Forum menu
Yes. The bbc is showing sunny, and if it don't sun you can ask for a refund of your licence fee.
I am going to sleep muttering 'it's only a ride in the park on a sunny day' from now on. Better to live in a happy illusion 😀
Tweet from @crossjunkie
[i]The @Hit_the_North course was as sweepingly fast, grindingly muddy and generally brutal as I remembered. It was simply ace.[/i]
Did anyone else only pretend to enter?
I hope so.
I keep getting emails telling me I did 🙁
More from @crossjunkie, this time on the new start climb.
[i]@hit_the_north Rode up it slowly, thinking about how much it was going to hurt on race day 🙂 New climb avoiding car park is fun[/i]
Anyone know if the course was frozen last night and if it's likely to be frozen on race day? If it's cold enough it won't be a mud-fest and I can wheel out the nice bike, if it's not then I'm not trashing anything nice in all that mud!
I'll ask Psychic Bob.
[img] 
[/img]
It isn't going to snow. And the ground won't be frozen.
Its HtN remember. It'll rain! And rain! And rain! And rain! And rain! And rain! And rain! And rain! And rain! And rain! And rain! And rain! And rain! And rain! And rain! And rain! And rain! And rain! And rain! And rain! And rain! And rain! And rain! And rain! And rain! And rain! And rain! And rain! And rain! And rain!
All to ensure the traditional 'Western Front' conditions. I'm going to dig a trench and throw mustard gas at you all
What did Bob say?
Bob's predicted a sandstorm coming in from the east.
My eyes go like that when someone strokes one of mine.
Small world.
@kingkongsfinger - we did that ride a few weeks ago:
http://www.wittonweavers.co.uk/?p=1973
Allow plenty of time for it, it was quiteslow going. Oh, and ignore all my blurb about being out of shape - im now in peak physical condition... ahem!
A tweet from event photgrapher @sportsunday
[i]@Terrahawk @HarrytheSpider you guys are nutters....do we want to get involved...#hitthenorth...Yeah!..... the race for nutters
[/i]
Oh FFS what have I agreed to do. packing up now for the long trek down south, whos bright idea was this?
Mud tyres, ice spike tyres, DH wets. Waterproofs and woolly jumpers, sun tan lotion, gaiters, choice of helmets, entrenching tool, elephant. what else do I need?
I've ridden in rain before, how bad can it be....
[img] 
[/img]
I've ridden in rain before, how bad can it be....
Usually as pictured but think of the water being alot thicker & browner!
I'm driving up tonight/early from Kent, and sleeping in the van in a car-park in Manchester, in order to register and take part in a race where the only common denominators seem to be chaotic weather and yearly training for the local St Johns Ambulance.
Excellent...
Just keep your speed up or expect the worst!
[img] 
[/img]
Terrahawk has been out since 6:00am marking the course and describes the weather as "harsh", which is something considering he was leading the solos at The Puffer for a good chunk of the night.
Latest weather forecast for tomorrow says cold, sunny and dry until the snow comes mid afternoon. By which time we will all have gone home or to the pub.
Mark, if you are sleeping in Philips Park (it doesn't close as there are houses in it - parking is on the right over the bridge) we'll be there at 6:00am tomorrow with strong black coffee. Bring a mug. It will be well below 0°C. After all you have been through please don't expire having a frozen piss against a fence.
My heart is yours, Mr Spider...
Urgh 😯 . Not sure how I feel about that. Bring a mug anyway.
Hot food will be available after about 8:00am and the bogs (nice ones too) will be open around then.
Bullheart, we've a spare room, just round the corner.
Just off to work but email in profile.
Appreciated Rusty; I'm setting off from Kent at about 11pm and won't get there until 3-4am, so I will refrain from waking you and your family.
I will however buy you a tea for your kind offer.
Andrew - Don't fight it, [i]feel it[/i]... 😉
I won't bang on your van in case you are doing some Guy Martin style pre race preparations.
Wander over to that start when you are up and about and we'll sort you out with a brew. If you get there for 7:00 you can help put up the catering tent (caterer is 6 month pregnant so will need help). I'm sure they will offer bacon barm based payment.
WOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Did you hear your middle aged shout out on Shaun Keaveney chaps?!
😀
No. But loads of people are tweeting it. What did they say?
We've got a BBC radio car turning up to do interviews at 11:45 tomorrow morning. I must try very hard not to say ####, #### or ####.
Jason has been out course marking since 6:00am. From this picture the going looks firm, crunchy in places.
[IMG] 
[/IMG]
You'll get it on iplayer later this morning mate
"Fat blokes in lycra?
Should have bought a Nissan Micra"
😆
dam no motorbikes...that's me stuffed then 🙄
Ms Spanner (evil smile, black duvet jacket, specs) will be marshalling.
Say hello. She should have a flask of hot Vimto and might give you a drink if you cheer her up by falling off.
I'm putting stabilisers on and seriously considering hiking boots.
God, I really hope it snows during the race, it'd be great.
Anyone wearing shorts?
I tested my 'race' clothing set up on the ride in this morning and decided to upgrade to salopettes and a puffer jacket. Brrrrrrr.
The trophies are ready.
[img] 
[/img]
So if you come 233rd you get 3 cakes?
I should have trained.
Harry,
I've got a bit of time to kill before the curry so providing I've not got hypothermia I'll happily lend a hand tiding up the course.
I had hoped to steal a few places by wearing hiking boots but it looks like everyone else has the same idea!
I'm debating the flats and hiking boots option myself. The more I think about it, the more sense it makes
Harry,I've got a bit of time to kill before the curry so providing I've not got hypothermia I'll happily lend a hand tiding up the course.
Cheers fella.
I'm happy to stick around and lend a hand too Harry. If I'm still alive, obviously 😉
Hiking boots?!
Sod that, I'm wearing me disco slippers.
I haven't even got any flat pedals. I did however purchase a CX tyre for the princely sum of £8.50 this morning. Remember kids; second place is first loser!
300th place is 299th loser. I'm aiming high!
300th place is 299th loser. I'm aiming high!
Think i may be competing with you binners! Is the nr 1 loser a better accolade than the 299th loser...?!
@kkf - I'm planning on riding over myself, so could maybe meet somewhere around Horwich in the morning? When are you planning on heading off?
Is there a STW enclosure?
Here's pictures of the STW enclosure at previous events
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
Harry rigorously enforces the dress code. Bring a fascinator and a bikini