Pushing my bike through a muddy field with clear skies above and rolling hills all around, it is hard to believe I am less than a mile from Preston's commuter belt and even harder to imagine it being part of a large cycle route.
But if funding is found and the plans approved, this field near Frenchwood will be part of a large network connecting places such as the docks and Preston Sports Arena.
Picking up the trail in Fulwood and heading clockwise, the proposed route weaves into the countryside, peacefully twisting and turning through fields and on old paths and disused railways.
But the most pleasant part of the ride is to the south, where it follows the banks of the River Ribble before emerging at Avenham and Miller Parks.
From here there is the choice of continuing to the docks before going up and around Ashton and Ingol, or joining one of the other cycle routes taking you anywhere from Chorley to Liverpool.
The Guild Wheel - the proposed cycle route to celebrate the Preston Guild in 2012 - was the idea of former England international cyclist Peter Ward, 74. He hopes its versatility will make the route a big hit.
He says: "I was on the council committee from the last Guild and I want something spectacular that will be of lasting value."
For the full feature see Thursday's Lancashire Evening Post.
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