F.A.Q. BMLD
If you would like to ask us questions by email, we will respond individually. Frequently asked questions and answers will be shown here, starting with the most recent.
Note that the only topo-guide that makes reference is the one that will be given to you the morning of your departure.
Q-I’m interested in your BMLD formula but I think I’m out of time. is it a problem?
The goal of the BMLD is to cover the proposed distance in a time limit
For us, there is no “organizational” problem for you to leave with the idea of not respecting the time limit.
but you should know that:
* you will not receive your “Long Distance Walker Certificate”
* we welcome the “out of time” on Sunday afternoon until 5 p.m. but not beyond
* we provide no assistance and therefore no repatriation in the event of injury, fatigue or abandonment.
Q-Are you worried about “cheating”, by the use of shortcuts or personal assistance?
It is clear that if a participant wants to plan to cheat they will be able to do so. However we will know, straightaway, that they are not “long distance walkers”.
There will be however at least 2 staff patrolling the route during the 75 hours.
In addition, there will be 9 at 19 “ordinary” control points on the route plus “hidden” control points, the locations of these will not be revealed.
Q-Is it possible to participate in BMLD with a hiking trolley?
A-Yes, it is possible to participate in the BMLD with a hiking trolley.
Be aware however, that on the certain sections of the route highlighted with red dots on the map, you will be required to carry them.
Q-Do you provide the route in advance in electronic format?
We will provide the GPS files on our site, no later than the end of April. These files will be “GPS tracks” in .GPX format
To avoid too many points per file, the whole route will be “separated” into several files.
ATTENTION: the transfer of GPX files from our site to your device is your sole responsibility:
* no assistance from us
* no download station made available to you on site when you leave
* no download station available to you during BMLD
Q-Is it possible to leave earlier on Thursday morning?
A-No it is not possible because the BMLD is only part of our 4 Days of Walking in Chantonnay and the arrival time limit (Sunday 2.30pm) is essential for our entire organisation.
Q-Can I complete the walk with friends?
A-It is possible with one VERY IMPORTANT condition: friends MUST NOT provide you with any assistance (food, clothing, etc…).
In other words, these friends can only provide you with MORAL assistance (which can be very useful)
Q-Do you have a discussion forum to communicate with other participants?
A-There are no plans as yet. But:
-We have a FAQ section on our site.
-You can take the initiative to open a discussion topic on specialised forums.
– look for example: https://www.randdonner-leger.org/forum/
Q-Will there be rest rooms at certain stages? (every 20 km?)
R -No; the BMLD is truly unassisted. However
1-The topo-guide indicates a certain number of shelters of all types: public toilets, school shelters, bus shelters, awnings, municipal halls, etc.
2-The topo-guide also indicates various campsites/hotels/inns/gîtes, on or near the circuit, where it will also be possible to stay (for a fee; remember to book)
3-For the 200 km (and only for the 200 km) we also offer a transfer of small luggage to 1 “baggage meeting point” which will be placed around the halfway point (2023 update).
4- rest room will be at your disposal on arrival but only until 5 p.m. on Sunday
Q-Will it be possible to stop and for someone take us somewhere to sleep and be returned to the same point again the next day?
A-It’s clearly not; the rules are very clear: no personal assistance.
Q-Can you clearly describe the possible walking hours for the first and last day?
R-Departure time on the 1st day and maximum arrival time on the 4th day (because two of the 4 days will be incomplete) in order to define the possible walking hours on the first and last day.
A-Departure time: 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Friday or Saturday depending on distance (mass start)
Deadline for arrival on Sunday: 2:30 p.m. (reception of late arrivals until 5 p.m.) (update of 2023)
Q-The length of the daily walking hours (opening times of the control points)?
A-There is no daily walking schedule.
The maximum arrival time (Sun. 2:30 p.m.) was defined from the maximum time (30 h / 54 h / 78 h depending on the distance)
There is also a minimum arrival time defined on the basis of a maximum walking speed of 6 km/h for a walker walking 24 hours a day.
Everyone then should adapt their speed and their daily walking time within these time calculations.
The checkpoints are open 24 hours a day because our method of controlling the passages does not require the presence of volunteers (phew!).
The topo-guide indicates minimum and maximum times for passing through checkpoints, but these times are not imperative
except of course for the last checkpoint, namely the finish.
ATTENTION: for the “baggage meeting point” of the 200 km, the minimum and maximum times provided by the topo-guide are imperative. Outside of this time slot, the meeting point will be closed and, therefore, luggage will not be available
Q-Supply of refreshments or water at control points?
A-There are no refreshment stations, not even for water. However the roadmap indicates the shops on or near the route. The route passes through places with shops. The roadmap also indicates the public water sources available, such as public toilets, cemeteries, stadiums etc…
Q-The itinerary of the course ( several circuits around Chantonnay or one continual route)?
A-This is a unique single route with departure and arrival in Chantonnay.
The BMLD 200 km therefore only makes one loop.
Other BMLDs do part of this loop but take shortcuts
Q-I am interested in your self-sufficiency walk project?
A-Correction. Our walk is not a self-sufficiency walk but a walk without assistance. The difference? It is possible to buy food in the shops that are on the route or why not accept an invitation to eat in a local residents home. However, it is forbidden to receive supplies from a partner, relative or a friend.
Q-Is it ok to run?
A- We do not prohibit running but as there is a maximum time of 78hrs, so there will also be a minimum time for completion.This is based on a speed of 6km/hr and that is 16hrs40 / 25hrs / 33hrs and 20minutes after the start.
Q-where and how to sleep?
A- That is entirely up to you to manage and is part of the challenge. There are different options:
-No sleep whatsoever!!!
-To sleep at a hotel, in a shelter, a mobile-home etc…
-To be invited to a residents house or to carry a tent and sleep at a campsite in the open air (but please ask for permission from the owner)
-To sleep in a bus shelter, barn or shed (again please ask for permission from the owner),
-Under a bridge or sleeping under the stars etc…
-The possibility of sleeping in an establishment (such as a playground, football changing rooms, municipal hall etc …
-These could be made available by the organisers.
What is forbidden: sleeping in a camper driven by your partner, relative or friend.
Q-Will I need a huge backpack?
A-Some walkers will have large backpacks with all the necessary equipment. Others will choose to walk “lightly” by fending for themselves with what they find on the way.
ATTENTION : To register, do not use the procedure suggested below (for the daily walks) but please select, the tab B.M.L.D. tab, under the heading BMLD registration.