Travelling to the event

Please share cars with other riders and supporters to minimise traffic and parking problems. The roads north of Inverness are generally very good but there is a slower section around Garve.

Please help us by bringing your drinks bottles topped up and ready to go. There will undoubtedly be queues for any water near the start. You must begin the challenge with plenty of drink on your bike.

When in Kinlochewe

Please treat the village of Kinlochewe with respect. It’s normal population is only 150! This event could not take place without the support of local people and they have been extremely helpful. Don’t abuse their generous hospitality

We are providing significant additional toilet facilities which you must use. Anyone found peeing alfresco will be disqualified from the event!

Parking space will be sufficient but is spread around the village. Marshals will direct you. Please obey their instructions promptly and precisely. Offenders who block roads or driveways will be swiftly dealt with. Police will be present. All parking will be within 2 miles of the start/registration zone.

Registration

Open between 18.00 – 20.00 on Friday

07.30 – 08.45 on Saturday

Registration will take place at the village hall . You will then get your number for attachment to your bike and an electronic dibber for timing which you put on your wrist.

The Start

Starts are between 9.00 and 10.00. Just dib and go. However, when deciding what time to start you need to note the following:

You must be at the Tornapress junction onto the Bealach-na-ba road between 11.00 and 12.00. There is no access onto the road over the Bealach-na-ba from Tornapress for riders before 11.00. (this is to ensure that the road is clear of cars before cyclists start up the climb). It is 58km/36m from Kinlochewe to Tornapress.

On the Course

Trains!

There is an un-gated level crossing between Achnasheen and Lochcarron at about 24 miles. Unfortunately a train travelling west is due there at about 10.30. There will be a marshal on duty but you must look out for the flashing lights. You must stop if the lights are on or you are instructed by the marshal.

DO NOT TAKE ANY RISKS - YOU WILL BE DISQUALIFIED IF STILL ALIVE!

The only section of the course that is closed to traffic is from the junction at Tornapress to Applecross Campsite. The road will be closed to cars from 10.30 - 13.30

There will be a timing station at the bottom of the Bealach and another at the top. If you want your time on the climb recorded you must stop and ‘dib’ at both.

It goes without saying that you must exercise extreme caution on the descent from the Bealach. The road is steep, the corners are tight and there are rocks and drops off the roadside.

IF YOU RETIRE FROM THE EVENT YOU MUST TELL A MARSHAL AND RETURN YOUR DIBBER.

Food & Drink

There will be three stations for food & drink at Lochcarron, Applecross & Sheildaig. They will provide bananas, tray bakes and water.

There are two drinks only stations at the top of the Bealach and at Torridon.

YOU MUST ALSO ENSURE THAT YOU START WITH SUFFICIENT DRINKS ON BOARD AND SOME FOOD IN YOUR BACK POCKET!

Be careful when entering and exiting these stops. Look out for those behind you.

The Finish

You must ‘dib’ at the finish. You must give up your dibber. You will then immediately receive a print out of your time and a certificate.

There will be hot food, cake tea/coffee free at the finish.

Professional sports massage will be available for only £2 per session.

Winding Down (or up!)

If you have the strength to party there will be a ceilidh in the village hall on Saturday evening. Tickets on sale at registration. The local hotel and café are also available but please respect the village when it gets late.

Have a great event and a safe journey home!