Latest and last major update (I hope):-
Start Victoria Station at midnight (earlier if everyone's there). Please arrive by 23.45 for the safety briefing. I'm planning to get there by 23.30. We'll meet inside, across from Java coffee bar.
The initial route out of Manchester is different to previous rides and there's a further difference where we go across Salford Wetlands.
We're using the 24hr Euro Garages BP station on Frontier Park services in Whitebirk, Blackburn for the mid-ride refreshment stop. It's just behind the McD's we've previously used. Getting there will involve some pavement cycling but that's safer and faster than going around the multi-lane roundabouts on the roads.
The garage has toilets and a well stocked shop: a coffee machine, sandwiches, pies(!), sweets, chocolate, fruit, soft drinks etc. There is no indoor seating unless they allow us to use one of the (closed) franchises. I'd like to keep our stay there to 45 minutes. I visited at 02.30 this morning (you're welcome) and everything was available.
After the stop, we'll follow the previous route until just after Inglewhite where we'll cross the M6 to head through Bilsborrow, St. Michael's on Wyre and Pilling.
From Pilling we'll ride towards Fluke Hall and onto the “sea wall” towards Knott End and the ferry to Fleetwood.
From Inglewhite the route is very flat but is difficult in a headwind. Ask me how I know......
The ferry costs £2.50 for rider and bike (cash only, no card payments, please have the correct change).
From Fleetwood, we'll ride down the Prom to Blackpool for breakfast in the Layton Rakes:-
https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/...ource=google&utm_medium=maps&utm_campaign=gmb
I'm sorry* it's a Wetherspoons but trying to deal with local cafes was eroding what is left of my soul.
On the plus side, it has outdoor seating and is very close to Blackpool North station.
It would be useful if some of you could make a note of the Layton Rakes' location. Once we get to Fleetwood I may send a faster group ahead to claim tables and bike parking space.
Timings:-
I'm hoping to get to the garage at 03.00.
Knott End at 07.45 (for the 1st ferry).
Layton Rakes at 09.00.
Some general HS&E announcements:-
There are tram tracks at both ends of the ride. Please cross them at as near to 90 deg. as possible or get off and walk.
Be careful of sand going down the Prom. If in doubt, get off and walk.
Some of the descents are fast; please ride within the limitations of your lights and talents. I'll issue a specific speed warning at one point. Please heed it.
We'll be regrouping for catch-ups or further, specific** H&S announcements. Many of these will be near houses so please keep the noise to a minimum.
Any questions, please ask.
Most importantly (after safety), we'll be stopping in Bury to remember alans/jogler. I'll bring flowers.
Finally;
Please check your bike over paying particular attention to the tyres. The Friday's web site has useful information:-
https://www.fnrttc.org.uk/all-about-the-bike
Any volunteers for TECs ? Competence with mechanicals an asset !
Also, volunteers for way marking (not that there's much need; it's a very linear route and most of the turns are at natural re-grouping points).
tl:dr ?
No; get a drink, sit down and start at the very beginning. I'm told it's a very good place to start. Please pay particular attention to HS&E and bike prep stuff.
*I really am sorry but see above.
**See above again.
