Final Information for Escape to Gisburn.

The round sponsor is Escape Bike Shop, please support all our sponsors.

Here is the rider and spectator information, we are aware there is a lot of information but please do not use this as an excuse for not reading it thoroughly, and knowing what you need to do and what rules to follow.

Danger !  Racing mountain bikes is a dangerous sport.  You should assure you're familiar with the warning signs and a tracks should not be hit at race speed until you are comfortable with your ability on each stage.

Please be aware of a trail diversion, there will be riders on the main forest road that you drive along to get to the car park. Take extra care entering the forest.

As always we rely on volunteer marshals to make these events a success, if you know somebody who would be interested please ask them to e-mail mike@borderline-events.co.uk We still need a couple more Marshals for this event, each one gets £30 towards expenses, a packed lunch and our thanks. Meet time for the marshal briefing will be approx 0745 and you should be all done for around 1700.

• Saturday.
• No official practice. You can ride the forest as normal.
• Race village will be setup during the day.
• Course maps will not be available, courses may not be taped by Saturday. 
• Overnight camping (minimal facilities) will be available Saturday evening
• Please use the parking meters for Saturday parking, £3 - includes overnight if required.

Stages wont be announced till the day, special thanks to the Forestry for help with the stages. We have swapped to slightly less muddy course than was originally planned given the conditions, this will please many of you I'm sure. However there will still be some muddy slippy roots for you to enjoy during your lap. 4 stages, those with flow will carry speed, those with powerful legs will be deploying them hard, the graceful will glide over the mud without getting stuck. As normal we expect the total race time to be around 10+ minutes.

Escape bikes will be onsite for any running repairs needed on Sunday.

Watch last years edit here.

We've now been on Instagram for a year!  We have had some great #KSDrop pictures last year and its back again for 2017, during practice or even your race run get a mate to photo you taking the #KSdrop and get it up on instagram with the hashtag #KSdrop. Make sure you tag & follow us @pmba_enduro so if you win we can DM you for the delivery address. One person will win #KS goodies.
Now go grab some Style and remember #HuckingIsEnduro

Please take some time to read through the full content, there is a lot of information but it will give you all the information you need. Stages will not be released until Sunday morning of the race.

Event Name: Hope PMBA Enduro Series Round 1 – Escape to Gisburn

Round 1 is sponsored by Escape Bike Shop  

Series sponsors are: Hope Technology, Datatag Security, Orange Mountain Bikes, Sixth Element, O'Neal, KS Dropper Seatposts, Lazer Helmets, Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery, Mudhugger, Saxx Underwear & Ride Slovenia

The Venue: Gisburn Forest, BB7 4TS
Directions are on the PMBA website - http://www.pmba.org.uk/gisburn-forest/how-to-get-to-gisburn/
 
Organisation: Borderline Events. www.borderline-events.co.uk 

Race Director: Mike Marsden email: mike@borderline-events.co.uk  mobile: 07921 453033
 
It’s important you have a read of all the info here – It will answer almost any question you could possibly have, there is a lot here but please take the time to look through it….. for starters just a few points that are very very important

• Fires – Fires are not permitted anywhere at Gisburn
• If you lose or damage your transponder you have to pay for it – The cost is £50.00
• Parking is £3 per car per day - We will have parking Marshals to assist on Sunday.
• Camping for Caravans and Campervans will be in the main car park and tents have the option of being in the field - We are not using the field to as a car park. Parking for camping will be on the forest road.
• Go Pro’s / Cameras – These are only permitted in practice and not in race runs – if you turn up at the start you will have to remove it prior to setting off.  Bike mounting only as per UCI guidelines
• Follow the instructions given by the parking marshals during the weekend
• Race lap: The exact start times will be confirmed/selected on the weekend. You will set off in groups of 12 every 5 mins.
• You MUST report to the set off point close to sign-on to get your transponder switched on otherwise you will get no times for the stages, you will also receive a briefing before your race lap. Feel free to ask questions.
• We will not confirm nor deny that Mike will be doing the rider briefing in briefs to highlight the comfort of the Saxx Underwear.
• And finally remember – this is a fun weekend, be relaxed and about enjoying riding your bikes!

How to get there - BB7 4TS
Copied from here on the PMBA Website

From the South / West:

Head past Clitheroe on the A59. Take the left hand turn signposted Sawley (on the hill with the crawler lane). Go through Sawley (passing the ruins of the Abbey) going over the bridge crossing the river Ribble. After the bridge keep right. After approximately 3km turn sharp left behind the Copy Nook Hotel onto Barret Hill Brow. Take care as the road becomes progressively narrower from here on and is singletrack in places. Keep right through the houses onto Holden Lane. Follow this road up on to the moors, at the fork junction keep right onto Dugdale Lane. Drop down the other side to the cross roads. Go straight across and the fire road to the Hub car park will be on your right after approximately 1km (after Cocklet Hill car park).

From the North:

Come in on the A65 from Skipton. In Long Preston turn right on to the B6478 passing the station. Continue on this road through Wigglesworth. Bear right at the fork junction onto Becks Brow and continue onto Tosside. After passing through Tosside after approximately 1km you will come to a cross roads. Turn right and the fire road to the Hub car park will be on your right after approximately 1km (after Cocklet Hill car park).

From the East:

Come in on the A59 passing through the Village of Gisburn. Turn right just before Gisburn Auction market onto a minor road (Mill Lane) sign posted for Bolton by Bowland. Continue on to and through Bolton By Bowland. Approximately half a kilometre after Bolton By Bowland turn sharp right at the Copy Nook Hotel onto Barret Hill Brow. Take care as the road becomes progressively narrower from here on and is singletrack in places. Keep right through the houses onto Holden Lane. Follow this road up on to the moors, at the fork junction keep right onto Dugdale Lane. Drop down the other side to the cross roads. Go straight across and the fire road to the Hub car park will be on your right after approximately 1km (after Cocklet Hill car park).

Catering
Gisburns cafe will be catering this again weekend, from 8am Sunday till late.

Sign on:  Unavailable Saturday
Sunday from 8.30am to 11.30am
There are two stages of sign on – Number boards and timing chips.  In order to set off for Official Sunday practice you must have your number board on.
In order to get a timed run you must then sign on and collect your dibber – this can be done anytime Sunday from 8.30am – 12pm. This will only be switched on as your starting group leaves at its allotted time - If you don't come back to sign-on at your allocated start time and get your transponder switched on you will not get any times.

Race Schedule:
Saturday
The Enduro is a one day event – As Gisburn is an open forest it’s permitted to ride any marked trail at any time on the run up to the event.

Sunday
Marshal briefing – 0800hrs
From around 0830 on Sunday morning the stages will be closed to the general public and the Borderline Events crew will manage each stage from that point. This means you can leave the car park and be ready at the top of any stage for 0900, please wait for the OK from the start marshal before practice. You can only join the stage at the top, full runs only. Remember you need your number board before you leave the car park.

Sunday Afternoon - Racing
12.00 onwards
You will need a number board and transponder when you arrive at the start. Your transponder can be collected at any point prior to you setting off on your race lap, but is only switched on at your groups start. The start point is at Sign-on, failure to come to the start will mean your transponder will not be switched on and you will not get any times.  (If you skip and go to the circle to be started your transponder will not have been switched on.

START TIMES
Race lap:  The exact start times will be allocated/selected when you sign-on, first start time 12.00, last start time 14:30. 12 slots per 5 minute interval.
Pro/Elite must select the final group.
Hoping for a podium? Pick a time after 14:00.
Expect to be at the back? Pick an early start please.
We are flexible to an extent on swapping groups for the odd person - come ask if you want to change your start time to ride with a group you have met, but you must get your transponder turned on before you start your race lap otherwise you wont get a time on the stages.

Closest A&E: Blackburn Royal Hospital or Royal Lancaster Infirmary

Red Flags / Yellow flags & Whistles:  During practice Red and Yellow flags will be in use – The yellow flag means slow right down, There may be a rider on course or perhaps on the floor but out of the way.  Red Flag means STOP This means what it says – There will be an incident ahead and someone’s safety is at risk if you continue.  If this happens during your race run you should make your way back to the start of the stage and go again – When you arrive back at the finish you will notify the chief timer that you had a re-run and they will calculate your time.

Racing:  Only red flags will be used in racing – If you are red flagged during racing, you should wait until you are given permission to continue by the Marshal, and then continue safely to the bottom and speak with the marshal who will let you know what you need to do.

Rider Etiquette:  During practice and race you may come up on or be caught by another rider: Every rider must act in a polite safe manner at all times and permit any faster rider to overtake without obstructing

Track walk: It’s advised that you walk/inspect the trickier parts of the stages before riding – There are many features and vafried terrain sections. Watch out for our 2/3 arrow caution/extreme caution signs to warn you of even trickier bits. If you see a Extreme caution sign there will be an easier rollable line which could be a separate taped line or within the main tapes.

Transitions:  It’s compulsory to follow the marked transitions on your race lap, please obey marshals instructions.

Whistles: Every time a rider passes a Marshal they will blow his/her whistle.  This lets people around know that there is a rider about and it also lets you know that in the instance of hearing a second whistle as you pass then there is someone right behind you.

Spectators : Spectators are advised to congregate on S4 only, other stages are not suitable for spectators.

Photographers: A spectator with a camera is not a photographer, actual professional or amateur photographers who can show PLI can get a special wristband and have access all area's.

Respect the officials and helpers & Follow instructions given:  Anyone found to be swearing or giving abuse to any of our Event Staff whether that be Marshals, Timers, Helpers, Medics etc will be asked to leave the event.  If you have a problem whether you’re racing or perhaps your son or daughter then come and talk to any of the core team. (Kev, Mike or Dunc) or any marshal.
Those that know us always find we are reasonable and willing to listen and will help or advise the best we can.

Careful driving to event:  Please be advised that when driving to the venue to be cautious while driving.  Some of the roads from around Gisburn are particularly tight and twisty and I’d like you all to arrive safely.  Again on Sunday evening please take your time leaving the venue.

Medical:  Full Medical Cover will be provided, both on each stage and from an identifiable Base Station in the event Arena. A 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle will be on hand if needed.

Information & Course Map . Additional or updated information may be on display in the Rider Registration area along with a course map. A Public Announcement Facility may also be used to make announcements throughout the day.

Toilets: There are permanent flush toilets on site.

Litter: Please take your litter home with you. Please if you can check around your car before leaving as sheep will be back in the field on Monday. Litter includes goggle tear offs, inner tubes and gel wrappers - all these cannot be disposed of onto the floor, even during a race stage.

Race Timing: You will be issued with a timing chip at sign on.  You will be 100% responsible for assuring that your transponder stays with you failure to do so will result in your time not being recorded.  You will be able to set off anywhere from 5 seconds to 30 seconds behind the rider in front – For example, in your group of mates riding round get into order fastest first and you can set off 5-10 seconds after each other.

Armour: There are no specific armour rules for this event. Only that a helmet is compulsory. Full face helmet is advised. Knee pads & gloves are strongly advised. We cant advise strongly enough that knee pads, gloves & long sleeves should really be worn. We expect some riders to use full faces helmets on the stages but remind you that unless you are walking with your bike a helmet is 100% compulsory to be worn at all times, correctly fastened

Health & Safety: Anyone wearing headphones whilst riding on course (with a bike) will be disqualified – No second chances.  You have been warned!  Helmets worn correctly at all times whilst between the tape.

No pushing back up the track during practice or racing, no walking the course during race runs. Absolutely no travelling in the wrong direction on the stages at any time. The arrows will lead you too the next stage, or if you wish to session a stage you may need to consult the trail map for a suitable route.

TYRES & PUNCTURES!
We are quite high on the %age trail centre but the off piste is still slippy. Kevs says you can leave the dual ply's at home, but don't blame him if you puncture. Full mud and make it harder to pedal or full fast and brave the off piste like a boss? What will you decide?

Statement on riding Saturday: Please note that taping of stages takes time and if you arrive early for the race weekend you will come across pre-taped areas – Taping and marking of stages will not be complete until Sunday morning. Although the majority of the taping will be done by Saturday the event does not start until Sunday. Riding in the forest prior to race day is permitted under usual Forestry Commission / Landowner rules and regulations.  Please note that on every day apart from race day there will be other forest users on the stages and you should ride in a manner that respects everyone.  Borderline Events and the team are not responsible for any riding or injuries that happen outside the event.  You are not permitted to ride anything on the Saturday that you could not normally ride outside of the event and you must stay within normal forest/landowner/RoW guidelines.

BAR END PLUGS MUST BE FITTED - You will not be allowed to enter the course without them

You will see a number of the rules and regulations require you do to certain things at certain times – Failure to adhere to these rules could result in you having to ride back to the car park, go back down the field or be disqualified – I’ve tried to make it simple and straight forward for everyone.

Transistions
You must follow the marked transitions on your race lap, short cutting means a 2min penalty or DQ'd.

No outside assistance is allowed and no racers riding as domestiques.

A more complete set of rules is listed here
https://www.facebook.com/notes/pmba-enduro-series/rules-in-brief-updated-for-2016/

Borderline Events reserves the right to modify or cancel the event if circumstances beyond the control of the organiser should arise. This includes cancellation of event due to extreme weather, acts of God, violence, civil disobedience and war.
If the event is cancelled we will not be liable for costs of travel fares, hotels, or any other expenses that may be incurred.
It is your responsibility to ensure the race is going ahead before travelling. We will do our best to inform you if the race has to be cancelled but we do not accept liability if we are unable to contact you. We strongly advise that you check before making travel and accommodation arrangements.
If the event is cancelled we would endeavour to reschedule if possible. Please be aware that we may be unable to refund or part refund any entry fee. We are also may be unable to transfer your entry to another event.
See you all at the weekend – Kev and Mike, as well as other members of the team will be around on Saturday and Sunday so feel free to ask any questions.

Regards

Mike Marsden – Event Organiser
Kev Duckworth – Series Promoter