Thanks for the advice. I will be on the look out for people elbowing past me at the top of the Sloc and try not to hold people up at the bottom! Is there much other technical stuff apart from Arrasey?

Is the trail from Ballaugh to Bullrenney ridable? That looks like it may add the required 300ft of climb (and 300ft extra of descent!)

So do any veterans of this event have any good tips for the big day?

If we are still guessing alternatives to Ballacob, what about Tholt-y-Will?

yes, no and 4 hours.

Though 4.5 hours is probably a bit more realistic. And I’ll probably be happy as long as I am sub 5 hours. Or thereabouts.

Sounds good about Ballacob – the traffic jam was one bit I wasn’t looking forward too. Looking at a map, it looks like the total accent may actually be slightly less.

Looking forward to the event: only had a bike for a year after not riding since my teens. I live down south and normally ride SDW, but am Manx which is why I decided to enter. Just need to decide what tyres I should use.

thanks for the replies! Was interesting most recommendations were for 700c bikes, as I was worried it was a little big and was looking at 26″ wheels.