Hi
Latest update on this
we now have a meeting/start point for the ride on 14th May 2011.
VOSA ( the Vehicle and Operator Standars Agency) have kindly allowed us use of their vehicle check-site at Junction 1a of the M65, near Bamber Bridge, Preston.
The have kindly offered us the use of their bathroom facilities and there will be a catering van on site prior to our departure, selling bacon and sausage sandwiches etc, tea and coffee, and the owner of the business has kindly said she will donate 10% of her morning's takings as sponsorship for our event.
Directions
From the South
Take the M6 north to Junction 29 (Preston South).
The slip road has a left fork leaving it, take the left fork on to the M65 (Jct1, M65).
You are now on the last few hundred yards of the M65.
Infront of you is Jct 1a (known as "Terminal island" where you will see a large open area to your right. This is the VOSA site.
Circle around the site to the entrance which is on the opposite side.
From the north
Take the M6 south to Jct 29 (Preston South)
At the top of the slip road, go straight ahead on to the link road to the next roundabout ( Jct 1, M65).
Turn right (3rd exit) on to the last few hundres yards of the M65. Directions as above.
From the east
Follow the M65 to it's conclusion at Preston south. Directions as above.
Important note
I have no doubt that it goes without saying, but please ensure that all bikes in your group are legal and roadworthy and that riders are aware that they are responsible for their own insurance and documentation. ANPR is active in Lancashire.
A start time has yet to be decided, but I will confirm this to you all as soon as possible. Myself and a friend who is invilved in the organisation of the ride, will be riding the route at an appropriate opportunity to assess timings and facilities etc and finalising a precise route.
Pickup point
Friends and colleagues from Cumbria police are currently looking in to an appropriate pickup point in Kendal for anyone wishing to join us in Cumbria prior to going on the the A6 to Shap, so please let me know if you will be joining us there. They will also be looking in to organising a stop at the Hartside Cafe near Alston, a well known biker cafe for those who haven't been before.
Information required
If you are an organiser or my contact for a group of bikers who are attending, please could you start to let me know your estimate of numbers attending.This is to assist with marshalling and organising groups, and for catering as The Blue Lamp Foundation, along with Blyth Rugby Club have kindly offered to lay on a "Homecoming" with a barbecue or other food.
Camping is available on the pitch at Blyth Rugby Club. Please let me know hoe many tents you intend to bring if you are camping, again for the purposes of organisation. The Rugby Club have also kindly said that the changing rooms will be left open over night so that people can change there and use the toilets and showers etc.
Sponsorship/ Donations
We have a few raffle prizes, and it is likely that David Rathband will be drawing the raffle in the evening.
We have also been kindly donated a number of hi vis vests for group leaders, orgainsers, first aiders and mechanics etc to assist with identification on the day.
Any further raffle prizes would be greatfully received.
Thank you once again for all your support. i will be in touch with any significant updates as soon as I have them, but please feel free to get in touch if you need anything.
Kind regards
Contact can be made by email to speedcuffs at talk21 dot com