Manchester to Blackpool Night Ride 29-30th September 2012

[DCLane]

We should be able to lock them all together. I'd suggested the McDonald's behind Blackpool Tower since a) it's open and b) it's public and as long as we're near the window it should be fine. There's bike stands opposite as well: https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=blackpool tower&hl=en&ll=53.814547,-3.054156&spn=0.000006,0.003449&hq=blackpool tower&t=m&z=18&layer=c&cbll=53.814592,-3.054327&panoid=6dVTPMvZamInSmxD4VYiqg&cbp=12,100.49,,0,13.02

I'm aiming for about 3 1/2 hours each way - with a stop for about 30 minutes at Blackpool - but won't be over-doing it.

 

[middleagecyclist]

I'm aiming for about 3 1/2 hours each way - with a stop for about 30 minutes at Blackpool - but won't be over-doing it.

Comfortable ride times for me. Not sure we'll manage just 30 mins at McDonalds though. Reckon we'll not be the only group meeting up for a return ride. Could be a busy place!

 

[middleagecyclist]

Might be worth exchanging mobile numbers in case of problems meeting up in advance/at Blackpool or mechanicals en route.

If people want to PM me with a mobile number and name, i'll print some A2 sheets halves of A4 with all our contact details and distribute them at the Trafford Centre.

 

[SportMonkey]

Might be worth exchanging mobile numbers in case of problems meeting up in advance/at Blackpool or mechanicals en route.

If people want to PM me with a mobile number and name, i'll print some A2 sheets with all our contact details and distribute them at the Trafford Centre.

A2?! You mind if I use one as a sail?

 

[middleagecyclist]

A2?! You mind if I use one as a sail?

Oh no! Of course what I meant to write was: 'halves of A4' but mistyping made it come out as A2 instead. Now corrected. Thanks

 

[craven2354]

I'm curious what bikes will you all be riding?

I'll be on my carrera virtuso I only haven one bike

 

[DCLane]

Specialized Secteur Comp for me. The Virtuoso's been sold (red one like yours), but I've a Raleigh Airlite 100 as a back-up.

 

[Gez73]

Kona Dew Drop, full mudguards and rack with MTX bag with drop down panniers. Hardly a speed machine but it does the job better than my hybrid.

 

[Jodee1kenobi]

Kona Dew Drop, full mudguards and rack with MTX bag with drop down panniers. Hardly a speed machine but it does the job better than my hybrid.

+1 for the Kona Dew drop with Carradice saddlebag.

 

[Gez73]

I have a Topeak wedge in medium actually wedged between the rack bag and seatpost too. Always liked saddle bags and I keep my p%$#@*re stuff there. The rack bag will have change of base layer and shorts/longs and a small towel and food.

 

[Jodee1kenobi]

I love my saddle bag! It's amazing what you can stuff in one of those
I was also thinking of using my small handlebar bag as well, not having done a night ride before I'm not sure exactly how much I will be needing. I tend to over heat quite quickly even in the cold so will be peeling off layers that need to be stored somewhere.

 

[craven2354]

I have a Topeak wedge in medium actually wedged between the rack bag and seatpost too. Always liked saddle bags and I keep my p%$#@*re stuff there. The rack bag will have change of base layer and shorts/longs and a small towel and food.

So you'll have plenty of space on your back to carry my rucksack? SORTED!!

 

[Jodee1kenobi]

So you'll have plenty of space on your back to carry my rucksack? SORTED!!

 

[Gez73]

Yeah sure if you don't mind your rucksack getting to Blackpool about an hour after you do!

 

[middleagecyclist]

Thanks for the PMs coming in with contact details.

As for the ride on the night I will decide on Saturday depending on the weather. I hope to use my Verenti Rhigos 0.3 CF road bike but have no chance of fitting guards so if it is going to be a really, really wet one i'll use my Santos Travelmaster 2.6 Alu tourer/commuter/all rounder wih full length guards.