Great North Bike Ride

[Mr Panda]

Anyone doing the above this year - August 25th?

http://www.greatnorthbikeride.com/Home/Index.html

There's a MacRetro Border run planned for the 24th so I'll probably be down that weekend anyway, finances permitting

Iain

 

[saltyman]

Yeah I usually do it, last 2yrs I have, one year on hybrid with slicks.....last year on my fatbike!

Thinking Fargo with drop bars this year.

 

[kenaltobelli]

do you get a lift back to where you left the car? or need to make your own way

 

[saltyman]

Ends in tyne mouth and you have the option of getting a bus from there for extra cash, car is left and bike goes in a wagon to sea houses.

I live near tynemouth so usually get a lift to seahouses .

 

[slmracing]

I may consider this one, depends on when we book our summer holiday though, I will have a think about it

 

[Alp*Willi]

Hi guys

I'll be doing it again this year. Been doing it for the last 5 years.

Parking in Tynemouth is mental so if you can find a way to Seahouses in the morning and get accommodation around the Toon you'll find it a lot easier.

Clocked Saltyman on his fat bike - hats off to the rolling resistance of those tyres!

Here's a link to last year's effort.

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=217135

Give us a shout if you need any assistance for this.

Rhys

 

[Hillwalker]

I'll be there too; done this for the last 3 years after a challenge from my son. You know what they say; 'old age and treachery will always outwit youth and enthusiasm'.

And so it has been for 3 years...

HW

 

[saltyman]

It's a nice ride.....roadies usually fly off about half hour before ride officially starts.....but I find a gentle pace guiding mates takes about 4hrs still.

 

[Mr Panda]

What's the vehicle traffic like on the day? Trying to get my partner in crime to join this but she's worried about cars etc as she only got on a bike after 50 years on the planet

If I/we do the GNBR will be staying at Sunderland and prob drive up to the start. Happy to lift share etc. In fact could bring peoplecarrier if enough folk and someone gives me a lift back to collect it

 

[Alp*Willi]

Hi there

The first bit from the start at Seahouses to the turnoff at Embleton (about 30 minutes) is probably the worst for traffic. During that bit, its not just cars but other cyclists you have to look out for. It gets a little like Wacky Races at times because it is B and unclass roads you are riding along without much space for umpteen riders travelling at different paces, mixed with cars. Once the field spreads out, it's not too bad and there are large sections where you are on cycle paths or roads with nil traffic

Overall, the ride is attempted by all sorts of characters on all sorts of steeds with all sorts of fitness levels. :shock:

Get to Seahouses early if you plan to drive into it or get dropped off on the outskirts and trundle in to the start to avoid the closed roads. Either way, you'll have a good day with the other 2000 or so riders.

See you there!

Rhys