The aim, to complete as many laps as you can in the seven hour limit. If you are riding in a team, you ride in relay – there’s only one team member on the course at any one time. All timing is via an electronic card which is worn by the team member on course – when a rider crosses the lap finish line their time is recorded, and they then pass the card onto the next team member and so on. The last chance to start a final lap will give enough time for one frantic effort for that final (winning?) lap.
Riders can do as many laps as they want/can manage in the time. The transition/timing/ team change-over area is in the event village. The course is marked out all the way round and there are marshals at all key positions.
Riders can go as hard or easy as they like, and there’s always the lure of a nice cake and a good blether (and even a beer!) down at the event village. There’s also a cake and water station at the top of the course.