Marlow Riders Red Kite Sportive

Marlow Riders Red Kite Sportive

Sunday 1st September 2013

Rider Briefing

Introduction

Thankyou for entering the second edition of the Marlow Red Kite Ride and congratulations! This event is a sellout and we currently have a long waiting list of riders who have not been as lucky to have a found a place for this year.

The organisers have done their very best to make your day an enjoyable experience and we sincerely hope that you will carry home with you a very positive message about our friendly event and the beautiful countryside of the Chilterns.

Please read these notes carefully – they contain important information

In particular please note the points about parking, an optional route that avoids the ford in Twyford, and points about safety.

Routes

All routes are available on line and can be found at:

100 mile/160 km route:

80 mile /129km route:

50 mile/79 km route:

GPX files for all the routes can be downloaded directly from the Map My Ride website. Please note that these routes were altered on August 25th due to impending road closures so if you have already downloaded your route from our website it will not be accurate.

Route Option: Crossing the ford at Twyford

Near Twyford, the route crosses a ford which is currently around 8 inches (20cm) deep. If you do not wish to cross the ford, there is a well signposted alternative route but you will encounter the traffic lights in Twyford. (Please do not cross the lights on a red).

We will have marshals at the ford to advise on crossing it. If we have bad weather in the days leading up to the event, we will avoid crossing the ford and all riders will go through Twyford.

These photos may help you decide which route to take.

What to do in case of an incident

We have support vehicles at each feed station as well as a sweeper van. If you get into difficulty please call us on07760 761719.

Please support other cyclists who get into difficulty on the ride, or at least check that they are OK.

In an emergency, you should always call 999.

Distances

The following table gives distances to key points on the routes

50 mile route / 80 mile route / 100 mile route
Split for 50 mile route / 13m/21km / n/a / n/a
Split for 80 mile route / n/a / 25m/40km / n/a
Feed station 1
(100 mile only) / n/a / n/a / 30m/49km
Feed Station 2
(80 and 100 mile) / n/a / 36m/57km / 56m/90km
Feed Station 3
(all routes) / 26m/42km / 54m/87km / 74m/120km
Split for Ford / 36m/57km / 64m/103km / 84m/135km

Other Cycling events

Two other cycling events – a time trial and another Sportive – will either cross or share part of our routes.

At two points the Red Kite Ride crosses the route of a time trial. Please take care at these points as cyclists doing time trials can be reluctant to slow down. These points are

1. Turning right as you leave Marlow onto Oxford Road after about ¾ mile (1km)
2. Turning right as you approach Christmas Common after 13 miles (21km)

We will have marshals at these points to warn you of on-coming cyclists.

The 80 and 100 mile routes will both encounter the second Sportive from Long Crendon for a few short sections. It will therefore be important to pay particular attention to our own route signage and not to follow the riders in front as he or she maybe on another event!

Preparation

All riders are encouraged to prepare well for the day and ensure that you have checked that your bike is in good working order to cycle the distance that you desire. Please ensure that you take the time to prepare – remember FAILING TO PREPARE could mean PREPARING TO FAIL!

Ensure that you bring with you the following:

• Appropriate cycling clothes for the weather
• Lights in case of poor visibility weather
• spare inner tubes
• a working bike pump
• a small tool kit
• tyre levers
• water bottles
• energy bars
• cycling helmet

We are also pleased to offer you 10 top preparation tips from our friends at the Drummond Clinic in Maidenhead, who will be on site before and after your ride offering massages and stretching exercises. Please check out their tips on their news page:

Parking

There is no parking at the start itself and in order not to upset local residents and road users please do not park in the local roads surrounding the start and HQ.

We have arranged free local parkingat the following location: Dun and Bradstreet, Parkway, Globe Park, Marlow SL7 1AJ. This is located less than one mile from the sports club and from here you will be met by Red Kite Ride marshals and directed to the start/finish point. You are welcome to bring a small bag/rucksack with you which can be stored securely at the start/finish.

Public car parks in Marlow are pay-and-display and have varying charges and periods allowed. The car park at Court Garden on Pound Lane (close to the start) costs £3 for up to six hours, or £5.50 for up to 12 hours. The post code of this car park is SL7 2AE.

The event starts at the Marlow Sports Club, which is located on Pound Lane, Marlow SL7 2AE.

Directions to the free parking:

The parking site is very close to the A404. Leave the A404 at the A4155 junction to Marlow (note: NOT at the Bisham roundabout) and turn towards Marlow. Take the first left at the mini roundabout and the parking will be on your right hand side. There will be a barrier and we will let you through.

Registration

Registration opens at 7am and will take place at the Marlow Sports Club where you will collect your participant number which will have a built-in timing chip, plus cable ties. Please ensure that your ride number is attached to the handlebars and is clearly visible from the front. The timing chips do not need to be returned.

At registration we will ask you to confirm the details of your emergency contact and confirm the route in which you are participating. You are free to change route either at registration or during the event.

Baggage Storage

After you have registered and collected your timing numbers you will be able to deposit a personal bag in the storage area. Bags will only be released on the production of the timing number. Please do not store valuables within your belongings.

Refreshments & Feed Stations

Free tea and coffeewill be available prior to the start.We suggest a good breakfast before you set off.

There are three feed stations positioned around the route to provide refreshments and water for the participants. All refreshments at the feed stations are included in the entry fee. The feed stations will provide bananas, snacks, cakes and other similar food, as well as water and energy drinks. If you want more substantial food or energy bars / gels please bring these with you. A selection of bars and gels will be available for sale at the start.

Indoor toilet facilities are available at all feed stations, along with track pumps, so that if you have had a puncture you can give your tyres an extra boost.

At the finish, food will be available includinga barbecue, as well as a variety of drinks and a licenced bar with beer from our local Rebellion brewery.

Draw for Autographed Cycling Jersey

The free random draw for the GB Cycling jersey signed by Sir Chris Hoy and other members of the British track squad will take place after all the riders have started. Presentation to the winner will take place later in the day near the finish line. As a reminder, this draw is only open to entrants in the ride – each entrant will get one free ticket for the draw.

Win a top of the range GoPro camera

We will also be having a raffle after you have finished – the top prize: a GoPro Hero3 top-of-the- range Black Edition camera, currently retailing at £359.

Mechanical support at start

Marlow’s very own local bike shop, Saddle Safari will provide a mechanic who can check simple issues at the start free of charge. Please do not expect major problems to be fixed. You will be charged for any spare parts needed to complete the repair.

Staged Start

In order to control the number of riders within any one group a maximum of 20 riders only will be permitted to commence on the route at any one time. Groups will start attwo minute intervals.

Prior to each group commencing on the route a safety briefing will be given by a start marshal. You will be asked to ensure that you have our Emergency telephone number with you – please make sure that you store this number in your own mobile phone. The number is 07760 761719.

Timetable

06:30 / Car park at Dun and Bradstreet opens
07:00 / Registration opens
07:30 / Event commences and first riders leave following safety briefing.
100 mile riders start first
08:00 / 80 mile route opens
08:30 / 50 mile route opens
09:00 / Last start time for 100 mile route
09:30 / Last start time for 80 mile route
10:00 / Last riders start
10:30 / Sweeper vehicle leaves clubhouse
11:30 / Feed station 1 closes (30 miles)
13:00 / Feed station 2 closes (56 miles) and all riders are expected to be at this point by 1pm
17:00 / Course closes and the sweeper vehicle returns to finish

Safety

The event is being held on public roads and the laws of riding on the road must be adhered to with all participants expected to obey the Highway Code. Safety for all is paramount.

Participants are responsible for the safe working order of your own bicycles and it is suggested that you carry spares to deal with simple problems. These spares should include two spare inner tubes, as well as tyre levers and a pump. We will not be able to repair any mechanical problems on the route.

Prior to each group commencing on the route they will be briefed by a start marshal.

The wearing of hard shell helmets conforming to CE standards EN1078 is mandatory for all riders at all times whilst on the course.

First Aid Kits will be available at each feed station.

Please inform us of any accident or other emergency using the emergency phone number which is printed on your rider number. We will arrange for one of our zone managers to attend any incidents.

Any serious accident should be immediately reported to the emergency services using the 999 telephone system. The emergency services have been informed of the event and the routes being used.

Event Insurance

Event insurance has been arranged with British Cycling and a copy of the form will be available for inspection on the day.

Marshals

We have marshals at key points on the route. Marshals have no legal powers to stop or direct any traffic or pedestrians. They are encouraged to report illegal and inconsiderate riding to the event director, giving details of the incident. The organiser will then take any such action as is considered necessary.

Sweeper Vehicle

A sweeper van will be leaving the start point at 10.30am and travelling the route to ensure that all participants are safe and well and any problems have been identified and are being managed. Any riders unable to continue may be collected and returned to the start/finish point. Any rider that wishes to continue to cycle after being passed by the sweeper vehicle does so at their own risk. But they may find that feed stations could be closed, route signage will be being removed and they will not receive information on their finishing time.

Conduct of Riders and Litter

This event is promoted as a non-competitive event and as such all participants must ride in an orderly manner in accordance with the Highway Code, not more than two abreast and extend all reasonable courtesy to other road users. The use of earphones is discouraged on the grounds of safety.

Every participant is reminded that litter must not be deposited on the highway and litter bins are available at each feed station and the start/finish point. We are fortunate to be able to enjoy the countryside so please do not spoil it for others.

Publication of ‘Results’

Your time to complete the event will be sent by text message to the mobile phone number you gave when you registered.

Results and standards achieved will be posted on our web site a few days after the event. Standards will be based on the route you originally registered, unless you tell us at the start or finish that you have done a different route. All riders that finish the route will achieve at least a Bronze Standard. For those wishing to achieve better times see the following tables:

GOLD STANDARD

Age group (F) / Age group (M) / 50 miles / 80 miles / 100 miles
Under 18 / 2.50 / 4.44 / 6.05
Under 18 / 2.40 / 4.28 / 5.45
18-39 / 2.30 / 4.12 / 5.25
18-39 / 40-49 / 2.40 / 4.28 / 5.45
40-49 / 50-59 / 2.50 / 4.44 / 6.05
50-59 / 60-69 / 3.00 / 5.00 / 6.25
60-69 / 70+ / 3.10 / 5.16 / 6.55
70+ / 3.20 / 5.32 / 7.15

SILVER STANDARD

Age group (F) / Age group (M) / 50 miles / 80 miles / 100 miles
Under 18 / 3.10 / 5.14 / 6.45
Under 18 / 3.00 / 4.58 / 6.25
18-39 / 2.50 / 4.42 / 6.05
18-39 / 40-49 / 3.00 / 4.58 / 6.25
40-49 / 50-59 / 3.10 / 5.14 / 6.45
50-59 / 60-69 / 3.20 / 5.30 / 7.05
60-69 / 70+ / 3.30 / 5.46 / 7.35
70+ / 3.50 / 6.02 / 7.55

If you are unable to complete the route or withdraw for any reason please inform us on the emergency telephone number so that we can keep a track of all participants.

Distinctive Route Signs

Distinctive branded Marlow Red Kite Ride chevron route markers are being used to identify the route to be taken. These markers will be displayed before, at and after every junction where you turn off the road. Periodically there will be confirmation direction signs.

The 100 mile route will follow these colours throughout.

The 80 mile route will split from the 100 mile route after 25 miles (40km). Riders on this route should follow signs but with a YELLOW border until you re-join the 100 mile route after which you follow red signs again.

The 50 mile route will split from the other routes after 13 miles (21km). Riders on this route should follow signs with a BLUE border until re-joining the main route after which you will follow red signs again.

Marlow FM Live Radio Broadcast

Marlow FM 97.5, our local community radio station, will be broadcasting live and recorded sessions from 1pm – 5pm from the Marlow Sports Club. If your family lives locally and cannot attend please tell them to tune in to their live broadcast from 2pm or follow us on

After you’ve finished

Congratulations! You’ve achieved your goal and ridden the Marlow Red Kite Ride. You will shortly be receiving a text message announcing your time.

We hope that you will stay around after your ride to enjoy the facilities available at the Marlow Sports Club.

These will include:

• Bike racking
• Shower and toilet facilities
• Live broadcast by Marlow FM 97.5FM radio station -
• Stretching, massages and physiotherapy provided by specialists from the Drummond Clinic (services are free, voluntary donations will go directly to our charities)
• Delicious Barbecue
• Licensed bar
• Police bike-marking service
• Information about joining British Cycling
• Raffle – First prize GoPro Hero3 Black Edition camera
• Information about our chosen charities

Our charities

A big thankyou to all of you for entering the Marlow Red Kite Ride. All net proceeds from the event will go to the following charities:

• Skidz, who provide work training as a mechanic for children with education and learning difficulties in the High Wycombe and surrounding area
• In-Vision, who promote research into Infantile Nystagmus (IN), a permanent condition causing involuntary oscillations of the eyes that first appears within the first six months of life
• Marlow Sports Club, which is a is a community sports club, offering a home and facilities to a total of over 1,500 members, all from the Marlow area.

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