ARTNW/NTRN Finalised details.

Originally Posted by Speedy Claire

okay I feel a bit of a tit now as yep you`re correct and it is a dome

the "poles" are only very thin tho surely they`re not very strong??

Usually fibreglass, like a fishing rod, they are strong enough and they bend so they don't tend to snap.

Yep are very bendy with metal things in.... this is the tent

What a downer. I thought u had bought a see thru tent Claire x

While you are all fiddling with tents, I've been fiddling with the route!!! Nope no giveaways just yet. Some of the roads will be familiar to many on here, one of them in particular, but other roads - well you won't know them at all. But it's all good. Hee hee

Hope you all like twisty roads There's a mix of main roads and more back roads, I can't bring 35 bikes some with passengers up mountain tracks so I've done next best, okay??? The route is suitable for new riders.

And, PLEASE remember, it's a ride, it isn't a race - and there are NO prizes for crashing or coming off

I want everyone to get back home in one piece and with bike intact. You must ride within your limits, there is no pressure to keep up with faster riders, there is no embarrassment in being slower than others. Okay?

I can't wait

There's fuel in Wem. We also go past plenty fuel stops so nobody need run out. Also a coffee stop and lunch stop.

Now, we need to sort out a few markers.

Please can we consider whether we are to have a few designated markers, or second person drop off???

I will be handing out a print of the route (ie map with written description) with directions before the off, prolly the day before in fact, and I will also be talking through each stage. That way, with a bit of luck, nobody will get lost. There will be a TEC with Claire's orange bib (maybe even me on some parts) so nobody should get left behind.

If you decide to leave at any point you MUST tell me so that I know how many bikes to count. Mmmkay????

The destructions will have my mobile number on them. If you prefer to be well prepared in advance then just PM me and I'll PM you back with it. Please bear in mind that some of the areas we are riding through are remote and that there is unlikely to be 100% mobile coverage.

I am planning that the route home will come past my house so that we can stop for a brew. If you prefer to ride on back to the site, that's fine.

Originally Posted by Ed

And, PLEASE remember, it's a ride, it isn't a race - and there are NO prizes for crashing or coming off

Damn! I was hoping to win a cookie for breaking my shoulder again =[

Jokes aside, this sounds like it's going to be a barrel of fun and I actually can't wait! =D

AR10 was my 1st big ride and dedicated markers had to ride like crazy to get to the front to start again. 2nd person drop off removes the need for markers to get back to the front, i realise there are fewer bikes on this rideout but i do remember a few people had issues with some AR markers due to their efforts getting back to the head of the ride. 2nd person drop off would give everyone a chance to ride at the front, middle and back and riding in different sections of a rideout is completely different regards to speed.

second person drop off would be best imo

Yep I think in this case I`d opt for the 2nd person drop off system Ed...... any markers would have to be experienced riders equipped with the skills to get from the back of the riders to the front safely and without risk to themselves or any other riders. I have been on rideouts where i`ve been quite angry at the lack of skill and care taken by some markers in their efforts to get the front. You`d also need a lot more reflective vests so that the markers could be easily identified.

I think that if the group is made fully aware of how the 2nd person drop off system works and so long as we all look out for each other and have the welfare of our fellow riders at the forefront of our minds then it should work well.

Originally Posted by Electro

What a downer. I thought u had bought a see thru tent Claire x

lol...... so long as I remember not to get undressed by torchlight it should be ok

Yes I agree with you all - we will do 2nd drop off.

I will explain all this - and the importance of sticking to it - at the prebrief.