Seems fitting that I am writing this as its -2 in North London. Looks like we have got about 13 bods who have signed up so far. Good stuff. As we are now in 2012 time to get some basic planning.
1. First if you are planning on joining some fat blokes on a cross country tour and I don't have your name down
here can you please let me know. Please only put your name down if you have registered with the RBLR and paid your £20. Details of how to register for the event can be found
here if you have not registered.
2. June is still a long time away but GS John is sussing out some group accommodation nearby. The theme for the accommodation is cheap and cheerful.
So we can get an idea of numbers can you post up whether you like to join the group accommodation or not soon. It will be likely be difficult to grow the group for latecomers once we book. If you were planning on doing your own thing or camping no worries. I'm sure we will find somewhere to eat on the Friday closer to the date.
3. Fundraising - This is after all a charity event. I'm in the process of setting up a page on Justgiving which I find the easiest way to raise money. The site tracks your progress, you don't have to collect from people, the site automatically manages gift aid (in which the charity gets a contribution from HMRC if they are still solvent) and the money goes straight to the Legion. If you want me to add you as a team member to the Justgiving team page after you sign up to Justgiving let me know. You are also free to walk around with an ice cream bucket if that's what you prefer. Different strokes for different folks.
4. Group riding - Some people have asked if they can be paired up and what about group riding etc. This is a very personal choice. Generally from those that have done this before (I have not) large group riding is difficult if not impossible during a timed event, (particularly at petrol stations etc.), slows everyone down, and is dangerous given different riding styles. Group riding is also really boring and tedious. Also the event has timed starts and there are four routes
route. Pairs or threes does have advantages of having assistance if you get a flat, break down, your Garmin packs up (or you loose your map) or something bad unfortunately goes wrong. Going it alone gives the satisfaction of beating your chest when in the bar but this also has risks particularly if you are in an area with no mobile coverage. If you are interested in getting paired up send me a PM with which route your planning on doing and whether your slow and steady, progressive or a rocket and which part of country you are in. Although it would fun to match people who were slow and a rocket this wouldn't be too much fun over a 24 hour period. I'll try to group people in the same part of the country first so you could meet up before June to plan route, stops and decide which is your favourite animal protein. I'm matching names, routes, location and riding style - the rest is up to you. 24 hours is a long time to be with someone you find annoying (but may make you complete the Iron Butt more progressively
). Strategy, strategy, strategy.
Rock on June