Tour de Warrington

The journey was a gruelling 45 miles over seven and half hours - but it was a fantastic way to see the town and I'd recommend it to anyone.

The point is I'm not a proper cyclist. I've just started riding to work, I only learned how to put a chain back on weeks ago, and my arteries are 20 per cent black pudding.

What were the low points? A fly in my mouth in Loushers Lane. Climbing London Road into Appleton at the hottest part of the day. Having to go the toilet behind a shuttered-up pub like a mangy dog.

The highlight was breezing past Walton reservoir, the water bathed in sun, the air still, the road downhill!

I set off at 7.30am and found the grumpy New Town drivers in Great Sankey and Callands did not give me much leeway. It was pretty soulless experience trundling along the flat tree-lined avenues of that part of town.

And the maze of roundabouts are horrible on a bicycle - either the annoyance of going on the pedestrian crossings or the stress of going on the road with traffic coming at you from all sides.

The cyclists I interviewed en-route were a shy lot. None would have their picture taken. Why? Are cyclists crazed loners? Am I crazed loner?

One cryptically said: "I have had enough of photos already!" What on earth was going on?

Most of them stuck to the pavement.

A 46-year-old man from Milner Street in Latchford said: "I won't go round Bridge Foot. It's mad."

And Cathy Bushell from Croft out exercising on the lanes round the village said: "There's no way you can get from here to Warrington because of the traffic."

Cycling made me realise how hilly and green south Warrington is compared to the north, and how varied it can be.

In Longford, amidst the council houses, a dodgy looking man in his 30s rode a bike so small for him I doubthe acquired it legally.

It was a long from way from the opulent mansions and electronic gates of Firs Lane in Appleton.

Lunch was a tasty Italian platter at 11.45am in Lymm, at Hopkinsons Deli, amidst well-off mums and grannies Halfway through I realised my shirt was almost unbuttoned to my waist, and that added, to the fact I hadn't shaved, meant it looked like I was more likely to rob the place than eat. But I was too tired to care.

I kind of hoped for some comedy mishaps during the day but it easier than I thought.

There was a scary moment by Risley Auto Services near Risley Prison when my U-lock fell from its bracket and caught round my foot, which could have led to some serious leg breaking action.

And some riding was not great fun.

Harpers Road in Fearnhead was so bumpy it was like racing over the cobbles in the Paris-Roubaix race. Birchwood Way was way too scary.

And town centre cycling is hard work. You have to occupy the middle of the lane for safety reasons but that means pedalling hard to keep up the speed.

But by 1.56pm I was heading out of Moore with a smile on my face - I knew I had cracked it by then and it was such a pleasurable way to get around now there were no time limits.

I even saw a sight on the roads stranger than my legs (which have the colour of uncooked sausage).

It was a pensioner trundling out of Higher Walton down Chester Road, encased in what looked like a mobility scooter with a grey canvas roof and sides.

I couldn't help but give him a cheery wave, which he returned with delight.

The end came in Whitecross at 3.05pm and I was genuinely sorry to stop. A Police CSO doing the rounds kindly took my picture for and that was that.

It was not much of a tour in terms of length and difficulty. But for pleasure, satisfaction and the feeling of exploring the town? Give it a go.