England : Greater Manchester M'cr - Southport - M'cr Night Ride

[middleagecyclist]

I'll start a list of interested CCers on the first post.

 

[craven2354]

I would have liked to do this as my first century, but my dad is getting married the next day, might be pushing it getting to Somerset for 11.30am after the ride . Can we do another weekend?

Tell him he needs to move the wedding

 

[middleagecyclist]

Tell him he needs to move the wedding

Just send a card?

 

[tubbycyclist]

I quite fancy this, depending on the date.

A couple of thoughts -

From previous audax experience it is worth checking out what 24 hour facilities are en route - temperatures are likely to around 3-5 degrees overnight and the chance to have a hot caffeinated drink is invaluable and staves off the "dozies". There are definitely accessible services very near the route at the M65/A666 junction at Blackburn that will be 24 hour, may be other options that some locals might know. A lot of 24 hour petrol stations are hatch only - so you can get coke but not coffee.

Some town centres on a Friday night can be inhospitable to cyclists, especially when the clubs kick out! May be worth thinking about diverting out of the centre of Preston as likely to be around that time?

 

[middleagecyclist]

I quite fancy this, depending on the date.

A couple of thoughts -

From previous audax experience it is worth checking out what 24 hour facilities are en route - temperatures are likely to around 3-5 degrees overnight and the chance to have a hot caffeinated drink is invaluable and staves off the "dozies". There are definitely accessible services very near the route at the M65/A666 junction at Blackburn that will be 24 hour, may be other options that some locals might know. A lot of 24 hour petrol stations are hatch only - so you can get coke but not coffee.

Some town centres on a Friday night can be inhospitable to cyclists, especially when the clubs kick out! May be worth thinking about diverting out of the centre of Preston as likely to be around that time?

Good points. Thanks.

I was thinking of a 24hr Mcdonalds in Southport and garages elsewhere if needed. Something to consider certainly.

The provisional date is 23-24/11/12.

 

[Pumpkin the robot]

Tell him he needs to move the wedding

I only realised tonight that I have tickets to see the Hairy bikers in Bolton that night as well, maybe as they are in to cycling they could come too?

Just send a card?

That sounds like a plan as I am not keen on the wicked step mother!

 

[tubbycyclist]

I was thinking of a 24hr Mcdonalds in Southport and garages elsewhere if needed. Something to consider certainly.

Worth knowing that MuckyD's have a no cyclists policy at their drive through once the "restaurant" closes - although most open at 5am. I have fallen foul of this at 2.30am, so worth having a Plan B.

 

[Markymark13]

I am interested. Sounds like it might be a good night!

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Worth knowing that MuckyD's have a no cyclists policy at their drive through once the "restaurant" closes - although most open at 5am. I have fallen foul of this at 2.30am, so worth having a Plan B.

Weird, you try to give 'em money and they won't take it.

 

[middleagecyclist]

I only realised tonight that I have tickets to see the Hairy bikers in Bolton that night as well, maybe as they are in to cycling they could come too?

Too orange! Sorry.

 

[middleagecyclist]

Worth knowing that MuckyD's have a no cyclists policy at their drive through once the "restaurant" closes - although most open at 5am. I have fallen foul of this at 2.30am, so worth having a Plan B.

Have checked with MaccyDs on Southport front. It is 24 hrs indoors seated.

I'm thinking of cycling the majority of the route during the daytime sometime in October and will check out turnings, short cuts, refreshment options and the like.

 

[middleagecyclist]

I've rejigged the proposed route a tad taking into account the comments earlier in the thread, missing out Preson and using the A580 for the return section.

I've also posted the ride on the CC Events Calendar so if interested in coming along please make yourselves known here.

Thanks

 

[billy1561]

I'm another who can't make this particular date unfortunately but will keep an eye out for other events in future if you do them m.a.c.

 

[SportMonkey]

Put me down for a provisional, but I don't know how long I'll be required in Texas after the F1.

 

[gb155]

I might be ok for this one