Briefing

The ride will have an open start. Riders can start their sportive at the following times on Thursday 19^th September 2024 at the Somerdale Pavilion, Keynsham, Bristol:

• All sportive riders will be given a number board with the chip fixed to the back. Please check you have a chip when you pick your number board up at registration and make sure that you have your number board on your bike. The boards have to be visibly attached to the centre of the handlebars. It is the rider’s responsibility to ensure their number is clearly legible when passing control points (feed stations and finish line). If you forget to fit your number board/timing chip, we will not be able to give you a finishing time.
• Do not leave the course until you have either signed off at the start/finish line or you have informed a marshal or other official by ensuring that they make a note of your number.
• All split points are clearly marked. If uncertain of where to go, please check with the marshal and/or refer to the backup map on the back of your briefing (which you will receive at sign-on).
• Certain sections of the course are run ‘in’ and ‘out’, so don’t be surprised if you come across ongoing event traffic. Please refer to your map if you are uncertain.
• The course is run entirely on open roads. You must obey all Highway Code Rules. You are requested to ride in single file where appropriate and no more than 2 abreast at any time. Please be aware of your fellow cyclists and other traffic. Please indicate your intention to stop or change direction. There is no road too small for a tractor or a Landrover to come around the corner. Please take extra caution and only overtake other riders if you are sure that you won’t affect other road users.
• Please do not pass through any traffic lights on red! Police will be patrolling the route and any cyclists found to be riding outside of the road rules will be subject to fines. Failure to comply with the rules will result in disqualification.
• The route will be marshalled at key points. Riders, as well as spectators, have to follow marshals and officials’ instructions at all times prior to, during and after the ride.
• Please take a mobile phone for emergencies. You will find the emergency numbers on your number board as well as on this briefing.
• There will be feed stations along the way, but it is essential to carry sufficient food, water, waterproofs and a repair kit!! There will be one feed station (at approx. 20km) on the CLASSIC Sportive (approx. 35km) and two feeding stations on the DISTANCE Sportive (approx. 70km) route at approximately 33 and 38km. Two feeding stations will be in place for the CENTURY Sportive (approx. 100km) at approximately 33 and 64km. Make sure you eat and drink sufficiently – before, during and after the ride!! The feed stations are for replenishing your supplies, but they are not to be relied upon as the only source of your provisions.
• Next to one of the feed stations, we will have technical support where minor technical problems can be repaired. In case of a technical problem, please make your way to a technical service station so that you can finish the ride securely and safely.
• No participant (other than those on tandems) may take food or drink from anyone while on the move. If you need food or drink, you must stop to receive it.
• Mobile support vehicles in the form of cars or motorbikes are strictly forbidden and will lead to disqualification. You may, however, receive outside support from a stationary vehicle; any such vehicle must not interfere with the progress of other riders.
• The ride ends back at the Somerdale Pavilion where every finisher will receive refreshments and can be part of the after ride supper. Please make sure that you go through the official finish at the event village so that we can register you.
• Every rider is obliged to help if another rider is in trouble and also has to let the nearest marshal know.
• The organisers reserve the right to shorten the ride if a timely finish is not possible.
• Everyone is requested not to leave any rubbish on the course, around the Somerdale Pavilion or in the car park.
• Safety-approved cycling helmets are compulsory. We recommend cycle helmets complying with ANSI Z90/4 or SNELL standards. Any rider not wearing a helmet whilst participating in the event will be excluded. Cycling shoes, shorts and jerseys are also recommended.
• All riders are recommended to wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions and carry a mobile phone, 2 drink bottles, an energy bar or similar snack, tools, 2 replacement inner tubes and a pump.
• Riders are responsible for the perfect technical condition of their bike.
• The organiser cannot be held responsible for loss of or damage to any personal belongings.
• Please take the briefing (that you will receive at sign-on) with you on the ride so that you have the backup map, profiles and the emergency numbers to hand.
• South West Property Sportive organiser Bristol Bikefest reserves the right to terminate an individual’s ride on health and safety grounds. The ride will take place regardless of bad weather and will only be cancelled, re-routed or stopped for reasons of safety. Entry fees, however, are not refundable.
• You will be given a printed briefing which has the backup maps on the back when you sign on. Please make sure that you take it with you on the ride. Last minute course changes are not considered on the maps.
• Emergency Numbers: Paul Newman (course/start/finish): 07834 005835 / Michael Wilkens (on course): 07976 586418 / Medics (TBC nearer the time). You will also find these numbers on your number board and the briefing which you will receive when you sign on/pick up your number at registration (Somerdale Pavilion, Keynsham).
• ALL RIDERS MUST COMPLETE THE COURSE BY 4pm.