New Entry System
When you enter the Hell of the Ashdown for 2020, this will be under a new registration system. On entering you will be required to provide more information than previously asked for. This now includes an address so that we can mail your Rider Pack directly to you. If you do not fill in the required fields you will not be able to complete your entry
- Your finishing time will be sent to you via SMS, provided that you have passed through all timing areas as directed by the marshals, and have supplied your correct mobile telephone number.
- If you wish to have a Certificate there is now an option to download this, print it and add in your SMS finishing time. (Click here)
- If you wish to enter as a Group please read the instructions on this method very clearly.
- If for any reason you forget to bring your number with its timing chip you will not be allowed to start the event officially or use the HQ or the feed stations.
- A very small number of spare timing chips will be available in the HQ at Charles Darwin school for anyone who has genuinely forgotten their own. There will be an additional £10 administration charge payable on the day before these are dispensed. These will not be used as 'on the day' entries under any circumstances.
Group Entries
As advertised, there is a 10% discount for groups of over 6 and under 10.For groups over this size you will need to complete further entries.
To use the group entry facility
Allocate someone to enter for all riders, he/she will have to pay the fees for all riders, they will also have to provide the telephone number for each person to enable them to receive the SMS message. The allocated person will receive ALL PACKS for the riders they have entered and will need to distribute these to all the other members of their group.
Closing date for entries
The final closing date for entries is the 2nd February 2020. We close then as we have to administer sending out the entries and complying with H&S regulations etc. No entries will be taken after this date due to insurance restrictions,
Before the event
On your entry being accepted you will receive an Entry Confirmation, together with your allocated Time Slot, Emergency Contact Details. Also included will be links to Parking Instructions, theRoute Sheet and the Riders' Agreement.
It is therefore vital that the Email that you have used to enter is correct.
Location and arrival
The event Headquarters (HQ) is Charles Darwin School, Jail Lane, Biggin Hill TN16 3AU.
On arrival, please follow the parking marshals' directions. There should be adequate parking available at the HQ car parks. However, if you park on the streets, park we ask you to keep well away from the HQ and do so with full consideration to local residents. Do not park across residential drives or park on the pavement. Marshals will be checking the area for inconsiderate parking and if deemed to be causing restriction to local residents, they may be moved. PLEASE CAR SHARE WHEREVER POSSIBLE.
Please do not leave rubbish and articles of clothing, including cycle helmets, on the streets surrounding the Event HQ and especially on the walls of local properties.
Once parked, please proceed to the HQ until your allocated departure time.
Do not take cycles into the school - bike racks are provided in the bike park area adjacent to the entrance. (At your own risk).
HQ Information
The school will open at 7:15am
Before you leave home please affix your rider number (with attached timing chip) on your handlebars (plastic ties for attachment are included). This must be in place in order to register your time. Make sure it is clearly visible for identification purposes and as an aid to the Photographer.
The rider number/chip is fully disposable and there is no need to return it after completion of the ride.
Route cards can be downloaded from here
Before setting off a qualified cycle mechanic will be on hand to provide any last minute mechanical support and supply a limited stock of spare parts.
Canteen facilities are provided at the HQ, offering a range of hot & cold drinks and food, which will need to be for.
Feed stations at the two stops will provide a range of food and drink free of charge to registered riders, details of these are below
Menus available
- HQ Menu
- Feed Stations
Starting the ride
Departure starts at 8.00am and goes on through to 10.30am. It is important to stick to your allocated departure time because only a limited number of riders can set off together – there will be plenty of opportunities to regroup with friends during the ride.
You will be asked to wait in a holding area and then called into a waiting area. At the appropriate time you will be then move forward into the departure area. Please listen to the starter’s instructions whilst waiting to start. When you roll over the matting, your timing will start.
Check & Feed Points
There are two indoor feed/check points on the route. First after 31 miles at the Ashdown Forest Centre and the second after 53miles at the Scout Hut in Sevenoaks Weald. Be sure to cross the timing mats at these locations. Both Feed/Check points will be well sign posted.
Mechanics will be on hand at the Ashdown Forest Centre.
There will be a range of foods (bananas, energy bars, cakes etc) and drinks at no cost to riders.
Riding
Please be on your best cycling behaviour on the ride, obey the highway code, be courteous to other road uses and riders, don’t drop litter. If you need to take a natural break please do so as not to cause offence to others. The route will be fully sign posted and you will be helped by some 60 marshals (in high viz jackets) on the course together with NEG motorbike marshals.
A roving mechanic will also be on hand should assistance be required. Be sure to have the Emergency Number 07500 737474 available at all times during the ride.
The route is very demanding with a lot of climbing; very fit riders can finish in under 4 hours others could take 7 hours or more.
SMS update of position
Registered riders who complete the Hell of the Ashdown 2020 and have gone through all of the checkpoints on the course will receive a text update congratulating them on their achievement, together with the recorded time for the event. Any queries on time should be addressed to the Head of Registration, who can be found in the main hall.
Finish
On your return to the HQ be sure to go over the finishing line/mat in order to register your finishing time, which will be forwarded to you via a SMS message. So please ensure that you have included your mobile phone number onto your entry form. Full results will be available on the HOTA website within 48 hours.