I’d like from people who have done it and their experience.Ive ridden the Blackpool ride a few times and often do 40-60 k hilly rides in the peaks.How much of a step up would it be?
Thanks Ed
If you just want to get round it then it's probably the easiest 100 miles you'll ever do 😀
I did it not long after i'd started cycling, at a very sedate pace as I was riding with someone else and did it all in 53/12 to keep it interesting, there's literally no hills of note.
I'd definitely do it though, it's a lovely ride, the stretch through the rolling bit Delamere is superb.
Thanks I like the sound of “ the easiest 100 mile you will ever do”
it's basically the same as the Manc-Blackpool but on quieter roads with nicer scenery. Also due to the extra mileage you don't get nearly as many have-a-go charity riders so it's a bit less chaotic.
you'd be fine - as long as you remember to eat in the early part, if you get in a little group on the road you'll bowl along nicely
It's a good ride - I live on the route on the Delamere bit mentioned above so know all the road well - the only dodgy bit is on the way back in to Manchester at the end as that will be early afternoon and the traffic always seems pretty nasty.
I've ridden it 4-5 times and the first time, when I was perhaps "under-prepared" saw me get a nasty dose of cramp somewhere around 70 miles so as above, make sure you eat enough and keep hydrated….
Yes it's a pretty nice ride, you will be wafted through some of the loveliest countryside and villages that Cheshire can offer, as well as getting a spectacular view of Beeston Castle. It's pretty flat especially in the second half so if you get in a chaingang you'll only be riding the equivalent of 75 miles. And yes, the last 10 miles back into Manchester are the least pleasant.
Was my first 100 mile ride about 10 years ago, and probably the easiest I've done. Fairly flat, fairly relaxed, good mix of people doing it in terms of age, ability and kit.
Thanks for all the replies you have all helped me make my mind up to do it.
It's been a few years since I did it, so it might be different now, but I thought the feed stations were strangely spaced. 2 or 3 quite close to the start, then nothing for bloody miles. Cocked me up a little bit, (plus I got into a group that was going a bit too quick for me) so I found the last quarter quite hard.
Feed stations are crap (it's not like a sportive). Best take enough water to get you to the Nantwich feed stop and refill with water. I take some energy powder (carb drink) with me to add to the water.
Take your own food too.
One thing to watch, is you do start to encounter the 60 mile riders from Crewe, and some of the 'charity' riders road sense is appalling, so be careful overtaking - it's one reason I've never done Manchester to Blackpool as it's full of idiots.
Try and get yourself in a chatty group that will work together. One year I was in a group that hardly talked, and one guy was always hammering it on the front, and they started taking stupid risks at junctions. I dropped off from them.
One of the best years was when we did it with a group of mates. We stopped at Nantwich Marina for a fry up. Still hammered the 100 miles in just over 5 hours ride time.
The hills are mainly in the first few miles, and there are one or two that catch people out and they will be scrabbling for gears. The last hill just outside of Wilmslow is a little stinker as it's after 95 miles and the legs are a little knackered.
the hill between wilmslow and style....aka b'start bank. you can big ring it if you really try 🙂