I think it's time I put my hand up
I'd put a couple of posts on the main RBLR forum under the RBLR1000 topic last year and Paddy (he of bright yellow Goldwing fame) was unfortunately no longer able to commit to organising the event for this year. I subsequently took the initiative and contacted the Branch Chairman and Vice Chairman to inquire about any news. This prompted a request for help followed shortly afterwards by a discussion I had with El Presidente at the January RTE and the subsequent offer to help manage the event in conjunction with the Branch.
Last year following the suggestion for a new southern route Paddy contacted me to see if I could have a play around and come up with a shorter 500 mile route. I think this was so maybe new riders would have the option of a less challenging ride but still be able to take part and raise money for the Poppy Appeal.
Fast forward a couple of weeks and a new SS1000 southern route, together with a 500 mile route around Yorkshire and Cumbria are now with Mike, for checking that the 1000 miler complies with all the usual rules. As Phil has said the northern route will remain the same as this has always been very popular (I've ridden in the event 4 times and only ever gone North
). The southern route involved a great deal of motorway miles which in my opinion may have put some new riders off, especially considering what roads, lack of traffic and scenery the Scottish Highlands had to offer in comparison.
I think the Branch will be resurrecting the event website and we're hoping to have everything available electronically; registration and payment, route cards and maps, sat nav files and receipt logs etc. As far as riders who paid to enter last year is concerned I know the Branch is aware so I'm sure something positive will be arranged. After all they must have a list of who paid to enter in 2015.
As soon as the routes have been verified I'm sure there will be more information and also requests for volunteers to help out. Not only during the actual event but also for physically checking some receipt locations to make sure the co-ordinates are all tickety-boo and receipts have the correct addresses etc. Should be a good excuse to get out for a nice ride, both oop north and darn sarf
Anyway roll on June