THE GOLDEN RULE : Once started all competitors MUST report to the registration centre, whether they have completed or not. This is essential since rescue teams will look for any competitor not recorded. Please do not waste their time by not reporting to the finish/registration centre.

1. MINIMUM AGE - Minimum age is 18 years on the day of competition. However young people over 16 on the day of the competition may compete if their partner is a legal parent or guardian.

2. MTB/HIGHWAY CODE - The MTB (or Off Road cycling) Code and Highway Code shall be observed at all times. ALL FOOTPATHS ARE OUT OF BOUNDS .

3. START - Teams may start at leisure at the designated start point. They must observe any last-minute briefings or postings at this start. Upon starting they will register their SPORTident card in the start control box. Any teams not registering their SI cards in the start control box will not get any scores for the day. Time limit for day one is 7 hours.

4. TEAM MEMBERS - Team members MUST remain in vocal contact throughout the event, must visit the checkpoints together and finish together. If one member is unable to continue, the other should assist him/her to safety or obtain assistance and report their retirement to the registration centre. Under NO circumstances must the unaffected member continue alone. Leaving gear or your bike at anytime will mean disqualification. Some checkpoints will be marshalled, anyone arriving without their partner, gear or bike will not be allowed to register with that control box.

5. CHECKPOINTS - Each checkpoint site will have an electronic control box, identified with a piece of bright tape attached to the feature described on the checkpoint description sheet. The Control Box will be situated very close to this tape attached to an immovable object. Make sure you hear a beep when putting the SI card in the electronic control box. If it does not beep then take a note of the code on the control box and the time you were at the checkpoint. If there is no control box, please note the time you were there and report it missing as soon as you can to an event marshal.

6. OVERNIGHT CAMP (Spring & Autumn only) - On arrival at overnight camp all teams must register their SI cards at the finish control box and then download their SI cards in the finish tent, marshals will direct you to do this. Please take all rubbish home with you "pack it in - pack it out". Any teams found dumping essential equipment (see checklist) will be disqualified. Day 1 results will be posted at overnight camp with query forms; these should be left at the finish tent.

7. SUNDAY START - Teams may start at leisure at the designated start point. They must observe any last-minute briefings or postings at this start. Upon starting they will register their SPORTident card in the start control box. Any teams not registering their SI cards in the start control box will not get any scores for the day. The start will be in or very close to the overnight camping area. Time limit for day two is 5 hours.

8. FINISH - On arrival at the finish, all teams must register their SI cards in the finish control box and then download their results in the finish tent/area as directed by the finish marshals. Leading competitors may have their equipment checked. All competitors will be expected to possess their emergency rations and required specified equipment throughout the duration of the event (see clothing and equipment check list). On Sunday afternoon a final set of results will be published 15 minutes prior to the prize giving, any objections placed after the prize giving will not be considered. If you are unable to stay, you must nominate someone to check your results for you.

10. KIT CHECK - Any teams found not to have the minimum specified equipment and clothing will be disqualified (see check list)

11. SOLO TEAMS - Solo riders are more likely to be kit checked at the finish.

12. SELF SUFFICIENCY - During the ride-time this is a self-sufficient event. Any teams caught receiving outside help will be disqualified. However, you may seek a repair or mechanical assistance from other teams or providers as long as this has not been pre-arranged. The event includes an overnight camp, which is compulsory. If the overnight camp just happens to be located near a hostelry, use of this is not allowed and may incur disqualification. The control description card and map will have an emergency phone number printed on it. Only use the emergency number if you or your partner is injured. It is your responsibility to get back to registration if your bike breaks down, we will not collect you.

13. CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT - The minimum clothing & equipment are specified on a separate page - use the links at the side of this page to go to the SPRING/AUTUMN EQUIPMENT requirements.

14. LIGHTS (SPRING & AUTUMN ONLY) - The event is planned to take place in daylight. Should you be caught out in the dark it is your responsibility to observe the Highway Code! A LED rear light, whilst some are not legal for riding on the road may prove useful.

15. SPIRIT OF THE EVENT - Any action deemed against the spirit of the event will result in disqualification. The organisers decision is final!