PSOF Championships 2013 - Challenge Henley

Rafiki wrote (see)

Well, if it is cancelled, maybe we should orgainse a Pirate IM, much the same as SA's DIY Half? Maybe, i don't know, say around Henley on perhaps 8th Spetember - nice and local for me. I've even got a route in mind

Maybe we could get some very large lorries to dirve around the route at about 15mph, who promise not to overtake any cyclists? Should keep it nice and safe, and as good as closed roads!

They can pretend they are on a purely coincidental fuel protest or something?!

Gladys M. wrote (see)

IF (hopefully a big IF) it were to be cancelled, have you thought about which IM you might do?

Not really. I'm really hoping it won't be cancelled - not sure what I'd do if it was!

I can't see them cancelling it at this late stage. The councillors clearly have no idea of the scale of this thing.  

I'm sure the local hotels and restaurants want the business. Thats got to be worth more than some teddy bear shop.He's probably lucky if he sells one in a weekend. 

Henley needs to get its head out of its arse quite frankly 

M...eldy wrote (see)

Henley needs to get its head out of its arse quite frankly 

Well said Meldy.

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong  but I think Challenge is a franchise, much like IronMan, and JustRacingUK have the franchise for the UK. So I don't think they organise other worldwide Challenge events, but do organise numerous other  successful races in the UK.

The way I read the Henley Standard stuff the council can whinge all they like. The real decisions are made by Oxford City Council and they seem quite happy. The Henley councillors are able to moan but that is about all they can do - of course I could be getting it totally wrong but I can't see them cancelling it (and I've just bought a wetsuit to wear there!)

Nope - Oxford County Council are consulted as a Statutory Consultee,  but the decision is down to South Oxford District Council as no trunk roads will be closed. They can over ride, or ignore the Town Councils views, but that rarely happens in my experience (I work in a planning related industry so deal with these numpty's on a regular basis!) This is from their website:

Once we receive an application the request will be acknowledged, recorded and we will consult with the statutory bodies such as fire, police, Oxfordshire County Council as highway authority and the relevant town or parish council.

If any objections are made, these will be raised with the applicant so that they can be discussed and hopefully resolved. 

Once the consultation period has expired, and no objections have been sustained, we will inform you we will make the legal order and informing you of any conditions for compliance

That'll have just been wishful thinking then on my part!

I'll stick to being hopeful it isn't cancelled - and agreeing with Meldy's view.

Actually, Cheggers, I've been a little bored this morning and had a look at their website. OCC seem to say they are in charge of Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (road closure) but that you also need a licence from South Oxford DC for a Public Event (which includes road closures!). They both seem to take the credit (or the blame).

Also, what may have p*ssed the Town Council off even more is that it appears Challenge Henley have been selling places for an event which has not been granted permission as yet - this can be seen to be very arrogant by the Council. (Although obviously I can see why CH need to do this)

Has there been any more new on the bike route or the argumants with the council?

How big is the pirate entry list looking now?

Don't think so Scuba - their websire still says they are in discussions etc etc

And I think there's about a dozen or so Pirates entered so far.

The good ol' Henley Standard were stirring things up again a couple of days ago re: bike course. Hopefully they'll get it all sorted soon.

can you imagine if it is cancelled.there would be a mad rush to get the remaining places for IMW

I think that I would be slightly annoyed. Or larger.

I'm sure they will get it sorted.even if its just for this year and then look for somewhere else a bit friendlier

Blisters - I'd be more than annoyed, even livid may not be strong enough, and if it was cancelled after IMW was full then it would be a nightmare.

Just read the article, they are stirring it up and the parish council makes it sound as if the event happens without notice and the residents aren't able to plan round it.

I just cycled past the teddy bear shop and 'unclogged my nose in his general direction' as I did so, to quote Python!!

nice one Rafi