I'm Spartacus!
Now cancelled for obvious reasons... let’s hope we can do it later in the year!
Date: 15-17 May
Meeting location: Matlock, Derbyshire
Given that (1) I don't want to be spending endless days/weeks managing the logistics and (2) we all need some certainty with regard to timing and arrangements, I've made a decision to go for the above dates and location. I've also - through booking.com so with some flexibility in terms of changes/cancellation - reserved one twin and 6 double rooms at the Duke of Wellington pub/hotel. The cost of the rooms, for a two night stay, will be £140 for each of the doubles or £150 for the twin (sorry, there was only one of these, which I appreciate is a bit easier for sharing). More on accommodation below, though.
The idea is that we'll pitch up on Friday, have a full day's riding on Saturday, and then on Sunday we can all do what we like (ride, walk, sleep) before heading off home at some point during the day. There are some great rides in the area, and I have it on good authority that the choice of location is a good one (i.e. one of those coming has been there, done it and got the t-shirt). I won't be taking responsibility for organising the rides themselves, by the way, so perhaps someone else can pick that up as we get closer to the time.
Can anyone who would like to join us please post on the thread (or just PM me), also letting me know whether or not you'd like to take one of the rooms I've reserved? With regard to the rooms, first dibs will be given to those that can confirm that they definitely want to take the two nights; I'll be asking for payment during the first week of May and from the second week any payments will be non-refundable. Prior to that point I'll also deal with any booking amendments necessary due to overriding circumstances, likely issues with weather, etc. Please also note that there are plenty of other hotels in Matlock, but not many with multiple-room availability. That's why I've pre-booked early, so should these rooms all get claimed there should be plenty of other options within the town itself.
Finally, and just to emphasise this again, the intention is to go for some nice rides along local A/B roads. We won't be touching motorways, and there'll no doubt be a mix of progressive (but legal) riding coupled with stops for grub/to take in some scenery, etc.
Now cancelled for obvious reasons... let’s hope we can do it later in the year!
************************************************** **************
Okay, just some early thoughts along the lines of the following...
1 A Saturday/Sunday in early-mid May, with a one or two night stay somewhere suitable (e.g. a bed & breakfast or mid-range hotel)
2 Somewhere offering the opportunity of beautiful roads, and definitely no motorways or major dual carriageways... perhaps the Chilterns or the Cotswolds (could even stretch to the Peak District at a push)
3 A social gathering of like-minded souls (in terms of both bikes and watches), as well as some nice riding
4 Unlike the last ride-out, meeting at whatever venue we choose to stay in and then just exploring some nice local roads (as opposed to a preplanned route that just goes t*ts-up within 30 seconds )
5 Some genuinely leisurely rides - no racing, so this won't be for anyone that can't control their throttle hand
Let's gauge interest here, and then we can move on to date/venue. Happy to do the planning if there's enough interest, but I want to emphasise that - it it happens - this will be a ride-out to enjoy some nice local/twisty roads, and not a case of screaming down motorways/dual carriageways.
I'm Spartacus!
Route and day dependant, I may be able to join the ride for part of the journey as I work some days during weekends in summer. Once you have finalised to run let us know and I can take it from there.
Stuart
Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app
Oooo!
Colour me interested please.
Scotland early May, then practise week IoM end of May....but inbetween.....
A tentative yes from me.....👍
I'm likely.. subject to confirmation of a bike trip to Scotland that is in planning mode.
I’m interested provided it’s before the 18th of May
Andy
Wanted - Damasko DC57
I'd be up for it Tony depending on final location. Sounds like a great idea and thanks for organising it.
Ray
Yes, me and my non TZ mate who came along to the last one should be able to make this.
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Last edited by Red Steve; 1st January 2020 at 23:07.
I'd be interested, family commitments allowing.
Even if not for the whole thing, would coming along for a day/evening be possible?
Dave
All - I've made some decisions with regard to both location and dates. Please confirm or otherwise, and also let me know if you'd like one of the pre-booked rooms (double or twin).
- - - Updated - - -
See the update, Dave. Pitching up at some point would be absolutely fine.
Please stick me down for a twin Tony .. I'm going to ask a mate if he wants to join us. Presuming that's OK?
His name is Steve.
Thanks for all your efforts on this - much appreciated!
Ian
I'll be in Germany on a bike tour...sorry but hopefully another time
Last edited by Red Steve; 2nd January 2020 at 19:17. Reason: Error
Ah bit too late in May for me, sorry! Count me out now
Still away for new year but will check the calendar when I can! Thanks for organising Tony
My club currently has a fixture on 16 May, which is the main ride day. If things change, and they often do due to SKY TV requests I may be able to do the Saturday.
Stuart
Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app
Great idea Tony, unfortunately that's currently the only weekend in the whole of 2020 that I have already booked!
Nevermind, I'm sure once the weather picks up we'll manage a ride-out or 2.
Count me in..... I have relatives in Chesterfield, so will probably stay there..👍
Well, we're now at 7/8 in number, which is excellent. At present there are two rooms still available through my pre-booking, so if anyone else fancies joining us then just post here or PM me (letting me know if you want a room as well).
This really does seem to be a superb location for riding, and given the social element as well it should be a lot of fun.
Tony...I’ve sent you a PM... could you book me a double room, I’ve decided it’ll be more fun and easier to stay at the hotel rather than with relatives....
I’m not a biker (mid life crisis may change that...) but having grown up only five miles from Matlock I can tell you that Matlock Bath (about 2 miles up the road from Matlock) used to be a bikers Mecca at the weekend (primarily Sunday) with the main road being absolutely rammed with bikes of all shapes and sizes. It’s worth a ride through I’d imagine just to see the spectacle.
I would love to join up on the Saturday morning for the ride, I don’t live too far away ( Stockport ) so will not need to stay over. Some amazing roads around here, Snake Pass, Cat and Fiddle, Woodhead Pass, Black Hill to Holmfirth[emoji106]
Last edited by Lammylee; 5th March 2020 at 19:57.
I'll dig out the Ride magazine routes later; they were very good.
Another option is to have a ‘Tuesday TZ’ meet or similar where we just schedule a cafe each week or fortnight and hang there, some weeks a long ride for some other weeks you’ll be local so cafes inc:
Loomies
Rykas
Super Sausage
1066
H Cafe
Bike Shed
Ace Cafe
Brighton Seafront
etc etc
Could schedule Sundays also
RIAC