Guide to the eventIn 1964, a group of local Rover Scouts devised the Tour de Trigs Walking Competition based on the notoriously difficult Tour de France cycle race.

The walk has proved to be far more difficult than a glance at the map would suggest. North Oxfordshire, South Northamptonshire and South Warwickshire may not appear to be that hilly. However, in the first weekend of December the weather can make 50 miles overnight, across glutinous, ploughed fields and using poorly defined footpaths, quite a challenge.

The route is revealed only 30

minutes before the start.The number of teams

completing the route (including from the services) has never exceeded 30%.

A great deal of stamina and determination is

needed, combined with accurate

compass work and map reading.To finish either the 30

or 50 mile course within the time allowed is indeed an

achievement, but to complete as a team is something of which walkers can be justly proud.

The competition has a considerable following and early entry is always recommended.

Tour de Trigs 2014

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Don’t forget we can supply....Before… We will be able to supply a limited range of things you may have forgotten: reflective armbands, laces, batteries, torches, safety pins and bandages...

At the snack barTo take with you, we will have a selection of: drinks, sweets, chocolate (and toasties)

• Kit check - it all needs to be there! • Plot the route... be precise, but don’t linger!

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∆ Your team number and start time will be sent to you 10 days before the competition after which entry fees will not be returned

∆ Ensure that you and the team have all items of kit required – see Rules. Each Team member is provided with a kit check sheet that they must bring with them and present at the Kit Check.

∆ Read and understand the rules∆ If you have any questions contact the Entries Secretary∆ Make sure you know how to plot a route from grid references!∆ Practice, practice, practice!∆ If a team member withdraws after entry and you are unable to make up a

team, contact the Entries Secretary, who may be able to put you in touch with walkers in a similar position.

General Information

After you have entered

The Tour de Trigs Walking Competition is organised by the Tour de Trigs Ltd - a not for profit company. The competition is open to members of the Scout and Guide movements, Cadet organisations, to school and youth teams, other groups, organisations and individuals in teams of three.The Competition will start and finish at Warriner School, Bloxham Grove Road, Bloxham, OX15 4LJ (Grid Ref 436367). Accommodation on the floor is available at the school on Friday night from 20.00 hours. Be sure to bring a sleeping bag and mat. Breakfast will be provided on Saturday morning, from 7am till 8am, if you stay overnight. Meals are available for supporters (pre-ordered) throughout the weekend. A snack bar will be open on Saturday between 08.30 and 12.45 and between 14.00 and 18.45. A self service sandwich and drinks facility is available through the night, 20.00 and until 07.45 on Sunday. Hot showers will also be available. Batteries, reflective armbands, chocolate, soft drinks etc., will be on sale. There will be a Kit Enquiry desk in the Hall. Drinks will be available at all checkpoints – don’t forget your plastic mug. No food is provided en route.

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Car Parking∆ Parking is provided at Warriner School, please follow signs.

Local Amenities∆ Co-op is located in the centre of Bloxham∆ Several pubs are located in the centre of Bloxham∆ There is a small selection of shops in the centre of the village∆ Banbury is located about 3 miles north of Bloxham. Banbury town has a good

range of restaurants, shops and supermarkets for those staying overnight before the competition.

School and car parking

Warriner SchoolBloxham Grove RoadBloxhamOxfordshireOX15 4LJGrid ref: 436367

Blox

ham

- Ba

nbur

y Ro

ad A

361

Bloxham Grove Road

PARKING

Restaurant snack bar Overflow

parking

Entrance hereEntrance here

Finish

PARKING

Sports HallRegistration (Saturday)

Kit Enquiry Desk

Shops in Bloxham

900m

Shops in Banbury 5K

START Map plotting Presentations

Medical and Kit check

Hike control

N

First Aid(Marshalls)

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The Day of the Hike∆ Ensure that the team has all the items of kit needed. You will not be allowed to

start the hike unless you have all items∆Arrive at the school in good time – you must register at least 90 minutes before

your start time ∆There will be a notice board in the registration hall. Please check to see if there are

any last minute messages before you enter the kit check area∆At registration you will be given your tally which must be carried on your person

for the duration of the hike∆Collect meal tickets and individual medical form for completion.∆ If you wish to leave any personal kit, it should be labelled with your team number

and left in the accommodation area securely tied in a sack or bag∆You will be called to kit check from the main hall – please listen out for your

team number to be called. After kit check there will be a health check desk with a Doctor or nurse to collect your health form.

∆Once you have passed kit check you will go to the plotting room to plot your route

∆You will only be given the route to plot 30 minutes before your start time∆You must start at your allotted start time – if you have not finished plotting the

route you must do so outside the plotting room or elsewhere en route∆ Follow the rules and enjoy the hike – Good Luck!Rules1. AIM. The aim of the Competition is for a team of 3 to complete the course of

approximately 50 miles within 24 hours, or the 30-mile junior course within 15 hours, adhering to these rules. Walking is defined as “completing the route on foot”. By signing the entry form all competitors agree to accept the rules governing the competition.

2. AGE LIMITS. A team shall consist of only 3 members, each of whom must be over 15 years on the day of the event, or 14 years for the junior hike.

3. TEAM LEADER. A team leader must be named on the entry form who will be responsible for the team

4. CLASSES: 50 MILE (SENIOR) (A) A senior team whose total age does not exceed 54 years on the day of the walk.

(B) A senior team whose total age exceeds 54 years but is under 120 years on the day of the walk.

(C) A senior team whose total age is over 120 years on the day of the walk. 30 MILE (JUNIOR)

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(D) Junior - a team made up of members aged 14 to 17 inclusive. Novice. A team, none of whom has entered the Tour de Trigs before.5. UNDER 18. You must have the signature of a parent or guardian on the entry

form. Scout, Guide, Youth or School teams also need a leader’s/teacher’s signature.6. PERSONAL INSURANCE. All competitors must be adequately insured against

personal injury and liability for the duration of the competition.7. REGISTRATION. All competitors must register at Hike Control at least 90 minutes

before their start time. Late arrival may be penalised. All competitors will be required to complete a medical questionnaire.

8. TALLIES. Each walker will be issued with a tally at registration. Walkers must make sure these tallies are punched at Kit Check, Start, all Checkpoints and the Finish. Incorrect, incomplete, or lost tallies are likely to result in disqualification.

9. TEAM KIT. Each team must carry at ALL times: -a: O.S. map 151 (1:50,000) 2nd series, in waterproof plastic bag/case or laminatedb: Compass (Silva type).c: Adult sleeping bag.d: Survival bag, (not blanket) 2m x 0.5m.e: Watch.

10. PERSONAL KIT. All walkers must wear:- a: Strong walking BOOTS in good condition with cleated sole and ankle support. To complete this hike, we strongly recommend leather boots. b: Walking trousers, close woven, warm and windproof (NO JEANS, THIN RUNNING PANTS, LEGGINGS, ETC.). c: Reflective armbands worn on arms, to be visible at all times. All walkers must carry at ALL times: -

d: A standard torch with a minimum lens diameter of 40mm, spare batteries and bulb; or a good LED head torch of at least 20mm. This to see by and be seen on road sections.

e: Food. e.g. digestive biscuits, fruitcake, chocolate, sandwiches. f: Whistle g: Hat and gloves h: Plastic mug i: Fully waterproof jacket and trousers j: Spare sweater and socks. k: First Aid kit to include a 10cm x 4m crepe bandage, blister plasters & safety pins.11. KIT CHECK. All teams must present their kit at Kit Check when called, at least

one hour before their start time. In the interests of safety, walkers failing to comply with rules 8, 9 and 10 will NOT be allowed to start. Once through Kit Check teams must proceed to the plotting room.

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12. START TIME. Teams must leave the plotting room at their allotted start time.13. TIME LIMITS. You will be retired if you fail to reach the checkpoints named on theroutesheetwithinthespecifiedtimes.

14. AD HOC TEAMS. An Ad hoc team can be formed should a walker drop outduringthewalkandshallconsistofnotlessthanthree,ormorethanfive members. AD HOC teams can only be arranged by staff members of the hike. A leader must be appointed and all equipment in Rules 9 and 10 must be carried. Ad hoc members are not eligible for any trophies. A complete team may refuse to take on extra members, but if they accept, they will still be eligible to win a trophy. Junior and senior team members may ad hoc together, but junior members under the age of 15 cannot proceed beyond the 30-milefinish.

15. RETIRING. Except in an emergency, you may only retire at a roadside checkpoint.YoumustreturntoHikeControlinofficialtransport andcheckinatfinishpriortodeparture.Everyonemustbeaccountedforat the end of the hike.

16. EMERGENCIES. Never leave an injured walker alone. Ensure that the casualty iswarmandcomfortable,andsignal6whistleblastsortorchflashes,andseek assistance. The emergency phone number is on the tally. Time allowance will be given to teams assisting in an emergency.

17. TIME PENALTIES. Teams or individuals will incur time penalties, or be disqualified,if:

a: Therulesoftheroadarenotobeyed. b: TheCountryCodeisnotobeyed c: Membersoftheteamaremorethan15metresapart d: Thedesignatedrouteisnotadheredto e: Theteam’soranindividual’sbehaviourisdeemedbyamarshalto

be irresponsible and not in keeping with the spirit of the competition.18. SUPPORTERS. Some checkpoints are in isolated and awkward positions. After thelastteamhasleftHQ,supporterswillbenotifiedbyHikeControlof points at which they can see the teams. But no equipment substitution or relieving competitors of any item of kit is allowed, neither is any kind of physical help, pacemaking or supply of food. Breach of these rules, or cases of supporters making a nuisance of themselves, may lead to time penaltiesordisqualificationforthecompetitororteam.

19. MOBILE PHONES. These may be carried for emergency use only - not to obtain an unfair advantage.

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20. SATELLITE NAVIGATION. GPS equipment must not be used on the hike.21. HIKE CONTROLLER. In the event of a dispute, the decision of the Hike Controllerorhisnomineeshallbefinal.

Conduct Applies to ALL competitors and supporters.

∆ Please obey the Country Code. ∆ Walkontherighthandsideoftheroadinsinglefile.∆ Be courteous to everyone you meet. The continuing success of the walk relies

on the goodwill of landowners and the many volunteers. ∆ Do not leave ANY litter.∆ The school and its grounds area are designated non-smoking areas

50 Mile Senior Trophies

The Tour de Trigs Trophy Fastest team

Class A Trophy Fastest team with combined ages of less than 54 years

Class B Trophy Fastest team with combined ages less than 120 years

The Bygrave Trophy Fastest team with combined ages more than 120 years

Over The Hill Trophy All members over 50 years

The Ladies Trophy Fastest Ladies team

The Hansford Trophy Fastest mixed team

The Novice Award Fastest Novice team

Andy Rowse Trophy Fastest Scout or

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Guide teamHandicap Trophy Fastest team from over 30-miles radius from Banbury Blessed George Napier Trophy Fastest local senior teamBlessed George Napier School Trophy Fastest school team over 18Sean Concannon Trophy Fastest BGN student’s team

Certificates to all those completing 35 miles

30 Mile Junior Trophies

Warriner School Trophy To be decided Fastest Junior All male

Fastest Junior All female

Fastest Junior Mixed

Dave Manners Trophy Scout or Guide

Blessed George Napier U18 School Trophy Fastest school team

Junior Handicap Trophy Fastest team from outside a 30-mile radius of Banbury

Certificates for all finishers

All trophies will be presented, and the winners photographed. The trophies will remain with the Tour de Trigs. Presentation of

Certificates to all walkers completing the Tour de Trigs within the time limits will be made at 13.00 on Sunday.

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Our grateful thanks to:

Advanced Witness Systems LtdBanbury, St John Ambulance

Betts the Butchers Banbury Rotary Club

Banbury Catering and Events Banbury Charities

Sea Cadets from Bridge Water and Henly UnitsCleenol Group LtdDeddington Arms

EllacottsFine Lady Bakeries

Four Shires MagazineLocal Farmers and Landowners

N.E.A.T. (Northampton Emergency Aid Team)John Nicholls (Banbury) Ltd

RaynetSmiths of Bloxham

Venture 4x4Warriner School

West Bar Veterinary Practice... and the many willing volunteers without whose help this

event could not take place.

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Friday December 5th

20.00 Warriner School open for overnight accommodation. Don’t forget your sleeping bag and mat!

Saturday December 6th

07.00 Breakfast for overnighters. Anything not needed on the Tour de Trigs should be stored in your car or in a clearly labelled tied sack in the accommodation area

08.00 Kit enquiry desk opens08.00 Registration begins

Collect tallies, meal tickets and medical form and prepare for kit check

08.00 Kit Check opens. Please have kit forms completed and listen for your team number to be called

08.00 Tour de Trigs Shop and Snack Bar open09.00 Team one begins plotting route09.30 Team one starts the hike12.45 Snack Bar closes13.00 Supporters lunch (Voucher holders only)14.00 Snack Bar opens18.45 Snack Bar closes19.00 Supporters evening meal (Voucher holders only)20.00 Self snack Bar opens for the night

Sunday December 7th

00.00 Fastest teams begin to arrive back at Warriner School07.45 Snack Bar closes08.00 ... Until midday - brunch for walkers and supporters (Voucher holders

only)10.00 Tour de Trigs Shop opens for souvenirs etc13.00 Presentationoftrophiesandcertificates14.00 Close

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Tour de Trigs in the 80s - crossing the River Cherwell with polybags covering the boots!

Thank you for competing...hopefully see you next year!

www.tourdetrigs.org.uk

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