Manchester to Blackpool Night Ride 29-30th September 2012

[Mello]

Has anybody done this ride before? How well was it organised? Did all the cyclist stay together in a peloton? What was the organisation like for getting back to Manchester. Any problems on the ride. Really fancy the idea of doing a night ride.

 

[DCLane]

Not done before, but I'm going to be riding back to Manchester from Blackpool on the Sunday morning after the event.

 

[SquareDaff]

Does anyone know the detailed route yet?

I was wondering about this too. Want to program my Garmin with the route before setting off.

 

[Gez73]

I did this last year and will be doing it again. Well marshalled and a really good ride. I've done the M2B day ride the year before but the night ride was far better. There just seemed to be fewer casual cyclists on the night ride and as a result it flowed better. I was in work the Monday too no problem. I would like to cycle back to Hadfield too so might have to put some miles in in the meantime. Will look into the stuff I kept from the ride and see if I can find the detailed ride. Unlike the day ride they sent out a route map with the information pack last year but it wasn't very detailed to be honest. A great event. Funny seeing all the party people in Preston falling out of the clubs. You don't set off until 01:00am. A great buzz in Barton Square (Trafford Centre)too, you can get to the start from 11pm and soak up the vibes. I think you can register on the night but check that in case you can't this year!

 

[Powered by Porridge]

I was wondering about this too. Want to program my Garmin with the route before setting off.

I fought my way through their crappy FAQ system and have asked for information on the route. Any joy and I'll post the answer.

If the Boss lets me I'll get the train into Manchester from Warrington, do the ride to Blackpool, have one of the biggest breakfasts known to man, and then ride back with anyone else doing so (DCLane?). But I'll turn right early for home.

 

[Powered by Porridge]

... have one of the biggest breakfasts known to man, and then ride back ...

Thinking further, how big/long can the breakfast be before the occasion becomes two rides? I like a bit of brekkie, but prefer a lot of brekkie!

 

[DCLane]

have one of the biggest breakfasts known to man, and then ride back with anyone else doing so (DCLane?). But I'll turn right early for home.

I'd welcome the company on the way back!

Also, if anyone knows the best location for decent breakfasts in Blackpool, that'd be good

 

[Gez73]

There was decent food at the finish. Didn't have any myself but I'd brought stuff to eat. Was wet too so bring enough stuff to stay comfortable until you start the journey back. I have a rack now do will load up with tracksuit bottoms for the rest while having breakfast. Should get a group together esp. if some are returning back to Manc. or in that direction.

 

[Powered by Porridge]

I'd welcome the company on the way back!

Sounds good to me!

Also, if anyone knows the best location for decent breakfasts in Blackpool, that'd be good

A research project?

 

[Powered by Porridge]

There was decent food at the finish.
Should get a group together esp. if some are returning back to Manc. or in that direction.

Good to know. But we could always act like hobbits and have a second breakfast.

Definitely get a group for the return. Looking forward to a cold night with little sleep. How odd

 

[middleagecyclist]

I'd welcome the company on the way back!

If I get the time off to do the ride then I will definitely be on for joining a return bunch.

Now, not sure whether to use my trusty and comfy but heavy tourer with rack+pack, hub gears, full guards and hub dynamo lighting or go as fast and light as possible on the CF road bike, fit a Magicshine, stuff the jersey pockets full of gubbins and just say bugger to any bad weather. What's everyone else planning to use?

 

[DCLane]

I'll be on the Secteur Comp - forget tourers!

I do have a lightweight rack for it though, which I'll possibly use, or a lightweight rucksack if it's damp.
If the forecast's dry it'll just be a tri bag.

 

[middleagecyclist]

How many CCers doing this ride will actually know each in the flesh? I would suggest each wearing a CC jersey but I haven't got one (yet) and think I'll be sporting an Altura Night Vision on the night anyway. Maybe we should have some kind of secret symbol known only to us though. What could it be...?

 

[DCLane]

CC jersey is fine with me.

Oh, and I look like my avatar, except with a green/white helmet

 

[middleagecyclist]

CC jersey is fine with me.

I was thinking something more surrepticious. Maybe wearing one red knee warmer on the right only followed by two nods and a wink on eye contact and then a suitable phrase to confirm. Perhaps along the lines of: "May your tyres ride smoothly" with a reply of: "To the coast or death!". Perhaps.