The event HQ will be Backwell School near Bristol. A Google map is here and on the Contact Us page but for those wishing to use a Sat Nav to find it, the postcode is BS48 3BX. However, many Sat Navs will take you to a footpath entrance to the school, rather than the vehicular access. If you find yourself at Backwell Swimming Pool, you are at the footpath entrance. To drive from the pool to the school, drive south on the A370 for 250m and turn right at the traffic lights. Drive down Station Road for 200m and turn right into Meadow Close. The entrance to the school is here.
There is a train station about 500m from the school - Backwell & Nailsea. Check with First Great Western for train times and bookings.
Parking will be in the school grounds and is plentiful. Please do not park on local roads or in Backwell Swimming Pool. Signs will show you to the 6th Form common room where the signing on will take place. Each rider will be given a number prior to the event by e-mail. Numbers will also be listed on this web site. When you sign on, you should collect your entry pack which will contain your timing chip. This must be attached to your bike as instructed. Instructions will be contained in the entry pack.
Once you have registered and are ready to ride, you can make your way to the start area. The first riders will leave at 8.30am. You need to ride across the start mat to allow your timing chip to start working. If your chip is not correctly attached to your bike or is in your pocket, it will not work and you will not get a time for your ride.
The start will be staggered to accommodate numbers and further information will be given closer to the event.
When you return to the Event HQ after completing your ride, you must ride over the timing mat to register your finish time.
We have agreed with Backwell School that use of the changing rooms and showers will be available at the end of the ride. Food and drink will be served in the kitchen area and should your tired legs need a rub down, Alex and Natalee will be offering massages.
Should you need spares for your bike either before or after the ride, there will be several trade stands where you can buy anything from clothing to inner tubes. Energy drinks, gels and bars will also be on sale.
Event HQ will close at 6pm, which is more than 9 hours from the start time. This should give every rider plenty of time to complete their ride. Riders of the 100 mile route who have not reached 63 miles (bottom of Harptree Hill) by 2.30pm will be redirected on to the 100km route to take them back to the finish.
Should you wish to stay in the area prior to the event, bed and breakfast accommodation and hotels are plentiful in the area. Some links will be shown on the Links page. Camping is a bit more sparse but there are good quality campsites at Cheddar and near Weston Super Mare. See Links page for details.
