Where is York Sport Village and how do I get there?

It's just off the A1079. Near the BP service station and opposite B&Q in the north of York. Its very smart and only opened fully in 2013. See map. People go into the sports village being overweight and all come out looking like Beyoncé and David Beckham. We guarantee the same transformation if you do the BBBR, only we do not insist that you get tattoos or have children with weird names...

Where can I park?

Martials will be on hand to provide you with directions to parking and there will also be directional sign posts. Parking at the sports village is for martials and members of the sports village only.

What happens when I arrive?

Lovely Lorraine and her team of beautiful assistants will register you and give you a rider ID to fit to your bike for identification purposes. (So you can see who's overtaking you.)

What time does the ride start?

9.00 am prompt Saturday morning. All good looking people with the correct kit will start at the front. There will be a warm-up session at 8:30 and it is recommended you take part.

How tough is the Bike Ride?

It's reasonably tough... The first 20 miles are flat and then we have a few bumps. Some of the hills are a real challenge. But don't worry: if they are too tough then you just get off your bike and walk. (Make sure you pretend to have a problem with your bike and let your friends think you are just not wanting to embarrass them!)

My suggestion is that you need to train for this ride and you need to train on the biggest hills you can find.

If you did the ride last year, you will know it's reasonably tough. This year we're doing the reverse route to make it even more interesting (prepare yourself for Leavening Hill - see track elevation).

How do I pay for the ride?

Once your application has been accepted you will be sent an email with a link to our payment page. Please pay a £49 entry fee. The entry fee is strictly non-refundable as we will commit to your entry requirements.

Payment is online by credit or debit card via PayPal. There are no extra fees for payment.

You do not need a PayPal account in order to pay via PayPal.

There are only a guaranteed 700 places in the ride so please register asap. If you register after 30th June we cannot guarantee a cycling jersey.

Sponsorship: How much must I raise?

We have always had some fantastic sponsorship amounts. Some people are capable of raising large sums from their business contacts. However, for mere mortals, the minimum sponsorship commitment is £100.

We expect you to pay this amount in whether you have achieved it in sponsorship or not.

It’s a commitment not a passing thought!

The best way to collect sponsorship is via Just Giving. We set everybody up with a page upon payment for application. We would like everyone to use Just Giving as the charity gets an extra 25% on top of everything you raise. However, there is a sponsorship form if you prefer to raise funds that way. We will still want you to pay in any cash via your Just Giving site.

What if I want to take a partner?

We need volunteers for the marshalling and bumstops, so if your partner wishes to help but not ride, then please let us know by emailing: info@bigbadbikeride.com

Photos: will you get me from the right angle?

We will take photos during the day, but bring your own camera and send the good pictures to me, so I can upload them to the website.

Will there be any Bumstops?

Yes – we will supply you with chocolate biscuits and drink at three places on the Ride. We will have a lunch stop where there are toilet and wash facilities. Men have ongoing toilet facilities throughout the ride and bold women also can feel the welcome of the Yorkshire countryside.

Will there be bike back-up?

Yes, a back-up truck will be on hand to tell you your bike is buggered.

Best thing is to get your bike serviced before you go. See the two shops above on the left to get special rates.

Both Cyclework and Cycle Heaven are offering special rates for our riders. Don't leave it until the last minute!

We do not recommend tandems as they are hard to repair and they cause divorces.

Is there a cut off time?

Yes. 16:30 pm finish. This will depend on weather conditions on the day. However if you are trailing so far behind that it means that our sweep truck is not being able to keep with the main body of the ride… we will ask you to get in the truck.

Where are we starting the ride and where will it end?

We will start and end the ride from the York Sports Centre.

Signage:

You don't need a map. There will be signs throughout the route.

Please pay particular attention to the warning signs, like "Fast Downhill", "Single File Only", "Sharp Turn Ahead", or "Slow Down."

What do I need on this trip?

A check list:

Gear:

• A sexy lycra cycling top (We will be providing this to all registered riders.)
• A sense of humour
• Tight long cycling trousers (if it's very cold)
• An expensive, nicely coloured waterproof (if it’s rainy)
• Money (in case you have to bribe someone for a lift)
• A copy of your will
• Small warm socks (big socks look uncool...)
• Cycling shorts - black (it's very important to be colour coordinated!). Do not let the cycling shops talk you into these shorts with the cross-over bra as you end up looking as bad as my friend Plug… and he’s bad.
• Cycling gloves
• A bandana (all cool cyclists wear them, especially if you’re bald and your skull gets cold).

Equipment

• A fully functioning bike in working order (the lighter the better). A racer is best, as all the roads are good. Mountain bikes are not really suitable unless you change your tyres to 'slick'.
• A spare inner tube
• A couple of tire levers
• A pump
• A water bottle on the bike
• A cycle helmet
• Cycle shoes. SPDs or trainers are recommended
• A kitchen sink

What happens if I have an accident?

We have medical support first responders who will be roaming the route and providing assistance.

If an accident requires emergency services do not hesitate to contact 999 first.

If the accident is not life threatening please see emergency contact numbers on the back of your rider ID

The Finish

Please approach the finish with caution, as there are often spectators milling around.

You must ride under the gantry and you will receive your well-earned medal and a traditional Yorkie bar.

Changing / Showers

There are showers and changing facilities in the Sports Centre for you to use before and after the ride - you will need a £1 coin to use the lockers.

Mechanical Support

We have limited mechanical support on the ride, and we will have some spare bikes on roaming cars.

However, if your bike breaks down completely, then it's best to contact a Marshal and you will probably have to be picked up and taken back to a Bumstop point.

We encourage you to carry the basic tools and a spare tube. (Don't try and fix a puncture on the move. It's always best just to replace the tube.)

Road Safety Instructions:

• Riders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult during the event.
• There will be a safety briefing before the start.
• The wearing of helmets is mandatory for all riders. No helmet, no ride.
• Obey the highway code at all times.
• Stop at junctions.
• Never ride more than two abreast.
• Ride single-file on single track roads.
• Do not use headphones whilst cycling.
• Use hand signals when turning.
• Do not overtake on a fast downhill.
• Do not brake hard on a slippery road.
• Look behind you before you overtake.
• Please read the risk assessment sent to you by email.
• Have your bike fully serviced before you take part in the ride.