 |
How long is the Ride? |
 |
23 miles on Foulness if you complete 3 laps of the circuit round the two island villages |
|
|
How long does it take? |
|
If you complete the full distance then, depending on how fast you cycle, it will take approximately 3 hours to finish the Ride |
|
|
Where does the Ride start? |
|
The Ride starts at Great Wakering Primary School, High Street, Great Wakering |
|
|
How do I get to the start? |
|
Follow the yellow traffic signs from the A13 and A127 |
|
|
Is there any car parking? |
|
There is plenty of car parking at the start though although this is at your own risk |
|
|
Is the route marked? |
|
The route is clearly marked throughout |
|
|
Are there any security restrictions? |
|
You must not deviate from the designated route and obey instructions of marshals and QinetiQ staff. You must not touch any metal objects found on the route but report them to the nearest marshal. |
|
|
Are there any prizes? |
|
We award a prize to the individual that raises the most sponsorship money. The prize is a voucher for an activity of the winner’s choice e.g. parachute jump, spa day, archery, driving experience. The cost of the prize is met from the entry fees and not from the sponsorship monies |
|
|
Are there any official photographs? |
|
Although there are no official photographers, the local press always attend the Bike Ride and copies of their pictures are available direct from them |
|
|
Who organises the event? |
|
Members of the Rotary Club of Thorpe Bay organise the event in consultation with, and with the permission of, the Ministry of Defence, QinetiQ, Foulness Parish Council, Belton Bros Ltd, Essex Police, Rochford District Council and Essex County Council |
|
|
Will the Heritage Centre be open to visitors? |
|
We hope that the Centre will be open as it contains fascinating studies of life on Foulness. However, the Conservation Society that runs the Centre makes the final decision |
|
|
How do you handle Data Protection? |
|
All card details taken via the online registration system are kept within the RBS Worldpay secure system. Names and addresses of riders are downloaded or entered to a local database that is exempt from registration under the Not For Profit Organisation exemption |
|
|
How do I enter the Ride online? |
|
Complete the Bike Ride Application form on this website to pay by credit or debit card. |
|
|
How do I enter the Ride by post? |
|
Complete the Bike Ride Application form on this website, at Checkout select “Payment by Cheque”, print the application and send it with your cheque to Foulness Bike Ride, PO Box 2087, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 5WG. Cheques should be payable to The Rotary Club of Thorpe Bay. There is an additional £2 fee for entries made by post. This covers the additional handling costs. |
|
|
Is there a limit of the number of entries? When should I apply? |
|
Yes, for safety reasons we have to limit the number of cyclists on the island therefore you should apply as soon as possible to guarantee your place and your requested start time |
|
|
How can I confirm that you have received my entry? |
|
If you enter online and pay by credit or debit card you will receive an email confirming your entry has been accepted. All successful entrants will receive a rider pack and rider number |
|
|
When will I receive my rider pack with my rider number? |
|
Rider packs will be sent out by August 31st . If you have not received yours, and those for the other riders that you registered, by September 7th please email us at rotary.thorpebay@gmail.com or telephone our answer service on 01702 525514 |
|
|
What is the latest date for registration? |
|
If you register online after August 31st you will need to collect your rider pack and rider number from Registration on the date of the Ride. No entries will be accepted after September 7th. |
|
|
How do I enter as part of a team? |
|
Complete the online registration process for up to four entrants per registration. If your team exceeds four in number you will need to repeat your registration until the details of all team members have been entered |
|
|
Can I register on the day? |
|
Only in exceptional circumstances and by prior agreement |
|
|
Can I have a refund if I fail to turn up or if the event is cancelled? |
|
No, as all entry fees cover the cost of staging the event – even if cancelled by the Ministry of Defence. |
|
|
If my a member of my family or team drop out can I substitute a replacement? |
|
Yes, provided we are notified of the name and address in advance of the date of the Ride |
|
|
Is there a minimum age if you wish to ride unaccompanied? |
|
You must be over 16 to ride unaccompanied |
|
|
Can anybody take part? |
|
Yes provided you are physically fit - but if you are under 16 you will need to be accompanied by an adult |
|
|
Do family entries have to ride together? |
|
No each rider has their own rider number and is registered individually. However, riders under 16 must always be accompanied by their supervising adult |
|
|
Is any bike suitable? |
|
No, some parts of the course follow a shingle track and therefore only cycles with rugged tyres are suitable. Small children with stabilisers or in trailer bikes might also struggle. |
|
|
Do I need any special clothing? |
|
Weather conditions can change very quickly and it is often windy and cold on Foulness so you should ensure you are suitably dressed for the day |
|
|
Do I need to observe any special rules? |
|
The Highway Code applies over the entire route so be aware of other road users at all times. Do not ride more than two abreast and beware of agricultural vehicles. |
|
|
What happens if I am injured or cannot complete the Ride? |
|
First aid facilities are available along the route and we have a vehicle which can recover cyclists and transport them back to the start |
|
|
What happens if my bike breaks? |
|
You should bring a puncture repair kit but, if your bike develops a problem that you cannot fix, we have a bike repair facility on the island. If your bike is incapable of being repaired we will transport you and your bike back to the start. |
|
|
Will refreshments be available? |
|
A bottle of water will be provided to every rider at the start however you should ensure that you have sufficient with you for the day. Additional refreshments including drinks will be available at the Post Office, Churchend and at Great Wakering Primary School |
|
|
Are toilet facilities available? |
|
Toilet facilities will be available at the start and at various signposted points along the route |
|
|
May I take photographs on Foulness Island? |
|
Photographs may be taken on Foulness Island of any non-military installation or equipment. However, please respect the privacy of the residents who generously allow the Ride to take place each year. If in doubt ask the nearest marshal |
|
|
Where does the money go? |
|
All sponsorship raised goes to the designated charity which this year is The Prince’s Trust, registered charity 1079675. After paying for the operational costs of the Ride, entry fees are used to support other charities, local, national and international |
|
|
What if I prefer not to collect sponsorship money? |
|
The entry fees are used to finance the Ride with any surplus being donated to local, national or international charities. The main beneficiary only benefits from sponsorship monies. If you prefer not to raise sponsorship you are invited to make a donation to the Rotary Club of Thorpe Bay and this will be added to the sponsorship monies. |
|
|
How do I pay my sponsorship money? |
|
Either:
1. Send a cheque to Foulness Bike Ride, PO Box 2087, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 5WG quoting your rider number and enclosing your sponsorship form, Cheques should be payable to The Rotary Club of Thorpe Bay or,
2. Online at www.princes-trust.org.uk |
|
|
When should I pay my sponsorship monies? |
|
As soon as possible but no later than 30th November please. |
