46th Tour de Trigs 2015 50 mile, 30 mile and new Taster hike Guide to the event
In 1964, a group of local Rover Scouts devised the Tour de Trigs Walking Competition based on the notoriously difficult Tour de France cycle race. The walk has proved to be far more difficult than a glance at the map would suggest. North Oxfordshire, South Northamptonshire and South Warwickshire may not appear to be that hilly. However, in the first weekend of December the weather can make 50 miles overnight, across glutinous, ploughed fields and using poorly defined footpaths, quite a challenge. The route is revealed only 30
minutes before the start. The number of teams completing the route (including from the services) has never exceeded 30%. A great deal of stamina and determination is needed, combined with accurate compass work and map reading. To finish either the 30 or 50 mile course within the time allowed is indeed an achievement, but to complete as a team is something of which walkers can be justly proud. The competition has a considerable following and early entry is always recommended.
Don’t forget we can supply.... Before…
We will be able to supply a limited range of things you may have forgotten: reflective armbands, laces, batteries, torches, safety pins and bandages...
At the snack bar
To take with you, we will have a selection of: drinks, sweets, chocolate (and toasties)
• Kit check - it all needs to be there!
• Plot the route... be precise, but don’t linger!
General Information
The Tour de Trigs Walking Competition is organised by the Tour de Trigs Ltd - a not for profit company. The competition is open to members of the Scout and Guide movements, Cadet organisations, to school and youth teams, other groups, organisations and individuals in teams of three. The Competition will start and finish at Warriner School, Bloxham Grove Road, Bloxham, OX15 4LJ (Grid Ref 436367). Accommodation on the floor is available at the school on Friday night from 20.00 hours. Be sure to bring a sleeping bag and mat. Breakfast will be provided on Saturday morning, from 7am till 8am, if you stay overnight. Meals are available for supporters (pre-ordered) throughout the weekend. A snack bar will be open on Saturday between 08.30 and 12.45 and between 14.00 and 18.45. A self service sandwich and drinks facility is available through the night, 20.00 and until 07.45 on Sunday. Hot showers will also be available. Batteries, reflective armbands, chocolate, soft drinks etc., will be on sale. There will be a Kit Enquiry desk in the Hall. Drinks will be available at all checkpoints – don’t forget your plastic mug. No food is provided en route.
After you have entered
∆ Your team number and start time will be sent to you 10 days before the competition after which entry fees will not be returned ∆ Ensure that you and the team have all items of kit required – see Rules. Each Team member is provided with a kit check sheet that they must bring with them and present at the Kit Check. ∆ Read and understand the rules ∆ If you have any questions contact the Entries Secretary ∆ Make sure you know how to plot a route from grid references! ∆ Practice, practice, practice! ∆ If a team member withdraws after entry and you are unable to make up a team, contact the Entries Secretary, who may be able to put you in touch with walkers in a similar position.
School and car parking Warriner School Bloxham Grove Road Bloxham Oxfordshire OX15 4LJ Grid ref: 436367 Shops in Banbury 5K
Entrance here
Medical and Kit check START Map plotting Presentations
36 1 ad A Ro ry
Bloxham Grove Road
Hike control
Sports Hall
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Registration (Saturday) Kit Enquiry Desk
an -B am
PARKING
PARKING
Blo
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Entrance here
Shops in Bloxham 900m
Restaurant snack bar
First Aid (Marshalls)
Finish
Overflow parking
Car Parking
∆ Parking is provided at Warriner School, please follow signs.
Local Amenities
Co-op is located in the centre of Bloxham Several pubs are located in the centre of Bloxham There is a small selection of shops in the centre of the village Banbury is located about 3 miles north of Bloxham. Banbury town has a good range of restaurants, shops and supermarkets for those staying overnight before the competition. Warriner map example.indd 1 19/11/2013 09:39:44 ∆ ∆ ∆ ∆
The Day of the Hike
∆ Ensure that the team has all the items of kit needed. You will not be allowed to start the hike unless you have all items ∆ Arrive at the school in good time – you must register at least 90 minutes before your start time. Those under 18 must bring with them their signed parental consent form. You will not be able to walk unless you have it! ∆ There will be a notice board in the registration hall. Please check to see if there are any last minute messages before you enter the kit check area ∆ At registration you will be given your tally which must be carried on your person for the duration of the hike ∆ Collect meal tickets and individual medical form for completion. ∆ If you wish to leave any personal kit, it should be labelled with your team number and left in the accommodation area securely tied in a sack or bag ∆ Before kit check there will be a health check desk with a doctor or nurse to collect your health form. ∆ Once you have passed kit check you will go to the plotting room to plot your route ∆ You will only be given the route to plot 30 minutes before your start time ∆ You must start at your allotted start time – if you have not finished plotting the route you must do so outside the plotting room or elsewhere en route ∆ Follow the rules and enjoy the hike – Good Luck!
Rules
1. AIM. The aim of the Competition is for a team of 3 to complete the course of approximately 50 miles within 24 hours, or the 30-mile junior course within 15 hours, adhering to these rules. Walking is defined as “completing the route on foot”. By signing the entry form all competitors agree to accept the rules governing the competition. 2. AGE LIMITS. A team shall consist of only 3 members, each of whom must be over 1 5 years on the day of the event, or 14 years for the junior hike. 3. TEAM LEADER. A team leader must be named on the entry form who will be responsible for the team 4. CLASSES: 50 MILE (SENIOR) (A) A senior team whose total age does not exceed 54 years on the day of the walk. (B) A senior team whose total age exceeds 54 years but is under 120 years on the day of the walk. (C) A senior team whose total age is over 120 years on the day of the walk.
30 MILE (JUNIOR) (D) Junior - a team made up of members aged 14 to 17 inclusive. Novice. A team, none of whom has entered the Tour de Trigs before. All walkers will be transported back to the Warriner School on completion. (E) 15 Mile Taster Hike - Team made up of members who have not entered the hike before and wish to find out by taking part what the hike is about. Teams will be transported back to Warriner School on completion. 5. UNDER 18. You must have the signature of a parent or guardian on the entry form. Scout, Guide, Youth or School teams also need a leader’s/teacher’s signature. 6. PERSONAL INSURANCE. All competitors must be adequately insured against personal injury and liability for the duration of the competition. 7. REGISTRATION. All competitors must register at Hike Control at least 90 minutes before their start time. Late arrival may be penalised. All competitors will be required to complete a medical questionnaire. 8. TALLIES. Each walker will be issued with a tally at registration. Walkers must make sure these tallies are punched at Kit Check, Start, all Checkpoints and the Finish. Incorrect, incomplete, or lost tallies are likely to result in disqualification. 9. TEAM KIT. Each team must carry at ALL times: a: O.S. map 151 (1:50,000) 2nd series, in waterproof plastic bag/case or laminated b: Compass (Silva type). c: Adult sleeping bag. d: Survival bag, (not blanket) 2m x 0.5m. e: Watch. 10. PERSONAL KIT. All walkers must wear: a: Strong walking BOOTS in good condition with cleated sole and ankle support. To complete this hike, we strongly recommend leather boots. b: Walking trousers, close woven, warm and windproof (NO JEANS, THIN RUNNING PANTS, LEGGINGS, ETC.). c: Reflective armbands worn on arms, to be visible at all times. All walkers must carry at ALL times: d: A standard torch with a minimum lens diameter of 40mm, spare batteries and bulb; or a good LED head torch of at least 20mm. This to see by and be seen on road sections. e: Food. e.g. digestive biscuits, fruitcake, chocolate, sandwiches. f: Whistle g: Hat and gloves h: Plastic mug i: Fully waterproof jacket and trousers j: Spare sweater and socks.
k: First Aid kit to include a 10cm x 4m crepe bandage, blister plasters & safety pins. 11. KIT CHECK. All teams must present their kit at Kit Check when called, at least one hour before their start time. In the interests of safety, walkers failing to comply with rules 8, 9 and 10 will NOT be allowed to start. Once through Kit Check teams must proceed to the plotting room. 12. START TIME. Teams must leave the plotting room at their allotted start time. 13. TIME LIMITS. You will be retired if you fail to reach the checkpoints named on the route sheet within the specified times. 14. AD HOC TEAMS. An Ad hoc team can be formed should a walker drop out during the walk and shall consist of not less than three, or more than five members. AD HOC teams can only be arranged by staff members of the hike. A leader must be appointed and all equipment in Rules 9 and 10 must be carried. Ad hoc members are not eligible for any trophies. A complete team may refuse to take on extra members, but if they accept, they will still be eligible to win a trophy. Junior and senior team members may ad hoc together, but junior members under the age of 15 cannot proceed beyond the 30-mile finish. 15. RETIRING. Except in an emergency, you may only retire at a roadside checkpoint. You must return to Hike Control in official transport and check in at finish prior to departure. Everyone must be accounted for at the end of the hike. 16. EMERGENCIES. Never leave an injured walker alone. Ensure that the casualty is warm and comfortable, and signal 6 whistle blasts or torch flashes, and seek assistance. The emergency phone number is on the tally. Time allowance will be given to teams assisting in an emergency. 17. TIME PENALTIES. Teams or individuals will incur time penalties, or be disqualified, if: a: The rules of the road are not obeyed. b: The Country Code is not obeyed c: Members of the team are more than 15 metres apart d: The designated route is not adhered to e: The team’s or an individual’s behaviour is deemed by a marshal to be irresponsible and not in keeping with the spirit of the competition. 18. SUPPORTERS. Some checkpoints are in isolated and awkward positions. After the last team has left HQ, supporters will be notified by Hike Control of points at which they can see the teams. But no equipment substitution or relieving competitors of any item of kit is allowed, neither is any kind
19. 20. 21.
of physical help, pacemaking or supply of food. Breach of these rules, or cases of supporters making a nuisance of themselves, may lead to time penalties or disqualification for the competitor or team. MOBILE PHONES. These may be carried for emergency use only - not to obtain an unfair advantage. SATELLITE NAVIGATION. GPS equipment must not be used on the hike. HIKE CONTROLLER. In the event of a dispute, the decision of the Hike Controller or his nominee shall be final.
Conduct ∆ ∆ ∆
Applies to ALL competitors and supporters. Please obey the Country Code. Walk on the right hand side of the road in single file. Be courteous to everyone you meet. The continuing success of the walk relies on the goodwill of landowners and the many volunteers. ∆ Do not leave ANY litter. ∆ The school and its grounds area are designated non-smoking areas
50 Mile Senior Trophies The Tour de Trigs Trophy
Fastest team
Class A Trophy
Fastest team with combined ages of less than 54 years
Class B Trophy
Fastest team with combined ages less than 120 years
The Bygrave Trophy
Fastest team with combined ages more than 120 years
Over The Hill Trophy
All members over 50 years
The Ladies Trophy
Fastest Ladies team
The Hansford Trophy
Fastest mixed team
The Novice Award
Fastest Novice team
Andy Rowse Trophy Fastest Scout or Guide team Handicap Trophy Fastest team from over 30-miles radius from Banbury Blessed George Napier Trophy Fastest local senior team Blessed George Napier School Trophy Fastest school team over 18 Sean Concannon Trophy Fastest BGN student’s team
Certificates to all those completing 35 miles
30 Mile Junior Trophies Warriner School Trophy Fastest Junior
All male
Fastest Junior
All female
Fastest Junior
Mixed
Dave Manners Trophy
Scout or Guide
Blessed George Napier U18 School Trophy
Fastest school team
Junior Handicap Trophy
Fastest team from outside a 30-mile radius of Banbury
Certificates for all finishers
To be decided
Duke of Edinburgh Entry Trophies Bronze for the fastest taster team Silver for the fastest junior 30 mile route team
All trophies will be presented, and the winners photographed. The trophies will remain with the Tour de Trigs. Presentation of Certificates to all walkers completing the Tour de Trigs within the time limits will be made at 13.00 on Sunday.
Our grateful thanks to:
Advanced Witness Systems Ltd Betts the Butchers Banbury Rotary Club Banbury Catering and Events Banbury Charities Sea Cadets from Bridgwater and Henley Units Cleenol Group Ltd Deddington Arms Ellacotts Fine Lady Bakeries Four Shires Magazine
Local Farmers and Landowners N.E.A.T. (Northampton Emergency Aid Team) John Nicholls (Banbury) Ltd Raynet Smiths of Bloxham Venture 4x4 Warriner School West Bar Veterinary Practice ... and the many willing volunteers without whose help this event could not take place.
Friday December 4th 20.00 Warriner School open for overnight accommodation. Don’t forget your sleeping bag and mat!
Saturday December 5th 07.00 Breakfast for overnighters. Anything not needed on the Tour de Trigs should be stored in your car or in a clearly labelled tied sack in the accommodation area 08.00 Kit enquiry desk opens 08.00 Registration begins Collect tallies, meal tickets and medical form and prepare for kit check 08.00 Kit Check opens. Please have kit forms completed and listen for your team number to be called 08.00 Tour de Trigs Shop and Snack Bar open 09.00 Team one begins plotting route 09.30 Team one starts the hike 12.45 Snack Bar closes 13.00 Supporters lunch (Voucher holders only) 14.00 Snack Bar opens 18.45 Snack Bar closes 19.00 Supporters evening meal (Voucher holders only) 20.00 Self snack Bar opens for the night
Sunday December 6th 00.00 07.45 08.00 ... 10.00 13.00 14.00
Fastest teams begin to arrive back at Warriner School Snack Bar closes Until midday - brunch for walkers and supporters (Voucher holders only) Tour de Trigs Shop opens for souvenirs etc Presentation of trophies and certificates Close
Tour de Trigs in the 80s - crossing the River Cherwell with polybags covering the boots!
Thank you for competing... hopefully see you next year! www.tourdetrigs.org.uk