Race bags. These will not be posted out to you, but available at registration in Mt Somers. You will be able to store other gear (bags etc) that is not needed during the week and collect it again on Saturday.
Cell phone coverage. There is limted coverage from all the campsites, meaning some providers will be ok, and others in a cellular black hole. You should be able to walk down the road or up a hill to check in with your boss/husband/girlfriend/sponsor/illegitimate love child.
Washing after each stage. There are showers on Wednesday night, a lake on Thursday night, a river on Friday night. If you're looking for a beauty retreat in the mountains you've come to the wrong place.
Lunch. Nope we do not give you lunch, tuna sammies won't last very well in your cycle top pocket. We do provide some riding snacks and water on course, plus a BBQ at the end of each stage to satisfy your savoury cravings until dinner time.
Compulsory gear. Is listed on the website at http://www.alpineepic.co.nz/race-details/rules-and-safety/equipment/. We will be checking this at random times.
Didymo. There will be wash stations on course which you must get off your bike and walk through, or face disqualification. For more information and information, especially for the Californian contingent, check out http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/didymo
Additional supporters/banquet tickets. Yep you are still able to purchase these online by going back into your registration record, or clicking the enter button.
Tow systems/towing. Nope, not allowed. Pushing is ok but there is to be nothing in the way of towing via pack strap extensions, poles under seat posts, etc. If you want to help your team-mate, carry their pack, push their bike, sing a couple of verses from Eye of the Tiger, or cram a muesli bar down their gullets.
Massage. Yes there will be massage available each afternoon/evening, supplied by www.goodmassage.co.nz, bring some cash.
Aero helmet. Yes, you can wear your aero helmet in the TT. However you will be ridiculed accordingly.
Accomodation. You must provide your own accomodation on Wednesday and Saturday night. The campground in Mt Somers has good cabins and lots of camp-space, Lake Tekapo has an abundance of options.
River crossing, day 1. This is a raft crossing of the Rangitata River. Stage 1 finishes on the north bank, stage 2 starts on the south bank. You must have your jacket and clothing as it could be cold. You will need food supplies for both stages when you begin stage 1 as will not have access to your gear bags until the end of stage 2.
Tents. You've got to bring your own one....and put it up!
Tyre selection. There is a good smattering of Matagouri on the course, which coupled with the odd Spaniard and sharp rock, could result in a few punctures. An ultra-lightweight XC tire is probably not the best option. Grip-wise, it should be fairly hard and fast, however a bit of norwest rain and some of the tracks will turn to clay...hedge your bets.
Arrival in Mt Somers? You need to register between 7.30am and 9.00am on Wednesday 24th. Race start 10.00am.
