In less than 36 hours, Ride to Northampton 2 will be under way with the riders (hopefully) well on their way out of York in their journey south. The fundraising total at the time of writing has surpassed the £3250 mark which is amazing. We caught up with route planner Craig Atkin to hear how the final preparations have been going.
What has been going on since we last spoke?
In a word – lots! Personally I have been out on four good training rides and felt better each time, both during the ride and in recovery. Six of us cycled 101km back from Darlington after taking the train up there. The following two weekends were 69km and 111km rides, both as a threesome. Lastly, four of us went for a ride on Thursday, one week before the off, covering 65km. I know others have been going out riding too. That said I know some haven’t, and I received a text just a few days ago from one rider who wanted to know which bike to get (he has one now) so some have done very little prep it would seem.
I’ve had a plethora of friend requests and Strava followers too, since finalising the route on there. Monies have been collected from a couple that had to pull out but have still contributed, big thanks to those lads.
A huge Thank You to ‘Go Outdoors’ York, especially Ben Garwood for all their help and support. A fair few of the riders have had their bikes serviced and five have attended a bike maintenance training course, all provided free of charge. Everyone involved has reported back that is was very useful and a worthwhile exercise, lets hope no-one needs to use too many of their newly found skills!
Any dirt on your fellow riders?
There was some on Darren Skillbeck when he fell off the other day!
Ability wise I’ve cycled with eight different participants. Five from last year’s ride, and three new lads. Of the new lads both Ryan Brigham (one ride) and Jim Calverley (two) both seemed to be very capable riders indeed. I’d imagine them to be up with the quick lads from last year. Darren Skillbeck also surprised me. I’ve known Daz for many years, but every time I see him he’s got a pint in his hand! He came out on the last ride the other day and while not quite up with the pace of Nath and I he wasn’t far off at all. He’ll be fine if he has the stamina to cope with the hills we’ll hit.
From last year Ash Taylor and in particular Oli Stone both look to have improved. Neither really struggled last year, but neither were they leading any mad charges. Ash rode really well on the way back from Darlo and Oli in particular rode unbelievably when he lead Jim and myself for a good eight or nine miles at about 32km an hour on the long 111km ride. By the time we’d hit a hill at the end of it Jim (a very capable rider) was beginning to tail off and my legs were burning too. I didn’t think he had that in him, so fair play to Oli. Day one this year includes a 10km straight, flat road and I can see myself positioned on Oli’s back wheel if he can recreate that form! Of the others Corker is his usual self, nothing phases him and he ploughs on fantastically well. He’ll be fine. Tom Poole has done a couple of rides too and looks better than last year also. Whilst he still moans about the cold just at much he’s not had a Chinese or a sit in a van. He’s had a lot of digs aimed his way to do with that van, so I expect him to finish the ride this year without the aid of the internal combustion engine. Nathan is the other rider I’ve yet to mention. He was right up there last year and I’m sure he will be again. His sprinting is very good indeed and he likes to lead out, so will be useful for other riders to sit in behind and get a nice tow along.
And the final prep?
Nearly there now. There’s a couple of fundraising ideas going on which will involve a couple of the riders, but that’ll be kept a secret for now. Hotels are all confirmed as are support vans. Wetherspoons have offered us reserved areas on an evening and discounted food and drinks, so that’ll be handy too. All that’s left to do is relax, pack a bag, final check on the bike and for people to help us raise as much money as possible for a very worthy cause. All the boys seem to be very much looking forward to it, the weather forecast (3 days before departure) isn’t too bad at all and everyone is in high spirits. Should be a great experience once again.
To donate:
Visit https://www.justgiving.com/ridetonorthampton2/
OR
Text YCFC56 £(and your amount) to 70070
OR
Pop some money in one of our collection buckets at Sixfields on Saturday 6th February or Bootham Crescent on Tuesday 23rd February.
ride to northampton 2 