Whilst out on my ride today, I thought of some points that new riders may want to consider.
1. Blackpool as we know is a big place, when you get to the checkpoint there is an opportunity to get some chips. ice cream and use the toilets, but if you are on your own and unlucky that no one else is at the checkpoint and a bit worried about leaving your bike as there will be lots of people about, ensure that you have a nature break just before you get into Blackpool, food is not a problem but riding with your legs crossed is.
2. I always get to Blackpool and Glasson dock between 1130 to 1300, so its natural to grab some lunch in that area, I had never heard of Glasson Dock till I visited it on my first EW coast, I discovered that it is the place where everyone in a 200 mile radius flocks too when the sun is out, despite there is nothing there, hence it was a nightmare to get some food the first time I passed through and gave up, just getting water and an ice cream was bad enough. The second two times it was cooler and not so much a problem to get a cooked meal and water.
3A. Based on the points 1 and 2 and unlucky to get something in the center of Blackpool and unsure if you will get anything at Glasson Dock, plan ahead, as you are leaving Blackpool, there are 2 or 3 mini supermarkets and other shops etc enroute through Blackpool on the main drag in a quieter safer area to the left where you can grab something to eat for then and later and get water.
3B. Bridlington cafe checkpoint can be the same, busy, big queue at the till and long wait for food, It has a garden at the back to leave your bike and also a stand pipe for water. If its busy, I grab (buy) a can of drink, get my card stamped and ride across to the chippie almost opposite to save time.
4. After Glasson Dock, if I recall it is a long way before you get a chance to get water and food. Probably Whalley about 20+ miles further on
5. Beware of the tram lines in Blackpool whilst dodging pedestrians. No time for laying down in the road sunbathing if you get stuck between them.
6, On the first day, if you want something to eat at Pocklington, shortly after there is a long long steady climb, steepish at first but not excessive. Just thinking about my bike really, gave it its first wash in months and do not want to splash it with some ones chunder from excessing too much in bacon, egg, chips, black pudding, sausages, beans etc
7. Thought of a few other things but cannot remember them now.
8. At Whalley, last year everything was shut, but in George Street, which you almost pass, there is a Spar shop which will be open. Also there is public toilets too which you will pass. (Just noticed that the Spar shop is mentioned on the route card)
9. At Todmorden, on the return leg, based on the last three years, the decent is awful with the road very pot holed, I find it best to ride wide and stop cars overtaking me, once you get them alongside you and there bumper to bumper, your choice of navigation through the pot holes is very limited, and keep your speed down.
10. Also at the bottom of the decent into Todmorden and your on the 3 coasts, blank it out from your mind that by turning left instead of straight on and right, you could soon be back to the finish. It can be demoralising to turn right knowing you will be doing extra miles and a big steady climb, but on the bright side, about the last 8 miles aprox I think are down hill and just coast into the HQ at the bottom..
11. Heading towards Blackpool, eventually you will see the tower, but be careful as there is two and you rarely see them both at the same time , a silver one and a red one, head for the red one if your a bit lost. the silver one is at the South side at a fun park, I made that mistake the first time I did this ride. But be careful, they might have painted them to confuse us
12. Stumped again
12. For those on the 3 coasts, from and after Glasson Dock, watch out for the riders doing the suitably named "Good Companions". They will be on the same route and checkpoints back to the finish and they will be some company to ride with to the finish. If it's Holly and the rest of the "Halifax Imps" the topic will no doubt be about "murdering a pint" and I would not be surprised in this heat if a pub stop does not beckon.
