Belles ’24 Rider Info.

***** Please Read Before the Event **** We are delighted that you have decided to join us for Belles of Belvoir 2024.  We hope to deliver you a memorable and enjoyable event from start to finish.  

**Please download the free app ‘what3 words’.

Should you require medical or mechanical attention, you can use this app so that you can be found quickly and accurately.  You don’t need your mobile data on.

 

  1. Event Venue

  • Hose Village Hall, Melton Mowbray LE14 4JR

  1. Arrival

  • If arriving by car, please follow directions to Hose Village Hall, where there is ample free car parking at the back of the hall on the field. Cars should please access this via the tennis and bowls clubs. Please follow CAR PARK signs.
  • From the South (Leicester):  From A46 take turning for A606 to Melton Mowbray.  In Nether Broughton turn left, taking signs for Long Clawson.  In Long Clawson, turn right, then left (through the village centre) towards Hose.
  • From the North (Newark):  From A46 take turning for A52 to Grantham.  After 2 miles, turn right on Tithby Lane to Langar.  Follow the lane through Langar, and into Harby. Just outside Harby turn right, following signs to Hose.
  • From the East (Grantham):  Take the A52 towards Nottingham.  At Bingham, take the left hand turn – Tithby Lane to Langar. Follow the lane through Langar, and into Harby.  Just outside Harby turn right, following signs to Hose.
  • Please note if arriving by car you will go out the way you came in, to avoid any tangling of cars and bikes!
  • All cyclists arrive and leave via the main entrance to the village hall.

  1. What to bring

  • A helmet is compulsory for this event.  We recommend that you wear appropriate, comfortable clothing and footwear, and wear or carry a waterprooftop layer. We also advise that you bring a full water bottle, form of ID in case of an incident, charged mobile phone, and basic tool kit, if you have it (allen keys, tyre levers, spare inner tube and pump.)  It’s forecast to be warm and sunny, so please remember sun screen and sunglasses.
  • Please try to ensure that your bike is in good working order before arriving at the event.

   4. Registration and Start times  (more info )

  • We will be open for registration from 8am and varies by distance. If you know your speed tends to be on the steady end of the spectrum please arrive at the beginning of your allocated time for registration. If you’re a racing snake, please veer to the end of the slot. We will not be giving out individual start times – we ask you  to regulate yourselves.
  • Please register inside at the appropriate time. Please confirm your details (particularly your mobile number) and sign that the information is  correct. You will be given your rider number on a wristband (allows access to feed stations) and a route map for each group.  The 20, 30, 40 and 50 routes are signposted..the 75 is not. The wristband will have important telephone numbers for First aid; bike aid; any other queries contact ‘Bob’
  • Complimentary tea and coffee will be available outside the kitchen window for all those wearing wristbands after registration. Open 8:00-10:30.
  • Please note if you set off much earlier or later than these times village halls may not be ready/ may be closing down.
  • **Please remove all cleated shoes before entering Hose village hall **

  1. Routes

  • Printed route A4 maps (1 per group) will be available at the registration desk.  You may like to load these routes to your GPS device.  
  • All but the 75 miler are fully signed. We will explain more about this at your briefing before you set off.

 

All our signs are branded 2 wheels and a piece of cake and are teal coloured lettering on a white background.

 

 

 

    • 20 miles –fully signed – watch out for these signs for directions as you cycle.  You will share the same route as the 30 mile route until mile 6 in Kinoulton. The 30,40 and 50 milers will be directed left and you will carry straight on following the 2 Wheels and a Piece of Cake signs back to Hose village hall.
    • 75 miles – only the sections that are shared with the 50 miler are signposted (about 50 miles). There are 3 extra loops that are not shared – at the beginning and 2 AFTER the 2nd feed stop. 
    • Between the 2 feed stops you can simply follow the signs as the route is shared. PLEASE DOWNLOAD the ROUTE to cycle the extra loops.
    • Please note there is a gate to open and close around mile 65. 

    1. Mechanical Assistance (‘Bike aid’ on wristband)

    • Our mobile mechanic, Dave from ‘No Two  Cycles’ based in Croxton Kerrial, will be at the venue before the start and will then move out onto the course for the duration of the event.  If you need mechanical support during the ride, please use the telephone number on your wristband. He accepts contactless payment should you need to buy any emergency parts enroute.

    1. Medical and Emergency Assistance (‘First aid’ on wristband)

    • Jacob and Abigail, 2 trained first aiders  will be in attendance on the day of the event  from 8am to 4pm.  For minor incidents or accidents please call the First aid number provided on your wristband. Our roving first-aiders may be able to reach you before the ambulance does.
    • In the case of medical emergency, if in doubt, please call 999.

    1. Refreshments and Piece of Cake Feed Stations                                                                   HOSE Village Hall: From 8:00 – 10:30, complimentary hot drinks will be available to riders with a wristband from outside the kitchen near the main entrance.  Proper coffee will  be on sale from Caffe Arancia (the gorgeous blue Piaggio Ape) after your ride from 12-4pm. Richard will also prepare freshly squeezed orange juice and has wonderful Belgian chocolate buttons for mocha and hot chocolate.                                                               

    Village hall feed stations enroute – for riders only with the appropriate wristband.      

    • Please note that all 20 milers will do a 20 mile loop back to Hose Village Hall for your medal, homemade cakes, complimentary drinks and home made lunch. There is no feed station enroute.
    • WYMESWOLD Village Hall – This will be open from 9:30am (until about 13:00) for ALL riders.  
    • **Please remove all cleated shoes before entering village hall **
    • Our helpers will do their best to serve you as quickly as they can – enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and some delicious home made cake (from Butterfly Bakes in Bottesford – made locally).  It’s a chance to top up your water bottle too.  We suggest you follow signs round to the side entrance on the back of the building.
    • We have a limited amount of gluten/dairy free and vegan options available at all feed stations including non dairy substitutes – please do ask the friendly kitchen teams.  Whilst we understand the need for strict care in avoiding cross contamination, we cannot guarantee they are 100% free of any traces, as both kitchens are also used in preparing all cakes.
    • After refuelling, please leave the feed station, turning right onto the road.
    • The 30 milers will then be directed for a short stretch on a moderately busy road. We suggest you cycle single file and within the mile you will be back on a quiet road. You have 15 miles back to medals and lunch.
    • The 40, 50 and 75 milers will share this next stretch which will be signposted to the next feed station and a bit beyond.  You will leave the backwaters of Wymeswold up a long gentle incline along a pretty stream. The 40 milers have a slight short cut (watch out for signs) and have 20 miles to the next feed stop at the bottom of the hill in Old Dalby Village Hall. The 50 and 75 milers have 25 miles until their next refuel opportunity.
    • Please note the feed stop will be open until 1pm. If you think you will arrive after that time, please call ‘Bob’ on your wristband.

     

    • OLD DALBY Village Hall– This will be open for the 40, 50 and 75 mile riders only (purple, blue and pink wristbands). The team will be happy to serve you from about 11:00 to 15:00.  
    • **Please remove all cleated shoes before entering village hall **
    • Please leave your bikes either INSIDE the paved area in front of the village hall, against railings parallel to the road,  or in the park to the right of the building. Please note that  the owners of the house next door do not want bikes leaning against their railings. Also the pedestrian gate, directly to the right of the main door is actually private much as it looks like a good place to put your bike!
    • The 3 toilets are accessible off the main hall.
    • We have a limited amount of gluten/dairy free and vegan options available at all feed stations including non dairy substitutes – please do ask the friendly kitchen teams.  Whilst we understand the need for strict care in avoiding cross contamination,  we cannot guarantee they are 100% free of any traces, as both kitchens are also used in preparing all cakes.
    • After refuelling, please follow the signs from the feed station right.  After a mile or so the 40 milers will turn left and have a mostly flat ride back for the final 5 miles. The 50 and 75 milers should follow the right hand sign up  another cheeky hill.

    1. Staying Safe 

    • The rides will be on open roads, so you will be sharing the route with other road users.  The Highway Code applies as usual, so please follow it, riding no more than two abreast and being considerate to other road users, including horses and be mindful or dog walkers and their dogs.
    • Please ride with control and take care of yourself.
    • All of the routes follow relatively quiet country lanes with low levels of traffic, but there are small sections along the routes where you will cross, or turn right across a slightly busier road.  Please use extra caution at these junctions.

    1. Signage   

    • Our signs will be teal branded with our ‘2 wheels and a piece of cake’ logo.   They will be positioned at (or in advance of) each junction or turn on the routes. These will be brought to your attention before you set off.  Please do not follow any other signs.   We have, unfortunately, had previous isolated incidents of signs being tampered with so we recommend you carry one of our route maps, and/or, possibly have your Garmin etc. loaded with the route as a back-up.   If you reach a junction and there are no signs please call the number on your wristband.  Where routes split, please look out for distance markers at the point where arrows seem to be going in different directions.
    • We will put these signs up on Friday/ Saturday. If you know the route but spot a missing sign, please call ‘Bob’  on the number on your wristband and let us know so we can come and rectify the situation for other riders.

    **‘Be Safe!’  signs** If you see a “Be Safe!” sign, please sit up and take care.

    These signs will be placed at locations where we have identified: a steep downhill; bad road surface (possibly gravel); a sharp bend (often combined with a fast section); a busy road crossing/junction or other risk.

    • Lost? – Don’t keep going!  Track back to the last sign that you saw and get back on course.  If in doubt, please give ‘Bob’ a call (number on wristband).

    11. Juniors 8-17 

    12. Light lunch

    • There will be 2 different soups on offer, which cater for vegan and gluten free dietary needs. This will be available to all riders with a wristband inside Hose village hall 12:30-16:30.

    13. Finish Line

    • Please make sure that you check in with our welcome back team at the finish line!! If you decide to abandon the event for whatever reason, or if you change route mid-event, please let the event organisers know so that we don’t go out searching for you!
    • Please also pick up a medal, a homemade biscuit (contains dairy and wheat) and your lunch voucher. These are optional and we  wont be offended if you would rather not have any of these items and we will leave a space for any unwanted items.  
    • Please note that whilst there is no strict cut off time, we will have to start packing away from 4pm. We will keep some lunch portions, medal and biscuits for those that are not back by that time. Please do call Bob on your wristband if it is close to that time and let us know where you are. Please be assured that we wont abandon you.
    14. Photos

    Ashley Waterfall is our amazing photographer. If you do NOT want your photo taken/ put online (2 Wheels and Piece of Cake 23/24 Facebook page and Instagram), please ask for a white wristband.

    Ashley will try and process the pictures as quickly as other possible, but please do be patient. They will be uploaded on to Facebook and please do enjoy, share and tag fellow riders. Note these photos are complimentary. 

      We are really looking forward to a super event!  If you have any questions please get in touch with Britta.                  
    email: hello@2wheelsandapieceofcake.co.uk

     

    Sunday, 30th of June, 2024

     See you on Sunday.