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SWOF Mountain Bike Orienteering

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6th October 2018 

East Soar Farm, Soar, Kinsbridge, Devon.

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As part of the National Trust's South West Outdoor Festival, we will be putting on one of our popular Mountain Bike Orienteering events in the stunning area around Soar, Salcombe and the South Hams.

 

Participants can enter this event in either the Short Score or Long Score.  The only difference between Short and Long is the time you have available to visit as many checkpoints as possible, with Short Score having 2 hours, and Long Score having 3.5 hours.  You may enter either of these categories as either a Solo (Individual), as a Pair (2 People), as a Family (see below) or a Team (Max 4 People).   Please note – Pairs, Family and Team Groups must stay together during the event and may not split up! All courses will be using waterproof OS 1:25,000 maps and SportIdent electronic timing. 

 

For the Solo, Pairs and Team categories, all participants must be over the age of 16.  Youths aged 16 or 17 may enter, so long as their form is countersigned by a parent/guardian. Family groups may enter (in either Long or Short Score) – however, please note each family group must have at least one person under 16 competing and at least 1 adult over 16, and you will only be allocated 1 ‘Dibber’.

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Video From A Previous MBO Event

What To Expect

What to Expect

The festival will take place at East Soar Farm which will also be the event centre for the Mountain Bike Orienteering event. Registration and the start and finish will be at the farm keeping it together with all the other things that are going on as part of the festival and creating a wonderful and unique atmosphere.  Your entry into the Mountain Bike Orienteering event, will also gain you access to the festival as a Day Visitor on the same day.

 

The Mountain Bike Orienteering event is a friendly, fun event and as you can make it as challenging as you want to make it.

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The objective of the event is to visit as many checkpoints as possible within a specified time, in order to maximise your score.  Each Solo, Pair, Family or Team will be given a pre-marked waterproof map with the locations of all the checkpoints on.  Each checkpoint has a value.  These are listed on the side of your map, along with the checkpoint descriptions.  The checkpoint descriptions describe what can be found in the centre of the red or blue circles, and are where you will find the checkpoint itself.

 

It is up to you how many checkpoints you visit.  You may visit as many checkpoints as you like within the time limit, and the checkpoints can be visited in any order.  However the A3 competition map will comprise of 12 Red Checkpoints (CPs), and 12 Blue CPs. Choose to start by collecting either Red CPs or Blue CPs, you will only be able to collect CPs of that colour in any order. Then at any point, you can switch to the other colour CPs. How many of each colour you choose to collect is up to you, but once you have changed you can’t change your mind and revert to the other colour.  You may only visit each checkpoint once.  This format gives you maximum flexibility.  You can play to your strengths and choose your own route and distance to cover in the time limit.  You can plan how many CP's you can visit, and adjust this as you go along.  Beware however, there are time penalties for every minute you are late back to the finish outside of your time – for every minute or part thereof you are late back, 5 points will be deducted from your total score.  Your time will be rounded up to the nearest whole minute.  In the event of a tie on total points/score – the fastest time taken will win.

 

Mud and Sweat utilise an Electronic Scoring System called ‘Sportident’.  Each participant (or Family) is given an electronic ‘Dibber’, which is attached by a band to their wrist.  This Dibber must be inserted into the Electronic Box at each checkpoint you visit.  This enables quick and simple recording of your visits to each checkpoint and your overall time and score.  It’s operation will be explained in greater depth at registration.  Participants who lose or break their ‘Dibber’ will be charged £35.  Please note, Family groups will only be allocated 1 ‘Dibber’ between them.

 

Some areas on your map may be marked Out of Bounds (OOB), including busy roads – these areas will be highlighted.  There is a penalty of 100 points for any Participant found in an OOB area.  If you are competing as a Pair, Team or as a Family group, you must stay together throughout the event, this means within 15m of each other at all times.

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Event Location

Getting to East Soar Farm

 

Address:

 

East Soar Farm
Malborough
Kingsbridge
Devon
TQ7 3DR

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NOTE: DO NOT FOLLOW SAT NAV AFTER TOTNES.


Leave the A38 signposted for Totnes, Kingsbridge and Salcombe. Arriving in Totnes turn right at Western Bypass/A381, continue to follow the A381. At Stumpy Cross take 2nd exit signposted Salcombe A381(A379). At Sorley Cross carry straight over signposted Salcombe A381 (A379). At Bantham Cross Roundabout, take the 1st exit onto B3197. At Langworthy Barn Turn right onto A381, signposted Salcombe. Arriving in Malborough, turn right at Higher Town - signposted Soar (this will take you through the village of Malborough). After you have passed the local post office and church continue straight on. The road forks, when you see a sign for Soar Mill Cove Hotel bear left. Continue along this road until you reach a large (National Trust) gravel car park. You will see a gate to the left with the East Soar Farm sign on it. Continue along the farm track past Bolt Head Airfield. This will take you right to the festival parking.

Categories

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There will be prizes for the winners of each of the categories, along with some spot prizes for the muddiest and sweatiest participants!  In the event that less than 3 Solos, Pairs, Families or Teams enter a category, we will combine categories.

On The Day - Timings of the Event

 

Please note, nothing is posted to you, prior to the event – you will collect your Dibber and Map at Registration/the Start. 

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You must bring along your completed Entry and Waiver Form to registration – please ensure it is completed fully before registering, or email it to us prior to the event, to speed up the process (no form – no ride!).  Go to the 'Entry and Waiver' section to access the forms.

 

Provisional Event Start Times:  

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Registration is open from 9.30am until 11.30am – please allow at least 15 minutes to register and receive your ‘Dibber’ and final instructions before making your way to the start.

 

Start Times are between 10am and 11am for Long Score, 10.30am and 12pm for Short Score.  Participants may start at any time between their allocated times.

 

All courses close at 3pm.  Prize Giving and Results will be at 3.30pm – or sooner if everyone has finished! 

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Pricing

Pricing

The prices rise, the closer we get to the event …. we expect demand for this event to be high, so to guarantee your place - enter soon!

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What Your Entry Fee Includes​

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  • Event Centre Facilities including Toilets, Drinking Water and On Site Catering
  • Waterproof Map with Pre-Marked Checkpoints
  • Use of Electronic Timing, Web Results Service

  • Permissions and Access for the Area, Event Public Liability Insurance and First Aid Cover

  • Online Entry/Registration Fee and VAT

  • Parking

  • Day Visitor Access to South West Outdoor Festival on day of event entered

 

How To Enter

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We only accept Online Entry.  Click on the ENTER NOW Button.  Entry on the day will only be accepted, subject to availability.

 

Please download and complete the Entry Form and Waiver, which can be emailed to us at events@mudandsweat.com or brought along to the event itself.

 

After we have received your entry, you will be sent an email confirmation.  Approximately one week prior to the event, you will be emailed any last minute details about the event.

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For further information go to FAQ's.

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Refunds and Changes

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Please note, we will be unable to provide refunds on entry payments in the event of dropping out of the event (including injury), as per the terms and conditions agreed to during the entry process.  However, if you wish to change category after entering, or want to transfer your entry to another person – you can do this up to 2 days before the event, please email us at events@mudandsweat.com.

Route

Information

Route

A copy of the event map (without checkpoints on), will be put on here and Facebook, approximately 2 weeks before the event.  You will receive your map with the checkpoints on, at the start - as planning your route is part of the competition!

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Suggested Kit

Kit

What you need to bring:

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  • What you need to bring:

  • A well-maintained mountain bike

  • A bike helmet (the wearing of a helmet is compulsory)

  • A compass (note the use of GPS is discouraged)

  • A small first aid kit (including any personal medication and a whistle)

  • A mobile phone

  • Bike repair kit (including pump, puncture repair and spare inner tube as a minimum)

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We also recommend the following:

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  • A platypus or similar hydration system

  • A bike map holder (we will have a number of these for sale at the event)

  • A permanent marker pen

  • Watch

  • Waterproof or windproof layers

  • Bike computer (to help measure distance covered)

  • Snacks

Rules

Event Terms and Conditions, Rules and Safety Guidelines

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  • The wearing of Hard Shell Style Helmets is compulsory for all riders

  • Take on the event with a safe approach and always consider all dangers.  Cycle with great caution and consider your team - look out for each other.

  • Even if you retire or drop out from the event, you must report back to the finish and download area, so we don’t start a full-scale search for you!

  • Helmets must be worn at all times.

  • If you are competing as a Pair, Team or Family, stick together as a team, but ride in single file.

  • Beware of other users and pedestrians.

  • Get to know your bike and brakes before hills - if in doubt, walk on difficult sections.

  • Be aware of traffic on lanes and roads – take particular care if riding on any of the ’A’ or ‘B’ Roads – these are extremely busy.

  • Eat and drink plenty – we advise you to only drink water carried from the start.

  • Keep a close eye on your navigation – and beware not to stray off the edge of your map.  There may be some minor map changes, so navigate accordingly.

  • Be aware of the weather and dress accordingly.  We recommend taking a waterproof/windproof layer with you.

  • If in doubt about a safety and health matter, please ask a member of the Mud and Sweat Staff Team.

  • Always follow the safety advice of the Event Marshals and Staff and report any incident to a Marshal.

  • Please be courteous and considerate to all other path and track users and fellow riders.

  • Riders must ensure that their bicycles are in good mechanical order.

  • The participant understands and agrees that they participate in this event entirely at their own risk, that they must rely on their own ability in dealing with all hazards, and that they must ride in a manner which is safe to themselves and others.

  • The participant agrees that no liability whatsoever shall attach to Mud and Sweat or any event official in respect of any injury, loss or damage suffered by them in or by reason of the event, unless such injury, loss or damage is proven to be caused by the negligence of the aforementioned.

  • The participant must obey the Countryside and Mountain Bike Code and any rider found to be contravening these Rules or Event Official’s instructions will be disqualified from the event.

  • There will be a cut-off time for completing the event.  This time will be given in the initial safety briefing and will depend on the weather and conditions on the day.

  • The Event organisers reserve the right to terminate an individual’s ride on health and safety grounds, re-route, postpone, cancel or stop the event due to safety reasons. Entry fees, however, are not refundable.

  • Please note, we will be unable to provide refunds on entry payments in the event of dropping out of the event.

  • ​Participants who lose or break their ‘Dibber’ will be charged £35.

 

Please follow the Countryside and Mountain Bike Codes at all times:

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  • Leave gates and property as you find them

  • Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home

  • Consider and respect other people

  • In particular, be considerate to walkers and horse riders – use a bell or call out to announce your presence

  • Be safe – plan ahead and follow any signs

  • Ride in control at all times and avoid skidding

  • Do not cut corners, stay on the permitted tracks and bridlepaths

  • Do not ride where cycling is not permitted or where public access is prohibited​

Volunteer

Volunteer

Each Mud and Sweat event requires a large number of people to make it the fun, safe and enjoyable event that they have become.

 

We have a core team who help prepare for the event but on the day of the event itself, we need lots more hands to the pump.

 

If you are enthusiastic and hard working, why not become part of the Mud and Sweat team and help out on the event.  We will provide you with everything you need to know.  In addition to this, you will get a free entry into the South West Outdoor Festival for the day that you are helping on.

 

Jobs on the day are varied - often it's just pointing the way and cheering the riders on! Maybe if you are supporting someone who is riding in the event or just wanting to see the event close at hand, your help will be very welcome. The marshals are the main point of contact and a very important part of the experience for many of the riders.

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Send us an email to register your interest now.

Results

Results

We will publish the results after the event here, just click on the event and category below.  

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Q.  How technical is the riding?

A.  The area consists of a number of bridlepaths and lanes that can be muddy depending on the weather. The riding is not technical and is achievable  by all on mountain bikes, hybrids and cyclocross bikes.  As you choose your own route, you can avoid routes that you feel are unsuitable for your own ability.

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Q.  What if I get injured?

A.  In the event of minor injuries, we would ask you to make your way to the start/finish area, where our First Aid team will be based throughout the        event.  In the event of a more serious injury, we will have a vehicle to assist you back to base safely and quickly if required. You will have the mobile number printed on your map of the event director based at the event centre and you can call this in the event of an emergency.

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Q.  What if my bike breaks down?

A.  If possible try and fix the problem with what you are carrying with you. Otherwise make your own way back and report to the finish. Failing that as above for an injury we may be able to come and get you.

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Q.  Are there water points on the course?

A.  No - we recommend carrying your own water.

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Entry Form and Waivers

Waivers

You must download, fill in and email us your completed Waiver and Entry Form.  Please email it to events@mudandsweat.com.  

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