IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR RIDERS

LATEST: We've decided to go with just two marked route choices, exploiting the narrow neck of the Southeast loop. This means that Midi riders are on their own for just 0.35 miles. The Midi course is now a little longer than previously advertised. The decision is now made at 78 miles (another 9 miles to go or 22?) Seems about right.

LATEST: GMAPS HHH Midi Route is HERE (87 miles/140km). This may be exported as a GPX file.

LATEST: GMAPS HHH Super Max Route is HERE (measures as 99.74 miles/160km). This may be exported as a GPX file.

LATEST: Another version, using Bikely.com, kindly supplied by rider, Matt Pritchard, is HERE.

LATEST: A GPX file, derived from the above (the author takes no responsibility for errors!) is HERE

Note: the Bikely version is a tad shorter than the GMAPS version, possibly because the quick nip up to Ecchinswell village hall plus backtrack (northernmost tip of the course) is not included. This will be well signed.

LATEST: LONG ROUTE MAP IS HERE, NORTH HALF (better detail) IS HERE; SOUTH HALF (better detail) IS HERE (big jpg files)

LATEST: LONG ROUTE DESCRIPTION IS HERE  (sheets also to be distributed at the event)

GETTING TO EVENT HQ

Arriving by car:

We suggest that you allow 10 mins from exiting the M3 near Winchester (at either Junction 9 northbound or Junction 10 southbound) to reach the event HQ at Perins School, New Alresford, SO24 9BS. This is on the main road (Winchester Road/The Avenue) into New Alresford off the Alresford Bypass (A31) from Winchester and M3, and so is very easy to find.

Links to more detailed instructions and to a Google Map may be found on our LINKS page.

Parking:

Parking is more of an issue in New Alresford than at our previous venue.  We urge vehicle sharing where possible.

There are about 125 parking spaces available to us on the School site.

Additional parking may be found close by (a) along East Street; (b) in Broad Street; (c) along Station Road; (d) in the public car park at the end of Station Rd; (e) along three sides of the Recreation Ground (Rosebery Road/Grange Road/Ashburton Rd). Parking is free on Sundays. A useful map showing these locations is available at:

http://www.alresford.org/StreetMap.htm

REGISTRATION

Registration will take place in the Main Hall and will open at 7.30am.

You will obtain your SPORTident timing tabs here.

You will obtain your event numbers here.

Please allow adequate time for this procedure, bearing in mind we have a field of 550 riders.

Food and refreshments will be available in the Hall throughout the day.

Grab your complimentary hot drink before starting and at the finish!!

THE START

Start and finish will be at the same point at the lower school gate.

We will have a 'go when you're ready' Start between 8.00 a.m. and 9.30 a.m.

Riders may depart when their timing tab has been 'beeped' by the Start marshal.

TIMING

The event will use the SPORTident timing system. There will be timing checkpoints at the feed stations.

Riders will be responsible for returning their tabs to the Hall, which is an essential part of the timing process.

THE CHOICE OF ROUTES

The main route has one loop which may be cut off. The split point of the HHH Midi and the HHH Super Max comes at the Corhampton roundabout at 78 miles) You should decide which way to go shortly before this split, i.e., at the third station, where your tab  will be 'beeped', or not, accordingly.

THE ROUTES

The routes will be marked for their entire length with black-on-yellow correx arrow boards. All turns will be marked. As a back-up, route cards will be issued.  Route descriptions and maps will appear on this site

FEED/DRINK STATIONS

There will be well-stocked feed stations at Ecchinswell Village Hall and Hursley Village Hall. You are advised to start with full bottles and pockets filled with your preferred high-energy snacks. A third water-only field station will be manned on the Corhampton road.

EQUIPMENT

Road surfaces on the HHH are generally very good. There are however, some stretches, particularly on the Downs, where there is grit on the road. Therefore, you are advised to use tyres with a high level of puncture protection. 700 X 23, or even 700 X 24 or 25 widths are suitable for this event.

Do not adjust your bike without thoroughly road-testing it prior to the event!

Kit list: for the less experienced, we recommend a multi-tool, a pair of tyre levers, 2 spare inners (new), pump, 2 bottles, tube of Deep-Freeze gel or similar for those aching back and neck muscles, a cycle computer (set to miles and not kilometers)..

All riders must WEAR A HELMET to comply with event insurance requirements, and should carry with them some form of identification, and a mobile phone.  REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR HELMET, SHOES, and MITTS!

EVENT HQ

There will be event officials at Event HQ thoroughout the day. Please note, the SPORTident staff and the catering staff have no responsibility for the running of the event.

CyclePaths of Fareham will be setting up a stall and offering a technical service at the event.

SAFETY AND RISK NOTICES

The course runs counter-clockwise to maximise the number of left turns. It generally experiences very light traffic. On such roads, both drivers and riders tend not to expect to encounter other traffic. So, stay alert, and don't take a wide line on the bends. Take care at all junctions, including isolated crossroads. Junctions will not normally be marshalled. Riders must at all times comply with Road Traffic laws and the Highway Code.

The course features a number of fast descents. Beware of grit on bends at the bottom of descents. Also, be prepared for pheasants and rabbits in the road.

Note the following:

At Twyford, there are traffic lights. Do not jump them!

At Meonstoke/Exton prior to the climb of Beacon Hill, it is necessary to cross the A32.

At Chilbolton Down, there is a right turn onto the A30 followed by a short section on this A-road. The road here is straight, affording a good view of any approaching traffic.

This event is a cyclosportive, and, therefore, NOT classified as a race or as a competitive event. The event organiser, all the event officials, and riders, are covered against public liability claims by third parties.