RULES

RULES

Like all self supported bikepacking events we have a few basic rule that riders need to follow, but the Blaenau 600 is a relaxed event and we’ve tried to keep them down to a reasonable and manageable number.

The main ‘rule’ is that riders need to be fully self supported, with no helpers, support crews or private supplies and accommodation. Riders are also fully responsible for their own safety, conduct and mechanical support during the ride.

But where we differ from many events is that we are not concerned if riders ride together (but not drafting, unless riding as part of a pair or group) for extended periods of a few hours, or if publicly available accommodation is booked in advance. Riders enter as individuals, but can choose to ride the entire event in pairs or groups – we just ask that they let us know they are doing so before completion of the event. So if you want to pair up out on the road, go for it!

For the safety of all riders we have a mandatory kit list:

FULL CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

1. Riders take full responsibility for their own health, safety and any accidents, incidents or mechanical issues of any kind that may arise during the event.
2. Riders must follow the Highway Code and the Countryside Code, and obey all UK traffic and Access Laws during the event, and respect other road users.
3. Riders are responsible for deciding when and where to sleep, and when and where they obtain publicly available supplies. The route takes in large stretches of remote countryside with few places to obtain food and drink.
4. Riders must only access supplies, shelter and outside assistance that is publicly available. No private support or accommodation is allowed. The event checkpoints are unmanned, with no facilities. Unlike many other events, riders will be allowed to book accommodation in advance, as long as it is commercially available to all.
5. Riders must not ride in a state of exhaustion and sleep deprivation that poses a risk to either themselves or others.
6. Riders should be considerate of others, especially local residents and pedestrians, and should aim to ‘leave no trace’.
7. Riders must wear a cycling helmet, and fit two front and two rear lights to their bicycle. A properly functioning and suitable bicycle with appropriate tyres for rough off road conditions must be used. Gravel bikes or mountain bikes are suitable. Road bikes are not.
8. Riders must dress appropriately for remote mountain conditions at all times. Even in summer the weather in the Welsh uplands can be unpredictable and extreme, especially at night. Riders should carry enough equipment and clothing to cope with unexpected stops, changes in weather or mechanical issues. The following mandatory items of equipment must be carried or worn by all riders at all times: outdoor shelter, such as a bivvy bag or tent; waterproof jacket; full leg cover, such as over trousers, biblongs or thermal leg warmers; full arm cover, in addition to waterproof jacket, such as long sleeved jersey, puffer jacket or thermal arm warmers; emergency whistle.
9. Riders must have their own personal 3rd party liability insurance
10. Riders must understand and acknowledge that the route includes remote and rough off-road terrain, and have the fitness, self-sufficiency and equipment to handle such conditions. It is strongly recommended that riders carry at least two GPX devices, spare batteries and/or charging capability such as dynamos or power banks.
11. Riders must inform the event organisers of an emergency or if they decide to withdraw during the event. In the case of an emergency riders must inform emergency services. The organisers are not responsible for providing any emergency assistance. If riders withdraw they will have to make their own way back to the finish or home.
12. Riders agree to carry a tracking device and for their position to be published live on a tracking site.
13. Riders agree to post timestamped photos on social media at the start, each checkpoint, and the finish.
14. On completion of the event riders must email the organisers with a GPX file of their ride.
15. Riders must be at least 18 years of age.
16. The organiser reserves full right to refuse the participation of a rider, and will issue a full refund if they do so.
17. I understand that there will be photography during the event, and agree to be included in photographs, which may be used for promotion and social media purposes by the Cross Cartel (the event organisers), event sponsors and Epic Cycles (the event host)
18. Event Cancellation and Withdrawals: if you subsequently wish to withdraw from the event we are not able to offer any refunds; however entrants can transfer their entry to another person via email to the organisers. Entrants can also withdraw and request that their entry is carried forward to the following year. Entries can only be carried forward once. No refunds will be issued under any circumstances. If the event is cancelled for any reason, including extreme weather or pandemic restrictions, entries will be carried forward to the following year.
19. Riders are fully and solely responsible for their own actions and safety at all times during the event. The event organisers (the Cross Cartel) and the event host (Epic Cycles Ltd) carry no liability.