Ar 2015

[Spank86]

It never fails to amuse me when folks complain about having to ride their motorbikes somewhere, to then ride their motorbikes.

;)

Same reason I don't run to football.

[NTECUK]

All sorts of reasons why someone might not like a long haul trip ..
Carrying gear .. Range of the bike
Just getting old ..
(B

[JamesMio]

Same reason I don't run to football.

And why gyms always have massive car-parks and titchy cycle-stands.

[kaivalagi]

The regional sections could arrange interesting routes to the AR location to make it more interesting,vmaybe adding a stop over enroute somewhere if far...I'd be up for making it more of an adventure like that

[Bibio]

The regional sections could arrange interesting routes to the AR location to make it more interesting,vmaybe adding a stop over enroute somewhere if far...I'd be up for making it more of an adventure like that

i have just had a great idea. how about each region makes a fixed date/place event for themselves and then each year the AR is picked out a hat form those events.

with the region events being fixed then there would be no need for organising the AR as we just turn up to the one that has been chosen to hold the event.

[The Guru]

i have just had a great idea. how about each region makes a fixed date/place event for themselves and then each year the AR is picked out a hat form those events.

with the region events being fixed then there would be no need for organising the AR as we just turn up to the one that has been chosen to hold the event.

Good idea in principal, but how would you go about arranging venues etc based on not knowing numbers that are attending?

What I mean is, a region might find a cracking venue which can accommodate the numbers that normally attend that regions event, but chuck in the extra numbers that might go if it suddenly becomes an AR then the venue might not then be suitable.

[Bibio]

good point, i suppose that each region would have to make sure that it has a large enough venue to accommodate the AR as well if needs be.

another thought is that say someone has a spare weekend then they could go and visit said region event if they wished.

[Littlepeahead]

Now someone on here made the very good point about 'life getting in the way' of the organising. People can moan, argue and pontificate about where the AR should be held every year, and you can discuss the accommodation, beer prices, roads and quality of livestock all you like, but the number one factor for any AR is having a few people willing to organise it.

For those of us that have, it's not just a case of ring a venue, throw together a route of roads you usually ride at a weekend, post up a date : job done.

You have to plan a route suitable for all bikes and abilities with greater numbers than you would normally ride with. Before AR and TOGMIE, Supervox, Mr LPH and I will ride a route several times over to decide if it is suitable in fair weather and bad. Each junction is looked at to work out if it's safe for markers, or will we get horribly split up at a particular junction, and can we manage a 160 mile route with no fixed cameras. Then we always ride it the weekend before to ensure no roads are closed or other diversions, resurfacing etc. that could affect the ride on the day. And you have to organise your markers or ensure 2nd man drop will work on a route.

Then there's the lunch and tea stops. Does it suit all budgets, is service quick enough, do our dates clash with any other major events locally, is there enough free bike parking, can we all fit inside if it rains?

And the accommodation - if people don't want to camp is there a B&B or motel nearby, how far is the nearest petrol station, can we bring our own booze, is there a pub, showers, proper toilet, can we have a fire, how far to the nearest cafe for Sunday breakfast?

So before you all say it should be here, it should be there, have a think about whether you might like to take on the organisation yourself, and all the work that goes with it to give everyone else a good weekend.

[Bibio]

precisely LPH and having fixed venues would go a long way to taking away some of the headache of it all. once all the leg work has been done for holding an AR in each region then there is a plan set in place and posted up in each section so even if the organiser/s have left the org we can still hold the event, all it would take is for someone in the region to ride the route a few weekends before and point out possible problems which i'm sure with the help of TMO everyone could sort out for the event.

if a region does not post up a venue then obviously they will not get a chance of holding the AR.

once a region has held an AR then its out for the next two years to give other regions a chance, that way we are not going to the same old AR's every cppl years.

holding an AR is not rocket science.

[Littlepeahead]

Sadly as we have seen, some of the venues have changed since we last held AR's there. So the leg work having been done is then of no use in future years.

The brilliant place in Wales that Cheryl found got sold, another place has become holiday cottages. Even this year we had planned to have dinner and drinks in the pub at TOGMIE for a fairly small number of us, then a week before the event the owner of the pub decided to book the whole place out for a birthday party so we were forced to change our plans to a chip shop and supermarket run - luckily the weather was good and we had 2 cars but had it been raining it wouldn't have been great sat in wet tents with no pub to go to.

[kaivalagi]

If the roads weren't so crap around my way I would be up for trying to organise something with some help, unfortunately I know all too well that the Roads in Scotland, Wales, Lakes, Peaks, Essex, South West etc etc etc are sooooo much better.

Any good roads in the EAR are to the west of the area atleast 3 hours round trip from my home....and that just sucks for me trying to plan anything, both in terms of knowing the area and doing reckie rides.

So, based on my situation all I can really do is show my preference for locations that are better suited for an AR even if they will mean I'll be travelling all day to get to them....

I'll vote for Scotland, Wales, Peaks, Lakes, Dales...hell, I'd even be up for going to Bellingham again for a second time in as many years! Can we not just repeat AR14 for AR15 but this time more people make the effort to get there :)

If in any way it's practical for me to help I will

[Bibio]

then its up to each region to keep things up dated and thats why i said a regional event for the people of that region to have a get together each year and possibly hold the AR but i suppose thats to much to ask of the org.

shizz happens.... so what would you have done if you had a venue for people eating at an AR and the owners done the same?

you cant plan for every problem that might occur.

my view is, here is the venue.. turn up or dont turn up its up to the individual. the AR is not a popularity contest or even about how many people turn up its about the people who do turn up hopefully having a good time.

people keep going on about i dont have the time etc.etc, well if i can help organise an AR while looking after my wife 24/7 then i dont see how others cant.

past event organisers have made it sound difficult when in reality is easy and the only difficult part is finding a venue once you have that then the rest is a piece of pizz or you can make it difficult with organising extras such as BBQ's.

[Bibio]

If the roads weren't so crap around my way I would be up for trying to organise something with some help, unfortunately I know all too well that the Roads in Scotland, Wales, Lakes, Peaks, Essex, South West etc etc etc are sooooo much better.

Any good roads in the EAR are to the west of the area atleast 3 hours round trip from my home....and that just sucks for me trying to plan anything, both in terms of knowing the area and doing reckie rides.

So, based on my situation all I can really do is show my preference for locations that are better suited for an AR even if they will mean I'll be travelling all day to get to them....

I'll vote for Scotland, Wales, Peaks, Lakes, Dales...hell, I'd even be up for going to Bellingham again for a second time in as many years! Can we not just repeat AR14 for AR15 but this time more people make the effort to get there :)

If in any way it's practical for me to help I will

what.. you live right next to the broads. TBH its not really about the rideout its more about getting pizzed its just that the rideout is the excuse :-)

[kaivalagi]

what.. you live right next to the broads. TBH its not really about the rideout its more about getting pizzed its just that the rideout is the excuse :-)

lol, we could hire broads cruisers and get wet :)

You say that but the ride out is a big part for me, lots of good memories from last years adventure through some cracking roads, especially on the Sunday

I'll give it some thought in all seriousness though, there are good stretches of road here and there, just not great like Scotland....

[Bibio]

there is nothing like Scotland and thats the point, each region has its own charisma which for me is part of the lure to whether i want to go or not.

[NTECUK]

Look on the plus side. No hill starts in the Fens ;)

[littleoldman2]

I just love a positive mental attitude. Well said

[Bibio]

i think i have just sussed out why southern bikers dont venture north. they prefer to go to biker hot spots which are usually a cafe where they can chat to other bikers about being a biker. they also think that 150 miles is a BIG run.

[littleoldman2]

Many northern bikers do to, you only have to go through Rothbury on a Sunday.

[Bibio]

ermm LOM thats not north. now remember there was a vote and we are better together so the north part of the UK is ermm the north of Scotland.. lol

i dont call the south 'the Borders'.

shame on you, i never knew you were racist.

[L3nny]

It never fails to amuse me when folks complain about having to ride their motorbikes somewhere, to then ride their motorbikes.

;)

Good point, Stelvio Pass? :)

[littleoldman2]

they prefer to go to biker hot spots which are usually a cafe where they can chat to other bikers about being a biker. they also think that 150 miles is a BIG run.

Sorry mate I think of north as north of Leeds / Manchester. The centre of the UK is reputed to be Haltwhistle btw so I'm just (only just) in the north.

The point I was making is that many riders from Newcastle just ride up to Rothbury for coffee and a chat and often do less than 100 miles in a day..

[Bibio]

heheheeee. shocking when you consider that we go for runs together and we live 130miles apart and the start of our run usually involves Selkirk. we will then do 300miles and then go home. are we mad?

[Fruity-ya-ya]

heheheeee. shocking when you consider that we go for runs together and we live 130miles apart and the start of our run usually involves Selkirk. we will then do 300miles and then go home. are we mad?

I think you already know the answer to that one.

[littleoldman2]

Yep we are the sensible ones;). The rest of the worlds mad:D.

Before my wife became an active pillion she thought everyone was like us. When she saw a year old Suzuki 1250FA with 67 miles on the clock she was in disbelief:rolleyes:.

[NTECUK]

i think i have just sussed out why southern bikers dont venture north. they prefer to go to biker hot spots which are usually a cafe where they can chat to other bikers about being a biker. they also think that 150 miles is a BIG run.
Er yes. That's why we went to matlock for a chip run one Sunday :p

[littleoldman2]

Matlock..........nice place for an AR.

[JulesW]

heheheeee. shocking when you consider that we go for runs together and we live 130miles apart and the start of our run usually involves Selkirk. we will then do 300miles and then go home. are we mad?

No, not mad at all, I like your approach :) I also prefer getting plenty of miles done when I get the chance.

[Richie]

Around Keilder Water - Cracking Roads :)

[SoulKiss]

How about Baskerville Hall and South Wales again?

Just as long as its not the 1st weekend in july, or one of my LARPing weekends :p

[Sir Trev]

If the roads weren't so crap around my way I would be up for trying to organise something

What's wrong with the Acle Straight? Or the A140 Horsford Bypass??

[Littlepeahead]

How about Baskerville Hall and South Wales again?

Just as long as its not the 1st weekend in july, or one of my LARPing weekends :p
That place was sold off.

[NTECUK]

What's wrong with the Acle Straight? Or the A140 Horsford Bypass??

Straight the clues in the title

[SoulKiss]

That place was sold off.

I knew it was up for sale :(

Had hoped it was still a possible venue.

[Littlepeahead]

Worth checking if the new owners would take a bikers weekend but since they now advertise themselves very much as a wedding venue I wonder how keen they'd be?

[punyXpress]

Just needs a brace or two of .orgers to get hitched and job's a good'un.

[kaivalagi]

What's wrong with the Acle Straight? Or the A140 Horsford Bypass??

Straight the clues in the title

:)

Trouble is you have to go off the beaten track to find the nice bits and then you'll struggle to join up the dots to make a nice flowing ride without riding on the above kind of roads for far too long...e.g. this sort of thing (https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?saddr=Norwich+Rd/B1332&daddr=walpole+to:eye+to:Bury+Rd/A143+to:Mildenhall+Rd/A1101+to:Downham+Rd+to:Wisbech+Rd/A1122+to:Thieves%27+Bridge+Rd+to:E+Winch+Rd+to:Bro w+of+the+Hill+to:Billingford+Rd/B1145+to:Wood+Ln+to:Bungay+Rd/Kirby+Rd/B1332+to:Norwich+Rd/B1332&hl=en&ll=52.557151,0.85968&spn=0.736403,1.783905&sll=52.474939,1.430197&sspn=0.046111,0.111494&geocode=FTqXIAMdlfYVAA%3BFWpSHgMdGnUWACnP_SZxd4vZR zEx91_4HT05cw%3BFXVVHgMdYX0RACkfN5VslpLZRzF-v4LcKCI_pg%3BFaZ2HgMdd1AOAA%3BFdGMHgMdAb4IAA%3BFTK PHwMdpPMDAA%3BFea_IgMdxKkDAA%3BFc6lIwMdmQYGAA%3BFZ RdJAMdsnYHAA%3BFVbQJAMds2wHAA%3BFfrXJAMdjY4PAA%3BF RejIwMdecwQAA%3BFXiyIgMd-EQUAA%3BFSKYIAMdDvYVAA&oq=bungay&mra=dme&mrsp=13&sz=14&t=m&z=10&dg=feature)

There's some lovely roads just east of Kings Lynn, some more out near Outwell, the North Norfolk coastal roads are very nice too when there isn't traffic, then much further east getting towards Southwold it gets windey too but to make it all work in one day in the peak of summer without being held up EVERYWHERE is a royal pain....

I'm heading to the Peaks, Lakes and Scotland this month once I get my act together.....to get some good roads in and to push the limits of the Rocket

[littleoldman2]

:)

Trouble is you have to go off the beaten track to find the nice bits and then you'll struggle to join up the dots to make a nice flowing ride without riding on the above kind of roads for far too long...e.g. this sort of thing (https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?saddr=Norwich+Rd/B1332&daddr=walpole+to:eye+to:Bury+Rd/A143+to:Mildenhall+Rd/A1101+to:Downham+Rd+to:Wisbech+Rd/A1122+to:Thieves%27+Bridge+Rd+to:E+Winch+Rd+to:Bro w+of+the+Hill+to:Billingford+Rd/B1145+to:Wood+Ln+to:Bungay+Rd/Kirby+Rd/B1332+to:Norwich+Rd/B1332&hl=en&ll=52.557151,0.85968&spn=0.736403,1.783905&sll=52.474939,1.430197&sspn=0.046111,0.111494&geocode=FTqXIAMdlfYVAA%3BFWpSHgMdGnUWACnP_SZxd4vZR zEx91_4HT05cw%3BFXVVHgMdYX0RACkfN5VslpLZRzF-v4LcKCI_pg%3BFaZ2HgMdd1AOAA%3BFdGMHgMdAb4IAA%3BFTK PHwMdpPMDAA%3BFea_IgMdxKkDAA%3BFc6lIwMdmQYGAA%3BFZ RdJAMdsnYHAA%3BFVbQJAMds2wHAA%3BFfrXJAMdjY4PAA%3BF RejIwMdecwQAA%3BFXiyIgMd-EQUAA%3BFSKYIAMdDvYVAA&oq=bungay&mra=dme&mrsp=13&sz=14&t=m&z=10&dg=feature)

There's some lovely roads just east of Kings Lynn, some more out near Outwell, the North Norfolk coastal roads are very nice too when there isn't traffic, then much further east getting towards Southwold it gets windey too but to make it all work in one day in the peak of summer without being held up EVERYWHERE is a royal pain....

I'm heading to the Peaks, Lakes and Scotland this month once I get my act together.....to get some good roads in and to push the limits of the Rocket

Let us know if you need a bit of company:).

[kaivalagi]

Let us know if you need a bit of company:).

Sure thing, current plan is this in October assuming bad weather isn't everywhere and this Indian summer takes hold:

15th - Norwich to Manchester via the Peaks (zig zagging)
16th - Manchester to Preston to say hello to old work friends and have a drinkies in Preston, probably ending in the Old Dog far too late
17th - Big Beefeater breakfast then around the Lakes for a while and on to Dumfries or somewhere that's cheap near that area
18th - no bloody idea yet but lots of nice roads somewhere....either head up the west coast or head east along the border first....probably stay west before coming across further North then coming back down, wouldn't mind getting as far up as Oban before meandering back the long way
20th/21st - Get home

I'll start a thread once I've given it more thought and need some local knowledge ;)

Current thoughts are it'll be on the Rocket, nice and steady....too easy to scrap those pegs

[littleoldman2]

looking forward to this.

[Red Herring]

Current thoughts are it'll be on the Rocket, nice and steady....too easy to scrap those pegs

You do yourself down mate, it's easy to scrape the pegs, but quite hard to get away with it as much as you do.....

[NTECUK]

Poor bike. Good job it doesn't have the running boards.!

[Littlepeahead]

Just needs a brace or two of .orgers to get hitched and job's a good'un.
Just as soon as Ewan McGregor accepts that I am his dream woman we can get the wedding booked, perhaps a weekend in Wales, mid June, Rictus and Hello mag doing the photos (Mr LPH won't mind, we had a pre nup to cover this eventuality).

[Red Herring]

Just as soon as Ewan McGregor accepts that I am his dream woman.....


Sounds like the long way round the problem......

[Spank86]

Just as soon as Ewan McGregor accepts that I am his dream woman we can get the wedding booked, perhaps a weekend in Wales, mid June, Rictus and Hello mag doing the photos (Mr LPH won't mind, we had a pre nup to cover this eventuality).
I strongly recommend looking into Stockholm syndrome.

It worked for Wideboy.

[_Stretchie_]

Ha haa haaaaaa

[Wideboy]

You're confusing Stockholm syndrome with macropenis

[davepreston]

sure thing, current plan is this in october assuming bad weather isn't everywhere and this indian summer takes hold:

15th - norwich to manchester via the peaks (zig zagging)
16th - manchester to preston to say hello to old work friends and have a drinkies in preston, probably ending in the old dog far too late
17th - big beefeater breakfast then around the lakes for a while and on to dumfries or somewhere that's cheap near that area
18th - no bloody idea yet but lots of nice roads somewhere....either head up the west coast or head east along the border first....probably stay west before coming across further north then coming back down, wouldn't mind getting as far up as oban before meandering back the long way
20th/21st - get home

i'll start a thread once i've given it more thought and need some local knowledge ;)

current thoughts are it'll be on the rocket, nice and steady....too easy to scrap those pegs

muhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahhahahahahhahahahhahahahhahahahhahaa hhaah

[kaivalagi]

muhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahhahahahahhahahahhahahahhahahahhahaa hhaah

****! Did I just tell Dave Preston where I'll be on the beers in Preston lol

[davepreston]

please see last quote on sig
:)

[Littlepeahead]

****! Did I just tell Dave Preston where I'll be on the beers in Preston lol

You utter fool. What were you thinking. Just head to Syria and join up with ISIS, it'll probably have a better overall outcome for your health and wellbeing.

[admin]

An announcement for AR15 will go out on Nov 1st to ask for tenders for next year. Closing date is Dec 15th I think. The tender approach seemed to work well for the last couple of years and reduced the amount of bun fights :)

[Littlepeahead]

Hmmm buns, everyone likes buns.

[NTECUK]

Chick's got some really hot looking buns!
(snigger)

[andrewsmith]

Bun fight I don't know what your on about ;)

http://www.j-paine.org/dobbs/cakes_846.gif

[timwilky]

muhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahhahahahahhahahahhahahahhahahahhahaa hhaah


Shall we have a Preston session on the 16th? or are you still banned from Church Street?

IS the Old Dog still open till 4? I may need to book Friday off work!!!!!!!!

[kaivalagi]

Shall we have a Preston session on the 16th? or are you still banned from Church Street?

IS the Old Dog still open till 4? I may need to book Friday off work!!!!!!!!

It was open 'til 4 the last time I went about 2 years back...I doubt it's changed

Believe it or not the work do has been cancelled / postponed, I'm trying to figure out what and when the plan is with the folks up there as I'm not heading all that way for nothing...this turn of colder weather is making me think twice about a big road trip to be honest though so it may be a 1 day going up, 1 day there and 1 day back ordeal and bugger the highlands.....

[NTECUK]

Always next year.
Whilst I can ride in the wet weather, it rapidly looses my interest when it's more faffing around with steaming up glasses. Layers to keep you warm and plugging heated stuff in to feel your fingers

[rapidgaz]

Wales sounds great, evo triangle could be added into the run. Nice roads and a nice cafe.
Would be nice toget some dates out so we have something to look forward to. 😃


Sent down the wires from home

[Littlepeahead]

Don't forget the deadline for submitting a bid is 15th December.

Let's hope we get at least 1 bid otherwise 2015 will be AR-less.

Looking at Supervox's bike situation and my cricket fixtures there's unlikely to be a TOGMIE in 2015 either.

[NTECUK]

Ah So the first ace cafe Southend Run and BBQ ride also be unlikely unless someone else takes the rains.

[carelesschucca]

Don't forget the deadline for submitting a bid is 15th December.

Let's hope we get at least 1 bid otherwise 2015 will be AR-less.

Looking at Supervox's bike situation and my cricket fixtures there's unlikely to be a TOGMIE in 2015 either.

Don't worry too much. The GM is all set up and ready to go... I'm sure someone is going to step up to the plate and take on the AR!

[admin]

It'll be a shame if no one does, but I do understand, its a lot to take on.

sent via Pony Express

[Matt-EUC]

I will make a bid....











All of us rock up at a pub somewhere in wales. (Brecon Beacons)

Then one of the wales lot let us crash at their gaff.

[Littlepeahead]

I will make a bid....











All of us rock up at a pub somewhere in wales. (Brecon Beacons)

Then one of the wales lot let us crash at their gaff.
Expecting other people to just provide hospitality isn't really in the spirit of AR Matt. The organisers are generally the ones who put the time, effort and often financial contribution in, which is why it tends to move around the country so that the effort of doing it is spread about over the years, as well as us getting to see different parts of the UK.

Anyone just turning up to a rideout then expecting others to supply them with food, accommodation etc won't be that popular!

[NTECUK]

The master plan by Matt Ecu
http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/269281/178986539/stock-photo-cartoon-illustration-of-education-maze-or-labyrinth-game-for-preschool-children-with-motorbike-and-178986539.jpg

[kaivalagi]

How about Matt hosting the AR at his :)

[NTECUK]

Be an experience.
Would we get free oil!
Btw when was the last time ear held an AR. nudge, nudge.

[kaivalagi]

Btw when was the last time ear held an AR. nudge, nudge.
Ummmm, never as far as I know, atleast not in my short existence on here.....I'll try to remember to mention it at the Southwold meet on the 7th...I've just never thought it would be much good, yes the area is nice and we have a large coastline but it's always a better ride going down to Essex, west to Cambridgeshire and beyond or up North for example, plus getting here for nearly everywhere else in the country is a nightmare!

Not saying anything will happen but how much of the detail should be established before the 15th Dec? I have a lot on shortly, starting a new contract in Birmingham hopefully...I could help with a route and reckies on the weekends though if others are up for it too.

[NTECUK]

EAR includes some nice bits .
The route from mine up to red lodge is fun maybe a little to the left of you.
see
http://www.bestbikingroads.com/motorcycle-roads/motorbike-rides-in-united-kingdom-/east-anglia-/abington--haverhill--_9fc91.html

[Littlepeahead]

Ummmm, never as far as I know, atleast not in my short existence on here.....I'll try to remember to mention it at the Southwold meet on the 7th...I've just never thought it would be much good, yes the area is nice and we have a large coastline but it's always a better ride going down to Essex, west to Cambridgeshire and beyond or up North for example, plus getting here for nearly everywhere else in the country is a nightmare!

Not saying anything will happen but how much of the detail should be established before the 15th Dec? I have a lot on shortly, starting a new contract in Birmingham hopefully...I could help with a route and reckies on the weekends though if others are up for it too.

You have a point, it's a bit of a trek to get to for most people being on the bump of England. The roads are fun but the scenery isn't as spectacular as say Wales or Scotland, but that's not always the most important thing.

What is crucial is to get a venue that suits everyone. The one in Wales in 2010 was superb, options of bunk houses, camping or hotel so everyone was happy - and a dodgy nightclub on site so those who wanted to dance the night away to the Spice Girls could do so*. Somewhere like the pub where we have TOGMIE is OK, but we got caught out this year when after we'd booked the site the pub was then booked for a private function on the Saturday night. We got lucky with the weather so fish and chips were fine, but had it been raining that would have been a lot of damp people to cram into my tent!

Perhaps 2015 will be the year we don't have an AR and instead more regional groups will have ride outs that are open to all - a bit like TOGMIE has been, all welcome, but no frills.

*Just because FG1 used to have the word Ginger in his name doesn't mean he automatically gets to be Ginger Spice.

[carelesschucca]

GM has cabins hotel and camping. Should I change the name and make it an AR bid if its the only one that go's in I'd still probably loose.

Depending on timings I'm hoping to make the AR next year but my 2015 biking year is filling rapidly already (thanks Siii :cool:) and I don't even have Eurotrip sorted either.

[Littlepeahead]

GM has cabins hotel and camping. Should I change the name and make it an AR bid if its the only one that go's in I'd still probably loose.

Depending on timings I'm hoping to make the AR next year but my 2015 biking year is filling rapidly already (thanks Siii :cool:) and I don't even have Eurotrip sorted either.

I am going to try and make it to GM next year as so far it doesn't clash with any major cricket, weddings or other events. Make it a bit of a trip north of the border for a week or more.

[NTECUK]

GM always been open to all but site administrator might pm you as it's a great offer.

[Matt-EUC]

Two Scotlands in a row... However much I'd love it I don't think turnout will be particularly spectacular.

A TV or wales or even a West Country AR would be awesome it's just a shame that no one has stepped forward.


I really would like to organise and host an AR here but I fear my skills are far surpassed by the requirements of organising such an event.

I have plenty of ideas for it but implementing them is easier said than done.

[carelesschucca]

Nowt wrong with coming to Scotland for a biking event we do have the best roads :-D

Go on Matt you can do it. There are plenty of people that can give you advice

What do you need to do it. a Base thats willing to take the event (takes a little guts to ask to begin with) then you can build a route. Badabing you have an AR!

Tbh I'd prefer to keep the GM a separate event from the AR always been told they're differential from each other.

[Matt-EUC]

It's quite a daunting task for just me on my tod.

As the GM has died it's pretty much just me down here.

With a little help I reckon I could manage it.

[admin]

Don't try and over engineer it. Just a good camp site with access to some food and refreshments. I'm sure you know some good local roads that you can share with us. That's it really.

sent via Pony Express

[carelesschucca]

GM hasn't died it's happening.

I do hope that its not the only ORG. event.

[Matt-EUC]

Well it would almost have to be the same camp as AR13 as I know of no other place suitable.

I'm pretty sure I could throw some roads together though.

[Matt-EUC]

GM hasn't died it's happening.



I do hope that its not the only ORG. event.


I meant the Guildford massive.

[andrewsmith]

Two Scotlands in a row... However much I'd love it I don't think turnout will be particularly spectacular.

The GM had most of the active org North of Sheffield and Manchester there

[carelesschucca]

the web is you eyes to the world. The venues I've found for the GM have been found on the Internet before I even went to visit them.

As the boss says you can make an event as difficult or as simple as you want. The main thing for me on these events is getting the route right. I can spent a fair bit of time looking at roads and stopping points. But being a sad looser I love playing with googlemaps and Motogolocos routebuilder.

[Matt-EUC]

The thing worrying me the most is keeping the roads simple enough.

I feel I need to plan for the slowest/least skilled rider.

And then, I need to keep a good pace to keep the faster riders happy and the slower riders close enough.

[Matt-EUC]

Do I do a loop?

Do I just reverse the route for the return?

How far should we go?

Should it be technical B roads or fast flowing A roads?

[littleoldman2]

The thing worrying me the most is keeping the roads simple enough.

I feel I need to plan for the slowest/least skilled rider.

And then, I need to keep a good pace to keep the faster riders happy and the slower riders close enough.

Unfortunately you can not really get this right. However most riders realise that you cannot please everyone and accept it.

[Matt-EUC]

I don't want to leave loads of people behind and I don't want to have a procession of bikes at 40mph through the Hampshire countryside.

[Matt-EUC]

I'll have a chat with my friend who is known for his routes.

[JamesMio]

Just a suggestion like, but why not look at the last 3/4 AR's and get a repeat ordered up?

The one near Settle would've been fantastic bar the weather, the venue was good. Surely there's no real need to reinvent the wheel EVERY time?

[carelesschucca]

I feel I need to plan for the slowest/least skilled rider..

This is where I differ with the GM I plan the route thinking about the quicker riders. KnowIng that the slower riders really aren't that far behind. Yes it might feel that when you're near the back your miles behind on a rideout and you must try to keep up, you don't. The reality is that if you keep the sections to about an hour there might only be 5 or so minutes between first and last rider. S'all good.

You can do this Matt.

[Matt-EUC]

I'd better get to making some pub visits...

[Matt-EUC]

Just a suggestion like, but why not look at the last 3/4 AR's and get a repeat ordered up?



The one near Settle would've been fantastic bar the weather, the venue was good. Surely there's no real need to reinvent the wheel EVERY time?


I think I should familiarise myself with your route builder too.

[JamesMio]

Happy to give you any help I can dude, just gimme a shout.

[Mark_h]

As the GM has died it's pretty much just me down here.

Not dead, just pining for the Fjords.

[Matt-EUC]

Happy to give you any help I can dude, just gimme a shout.



Well since you asked.



Here is what I've just knocked up, what do you reckon?



Edit: I'll pm you instead.

[Matt-EUC]

I will admit that it may be a touch long for the first leg but I'm open to suggestions.

[Red Herring]

I don't want to leave loads of people behind and I don't want to have a procession of bikes at 40mph through the Hampshire countryside.

Some of the least enjoyable rides that I have been on were as a direct result of the "leader" worrying about what was happening behind them instead of getting on with leading. Set a decent route, build in opportunities for breaks and to allow regroups, but otherwise concentrate on getting the pack strung out as much as you can so that people can do what they came to do and enjoy the very roads you spent so much time finding for them! Don't worry about their abilities, they're all big boys and girls.

The drop off system works well, prepare a briefing document that those who are not familiar with it can read before they come (and even those that think they know what they are doing should read it as well), and provide everybody with the locations of the re-groups/tea stops just in case they get split for some reason.

Do not publish the route anywhere beforehand.

[Matt-EUC]

Right... How often would you expect to have regroups and tea breaks?

[NTECUK]

Stick with the format of the rides you have been on.
Identify a stop for petrol and a snack lunch time.
Mid way along the two legs build in a stop. If its near a garage and drink it's ideal.
Your need a Tec who knows the route.
Get a payg sim for the back up phone number. So if someone gets a puncture etc you can be contacted.
Don't forget to give approximate numbers to the lunch and camping spots.

[Wideboy]

The GM is far from dead. We don't post in the section so much as it's winter and 9 time out of 10 the subject turns to people posting drivel in it.