Headwaters Trail
I accept the following terms for my own entry. I also accept the terms on behalf of any other participants I am entering in this event, all of whom have been provided with a copy of these terms and accept them:
Headwaters Trail Rider Agreement
The Headwaters Trail Rider Agreement outlines the rights and responsibilities of the rider and event organisation. It states the risks involved in taking part and asks riders to waive the responsibility of those risks for the event organisation.
1. Riders should be aware that the route crosses long sections of high terrain where weather conditions can rapidly change and so they must wear a helmet at all times, wear suitable clothing and footwear and carry a waterproof jacket and trousers, gloves, hat and a first aid kit including a survival bag in addition to water, snacks, full charged mobile phone and bike repair kit.
2. Riders must ensure their bikes are in sound mechanical order and are suitable for riding both on and off road terrain that consists of mud, rock, gravel, grass, bedrock and cobbles. Fortunately there are a few miles of smooth tarmac in between the rough stuff!
3. A bike suitable for off-road riding with at least 2.0” tyres is necessary. The factors though are not the bike but the rider's bike handling skills and how much comfort you want for a trail that will involve 2 or 3 day in the saddle.
4. The route of the Headwaters Trail is predominantly along public bridleways, causeways and greenways. Riders are advised to take due care in the vicinity of cows with calves, horses and other animals and as such riders must adhere to the Countryside Code.
5. There are a number of road crossings and sections of the route on public highways. Riders will be expected to stop at all crossing points and take due care.
6. As there are no feed or water stations staffed by the event organiser along the 350km route, riders must familiarise themselves with the location of supply points in the villages and towns scattered along the route.
7. It is a rider's responsibility to take out their own INSURANCE as they will NOT be covered otherwise.
8. Injuries should be reported to the event organiser by telephone or text. Riders will be given the organisers contact number leading up to the event.
9. There will be a staggered start from the car park at Mytholmroyd Community Center from 6am until 9am on Saturday 4th May 2024 to help spread the riders out along the first few miles of the route which passes through the park in Hebden Bridge and along the narrow canal towpath.
10. Riders should be aware that all of the route is open to other users and due care is required.
11. The event organiser, Yorkshire Divide, will not discriminate on the grounds of gender, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sexuality, disability, religious or political belief, marital status or age.
12. The event organiser believes that bike events should reflect the wider society from which they grow and therefore we welcome entry from all individuals. We will adopt the practice we use on the Calder Divide Trail event of having a camping field on the Headwaters Trail event for the Saturday and Sunday night set aside for women, trans, non-binary should a rider wish to choose that option.
13. The cancellation policy is as follows: FULL refunds will be given to riders wishing to cancel their entry up to and including Friday 1st March 2024. After this date, and up until the final deadline of 5th April, riders will receive a 50% refund. Once the final deadline has passed, no refunds will be available, but riders will be offered a transfer to the event in 2025.
14. There are no qualifications required to enter the YD350 Headwaters Trail. At the end of the day our number one concern is your safety and therefore ask that you can physically and emotionally manage the demands of the trail over such a long distance and, furthermore, know how to look after yourself in tough conditions over multiple days of riding.
15. The following is a list of minimum kit that every rider is required to carry for the duration of the event:
⦁ Front and Rear lights
⦁ Helmet
⦁ Down jacket or synthetic equivalent
⦁ Waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers
⦁ Basic first aid kit - this includes bandages, antiseptic/sterile wipes, medication
⦁ Suitable sleeping system and shelter if you intend to ride on the unsupported 'Bikepackers ticket'
⦁ Survival bag is essential if you are entered on the supported 'Ride and Camp' ticket because the route crosses numerous semi-wild moorlands.
⦁ Water storage and food to fuel your long ride
⦁ Hat and gloves
16. There is no signage saying ‘Yorkshire Divide’ out on the hills, moors and valleys. Whilst a printed Route Guide with OS maps will aid your navigation and a gpx file created on ‘Ride with GPS’ can be used on your own Garmin or other navigation device it is solely the riders responsibility to navigate their way along the route from the start line to the finish line in Mytholmroyd Community Center car park.
17. Prior to the start date all riders have the option of using a spot on our campsite located above Hebden Bridge. It is a short distance from the start line and is a working farm with grass fields, showers, toilets and a barn to relax in.