INFORMATION FOR ENTRANTS

There are no entry qualifications, other than a minimum age requirement for unaccompanied riders of 18 years. Juniors may ride if accompanied throughout by an adult who has signed a responsibility form at Registration. Riders and their bikes are expected to arrive at the start in a condition that should enable them to complete the course. The organisers will not sanction the start of any rider deemed to pose an undue risk to themselves or to other riders. Tandem entries are welcome (stoker rides free but must also sign at Registration). Recumbents are welcome. Sorry, no trikes.

 

THE START/FINISH

The Start and Finish will be at Sparsholt College. We suggest that you allow 10 mins from exiting the M3 or A34 to reach Sparsholt College, Sparsholt, nr Winchester, SO21 2NF.  directions.

There is ample on-site parking. Registration/Information and refreshments are in Saxony Hall.

Changing and shower facilities (should you require them) are on site.

When registered and ready, riders should make their way to the start.

The starting window will be 8.00 - 9.30 a.m.

 

On finishing, it is ESSENTIAL that you surrender your expensive transponder either to the timers at the Finish, or to the timing official in the hall, as instructed.

PREPARATION

Road surfaces on the route are generally good. There are however, some stretches, particularly on the Downs, where there is grit on the road. In wet conditions, parts of the course may experience severe run-on of grit, flints, and thorns.

 

Tyres: You are strongly advised to use tyres with an anti-puncture layer, casing with a high tpi figure, and a MINIMUM width of 23mm (it's not being soft to ride on 700x25). Do not under-inflate.

Cycle computer: it's probably best to set it to miles rather than km for this event. Only distances in miles are given on the route card (also, you'll notice, on roadsigns) .

Gearing: compact or triple chainrings are not essential, though do use them if you've got them.

A 42-tooth inner ring should be adequate for the steepest hills.

Kit list: for the less experienced, we recommend carrying a multi-tool, a pair of tyre levers, 2 spare inners (new), a pump, 2 bottles (the 500ml size should be sufficient), a tube of Deep-Freeze gel or similar for muscle ache, and a mobile phone. Clear/lightly tinted cycling glasses are good for eye protection. Heavily tinted cycling glasses are inadvisable for this course, as it occasionally passes through patches of woodland shade which may coincide with poor road surfacing. All riders must wear a helmet in order to be covered by the event insurance, and must carry ID.

 

FOOD & DRINK

You are advised to start with your pockets stuffed full of your own preferred energy food.

Feed stations for ample replenishment are located at strategic points (to be confirmed) around the course: the first is Meon Hall, Meonstoke (31.6 miles).

Pre- and post-ride, there are excellent cafe facilities at event HQ.

 

SAFETY NOTICE

The course generally experiences very light traffic. Riders are nevertheless urged to keep alert and to ride with their safety and the safety of others as their prime consideration. Remember, this event is not a race or a competitive event. 

 

The course runs counter-clockwise to maximise the number of relatively safe left-hand turns.

Caution should be taken at right-hand turns.

Caution should be taken at junctions, especially at isolated crossroads where motor vehicles might just ignore the right of way, and shoot across your path (we've seen it). Turns and crossings will not normally be marshalled.

 

The course is entirely on open public roads (there are no sections of 'off-road' or private track). 

In designing the course, the organisers have attempted to avoid long stretches of poor road surface.

As on any training or leisure ride in town or country, potholes, fissures, and grit (especially on bends) may be encountered, and all participants should ride in a manner that enables them to negotiate any such hazards. 

 

Riders must comply with road signs, traffic signals, the provisions of the Road Traffic Act, and the Highway Code. The event organiser, officials, and participants are insured against public liability claims from third parties.

 

SIGNAGE

HHH routes are signed with black-on-YELLOW Correx arrow boards (450mm x 200mm), bearing the name "Dark Blue Cycling Club". Every change of direction on the route should be indicated by one or more of these arrows. (Signs are positioned the day before the event; an exercise taking many hours).

 

Be aware that (as in all cyclosportive events) our signs may be subject to malicious or mischevious removal or re-positioning, or other disturbance, and should in any case be regarded as only advisory. Riders must use their good judgment when encountering signs or not encountering signs where expected. Printed route sheets are provided at the Start, and should be carried by all participants.