I've never done an event like this before? What do I need to think about?
A bit of running and or training in advance!
Getting a team together if "going solo" seems a bit daunting
Coming along to the practice run/ cycle on Sunday 14th September 2008.
Make sure your bike is up to the job - the bike course is not technically demanding but it is mostly off-road
Make sure you bring your cycle helmet!
Arrive in plenty of time to park, register and get your bike on the Boneshaker racking.

Will there be a dummy run?
There will be a practice run and cycle on Sunday 14th September 2008. These practices are simply to allow those who choose to come along to become familiar with the routes they are not intended to be training sessions.

What sort of bike do I need?
Well its up to you - but it is off-road and it is bumpy!!

What if I've submitted my entry form but heard nothing?
Either phone or e-mail us (crew@bone-shaker.co.uk) as soon as you're concerned that your entry appears to have gone astray. The sooner we know the sooner we can sort it out!

Do I need a helmet?
The run isn't too dangerous (!) but we do insist on you wearing one for the cycle!

Can I enter on the day?
Yes - no problem as long as you pay the "on-the-day" entry fee of £1500 in cash!!

What if I have to withdraw from the event?
The costs of putting the Boneshaker together are considerable. Insurance, bike racking, electronic timing, numbers, goody bags, etc. all have to be paid for, and our main source of income is your entry fees. Hopefully there will be money left in the pot after all the bills have been paid, and this is then donated to charity.

We have therefore decided to formally adopt a 'no refunds' policy - if for any reason you are unable to take part in the Boneshaker, we will hold on to your entry fee and it will be added to the charitable donation.

What do I do when I arrive?
Park where instructed and then follow the signs to Ardington Sports Ground

Register and collect your event numbers and electronic timing gizmo at the tent at the entrance to the Sports Ground

The Boneshaker bike racks are close to the registration tent so once you've got your number park your bike in the racks.

Take a look at the run and cycle routes which will be on display at the sports pavilion.

Can someone else pick my race number up for me?
Solo challengers should pick up their own number on arrival at the registration tent.

The cycle member of a Boneshaker team should collect the numbers for all members of their team on arrival at the registration tent.

Are there any changing facilities?
There is a great new pavilion at Ardington Sports Ground in which you can change, go to the loo and have a shower.

Unsurprisingly there isn't enough space in the changing rooms to leave all your stuff for the duration of the event!!

I'm bringing the family - what is there for them?
Refreshments - tea, coffee, cakes and BBQ supplying bacon butties from registration onwards

Licensed bar

Giant inflatable

Run and cycle gear stalls

Dooo-athletes doooing their stuff!

I don't know the area. How do I know that I won't get lost out on the course?
There will be a huge map of both the run and cycle routes at the sports club for you to take a look at once you have registered.

There will be marshals around the course including at any road junctions and key "turn" points

We'll place "straight on arrows" where you simply need to plough on in the same direction.

There will also be distance markers around both routes so you know how far it is back to the bar.

In places the ground will also be marked with temporary marker paint

Where can I leave my stuff while I'm out there Boneshakin'?
Leave what you can locked in your car.

Leave it with a friend

If push comes to shove leave it with your bike on the Boneshaker bike racking

Who will keep an eye on my bike while I'm out on the run?
We know some of you ride bikes that are worth a small fortune so we take care to ensure they are kept safe.

Once you've registered you will be asked to park your bike in the Boneshaker bike racking which is fenced and will be marshalled throughout the event. Only challengers wearing the same number on their chest as is attached to the front of the bike will be allowed to remove the bike from the fenced area.

This area will remain marshalled throughout the event and an announcement made before the marshals stand down later in the day.

Are the roads going to be shut during the event?
No but the routes include hardly any roads. Those that are included are very very quiet and will be well marshalled.

What if my bike packs up half way around the route?
Its up to you to make sure your bike is up to the job. However once we think the last cyclist is most of the way around we'll scramble someone to ride the course, check there are no stragglers and summons help as required.

What if I pack up half way around the route?
There are marshals around the course all of whom will have mobile phones so that they can contact the boneshaker crew (or the emergency services) to ensure you get any assistance you may require. If you give up and go home please tell a marshal!

There will be a qualified first aider at the sports field able to access most of both courses by motorbike or 4x4.

Who is allowed in the transition area?
Team members.

Relevant marshals

Boneshaker Crew

How do I get the results?
New for 2008 is electronic timing, which in theory means that results should be instantaneous - you can find out if you've exceeded your personal best before you leave! A full list of results will also be published on our website for you to forward to all your friends.

Is there an event memento?
Yes - a special Boneshaker 2008 gift guaranteed not to be a T-shirt! There will also be the chance to purchase a small range of Boneshaker merchandise.

I don't think I'll be fit enough to do it this year.
This is an all comers event - think about pulling a team together rather than going solo this year.

Drop us a line and come and marshal instead - that will help us and allow you to see what's involved for next year.

Think about become a Boneshaker sponsor - it needn't cost a fortune

I'm sure I saw a bloke with a camera last year - what was that all about?
A professional photographer will be capturing your endeavours for posterity - visit their stand to see if they caught your best side! Photos will be available to purchase on the day or via a website link.

Which lucky charities benefit from the funds raised?
The Boneshaker aims to help local causes. In 2006 your blood, sweat and tears enabled us to support the following charities:

King Alfred's College;

Wantage Silver Band;

Wantage Army Cadets;

1st Cuckhamsley Scout Group.

Why Boneshaker??
...have you cycled the route!!