Bimbler here!
Welcome Matt.
Every year I think of doing a different route and then I end up with North-Anti. (I like the M6,M62 at the end.)
The worst bit is getting past Birmingham from Cornwall on Friday to reach Squires. Cars sat in the right hand lane and not moving out of the way. (Grumble,grumble).
Plan on starting on Saturday at 0500 and a bit. There is a start "window" and there is no need to rush to be there at exactly 0500 but use the daylight.
So if you need to spend an extra few minutes on the loo or to get your gear sorted out then no worries. Start the day calm.
The worst option is to ride in a big group. Then you have to wait while they all go for a pee or until they have all paid for the fuel or finished their tea.
Then later on you cannot stop for a cigar or to put on your long-johns or waterproofs because they are still moving.
And they go faster than you are happy with or they go slower.
All of which adds to your risk.
Ride at your own comfortable speed and make casual links on the way, joining or leaving others because it suits you.
Most important - don't waste time. Ride-Stop-Fuel-Ride.
Think about the difference between doing that last 100 miles after being awake for 17 hours and those same 100 miles after being awake for 22 hours.
Cannot emphasise this enough. Don't waste time. It just means that you are awake for longer and increases the risks of riding while tired.
And big meals just makes you sleepy. You won't die of starvation during the one day. Water and nibbles.
I take a pack of little water bottles and and a pack of cereal bars. The first double espresso on the M6 at around 8pm sets me up for the rest of the evening.
Think about a Premiere Inn or similar for Friday and Saturday night. Get it right and you will be asleep from 2200 to 0430 on Friday night and 0200 to 1130 on Sunday. (Checkout at noon).
Those are my thoughts, other opinions are perfectly valid. That is what works for me.
Oh, I forgot to say. It is huge fun. Brilliant ride.
Do you want to link up for the ride to Squires ?