OVERVIEW
Thank you for entering Break The Cycle 2023! We want you to have a great day in the saddle. We ask that you read this information thoroughly as it contains details that will ensure the event runs smoothly and safely.
The Break The Cycle organisers have scoped the Gold, Silver and Bronze routes numerous times. The Gold route is a real test of cycling endurance and for experienced cyclists only. The Silver route goes up the iconic Cheddar Gorge and offers a lovely day in the saddle for regular weekend cyclists. Bronze is a lovely introduction to country cycling for beginners. Given the undulating terrain we anticipate average speeds (excluding stops) for Gold and Silver routes to range from 10mph-15mph subject to your level of personal ability/fitness.
VENUE INFORMATION
Ashton Gate will be open from 6.30am on Sunday, July 16th.
Address: Lansdown Concourse, Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol, BS3 2EJ
SAFETY BRIEFING
All riders will be fully briefed about the route and signage before they set off. This rider Information document will assist you have a safe and enjoyable day in the saddle. Please ensure you have read and understood the terms and conditions and this document, they are designed to assist you have a safe and enjoyable day.
ROUTES AND TIMINGS
GOLD ROUTE (ADVANCED LEVEL RIDERS ONLY)
Registration: 6.30am
Start time: 7am
Distance: 100 miles
SILVER ROUTE (INTERMEDIATE LEVEL RIDERS)
Registration: 8.30am
Start time: 9am
Distance: 66 miles
BRONZE ROUTE
Registration: 10.30am
Start time: 11am
Distance: 33 miles
Important: Please aim to complete your ride at 15:00. Remember to allow time for water and fuel stops in your planning. There is no need to rush, we want you to enjoy a great day in the saddle raising funds for charity. All riders to complete the course and return to Ashton Gate Stadium by 17:00 – at the very latest.
PRE-REGISTRATION
When: Saturday, July 15th, 2023: 10:00 to 12:00
Where: Lansdown Stand Concourse, Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol. BS3 2EJ
We recommend that cyclists take the option to pre-register ahead of the event. The registration desk will be open on Saturday, July 15th between 10:00 and 12:00. During the registration process you will need to complete the event disclaimer, sign a copy of the Terms and Conditions and complete the emergency contact details on the back of your race number. Pre-registering will save time on the day, so you can arrive at Ashton Gate Stadium ready to pick up your event number and get going!
REGISTRATION
If you are driving to the stadium, please park in the Winterstoke Road car park. Parking is available on a first come, first serve basis. On arrival please head to the registration area in the Lansdown Stand Concourse (What3Words ///fakes.late.parks). During the registration process you will complete the event disclaimer, sign a copy of the Terms and Conditions, pick up your race number and complete the emergency contact details on the back of your race number. Zip ties will be available for you to affix your event number to the handlebars of your bike. Tea and coffee will be available from 06:30 until late afternoon.
FEED ZONES AND RIDER CONTROL POINTS
There will be Feed Zones on the course. This is an opportunity top up your water bottles and take on board some basic food. This should supplement the food and drink you have taken on the ride. You should not rely on this as your only form of nutrition. Please take only your quota of food at the Feed Zones as we must cater for all riders. For safety, riders must slow-down in the approach and exit to any Feed Zone and Rider Control Point. The process we use to track the progress of all our riders is through Rider Control.
Important: Ensure you give in your event number at every rider control point.
Water Stop 1: Gold Route (29miles): Red Cow Pub, Brent Knoll, Somerset. TA9 4BE
- Water stop
- First aid point
Water Stop 2: Gold (55miles) and Silver (23miles): Cheddar Gorge, Cheddar. BS40 7XU
- Rider control 1
- Water/feed stop
- First aid point
Water Stop 3: Gold (88miles), Silver (52miles), Bronze (19miles): White Hart Pub, Wrington. BS49 5AR
- Rider control 2
- Water/feed stop
- First aid point
Ashton Gate – Gold, Silver and Bronze – Ashton Gate Stadium (Lansdown Stand Concourse)
- Start and finish point – all riders
- Final rider control point
- Nandos and Bristol Beer!
COURSE SIGNAGE
Route Arrows
The route is marked using route arrows. The route signs will direct you around the course and will be located at junctions and turnings. The Break The Cycle route has been designed by experienced cyclists/trainers. All routes have been carefully selected to match the needs and ability of the riders who enter them.
Bronze is entry level, for beginners, Silver is for intermediate riders and Gold for experienced riders only. All routes use ‘tried and tested’ roads that are well suited for recreational cycling but PLEASE NOTE these roads ARE NOT CLOSED and so please ride carefully, respectfully and safely.
Inevitably, there are occasions (depending on the route you have chosen to ride) where you may have to cross or ride on ‘busier’ roads for a short time. Where ever possible, we have designed routes that use traffic lights or use ride marshalls to help you cross safely. PLEASE TAKE YOUR TIME and RIDE SAFELY.
General
Please pay attention to Highways road signs particularly those that indicate road hazards. Please be careful on narrow sections of road and descents, keeping a safe distance between yourself and the rider in front. Pay particular attention at traffic lights, roundabouts and difficult turns.
BREAK THE CYCLE ESSENTIALS
All riders must wear a helmet. No helmet = no ride. Please check the weather forecast on Saturday night and plan your clothing/ equipment/ ride nutrition.
In poor weather conditions, it is advisable to bring lights and high visibility clothing if fog or rain is forecast or where light is likely to be reduced.
Please make sure you cross the finish line at Ashton Gate Stadium, check back in at registration and collect your refreshment vouchers.
POST-RIDE REFRESHMENTS
After a long day in the saddle, join us back at Ashton Gate for a complimentary Nando’s and refreshments from the Bristol Beer Factory.
PARTNERS AND CHARITY PARTNERS
Hargreaves Lansdown, Santander, Sprague Gibbons, Molson, Plantforce, Aspire, Indigo Food Group, Whiteladies Business Centre, Alliance Communications, MHR Manager, BW Cycles, Bristol Beer Factory, Knee Specialists, Nando’s and Presca are all Break The Cycle partners.
The Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, FareShare South West, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity and Children’s Hospice South West are charity partners for this year’s event.
FREE BRISTOL BEARS TICKETS
Every cyclist who takes part in Break The Cycle 2023 will receive two complementary tickets for Bristol Bear’s pre-season friendly against West Country rivals Exeter Chiefs at Ashton Gate, which kicks off at 7.45pm on Friday, September 1st.
ENJOY THE RIDE
We are hugely grateful to each and every one of you for entering Break The Cycle 2023 and wish you an enjoyable day on whichever route you have chosen to cycle. All of the money raised at this event goes towards the incredible, life changing work of Bristol Bears Community Foundation’s wheelchair programme.
We hope this tells document you everything you need to know about the event. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via email at foundation@bristol-sport.co.uk
