Cheers for the info Alp! Sounds like they let everyone off in a big pack from what you're saying, is that right? At the Cyclone they were sensible enough to release in groups of about 60/70.
I'm doing it with a couple of mates from work. Should be a good one!
They try to let people out in groups but it still turns into a melee for the first few miles. Not much road space to move in and since they don't stop the traffic after Seahouses, it gets in the way as well.
I have been doing the run for the past 4 yrs now and I have enjoyed every one.
1 - Do you have to wear a helmet? The letter I got with my registration pack says 'No helmet, no ride'. I prefer to go au naturale, but if I have to...
2 - Is it all on road? I can stick my knobbly tires on, but I'd prefer slicks if possible!
Every year they put in the letter that statement but I've seen plenty of riders without a crash lid. With the numbers riding, i would honestly say that they have no way of policing it.
As to the ride itself, I use semi-slicks on my Dale without any problems. It is all on the road or cyclepaths except for the bit between Alnmouth and Warkworth. That is a hardpack cyclepath that is perfectly rideable without knobblies.
I did my first ride on knobblies and I have to say that the best improvement I made for the next ride was putting on Conti semi-slicks.
Looks like the weather might be favourable as well. Looking fwd to it.