EVENT INFORMATION
Event Details:
Teams of 4 attempt 3 'Canalathon Challenges' in the order below:
• 6 Mile Canoe Section
(Open Canadian style boats 2 boats per team - as in picture above)
The canoe challenge starts at Pontymoile with a six mile open canoe stage to Goytre Wharf. There will be two persons per boat which will be open “Canadian” style. Canoes, buoyancy aids, paddles and helmets are included in the entry fee. You don't need to worry about canoe logistics: these will all be taking care of by the Canalathon team - all you need to do is to paddle them! You do however need to be appropriately prepared and dressed for such an activity. It is unlikely that you will capsize but it has been known!
• 22 Mile Cycle Section
(99% traffic free along the Canal)
The 22 mile cycle section is generally flat and takes places along the canal tow path from Goytre Wharf to Talybont on Usk. The path surface is mixed but generally hard packed gravel but there are some bumpier sections in places and the possibility of mud in sections particularly if the weather has been wet! Most types of bike would be suitable, but we would suggest sturdier tyres than normal road ones to cope with some of the ungraded sections. A gravel bike, hybrid or mountain bike is ideal but suspension is not necessary. Despite the fact the bike route does not take place on roads, it does include public rights of way and as such bikes must be roadworthy (including two effective brakes). Bike helmets are compulsory: You must bring one and wear them at all times on the bike section.
You are required to use your own bikes but there is the option to hire bikes at an additional cost if required. We recommend Bikes & Hikes based in Talybont or Drover Cylcles in Hay on Wye but it is up to you to arrange this.
• 7 Mile Run/Walk/Crawl
(Again 99% traffic free along the Canal)
The Run / Walk / Hike section continues to follow the Canal tow path as such is fairly flat and follows a beautiful section of the canal to finish at the canal terminus in Brecon where you will be greeted by rapturous applause outside Brecon Theatre. You will need appropriate footwear for the task in hand. Be aware that sections of the canal towpath can be muddy and therefore slippery especially after rainfall so shoes / trainers / boots with some grip on would be advised.
• Team Manger:
Due to the linear (as canals tend to be!) nature of the event it should come as no surprise that the start and finish are approximately 35 miles apart! As such the more relaxed (and recommended) team approach is to have a team manager who can help drop off team members to the start and or drop off / pick up bikes from transitions etc and of course to give you snacks on route and or cheer/encourage/laugh at you. However, a team manager isn't compulsory and we have seen a number of teams over the years successfully manage themselves but it does take an organised plan to pull it off successfully so that you don't arrive at the finish only to remember that your car is back at the start line! Anyway, you need to think about that ........
There will be further details of how to access the start / finish and transitions closer to the time of the event.
RULES & CONSIDERATIONS:
This event is a challenge and not a race and as such should not be treated as one.
Individuals and teams must give way at all times to other canal users both on the waterways and on the footpaths.
If a team or individual retires then you must report it to a marshal for the event. If you do not then we will assume you are missing and come looking for you possibly with the help of the Mountain Rescue. This will be particularly embarrassing and a waste of resources if you are found in a pub for example!
There will be marshals and volunteers helping the event to run as smoothly as possible on the day. They are there for your safety and to help you. Please listen to them at all times.
The team should have a helper(s) or means of getting to the start / from the finish and dropping bikes off and picking bikes up from transitions. More details of course logistics can be seen here.
Competitors under 18 years of age may take part with parent / guardian permission.
Competitors over 12 and under 16 years of age must be accompanied by one adult per minor.
Teams are expected to look after themselves during the challenge but there will be opportunities for additional refreshments and food during your journey at local establishments such as Goytre Wharf, Talybont Cafe and even the odd pub on route! However we recommend that you have some form of self-sufficiency to include 'emergency' food, puncture repair kit, waterproofs etc. and a means of carrying it and keeping it dry; although unlikely we have witnessed a few capsizes in the past!
