FNRttC Manchester-Blackpool 3rd September 2021

[Andrew Br]

I've modified the original post to include new information (based on a recent recce ride).

We're going to depart from Manchester Victoria Station: the town hall is having a lot of work done on it and Albert Square is fenced off plus Deansgate is an absolute mess and very difficult to cycle down.
The station is under cover, has a pub open until midnight and easy access to the route out of the city centre.
I suggest meeting inside near the tram tracks in front of Java Coffee Bar.

When you're cycling to the start, please be aware of the tram tracks on the roads.

I'm planning to recce Blackburn-Fleetwood-Blackpool next week so I'll post further updates then.

 

[wanda2010]

In! Tickets and hotel booked cos on 'hols' the following week and not visited Blackpool in a few years.

 

[Domus]

Look forward to seeing your new bike Sonia 👍

 

[CharlieB]

Is anyone gathering at Piccadilly station that could escort others to Victoria, please?
Just a little uneasy navigating a city I don't know too well, especially when tramlines are entered into the mix.

 

[StuAff]

Regret I will not be joining this one, as it's a corker. Even in the 2019 weather…Sadly, there are no bike reservations on the Saturday morning/early afternoon services to Euston. At all. Seriously, I checked seven or eight trains. What gives, Virgin? Gits. Oh, and you'll be changing at Crewe due to engineering work. Given the choice between Chutney and the Litespeed on those roads, the latter wins every time (oh, and mudguards and disc brakes in the event of rain)…so I've moved the day's leave I had booked and will look forward to seeing the ride reports. Hopefully it won't be grim up north. Shame about Frankie & Bonnie's, that was a cracking breakfast.

Have just checked, out of curiosity…bike reservations now possible online. Insert further multiple expletives here. Obv far too late to amend plans, plus ticket prices £££££ and there's still a change to get to Euston.

 

[wanda2010]

Have just checked, out of curiosity…bike reservations now possible online. Insert further multiple expletives here. Obv far too late to amend plans, plus ticket prices £££££ and there's still a change to get to Euston.

It was a mission when I booked my return ticket. Had to tweet the train company to assist in making bike reservation separately.

 

[StuAff]

It was a mission when I booked my return ticket. Had to tweet the train company to assist in making bike reservation separately.

Oh yes, memories of past shenanigans to get a bike on board…

 

[Andrew Br]

It was a mission when I booked my return ticket. Had to tweet the train company to assist in making bike reservation separately.

Great that you're coming along wanda, it'll be fabulous to see you again.
One suggestion: get to the station in plenty of time for your train .

 

[robjh]

I'm getting quite tempted by the thought of this ride and need to look at travel arrangements (which would involve riding at least part of the way).

If you were getting into Manchester earlier, say 8 or 9 pm, what are the options on a Friday night for whiling away some time and getting a meal in places that don't involve a lot of alcohol and noisy revelry?

 

[wanda2010]

Great that you're coming along wanda, it'll be fabulous to see you again.
One suggestion: get to the station in plenty of time for your train .

That was harsh, but fair

 

[Zee]

@robjh

Spinningfields area- quite close to Victoria with outside seating areas where you could lean a bike (search for Crazy Pedro's on Google and lots of places to eat around there)

Corn Exchange - lots of places with outside seating. There's vapianos, pizza express, Gino da'campos. Within sight of Victoria station.

Northern Quarter - lots of Al fresco but can get a bit busier as night goes on.

Great Northern - (near Deansgate) all star lanes, home sweet home, almost famous. Might not be able to sit outside with bikes though if you're not bringing locks.

 

[Andrew Br]

Thanks Zee.
I'm afraid that I'm well out of touch with what's happening in MCR so I can't be any help rob.
It's around 2 years since I last went out in town.

In other news (I'll expand on this after tomorrow when I'm doing a further recce), we're on for the ferry from Knott End to Fleetwood. Finally the tides are working in the ride's favour.
From their FB page and a message to me:-
"This weeks sailing times: 30th August- 5th September 2021 Monday 7.45- 8.45 STOP 1.15-17.45 Tuesday 0745 - 0945 STOP 1345 - 1745 Wednesday 0745 - 1115 STOP 1445 - 1745. Thursday 0745 - 1245 STOP 1615 - 1745. Friday 0745 - 1315 Saturday 0745 - 1345 Sunday 0745 - 1445 The Ferry will set sail quarter past and quarter to the hour from Fleetwood. Due to low tides the ferry will be suspended on some days (see timetable) Passenger Fares (each way): Passengers(including OAPs, Adults and children): £2 Babies: £1 Bikes: £0.50p Dogs: £0.50p We do not offer return tickets. Launch Fares: Boat: £8.50 Jet Ski: £6.50 Cash Only. We do not accept card payments"

I've put the relevant bits in Bold. Please note the cash only requirement.
https://www.facebook.com/search/pages/?q=fleetwood to knott end ferry

So far 13 have signed up with two more of the Chorlton(CH) Massive to do so.

The ferry have also told me that they can accommodate 15 riders and bikes. If we exceed that number they'll come straight back after dropping the 1st lot off.

 

[Zee]

Is anyone gathering at Piccadilly station that could escort others to Victoria, please?
Just a little uneasy navigating a city I don't know too well, especially when tramlines are entered into the mix.

https://www.komoot.com/tour/471707600?ref=wtd
^ Piccadilly station to Victoria. Crosses 2x sets of tram lines - both at 90degree angle.
Otherwise riding in segregated area when next to tram lines, separated by concrete border.
Export to GPS device option is available on the page.

 

[robjh]

Just signed up for my first Manchester ride. Trains all booked. Looking forward to it.

 

[Pumpkin the robot]

I am tempted with this, even thoug hI have done very little cycling in the last year. At least I know the roads and have plenty of bail out points.