Welcome When you come to register for The Tour of the Black Mountains either on the 25th or morning of the 26th July 2008. Firstly please check the contents of the envelope you received  which should include. Rider numbers Transponder T Shirt if ordered If any of these are missing please tell us immediately. NB Even if you are unable to participate in this ride, the entry fee is not refundable. Routes are  signed and supported with mechanical equipment, first aid, marshals, pick-up vehicles.  Refreshment stops are located at regular intervals. Please note that while we have published details of the route these may be subject to change. Transponder This should be attached to the quick release of your front wheel with the plastic mount provided. This should be mounted vertically with the transponder located nearest the road. The Start The start is located at the exit of the field housing the event area which exits onto the A465. Parking is available next to the start. Start Sequence 8—9 am Please be aware that this is  a  hard route so start as early as you can to avoid a late finish. The sweep vehicle will be travelling at about 14 mph and will depart at 9.00 am.  The finish will close at 6.00 pm. After this you will not get an official time certificate or medal. Feed Stations Feed 1 —   51 km (all routes) - Bananas, Torq Sports drink, water. Feed 2 — 103 km (182 km route only) sandwhich rolls, bananas, fig rolls, go bars, Torq sports drink, water. Feed 3 — 140 km & 94 km (all routes respectively) Bananas, fig rolls, Torq sports drink, water. The Route The route will be clearly marked (yellow signs with black arrows the 85 mile route split will have red and black signs indicating the shorter distance), there will also be motorbike marshals at certain points. Please obey the marshals’ instructions and in particular, you must observe traffic regulations which include waiting for traffic lights to turn green. Mechanical and first aid assistance will be available at the Start/Finish and along the route. Support vehicles will follow the back markers on the look out for breakdowns and retirees there will also be 3 marshals on motor bikes patrolling the route. If you break down, call 07927400464 identifying your location by the number of miles you are from the start, in order that we can send you assistance ASAP There are mile markers every 10 miles please look out for these.  Please move to a safe place on the route but remain visible so we can find you easily. Call 999 for medical emergencies. Please think very hard about your likely completion time and please bring suitable clothing and equipment if you think you will be one of the slower ones. Please note that if the sweep vehicle overtakes you, you will be asked to get into it or continue under your own steam having removed your number and transponder. (please refer to event rules for further information). The Finish — Cut off 6.00 pm At the finish you get your certificate and medal from the registration tent. You can find light refreshments at the finish and also at the Skirrid Inn 200 m up the road. We Recommend You Bring Water Bottles Sunscreen Waterproofs Favourite Nutritional Snacks (drinks and food are available at the feed stations) Mobile Phone Helmet Extra Clothing Credit/Debit Card Rules of Participation Don’t ride at full tilt on the wrong side of the road trying to get to the front, this is a challenge ride not a race. Dangerous riding will not be tolerated either by the event officials or the Police. Cars or other support vehicles are forbidden from driving on the course. Any rider seen with a vehicle on the course will be penalised and may be disqualified. You must attach your official number to the handle bars of your bike. All entrants bikes must be in good working order for the event. Judgement of the event officials is final. Rules Of The Road Remember it is not a race, be a good advert for cycling and show consideration to other road users, even if they don’t respect your space. Never ride more than two abreast and don’t attempt any dangerous passing. It is absolutely forbidden to cross the centre line of the road. Some riders will be inexperienced so keep your distance at all times and don’t go mad down hills as some are steep and contain sharp bends and narrow sections . Please signal any intention to turn left or right and don’t stop suddenly: there might be people behind you. If you do stop shout “stopping” and hold your hand up in the air. Make sure your bike is in good working order, especially the brakes. We strongly recommend you wear a helmet. If you are on medication please remember to bring it with you. Sections of the route are on open Moorland, be aware of sheep and other animals that could case an accident.