Madlanders Easter Sunday Shenanigans

[Drew Carey]

Right, as per the poll thread, here are the full details of the M.E.S.S rideout etc.

The date - Sunday 4th April

Rideout Attendance Thread Link

The Starting Point -
Quatford Bike Cafe - Postcode for SatNavs (WV156QJ)
Google maps Linky

Start Time: 10:00am.....please arrive with plenty of time as we aim to be away ASAP.

The Route

Start - Quatt
Drinky / Fuel - OK Diner Leominster
Lunch - Crossgates
Piccies - Elan Valley
Afternoon Tea / Coffee - Crossgates
Finish - Quatt (They may not be open by time we finish, however, not far to Kiddy / Stourbridge / Wolves to refill / drink before heading home.

I am happy with the route, there are plenty of other good biking roads around these areas but we have tried to pick those which may not be too busy and may keep us away from certain trouble spots....not that there are none!!

If anyone wants my moby number then PM me.

Please chat all you like in this thread.

As a final note, Pete has kindly given me the usual words of wisdom etc.....so please read the below.....especially if this is your first rideout....

Rideout Tips for those unfamiliar.

- Introduce yourself to the ride organiser and swap mobile numbers with him and at least 1 other participant
- Arrive with a full tank of gas or as near as is practically possible.
- Tyre pressures checked and in good condition.
- Breakdown cover. Check if your bike is covered in the event of an accident or breakdown. Full recovery is best. And make sure you have contact numbers for them.
- ICE (In case of emergency numbers) These should be in your phone under that heading. Should someone need to be contacted on your behalf.
- Map. If you haven't got proper ones then rip out the page(s) of an old map book, or get a photocopy, or print one off the internet. It is NOT the responsibility of the organiser to get you home.
- If you're using a dark visor, bring your clear one as well.

- DO bring waterproofs. Just because it's sunny doesn't mean it's gonna stay that way.
- DO Keep an eye on your mirrors.
- DO Ride responsibly.
- DO Stagger your position on the road so as to maximise forward observation and braking distances. This also makes you visible in the mirrors of the bike in front.
- DO ENJOY YOURSELF


- DON'T Do anything you're not comfortable with. It's not a race .
- DON'T Follow too close to the bike in front.
- DON'T fixate on the bike in front.
- DON'T Assume the rider in front knows what he's doing.
- DON'T Stop if one of the group get pulled over.
- DON'T Worry about keeping up and what the others might think.
- DON'T CRASH!

I'd like to add that we'll be using the second man drop off system which most are familiar with.
http://www.gwent-advanced-motorists....s/drop_off.htm

The leader and TEC will be made clear at the start of the ride and at every stop if the leader or TEC are to change. Normally a fluorescent jacket shall be worn.
If you are not comfortable marking or have never done it before do not find yourself directly behind the leader in second position. Let someone else through, safely.
The leader shall point or wait at spots where he wishes drop offs to mark. Please stop somewhere clear, obvious and safely, pointing the exit or direction to be taken by following riders.

Important points shall be reiterated on the day of the rides. So don't fear if you forget the above points.

[Drew Carey]

PS - Apologies if this looks rubbish for certain peoples views.....looks fine in the old view. lol

Quick Q........anyone fancy doing TEC? The rideout will be a decent pace, so the TEC won't need to worry about being at the back all day.

EDIT - Paul the 6th has kindly agreed to do TEC. Cheers buddy.

as far as much petrol as possible there is a petrol station next door to the cafe, so your going to be able to get a full tank.

[Drew Carey]

Eh? Sorry, not sure what your answering too? lol

No need to worry bout fuel etc, enough petrol stops. My only concern at the moment is the lunch stop, OK diner is ideal.....but......it is too early into the rideout and so therefore we need to find somewhere between there and Buith. Any ideas?

If neccesary, will change the route completly to suit......but if anyone has thoughts, then I can investigate on the recce.

Anyone know places in Buith Wells?

What about elan valley visiter centre for food?
I went there with Daryl B's rideout last year and was pretty good.

[Drew Carey]

Ok, could do, but last time we were there the food was rubbish and expensive.

Originally Posted by Drew Carey

Ok, could do, but last time we were there the food was rubbish and expensive.

Crossgates too early?

[Drew Carey]

Originally Posted by petevtwin650

Crossgates too early?

In fact Crossgates is too late......as it is after Elan. Would be too early if we did the ride the other way round. lol.

Originally Posted by Drew Carey

Ok, could do, but last time we were there the food was rubbish and expensive.

I found it ok tbh, but i understand other peoples opinions.

[Drew Carey]

What are peoples thoughts on making the rideout 210 miles instead of 170ish......is it too much? I only ask, as could continue down towards Brecon and then into Llandovery, then back up. Would mean we could have lunch at the cafe in Sennybridge.