LOND
W O G S A L G 2 ON Glasgow
e #Climat #COP26
ondon2 ures #L t u iF n e Ic Action #
LONDON2GLASGOW
LONDON2GLASGOW
2
This November, the pivotal COP26 climate talks will take place in Glasgow. These will set a pathway for the global community for years to come. All eyes will be on the UK for a positive lead. Across the UK, young people are calling for urgent climate action. From Glasgow to Plymouth, Liverpool to Brighton, they’re joining forces to lead the way towards a zero-carbon future. Schools can be trailblazers for sustainability and will play a critical role in helping the UK cut carbon emission levels. At the very centre of our communities, they can respond to young people’s calls for action and encourage local families and businesses to join them in taking on the climate crisis. Iceni Projects; Barratt Homes; CBRE GI; ElliottWood; HAUS Collective; Mactaggart & Mickel; Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland and SEGRO will cycle over 453 miles to COP26 in Glasgow to raise funds in support of Let’s Go Zero. Let’s Go Zero (LGZ) is the national campaign uniting teachers, pupils, parents and their schools as they all work together to be carbon zero by 2030. The campaign is run by a coalition of eight major NGOs supporting schools on sustainability, including Global Action Plan, WWF, Sustrans, Soil Association, Fairtrade Foundation, EcoSchools and Carbon Trust. To date, over 415 schools have joined the campaign and are committed to action. Our sponsorship page is available at www.london2glasgow.com Along the course of the cycle route, you will be visiting young people and their teachers working together through the Let’s Go Zero campaign to transform our schools and help safeguard our planet for future generations. We are in doubt that the stories we will hear will provide all the inspiration necessary to make it through the potentially arduous weather conditions, which of course, have become increasingly unpredictable through the advent of climate change. This welcome pack provides you with the necessary information for the cycle.
3
LONDON2GLASGOW
4
General Information All routes have been planned based on local knowledge and Google mapping. If anything on route does not appear/feel right please stop and wait for Ride Leader to catchup. To our knowledge, the routes are all surfaced and ridable and no know road works/diversion have been identified. However, we may need to unexpectedly adapt based on conditions at the time. Iceni Projects is currently making arrangements for a series of evening events along the route. Further information will be provided once confirmed. We hope to finish between 16:00 and 17:30, each day. This is not a race, so please leave the TT bikes and Tri bars at home. Please READ the Risk Assessment. The Day Before - Tuesday, 26 October 2021 Bag and cycle drop off the night before up to 8pm - for those who wish to. The suggested accommodation for those wishing to stay in London is the Premier Inn Farringdon (Smithfield). This is approximatley a 5 mins walk from the office. Clive Burbrige will be responsible for the cyclists each day. He will be participating in the cycle. He will be supported by James Bompas who will be managing the logistics for the week. The cyclists will be supported by a van, which will transport equipment and luggage, and a minibus should the weather prevent cycling, or should anyone not feel able to cycle the entire route. Clive Burbridge - Ride Captain James Bompas – Ride Support
5
DAY 1
WEDNESDAY, 27 OCTOBER 2021
LONDON TO NORTHAMPTON NORTHAMPTON / ETA 17:00 BLETCHLEY MILTON KEYNES WHIPSNADE ST ALBANS ELSTREE
ICENI PROJECTS FARRINGDON / START 08.30
LONDON2GLASGOW
6
Leaving Iceni’s London office, we cycle north following the A5 out of London, crossing the M25 to Park Street for our first stop. It is here we will meet the Van and minibus for the rest of the ride to Glasgow. We will continue our climb to Whipsnade before the route starts a more gradual undulation around the southwestern side of Luton and on to Milton Keynes where we will stop at Watling Academy for the photo shoot before continuing to our first nights stop. This is one of our shortest days with relatively little climbing (738m) to ease the legs in.
07:30 – 08:30
Breakfast in Da Vinci House
08:00
Safety Briefing
08:30
Cycle begins - First 20 miles riding without support vehicles
+20 miles
Morning Break Park Street Station - meet Minibus and Van for rest of COP26 ride
+42 miles
Lunch The Swan Hotel Leighton Buzzard
+55 miles
Watling Academy School visit and Afternoon Break
+72 miles
End of Cycle
19:30
Dinner at the Premier Inn
Evening
TBC
Accommodation
Premier Inn, Northampton South, Newport Pagnell Road, West Wootton, NN4 7JJ
7
DAY 2
THURSDAY, 28 OCTOBER 2021
NORTHAMPTON TO CANNOCK CANNOCK / ETA 15.45
BIRMINGHAM
SOLIHULL
LEAMINGTON SPA
SILVERSTONE / START 07.30
LONDON2GLASGOW
8
This sees a relatively gentle, undulating ride, heading in a northwest direction to Iceni’s Birmingham office which opened in 2021, before heading north towards Cannock. In total we will climb 704m over the day, similar to our first day’s riding.
07:00 07:30
Breakfast Cycle commences
+27.5 miles
Morning Break Wood Street Car Park Southam
+43.5 miles
Lunch The White Horse Balsall (ETA)
+59 miles
Afternoon Break outside Iceni Birmingham Office
+77 miles 19:30 Accommodation
End of Cycle Dinner at the Premier Inn Premier Inn, Cannock South, Watling Street, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 1SJ
9
DAY 3
FRIDAY, 29 OCTOBER 2021
CANNOCK TO MANCHESTER MANCHESTER / ETA 15.15
CONGLETON STOKE ON TRENT
CANNOCK / START 07.15
LONDON2GLASGOW
10
Today sees us heading straight north on a relatively flat route, apart from the undulations about a third of the way into the ride (22miles in to 35miles), passing through Newcastle under Lyme and Congleton onto our Manchester office near the end of the day’s ride. Today is by far the least amount of climbing at only 621m and our shortest day, giving those legs which often feel heavy on the third day a chance for recovery before the big push the next day.
06:00 - 07:00 07:15
Breakfast Cycle commences
+17 miles
Morning Break The Mill Worston
+36 miles
Lunch Red Bull Pub
+53.5 miles
Afternoon Break Aldeli takeaway car park
+68 miles
End of Cycle having passed Iceni Manchester office
17:30
Networking drinks in Manchester
19:30
Dinner in Manchester at Rudys Pizza, Petersfield House, Manchester, M2 5QJ
Accommodation
Premier Inn Piccadilly, 72 Dale Street, Manchester, M1 2HR
11
DAY 4
SATURDAY, 30 OCTOBER 2021
MANCHESTER TO KENDAL KENDAL / ETA 16.15
LANCASTER PRESTON BOLTON
MANCHESTER / START 07.15
LONDON2GLASGOW
12
Now the route starts to get a little lumpy with several ups and downs on our way to Kendal. This will be our hardest day of the COP26 ride with 1289m of climbing, double the day before and far in excess of anything to come. We pass through the eastern side of the Forest of Bowland (AONB) where we will have our most scenic lunchtime stop. No pub/pub car park for us today. Hopefully the only water we will hear will be from the adjacent “Trough Brook” having climbed from Dunsop Bridge, one of many climbs during the day. The scenery today promises to impress even our Scottish riders with breath taking views. As you are climbing today – remind yourself that we missed the large hills.
06:00 – 07:00 07:15
Breakfast Cycle commences
+17 miles
Morning Break Adrenaline Centre Haslingden (don’t panic, only using their car park)
+41 miles
Lunch Langdon Brook Picnic Parking
+59.5 miles
Afternoon Break Over Kellet Green
+76 miles 19:30 Accommodation
End of Cycle Dinner at the Premier Inn or venue in Kendal to be confirmed Premier Inn, Kendal Central, Maude Street, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4QD
13
DAY 5
SUNDAY, 31 OCTOBER 2021
KENDAL TO DUMFRIES DUMFRIES / ETA 15.45 GRETNA CARLISLE PENRITH
KENDAL / START 07.15
LONDON2GLASGOW
14
Leaving Kendal, there is no easy way to put this – 400m of height to be gained over 10miles with an almost continuous climb. Not bad as we only climb 750m in total over the whole day. How easy is that last 68miles going to be today!!!!!!! Don’t worry, the morning stop has been arranged to allow us all to recover before we continue to enjoy an almost continual downhill ride to Dumfries. The scenery will impress, but unfortunately, we will be on the A6. The vehicles will be behind warning of cyclists in the road, and once we reach the mornings stop the character of the road changes and feels less exposed. After lunch we leave the A6 behind and enjoy the country lanes again, passing into Scotland and through Gretna Green.
06:00 – 07:00 07:15
Breakfast Cycle commences
+16.5 miles
Morning Break Shap Memorial Park
+45.5 miles
Lunch around the Tourist Information square Carlisle
+63 miles
Afternoon Break Tesco Annan
+78 miles 19:30 Accommodation
End of Cycle Dinner at the Premier Inn Premier Inn Dumfries, Annan Road, Dumfries, DG1 3JX
15
DAY 6
MONDAY 01 NOVEMBER 2021
DUMFRIES TO GLASGOW GLASGOW / ETA 15.45
NEW CUMNOCK KEIR
DUMFRIES / START 07.15
LONDON2GLASGOW
16
The final day won’t disappoint, our longest days riding of the trip with the second highest amount of height gain in a day at a mere 831m, with a 10-mile downhill finish. The trip would not be complete without a stop at Kier Church to visit the grave of Kirkpatrick Macmillian, the gentleman attributed to inventing the fine steeds we ride today. I will leave you to spend a peaceful moment of reflection and recovery, ‘thanking’ him for his invention in your own words, before we head off to the finish through almost continuous countryside with occasional smaller towns and hamlets along the way until we enter Glasgow to finish at Iceni’s fourth office of the trip. As we leave the church have a thought for Kirkpatrick who undertook also the same ride as ourselves 179 years earlier on his own bicycle to visit his brother in Glasgow. ‘Gears - what gears?’, although I suspect he picked a better time of the year to do the ride!!!! 06:00 – 07:00 07:15
Breakfast Cycle commences
+16 miles
Morning Break Kirkpatrick Macmillan* grave at Kier Church
+47.5 miles
Lunch outside Cumnock Town Hall or Dumfries Arms Hotel next door
+66.5 miles
Afternoon Break adjacent to A47 at cycle lane/layby stop
+82 miles
End of Cycle at Iceni Glasgow Office (circa. 17:00hrs) Walk the last few meters as west george street is one-way.
End of ride – we will all roll into the Glasgow office where there will be a simple reception whilst riders wait for the others to arrive. Those wanting bikes to be returned to London can bubble wrap them. Once everyone has arrived Ian Anderson will host the awards. 20:30
Dinner at venue to be confirmed - we hope all can attend but entirely understand that some of you may need to depart after the awards ceremony.
17
LONDON2GLASGOW
18
Accommodation in Glasgow not booked/arranged by Iceni Projects. Please sort your own accommodation. Iceni Projects will happily transport the bikes to London, if required. Return travel for riders not arranged by Iceni Projects. Please sort your own travel arrangements home.
Did you know? Born near Dumfries, Scotland, September 2, 1812, he was a blacksmith credited for inventing the first successful bicycle. In 1839, he came up with an idea for the first pedal set-up that could more effectively drive the two-wheel bike. Using his blacksmith tools, he put together a contraption which had a wood frame, ironrimmed wooden wheels and was attached to pedals via connecting rods. His creation gathered a lot of attention and Macmillan helped generate additional publicity when he rode the bike 68 miles to visit his brothers in Glasgow in 1842. Bicycling suddenly took a giant leap forward with his invention being produced by other firms and appearing on the open market. Macmillan’s invention was never patented, and he saw little profit from his innovation. He died in Keir, Scotland, January 26, 1878.
19
QUESTION & ANSWER
LONDON2GLASGOW
20
21
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
GPX route for each day
Hotel stays in Silverstone, Cannock, Manchester, Kendal and Dumfries
Baggage transfer from London to Glasgow via the evening stops
Breakfast, Midday snacks, Lunch, Afternoon Snacks and Evening meals each day
Bike assistance as far as practical by Clive Burbridge (the Ride Leader/Captain)
Support vehicles for both riders and bicycles/gear
Bikes can be stored at Iceni London office the night before the ride and the Glasgow office the day of the finish. During the ride bikes can be stored in your room (you are only sharing with your bike!!!)
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
Accommodation in Glasgow and also if you wish to stay in London before the start of the ride
Travel to London and back from Glasgow. We will, however, happily bring your bike back to our London Office for collection at your convenience after COP26.
Bike and bike kit (see next page)
22
WHAT DO YOU NEED EACH DAY ON THE BIKE?
•
Bike, helmet (essential), lights, mudguards (we know they are not stylish – but think of the person behind - compulsory please) and glasses (recommended to protect eyes).
•
Inner tube (right value type & length and tube size to fit your bike), patches (recommend self-adhesive like Slim Skabs), tyre levers, tyre boot (google it!), and pump and know how to use them.
•
Small multitool/allen keys is useful but not essential.
•
If running tubeless - don’t forget the specialist repair kit
•
A way to navigate each day (Garmin or just a smartphone with Strava is fine) and battery pack in case it runs out!
•
Emergency card with both your details, emergency contact and also ride information/numbers – will be provided to you at departure
•
Fold up light weight branded wind jacket – will be provided to you at departure
•
At least one water bottle, two suggested - these have been sent to you and please use the branded bottles
•
CLOTHING ON THE BIKE – really is your choice as you are all riders and know what you are doing!!!!!
•
Padded cycling leggings or shorts
•
Trainers or cycling shoes
•
Raincoat - wind/shower proof supplied but depending on day may require something more substantial
•
Warm layers
•
Gloves (recommended)
•
Phone
•
Overshoes may be useful, but not essential
23
EXTRAS – at your discretion
•
Snacks – we will have three stops during the ride, but you may prefer a further snack on route
•
Small bike bag for your phone, wallet, camera etc
•
Money
WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE ME?
•
Take the train – only joking.
•
Change underwear/padded underwear each day or you will likely otherwise get a rash and sores over this duration of riding.
•
If you have never used clipless pedals (ones your shoes clamp into the pedals - despite the confusing name) - don’t start now.
•
Oct/Nov you could need warm clothes, and waterproofs etc.
•
Oct/Nov don’t run summer tyres - assume worse and have all season tyres or winter.
•
Think seriously about a nice pair of gel /padded gloves if you don’t have any.
•
Think seriously about padded trousers/underwear.
•
Learn how to use the equipment you need to carry on the bike, including fixing a puncture (even if tubeless).
•
In bad weather (rain) punctures are common as debris washes to side of road - 2 punctures a day could easily occur.
•
Suggest ride with cycling glasses to protect eyes (stones flying up from car wheels, bugs etc)
•
If lights are USB then keep charged each evening.
•
If you have a rattle or squeak on the bike - sort it. Trust me over 5/6 days it will drive you and others insane.
24
•
You may wish to leave rings at home as they can dig into/ rub the skin on a long ride and become uncomfortable.
•
Jewellery/watches - plan for the worse (you could crash, how will you feel if the item is damaged?)
•
If forecast bad, consider overshoes.
•
If you get a puncture on the ride - replace inner tube having found and removed as necessary the flint/glass/thorn, then repair the punctured tube the same evening. You could need tomorrow.
•
Consider personal insurance.
•
Consider bike insurance.
•
Probably the best tip I can give is enjoy the day and ride at the speed you are comfortable with. Riding outside your comfort zone is very tiring and this is not a race. Ride safe.
WHAT DO YOU NEED OFF THE BIKE?
•
Toiletries and personal medication
•
Sleeping things
•
Evening clothing
•
Any energy powder for the water bottles the next day
•
Change of shoes or trainers
•
Your clothing for COP26 after we arrive – may be easier in separate bag
•
Any work or personal stuff for the evening/ride finish – laptop etc.
•
Charging cables/plugs including for the bike if you have electronic gears
•
Some additional spare inner tubes
•
If you are running disc brakes unless they are new, I suggest a spare set of pads front and back. If it rains, the dirt can wear the pads at a lot faster rate than normal
25
•
If you use a gas pump perhaps some spare canisters in your van kit?
•
If lights take batteries – spare batteries
•
Chamois cream if you use or are unsure. If you are not used to being in the saddle for a week or the weather is wet, it is very easy to suffer from sores. These can quickly become uncomfortable and may prevent you riding if left unchecked.
•
You may wish to take a bike lock, but the bike will be with you all day and night for the duration of the ride (from leaving London to arrival in Glasgow). Iceni will look after your bike after the ride at the Glasgow office for the night and any transport back to the Iceni London office where it will be safely locked away.
WHAT WILL THERE BE ON THE VAN
•
Standard bicycle mobile tool set including chain whip etc
•
Bike stand
•
Powerlink tools
•
Pliers – thin and wide
•
Knife for prying those awkward flints and thorns in the tyres
•
Metal tyre levers
•
Allen keys
•
Adjustable spanners
•
Lube for chains
•
GT85 or similar
•
Disc brake opener
•
Disc position tool aid
•
Speed link/power link for each chain size
26
•
Chain braker
•
Track pump
•
Gloves
•
Wipes
•
First Aid Kit
•
Emergency blanket
•
Commonly used spare bolts including SPD bolts
•
Cable ties
•
Duct tape
•
Plus, your own personal Bags and Kit.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO SORT OUT?
•
Your accommodation in Glasgow and travel home afterwards
•
Travel to the start in London
•
Ensure the bike is setup for you and fit for the journey before you start.
27
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
LONDON2GLASGOW
28
29
Q: HOW WILL I CARRY EVERYTHING FOR THE WEEK AND COP26? A: The Minibus and the Van will carry all your luggage, leaving you to cycle bag free each day. The bags will be handed out each day on arrival and collected each morning before departure. Q: WHERE IS THE START? A: On Day 1 we start at Iceni’s London office – Da Vinci House, 44 Saffron Hill, London, EC1N 8FH. Breakfast will be available from 7:30am until 8:15am. First day’s briefing will be 8:00am. Departure 8:30am, sharp. The office will be open from 9am until 8pm the day before if you wish to drop bags and/or bikes off in advance of the cycle. Q: WHERE DO WE FINISH? A: The finish of the ride will be Iceni’s office in Glasgow. Your GPX route will bring you directly to this location (please walk the last few metres due to the road being one-way). Your bags will be available to take to your hotel, before we reconvene for the evening’s celebrations and congratulations with the obligatory rider awards. Bikes can be stored in the office overnight and collected the next morning or we are happy to have them transported back to the London office for collection at your convenience. Bubble wrap will be provided for the transit, but we will ask each rider to wrap their own bike following arrival at the Glasgow office. Q: WHERE ARE WE STAYING? A: We will be staying at Premier Inns in Northampton, Cannock, Manchester, Kendal and Dumfries. We have booked a number of twin/double rooms (one room each person) for you (and your bike) each evening. Q: DO I NEED TO SORT FOOD? A: No. Food is catered for each day during the ride. Both breakfast and evening meals will be provided at the hotels or nearby restaurants. We will start with
30
Breakfast in the London office the day of the ride and finish with a celebration meal in Glasgow at the end of the ride. Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG? A: Each day the Ride Leader/Captain (Clive Burbridge) will be riding with the group (towards the back) with two additional support vehicles in close proximity. We’ll give you the contact phone numbers, and we’ll be in contact with you via WhatsApp each day as necessary. Of the morning of the ride there will be a day’s briefing and we will regroup on route mid-morning, lunch and mid-afternoon for those who prefer to break away. Q: WHAT ABOUT FITNESS? A: Average distance is 75 miles each day. You are all riders and you have had your training advice. We will leave at 7:15 most mornings and hope to finish around or before 16:00 each evening, giving us a spare 1-2 hours daylight for emergencies and hopefully time to catch up on work before dinner. This will hopefully also avoid the evening peak traffic which is always a bonus for the tired rider and the need to use lights. With breaks that is circa 12mph, so nothing too onerous. Worse case - jump in the minibus. We will however ultimately ride at the pace of the slowest rider, with the exception of the last leg each day, so no one need worry. Clive however will vary in group position during the ride (mainly at the rear), but will always be the last rider home. We suspect Ian Anderson will lead from the front ;-) Q: HOW HAS THE ROUTE BEEN PROPERLY PLANNED? A: The ride has been broken into stages which consist of 68 to 82 miles a day. Each day has three stops on route to allow the group to re-fuel, rest and re-group. Beyond the obvious having fun, safety and a sense of achievement the route has three main design goals: 1) avoid as many of the steep climbs/height gains as possible. 2) visit each of the Iceni offices (with the exception of Edinburgh) along the route. This isn’t just blatant self-promotion; it’s to ensure we have colleagues to look after us, should we need assistance.
31
3) finish each day comfortably within daylight, allowing for some personal time before dinner or spare time in case of an emergency. Note: the route does include some “A” class roads, but these have been assessed for their suitability. Each morning a briefing will review/report on the conditions of the day’s ride, which may be subject to changes/amendments for reasons of safety. As an example, if a road is closed a diversion will be considered. If the rain is heavy, the safety of riding will be considered etc. Q: WHAT HAPPENS EACH DAY? A: See daily itinerary including hotel locations. There will be a daily briefing each morning and if the conditions are unsafe the minibus and van will be there. Clive Burbridge is Ride Leader/Captain and James Bompas Ride Support Leader/ Event Captain. Their decision is final, as there is no die-hard riding on this event. Trust me when I say Clive more than anyone would be upset to miss a section for the ride in the back of a minibus – BUT safety will come first. Q: WHAT IF I GET LOST? A: We will largely stay together and for those who ride ahead they will be waiting at each of the three stops for others to arrive. As such there is only 15/25mile stages to negotiate at a time. You will have emergency contact details for the Ride Leader/Captain and support vehicles and a collective group WhatsApp. You will also have the route and final destination details for each day. Q: WHICH BIKE WOULD YOU RECOMMEND? A: Any and most bikes are welcome, but the route is all on road and best suited for Road Bikes/Racers or hybrids. This is not a race so leave the TT at home as they are not allowed on the ride. You can of course ride a mountain bike, but I suggest swapping the tyres for something with less drag than those large nobblies. Please make sure the bicycle is road worthy and serviced before the ride. If you are unsure of the state/condition of the bicycle for such a journey, please have it checked by your Local Bike Shop (LBS).
32
Most importantly make sure the tyres are safe and pumped up and the brakes work. For those riders with disc brakes make sure you have sufficient pad depth left and if not please bring spares in your van bag. All bikes should have mudguards fitted or if detachable they can be left in the van. Don’t forget those lights, although I hope we won’t be needing them. Q: DO I NEED LOTS OF KIT? A: Nope! Just a way to navigate following the GPX route and the bare essentials. Don’t forget the weather in Oct/Nov can be cool and raining. Fingers crossed for tail winds and bright sunshine. Kit can be left in the van/collected from the van at each of the three stops during the day – so don’t panic. Q: WHAT HAPPENS IN THE EVENING? A: We will feed you and are looking at the odd social event at some of the stops. However, these are largely your own to catch up on work or home life, discuss the challenge of the next day, or relax with the team. Q: HOW WILL I MEET PEOPLE? A: 2 support and 11 riders. It is a social ride with breaks. We are all a friendly bunch. Just chat, we will be around before the event and schedule an evening for those who wish to drop in. Q: WHAT HAPPENS AT THE FINISH? A: We would love everyone to reconvene for a last meal during the Monday evening where we can discuss the highs and occasional lows over the weeks adventure. A brief celebration and awards will be held at Iceni Glasgow office (end of ride), so all can partake, as we appreciate not all may be able to stop for the evening meal. We hope to bump into some of you during the course of COP26.
33
LONDON2GLASGOW
34