Is there a reason for the 5am start?
Maybe an earlier start next year, meaning less riders riders riding later in the evening when tired,and missing more traffic first thing, ( most riders should be clear of glasgow/edinburgh, before folk get up to go eat swedish meatballs,)maybe even just bring it forward an hour, still giving the people the option of choosing a departure time suitable.
Maybe an earlier start next year, meaning less riders riders riding later in the evening when tired,and missing more traffic first thing, ( most riders should be clear of glasgow/edinburgh, before folk get up to go eat swedish meatballs,)maybe even just bring it forward an hour, still giving the people the option of choosing a departure time suitable.
For subsequent years the start was at any time of ones choosing between 5 and 8 am. So there was no need to rush out of bed and arrive early.
Just get up when ready and bimble down to Squire's, though some still chose to queue from long beforehand.
Personally I am in favour of a start "window" which allows people to move when ready and takes away any pressure to rush at the start of what will be a stressful day.
Ask the volunteers who man the start process what they are prepared to do.