Welcome to the Roman Challenge 2011.
We have added this page to provide the resources necessary for you to plan the ride.
These documents have now been updated for 2011 and are typical of what will apply in 2012.
The ride starts and finishes from the village hall in Hackleton. Post code is NN7 2AH. There is a link on the Home page that provides a location map. Registration will be open from 08.00. Starting is from 08.30. If you start too early, then the refreshment stops will not be open, and lunch may not be ready when you get back.
The car parks are adjacent to the village hall. We will operate a one way system in the lane leading to the hall for the safety of the riders. Please follow directions of the mashals.
You will be required to provide the registration form before you start. Please download it (below) and bring it with you. Each person must have a form please and sign the disclaimer. No block entries please. Note that children require an adult's signature too (and a helmet).
The Gladiator and Chariot routes will be marked with signs, waypoint markers and directional arrows on the ground. However, so that you can determine exactly where you are and how far it is to a refreshments stop, you will be provided with a comprehensive map with the two routes identified. Your ride will take you in an anticlockwise direction around the route and along the way there are some superb views and excellent riding. You should start by 09.30 at the latest.
The Family route follows the established circular path in Salcey Forest. This is permanently marked, but you will also be given a map. There is a cafe at about the middle point. All routes follow a combination of road and permanent bridleways. You should start after 09.30 and before 12.00 at the latest.
We ask that you be respectful to other bridleway users and ensure when approaching horses you give the riders ample warning in order that the horses are not ‘spooked’ and then pass slowly and carefully.
You should also adhere to the countryside code and leave the route as you found it. At least two fields on the Gladiator route have livestock, so please make sure that gates are shut and secured. A copy of the code is provided below. On the road you must follow traffic regulations and comply with road markings and signs. Children are required to wear safety helmets. A copy of an extract from the Highway Code is provided.
The route takes you close to some private homes so please be respectful of these peoples’ space. We would like to continue to run this event annually and need your support to ensure the event is not jeopardised by poor behaviour. It’s not a race, enjoy the ride!
Sketch Map of the Gladiator and Chariot route
Click here for Gladiator and Chariot routes sketch map
The route is the same as last year. This sketch map is only indicative and not to scale. On the day you will be given a large scale map of the route. The numbers on the map relate to Google Earth way points. If you want to see this, down load this Google Earth data file by right clicking and selecting "Save Link as". When the file is saved to your computer, double click to install. This does not cover the Maximus route, see below.
Click here to download the Google Earth way points
These are now updated for 2011. You will need Google Earth installed on your PC. The file will install the way points. You can delete them afterwards if you wish
The refreshment stops are:
A at point 27 is available from 09.45 to 13.00, Gladiator only
B at point 42 available from 09.45 to 14.00, Gladiator and Chariots
Map of the Gladiator Maximus extension
Map of the Family route
The family route follows the established circular cycle ride in Salcey Forest. It passes the cafe at about half distance. It is the same as 2010, ie no changes!
Click here for Family route map
Pre start briefing notes
Click here for the final notes
These are now updated for 2011 but still subject to change in the final week as they will reflect the issues just before the event and if we become aware of a problems on the route at short notice. All we need now is the weather to be kind.
Registration form and disclaimer
Click here for the form
You will be required to sign this form at Registration before you start. Please do download it and bring it with you or we will have a supply on the day. Each person must have a form please and sign the disclaimer. No block entries please. Note that children require an adult's signature too (and a helmet).
Car Parking
Car parking is available off road in two fields, as last year near to Registration in the Village Hall. Please do not try and park in the car park in front of the Village Hall. This space is required for the cycles to get ready, organisers and catering vehicles. The main parking is tho the left opposite the Village Hall. There is a lower field and this is allocated to four wheel drive vehicles. In the event of heavy rain, alternative parking may be used on the other (uphill) side of Main Road. If this is required there will be signs and attendants to direct you. Please follow instructions and park neatly and efficiently for space. One of our constraints is the car parking space that we have.
The lane to the Village Hall is single track. Please follow directions from the attendants, you may be asked to wait to allow cyclists or others to pass the other way. Please park efficient. Space is at a premium. All parking is at your own risk.
First Aid and recovery plan
Click here for First Aid and Recovery
Extract from Highway code
Countryside Code
Click here for Countryside Code
last updated 2 October 2011
The extra loop is 12 miles approximately and follows the Millenium Circular Route (in some parts also sign posted as National Cycle Network route 51 and 6). Also, for much of the route paths run adjacent to the bridleway. The whole extension can be ridden on tarmac whilst it is also possible to do a lot of bridleway tracks. This is not signed by RC markers, but is easily followed with the red Millenium route signs. There are many paint markings on the Maximus route. Ignor them, they are nothing to do with RC.Here are the way points, principlally for the tarmac route. Brideways may differ a bit. | 
