Great Manchester cycle

[smokeysmoo]

Sold my entry due to other commitments and I'm glad really as I was regretting booking it TBH.

I'd told myself never again after the first two years due to the lunacy levels of many riders, (clubs included), but in a moment of madness I decided to book it after all but it's gone now.

Ride safe guys and don't forget your 360 degree vision on the day, you'll need it!

 

[Hacienda71]

I haven't booked this year. I would have been tempted to go with the fast group on the front, which is pretty much a road race with average speeds of around 25 mph and people riding very close together, even though it isn't a "race". Last year there were some dubious riding abilities and tt bikes and bars being used despite the organisers saying they were banned. I know two people who were taken out, one ended up with a broken wrist.
Advice to those riding, signal what you are doing, point out potholes etc, shoulder check regularly, hold your line through the corners and most importantly enjoy yourselves. Despite some shite riding it is good fun blasting the closed streets of Manchester

 

[thegisp]

Hi,

Was thinking of having a go at this.

Sorry if it's a bit cheeky, but does anyone have a spare entry they would like to sell so I could take part?

 

[smokeysmoo]

Sorry if it's a bit cheeky, but does anyone have a spare entry they would like to sell so I could take part?

I know someone with a 13 mile entry they won't be using if that's any use.

He forgot to book the 52 in time and it was sold out, so he booked the 13 but was going to try to ride the 52 with it anyway, although I don't know if he'd have got away with it TBH.

If it's any use PM me your number and I'll pass it on to him.

 

[jarlrmai]

I will be taking it very carefully this year, did a decent group run on Thursday so as ready as I can be.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Sorry if it's a bit cheeky, but does anyone have a spare entry they would like to sell so I could take part?

FYI I've just seen he's offered this elsewhere and has got someone interested in it, but so far at 21:05 they haven't committed, but you might need to be quick if you want it.

 

[bigup]

a friend and I are doing the 26 mile one tomorrow

its the first time im doing anything like this

my commute to work is 12 mile daily which i have been doing on and off past few months. so im hoping i will be ok.

any tips for the day? is it very strict with times? the form said we need to have an avg speed of 13 mph which i can do but hills are a killer for me so it may drop, do they make you stop if your falling behind?

got my timing chip on my bike all ready and will be driving to the etihaad with the bike in the car.

do you guys ride light? as in leave all stuff in the car? how about if it rains etc

ive got my Christies T shrt which is too thick so i may not wear it, this ok?

do i get my main number for the T shirt in the day?

 

[davdandy]

There are no hills to worry about.Mancunian way is the only slight hill i can think of and that is not much.You will be fine.

Weather says it should be fine tomorrow so no need for rain macs.Fingers crossed.

The t-shirt is given to you after you finish the ride.

For the record,its my first time doing this also.I am doing the 52 though.

 

[jarlrmai]

1. You will be fine, riding in even small groups is easier and the adrenaline etc will push you along, last year I was averaging 18 on my normal hilly routes I did 20+ in the 52 GMC it was my 1st time.
2. There are no hills, it goes slightly up a bit for half and down a bit on the way back but it's mostly flat, I did only 1000ft in 52 miles last year.
3. It's closed roads there are no cars or red lights or waiting at junctions, there's a few hairpin tight bends to watch out for though.
4. Pin your number on the front of your jersey the night before its the front page of info sheet they sent you along with your timing chip card, use 4 safety pins.
6. Make sure you have water bottles and eat before and have something for after.
6. Ride light as you can, don't forget spare inner tubes, tools (tyre levers), pump or CO2, carry your rain jacket in your jersey pocket if it looks like it might rain.
7. Wear your normal cycling gear and remember you must wear a helmet.
8. The cut-offs are really, really easy to make for the 26 you start at 11:45 and the cutoff for starting the second lap is 13:30 so you have 1:45 minutes to do 13 miles which is 7.4mph.
9. Remember to pick up your pack at the end.
10. Good luck.

 

[davdandy]

Don't forget you can always have a stop at the food station and have a drink and something to eat.It is a social event remember so do not worry about getting kicked off.I imagine it is only the 52 that is competitive.

 

[Katherine]

I would only add that if you don't want to start near the back, get there early. Assembly starts at 11.15 and fills up very quickly. That's the time to chat because then it's quite a wait until they start you off. They channel everyone slowly over the start, then as you get round the corner, it opens out and there's plenty of room. Bit less space over the Mancunian way so don't get too close to the person in front and watch out for over takers.
You will enjoy it and the miles pass very quickly.
Last year my average speed on the day was 16 mph when it usually was about 12.

 

[Katherine]

Good luck everyone.

 

[TissoT]

If any one knows of some one that has a entry(52) and does nt want to use it ...I would take it in exchange for the full price ...
A couple of guys out of the club are riding ... and I would of ridden with them but I missed the entry
Dead line...

 

[Martin p]

Just getting ready to set off from a not so sunny Sheffield even tho its supposed to be hoping its better in Manchester. All the best to everyone riding & stay safe.

 

[Katherine]

Dry here, sunny and cloudy.