The Hell of the Ashdown

Riders Instructions

Please follow this guidance

Riders Instructions Click here to download a copy of the below Riders Instructions

TODAY - Download the following:
  • Confirmation Email - This is sent to you automatically and is your ‘admission ticket’. It must be produce at signing on as proof of identity (no rider will be allowed to start without this) also should be carried with you on the ride.
  • Route Sheet - For either 110k or 50k routes
  • 'Icy conditions' Route - This is the alternative if lanes with standing water may be frozen
  • These Rider’s Instructions - This is for your guidance
BEFORE - Reminders
  • Check your bike - particularly brakes & derailleur. Have you a low enough gear for 1 in 4?
  • Fit winter tyres - for better traction & puncture resistance
  • Carry - at least one spare tyre or puncture repair kit also tools & tyre levers
  • Iron Rations' - Food & Drink
  • Clothing - Wear helmet & warm clothing; gloves; overshoes. Carry waterproofs
  • Event HQ - Ensure you know your way to Biggin Hill (see ‘Information’ page)
ON THE DAY - Signing On / Start - The 10 Commandments
  1. Travelling - Arrive in good time. Event HQ opens at 7.30am. No cycles allowed in HQ.
  2. Report - 30 mins before your start time to the table displaying the block in which your Rider No. falls. Produce your Confirmation Email.
  3. Transponder - You will lent a transponder chip which you must fit to your front wheel (no transponder, no time)
  4. Rider’ No - You will be given a card which you must attach to your handlebars (no number, no photo)
  5. Bike Park - Take your cycle to the Bike Park in front of the main entrance
  6. Wait - Wait in the Main Hall or Canteen until your Time Slot is called. Collect your cycle and go forward to the Assembly Area
  7. Assembly Area - Where the 40 riders in your 5min time slot will wait. Wait until the next 8 riders are called forward to the Starting Grid
  8. Starting Grid - 8 riders will start every minute . Wait until instructed to start
  9. START - Roll over timing mat.
  10. And you’re off ! Bon Voyage.

ON ROUTE - Conduct on the Road
  • This is not a race
  • Law - Observe the rules of the road. Consider other road users; give way at junctions; be cautious when turning right; stop and look before emerging from a side turning or crossing a road
  • Riding - No more than two abreast, Avoid forming large bunches
  • Way-marking - Although it is your responsibility to find your way. All changes of direction have arrows. (Warning - Sometimes miscreants remove arrows)
  • Marshals- Follow their instructions. They are there to assist you but not control traffic
  • 2 Feeding Stations - Hot/Cold Drinks - Food
  • Check Points - Roll over the timing mat otherwise you won’t get a time. (100k riders who follow the 50k route will not be timed)

FINISH
  • Timing Mat - Roll over the timing mat otherwise you won’t get a time
  • Report - Produce Confirmation Email at the same table as before. With:-
  • Transponder and Bracket - Please return this and collect £1 deposit (part of your entry fee)
  • Certificate - Collect your certificate with recorded time
  • Showers - In the adjoining Leisure Centre
  • Refreshments - In the canteen