When is the ride?
On Sunday 14th March 2010
Is the ride still on?
Yes, the organisers have informed us that the ride IS still on.
Who is organising the ride?
The ride is being organised by Daniel Forder, Julia Stevenson and Elizabeth Stevens via their Facebook group – “Bike Run in support of Wootton Bassett: Sunday 14th March 2010“. The Police, MOD, Wootton Bassett authorities and staff from Afghan Heroes charity are supporting them where needed. Afghan Heroes charity is the beneficiary of money raised on the day.
What time will it start?
Riders will be asked to muster from 8am at Hullavington Airfield (A429). Full details of arrival protocols will be published later and will also be emailed to all registered riders prior to the event.
Where/when will we get our wristbands?
Wristbands will be purchased on entry to the muster point.
How much are the wristbands
Each wristband will cost £5 - One per person will be required to enter the muster point. PLEASE NOTE: These are NOT the ordinary Afghan Heroes wristbands – they are special event commemorative wristbands.
Where is the muster/start point?
The ride will now start within the Hullavington Airfield (A429) – Post code SM14 6GU.
What facilities are available at the muster point?
As well as the the registration desks we are hopeful that there will be toilets, food, refreshment, (yes, enough for 15K people) and shelter areas, St John ambulance first aid and Paramedics will be in attendance.
What is the route?
The run will start on the runway of Hullavington Airfield (A429) undertaking the following route: A429 (NW to Burton Hill), B4042 (Priory Roundabout to Callows Cross), Callow Hill to White Hill Lane then A3102 through to Wootton Bassett. The ride will then go to Coped Hall (A3102) roundabout for dispersal. There will be dispersal routes clearly signed for those travelling to the North, South, East and West. View the map.
What is the end point?
The ride will end at Coped Hall (A3102) roundabout for dispersal. There will be dispersal routes clearly signed for those travelling to the North, South, East and West.
Why can’t we use RAF Lyneham?
Originally when the organisers approached the MOD the maximum anticipated number of bikes was 2000. As RAF Lyneham is an operational airbase, 10,000+ bikes on-site is impossible.
Will the ride go through Wootton Bassett?
Yes, the police and local authorities have confirmed that the ride can go through the town.
Will all bikes be allowed through Wootton Bassett?
Yes, the police and local authorities have confirmed that ALL bikes on the official ride will be allowed through the town.
Why was the registration closed early?
The organisers have been in close talks with the Police, MOD and Wootton Bassett local authorities. Following these talks a limit of 10,000 bikes was agreed as a maximum safe number for the event. Once this number of registrations was reached we were forced to close registrations.
Why only 10,000 bikes?
Simply put, Wootton Bassett is a small town with limited facilities in the local area to support a very large number of bikes/people. For the sake of safety, logistics, marshaling and the people of Wootton Bassett, 10,000 is the limit.
I was too late to register, can I still come?
The organisers would like to ask those who have not registered to please stay away. If thousands of additional bikes turn up on the day there is a distinct possibility that the event may be badly disrupted or worse, shut down. The purpose of the event is to show support to the people of Wootton Bassett and to raise funds to support our troops and their families. The best way for this to happen is for the event to run as smoothly as possible. we are very sorry if you did not manage to register and we thank you for your continued support, but please do not just turn up. There are other ways to support us, such as donations, buying a wristband or helping to set up/run an event in your local area etc.
What use are the registrations now that we are not using RAF Lyneham?
It is true that the main reason for registration was to allow the MOD to vet all participants. The organisers are using the original registration list to determine who will make up the 10,000 as mentioned above. All registered riders will receive an email prior to the event containing full instructions/documentation of the route, arrival / leaving times and, importantly, a proof of registration which will give them access to the muster point.
When will the full details be known?
There are a few minor details to iron out but once the event organisers have concluded these they will let us know and we will publish them here – Until that happens please try not to speculate.