Coast to Coast route planning, Marshalling and breakdown

Mr Gazza · 05-02-2017, 07:12 PM

I have had a deliberate break from the Coast to Coast run planning, as just the B&B arrangements took all my spare time over what was supposed to be the December holiday.
I've just about caught up on some of the jobs that I had planned to do, but I also promised myself to get back on the case of the run on the 1st of Feb... Ah well! still 4 whole months to go at.!

I will contact all of those that I know are going on the run via PM and also some that have shown an interest in the route planning.
I will try out the idea of doing this via an email group rather than publicising the route on our public forum. Although I will post up the en-route meeting places and times.

So far we have;
Ness Point Lowestoft 4.00 am.
Fourwentways services. approx. 7.30am
Oxford services, approx. 10am

The marshalling can be discussed on here, as can the breakdown policy.

If you are not on the B&B list, but would still like a copy of the route please shout here or PM me.

06-02-2017, 09:15 AM

Hi ya,

I hope to join up with you guys at the Oxford services and ride until I need to turn back and get home before I turn into a pumpkin. I'm based in Walton-on-Thames in Surrey.

Cheers,
David.

Mr Gazza · 06-02-2017, 05:57 PM

It'll be good to see you David.

Join in for as much or as little as you like.

Mr Gazza · 24-02-2017, 06:31 PM

I did send a pm to everyone going on the run, but only got a couple of replies!
So I take that as a no to doing the route planning via email group.

I've been busy, distracted and let this slide, but it's time to get it sorted.

As it stands the route we have planned so far is...

1st leg. https://goo.gl/maps/nRPXudPrTxk
2nd leg. https://goo.gl/maps/Pcf44rvoyM92

I am looking to establish another 90 mile or so leg with a refreshment and refuel stop at the end.
I think the object is to try and get down to the A30.
I favour going via Newbury, Andover and Salisbury.
The other option is going in the Swindon direction and on to Devises? Possibly.

I know my way from Newbury to Salisbury, but Oxford Services to Newbury seems convoluted every time I try to find a way across to the A34.

Help me please!! I need local knowledge.

I would be very grateful if you could post up or pm your suggestion in the google map format linked to above.

Thanks all...

rollo22 · 24-02-2017, 06:37 PM

Gazza
A40 to Oxford then Southern bypass to A34
then either A34 to Newbury or A420 to Swindon

Mr Gazza · 24-02-2017, 06:53 PM

Thank you Rollo.

Yes that's the only way I can find to get onto the A34... I was hoping to find a short cut heading more South West, as Oxford seems to be putting a bit of an unwanted northward loop into the route... Ah well I will try and post up my idea for a third leg and we can polish it as time goes on.

Don't seem to be able to make google maps work at the mo.. must be Doris interfering!

utopia · 24-02-2017, 07:46 PM

Why not the A329 via Wallingford to Goring.
Then the B4009 looks like a nice little cross country hop to Newbury.
?

Mr Gazza · 24-02-2017, 07:51 PM

How's this?

https://goo.gl/maps/Uy5xWexFmMq

As it happens it works out at just over 90 miles to the point just short of Salisbury where I ended the blue line. Giving the option of going into town to a watering hole or finding one outside... Again I need local knowledge to suggest a waypoint very close to Salisbury.

Please edit the map at will.. It's just a suggestion at this point.

A short cut to the A34 from Oxford Services would be good too, but it doesn't seem too bad now looking at it zoomed out.

Mr Gazza · 24-02-2017, 07:53 PM

Show me on the map Jeff... Just click on the blue line and drag it onto the road you want.

To post a link just click on "details" then click on the icon shaped like this > with blobs at the ends of the lines.. Then copy and paste the short URL.

Mr Gazza · 24-02-2017, 08:05 PM

Like this?

https://goo.gl/maps/t9MwCqJwT2P2

Sorry for the loops and mess, it's like knitting with spider webs!!

utopia · 24-02-2017, 08:27 PM

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Mi...d51.401409!3e0

Checking back very briefly on the earlier thread, I think this also corresponds to some suggestions that SteveG made.

Mr Gazza · 25-02-2017, 07:08 AM

Yes I remember SteveG telling me about the b4009. In the context of me looking for a road I discovered nearly thirty years ago, when going South on one of my Bonnies.

It would be nice if it was that road, which I have in my head was called The Icknield Way? But that doesn't correspond to anything I can find on a map now.!

Unfortunately it will have a good deal more Thirty limits on it now!

Thanks for posting up the map Jeff.. Can't figure how to get rid of those annoying dead ends that it seems to throw up?

25-02-2017, 04:52 PM

Personally I think you are missing a trick using Oxford services rather than the Biker Cafe at Berinsfield, Ickfield Way is I believe the B4009, but as the whole of Oxfordshire is now a 50 max or 30 then it has been totally spoilt, that and the A329 used to be lovely biking roads.

I have a reasonable knowledge of the roads in this area and my go to routes for a blat are Newbury/Andover mainly not A roads but that may not suit as it will be a bit meandering, also I like to keep them quiet

But from Salisbury the A30 is a rather nice road down to the South west.

Mr Gazza · 25-02-2017, 06:01 PM

Thanks Mark, It's good to know I have found that road again at last. I enjoyed it so much all those years ago.
However, what you say about all the speed limits doesn't bode well. Maybe the A34 will get us along in better time? We really don't have too much time to dilly dally about, but the point is to make it an interesting ride without too many dual carriageways and Motorways... A difficult balance to strike.

Would that be the Biker café on the roundabout where the A415 and A4974 cross?

It might be possible to work that into the route.. However it would add at least another 10 miles onto the second leg, which is pushing our luck for range on some of the bikes.
Is there petrol at this place?
We need to keep the stops very streamlined, with a quick re-fuel, wee, slurp and munch.
(not forgetting to wash your hands!).

It has just occurred to me however, that if it is a biker café, that they might be up for a pre-arranged lightning pit stop, with instant food and drink laid on?? Worth a phone call.
That could offset the need for a separate fuel stop.. Say at Oxford services.

This option might also exist at Cassington, where they are having an Italian bike day? But I'm not entirely sure where that is at the moment, in relation to our route.

Thank you for the local knowledge Mark, and the thoughts...

25-02-2017, 07:03 PM

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/...1!4d-1.1759207

For the cafe

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/...3!4d-1.1177409

Nearest fuel

If you are planning going through Wallingford on the A329 then it is not that far off, no vested interest just the thought of a motorway cafe

I would rather put the money in the pockets of the local economy.

I am happy to run some routes when the weather is better for you, I used to use the Old Icknield way on my supermoto, but its a bit off the beaten track and involves gravel and horses, but an interesting route home from work in the early hours.

05-02-2017, 07:12 PM	#1
Mr Gazza Lord of the Rings Join Date: May 2013 Location: Norwich Bike: M900sie Posts: 5,815	Coast to Coast route planning, Marshalling and breakdown I have had a deliberate break from the Coast to Coast run planning, as just the B&B arrangements took all my spare time over what was supposed to be the December holiday. I've just about caught up on some of the jobs that I had planned to do, but I also promised myself to get back on the case of the run on the 1st of Feb... Ah well! still 4 whole months to go at.! I will contact all of those that I know are going on the run via PM and also some that have shown an interest in the route planning. I will try out the idea of doing this via an email group rather than publicising the route on our public forum. Although I will post up the en-route meeting places and times. So far we have; Ness Point Lowestoft 4.00 am. Fourwentways services. approx. 7.30am Oxford services, approx. 10am The marshalling can be discussed on here, as can the breakdown policy. If you are not on the B&B list, but would still like a copy of the route please shout here or PM me. __________________

06-02-2017, 05:57 PM	#3
Mr Gazza Lord of the Rings Join Date: May 2013 Location: Norwich Bike: M900sie Posts: 5,815	It'll be good to see you David. Join in for as much or as little as you like. __________________

24-02-2017, 06:31 PM	#4
Mr Gazza Lord of the Rings Join Date: May 2013 Location: Norwich Bike: M900sie Posts: 5,815	I did send a pm to everyone going on the run, but only got a couple of replies! So I take that as a no to doing the route planning via email group. I've been busy, distracted and let this slide, but it's time to get it sorted. As it stands the route we have planned so far is... 1st leg. https://goo.gl/maps/nRPXudPrTxk 2nd leg. https://goo.gl/maps/Pcf44rvoyM92 I am looking to establish another 90 mile or so leg with a refreshment and refuel stop at the end. I think the object is to try and get down to the A30. I favour going via Newbury, Andover and Salisbury. The other option is going in the Swindon direction and on to Devises? Possibly. I know my way from Newbury to Salisbury, but Oxford Services to Newbury seems convoluted every time I try to find a way across to the A34. Help me please!! I need local knowledge. I would be very grateful if you could post up or pm your suggestion in the google map format linked to above. Thanks all... __________________

24-02-2017, 06:37 PM	#5
rollo22 Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Moreton-in-Marsh Bike: M1100evo Posts: 1,082	Gazza A40 to Oxford then Southern bypass to A34 then either A34 to Newbury or A420 to Swindon __________________ IF ALL ELSE FAILS READ THE INSTRUCTIONS

24-02-2017, 06:53 PM	#6
Mr Gazza Lord of the Rings Join Date: May 2013 Location: Norwich Bike: M900sie Posts: 5,815	Thank you Rollo. Yes that's the only way I can find to get onto the A34... I was hoping to find a short cut heading more South West, as Oxford seems to be putting a bit of an unwanted northward loop into the route... Ah well I will try and post up my idea for a third leg and we can polish it as time goes on. Don't seem to be able to make google maps work at the mo.. must be Doris interfering! __________________

06-02-2017, 09:15 AM	#2
ValiantBoy Guest Posts: n/a	Hi ya, I hope to join up with you guys at the Oxford services and ride until I need to turn back and get home before I turn into a pumpkin. I'm based in Walton-on-Thames in Surrey. Cheers, David.

24-02-2017, 07:46 PM	#7
utopia No turn left unstoned Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: leicester Bike: M750 Posts: 4,545	Why not the A329 via Wallingford to Goring. Then the B4009 looks like a nice little cross country hop to Newbury. ?

24-02-2017, 07:51 PM	#8
Mr Gazza Lord of the Rings Join Date: May 2013 Location: Norwich Bike: M900sie Posts: 5,815	How's this? https://goo.gl/maps/Uy5xWexFmMq As it happens it works out at just over 90 miles to the point just short of Salisbury where I ended the blue line. Giving the option of going into town to a watering hole or finding one outside... Again I need local knowledge to suggest a waypoint very close to Salisbury. Please edit the map at will.. It's just a suggestion at this point. A short cut to the A34 from Oxford Services would be good too, but it doesn't seem too bad now looking at it zoomed out. __________________

24-02-2017, 07:53 PM	#9
Mr Gazza Lord of the Rings Join Date: May 2013 Location: Norwich Bike: M900sie Posts: 5,815	Show me on the map Jeff... Just click on the blue line and drag it onto the road you want. To post a link just click on "details" then click on the icon shaped like this > with blobs at the ends of the lines.. Then copy and paste the short URL. __________________ Last edited by Mr Gazza; 24-02-2017 at 07:56 PM..

24-02-2017, 08:05 PM	#10
Mr Gazza Lord of the Rings Join Date: May 2013 Location: Norwich Bike: M900sie Posts: 5,815	Like this? https://goo.gl/maps/t9MwCqJwT2P2 Sorry for the loops and mess, it's like knitting with spider webs!! __________________ Last edited by Mr Gazza; 24-02-2017 at 08:10 PM..

24-02-2017, 08:27 PM	#11
utopia No turn left unstoned Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: leicester Bike: M750 Posts: 4,545	https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Mi...d51.401409!3e0 Checking back very briefly on the earlier thread, I think this also corresponds to some suggestions that SteveG made.

25-02-2017, 07:08 AM	#12
Mr Gazza Lord of the Rings Join Date: May 2013 Location: Norwich Bike: M900sie Posts: 5,815	Yes I remember SteveG telling me about the b4009. In the context of me looking for a road I discovered nearly thirty years ago, when going South on one of my Bonnies. It would be nice if it was that road, which I have in my head was called The Icknield Way? But that doesn't correspond to anything I can find on a map now.! Unfortunately it will have a good deal more Thirty limits on it now! Thanks for posting up the map Jeff.. Can't figure how to get rid of those annoying dead ends that it seems to throw up? __________________

25-02-2017, 04:52 PM	#13
MarkF Guest Posts: n/a	Personally I think you are missing a trick using Oxford services rather than the Biker Cafe at Berinsfield, Ickfield Way is I believe the B4009, but as the whole of Oxfordshire is now a 50 max or 30 then it has been totally spoilt, that and the A329 used to be lovely biking roads. I have a reasonable knowledge of the roads in this area and my go to routes for a blat are Newbury/Andover mainly not A roads but that may not suit as it will be a bit meandering, also I like to keep them quiet But from Salisbury the A30 is a rather nice road down to the South west.

25-02-2017, 06:01 PM	#14
Mr Gazza Lord of the Rings Join Date: May 2013 Location: Norwich Bike: M900sie Posts: 5,815	Thanks Mark, It's good to know I have found that road again at last. I enjoyed it so much all those years ago. However, what you say about all the speed limits doesn't bode well. Maybe the A34 will get us along in better time? We really don't have too much time to dilly dally about, but the point is to make it an interesting ride without too many dual carriageways and Motorways... A difficult balance to strike. Would that be the Biker café on the roundabout where the A415 and A4974 cross? It might be possible to work that into the route.. However it would add at least another 10 miles onto the second leg, which is pushing our luck for range on some of the bikes. Is there petrol at this place? We need to keep the stops very streamlined, with a quick re-fuel, wee, slurp and munch. (not forgetting to wash your hands!). It has just occurred to me however, that if it is a biker café, that they might be up for a pre-arranged lightning pit stop, with instant food and drink laid on?? Worth a phone call. That could offset the need for a separate fuel stop.. Say at Oxford services. This option might also exist at Cassington, where they are having an Italian bike day? But I'm not entirely sure where that is at the moment, in relation to our route. Thank you for the local knowledge Mark, and the thoughts... __________________

25-02-2017, 07:03 PM	#15
MarkF Guest Posts: n/a	https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/...1!4d-1.1759207 For the cafe https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/...3!4d-1.1177409 Nearest fuel If you are planning going through Wallingford on the A329 then it is not that far off, no vested interest just the thought of a motorway cafe I would rather put the money in the pockets of the local economy. I am happy to run some routes when the weather is better for you, I used to use the Old Icknield way on my supermoto, but its a bit off the beaten track and involves gravel and horses, but an interesting route home from work in the early hours.