What time does the ride start? The registration area will open at 05:00 and the first riders will set off at 06:00, in groups of 25 every two minutes. All riders will be on the road by 07:00.
Can I leave a bag with the organisers at the start? Yes. Your main luggage bag will be left with staff at the start and transported straight to the finish line. You will also have the option of filling a wet bag (the musette your rider pack comes in) with dry kit and spare supplies that will also be left at the start and will be taken to Feed Station 3 for you to access. The wet bags will be taken to the finish once all the riders have passed through.
Feed Stops With four feed stops at 43-59-mile intervals there will be plenty of opportunities to stock up on sustenance, including energy products from Science in Sport. However you should carry enough food/energy products with you to supplement this and to last the duration of the ride.
- Feed Station 1 – Carsington Water, DE6 1ST (45 miles in)
- Feed Station 2 – Bosworth Hall Hotel (88 miles in)
- Feed Station 3 – Castle Ashby, NN7 1LQ (147 miles in)
- Feed Station 4 – Woolmer Green Village Hall (187 miles in)
We expect riders to stick to an average speed of 15mph in order to complete the ride.
Feed Station 3: Light Check At Feed Station 3 each rider must leave with appropriately bright lights and at least one reflective item ready for when darkness falls. Riding on unlit country roads means that powerful lights are a must in order to see the road, and reflective clothing helps keep riders visible to drivers in dark conditions. We recommend a Brevet Gilet or Hi-Viz Gilet. Brand new Lezyne lights will be on sale at Feed Station 3 for those who require stronger lights.
What do I need to take with me for the ride? The ride is fully supported with sweet and savoury food supplied by the More? Artisan Bakery and ride nutrition supplied by Science in Sport, however if you have a preferred energy brand or any particular food that you enjoy whilst riding long distances, please bring enough with you. It’s also advisable to bring a small tool kit and spares, sufficient to fix a puncture and broken chain.
What if I have a mechanical issue between two feed stops and the light is fading? There will be mobile mechanics and medical support vehicles on route. Should you need these please contact event control on the appropriate numbers, which will be distributed to all riders at the start and be printed on your waterproof maps. It is worth adding these numbers onto your mobile phone.
What happens if I am unable to finish? The organisers will do their utmost to help all riders finish. We will advise on time checks at each feed stop and if we feel that you need to be ‘bumped’ up the course, we will discuss that with you. You may want to ride past a certain point on the course so can choose where you are bumped up, however, in all circumstances any riders falling short of the time checks will be driven further up the course towards London.
What type of food will there be at the feed stops? Each feed stop will feature food from the More? Artisan Bakery with a bias towards sustenance, plus Science in Sport have generously donated energy gels and electrolyte powder for riders which will be available at the start and at each feed stop. There will be water to top up bidons, and do remember that if you have a preferred energy brand that is not Science in Sport that you know agrees with you, please bring enough to top-up what the feed stops will offer. Try not to eat too much sugar too soon, as many riders find that long rides are better fuelled by real food.
What spares do I need to carry?
- Inner tube x2 (if you ride on tubs, carry a spare tub and some sealant)
- Tyre levers
- Patches
- Multitool (with chain breaker)
- Split link
- Pump and/or CO2
- Tyre boot
- Latex gloves (optional, handy for staying clean during repairs)
Most importantly, know how to use all of the above. Whilst we have support vehicles out on the course, it will be much quicker if you can fix things yourself. Make sure your bike is in good working order. Now is the time to have it serviced if required.
GPS Tracker If you would like to be tracked ‘real time’ during this event, so family and friends can follow your live progress, you can book your own personal tracker when you sign up. This will be given to you at registration and details will be forwarded to you of the web address where your family and friends can follow the action live.