It’s been a strange year for cycling events and everything else really. Regardless of your own personal views about the situation, as an ‘organiser’ you need to possess a clear view of the bigger and longer lasting picture … and that means towing the line and making sure that you’re seen to be doing the ‘right thing’ in the eyes of the populace. I think we managed that with this years WRT – okay, without the usual start and finish, the social side was perhaps a little less pronounced than it usually is but once underway, the riding experience remained largely the same. People still appeared to enjoy themselves which is the crux of the entire ‘thing’ when all said and done. There was the riding of bikes, camping out, eating cake and the Wales Air ambulance was better off to the tune of two and a half grand because of it.
The BB200 / 300 is quite obviously a different ferocious animal to the WRT but different or not, we figured that there was no reason why, with some alterations, it couldn’t take place this year … this is what’s going to happen.
Usually … All riders set off within a two hour window on the morning of the same day.
This year … Riders are free to choose their own start time and date anytime throughout October.
Usually … The gpx file is sent out one week in advance of the start.
This year … it will be sent out on September 26th.
Usually … Riders all start and finish at the same point.
This year … You are free to start from any point on the route.
Usually … Returning riders are fed and watered when they finish.
This year … That, I’m afraid will be down to you.
Usually … Anyone completing the route within the allocated time slots is awarded their badge of the corresponding colour when they finish.
This year … You must email a gpx trace of your ride once complete to claim your badge which will be posted to you.
As I say, different, yet familiar enough that once you start turning the pedals, the changes will go largely unnoticed. I should say that the challenge remains the same though as do the requirements … each rider must carry a sleeping bag, some form of additional shelter, front and rear lights and a phone.
If that sounds like something you’d like to round the year off with, then you have until September 25th to enter. Do it HERE
