Manchester to Blackpool Night Ride 29-30th September 2012

[Gez73]

I hope to have a CC jersey by then but have a CC buff anyway. Weather was drizzly last year but not windy so ok. We could arrange a meet up at Barton Square anyway. The reality is probably that we're all different in terms of ability and what we'd like to do on the ride but I'll be on a Kona Dew with a rack and all-in -one bag/panniers. Will avoid a rucksack as I have been of late on my commute. Like all things bring as much or slightly more than you think you'll need. I'd be looking at about 4 hours at a steady 15mph or thereabouts. Don't wear a bladder as there are three stops on the route and if it's not very warm you'll be ok. I'll have a bottle or two on the bike. Has anyone got their number yet? Curious as to how many might do it this year. Was about the 600 mark first year but expect it to be higher this time. Plenty of time to arrange things. I'm not raising money this time so not sure if I'll bother to register. Would rather sponsor someone else with the money than spend it on the registration fee. (Still have last years number anyway and would just have to avoid the person wearing that same number )

 

[Gez73]

 

[DCLane]

I won't be pushing it since I'm doing the Etape Pennines a week later. But I won't be going slow either

 

[Powely]

I'm gambling on the fact that we've had late summers these last few years and that it'll be nice, dry and just pleasantly cool!

I wonder what odds you'd get for that?

 

[Gez73]

It was just the right side of cool last year. I had a Polaris pack-a mack and shorts on. Overshoes too of course. Cooler on the coast but not too bad.

 

[middleagecyclist]

No one fancied the knee warmer idea then? Not a prob' though as i've just ordered a SS CycleChat top

I'll still be using my Altura Jersey as an outer layer for the ride but will be identifiable as a CCer at either end. Make sure you say hello!

 

[Gez73]

I'll just do a base layer and hopefully a CC short sleeved top if they've arrived by then?.Will keep the packable mac in the bag if I don't need it. Shorts too of course and something packed to stay warm on the seafront. I have an Altura jacket but it's quite warm for all but the coldest days.

 

[middleagecyclist]

...I have an Altura jacket but it's quite warm for all but the coldest days.

I don't use my jacket much either but really like the Night Vision LS Jersey. It's warm and breathable and really, really stands out out night!

(Shameless reposting of pic already on a CC thread. What the heck? It's me, I took it, I like it!)

 

[DTD]

Will be doing it – did the day time one last year, wasn't feeling great this year so gave it a miss.

 

[PrestonCycleMan]

Hi, I have entered into this this year. Does anyone have recommendations on what bike to use? I intend to use a MTB with road tyres - is this a bad, good or novice idea?

 

[pkeenan]

middleagecyclist - that has to be one of the coolest photos ever!

 

[DCLane]

Hi, I have entered into this this year. Does anyone have recommendations on what bike to use? I intend to use a MTB with road tyres - is this a bad, good or novice idea?

There will be all types (probably). I'm using a road bike, but that's because I'm riding back as well.

An MTB with road tyres should be fine.

 

[middleagecyclist]

middleagecyclist - that has to be one of the coolest photos ever!

Aww. Thanks. *blushes*. I do like it. Lots of guessing to get the time exposure to fit my circling. This was the best result of about 30 shots!

 

[PrestonCycleMan]

There will be all types (probably). I'm using a road bike, but that's because I'm riding back as well.

An MTB with road tyres should be fine.

Thanks, I'm really looking forward to it now, I'm a little apprehensive as I'm on my own - but that said I think it will be better that way so I can go at my own pace. I'm just waiting on my welcome pack now...

Any suggestions on a good set of lights for the bike?

 

[DCLane]

Not sure about lights - I've got a Cree light for the MTB which I'll swap over, plus a couple of other back-ups.

Any suggestions on a good breakfast cafe in Blackpool near the finish which could be used as a meeting point would be good for a) CC'ers doing the ride and b) for those of us riding back to Manchester.