[Closed] Rapha Manchester to london

Apart from the possibility of raising money for a good cause, I don't see anything appealing in it...

DiscJockey, you mean the cap for entering isn't enough?

I like long rides, I don't like route finding and everything I've encountered with Rapha has been flawlessly organised. Plus it's 60 miles shorter than last years longest ride and I need a challenge to train for before I end up too fat.

Looks a good ride, I'm popping in RCCLDN tomorrow, I'll have a word.

Hi Lunge - the entry fee is possibly worth it if you're provided with endless nice food and drink, and are thoroughly taken care of etc..but feed zones every 50 miles doesn't sound anywhere near enough, unless you regularly do 200 mile rides.

I just meant you can do long single-day rides for a lot less money, on better roads, e.g. some of the nicer sportives out there in mid-Wales, Lakes or Scotland. I don't know your background, but if you're already experienced at long road riding, you can do Audax rides for next to no money.

But like I said, if you considering it for the charity aspect, it's OK. And unlike most charity rides that last 5 days, it's a proper endurance challenge.

Personally, I'd rather give £150 to charity and do an all-dayer with friends 😉

[b]bikebouy[/b]
Rapha Ldn is closed now til Thursday, they're preparing the place for the RCC launch party on Wednesday night.

The ride had some really positive reports last year. Yes, you could make the route really scenic but then it'd take 2 days. You could make it direct but then it'd be using busier roads. I wasn't able to do the ride but I did some of the recce rides which were good fun.

crazy-legs - Member
bikebouy
Rapha Ldn is closed now til Thursday, they're preparing the place for the RCC launch party on Wednesday night.

Yeah I know, I'm going along to the RCC launch party 😀

Sod it, decision made, I'm in. I need something to train for and this seems to fit the bill.

I think you've chosen a good ride there. Of the Rapha rides I've done this will be very well supported, you'll be riding with like minded and push yourself to boot.
Rapha will take very good care of you and I reckon you'll do fine. (if thats any help)

I might join in too.

Lunge, a few comments from someone who completed it last year, may be of help.

From last year.....
a. You drop off 2 bags at the start at around 5.30am in Manchester:
1) a "wet bag" (musette size) which you will get at feed station 3 (there are 4 total) so dry cycling kit in case wet, any special food etc. You can also dump stuff in it. Collect again at finish.
2) a small "overnight" bag - clothes etc. that you will collect at finish.
b. Own arrangements. Train from London is good, check if you need to pre-book bike space. Plenty of budget hotels in Manchester - all an easy ride or short taxi ride from start. There will likely be a pre-ride party.
c. No set-groups. Some people already organised, others form as day unfolds. Start when you like. Pace up to you but there are cut-off times to be clear of feed stations 2 and 3. This so as to try and get people into London in good time and rte cleared. Last year the cut-offs were based on a slowest ave speed of 14mph plus 15 mins at each feed station. I and some others missed a turn (our fault as signage was good) and did an extra 13 miles, and still made cut offs.

The ride is really well organised, supported, excellent food - chilli and beers in London. I am doing it again -- aiming not to add an extra 13 miles this time -- and happy to join up. (Pace wise I would say I am neither at the front or the back.)"

So thats me settled, I've entered too. 8)

bikebouy, that's awesome feedback, thank you so much, makes me feel a lot better about my decision to enter. I'll look out for you on the ride, I'll be the tall Brummy at the back.

So close to entering this but just can't decide whether I can handle the distance....should I...shouldn't I.