This isn't a beauty contest. I'm not after 'Blackpool sucks, let's go to Rhyl instead!' but Mike has proved that the FNRttC mix can work in exotic climes, and, in happy consequence, some of us became aquainted with and charmed by a part of the world we didn't know, and all of us enjoyed a ride that brought together people from all over England and further afield.
So..........what are the ingredients?
1. Simplicity. Think of London to Brighton or York to Cleethorpes, and the small number of discretionary turns.
2. A really delicious start. HPC is difficult to beat (although Sloane Square might be better), but York Minster was its equal.
3. Railways, particularly at the destination. Cleethorpes was an astute choice on Mike's part. Three lines. Southend (6 trains an hour) and Brighton (more still) are the Daddys, but we manage with Whitstable because you don't need reservations on Southern trains - and the trains are 8 car.
4. Halfways stop. Tricky. There's a better Southend route just waiting to be ridden, but I've been up and down the route and asked every eatery on the way, and they're not interested. It takes luck and perseverence. In my view the route comes first and the half way stop is either worked out or not.
5. Scenery. Not really a big deal, because the night elevates the ordinary - try doing the Brighton route by day and you'll see what I mean.
6. Destination. Felpham is about as good as it gets - you almost stumble on the sea, but Brighton (all the fun of the fair), Southend (promenade and stunning railway station) and Whitstable (raised deck with view of a windfarm) are all good. Harwich may turn out to be a real favourite.
5. Length. 55-75 miles. Flatter means longer.
Here's my first thoughts.
Gloucester Cathedral to Cardiff Bay. A straight run down the A38, over the Severn Bridge and hug the coastline
Leeds City Hall to Morecambe. A tough ride, and it really depends on what the A65 is like at night
Sheffield to Hull. Sort of trying to improve on perfection, and I doubt the start will match York - but Hull is a very attractive destination.
Manchester City Hall to Morecambe. It might be that this can be done without spending too much time in streetlights
Bristol Docks to Swansea. A bit long, but who wouldn't cycle 88 miles for a free breakfast, especially if the waiter is wearing corduroy!
Local knowledge is key - so I'd really be interested in roads close to your home. I haven't entirely ruled out Scotland, but the only idea I've had is Glasgow to Oban, and it's a bit long, and I have doubts about the road.
So, please give up your thoughts - if nothing else comes of it, it'll be a good excuse for some recce rides.
So..........what are the ingredients?
1. Simplicity. Think of London to Brighton or York to Cleethorpes, and the small number of discretionary turns.
2. A really delicious start. HPC is difficult to beat (although Sloane Square might be better), but York Minster was its equal.
3. Railways, particularly at the destination. Cleethorpes was an astute choice on Mike's part. Three lines. Southend (6 trains an hour) and Brighton (more still) are the Daddys, but we manage with Whitstable because you don't need reservations on Southern trains - and the trains are 8 car.
4. Halfways stop. Tricky. There's a better Southend route just waiting to be ridden, but I've been up and down the route and asked every eatery on the way, and they're not interested. It takes luck and perseverence. In my view the route comes first and the half way stop is either worked out or not.
5. Scenery. Not really a big deal, because the night elevates the ordinary - try doing the Brighton route by day and you'll see what I mean.
6. Destination. Felpham is about as good as it gets - you almost stumble on the sea, but Brighton (all the fun of the fair), Southend (promenade and stunning railway station) and Whitstable (raised deck with view of a windfarm) are all good. Harwich may turn out to be a real favourite.
5. Length. 55-75 miles. Flatter means longer.
Here's my first thoughts.
Gloucester Cathedral to Cardiff Bay. A straight run down the A38, over the Severn Bridge and hug the coastline
Leeds City Hall to Morecambe. A tough ride, and it really depends on what the A65 is like at night
Sheffield to Hull. Sort of trying to improve on perfection, and I doubt the start will match York - but Hull is a very attractive destination.
Manchester City Hall to Morecambe. It might be that this can be done without spending too much time in streetlights
Bristol Docks to Swansea. A bit long, but who wouldn't cycle 88 miles for a free breakfast, especially if the waiter is wearing corduroy!
Local knowledge is key - so I'd really be interested in roads close to your home. I haven't entirely ruled out Scotland, but the only idea I've had is Glasgow to Oban, and it's a bit long, and I have doubts about the road.
So, please give up your thoughts - if nothing else comes of it, it'll be a good excuse for some recce rides.