2014
RIDERS’ NOTES
TOUR O’ THE BORDERS 2014
TOUROTHEBORDERS.COM
GETTING HERE
Hotels
BEFORE THE EVENT
Peebles is easily reached from all over the UK – it’s 45
minutes south of Edinburgh and 2 hours north of Newcastle
upon Tyne.
The Tontine Hotel – www.tontinehotel.com
On Tuesday 5 August, you will be sent a link to a file
containing your rider number, start wave and estimated start
time. This info will also be given to you at registration.
Peebles Hydro Hotel – www.peebleshydro.co.uk
If you are arriving by car the main roads into the town are the
A72 from the south and west, and the A703 from the north.
Share car transport whenever you can – there’s a very useful
car-sharing website at www.tripshareborders.com. The
closest stations are Edinburgh Waverley Station, Carlisle
Railway Station or Berwick-upon-Tweed Railway Station.
Check Travelline Scotland for dedicated bus connections.
MacDonald Cardrona Hotel – www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/
our-hotels/macdonald-cardrona-hotel-golf-spa
Barony Hotel – www.baronycastle.com
Start waves are important for safety – remember they are
based on your predicted speed on the course, and slower
riders start later for safety reasons.
Self catering
Kailzie Bunk House – www.bunk-house.co.uk
Glentress Forest Lodges – www.glentressforestlodges.co.uk
The Bike House – www.thebikehouse.co.uk
ACCOMMODATION
The Tweed valley area boasts a large amount of
accommodation varying from campsites to luxury hotels.
Many of these accommodation providers pride themselves on
their ‘cycle-friendly’ service.
The Bike Lodge – www.thebikelodge.co.uk
Camping
Rosetta Caravan Park – www.rosettaholidaypark.com
Crossburn caravan Park – www.crossburn-caravans.com
For more suggestions go to www.visittweedvalley.co.uk
EDINBURGH
START LINE
INNERLEITHEN
REGISTRATION
EVENT ROUTE
DIRECTION
SUNDAY MORNING:
ASSEMBLE HERE
Sign on is at Burgh Hall, High Street, Peebles, EH45 8AG on
Saturday 9th August from 10am – 8pm. Please be aware,
it will NOT be possible to register on the Sunday. Due to
the road closures in operation for the event we must start
promptly at 6.45 am. Registration on the morning of the event
would severely risk this start time so, regrettably, we cannot
register anyone on Sunday morning.
We appreciate that this is difficult for some riders so we are
happy for someone else to collect the entry pack for absent
riders. If you are picking up a registration pack for someone
else please bring a printed copy of the absent entrant’s
(or entrants’) email confirmation/s. We will need to see
this before we can issue entry packs to representatives of
absent riders. You will be asked to confirm the mobile phone
number, emergency contact details and sign on behalf of the
absent rider so please make sure you have a record of this
information.
GLASGOW
New entries will also be possible on Saturday 9th if your
friends decide they want to ride!
POST-RIDE
SHOWERS
Registration will be signposted from the High Street, entrance
to the hall is through the arch by the library, next to the
Tourist Information Centre. Look out for Tour O’ The Borders
flags.
SUNDAY ONLY:
OFFICIAL
EVENT PARKING
RESTRICTED
ROAD
PARKING AREAS
FROM
EVENT FINISH
PEEBLES
PARKING
Parking will be charged at £3 per car, which will be
collected on departure from the site.
For registration on Saturday, there are car parks on
Edinburgh Road, Kingsmeadows Road and at the Gytes
Leisure centre, all within easy walking distance of the
Burgh Hall.
Street parking is possible on many streets around Peebles,
but on event day it will be restricted in certain areas for
safety reasons, particularly along the route of the event.
On Sunday only - event day - official parking will be available
in Victoria Park in Peebles, access to which is off Springhill
Road and will be signposted from the town centre.
Please note ALL short course waves will leave latest, and it
will generally not be advisable for any long course riders to
leave with short course riders if they wish to make it round
the big course before cut off time (ie 16kmph).
REGISTRATION
Glentress Forest Lodges - www.glentressforestlodges.co.uk
VICTORIA PARK
Please note we cannot change your start wave after this time,
but if you wish to ride with a friend who’s in a different wave,
you can still do so – as long you join the later wave.
Please do not park in a way that will cause inconvenience to
residents, restrict traffic flow or otherwise cause problems!
When you arrive at registration, refer to the notice board
where you can find your name, and your rider number. You
can then collect your rider pack from the sign on team. You
will be asked to present a copy of your email confirmation
and confirm your mobile phone number, emergency contact
details and sign for your pack.
Please note: We ask all riders to carry their mobile phone
with them during the event. It may be very useful and your
timing results will initially be sent to the number you have
provided.
You’ll then receive a personalised number board, cable
ties, timing chip, route card and a selection of goodies. On
your personalised number board will be printed your start
wave and estimated start time, this information will also be
displayed at registration.
Please note: you will not be allowed to join the ride without
your number board attached to your handlebars. Number
boards must be fixed to your bars and be readable throughout
the event. Cable ties will be provided for this.
Your timing chip is in the form of a non-disposable chip that
is positioned on the front axle of your bike. Please ensure that
the chip is firmly positioned, if you loose your chip you will
not receive a time for the event and you will be charged £10
to cover the cost of the chip. If you are unsure about how to
attach your chip, please ask a Tour O’ The Borders marshal/
crew member.
Course map/route card will be provided on sign-on and will
show feed zones, toilets/water stops.
TIMING CHIP USE
You will be issued a non-disposable chip at registration, it is
your responsibility to secure the chip securely to your bike.
The timing chip fits on the front quick release skewer of
your bike, remove the screw cap on your bikes quick release
and place the chip on the axle against the fork leg, replace
the screw cap and tighten securely. It is very important that
you secure your timing chip and tighten your quick release
sufficiently. If you have any problems or are unsure, please
contact a marshal or ask another rider to advise you.
PRE EVENT FACILITIES
Public toilets around Peebles will be open on Sunday
morning, these are situated on School Brae and
Kingsmeadows Road car park. Event portaloos will be Tweed
Green in the centre of Peebles, where all riders will assemble
before their start time.
START
Event Safety is our priority and with this in mind, every rider
has been allocated an approximate start time. Riders will be
started in waves of up to 150 riders.
You must be at the start area at Tweed Green at least 30
minutes before your start time. You should have your timing
chip in place, your number board attached and be ready to
ride. You will be called to the start line in waves, so please
make sure you are ready in good time.
Remember: If you wish to ride with someone who has been
designated a different wave to yourself you can do so by both
riding in the later wave. You cannot ride in an earlier wave
but if necessary you can ride in a later one.
The first riders will start out at 6.45 am and the last riders
will leave by 7.45am. The fastest riders registered for the long
route will leave first, followed by the medium and slow riders,
short route riders will leave last.
Please listen to any instruction and route information the
start marshals give. Once you are instructed to, you can start
your ride. Ride safely and have fun!
If you are doing the full course, your number will be black
on a yellow background, Short course number boards have
yellow numbers on a black background.
TOUR O’ THE BORDERS 2014
FINISH
The sportive ends at a hill summit just prior to Kailzie
Gardens, from the finish line you will be guided down the hill
and into Kailzie Gardens. You are no longer being timed at this
point, you will be instructed to ride slowly down the hill into
the Gardens.
At Kailzie gardens you will be directed to pull over and
your timing chip will be removed, you will receive your
commemorative Endura Tour multi-tube and a bottle of water.
Kailzie Gardens Café and Fishery will be open to purchase
food and drinks as well as a BBQ (weather permitting). Please
be aware that, from this point onwards, roads are open for
vehicular access so you must follow the Highway code from
this point onwards. This will be clearly signed to remind you.
All riders must finish the course by 4pm and you must
complete the course at a minimum of 16 kmph (10 mph). If
you do not maintain this minimum speed the sweeper vehicle
will pick you and your bike up (if space available) and you will
be asked to surrender your timing chip.
TOUROTHEBORDERS.COM
map will also be on display at registration.
You should refer to your map frequently during your ride to
confirm your location. If you accidentally stray from the route
you should back track to the last point where you knew you
were on the route. Signs have been tampered with at other
events so please so check your route card regularly.
There will be marshals along the route at road junctions and
strategic points, these marshals will be able to assist you if
you have any difficulties.
Along the route there will be traffic control points, these
are placed at strategic points to allow access to residents in
isolated areas. They will be operated by trained personnel
whose main priority is the safety of cyclists. Please follow any
instructions they may give carefully.
MARSHAL INSTRUCTIONS
Kailzie is a beautiful estate, with gardens, a great restaurant,
putting green and fishery. Friends or family may wish to meet
you here – parking might be limited though.
Marshals along the route will notify you of unexpected
dangers (like emergency services on the route) when
necessary. IMPORTANT: riders must follow all Marshals’
instructions. Marshals will be wearing high visibility tabards
or vests and will clearly signal if you need to stop or slow
down. If a marshal needs you to stop, they will stand in the
road and signal clearly with both arms, if a marshal needs you
to slow down for a danger they will signal with one arm in a
clear up and down motion.
EVENT ROUTE CARD
FEED STATIONS AND TOILETS
A ‘Tour O’ Route & Information card will be provided for you
in your registration packs. As well as details of the route and
feed stations, it has emergency and other useful information,
so please be certain to take it with you. For GPS information,
click on the link on the event website.
GORDON ARMS: approx. 22km from start
Alternatively, you are free to continue the route on open roads
at your own risk/discretion, though please be aware course
marking may have been removed.
COURSE MARKINGS
Once you set off from Peebles, the route will be marked with
the YELLOW arrow signs. These will be at all junctions on the
route and please look out for other caution or warning signs.
These caution signs will be used where appropriate to mark
potential hazards. When you see these signs, you should
reduce your speed and ride with extra care.
Although the course is clearly marked, you should study your
route card and familiarize yourself with the route. A detailed
KIRKHOPE JCT: approx. 32 km from start (short route only)
If you retire for any reason please inform a ride official as
soon as possible. Please refer to contact number on route
card if you need to inform the sweeper team.
If you decide to ride the short route rather than the long route,
please inform a marshal at the junction where the two routes
split.
ROUTE CLEARING
Approximately 30 minutes after the last rider starts, our
sweeper team will set out to clear the route. They will be
removing all route signs and markings at this point. You can
recognise it as a black minibus with a bike trailer.
The sweeper team will stay behind the last riders and assist
any riders who may be having problems. They will aim to
have all route markings removed and all riders finished by
4pm. Riders are asked to complete the course at a minimum
average speed of 16 kmph (10 mph), If you do not maintain
this minimum speed you will be asked to surrender your
timing chip by the sweeper vehicle. You can finish the route at
your own risk on open roads or, subject to space, ride back to
Peebles in the sweeper vehicle.
MECHANICAL SUPPORT
Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative will have two mechanic vans
on course. They will likely be at the back of the field but will
be able to help with most mechanical situations. Additionally,
some motorbike marshals will carry spare tubes and some
basic tools.
•
In areas where one way access is maintained for
vehicular access stay within the coned area and ride with
care
•
Pot holes and rough road surfaces will be marked
where possible but please stay aware especially on fast
descents
•
Please watch your speed! Steep descents will be marked
with CAUTION signs
•
If you have any health concerns seek the advice of a
health professional prior to the event
•
Bring any personal medication such as asthma inhalers
and insulin
•
Please list these on your number board
•
Bring sunblock and sufficient layers of clothes with you
•
Bring sufficient food and drink
•
Riders must obey all event marshals’ and event officials’
instructions
•
Use of a mobile phone while cycling is not permitted, you
must pull to the roadside and stop if you wish to make/
receive a phone call
•
Use of a music player or other similar device with
headphones is also not permitted.
•
Don’t drop litter including gel packets and water bottles.
ETTRICKBRIDGE: approx. 73 km from start (long route only)
THE ‘NIGHT AFORE’
•
WATERWHEEL CAFÉ, SELKIRK: approx. 33km from finish
(please note the Waterwheel café will also be open if you’re
really hungry or fancy a sit-down stop)
Many riders will have the chance to enjoy a leisurely evening
in Peebles and surrounding area the night before the ride.
Some local restaurants are holding special events or will offer
‘Touro’ menus for the evening.
Be aware of the potential of animals on the road and note
cattle grids which may require care.
•
Take care when overtaking other cyclists, and look over
your shoulder before pulling out. Please allow other
cyclists to overtake you safely.
The Restaurant at Kailzie are doing a deal on Saturday
evening from 5pm if you book ahead:
•
Take care when pulling out from feed stations, if you are
missing the feed station please slow down to ensure
the safety of riders leaving the stops. Food stops will be
marked well before hand.
•
As the event will be on a Sunday there will be church
services occurring along the route. Please be aware of
pedestrians on the route
•
Please remember that a minimum speed of 16 kmph
(10mph) must be maintained, if you are travelling at a
slower pace you will be asked to return your chip and
continue riding at your own pace.
Additional water stops will be at approx. 45km from start
(long route) and at Traquair (8km from finish)
SHOWERS
Full changing and shower facilities will be available at the
Gytes Leisure Centre, Walkers Haugh, Peebles EH45 8GL.
This venue will be signposted once back in Peebles.
Good selection of pastas & salads, with live music from 5pm.
£12.50pp (kids under 12 eat free). Book on 01721 722807
www.kailzie.com
More deals and offers on our Facebook page soon.
www.facebook.com/pages/Tour-o-theBorders/107260996067798
COURSE PROFILES
SHORT COURSE
RETIREMENT
LONG COURSE
EVENT RULES AND REGULATIONS
•
•
Tour O’ The Borders 2014 is a closed road event, we do
however ask that you take care on the roads and cycle on
the left except when overtaking.
Vehicular access is maintained for emergency services,
if you hear a siren - pull over and get off the course
immediately, wait until the vehicle has passed before
continuing on your ride.
EVENT PREPARATION
Bikes
It is highly advisable and important that all riders have their
bicycle in good roadworthy condition for taking part in the
TOUR O’ THE BORDERS 2014
TOUROTHEBORDERS.COM
event. Maybe stating the obvious but please remember:
•
Sunblock
Please consider giving your bike a tune up or taking it to your
local bike shop before the event.
•
Chamois cream
•
Mobile phone
Helmet
•
Route card
An appropritate helmet must be worn and done up properly
at all times when cycling. Your helmet must comply with the
various accepted standards such as ANSI Z90.4, SNELL B90,
EN 1078 or equivalent national standard NOTE: The British
Kite Mark is not sufficient.
THE BODY
No unconventional handlebars are permitted including
triathlon bars, aero bars, clip-ons, prayer bars, spinaci bars
and cow bars. Bar end plugs must be fitted.
KEY BIKE SAFETY POINTS ON THE DAY
•
Sensors, Bottle cages and pumps are all in place and
fitted as required.
•
Tyres are inflated to correct pressure.
•
Handlebars/stem/brake lever are not slack and in
position.
•
Saddle is tight and at correct height and position.
•
Wheels are not rubbing on brakes after installing.
•
Front and rear quick release skewers are tight.
•
Timing chip is secured firmly in position on front quick
release skewer.
TOUR O’ THE BORDERS KIT CHECK LIST
(DON’T FORGET)
Sweeper vehicles and tech/service support will be on course,
provided by Bike Bus Glentress. Tech support is provided by
Edinburgh bike Co-op.
EMERGENCIES
The Tour O’ The Borders sportive event takes place over some
of the most scenic and challenging roads in the Scottish
Borders. With this in mind it would be advisable that each
participant be in reasonable shape/fitness to take part in and
enjoy this classic race. Training Tips courtesy of Submax
coaching can be found on newsletters and the Tour O’ The
Borders facebook page.
You will find contact numbers on your map and on your
number board. These numbers are for use in emergencies
only. In non-emergency situations please contact an event
marshall.
HELPFUL TIPS
Organise to have an advised training/diet schedule from a
qualifies coach/nutritionist.
Cycle train as much as possible in the months/weeks leading
up to the event.
On the evening before the event……
Eat Carbohydrates 3-4 hours before going to bed eg Pasta/
rice/bread etc.
Hydrate thouroughly with plenty of water.
Try to eat 2-3 hours before then eat and drink something 30
minutes before the event – energy drink, bananas etc.
Eat and drink at regular intervals throughout the event - you
must stay fuelled for the body to work at optimum efficiency –
don’t wait until you feel hungry to eat.
•
Timing Chip
•
Helmet
•
Jersey suitable for weather
•
Shorts
•
Shoes
•
Sunglasses
•
Arm and Leg Warmers
•
Waterproof jacket
•
Water bottles
•
Energy gels/food etc
•
Puncture repair kit
SPARES AND REPAIRS
•
Spare tubes
•
Pocket tools
•
Cycle Computer
Every rider is responsible for their bike and equipment.
The condition, quality and construction should be suitable
to ensure the safety or riders or other persons. It is
recommended that your bike is services prior to the event.
Representatives of the Red Cross will be positioned along the
route and at the end of the course.
These points are:
• Philliphaugh Selkirk
Park on the A708 near Selkirk Football Club
The organisers will endeavour to give all entrants a time
derived from the electronic timing chip system provided.
However, they are not responsible in the unlikely event of fault
in the electronic timing system. Please make sure your chip
is returned at the finish line, you will be charged £10 for the
non-return of timing chips.
CANCELLATION POLICY
www.endurasport.com/shop/?SelProductID=639
If you suffer from any medical conditions such as asthma,
diabetes, epilepsy or any others, paramedics need to know
this in the event of an emergency. Please write any condition
on the back of your event number.
There are designated spectator points along the route
where spectators can watch the event safely and where safe
vehicular access is possible throughout the day.
• Finish area on the B7062 and at Kailzie gardens
All parking within the grouns of Kailzie estate. No parking permitted on B7062.
The event’s title sponsor Endura have produced some
fantastic official event kit, which will be available to buy at the
event registration area, or it can be ordered in advance online.
MEDICAL COVER
SPECTATOR POINTS
At the finish line, make sure you cross the finish line so your
time is recorded. All riders times are logged and available
on line as well as being sent via SMS to individuals mobile
phones.
OFFICIAL EVENT KIT
Don’t go off at too fast a pace that you are not going to
maintain – it’s not a wise thing to do. Listen to your body
during the event, set a comfortable pace and try not to get
swept up into a higher pace when being passed by other
riders. Stick to your individual plan of taking part, finishing
and above all enjoying the Tour O’ The Borders!
Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative will be running a mobile shop
at event registration for anything you might need before the
big ride.
• Traquair House
All parking in the Traquair House overflow parking field.
A photography service will be in operation on the day and
a link will be sent to you after the event in case you wish to
buy any images of your big day. We will also have our own
photographers in place who will provide images for the media
and promotion of next year’s event. If you don’t want your
picture potentially to be used for event publicity/reporting just
let us know (with your rider number).
On the day of the event….
LAST MINUTE SPARES
AT THE FINISH
EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY
Get a good nights sleep.
DESIGN: HILLSIDE AGENCY
Handlebars
You should be carrying basic tools, inner tubes and a pump to
fix punctures or mechanical problems you may experience.
Please know how to use them too. A basic first aid kit is also
recommended.
If the safety of riders and staff becomes an issue we may
have to cancel the event, or if we have to cancel the event for
reason outwith our control, this will be announced on our
website as soon as possible before the event, and riders will
receive a refund minus an admin fee.
If the event is cancelled due to adverse or dangerous
conditions any time after 17:00 on the Thursday before the
event, we will refund a percentage of the entry fee taking into
account any outlaid costs.
THANKS TO….
Tour O’ The Borders would like to thank all sponsors and
individuals who have helped make the event happen including
Endura, Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op and Macmillan Cancer
Support. We would also like to thank Event Scotland, Scottish
Borders Council, Raynet and all the emergency services for
their invaluable support in making this closed road event
possible.
START: PEEBLES HIGH ST.
BOWLAND
PEEBLES
CARDRONA
Kailzie Gardens &
Restaurant
7
FINISH
B7062
Kailzie Equestrian
B710
BLACKHAUGH
WALKERBURN
INNERLEITHEN
CLOVENFORDS
WATER
ASHIESTEEL
Traquair House
TRAQUAIR
B7060
FAIRNILEE
B709
A707
SELKIRK
Waterwheel Tea Room
1
A708
YARROW
FEEDZONE
Bowhill Estate
B7009
B7039
FEEDZONE
A708
Gordon Arms Hotel
SUNDHOPE
6
Cross Keys Inn
FEEDZONE
5
Kirkhope Hall
ST MARYS
LOCH
2
GILMANSCLEUCH
B6400
ASHKIRK
B7009
B709
4
CROSSLEE
HOPEHOUSE
B711
ALEMOOR
ETTRICKHILL
Woll Golf Course
3
ETTRICK
WATER
CLIMBS
1
Mountbenger (Paddy Slacks)
2
Berry Bush (Top Swire)
3
Borthwick Brae Roberton
4
Blawearie
5
Woll
6
Witchy Knowe (Bottom Swire)
7
Kailzie climb
ROBERTON
B711
DESCENTS
All climbs have descents directly after the top of the
hill. Steepest descents will be climbs 3, 4 & 6. All
riders must ride with due care and attention at all
times on descents.