70 Wild Miles 
A charity triathlon;
70 miles, 1 day, 3 challenges.

 We have compiled a list of the most frequently-asked questions we receive about this event.  But if you have a question that isn’t covered here, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. 

 Q. What is the minimum age for competitors?

 A. Due to our insurance requirements, we are unable to accept entries from anyone under the age of 16. 

Q. Can I take part as a soloist or as part of a team?

A. Whether you want to go solo, form a team of two or three, we are happy to accommodate your arrangements.  The entry fee is £30 for the entire event, so if you do decide to enter a team, you can divide the cost among yourselves.

Even if you’re not able to put a team together, all is not lost.  We always receive queries from individuals who can undertake one segment, but not the others and are looking for others to team up with.  We would be delighted to help you form a team, so if you would like to enquire then please get in touch and we’ll try our best to match you up with fellow team mates.

Q. Given that the event is open to all (competent) abilities, how long have I got to complete the various sections?
 

A. As long as you stay safe, you can take as long as you need. 

Q. What sort of bike should I use?

A. We would suggest you use whatever you are comfortable with, but please bear in mind that the course is all tarmac, so a mountain bike will make it harder for you.  We would suggest using a racing bike, if you can get your hands on one.

Q. What will happen if the kayaking can’t start due to bad weather? 

A. We take the weather conditions very seriously and are advised professionally by our specialist Safety Crew.  Whilst the cycle/run segments are not so affected by adverse weather conditions, the water segment is a different matter.  The word of the Safety Crew is final, so if they say it is too dangerous for the paddle segment to go ahead, we will take their advice.  The other segments will still go ahead, unless the weather conditions turn so extreme it could compromise things like competitors’ visibility.

Q. What would be the ideal water vessel to use?

A. Primarily we use the canoes and kayaks kindly provided by the Bala Adventure and Watersports Centre, but numbers are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis upon registration. I.e. the earlier you register, the more chance you have of securing a kayak/canoe.  Of course, if you have your own equipment, please bring it with you to help alleviate the resources we can offer.  We would recommend a sea-going Kayak, this is the safest way to paddle on the lake as it can sometimes be very choppy.

Q. Do you mean I have to have a sea kayak? 

A. No, but we would advise the use of a sea kayak.  It really depends on your own ability.  You may be very competent on the water and the conditions may start off fine and calm for you to use a more unstable racing boat such as a river racer or a K1. But, as we have said, the conditions can change very quickly.

Q. What would be the worst type of water vessel for me to use?

A. Again, it depends on your ability, but some people turn up with short slalom type canoes. They are making it difficult for themselves by doing this these canoes are difficult to keep in a straight line and a lot of energy is wasted correcting their stroke to stay on course. 

Q. What if I can only get a shorter slalom type boat?

A. All is not lost.  You could fit a small skeg on the rear of the canoe. This can be done very easily by cutting out a small piece of old tin can or aluminium in the shape of a rudder and sticking it firmly on to the rear of the canoe with waterproof tape or similar. Make sure you stick it exactly in the middle, this will help greatly with keeping you going in a straight line. Alternatively, tie a short piece of rope (about 4 or 5 feet) to the rear of your canoe and let it drag in the water behind you (it does work!).

Q. How much training do I need to do for the water section? 

A. As much as you possibly can so you are comfortable with extended periods of time in rough water. It is also very important that you are comfortable with and have sufficiently practiced in the canoe you intend to use on the day.  Make sure it has sufficient buoyancy in it to keep it afloat in the event of capsize.  Buoyancy can be as simple as foam or polystyrene wrapped up in poly bags and stuffed hard into the bow and stern. If you have a canoe club near home, book some basic lessons and get their advice.  They may even be helpful in allowing you to borrow a club canoe for the event if you are having trouble getting a hold of one.

Q. What if I want to be a soloist but want to do the canoe section in a double canoe with someone to help me along?

A. Now that’s pushing it!  This is a charity event and we want you to take part.  We will do all we can to accommodate you and make the event a fun experience for all.  However, the rules provide that only one person may complete each segment, to be eligible to win.  So if you wish to complete the water section in a double canoe, for example, you are effectively forfeiting your opportunity to win, even if you get the fastest overall time.  

Q. How much general training do I need? 

A. As much as you possibly can.  Each segment will have its own different demands on your physical and mental stamina; running for 13 miles will call for a different training regime to that required for cycling 47 miles.  If you’re a seasoned cyclist, but never been in a kayak, you will need to gain some experience in the water or you will likely sustain injury and not be able to complete this endurance challenge. 

Utilise local watersports clubs/centres to help with your training programme, book some basic kayak/canoe lessons and get their advice.

More information on fitness and training are contained in our 70 Wild Miles Challenge Pack, which is sent out to all participants after they register.

Q. What is it best to wear on the day?

A. Dress for the worst conditions possible, i.e. wind, rain and cold. You can always take things off. The weather in this area can change very quickly, so the best advice is, be prepared for anything!  More information on essential kit items is contained in Challenge Pack, which is sent to all registered participants once they register.

Q. If my entry is accepted, what amount of money may I be expected to raise for Tenovus?

A. We would ask that you kindly commit to raising a minimum of £95, but of course anything over and above would be a great bonus.  Organising an event of this calibre requires a lot of our financial resources, and it is the funds you will raise through sponsorship which really makes a difference to the charitable work we carry out.

We will assist you all we can in your fundraising endeavours to help you achieve or beat your target

Q. What is the accommodation like in the area? 

A.  From tent pitches to luxury hotels, there is plenty of accommodation in and around Bala to suit every budget.  Please visit www.balawales.com for a list of local accommodation.

Q. What happens before and after the event? 

A. As a good old 70 Wild Miles tradition, we always ensure to surround the Challenge with a more leisurely social experience.  As the event draws near, the organisers, competitors and volunteers descend on the town and the atmosphere is terrific.  In every local bar and restaurant you will meet others involved in 70 Wild Miles.  In the run up to the event we will keep you updated with plans for our official pre and post-event socials.

Q. Can I bring people to the social events?

A. Of course! The more the merrier.  This is a good family weekend and children are always welcome at 70 Wild Miles.

Q. Is there a prize for the winner or winning team? 

A. As this is a charity event, we do not distribute any cash prizes.  However, we do present the winner or winning team with the official 70 Wild Miles Trophy.  If your time beats the 70 Wild Miles record, we may even douse you with champagne!

Q. Can I raise money for another charity? 

A. All proceeds raised in the event are in aid of Tenovus Cancer Charity only.

Any other questions?  Our contact details:

Tenovus Cancer Charity

Gleider House

Ty Glas Road

Llanishen

Cardiff CF14 5BD

Telephone 029 20768865

Email: events@tenovus.org.uk

Canoe Safety

Canoeists: Please read this carefully!
70 Wild Miles has an excellent safety record, we would like to keep it that way! The first and most important part of the safety of the event is up to you. You must be sure of your own fitness and competence to complete the canoe section. Make sure you have had plenty of practice in the canoe you intent to use in open water so that you will be ready for anything the loch throws at you.

There is no access for vehicles along the sides of the lake so the events safety cover will be provided by a safety boat. The boat will accompany the paddlers up the lake and will have all competitors in sight at all times. It will be able to reach a capsized canoeist very quickly and will know the best way to approach you from their boat. Please try to do exactly as asked by the rescue boat crew and they should be able to get you going again very quickly.