Open24 - Rules and Kit List
This is the kit list for the 2008 Open24, if you have questions about the best kit - post a question on the Sleepmonsters website, if its specific to this event and the answer is not on the FAQ page please feel free to contact us.
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.- Don’t take (ride or carry) your mountain bike on a footpath
- Only use public rights of way or permissive tracks as indicated on the map. E.g. Forestry roads
- Close gates even if someone is behind you or they were open when you arrived
- Pairs to stay together (you should be able to talk to each other) except in an emergency
- If you retire, you must report to the finish or the nearest transition point
- GPS units are not allowed to be used on the event (the use of altimeters is allowed)
- Competitors are not allowed to accept or use external assistance (e.g. support crews)
- Only the specified 1:25000 and 1:50000 OS maps can be used (except maps issued by Open Adventure)
- To continue as a ranked team, competitors must visit one control on each stage
- SI Cards (dibbers) must be attached to competitors using tyrek strips on the wrist (supplied if required)
- Competitor bibs must be worn over the top of any clothing or buoyancy aids at all times
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. Please don't push the limits we are VERY strict on this aspect of the event. 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)
- Compass (per pair)
- Map (per pair)
- Permanent marker (per pair)
- Whistle – this should be readily available we recommend you attach one to rucksac and another to your buoyancy aid.
- Emergency food
Mandatory - Mountain Bike
- Helmet * see notes below [changed 12/06]
- 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 not to be kept in kit box.
- Kayak paddle again loaded separately in to transport.
- Spraydeck if not using sit on top kayak when not in use store in boat bulkhead
- Orange Smoke Flare (preferred) or a packet of mini rocket flares (per pair) [added 12/06]please make sure flares are in date and that during the event they are readily available.
Recommended – Paddling
- Pump for those not using sit on top [added 14/07]
Mandatory – Special Stages
- Helmet * see notes below [changed 12/06]
- Long leggings (e.g. tracksters / running tights) and long arm top (e.g. thin fleece) [added 16/07]
- For some special stages encountered on the bike you will not be able to wear cleated shoes or sandals (recommend running shoes). [added 16/07]
The following items have recently been removed from the kit list (reference email sent on 16/7)
- 2 x Screw gate karabiners
- 1 x 120cm leash slings (240cm circumference)
- Harness - less than 5 year old with CE mark
Helmet - those who have done Open24 events before will know we take you to some interesting places, most of the time those situations do not neatly fit under a title of 'climbing' or 'watersports'. This event is the same and hence we have decided to ask competitors to use a multisport helmet. [added 12/06]
Over the past few weeks we have had a number of emails in regards to the requirement of multisport helmets in the Open24. The problem as highlighted above is that as organisers of the Open24 some of the special stages do not neatly fit under a convient discipline and as such we have to interpret what is the most appropriate kit for the stage.
In looking at this we decided that a multi-sport helmet is the most suitable tool for the task in hand. What we neglected to notice is that one popular helmet on the market (Elderid Shield) is marketed as a multisport helmet yet is only certified for climbing and cycling, this then followed a suggestion that if the Shield is OK then surely a MTB and climbing helmet will suffice... its any wonder we don't get ourselves tied in knots!
OK - so lets say it again. A multisport helmet is required for the Open24, we don't put things on the list without some careful thought. In regards to the Elderid Shield we will let this be used on this event - but not a climbing helmet. If you want to discuss why, we are happy to do so but after the event when we can talk about the risks involved. We would advise that in future events this helmet may not be suitable e.g. whitewater paddling down the Washburn in 2006.
Other suitable helmets
Kong Scarab
Salewa Krypton
[changed 12/07] We have added the Decathlon Bionnassay to the list although this is a similar helmet to Elderid Shield, in that it is not certified for paddling.
[changed 22/07] We are currently checking the Salewa Helium we fear that this is not tested for cycling, will update in next 24 hours. The Petzl Metor is definitely not suitable as it is not certified for cycling.
If you know of any others please contact us and we will add them to the list.
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 over trousers
- Torch with spare batteries, or an extra torch
- 2 glow sticks of different colours (per person - min 8hr)
[update 6th May]
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
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.
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.