“the boxer” south lakes 66-mile cycle sportive – 11 october 2020
thank you for entering this year’s south lakes cycle sportive.
things are a bit different this time due to covid 19, but we have been working tirelessly the last few months to improve the event and the way we run it, to make it safer and more enjoyable for all involved.
*please stay at least 1 metre from other people and don t ride or congregate in groups of more than 6*
there is no “shorter” route – also event is now based on and around the large lancaster park and ride car park @ m6 junction 34 postcode – la2 9hg – to avoid any risk of covid issues by using the facilities at 3-1-5 health club
*if you feel unwell or have any covid 19 signs or symptoms please stay home this time*
there will be no registration area to book in or enter on the day – instead, you will have been posted both your event number to attach to your bike and two times –
- your time to arrive at the event car park
- your time to start your ride from the event start line
riders will be starting from 0900hrs in waves of 6 x riders – we are aiming to start the fastest riders (as indicated when entering online via s i entries) early and the steadier riders later on – so that people will finish throughout the day – rather than in large groups.
riders will be set of in waves of 6 x riders – every 4 x minutes between 0900hrs and 1030hrs.
please be aware that wearing of recognised cycling helmets is compulsory for all top dog cycle sportive events – and tri bars are not allowed by british cycling – who insure and oversee our events.
cut off time for riders to complete the sportive is 17.00hrs – riders returning after this time will not be timed and will not receive a finishers goody bag.
section 1: the morning of the event
free parking is available on the large lancaster park and ride car park @ la2 9hg; marshals will be on site to direct you to designated parking areas, we must leave a 1 metre + space between each vehicle – so please use every other paking bay.
breakfast
there is a large 24-hour mcdonalds just beyond the start / event hq area, on caton road, towards lancaster – which will be open for pre ride food and drinks.
facilities
there are no changing facilities on the event car park – so please arrive dressed to ride – however there will be 2 x port a loos on site.
section 2: registration
there will be no registration desk this time – please arrive at the start with your event number attached to your bike.
your number will be registered on the start line by a helper, so we know you are riding the event.
section 3: the start
the start line is around 500 metres from the car park – under the m6 motorway bridge – and you will be sent a time to be there along with your event number – please try and be there on time so our covid safety plan can be effective.
the start area is a short walk / ride away from the car park and crosses several sections of busy road – just follow the signs and please use the automatic pedestrian crossings.
you will join 5 x other riders and be started 4 minutes after the previous group of riders set off.
there will be a bike stand and set of basic tools to carry out any last minute mechanical issues along with an nvq qualified mechanic at the start – but please ensure your bike is mechanically sound before leaving home – as we can only help with the most basic of pre ride repairs and adjustments
our aim this time is to get faster riders away early on and steadier riders later on ( the reversal of normal operations ) to spread our riders along the 66 mile route and prevent the mass finish we usually try and achieve!
riders progress will be timed throughout the event – and times will be published post event purely for personal information and not as any kind of result.
section 4: finding your way:
the course will be marked with 500+ fluorescent yellow arrows and specific top dog events signs, examples of these will be present at the start line and it is your responsibility to look for these the signs.
gpx files of the route – https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31264020
this is intended to use only if riders lose their way – please look out for our arrows and signs at each junction and throughout your ride – we go to great lengths to accurately place these signs for you – but may need to change a section of a route last minute – so it may differ from the gpx version.
section 5: the rules of the road
on the road, please ride no more than two abreast – while maintaining social distancing advice – changing to single file when necessary to allow traffic to pass. please be courteous to motorists, farmers, and local residents as we aim to build great relationships with them and enhance cycling’s reputation among non-riders.
this event is not a race, it is a social cycling challenge, and you should approach it in this manner. you must follow the rules of the road and any dangerous or reckless cycling will not be tolerated.
anyone endangering other participants or road users and damaging local cyclists’ image is not welcome at any of our events.
section 6: communications
it is compulsory to carry a mobile phone, signal for most of the route is fine and event contact numbers are printed on rear of your event number should you need assistance, and we will ring you if we are concerned about your whereabouts or well fare.
if you need to contact hq and have no signal – there are several phone boxes, and areas of better reception en route and we pass through plenty of villages and communities.
also – as it is the south lakes, there will be plenty of visitors passing in vehicles who could summon assistance should it be required.
section 7: mechanicals
please come with a mechanically sound bike, tyres, wheels, chains, cables, and brake blocks should be sound and in good working order.
we have basic mechanical assistance on the start line, and en route should you require help, but this is limited to the most basic of roadside repairs.
you should ride with all spares for necessary roadside repairs to your bicycle, 2 x inner tubes, patches, chain splitter and a pump in addition to enough food and drink for your ride, 2 x full water bottles and snacks / gels in jersey pockets.
please note that the sweeper vans for this event are only for serious mechanical failures.
section 8: withdrawing from the event
for those who decide they have “ridden far enough” and no longer wish to continue, you will need to arrange transport back to the start/finish area and inform hq on 07521 703205 , or a marshal that you have withdrawn from the sportive.
if you feel that the distance you have chosen is too far and you have doubts regarding your ability to complete it, you should not start as it would be unsafe to do so and registration / hq will need to know of your decision.
section 9: emergencies
in case of an emergency (or should you witness an accident), the organisers phone number is on the back of your sportive number. you should initially contact the emergency services 999 or 112 and then the race organisers at hq.
this event has professional medical cover by 2 x trained paramedics in a fully equipped ambulance – to summon this assistance – once a 999 call has been made – ring hq on the number on rear of your event number – letting them know where you are and what has happened
it is required that all competitors wear recognised cycling helmets on our sportive events.
the course is challenging with many descents and sharp bends – so please be aware and ride safely at all times.
if you have any known medical conditions, illness or injury which you think may affect your participation in this event, you should seek medical advice before attending and carry all personal medication you may require during the event.
there will be several 1st aid trained mobile support staff on the course who will carry basic first aid kits, spares, tools and cycle carriers to offer rider assistance.
please contact hq on 07521 703205 should you need either.
section 10: what happens if there are bad weather conditions?
if required, due to bad weather, we will change the route as appropriate to ensure that that the event still goes ahead on the chosen day.
if the weather is so bad that we feel it is necessary to cancel the event competitor entries can be transferred to next year’s event or to another top dog sportive.
if the weather forecast is very poor in the week approaching the event, we will update all competitors via e-mail prior to the event. please note that unless you are informed by the organisers that the event is postponed, the event is taking place, please come dressed for either extreme of weather – hot or wet / cold.
we will insist that at least an outer shell jacket is carried by all riders, as the conditions the south lakes fells and silverdale coast can be drastically different to the milder sea level conditions at event hq in lancaster.
section 11: safety on the course
much of the route takes place on quiet rural lanes, but you should always be aware that these roads are open to traffic and quiet lanes bring their own hazards, as well as including many a rough surface, loose wild and farm animals and occasional pothole.
never ride more than two abreast and be wary of blind bends on winding roads, if you can’t see the car, they can’t see you. enjoy the scenery but always keep your mind on the road and other users.
please ride single file where the roads become narrow, giving way to traffic wherever possible to ensure good relations with fellow road users.
never cross the white centre line.
- be visible – wear bright clothes and keep a red taillight on throughout your ride
please cover your brakes whilst on all descents. there are many blind turns, hazards such as wild and farm animals, birds, potholes and debris on the road so it’s important that you cover your brakes and regulate your speed.
if you spot an accident, please contact the emergency services – then inform race organisers. the numbers are on your sportive number. please save these numbers to your phone in case of an emergency.
there can be fast flowing traffic on the short sections of a road. we advise that you ride single file along this type of road for safety and stay to the left.
it is important to note that this event is not a race but a sportive style challenge and your safety throughout is paramount.
section 12: refreshments and toilets
there is 1 x feed station and toilets in staveley village halfway around the route.
at the food stop there will be a selection of individually wrapped snacks and water/juice to refill your water bottle – along with hand gels ect.
*one of our team will fill your water bottle with juice and water – while you hold it*
our helpers will be wearing face masks and gloves for your added covid protection.
your event number will be logged at the feed station – please ensure our helpers can record your number even if you do not stop.
plastics
like you we have been shocked by the amount plastic waste in our environment and are determined not to add to the problem – so we will not be providing plastic glasses or cups at our feed stations – but ask that you use your drinks bottle instead please – we also re use all our arrows and signs – while taking all the cable ties use to our local recycling centre.
there are also several village shops, cafes and pubs en route where food and drink can be purchased, so we recommend carrying a credit / debit card and a face mask.
toilets are located in several places en route, look out for our signs – some are free while others make a charge of 20 or 30 pence, so it is recommended you carry a selection of small change in your saddle bag
section 13: timings and photos
a full list of times will be posted on the top dog events ltd website and facebook page in the week following the event.
please remember that the times will be provided as a reference of personal performance, the event is not a race and should not be treated in this manner. the times will be listed in event rider number order rather than by fastest time.
all event photographs will be available from our facebook page and are free to download.
your progress will be monitored at several points around the route – especially at major junctions and feed stations by marshals– if approaching a marshal or feed station – please slow down to allow them to see and record your event number.
failure to do so will not give you a time for that section and worse will have us searching the route for you as you will be unaccounted for – so please be patient and polite to our team of kind helpers.
section 14: bike mechanics
chris and steve are providing mechanical assistance throughout the event – this will be basic roadside repairs, but please ensure your bike is 100% roadworthy prior to the day and be self-sufficient during your ride.
we will have a bike stand and tools available in the start area, then steve will be following riders throughout the day in the broom wagon.
please inform hq on 07521 703205 should you require mechanical assistance en route and they will dispatch help to your location.
also, if you have a major issue, please make yourself visible to our “broom wagons” following the tail enders – so they can help or retrieve you and your bike to a suitable location to be returned to hq
section 15: the finish line
at the finish you will ride under the gantry and your time will be recorded. this will also inform the organisers that you are home safely. you will be invited to take a “goody bag” – which includes a top dog events car sticker and a snack.
much as it breaks our hearts – we cannot offer our usual post ride hospitality this time – so no free swims, saunas, jacuzzi or hot drinks – and we need to encourage people to clear the finish line asap rather than stay and chat – really sorry – but please send us your messages by e mail or social media.
medals – if you purchased a souvenir medal with your online entry, come to our hq desk on the finish line and collect your bespoke medal.
section 16: marshals and helpers
this event would not be possible without the assistance of our amazing team of marshals and helpers – please be nice to them and a “thank you” as you pass through will be well received.
section 17: safety declaration
by entering this british cycling sanctioned event you are making the following declaration –
“i agree to abide by the british cycling regulations for non-competitive cycling events and understand and agree that i participate in this event entirely at my own risk, that i must rely on my own ability in dealing with all hazards, and that i must ride in a manner which is safe to myself and others. i am aware that when riding on a public highway the function of marshals is only to indicate direction and that i must decide whether any manoeuvre is safe.
i agree that no liability whatsoever shall attach to the promoter, promoting club/organisation, event sponsor, british cycling or any event official in respect of any injury, loss or damage suffered by me in or by reason of the event however caused.
i will participate in cycling events in a loyal and sporting manner. i have read and agree to abide by the above declarations.”
see you sunday,
top dog events ltd team
e mail –[email protected]
web – www.topdogevents.co.uk
fb – top dog events
mob -07521703205