Rider Information
Event Overview
Tour de Broads is the largest, locally organised and run cycle event in the region. Now in it’s sixth year, it is run on a strict not-for-profit- basis with all proceeds going to national and local charities and local cycling projects.
The Tour de Broads features a number of ride distances to suit all levels of fitness and ability – from 5 miles all the way up to the ultimate test of 100 miles.
The event HQ is based at the Sea Life Gardens, Great Yarmouth Promenade, NR30 3AH
The information contained on this page will help to ensure that whichever event you have entered, your day runs smoothly and that you have a memorable experience for all the right reasons!
Rider Entry Packs
Your rider number and distance wristband can be collected on the day (from 7:00am) or from any Pedal Revolution store before the day of the event. Bring your confirmation email with you to help us find your entry.
Rider Number
This must be secured to the handle bars of your bike. Once your rider number is attached, simply make your way to the ‘Collecting Area’ adjacent to the start line, relax, meet up with friends and get ready to ride!
Wristband
You will need to show your wristband to get your finishers medal (and lunch for 75 and 100 milers). Write your emergency contact details and attach to your wrist. Your emergency contact must be a non-rider.
Venue
Sea Life Gardens, Great Yarmouth Promenade, NR30 3AHCar Parking
Free car parking is available at the following Pay and Display car parks.
- St Nicholas Road – 450m south of the event village
- North Drive – 1km north of the event village
- Beach Coach Station – 1km north of the event village
Display your car park pass (emailed to you in your FINAL INSTRUCTIONS on Thursday 2nd May) clearly in the window of your vehicle to enjoy free parking. Make your way to our event village at the Sea Life Gardens.
PLEASE BE AWARE, your FREE car park pass will only work in a designated parking bay in one of the 3 car parks allocated to us on the day. If you park outside of these, on verges, kerbs, or in a disabled bay (without being a blue badge holder) the traffic wardens will be entitled to give you a parking ticket. Please park considerately and obey the rules of the car park.
Start Times
- 100 mile — 08:00 – 09:00
- 75 mile — 08:30 – 09:30
- 50 mile — 09:00 – 10:00
- 25 mile — 09:30 – 10:30
- Family Ride — 11:00 – 13:00
The event village will be open from 7:30am until 6:00pm
Route Signage
GPX routes are available to download, but PLEASE FOLLOW THE ROUTE ARROWS ON THE DAY.
All routes are signed with YELLOW and BLACK event signs situated before, at and after each junction and at least every 2 miles in between. Course splits will show the direction each route should take.
The Family Ride is a blue sign with black arrow – as you pass one sign you should see the next.
Safety Points
You will be riding on the open road alongside other traffic so it is essential for your own safety and that of all other road users that you comply with ALL TRAFFIC REGULATIONS. Please pay particular attention at traffic lights, roundabouts and difficult turns and pay attention to Highways road signs – particularly those that indicate hazards. Please be careful on narrow sections of road and descents, keeping a safe distance between yourself and the rider in front, especially in wet weather.
In the Event of an Accident – If you are involved in a serious accident requiring immediate medical attention then ring 999. For minor injuries there are basic 1st Aid kits at each of the feed stations and on the mechanical support vehicles.
Assistance During the Ride – Should you require mechanical or basic medical assistance please phone the event Emergency Contact number 07521 999865. We strongly recommend that you add this number to your mobile phone.
The mechanic vehicle will be travelling along the route half an hour after the last rider leaves. If you have a mechanical issue, they will stop to help. You will be charged for parts but we will try to get you back on the road if at all possible. If it is not possible we will transport you back to the start.
The finish closes at 6pm. If it looks like you’ll arrive after this time please call the emergency contact number so we know to wait for you.
Our final sweep vehicle will leave the venue at 4pm.
Riders Code of Conduct
Tour de Broads takes place on public roads with no road marshals, so you need to follow Highway Code regulations just as you would on a regular ride.
Any rider seen not complying with the code could be reported and we are obliged to provide their details to the police.
Tour de Broads is a recreational ride, not a competitive event. Whilst many experienced cyclists may be keen to record a quick time, the event is not a race so do not treat it as one. Your safety and that of other road uses is paramount.
Please be courteous to other road users who slow down for you. A smile, nod of the head or raised hand in thanks will go a long way to ensure we are able to continue this event in years to come.
Please do not ride more than 2 abreast, and on narrow roads drop to single file to allow other road users to pass.
Litter – There will be litter and recycling skips at the event HQ and at feed stations. Please use them and don’t drop any litter – it gives cyclists a bad name!
Dropping Out: If you decide to drop out of the ride for any reason, please let us know by calling the event contact number published on your rider number so we can account for you.
Mechanical Assistance: There will be tools and basic mechanical assistance located at the venue and with our mobile mechanic and feed stations, you will be charged for parts but we will try to get you back on the road if at all possible. Call the emergency contact number, tell us where you are.
Refreshments
Refreshments are provided as follows:
Event Village – Tea, Coffee and food will be on sale from local traders between 7:30 am and 6pm.
Drink stations – will have a place to fill up your water bottles. Tea, coffee and snacks will be on sale from our supporting charities, £3 should be sufficient for a cup of coffee and piece of cake at each of our drink stations. Drink station venues have been kindly provided free of charge and are manned by volunteers giving up their day to help you. Please be courteous and use the litter bins provided.
Food stop – 75 mile and 100 mile riders will receive their complimentary meal-deal style lunch with sandwich, banana, crisps and cake at our Food station – Coltishall Village Hall. You will need to show your red or yellow wristband to collect your lunch. Please contact us if you have any dietary requirements so we can ensure a special lunch is prepared for you. Any food left after the event will be donated to local homeless shelters.
Toilets: These are provided at the start, finish, and at the feed/drink stations (every 16-20 miles) so there will be no need to attend to the call of nature in public!
What you will need to take
We have a checklist on our survival guide page. Be sure to check this to make sure you have everything you need to fully enjoy your day on the bike
£3 should be enough to buy tea & cake at each of the drink stops
What Happens After The Finish
Upon returning to Great Yarmouth you will finish along the barriered finish straight and under our finish gantry. You will be directed through to the awards tent to collect your medal and vouchers for a free ice cream or cone of chips.
Photos
We have Julian Claxton Photography exclusively taking pictures for the tour – at the event village and along the route. Links to the galleries will be on our website in the days following the Tour.
Available at the venue
Our venue is completely self contained with all facilities on site including:
- Toilets & Changing Rooms in a traditional beach hut (sorry no showers)
- Mobile mechanic and Broom Wagon
- Safe Bag Drop
- Food and Drink stalls
- Merchandise
- Bike Retail Stalls
- Pre-ride Mechanical Support
- Photography
Contact
General Queries: email us or call 01603 465470 / 07521 999865