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Manchester - Roche & 52 miler

by Joselito
Tue, Jun 05, 2012 20:31
5

Stephen Roche at Waterstones Manchester on 9 June if anyone interested. Also, your opinions on the Great MCR cycle ride from those who did it please. I entered the 52er but ended up doing the 13 with Mrs Joselito and her mates instead.

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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Ghedebrav | 12 years ago
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Thanks for the Roche heads-up.

Sadly didn't make the ride as was out of the country (I would've loved the chance to cycle over the Mancunian Way!). Good to see that turn out was so high, though it seemd to me to be marketed somewhat closer toward SkyRide than sportive, i.e. participation-for-all rather than something for the experienced cyclsts. All the better, in my view. Anything to get more people onto pedal-power.

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notfastenough | 12 years ago
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Would have to be honest and say I think it was worth more than a tenner. Police outriders everywhere, plus mechanics, a good number of marshals (one of which nearly stepped backwards off the kerb in front of me without looking - duh!), great HQ location. The only issue was that I (and my clubmates) got the feeling that they weren't expecting the faster riders - some of those tighter turns, the obstacles in the technical section (the bollard in the middle of the path at the Lowry was a classic!), and the unmarked larger potholes made us think they were expecting more of a skyride-type pace.

I was surprised that more clubs didn't turn out. We (Chorlton Velo) had about 20 there, and we figured the likes of Manchester Wheelers, Seamons, Wills Wheels etc would do the same, but I only seemed to see 2 or 3 max from any other club. Apparently the emails have been coming in from people enquiring about joining us, so that's good.

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Joselito | 12 years ago
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Ta for the info. On my way home, I watched some of the pacelines from the Bridge nr St Georges and kind of regretted not getting up in time so I sneaked on the Manc Way to get to Upper Brook St (handy short cut that) and see if I could keep up with the pace on my single speed - nah.
When I did the 13 later with the Mrs, even she laughed at the incongruity of the Salford Quays bit. I suppose that's the only route you can include MUFC, Lowry and IWM North on. At a £10 it was well worth it though. Not sure if I would have paid the original cost of £28 though.

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darren13366 | 12 years ago
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I did the 52 but not fast enough to beat notfastenough - 2:31:10. Still a personal best for the distance and for my 40 and 50 splits. Very enjoyable and very fast, good to get involved in some quick pacelines which was a new experience. The first time the ride hit the technical section there was a bottleneck to get to the canal bridge which brought a lot of riders - me included - to a dead stop, so finishing times could have been even better! Maybe this section will be reviewed next year? All told, a very well organised and enjoyable event. Will definitely be back next year. 41

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notfastenough | 12 years ago
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Thanks for the heads-up.

I did the 52, and was quite pleased to finish in just under 2:31. Certainly the quickest 52 miles I've ever done. Great to have closed roads and riding on the 'wrong' side of the dual carriage way was an inspired decision that made everything new even to locals. It was nice and fast as well, rather odd to run the 'technical section' through an apartment car park etc though.

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