Open24 - Frequently Asked Questions
As and when questions are asked we have added these to the list. We will be deliberately coy in answering any questions in regards to specific details of the event as it wouldn't take too much for those in the know to work out the location
Event Format
- Will the wetsuits need to be in the kit bag at the start? due to logistics of the race we will be
providing plastic bags for wetsuits to keep them separate from the rest
of their team kit. These will be provided at registration and handed in
with kit bags. [29/5] - Is it possible to compete as a team of 4? No
- Where is it? Not telling you, until 2 weeks before the event
- Is water available (other than our own) at transition points? as listed in event details [updated 7/7]
- If there is any water jumps/canyoning, will we be able to wear a wetsuit? If there is any such stages on this years Open24 nobody will stop you wearing a wet suit
- One of us is injured can we get a refund? This question and ones similar have come from friends which makes it all the more difficult, but in summary no we are not offering refunds in the month preceding the event – A large portion of the Open24 costs are for hiring of equipment and staff, we have committed to these expenses on the expectation that everyone will come.
- Emergency food. What are we allowed to carry? Can this be high sugar foods such as honey, jellies etc? Again common sense, 4 jelly babies does not constitute as emergency food, most teams will carry a spare energy bar.
- Are substitutions of team members possible due to illness / injury? Yep right up to registration, it’s in our interest to get people racing. However for us it makes it considerbly easier if any changes are made by the Thursday prior to the event.
Mountain Biking
- How tough is the mountain biking course? Eg: Stairs, rates of climb and descent and condition of terrain (Woodland or cycle paths). In terms of terrain, it will be a mixture of tracks, minor roads and bridleways, as a general rule we do try and avoid sections that require carrying your bike
- Does the MTB clothing for use at night have to be fully waterproof, or can we use regular cycle over-top such as water resistant, breathable commuter top for example? Common sense prevails here, just pop a posting on sleepmonsters and I’m sure a plethora of story’s will rattle out about wrong clothing at the 2005 Wilderness ARC (a large number of teams dropped out) – we would have a problem if you set off with an Alton Towers plastic mac even if it was a clear night.
- Cycle lights - any minimum requirements for brightness? Nope – you will have fun if they are naff though.
- Are cyclo-cross bikes allowed instead of MTBs? Yes
On foot
- The main question (and concern) is the amount of running. Can it all be walked or is it necessary to run during this section or at any other time and, if so, over what distance? You don’t have to run anywhere, walking is more than fine for the Open24.
- I guess that during the evening / night section competitors use a head torch or similar? A good quality powerful head torch would be the way to go.
- The waterproof jacket/trousers - do these have to have taped seams (as per OMM) or is untaped Pertex kit allowed? For some stages you will be expected to carry a suitable waterproof which has taped seems and has a hood. For the MTB sections it does not have to have a hood. [updated 7/7]
- Are trekking poles allowed? Yes
- Torch. Does a head torch count or do we have to carry separate torch too? Yes Head torch counts, although you will need to carry spare batteries or a spare torch as well
Special Stages
- I have never abseiled is this is a problem? there is no abseiling on this event [updated 7/7]
- Would it be OK to miss special stages out? Yep although you will incur a penalty on your scores
Paddling
- Do we need a paddle bag? If you bring your own paddles we recommend you have them in a paddle bag.
- How much will they be transported between transitions for us - should we bring old paddles rather than our best ones? Entirely up to you, we do our utmost to look after the kit we transport for you however ultimately we will not be held responsible for any damage that may occur. That said if we were racing we would use our own paddles.
- We've hired a sit-on-top. Will the buoyancy aids and paddles also be supplied? Afraid these are extra.
- Can we use red hand flares instead of Orange smoke flares? Yes.
- Where could we buy from the orange smoke flares from? Hand held or not? Day or night type? Try Windermere Canoe and Kayak 015394 44451 - hand held is fine - day minimum
- Does the spray deck have to go in the kit bag? yes only place it can go. [updated 7/7]
Odd bits that don't fit under other headings...
- Will there be some where we can leave our non-racing, faffing kit during the event as we are being dropped off? Yep.
Any top tips?
For the trekking section we will be making use of some remote areas and in some circumstances using control locations that are beyond the regular path junctions - familiarising yourself with contours on a map and how they would look on the ground would be a real benefit.
Pace yourself. In the last 5 years, the majority of pairs dropped their speeds on MTB and foot by as much as 50% in the second half of the event, causing many to be late in to the finish. Build up an understanding of how fast you travel on MTB and foot, so you can be realistic about what is possible during the event.
Rehearse your transitions on average pairs were taking 30mins on each transition some frequently taking 45mins, with the top competitors taking less than 10mins on occasions. Saving 15mins on each transition will save over an hour on the whole event, time you will wish you had on the Sunday morning.