It’s almost that time of year again, with the Tour de France fast approaching. The 2019 race is due to take place between 6th and 28th July, and while many of us will be enjoying the action of each stage from the comfort of our living rooms, it’s also an event that inspires people to hit the road on their own bikes.
Having won the famous race four times in the last six years and aiming to maintain his phenomenal level of performance, Chris Froome is the outright Tour de France 2019 cycling betting favourite at 11/10 odds, while 2018 winner Geraint Thomas at 11/4 will undoubtedly be keen battle for the yellow jersey at every stage again this year.
We’re not all blessed with the same levels of endurance to compete in such a gruelling race, with many of the stages renowned for their extreme difficulty. However, cyclists can enjoy something a little closer to home, and at a much more relaxed pace. That’s right, we can take in the wonderful sights and sounds of Liverpool by taking a “tour” of our own around the city.
Cycling Around Merseyside
As a region, Merseyside has constantly been keen to keep improving the quality of transport infrastructure. This isn’t limited to making car journeys less stressful or providing sufficient bus and train services to keep people moving with greater ease. It’s also about encouraging visitors and residents alike to take in their surroundings in a much more leisurely way.
With this in mind, Merseytravel has published a number of detailed cycle maps for the region. These include everything from the most popular urban routes in and around Liverpool city centre, to scenic coastal routes in the Sefton borough from Bootle to Southport. Heading further out, there are also plenty of routes to enjoy around Knowsley, St. Helens and Wirral.
Tour de Liverpool
Image Source: Pixabay
If it’s a whistle-stop tour of the key sights that the centre of Liverpool has to offer, then the Tour de Liverpool recommended by British Cycling might just be right up your street. However, instead of a racing bike akin to those used by Tour de France competitors, they suggest that it’s better to use a mountain bike or hybrid with off road tyres.
This 24-mile tour of Liverpool takes in many great locations, both on tarmac and off-road through plenty of tranquil green spaces the city has to offer. Starting out at Otterspool Park, the route takes us through the Festival Gardens and the Albert Dock, down Duke Street and past Liverpool Cathedral towards St James Mount.
From there, National Cycling Network route 56 takes riders through Toxteth, Princes Park and Sefton Park, then takes in Allerton and Calderstones Park before reaching Childwall. Arriving at National Cycling Network route 62, riders can then head south towards the historic Tudor residence and gardens of Speke Hall, before turning back towards the starting point to complete the circuit.
Scenic & Relaxing Rides
Whether it’s through the city of Liverpool itself or the surrounding areas of Merseyside, there are plenty of great cycling routes to try. Don’t forget to plan the route you’re going to take before setting off — and instead of racing through the streets and parks, set your own pace and take in the wonderful surroundings