Waiting for the Green Light

By Mike Wiseman

We are all waiting for the Green Light to get riding again, however the way we run events in the foreseeable future is going to be quite different from what we have been used to. We will not be able to wake up on a sunny day and have a "ride", but from all of those I have spoken to they just want to get back on the bike and are ready to adapt.

I think there are four options to consider.

• The first option is to wait for everything to get back to "normal" and do everything the same as we did in the past. We can overcome observing with score sheets instead of punch cards, but there are concerns about our volunteers who sign on. The desk area and "signing on" is one of the biggest areas of risk.

• The back to normal option may be months away, even after restrictions are eased as we are still reliant on the volunteers wanting to get involved and feel safe.

• Option 2 is to use the ACU online system. This is OK for the bigger events but may not be so user friendly for the Saturday afternoon and evening Trials where many riders do not decide until "the day" to ride. This system also excludes members who are not internet savvy.

• The ACU option is great and would solve most of the administration problems, but not for all.

• Moving forward this may well be the way we have to operate, and will be used for all Centre Trials, when we are able to run them.

• Option 3 is to accept entries only by post to avoid all the signing on touch points. A problem with this is that some people do not have cheque books these days. This could be history repeating itself, our more mature members will remember waiting for the "Centre Gazette" to get your entry forms in the post.

• Option 4 is a short-term fix proposal, just to get members back on their bikes when riding is authorised by the ACU.

• It is not the long-term solution and would be for Club members only and with a restricted entry, dependent on the parking space available and the venue size.

This is the Waltham Chase MCC draft plan which is subject to change depending on ACU instructions or other external factors.

Rider Information for Waltham Chase Trials MCC

All Waltham Chase Club members with a current ACU Competition Licence will be notified by email of upcoming events. Details will not be posted on Facebook.

The email address for all Club Entries is: entry4walthamchasemcc@outlook.com

Membership is validated using the ACU system to confirm affiliation; however, riders should still carry their ACU card in case photographic identification is required.

Entries will not be accepted unless an ACU competition licence has been validated in advance.

Details will be sent by post to members with no email address. As this will cause delay, we suggest all members provide a contact email we can use.

All events, including practice sessions are booked as "Pre-Entry" only until further notice. There will be "no on the day" entry. The notification email we send will confirm the entry limit for the Trial and will have an entry form attached.

Each Trial will have an entry limit. We will advise the number of guests each rider can bring to an event on the entry instructions. This is likely to be one per rider, and two for youth riders.

If you intend to ride advise as soon as possible by return email, with the information as requested on the email.

If for any reason your plans change notify the Club ASAP to enable your place to be reallocated.

As soon as the entry limit is reached no further entries will be accepted. An email notification will advise ENTRY FULL. Riders will be sent a confirmation email, if you do not receive this confirmation do not turn up at the event.

We must have in advance of any trial or practice the names of all riders, officials and if applicable "observers" attending.

On the day of the Trial wait at the gate to be directed to a place to park and leave two meters between vehicles.

Place a copy of your riding number in your vehicle windscreen to enable the gate keeper to check you in.

The gates will be closed after the published start time. No casual spectators will be allowed access.

Bring your completed entry form in an envelope with the correct entry fee.

You will have the option to pay by BACS in advance. Cash or cheques are put in the envelope.

Credit card payments are not currently accepted, but this option may be available in the future.

The entry form must be completed in full, including the method of payment. If paying by cash, you should enclose the correct fee as no change will be given.

Post your "entry envelope" in the box provided. The envelopes will be quarantined and will not be removed or opened for four days, so results may not be available for a few days if information from the entry form is required.

You will need to sign a declaration, which is a stipulation of the insurers, with a "wet signature" before riding, but not in the current way. Details of what you need to do will be issued prior to the event. Please use your own pen, or one of the pens provided. After use place the pen in the "Used Pens" box.

Put a number card on the front of your bike, using the "Riding Number" issued for the season by the Club, Ideally in the route colour you ride, or add a coloured sticker if you have a white number plate. Please note that until further notice there will be no administration carried out at the "Signing on Desk". You will not be able to obtain an entry form, membership form, day licence, riding number.

There will be no verbal briefing at the start to avoid grouping of riders. Supplementary instructions will be posted on the "Notice Board".

The instructions will include where to start and in which direction to ride, again to avoid grouping. Please to not skip sections, back track, or ride in the wrong direction.

It is likely that start times will also be staggered.

The sections will be marked on the side of caution and you should only attempt obstacles within your capability; however, accidents can still happen.

Riders must provide details of an emergency contact, who is available on the day of the trial, before riding.

Marshalls will be on hand to help wherever possible, however you should be mindful that Marshalls, rider's, or Observers may not rush to your assistance in the event of an accident as is current practice.

You should consider nominating, before you ride, a travelling partner, minder, or trusted friend to assist if you have problems during the event.

Wherever possible ride in "pairs" with a riding friend, but still maintaining a safe distance.

When waiting at a "section" please leave two meters between riders.

For Practice Sessions Only:

To give as many riders as possible the chance to ride there may be two sessions on the same day.

Please arrive and depart at the time advised when we confirm your booking.

There will be a clean break between rider groups when the car park should be empty.

Do not arrive for any "timed session" before the indicated time. You will not be able to gain access and may hinder riders leaving from earlier sessions.

For Practice Trials all administration is as above, including the use of your rider number. It is unlikely that a Catering Van will be at events for a while, and reduced entry numbers may not make it viable for caterers to attend, so please bring refreshments with you.

There will be no waste collection points. Please take all litter home with you.

We will endeavour to provide hand sanitiser at the control desk; however, a condition of entry will be for riders to bring their own PPE.

PPE will be provided for officials, and for Observers when we get back to running "scored events".

A Portaloo toilet will be available for the use of our lady members and will be controlled and maintained by those present.

Dogs should not be brought to any events until further notice.

Consider all potential risks before you enter an event and read the declarations you sign on the Entry and Signing On forms before you ride.

These rules apply to "Club" Trials only. Centre events will be booked using the ACU online process.

IF WE GET THIS WRONG, WE MAY NOT BE RIDING AGAIN FOR A VERY LONG TIME.

PLEASE COMPLY WITH THESE RULES, SUPPLEMENTARY INSTRUCTIONS AND ANY NOTICES.