Foot and mouth advice from the BCF

In a recent statement issued by MAFF, in the name of chief vet Jim
Scudamore, there are several key sentences. Firstly, it points out the
relatively low chance of passing on the disease through human contact:
“Indirect transfer via person to person contact – for example at a sporting
or social event – and then onward to another animal, is possible but
unlikely.”

The MAFF statement then goes on to list “Do’s and Don’ts” whilst in the
countryside. Under the heading “Where you can go now” it lists the
following: “Anywhere in the countryside……you can visit……sporting,
recreational or other special events.” In addition, under the heading “What
you can do now” is the following: “Anywhere in the countryside…… you
can…….drive walk, run, ride horses, cycle on or beside tarmacked roads.”

The BCF’s advice is that organisers of events taking place on the public
highway, closed circuits and at dedicated BMX, Track and Cycle Speedway
venues, anywhere in the country, should continue with their events as
planned, unless approached and specifically advised not to, by the local
MAFF office, the local authority or the police. Mountain bike event
organisers are clearly still strictly limited by the continuing lack of
access to large off-road areas. The BCF’s advice is that they should
continue to work closely with the relevant landowners and accept the
instructions of their local MAFF office. Finally, the BCF advises that
organisers should continue to take into account Public Relations and local
feeling. Many organisers have strong relationships with their local
community, including farmers, which could be damaged long-term by running an
event.

Race your MTB at the BMX Nationals


For the first time, at all this year’s BMX Nationals there will be a
Novice/MTB race which you can enter on any MTB bike, providing it does not
have bar-ends. In addition, full-face helmets must be worn. For just £10 you
will get at least three races. Dual bikes are particularly suited to BMX
Tracks, but you could ride just about anything. So, if you want to brush up
your starts or develop your jumping skills, why not give it a go?

For
further information call Chris Furber at the BCF, 0161 230 2301 ext.2216, or e-mail [email protected]

More cancellations


Three more races have fallen foul of the outbreak: the Aldwyn Robinson
Memorial Road Race (Yorkshire) due to have been held on 29th April, the Autosave Road Race
(Wales), 6th May and the WCU Cross-Country MTB race at Llandegla on April
29th.

The Series Dates and Venues as follows:

15/16 April Rounds 1 and 2 Burnham-on-Sea
6 May Round 3 Mid Lancs

27/28 May Rounds 4 and 5 Ipswich

10 June Round 6 Bristol

1 July, Round 7 is in Bournemouth

12 August, Round 8 is in Mansfield

9 Sept Round 9 Alvaston

26/26 August, British Champs will be in Burnham (on sea presumably)

First BMX National relocates


The First BMX National (including rounds 1 and 2) has been relocated to
Burnham BMX club on the 15/16 April. Thanks go to the crew at Burnham for
offering their assistance at such short notice. Please note that there will
be no camping on site at Burnham in Apex Park. There is an alternative
camping at New House Farm campsite, which is 2 miles away. Camping costs £25
for Fri/Sat/Sun nights. Contact number to book is 01278 782218. Your
contacts at Burnham Club are Tammy Tipton, 01278 786393 and Sharon Phillips, 01278 641111.