Update – Monday, November 2, 2009
 
It looks like it's going to be a wet week and possibly a wet start for the Winter Ballbuster next Saturday morning. The forecast is changing day by day, but it will probably be a cold day. Let’s hope it’s not too bad.
 
Event Is Sold Out
The event is fully subscribed, so tell your friends not to turn up looking for an entry on the day – there won’t be any!
 
Please Check The Website
Please check the entry list on the website. Your race number will be given to you when you register on Saturday morning. Your sticky bike frame number (for your top tube) and helmet sticker (front) will also be in the envelope given to you on Saturday morning. Don't forget to bring your race licence, or £5 to buy a day licence if you are not a BTF member. Please also bring some form of ID.
 
Chip Timing
You will also collect your timing chip at registration. Wear this around your ankle throughout the event. As a back-up we will be checking your race number at T1 and T2. If you are planning to wear a cycling top over your running kit, please make sure when you go through the timing point that we can see your race number on your front. So please have your cycling top unzipped when you get off your bike for T2.
 
The Roads
Autumn winds have brought down many leaves onto the roads at Boxhill. There are also a lot of potholes and the roads will be covered in grit, stones and mud. We recommend that you make sure your tyres are in a very good condition – or are even brand new. The wet conditions and grit will cause punctures if your tyres are in a poor condition. You can keep your old tyres for training.
 
Clothing
Make sure you bring lots of warm, appropriate clothing for all eventualities. You will get hot after the first run and will need to put on warm clothes for the bike. Your warm running muscles will get super-cooled on the bike on the long descents. Also make sure you wear gloves on the bike – you can always take them off…
 
triandrun
If you need any last minute items bringing to the event, then please call triandrun on 020 8500 4841 – they will be there early. Triandrun would like to offer all Human Race customers a 15% discount off all new winter clothing. They will have a range of hats, gloves and winter jackets for sale. The full Craft Range is now in stock. In addition they have 25% off all summer ‘09 bike and run kit and 50% off all wetsuits and tri-kit. Last but not least they have their ex-hire bike clearance. Please see their website for further info at www.triandrun.com
 
Merchandise
There will be a special promotion of Human Race merchandise on site – winter gilets and fleece jackets. See photos on the website at http://humanrace.co.uk/shop.html Be sure to bring some cash with you so that you don’t miss out!
 
Pace
Pace judgment is required for the Ballbuster, especially on the downhill running sections which will be hard on the quads and the knees. It's better to run the first run 10 min slower than lose 20 min on the final run. In other words take the first run slowly. You have been warned!
 
A number of people have asked about using Tri bars. Our personal opinion is that they are no use at all. The majority of the race is either up or down and the small flat section is quite bumpy, so bars will be of little help and you can't use them on the bends... Remember the time to be gained is on the climbs (not on the descents), get comfortable and get into a rhythm. Cutting bends will not help if you can't climb, and would be dangerous in any case.
 
CARE
Take care at all times; the roads are open to Saturday shoppers so look out for them. You must be careful on the descents. No crossing the white line or any dangerous manoeuvres. Patience and a smile to the locals please, so we can come back next year.
 
Finally, prizegiving will be at 12.15pm near the café - please stay if you can. Results should be up on the website by Sunday evening.
 
Good luck.
 
Many thanks

Human Race Events
 
Details on: www.humanrace.co.uk