Manchester to Blackpool Night Ride 29-30th September 2012

[middleagecyclist]

Just catching up with this thread. I'm 46 so you young pups had better go easy on me!

45 in October.

 

[SquareDaff]

Daft question time: are many of you doing fundraising for this ride? I'm struggling to raise any, having done a major charity event only in July this year.

I am - but not a huge amount. Think I guesstimated £150 and should manage that

 

[middleagecyclist]

Did anything get sorted about a breakfast meet? I'm not a big fan but there are two 24 hr McDonalds close to the Tower if anyone fancies it.

 

[SquareDaff]

If anyone else has rider numbers can you post them on the topic so I can add them to the 1st posting for reference purposes? Ta, muchly.

 

[DCLane]

Did anything get sorted about a breakfast meet? I'm not a big fan but there are two 24 hr McDonalds close to the Tower if anyone fancies it.

Thanks - that's useful. Even for coffee/stuff.

We've not organised a breakfast location yet.

 

[SquareDaff]

This will be my 1st ride doing something other than commuting and training since I got back into cycling.

 

[DCLane]

This will be my 1st ride doing something other than commuting and training since I got back into cycling.

OK - how much distance have you done in one go?

The route is fairly flat, so I'd suggest you should have done a ride of 75 miles or so previously to be able to do there and back. If you've done hills then that'd reduce of course.

For example, I did last week's Otley sportive and tomorrow I'm off up into the Pennines (Dewsbury-Holmfirth-Holme Moss-Penistone-Wakefield-Dewsbury) on a 60-mile hilly route which would be a similar level of energy use as we'll use Manchester-Blackpool-Manchester.

 

[craven2354]

I will be using strava but more for my time As my wireless cateye cycle computer is broken

 

[SquareDaff]

OK - how much distance have you done in one go?

The route is fairly flat, so I'd suggest you should have done a ride of 75 miles or so previously to be able to do there and back. If you've done hills then that'd reduce of course.

For example, I did last week's Otley sportive and tomorrow I'm off up into the Pennines (Dewsbury-Holmfirth-Holme Moss-Penistone-Wakefield-Dewsbury) on a 60-mile hilly route which would be a similar level of energy use as we'll use Manchester-Blackpool-Manchester.

Well I'm not cycling back - only there. The other half is kindly ferrying me back assuming she stays sober while waiting for me to get to Blackpool - (so if anyone around Leeds needs excess stuff ferrying back then I can probably accommodate)

Distance wise - I've been doing 40+ mile rides from Doncaster to Leeds twice weekly for the last month. A sort in inverted Blackpool run as all the hills are at the end. The plan is to do a 50 mile ride from Leeds to my parents in Scunthorpe this weekend and then have a week with no exercise to make sure I'm in good shape.

 

[DCLane]

You'll be fine then - I'll be riding most of next week due to work!

 

[craven2354]

Just reading through the what you need minimum it says I need a reflector on the back and reflector on my peddles or reflective bands round my ankles do I have to or will I get away with it?

 

[middleagecyclist]

Just reading through the what you need minimum it says I need a reflector on the back and reflector on my peddles or reflective bands round my ankles do I have to or will I get away with it?

Using Look Keo pedals so no reflectors but will be using Endura reflective overshoes so plenty to catch the light there. No rear reflector on the road bike either (likely choice to use) but two good rear lights (on the under seat bag and on the helmet) and lots of reflective panels on my Altura Night Vision jersey. Pretty sure I won't fade into the background so i'm going to risk it and break the rules!

 

[craven2354]

Me to I think my high vis coat will give me away -.-

 

[SquareDaff]

Not sure on the outfit yet but my shoes have reflective rear panels so assuming I'll get away without pedal reflectors. Have a rear red one. Can bring some spares if anyone wants them.

 

[Gez73]

I'll wear reflective bands on my ankles have spares if anyone needs some. Will also have rucksack cover on pannier bag (just fits). Some reflectives on the bag too so should be fine. Nothing on the pedals though but never have. Overshoes are quite reflective too so no worries and of course plenty of lighting front and rear. A common sense approach is adequate to be fair.