GRAN FONDO BIANCHI DOUBLE DEVIL 2017 FINAL INSTRUCTIONS Dear All, I am delighted to inform you that arrangements for the Gran Fondo Bianchi Double Devil are well under way for Sunday 28th May 2017, and this message is intended to give you some last minute information. Please read the information below careful to ensure you are prepared for the ride. Pre – Registration We have pre-registration at the Hafod Hendre Centre in the Royal Welsh Show Ground from 5.00pm to 7.00pm on Saturday 27th May and Sunday 28th May starts from 6.30am to 7.00 am. Gates will open at 6.00am. The Hafod Hendre Centre can be found by using the livestock entrance L just off the Builth/Rhayader A470 road. When entering into entrance L, head towards the hotel Neaudd Hen Lan on the top road. The Hafod Hendre centre is next door. (Marshals will assist and direct you on the day). The post code for the Royal Welsh Showground is LD2 3SY. At Pre- registration, you will be given numbers, one for the jersey and one for the bike and Bianchi will hand out a welcome pack. At 7.45 am on the Sunday, there will be a pre-ride debrief and the ride will start at 8.00 am. You will not be issued with a timing chip for your bike, however you can note the time you depart and you will have to report to a marshal at the finish who will also note your time. We have support vehicles that cover all routes – there will be qualified mechanics in attendance en route with some spares – it is advisable to ensure your bike is in good working order prior to the event. We have signs for the event – these look like triangles that will be located at each junction along the way. We have also designed a sign called ‘OFF PISTE” – which advises you that you are on the wrong road and need to make a U turn. We also have “SLOW’ signs with red triangles, similar to other Cycle Caution signs but are intended to warn you of serious road hazards ahead. The local authority are responsible for erecting signs to warn all road users of hazards so please read the road all road signs for your safety and check road conditions prevailing. It is NOT a race so please look out for any sign of hazards ahead. There are several areas of concern, firstly the ascent out of Builth Wells – you will need to pace yourselves as there is a lot of climbing to go afterwards. On the Military range, the Staircase and Elbow all have very fast descents with tight bends and some gravel present – look out for warning signs – also, we are in Wales and the mountain ranges are home for hundreds of roaming sheep so keep a close eye out for them wandering across the roads. You are not allowed to take any photographs on the military range We have 5 feed stations 1. Pwll Bo – just before the staircase – Water and welshcakes 2. Penygawse in Llondovery – Jacket potato, beans and cheese with Tea/Coffee. 3. Trecastle – water and welshcakes 4. 121 mile route only on the descent into Brecon there will be the final road feed station. 5. At the finish – there will be a post event meal. Routes The 65 mile route stays the same route as far as Llangammach Wells where it heads off towards Tirabad and onto the feed station at Llandovery. From there it heads towards Trecastle where you rejoin the 95 route at Llywel and back to Builth Wells on the Mynydd Epynt range. The 95 and the 121 routes stay on the same route as far as Trecastle feed station. The longer ride uses the A40 to Sennybridge, turning right onto the A4067 to its junction with A4215 Defynnog and then uses unclassified roads to Heol Senni before emerging onto the A4059 for Storey Arms. The 95 mile ride will go over Mynydd Epynt on the unclassified Military Road from Llywel to Tirabad. Military vehicles may be using the road so no photographs please on this part of the route. That’s about it for now, other than to say we expect reasonable weather, however this can change so bring your wet weather clothing as a precaution. Slowest riders on the 121 mile route may take in excess of 14 hours so make sure you have lights with you. Whilst not a legal requirement, we strongly advise cyclists to wear a helmet. Many of you have asked if CAMPING is available – YES, you can book into the showground for £12.00 per night or £15.00 if you need a hook up. If you require this facility you can contact me on 07792 144369 (cash payment only will be taken on your arrival) We look forward to seeing you next weekend for a great ride. Peter and County Cycles Team .