We're getting close and things are looking good. However it was baking hot down here a week ago, and has been wintery and cold over the last few days, so you'll need your suncreen and your down booties for the campsite. In ten days times it could be a howling souwester and snowing on the tops. What we're saying is be prepared for everything.

A few things are covered in this update:

• transport and gear storage details;
• compulsory gear;
• a few more FAQs; and
• the much awaited entry list.

If you've emailed us and booked transport, you've got a seat as per the below details, there will be some spare seats but no guarantees if you have not let us know already sorry:

• Christchurch to Mt Somers leaving from the Arts Centre carpark off Hereford St at 8.30am sharp on Wednesday 25th February. Be there at 8.00am. $20 cash to get on the bus per person.
• Tekapo to Mt Somers pre-race leaving from the big carpark at the Mt John end of the main part of town, just past the Run 79 shop, leaving at 8.30am on Wednesday 25th February, so be there at 8.00am. $20 cash per person.
• Tekapo to Christchurch (via Mt Somers) leaving from the big carpark at the Mt John end of the main part of town, just past the Run 79 shop, leaving at 10.00am on Sunday 1st March, so be there at 9.30am. $40 cash per person ($20 to Mt Somers).

We will have bike transport capacity. We will also be able to store gear that you leave with us in Mt Somers until after the race, however you will not be able to access this until Tekapo.

If we have your details wrong we will correct them at race registration in Mt Somers, so don't panic. This will be held at the Mt Somers Holiday Park on Hoods Road from 10.00-11.30am.

Open Mixed

• Charlotte Ireland, Tim Collinson
• Karen Muller, Graeme Thompson
• Cathy Richards, Phil Brownie
• Em Ross, Stu Marfell,
• Sophie Hart, Shane Armstrong
• Nora Audra, Ian Edmond
• Brenda Clapp, Chris Burr
• Elaine Rose, Gareth Hargreaves
• Rae-Anne Kurucz, Ritchie Williams

Open and Veteren Women combined

• Georgie Mclean, Denise Thorne
• Vicky Robertson, Jo Forbes
• Nicky Edwards, Rachel Ockelford
• Megan Dimonzantos, Sadie Parker-Wynyard
• Bridgit Murray, Tamsin Chittock
• Cath Parr, Lynee Odonohugue
• Sally Smith, Janet Cuttle
• Idla Inglis, Suzy Ruddenklau

Open Men

• Andy Inder, Steve Bennett
• Mat Woods, Hayden Key
• Kenton Wickles, Scotty Nimmo
• Jamie Fitzgerald, Rob Hamill
• James Weaver, Christopher Hill
• Rob Lingstuyl, Byron Wright
• Josh Scott, George Baxter
• Craig Ross, Keiron Ingram
• Richard Tait, Mark Wright
• Rick Barber, Gary MacPherson
• Kashi Leuchs, Marcus Roy
• Simon Harper, Gianluca Valsenti
• Nic Smith, Neil Sutherland
• Matthew Webber, Nic Randall
• Peter Mora, Andrew Perry
• Greg Barker, Nick Mudge
• Alan Renwick, Fenton Hazelwood
• Niall Frost, Josh Findlay
• Mark Williams, Scott Wilder
• Bryce Lorcet, Chris Short
• Steve Hanmer, Calum Marshall

Veteren Men

• Geof Blance, Malcolm Mcleod
• Blair Struthridge, Craig Phillips
• Evan Taylor, Nigel Atherfold
• Graham Rodwell, Mark Taylor
• Mick Reeves, Hamish Scott
• Brian Lewer, Andrew Kennedy-Smith
• Glenn Kirk, Neil Ofee
• David Watt, Chris Dawson
• Adrian Hamill, Paul Plumtree
• Micheal Sanders, Jason Blair
• Peter Keller,  Milan Brodina
• John Giffney, Scott Dawson
• Graeme Nuttridge, Steve Reid
• Don Black, Richard Spence

Classic Men

• Graeme Brown, Malcolm Law
• Ken Scott, Mike Coutts
• Bill Johnston, Warwick Russell
• Steve Moffat, Shane Fairmaid
• Brian Gillman, Ross Turner
• Pete Wilkinson, Syd Woods
• Pete Wardell, Geoff McBride
• Kevin Osborne, Grant Clifford
• John Williamson, Graeme Buchanan

As noted on the race details section of the website, you must have the following compulsory gear. This will be checked at race registration, and again during the event on a random, police checkpoint style basis (we will chase you down if you try and turn around):

Per person:

• thermal hat, poly pro, merino or similar, and gloves (cycling gloves will suffice);
• waterproof shell jacket; and a
• whistle.

Per team:

• basic first aid kit including triangular bandage, crepe bandage x 2, strappping tape;
• foil survival blanket;
• chainbreaker;
• bike multi-tool;
• 2 tubes if tubeless, of 1 tube and a puncture repair kit; and a
• pump, or 3 CO2 canisters or similar.

Race bag. Yes you do get to keep your race bag after the race, and that is all the gear you can take each day. 90L is heaps for four days, and you must fit your tent, and bedrolls into your bags between you and your team-mate.

Didymo. We will have a number of Didymo decontamination zones which you must comply with, including a wash prior to the start of the race at registration.

Mechanic. We have a mechanic following the race, and general spare parts. This will be cash only.

Massage. There will be a massage therapist each night in case you are sore or in need of a rub, cash only. $10 per 10 minutes etc.

Coffee. All going to plan we will have a mobile coffee operation for your morning fix, cash only.

Carrying. As we have said all along, mountain biking as it was in the beginning. Back then there often were no tracks...and this will be the same in places.

Other gear. R&R will have a selection of quality gear, including some Skins, available for purchase during the event to replace or cover things you may have forgetten.

Course tweaks. Possible at any time due to stock movements, weather, etc. The website is our current best thinking.

Course marking. The course will be fully marked and marshalled, however you will have to pay attention to your race booklet and don't expect an alleyway of orange tape.

Let us know and we will get back to you as soon as we can...

See you in 12 days, and enjoy your taper..