Open24 - Rules and Kit List
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 supplied 1:25000 and 1:50000 OS maps can be used
- 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 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
- Head Torch - as specified [added 20/7]
Mandatory - Mountain Bike
- Helmet * see notes below
- 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
- Watersport helmet (or multisport)
- 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) please make sure flares are in date and that during the event they are readily available.
- Pump for those not using sit on top
Mandatory – Special Stages
- Climbing Helmet * see notes below
- Long leggings (e.g. tracksters / running tights) and long arm top (e.g. thin fleece)
- For some special stages encountered on the bike you will not be able to wear cleated shoes or sandals (recommend running shoes)
- 2 x Screw gate karabiners
- 1 x 120cm leash slings (240cm circumference)
- Harness - less than 5 year old with CE mark
Helmet - Last year after MUCH forray we insisted on Multisport helmets. You will be pleased to note that this is not the case this year. However you will need a cycling helmet, climbing helmet and a watersport helmet (so you might as well use a multisport helmet!)
Please note some multisport helmets are not suitable for paddling and a few although advertised as multisport are not suitable for cycling. We recommend that you don't leave this purchase to the very last minute if you decide to get a multisport helmet.
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.