your gravelfoyle 10 questions answered…
For anything you don’t find answered below please contact info@dukesweekender.com
GRAVELFOYLE 10 - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does a 10 hour endurance challenge work?
We have designed a varied loop of 25km which you need to complete as many times as possible within 10 hours. A strict 10 hour cut off will be in place; any participant that does not reach base before the final horn will not have that loop recorded, this only adds to the challenge to ensure you are fast enough to beat that horn!
What type of bike do I need?
In Scotland we say Run what you Brung! As long as it’s suitable for off-road (mtb, gravel, CX or similar with off-road tyres) and in good working order then you’ll be grand. You must have 2 working brakes and wear a helmet at all times when riding. We strongly recommend you also bring a basic tool kit, tubes and pump in case of a mechanical.
How does the team/pairs format work?
You can enter as a team of 3 or 4 which are categorised together or as a pair. Pairs and Teams ride in relay. The person, pair or team with the most loops completed in the fastest time (and lowest overall time) is the winner of that category. If any member of the team is on an e-bike the whole team will be categorised as such.
Are E-Bikes allowed?
Yes. They will be categorised separately. If you are part of a pair or team which includes an electric assisted bike the whole team will be categorised as electric.
Is the route safe for adaptive/recumbent bikes?
Yes! This is a fully inclusive route of 25km
Will we get a GPX file?
Yes, we’ll send you out a GPX file in the days leading up to the event.
Is it sign posted?
Yes, the course will be fully signed with some marshals on course too.
Are there feed stations?
No. We encourage you to set up in 'The Pits' with all the food and drink you might require over 10 hours of riding. We hope to have some catering vans operating depending on availability.
What is the children’s race format?
There will be a 6km loop which will be raced twice. You have the choice of a solo loop x 2 or a single loop relayed as a pair.
Do children need an adult to accompany them?
All child riders must be accompanied by, and signed on by a parent or guardian if they are aged 17 or under on the day of the race. Parents and/or guardians are required to escort the junior riders in their care.
How do the age categories work?
You will automatically be allocated a place in your age and gender matched category ranging from: Senior: Must be 18+ on the date of the race Veteran: Must be 40+ on the date of the race Grand Veteran: Must be 50+ on the date of the race Dukes Kid's Mini Enduro: Must be 8+ on the date of the race. Riders will be allocated a category based on age on the day separated by 2 yearly intervals. Riders aged 14 are also eligible to ride in this event if more appropriate. It is down to the child and their parent's/guardian's discretion to agree which event would be most suitable. IN THE ADULT EVENTS, IF THERE ARE LESS THAN 5 RIDERS IN A CATEGORY THE CATEGORY WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY COMBINED WITH THE CLOSEST AGE CATEGORY.
Where is the event village and registration?
The event village and Registration are based near Cobleland Campsite which lies on the cycle path just outside of Aberfoyle.
Is there camping?
We recommend booking at Cobleland Campsite or Trossachs Holiday Park which are closest to the start line
Is there parking?
Yes, we have free parking within Aberfoyle very close to the event village. We recommend you park there and use the NCN 7 cycle path to get to Cobleland.
Where can I get food?
We hope to have some mobile catering at Cobleland. A short ride away is Aberfoyle village with everything within easy walking distance. There are pubs, a co-op, 2 cafes (The Station and Liz McGregors) , a delicatessen and butcher, Maggies cake shop, an ice-cream shop, a burger and ice-cream van. The city of Stirling is a half hour drive away and Callander is the next biggest village with more eateries and a couple of bigger supermarkets.
What if my bike breaks?
Aberfoyle Bike hire are our local shop who back out onto the car park where our event village is. Nick will be around and can help with any last minute repairs. We may also have technical support for the weekend.
Where can I stay if I’m not camping?
Aberfoyle can be a busy tourist place and as such is set up to cater for a large number of visitors. Dukes is popular though so we’d advise booking well in advance. Several great campsites can be found within cycling distance in Cobeland and the local National Park sites.
How do I get to Aberfoyle?
Aberfoyle is located on the edge of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs national park and less than an hour from Glasgow and Stirling. Bus links are infrequent and there is no train station. If you’re travelling by train, we recommend heading for Stirling. There are lovely route options to get to Aberfoyle including a gravel route that would take you up to Doune Windfarm and over to Aberfoyle via Callander and Loch Venacher.
What is there to do for kids & families?
We plan on setting up our full length pump track which is free to use and suitable for balance bikes and regular bikes. There are many walks and waymarked trails in the local woodland - we have a fairy hill very close to the village and sculpture trails around Lochan Spling and Loch Ard. The Lodge Visitor Centre above Aberfoyle has natural history exhibits in their visitor centre and marked trails and woodland games for outdoor adventures. Soft play and indoor swimming can be found in Callander - 20mins away at the MacLaren Leisure Centre.