a ride of two halves. We leave the bright lights of Manchester (departing Manchester Town Hall at midnight), and, between Bury and Ribchester go over hills the like of which we don't see on any other FNRttC. At one point we're a thousand feet up. We stop for refreshments at the Potter's Barn (formerly the Carmen Rose) at Ribchester before going on to Morecambe, the second half being a flatter proposition entirely. Not as flat as York to Hull, mind, but beyond Garstang it'll not be at all taxing. We go through Lancaster (there's not a lot of choice) and down a cycle path to Morecambe for breakfast.
In essence, then, it's last year's ride to Blackpool as far as Longridge, followed by a schlep north instead of a schlep west. 58 miles, although that's a little deceptive, because the first half is up and down. No tower, but Morecambe is highly recommended, and you'll see the Lake District across the bay.
I think the highlight of last year's ride was the support from the side of the road - notably at Bury and at the Rose and Crown in Edgeworth, which is near the top of a taxing climb. There are one or two descents that really have to be taken sensibly, but the drop to Ribchester is a marvellous bit of road.
It's not all good - the 4000 holes in Blackburn Lancashire were all on our road, but, hey, we'll take it easy, and warn those behind us.
Trains south from Lancaster - it's usually something like a 40 minute wait for a connection if you train frome Morecambe, time you could be spending in the company of yellow beer.
Questions and registration as ever, from fnrttc@yahoo.co.uk
Adam B
Adrian C
Miranda S
Jenny M
Alan S
Emily S
Tacey L
Phil F
Andrew Br
Susie F
Martin T
Marcus C
Ian Mac
Charlie B
In essence, then, it's last year's ride to Blackpool as far as Longridge, followed by a schlep north instead of a schlep west. 58 miles, although that's a little deceptive, because the first half is up and down. No tower, but Morecambe is highly recommended, and you'll see the Lake District across the bay.
I think the highlight of last year's ride was the support from the side of the road - notably at Bury and at the Rose and Crown in Edgeworth, which is near the top of a taxing climb. There are one or two descents that really have to be taken sensibly, but the drop to Ribchester is a marvellous bit of road.
It's not all good - the 4000 holes in Blackburn Lancashire were all on our road, but, hey, we'll take it easy, and warn those behind us.
Trains south from Lancaster - it's usually something like a 40 minute wait for a connection if you train frome Morecambe, time you could be spending in the company of yellow beer.
Questions and registration as ever, from fnrttc@yahoo.co.uk
Adam B
Adrian C
Miranda S
Jenny M
Alan S
Emily S
Tacey L
Phil F
Andrew Br
Susie F
Martin T
Marcus C
Ian Mac
Charlie B
