The Boxford Tornado - Final Instructions 2023
Hi there,
The Boxford Tornado has returned and there are only a few more days to go until the event we hope your preparation has gone well and you a;re in tip top condition to ride! If not - I am sure you will have a great day anyhow.
We try hard every year to make this event as enjoyable as possible for all participants, and we hope we have succeeded again this year.
Routes
We have two loops, one of 32 miles and one of 33 miles:
Loop 1 - leaves Boxford playing fields and finishes in the car park of the White Hart Public House, Boxford - riders participating in the 32 mile ride complete this loop only.
Loop 2 - after completing loop1 and refuelling at the feed/water station, riders participating in the 65 mile ride set off to complete loop 2, finishing once again in the car park of the White Hart Public House, Boxford.
A post ride BBQ (a vegetarian option is available) will be awaiting all participants at the White Hart. Return your rider number and claim a burger.
To help the day go as smoothly as possible we ask you to read the following information carefully.
Rider details / numbers
We will be issuing all riders with a unique identification number that must be displayed throughout the Tornado. All rider numbers will be made public on the club website
https://www.boxfordbikeclub.co.uk/boxfordtornado from midday on Saturday 22rd April. Please log on and make a note of your number as this will greatly speed up the registration process on the day of the event.
Sorry but we have to be strict - NO NUMBER - NO RIDE
Riders declaration and disclaimer
At registration you will be asked to agree to and sign the following declaration...and you will also be presented with your rider number.
I agree to abide by the British Cycling Regulations for non-competitive cycling events and understand and agree that I participate in this event entirely at my own risk, that I must rely on my own ability in dealing with all hazards, and that I must ride in a manner which is safe to myself and others. I am aware that when riding on a public highway the function of marshals is only to indicate direction and that I must decide whether any manoeuvre is safe. I agree that no liability whatsoever shall attach to the promoter, promoting club/Organisation, event sponsor, British Cycling or any event official in respect of any injury, loss or damage suffered by me in or by reason of the event however caused.
I will participate in cycling events in a loyal and sporting manner. I have read and agree to abide by the above declarations”.
Riders under 18
All participants under the age of 18 must submit a consent form completed by their parent/guardian.
Parental consent forms are available for download from the British Cycling website here. Riders under the age of 16 must also be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Parental consent forms will be available on the day, but if you could fill one out before you get to the event, this will speed up the registration process.
Rules for the ride
Riders are reminded that this is a non-competitive event and riders participate entirely at their own risk.
No responsibility can be attached to the organiser or club helpers. It is essential that road laws and
the Highway Code are followed at all times, in particular stop and warning signs. At all junctions, even if marshalled, it is your responsibility to ensure it is safe to proceed.
The routes cross main roads in several places - do not take any risks at these points. You must ride respectfully and considerately to all road users. The route uses some minor roads which in places are in poor condition with potholes, water and surface debris.
We hope riders of all abilities and experience will take part, so please...
CALL OUT DIRECTIONS;
ALERT OTHER RIDERS OF HAZARDS EARLY AND CLEARLY.
BE PATIENT.
OFFER ENCOURAGEMENT, ADVICE AND SUPPORT WHEN APPROPRIATE.
Direction signs have been put up at turn points and will be checked early Sunday morning. However please check they have an orange dot in the top right hand corner. If not they have been tampered with, so please familiarize yourself with the route in advance and use the turn by turn instructions and GPX files available from the Boxford Bike Club website to stay on course.
Lastly as a British Cycling sanctioned event you will be required to wear a helmet.
NO HELMET - NO RIDE!
The Routes
GPX files and Ride With GPS files are available to download and print if needed from the Boxford
Bike Club website https://www.boxfordbikeclub.co.uk/boxfordtornado. Please note there will not be any printed route maps available on the day. Turn by Turn instructions will be uploaded shortly.
Car Parking
We will be using the Boxford playing fields for parking which is adjacent to the start area. A link to a map of the location can be found on the British Cycling website: The Boxford Tornado 2023 Events -
British Cycling or use the postcode CO10 5PB for directions and follow the car parking signs as you enter Boxford.
To avoid congestion through Boxford, we would ask riders returning to the car park to please use the short footpath opposite the White Hart back to the playing fields.
Please consider car sharing or better still riding to the event to reduce the number of cars. Please allow plenty of time to park and register, and be aware that after 9.30am access to the car park will be limited as riders are set off.
In the event of inclement weather making the field unfit to park on Marshall’s will be on hand to guide you to a safe parking place.
Timings for the day
Please arrive in good time to allow time for registration. Bear in mind entrance to parking may be obstructed as riders are sent off from 9.30am onwards.
8.00am - Refreshments / Registration Opens
We will be asking for donations for refreshments. All money collected will be going to a local village organisation called the Boxford Community Council (nothing to do with politics!) The Community Council has been running for a number of years and raises funds for the benefit of many local organisations and residents. It supported Boxford Bike Club in its inception and continues to support local causes in the form of grants. Please give generously...
9.30am - 65 milers off in groups of 20 after a short safety briefing...
10.00am - 32 milers off in groups of 20 after a short safety briefing
11.00am (approximately) - Riders start returning for refreshments
2.30pm (approximately) - Last riders returning for refreshments
Water / feed stop
A water/feed stop will be situated in the car park of the White Hart, where snacks, water refills and toilet facilities will be provided.
Rider Incident Support /Mechanical Assistance
Once again the 2023 Tornado is kindly being supported by Sunny Day Cycleworks, The White Hart Inn and Buzz Power. In the event of a mechanical incident a mobile mechanic will be available - although we ask that riders ensure that they are, to the best of their ability, mechanically self- sufficient.
Should an incident or emergency arise the event director can be reached on 07598 151763. To help locate riders on the course we are recommending the use of the What3Words location smartphone app. Please click here for more information: https://what3words.com/
Mobile mechanical support will be provided by Sunny Day Cycleworks of Hadleigh
Tel. 07807 326267
Photos
Free photos of riders will be available after the event – we will send out an email to let you know where these can be viewed and downloaded.
And finally...
We hope you all have a great day. We are looking forward to welcoming you to the 10th Annual Boxford Bike Club Tornado. Ride safe!!