What is it like doing a course recce for this race?
I’m pondering doing a recce. Main issues would be shit weather, shit dangerous roads through the Bolton bit and the fact the course changes every year so unless you wait you may recce an out of date route.
Then, when you’re done you’re in Bolton.
Apart from that though, excellent and highly recommended 
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I did loads, it’s absolutely fine.
Although I skipped the town hall cobbled part, and just turned left after the park.
Loads of traffic lights.
And I mean loads.
From Rivington until you’re out of Bolton.
I parked (for free) at Lostock train station (CCTV)
Post Office at Edgworth does an awesome sausage roll 
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good point, the route may change. hope its the same super hilly route as last year, loved it. Hilliest official MDot on the planet 
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I’m staying near the flash in a couple of weeks when I go to see Hooky so was half thinking of doing a loop just to see how miserable it is 
I should point out I’ve no intention of entering!
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As @Poet - it’s easy to get a lap or two in.
I parked on Chorley New Road by the park then skipped the town centre bit
Yep, that’s where I parked to recce it the last time I did it in 2019.
That 2019 was s monster of a route. I rode it at a similar power and in similar conditions to my ride in Tenby last year. In Tenby (without the puncture) I rode 5.28. Bolton 2019 I rode 6.05!
Definitely thinking about returning to recce it again before July. Possible TT group?
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It actually isn’t miserable at all!!!
The bit through the forest before the rapid main road is great, then the sharp right after the Grand Designs house, that part all good. Sheephouse descent and over Rivi. Good.
Back into town not good.
Out of town not good.
But on race day - holy crap!!!
That bit into town is absolutely rapid!!!
The bit after the swim up to Bolton is bloody awful.
Gentle 1-2% forever makes you feel like you’re not moving.
The road is properly busy, too. Awful for a recce.
I rode out once (only about 25km to the swim start) but never again! No point doing that bit, as it’s a simple road. Dull.
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Yes @Mr-me post up when you’re thinking of heading there, see if I can get myself there too
And I wouldn’t bother riding from the Flash.
Like Poet says it’s a bit shit, although last year I felt like I flew through that bit onto the loops on race day
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Does this mean that yourself and @pacha are on the start line for this too?
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Yes on the start list. I’d be up for a recce too, course looks very different to my last IMUK.
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2019 was just bonkers
12? people under 6 hours out of 1500-1800.
That statistic tells anyone all they need to know.
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I’m not but I want to do the IM distance next year. I want to do France or Vitoria-Gastiez BUT on a practical and cost level Bolton makes the most sense.
But if there’s a TT coirse recce I will be up for that if I can.
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When do they usually announce course changes? wasn’t it about May last year?
That first bit from the flash is fairly fast and soulless past the supermarkets.
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don’t forget your flash tub wheels boys & girls 
especially if its wet, ask @Poet
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Cruel
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Hmm, wonder if IM were considering a 1 lap swim this year, not sure if this is the same run route either? Maybe a supporting 5K/10K to swell the coffers?
Or they are just playing with everyone
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I like how their mapped two lap swim is 4km 
Pissed me right off that.
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No Sheephouse or horwich this year 
4-laps. 2,680m elevation (8,000ft!!!)
And it’s long 
That will be nice through Bolton
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No bastard out and back on Smithills Dean Rd though it seems
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