Open24 - Rules and Kit List

We only have a few rules which are in place primarily for your safety and secondly to create a fair event.  We would appreciate if you would abide by these and the spirit in which they are written.  Deliberate infringement will not result in any loss of points just disqualification.

Bikes and kit – Open Adventure will transport your bikes and one kit box (per pair) (not two taped together!) for you to access at the transition points.  The kit box will need to contain any equipment not used in the stage you are completing e.g. bike helmet, harnesses, shoes, etc.  You should also use your transition box for the re-supply of food and spare clothing. 

The maximum size of the box should not exceed 1200 long x 500 wide x 600 high (the large kit boxes used at the WARC can not be used on this event) and should not weigh any more than 25kg – competitors have in the past pushed beyond these limits we will be VERY strict this year, expect to see a tape measure and a set of scales when you hand in your box.  We will supply race numbers to affix to your kit box, and your bike.

Kit We have put together a list of mandatory kit for safety reasons – at any point during or prior to the event random checks may take place.  The kit on the list is for each person in the pair unless stated.  The list is likely to change in the coming months as the challenges are finalised. 

It is very likely that during the course of the event you will get wet and as such you should use a waterproof bag/container for relevant parts of the kit list (e.g. phone).

Mandatory - All sections

  • First Aid Kit (per pair)
    • (Minimum of crepe bandage, triangular bandage, wound dressing, 2 safety pins and 6 adhesive dressings)
  • Mobile phone (per pair)
  • Money for phone (per pair)
  • Foil or Survival Bag (per pair) *change from 06
  • Compass (per pair)
  • Map (per pair)
  • Permanent marker (per pair)
  • Whistle – this should be readily available
  • Emergency food

Mandatory - Mountain Bike

  • Cycle Helmet
  • Front and rear cycle lights
  • Puncture Repair Kit (per pair)
  • Spare inner tube (per pair)
  • Bike Tool (per pair)
  • Pump (per pair)

Mandatory – Paddling

  • Buoyancy Aid
  • Kayak paddle

Mandatory – Swimming [added 11/07]

  • Swim cap - same colour for both in pair (bright but not white, purple, blue or black)

Mandatory – Rope Sections

  • Harness
  • Climbing Helmet (not cycle helmet)
  • 3 x Screw gate karabiners [changed from 2 to 3 on 11/7]
  • 1 x 120cm leash slings (240cm circumference)
  • 1 x Handled Ascender (aka “Jumar”)

Mandatory – As specified on control description cards

  • Spare long sleeved top and leggings e.g. thermal top and tracksters
  • Hat can be a “buff”
  • Waterproof jacket with hood for trek/ run
  • Waterproof overtrousers
  • Torch with spare batteries, or an extra torch
  • 2 yellow (or green) glow sticks and 2 red glow sticks per person (min 8 hours) [added 11/07]

[update 13/07]

Last year we belittled the requirement for high power bike lights and on reflection that was not a good idea, for many competitors it was a tough night tackling technical singletrack and rough bridleways. Whilst it is unlikely that you will be using your bike during the small hours I would encourage you to have a high powered head torch - certainly the using the likes of the lightweight led lights (e.g. Tikka) could cause you problems.

[update 11/07]

We have updated the kit list with a couple of items, most of the kit on this list is available from Windermere Canoe and Kayak who will be at registration. Call the boat house on 015394 44451 if you are short.

You can check out their online shop here www.totaladventureracing.co.uk

There was a high degree of concern from the technical staff at the recent Open12 at the state of the kit some competitors were using in particular the age! Buoyancy Aids, harnesses, helmets, slings should be less than 10 years old. If the material is colour faded or is damaged you will have to source a replacement which could be tricky to do at registration.

Trying not to sound like your mum, but please make sure you know how to put on your harness and buoyancy aid and that you know how to use the handled ascender. The technical staff at the recent Open12 estimate that 30% of competitors turned up at the abseil with harnesses on incorrectly (buckles not double backed, straps twisted, etc). For the kit check at registration we ask that you arrive with your harness on - competitors who turn up on special stages with kit not fitted correctly will not be able to start the stage.

Likewise in regards to the handled ascender, we will ask competitors at the kit check to attach their handled ascender to a fixed rope without assistance from their partner. It is quite possible that where you need to use these there will be no technical staff. There will be practice ropes for you to use prior to kit check.

In regards to the waterproof jacket and trousers, for the trek stage we will ask you to carry these regardless of the weather. Pertex lightweight tops are not suitable.

Without giving too much away you will at some point have to carry a cycle helmet and a climbing helmet whilst on foot, hence our suggestion that competitors invest in a multi-sport helmet.  Please don’t ask why, just be patient it will be worth it.

If you have any comments in regards to the rules or the kit list please don’t hesitate to contact us, preferably before you infringe them.