General FAQ
Is there an age limit?
You must be attending Secondary School in order to participate in the Strathpuffer. There is no upper age limit.
All participants under the age of 16 must provide written permission from parents at registration.
All competitors who will be under 14 during the event must contact the organisers before entering.
All riders under the age of 14 must be accompanied on every lap by an adult and must be capable of riding mixed terrain in challenging conditions - in all cases the organisers reserve the right to end or suspend the participation of any young rider should they deem it appropriate.
So it eats brake pads?
Yes and no. There's a lot of mica in the surrounding area, and it makes its way onto the course quite profusely.
What wears the pads down is not the mud (well, not just the mud), but the mica-laden water sprayed up off the course as you ride it.
Sintered pads which have been bedded in are your best bet.
It's fresh-from-the-packet pads that tend to die (and fresh-from-the-packet organics are lucky to last more than a couple of laps), so if you've bedded your pads in beforehand, it's not unreasonable to expect them to last the entire event in dry and/or frozen conditions (and dry conditions have happened, so shush!)
Is it really only one vehicle per team?
Yes it is. There's no point trying to sneak another in, it won't work; you only get one car park entry token per team.
We're not being mean, there's just not the room. There is overflow parking right around the corner though, so it's not the end of the world.
We are still allowing support crews but would ask teams to keep numbers to an absolute minimum.
Is there power to charge my batteries?
Yes, Exposure Lights will have free charging facilities for any make of light throughout the race, as well as ex-demo lights for sale.
Make sure you bring your own charger.
They also provide a light hire service which will require pre-booking. As soon as we know, details on how to will be posted here and on our Facebook page.
If you do book hire lights please collect them before the race starts...Any issued after that will be on a first-come basis.
Please make sure your lights are fully charged so we don't overload the system.
Any enquiries about sales please contact USE Exposure via their website or by phone on 01798 839300.
Where are the live results?
Depending on when you read this, they are/were/will be here.
Ice tyres?
The odd straw poll of the podium would suggest most who podium don't bother. That said, for everyone else, it's up to you. If you've got some, you've nothing to lose by bringing them along, although make sure you bed them in according to the instructions, otherwise you'll find the studs escaping fairly rapidly.
If it is icy, and you've not got ice tyres, don't worry, as a line wears in very rapidly, although be prepared for the odd "Bambi on ice" moment during the first hour or two.
Are there showers/facilities?
We have port-a-loos! No showers unless you bring your own.
Is there a bike wash?
Yes there is. We have a bike wash which at certain times can become busy, so please be patient.
Is there a bike shop/mechanic/parts to buy?
Yes, there is a mechanic and a limited supply of spares. Cash or Cards are accepted.
Is there catering?
Red Poppy Catering will be working hard over the weekend from Saturday morning onwards to keep you all fed - pasta, soup, bacon rolls, muffins, chocolate, tea, coffee and much much more will all be available to replace the many calories you will be burning.
There is limited food available during the wee small hours but FUEL 10k Foods will be providing their porridge pots throughout the event.
Coffee Rescue will be there to help you keep awake.....
Windswept Brewing will be there with their bar and also beers to take away.
On Friday night we have Storehouse Bothy Pizzas onsite with their delicious artisan pizzas.
Contin Community Centre host a Pasta party on Friday night.
Contin Shop will be open early till late.
Contin Petrol Station has basics... and fuel !
Cancellation policy
If we have to cancel the event for circumstances outwith our control (we’re talking high winds and falling trees for example), we will refund 25% of your entry fee and offer a guaranteed place in 2025.
Refund Policy
For cancellations until 30th September we will charge you an admin fee of £25
Cancellations between 1st October and 31st October will receive a 50% refund
No refunds will be given after 1st November.
Changes in personnel are available up to the start.