THAMES HEAD CHALLENGE
Sunday 22 August 2021
A unique 130 mile cycling challenge
EVENT RULES
PREAMBLE
1 RIDING
2 HORSES
3 BICYCLES
4 SAFETY EQUIPMENT
5 TEAM RIDER SWITCHES
6 TEAM SUPPORT CARS
7 TEAM RELAY BATON
8 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
9 CONDUCT
PREAMBLE
This Event is not a race – it is a fun cycling challenge and Charity Bike Ride.
As such, no list will be published declaring Riders’ finishing positions.
The following Rules have been compiled to help ensure the safety of persons and property relative to their participation in the Event.
The Rules are to be read in conjunction with the Event Terms and Conditions [TCRs].
Compliance with the Rules is not optional and therefore must be given the level of importance it deserves. Failure to comply with the Rules at any time means that a participant [Rider and/or Team] may be disqualified.
All determinations and Rulings of the Event Organiser, in the light of non-compliance will be binding and final in all circumstances.
To possess personal insurance [for person and property] is not mandatory.
However, participants are advised to consider their own requirements.
These Rules, and the associated Terms and Conditions, [the TCRs] have been designed and drafted with everyone’s safety in mind. Adherence to them will help ensure, for every participant, a truly rewarding and memorable day – and a quiet relaxing day for Ride Event Control [REC]!
1 RIDING
Never ride more than two abreast
Do not attempt any dangerous maneuvers
Remain alert to possible dangers at all times
Show consideration to other road users and pedestrians
Avoid cycling on pavements [or footpaths] unless it is permitted
Be mindful and aware of the less experienced Riders on the road
Abide by the Highway Code at all times
Apply common sense in all situations
Finally, be a good advert for cycling
NOTE:
The primary role of Marshals is to signal caution to motorists
Their role is not to direct Riders or traffic
Their secondary role as Marshals is to help indicate direction
Riders must decide at all times whether their own movement is safe
2 HORSES
Slow down and take particular care when passing horses
Indicate your presence [NOT BY BELL - But by calling out]
Pass horses with wide berth
3 BICYCLES
Rider Number badges must remain affixed to bikes throughout the Event
A Rider’s bicycle needs to be fit for purpose
Riders will be responsible for the roadworthiness of their own bicycle
The use of triathlon handlebars [aerobars] is discouraged
Where they are fitted, they should not be used when riding in a group
The reason of course relates to safety
NOTE-Bikes allowed and not allowed in the Event:
ALLOWED - Electric bikes and 3wheeled bikes
NOT ALLOWED - Fixed wheeled bikes and bikes with only one brake
4 SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Riders must wear a suitable cycling helmet
Consideration should also be given to:
a. Wet weather gear
b. Hi-vis cycling tops, and
c. Additional equipment such as daytime-running lights
Each Rider’s safety is their own responsibility!
5 TEAM RIDER SWITCHES
Where Rider Switching takes place, Teams must have regard for the convenience and safety of their Team Members, property owners, pedestrians and other road users.
6 TEAM SUPPORT CARS
Team Support Cars are not allowed on the Ride Route during the Event.
Please request friends and family to also abide by this Rule.
To break this Rule would cause undesirable:
a. hazards for cyclists and other road users and
b. obstruction and/or potentially dangerous traffic congestion
Driving on the Ride Route is however permitted at and in the vicinity of:
i. START and FINISH Points
ii. STAGE-POINTS
iii. optional Rider SWITCH-POINTS
and where the following is provided
iv. mechanical or medical assistance, or
v. where permitted by Marshals or Ride Event Control [REC]
Team Support Cars need to make their own routes between all Ride Points.
Identification of Team Support Cars will be helpful to both Marshals and all Riders. Vehicle drivers are requested therefore to display an Event Badge on their front windscreen, positioned not to compromise the driver’s vision. The Event Badge will be provided as a downloadable pdf for printing.
7 TEAM RELAY BATON
Each Relay Team will be provided with a symbolic Relay Baton.
The Relay Baton is to be carried by each Rider for the stage they ride.
Being handed over at the Finish is a requirement for successful completion.
8 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
A medical emergency is defined as one requiring the intervention of medics.
Medical Emergencies fall into two types:
1. TYPE 1 RED - Road side medic attention necessary ASAP
This involves medics being called to attend
Transfer to hospital being likely/certain
The first action must be to call for the emergency services
2. TYPE 2 AMBER - Requiring medic attention soon
Transfer from scene is judged safe and desirable
This involves medic attention after transfer to:
i. A Stage-Point
ii. Hospital A+E
In both Types 1+2 above:
Ride Event Control [REC] to be advised of the medical emergency ASAP.
REC will liaise, if necessary, with the Team Support Car and others.
8 CONDUCT
Used packages and waste products must be disposed of appropriately.
If an emergency comfort break is required, be discreet and considerate.
Act in a courteous manner in all ways and at all times.
You are your own ambassador whilst also an ambassador for the Ride.
And in all - be a good advert for cycling.
