Q & A

WHY IS THE EVENT CALLED SAMS RIDE?

In 2009, 2011 and 2013, we put on a one day music event at the location of Ride HQ in aid of the Salisbury and District Samaritans. Each one was hugely successful, getting bigger and better each year but in 2015 we wanted to do something different, and what better than to the use the skills of our event team (many of whom are keen cyclists having done quite a number of sportives themselves), to put on what was be a memorable cycle sportive. It was a great success and so we did it again it again in 2016, 2017,2018, 2019 and 2021. We hope that the 2022 event will takes us to a total of over £150,000 raised for the Salisbury and Dsitrict samaritans through our cycle sportive.

We are keen to see as many people out doing the ride – whatever age or ability. Come on…anyone can do at least 25 miles….!

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS EVENT?

We are supporting the Salisbury and District Samaritans – our local branch that covers an area roughly from Andover through to Warminster and the south to Salisbury and the surrounding area. Hence why the 100 mile course is designed to cover a large proportion of the district supported by the branch.

The Samaritans are passionate about the support they give to our community aiming to keep their doors open 12 hours a day to visitors, and keeping telephones manned for 24 hours a day, every day of the year.. They can’t do it without the support of fund raising events such as our sportive.

Our objective is to put on a truly great fun day and to raise some money for a great cause. 100% of the profits will go to the Samaritans.

WHEN IS THE NEXT SAMS RIDE?

The next Sams Ride event on Saturday 20th August 2022..

WHY SHOULD I DO THIS EVENT?

Well apart from the good cause and the good exercise, we want it to be a truly memorable day with excellent organisation and facilities. We’ve got some of the best event organisers in our team with a lot of experience so we know we can make it special. read our testimonial page to see what people said about our past events.

All you need to do is to register for the event and turn up. Of course, if you want to make it a personal challenge and raise some more money through sponsorship then of course we would be delighted, and a link to set up a fundraising page can be found here.

We put on an extremely high quality event, offering something for every level of cyclist, giving you the best possible day in the saddle. We are planning to lay on excellent facilities for all riders to make it a great day for all.

WHAT’S THE FORMAT?

The next event will be on Saturday 20th August 2022 and we will again be proving three spectacular well signposted and marshalled routes through the Hampshire and Wiltshire countryside. Whatever your ability, the choice of three routes on quiet country roads will provide appropriate challenges whilst allowing you to enjoy the spectacular scenery and be well supported on route with feed stations and Marshalls. Registrations are now open and if you are not ready to enter just yet, you can register for our informaiton newsletter by emailing halosports@hotmail.co.uk

WHAT DOES THE EVENT INCLUDE?

Three marked out courses for 100, 50 and 25 miles. Designated routes will be accompanied by .gpx map files prior to the event
Rest and refuel stations at approximately 30 and 70 miles with free refreshments, male and female toilets
Rider public liability insurance
Ride HQ: Start and finish point with:

Registration desk for all participants to collect a rider pack that includes:

Wristband for identification
Laminated Bike number and ties

Parking
Tented registration cover
Breakfast (self-purchase)
Toilet and changing facilities
Water on tap
Stalls offering cycling nutrients, clothing etc
Post-race hot lunch and drinks (Included in entry fee)
Bar selling wine, beer and soft drinks
Ride medal
First Aid and medical support
Bicycle stand racking

On course

Marshalls at key crossing points
Route signage
Feed stations
Cycle repair and support at Ride HQ and Feed stations
Emergency support
Event photography
Broom wagon to sweep up stranded riders

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The costs for 2018 are the same as 2017 where the cost per rider for each ride is:

SERIOUS – 100 miles £35.00
SPORTY – 50 miles £35.00
SENSIBLE – 25 miles £30.00

There is a £5.00 discount for those under 25 years of age.

Whilst this is the entry fee that covers all the facilities provided we hope that many riders will raise their own sponsorship to add funds to our cause. For details on how to set up a Just Giving page for the event please see the Donations and Sponsorship page

HOW DO I ENTER?

All entries must be done online through British Cycling. There will be a link on our website home page. Just click on the re ENTER button and fill in your details and make a secure on line payment.

Please note: Entries are non-transferable and entry via the British Cycling website only. You don't need to be a member of British Cycling to enter but we seriously recommend you join - lots of benefits including insurance and discounts at many cycling outlets.

WHAT TIME CAN I START MY RIDE?

Riders will be able to start anytime between 8.00am and 10.00am on the morning of the ride. All riders MUST ‘sign in’ – once you arrive, please report to the registration tent where you will receive your rider pack with numbers, wristband and your timing chip. Riders will be sent off in groups of 20 at two minute intervals to reduce any road congestion. There will be a safety brief for all riders before they start.

IS THERE A DRESS CODE?

No you can wear what you want but we suggest a good pair of padded cycling shorts for starters! Furthermore, make sure you are covered for any inclement weather with a light weight waterproof.

All riders MUST wear cycle helmets, this is mandatory for all British Cycling / UCI registered events.

WILL THE ROUTE BE SIGNPOSTED?

Yes. All routes are on quiet country roads, avoiding major main roads and will be clearly way-marked all the way.

Although there should be no danger of getting lost, as a back-up all riders at registration will be given a route sheet with emergency contact numbers clearly marked.

There will also be marshals at major junctions on route such as main road crossings. Please obey their instructions!

.GPX files of the route will be provided as a website download prior to the event once the final route has been confirmed. Provisional route maps are available here but be aware these might change slightly leading up to the event.

WHERE IS THE START AND FINISH LOCATION?

Ride HQ is located at Farleigh School, Red Rice, Nr Andover, SP11 7PW

Click here for a map

Ride HQ will be clearly sign posted from all directions.

WHERE ARE THE ‘FEED STATIONS’ ?

Feed stations will be located at regular intervals during your ride providing male and female toilet facilities and a range of food and drink plus water bottle refills. Please ensure that you stock up with energy and liquids while you can!

WHAT IF I CAN’T COMPLETE THE ROUTE

There will be a “broom sweep” of the course to pick up any stragglers that either can physically finish the course or who run into mechanical difficulties. Sadly its not a taxi service and should only be relied on in case of emergencies and it may tak time for us to get to you depending on the nature of your situation. In the case of an emergency you will find a contact number on your route card.

WHAT IF I GET A PUNCTURE OR MY BIKE BREAKS?

Please ensure that your bicycle is in good working order prior to the event and suitable for the level of ride you want to do. There will be a mechanic offering basic repairs, spare inner tubes etc at Ride HQ and at the feed station. We recommended every rider carries two spare inner tubes and a small lightweight bike tool. Replacement inner tubes will be available to buy from Ride HQ and at the feed stations.

AND FINALLY…

Enjoy the ride - it is not a race and all riders must take responsibility to ride safely and respect other road users and local residents on route. Although cycling is incredibly popular, it can only remain so if cyclists act responsibly, allow road traffic to pass and don’t drop litter!

ENJOY! See you all at the Start....and the finish