface to ride on), and then along a derelict canal. Its one of my favourite rides and runs through some beautiful scenery you'd never know existed.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/tom.jeffs4/Google%20E... (right click & save, open in google earth)
You're more than welcome to come along, the more the merrier as they say. Probably riding Wednesday this week. Tonight I'm just going to do my regular run to see if I've managed to sort out my squealy brakes (sanded the discs down to remove the shiny stuff and also baked the pads in the oven). If you're interested in more routes you might enjoy this one, starting in Ringley Village (Kearsley/Farnworth) about 10 miles long, its basically tight twisty woodland with steep drops to the river on one side, then up a long incline along an old railway line (now a nature trail so a great surface to ride on), and then along a derelict canal. Its one of my favourite rides and runs through some beautiful scenery you'd never know existed.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/tom.jeffs4/Google%20E... (right click & save, open in google earth)
I've got Google Earth, but I'm not that good with a computer so I doubt very much that I could map it out for you I'm afraid.
Thanks for the link, I'll check that out some time.
S
hab1966 said:
If you see a bloke on an orange SC Blur around Rivington, its probably me. I live around 10 mins away so cycle up there most nights.
I'll keep my eyes open for you hab1966. If I see you, should I give a secret PH wave or do I just shout out "Oi, hab1966, it's me!"
Mines a Black Blur LT. I'll be the guy at the back, sweating profusely probably.
Very nice but for all that is sacred, that is zero mass, Catertin hooning territory! Get orf my laand!
{I hope nobody was aroused, harmed or in any way insulted by this post and yes, I have sent a donation to the Inner London Communal Thinking Forum as penance for any precious PHers who may nevertheless have been so distressed.}
{I hope nobody was aroused, harmed or in any way insulted by this post and yes, I have sent a donation to the Inner London Communal Thinking Forum as penance for any precious PHers who may nevertheless have been so distressed.}
anniesdad said:
Parrot of Doom said:
Sounds great, I might do that with you guys at some point - if you have Google Earth I don't suppose you could map it out for us with the path tool could you?
Tonight I'm just going to do my regular run to see if I've managed to sort out my squealy brakes (sanded the discs down to remove the shiny stuff and also baked the pads in the oven). If you're interested in more routes you might enjoy this one, starting in Ringley Village (Kearsley/Farnworth) about 10 miles long, its basically tight twisty woodland with steep drops to the river on one side, then up a long incline along an old railway line (now a nature trail so a great surface to ride on), and then along a derelict canal. Its one of my favourite rides and runs through some beautiful scenery you'd never know existed.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/tom.jeffs4/Google%20E... (right click & save, open in google earth)
You're more than welcome to come along, the more the merrier as they say. Probably riding Wednesday this week. Tonight I'm just going to do my regular run to see if I've managed to sort out my squealy brakes (sanded the discs down to remove the shiny stuff and also baked the pads in the oven). If you're interested in more routes you might enjoy this one, starting in Ringley Village (Kearsley/Farnworth) about 10 miles long, its basically tight twisty woodland with steep drops to the river on one side, then up a long incline along an old railway line (now a nature trail so a great surface to ride on), and then along a derelict canal. Its one of my favourite rides and runs through some beautiful scenery you'd never know existed.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/tom.jeffs4/Google%20E... (right click & save, open in google earth)
I've got Google Earth, but I'm not that good with a computer so I doubt very much that I could map it out for you I'm afraid.
Thanks for the link, I'll check that out some time.
S
I was out around rivington and the Pike last night.
Taking a route up to the pike from car park there was a notice on a gate, that (not exact wording) mountain bikers were ruining the area around the chinese gardens and being a danger to other users. If this didnt stop the land owners would downgrade the bridleway to a footpath, meaning no more (legal) moutain biking (or horse riding).
Taking a route up to the pike from car park there was a notice on a gate, that (not exact wording) mountain bikers were ruining the area around the chinese gardens and being a danger to other users. If this didnt stop the land owners would downgrade the bridleway to a footpath, meaning no more (legal) moutain biking (or horse riding).
I'm getting sick of the rising tide of non-internally combusted perambulation cluttering my roads these days.
One has nothing but empathy and patience for the odd Jemimah learning to trott along between fields on Black Beauty but when pulling over so as not to spook said nag/rider extrapolates into a 10 minute snooze whilst amassed ranks of hikers, joggers and three abrest lycra cycle johnnies all meander by, it really is too much.
It's getting to the point where all the decent B roads round here seem to be perpetually hijacked by these roaming restrictors of oversteer.
The dogs.
One has nothing but empathy and patience for the odd Jemimah learning to trott along between fields on Black Beauty but when pulling over so as not to spook said nag/rider extrapolates into a 10 minute snooze whilst amassed ranks of hikers, joggers and three abrest lycra cycle johnnies all meander by, it really is too much.
It's getting to the point where all the decent B roads round here seem to be perpetually hijacked by these roaming restrictors of oversteer.
The dogs.
hab1966 said:
mountain bikers were ruining the area around the chinese gardens and being a danger to other users. If this didnt stop the land owners would downgrade the bridleway to a footpath, meaning no more (legal) moutain biking (or horse riding).
I have never seen a mountain bike cause damage to a trail. Horses, yes. Motorbikes, yes. Mountain bikes? lol. Get in the mud on an MTB and you just stop. Get stuck on a motocross bike and you just give it more welly.Besides which, I would just ignore any such restrictions.
I dont think its trail damage they mean.
I noticed in quite a few areas there was higher ground than the trail and bikers had been riding down the 'sides' onto the trail. The damage was quite noticible.
Ive also seen bikers going down the trails at some speed, with little regard to anybody else on the trail. I guess with the better weather, there are going to be more people out and about and its only a matter of time until there is an accident.
I noticed in quite a few areas there was higher ground than the trail and bikers had been riding down the 'sides' onto the trail. The damage was quite noticible.
Ive also seen bikers going down the trails at some speed, with little regard to anybody else on the trail. I guess with the better weather, there are going to be more people out and about and its only a matter of time until there is an accident.
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