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| And we're off... |
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We have 60 teams in the race and have closed off the entries. Everything is shaping up nicely and we're getting pretty excited about it. A few things to note:
- If you have not paid in full, please get this in by the 20th January or we will give your place to another team. Even if one person has paid and the other not you may lose your spot
- Please can you email us if you do not wish your name to be used in association with the event, and in a web-published entrant list (names only)
- If you've got any questions keep firing them through and we will try and get back to you quickly!
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| Transport booking |
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As we mentioned, we will provide transport at the lowest cost possible, this will specifically be from:
- Christchurch to Mt Somers on Wednesday 25th, departing 8.00 am;
- Tekapo to Mt Somers on Sunday 1st, departing 10.00 am; and
- Mt Somers to Christchurch on Sunday 1st, aiming to arrive Christchurch mid afternoon.
Please let us know by the 20th January if you require transport, please also state for which legs and number of people. We will then arrange and advise you of the cost.
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| Daily outline |
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We've gone through each day and outlined things of note. On a daily basis:
- Breakfast will be ready in the campsite marquee from 6.00-7.00 am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday
- There will be between one and three checkpoints per stage which will provide Isofuel, water, fruit and snacks. This is only to supplement your personal race food, which you must supply
- There will be a post stage cash fundraising BBQ run by a local community group following each stage for those looking for a savoury snack to keep them going until dinner time
- Dinner will be served from 6.00-7.30 pm, and then there will be stage prizes, an overview of the following day, and weather forecast from 8pm
- A slideshow of photos from each day and a selection of leg soothing music will be played in the evening
- One official 90L gearbag will be supplied to each entrant at race registration in Mt Somers. Tents (one per team) must be packed inside the bags. We will only transport one official bag per person
Wednesday 25th February
- 10.00 am-12.00 pm. Race registration in Mt Somers (venue to be advised). Both riders to be present with bikes, helmets and compulsory equipment for checking and signing of race waiver.
- 12.00 pm. Gearbags to be at gear truck
- 12.30 pm. Team check-in
- 12.45 pm. Stage 1 briefing
- 1.00 pm. Stage 1 start
- Estimated stage times 1.45 hrs - 3.00 hrs
- Cool down with a swim in the river. Wash basin facilities provided at camp
Thursday 26th February
- 6.00 am-7.00 am. Breakfast
- 7.15 am. Gearbags at gear truck
- 7.30 am. Team check-in
- 7.45 am. Stage 2 and 3 briefing
- 8.00 am. Stage 2 start
- Stage 2 estimated times 2.30 hrs - 5 hrs
- Stage 3. TTT starts following raft crossing of Rangitata. Teams set off at 4 minute intervals
- Stage 3 estimated times 1.15 hrs - 2. 30 hrs
- Finish the day with a swim in the Rangitata and a hot shower
Friday 27th February
- 6.00 am-7.00am. Breakfast
- 7.15 am. Gearbags at gear truck
- 7.30 am. Team check-in
- 7.45 am. Stage 4 briefing
- 8.00 am. Stage 4 start
- Estimated times 4.30 hrs - 10.00 hrs
- Relax and swim in the Lake. Wash basin facilities provided at camp
Saturday 28th February
- 6.00 am-7.00 am. Breakfast
- 7.15 am. Gearbags at gear truck
- 7.30 am. Team check-in
- 7.45 am. Stage 5 briefing
- 8.00 am. Stage 5 start
- Estimated times 4.00 hrs - 9.00 hrs
- 6.00 pm. Drinks and dinner in Tekapo (venue to be advised)
- 8.00 pm. Prizegiving followed by a bit of a shindig and a couple more drinks
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| Accommodation in Tekapo |
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We hope you're staying after the race for the prizegiving function in Tekapo, if so you will have to book some accommodation as there is no camping at the function venue. We suggest:
Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo, www.peppers.co.nz, who are kindly offering the following...
"Finish an Epic journey at Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo. Wind down and relax in our stylish studios and villas while overlooking the spectacular alpine landscape. We are offering contestants, families and friends a 25% discount off all Mountain View rooms including Studio, One, Two and Three Bedroom Villas. To make a booking, please call the hotel direct on +64 3 680 7000 and quote “Alpine Epic” to qualify for this fantastic deal. Rates apply from February 24th – March 2nd 2009".
Other great places (who may offer you a discount if you mention you are competing in the Skins Alpine Epic) are listed below, for more information check the Destination Mt Cook Mackenzie website www.mtcooknz.com/mackenzie/accommodation/:
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| That's all for now... |
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We may have forgotten something, or if there is any other info you need let us know. We will keep in touch as we get closer to the event.
Enjoy the training and see you in February.
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