There are a fair few cycling routes in and around the city, however one avid cyclist recently took on an unusual and unique route around Manchester and beyond. And it’s a route that potentially no one has ever cycled before… Presented on a map in the shape of a penis and testicles, Jake Colling took on a 69-mile ‘cock and balls’ cycling route across Manchester with quite a practical reminder for anyone with testicles to check themselves.
In a Youtube video, documenting his journey Jake Colling said: “I know the whole idea of this is very childish. But there’s a good reason for it. I want to help raise awareness for testicular cancer.
“If anyone watches this video with balls and hasn’t checked them in a while, go give them a squeeze, give them a rub, give them a little roll around, see how they’re doing. Have a check in, reunite yourself. If you feel anything unusual, book an appointment with your GP.”
Starting and ending in Manchester city centre, the penis and testicles-shaped cycling route began by heading out west of the city towards Gorse Hill then Stretford and Urmston, reaching Manchester Ship Canal near Irlam. Jake Colling then curved round Hollins Green, crossing the canal and cycling south-east towards Warburton, as part of the ‘tip’ and the furthest point of the route.
Heading east, the local cyclist passed the likes of Timperley, Northenden, Didsbury and Heaton Moor before reaching Reddish Vale Country Park, before reversing back a little and cycling south for the start of the ‘balls’ part of the route. Colling reached Marple then headed east, brushing past the Peak District close to Glossop as he headed north to Stalybridge and Ashton-under-Lyne before returning to the city centre parallel with the River Medlock.
For those who fancy giving this penis and testicles-shaped cycling route around Manchester a go, it’s not for the faint hearted. Described as an ‘expert gravel ride’, you’ll need to dismount and push your bike at certain points and there is a very steep uphill segment too. You can find the route here.