THE VENUES
1
AECC - Aberdeen
Wanting to finish near home meant starting in a Scottish city, in a reverse homage to LEJOG. Where better than Aberdeen. The granite city, where we have undertaken many a build at Offshore Europe for a variety of clients in the oil and gas sector.
4
Harrogate IC
Oh Harrogate is a favourite. All those womenswear and fashion shows over the years. Betty's Tearooms. Euro 2004. Joe Manby and Charles. Lots of memories, both good, and hazy. Wonderful buildings, those glorious stone walls, something to aim for after another nearly 100 mile day. But not 100 miles. Not 100 miles. Easy really, and at the end is a place that we love to be.
7
Telford IC
Our first en route venue, another largely conference venue, but we've been here in the height of summer before for Solex, to name but one show. The IC is on the outskirts, sort of. You never feel part of Telford but feel kind of comfortable there - it's strange. We like working there, and that's the main thing. It's a bit peak district, and scenic to get there which will be nice. Expect some lovely towns. Not as much climbing as expected, and that's fine by us.
10
AEV/AEO/ESSA
Yup, I couldn't find an interim calling point. Feel free to find me one ; as even this is going to be 100 miles. I love our associations ; event specific, fighting for what is best for our industry, putting in place standards, and working together. I even try and contribute, feel it is part of giving back to my industry, it can feel like riding a bike uphill, but on a special day, with the wind behind, a strong team to draft off, it can feel great - lets hope today is one of those days, 100 miles again!
2
EICC Edinburgh
From Aberdeen (as high as we dare go) we begin our journey south, calling first at EICC Edinburgh. Home to many a pharma conference. 140 odd miles, marginally my longest ever ride, just to kick things off in style, with the promise of much climbing, and I fully expect to be taking in these coastal views alone.
5
Manchester Central
This will be like a day off. Only 80 miles ;-), getting easier. Manchester is a legendary city, projects where you wake up and can't quite remember the whole of the previous night - but remember you've got to go and build a stand again. Reds BBQ, the curry mile, the northern quarter, dancing on the tables, or just collapsing in bed after a hard day at the Gmex/Manchester Central. Manchester is that friend you just never quite tame.
8
ICC Birmingham
An en route stop ; many a pharma conference has taken place here. The waiting for loading bay 3, the queues at the back, but nice halls, rarely do we rig because of the ceiling sails - which means some simpler builds, and a welcoming Broad street at the end of each day. Loads of hotels and places to eat. Weekend builds typically resulting in sleepless nights whilst Stags and Hens party the night away.
11
London Olympia
The first of three easier days, aiming for the big smoke, and to the west side of LOndon is a venue we well know well. London Olympia. I loved Earls Court, but I now love Olympia to bits. Getting there is crap. Getting into there is worse. But I love the quirkiness of the venue, if not the wifi. Does it have wifi? It's like a big conservatory in places. You put up a tonne of lights, pay a mortgage in electrical costs, and the sun washes them all out. Remember to finish the tops of your stands. George's cafe, screwfix, the money in those houses, and two roads down you could be anywhere. Quiet as you like. Olympia is unique as a venue.
3
SECC Glasgow
A much more social day in the saddle. 57 miles, with a lot of canal paths along a national cycle route. Making no headway home, but visiting a venue where we've been time and again with all sorts of client conferences. A magnificent venue, with great access, ample parking, lovely people, in a beautiful city with great hotels and facilities, that is a pleasure to work at. After a hard first day, this will be a pleasure.
6
Liverpool ACC
Liverpool is always changing, the skyline, the atmosphere, new places to eat, new drinking holes, but ever since the ACC became such an iconic riverside venue, organisers have sought it out especially for conferences with exhibitions attached. It's a place we love to be, and a nice leisurely cycle from Manchester. Maybe we'll have time to find somewhere new to eat?
9
NEC Birmingham
Some people love the NEC, and I shall today, because it isn't far from Telford. :-). It's big, it's iconic, it's a proper venues venue. The lads love it because access is OK, parking easy, and there are villages galore nearby like Meriden with decent places to eat, sleep and watch football. When I started at ESM I was told, you'll know that road to the NEC well. I do. Could do it blindfold. I'm in awe of its shows, but I've never been in awe of the venue. But it's about the shows, so that, surely, is the point!
12
London ExCeL
The first and only venue I've ever wished I worked for. It's corner meeting rooms with a view of the river are jaw dropping. Imagine working there every day. Just the idea of ExCeL, and I went there when it was a building site, just to see a car park, and I couldn't envisage it. To see what it has become. It's special. I've raced there. Swam there. I've played there. I've been there to watch things. It's brought me together with my industry and pastimes i adore. Again, I love it. I've never been sad travelling there, and today I only need to ride across London. West to East. Easy peasy.
13
Detling Showground
They think it;'s all over. It is now. This venue is 10 mins from our workshop and should be so much more than it is. In the busy South East, it has great access, it has loads of space, parking, grounds for outdoor stuff, hall space, and is the one venue I've been in where it has me racking my brains, what show could I invent to fill it. If Farnborough can attract great shows, why can't this! I love Kent, so close to the continent, heavily populated, I dunno. Detling has a world of potential. We go there for the National Fruit Fair, the Vineyard and Winery Show, and the odd other event.
Maybe people don't know Detling is a thing. But it is where we are ending our ride.. So there! With a class of fizz from what will be one of the best wine producing regions of the world in ten years. Kent! Get innnnn!!!
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