Break the Cycle 2019: everything you need to know

Thank you for entering Break the Cycle 2019 - we want you to have a great day in the saddle. Please find below information about the event. 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 ridden the Gold, Silver and Bronze routes numerous times. The Gold route is beautiful and challenging in equal measure. Given the undulating terrain, we anticipate average speeds (excluding stops) for Gold and Silver routes to range from 10mph-18mph, subject to your level of personal ability/fitness.

Important:

Please consider the time required for you to complete the ride. Selecting the right route for you will help make your day a pleasurable experience. If you have entered the Gold route (100 miles) and have any concerns about your training and/or fitness, we would urge you to consider opting for the Silver route (66 miles). Riders are welcome to change to shorter routes on the day at registration. Please also consider that the finish time for all routes is 6pm.

Ashton Gate will be open from 6:30am on Sunday, June 30th. 

Address:
West Stand Concourse
Ashton Gate Stadium
Bristol
BS3 2EJ

Male and female toilets are located within the West Stand Concourse. Please note there are no changing facilities available.

Pre-registration – Saturday, June 29th, 2019, 12pm-3pm

Pre-registration will take place in the West Stand concourse on Saturday, June 29th, 12pm-3pm. 

We recommend that cyclists take the option to pre-register ahead of the event. During the registration process, you will 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, go to 'fast track' and pick up your event number. 

Important: 

• You will not be able to pre-register on behalf of other riders. It’s important that riders are present to complete their disclaimer and sign the terms and conditions.
• You will not be able to take your event number on Saturday. Riders must sign in for the event on Sunday so that we know exactly who is on the road.

Registration - Sunday, June 30th

If you are driving to the stadium, please park in the Winterstoke Road car park. Parking is available on a first come, first served basis. On arrival, please head to the registration area in the West Stand Concourse.

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. Safety pins will be available for you to affix your event number to the front of your cycling jersey.

Tea and coffee will be available from 6:30am until late afternoon.   

There will be technical support, if needed, prior to the start of the ride. Spare inner tubes will be on sale at registration - £5 each, cash only.

Important: 

It is your personal responsibility to ensure your bike is roadworthy and well maintained.  The technical support should not be used to fix existing problems with your bike; it is available to help resolve any problems that have occurred on the way to the event. 

This Rider Information document will assist you have a safe and enjoyable day in the saddle.

This final safety reminder film will be shown in advance of your departure from Ashton Gate on the morning of the event.

Please ensure you have read and understood the terms and conditions and watched the safety briefing film as they are designed to assist you have a safe and enjoyable day.

Riders should be self-sufficient whilst participating in Break the Cycle. Although not exhaustive, it is essential that you bring the following items:

• Helmet
• Basic tools for changing tyres and adjusting bike settings
• 2 x inner tubes
• A pump
• Your mobile phone
• Ride nutrition
• A minimum of one water bottle (two is much better)
• Basic first aid kit is also recommended

Important:

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. 

Food and Drink

Make sure you have enough food and drink for the ride distance. Additional water, snacks and energy products are available at the Feed Zones.

The route passes several shops and cafes, including locations in:

• Olveston (all routes)
• Chepstow (Silver/Gold Route)
• Brockweir and Tintern (Silver Route)
• Monmouth (Gold Route)

Gold Route (advanced level riders only)

Start time: 7am
Distance: 100 miles
Strava link here.

Silver Route (intermediate level riders)

Start time: 8:30am
Distance: 66 miles
Strava link here.

Bronze Route

Start time: 10:30am
Distance: 40 miles
Strava link here.

Important: Event support ends at 6pm.

Rider control points/feed zones

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. 

Important:

• The process we use to track the progress of all our riders is through rider control
• Ensure you give in your event number at every rider control point

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.

Severn Bridge crossing

Please take particular care when riding over the Severn Bridge. There are numerous raised hazards on the road surface, safety gates/barriers. High winds and/or cross winds may also be experienced. The path is shared used with other users including pedestrians.

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.

Paul Glanville - Break the Cycle race director: 07881 780324

Important: Riders concerned about completing in the time available are urged to select a shorter route.
Participants agree to return to the event centre (Ashton Gate Stadium) or call the event helpline 07881 780324 at the end of their ride and report to a member of the event team.

After a long day in the saddle, join us back at Ashton Gate for complimentary Nando's and a pint of Heineken, as well as a much-needed massage, provided by Bull Fitness.

We are hugely grateful to each and every one of you for entering Break the Cycle 2019 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 our sporting charities:

• Bristol Sport Foundation
• Bristol City Community Trust
• Bristol Bears Community Foundation
• Bristol Flyers Community