The Way of the Roses official start is clearly signed on the splendid Promenade in Morecambe just south of the Midland Hotel. Your route by John Elson and most others has the start rather bizarrely in a short cul de sac  (Cedar Street) in the face of a huge stone wall. Can't really go wrong if you're starting from Morecambe. Bit annoying if you're finishing in Morecambe like I was as I then had to go to find the finish. Only about 500 metres away but down a one way street the wrong way!