In 20 days the second Alpine Epic will roll out of the mid-Canterbury town of Mt Somers, headed for the cold waters of Lake Tekapo. Numbers are slightly down on 2009, however it will be a quality field who does battle with each other, themselves, raging norwest winds, rogue Merinos, and matagouri punctures.

We're pretty exctied about another cool trip into the backcountry, if you are still thinking about coming, take the plunge, it's not too late...we would love to see you there. Entries will be shut off on Sunday 14th February.

The daily plan, menu, and other notes are below...

Tuesday 23rd February

• For those that need transport, the bus will depart Christchuch Arts Centre, Hereford St, at 7.30pm. Be there at 7pm for loading, tickets must be bought in advance through your online registration. Bikes can be built up or boxed. You've got to sort out your own accomodation on Tuesday night in Mt Somers, we recommend www.mountsomers.co.nz

Wednesday 24th February

• The tension starts building with race registration from 7.30am-9.00am, Mt Somers Holiday Park, Hoods Rd, Mt Somers
• Gear at truck. 9.15am, official gearbags only, you'll get one each. Best to leave the kitchen sink at home
• Team check in. 8.30am. A high vis-marshall will tick off your team number on the startline when one team-member gives the word
• Race briefing. 9.45am. It is compulsory for every participant to attend every pre-stage briefing
• Stage 1 start. 10.00am. Distance 46km. Estimated times 2.5hrs - 5hrs. It'll be hot and fast...
• Stage 2 start in order of stage 1 finish, following raft crossing of Rangitata River. Distance 18km. Estimated times 1hr - 2.15hrs
• Campsite at Rangitata Rafts featuring hot showers and country music
• Dinner 6.00pm. Wrap your teeth around some roast pork, red pepper and cashew nut loaf, roast potatoes, carrots, peas, red pepper and brown rice salad, coleslaw. Apple crumble and icecream.

Thursday 25th February

• Breakfast 6.00am -7.00am. Mixed spreads and toast, muesli, cornflakes, Weetbix, fruit, tea, coffee and the gentle waft of anticipation
• Gear at truck. 7.15am
• Team check in. 7.30am
• Briefing. 7.45am
• Stage 3 start. 8.00am. Distance 68km. Estimated times 4hrs - 7hrs. Time to unpack your climbing legs
• Campsite and swimming options aplenty at Lake Opuha
• Dinner 6.00pm. Beef and spinach lasagne, vegetable lasagne, gourmet baby potatoes, vegetable stirfry, carrot and raisin salad, garden salad, beetroot and apple salad. Custard and apricot short-cake.

Friday 26th February

• Breakfast 6.00am -7.00am. Wake to the soothing sounds of the Biff Merchants and stroll to the marquee for mixed spreads and toast, muesli, cornflakes, Weetbix, fruit and a cuppa
• Gear at truck. 7.15am
• Team check in. 7.30am
• Briefing. 7.45am
• Stage 4 start. 8.00am. Distance 75km. Estimated times 4.5hrs - 8hrs. Fast and furious with plenty of opportunity to slam it in the big ring (before and after a carry up a tussocky ridge...)
• Campsite on The Wolds Station
• Dinner 6.00pm. Chicken casserole, roast vegetable pasta salad, steamed white rice, brocolli and cauliflower medley. Chocolate goo and icecream.

Saturday 27th February

• Breakfast 6.00am -7.00am
• Gear at truck. 7.15am
• Team check in. 7.30am
• Briefing. 7.45am
• Stage 5 start. 8.00am. Distance 72km. Esimated times 3hrs - 6hrs. Some stunning scenery to take your mind off your bum and legs
• Finish line of Alpine Epic in center of Tekapo, right next to the lake. Congratulations!
• Drinks and dinner from 5.30pm. Roast beef stuffed with spring onions and horseradish sauce, roast pork and apple sauce, Egyptian roast chicken, red capsicum stuffed with portabello mushrooms, garlic and breadcrumbs, baked potatoes, honey glazed carrots, green beans, garden salad, waldorf salad, rice salad. Sugar roasted seasonal fruits with passionfruit, mixed cheesecakes, icecream.
• Prizegiving party from 7.30pm
• You must arrange your own accomodation on Saturday night, there is a good range available within a few minutes walk of the finishline http://www.laketekapountouched.co.nz/accommodation.asp

Sunday 28th February

• If you've booked a bus back to Mt Somers or Christchuch it will depart the main carpark in Tekapo, next to the pub at 10.00am, be there at 9.30am or unwind that thumb
• Early morning swim in the lake followed by a strong coffee and soak in the hot pools

If there are any glaring omissions, or you are confused please let us know, we will fire out answers as soon as we can.

Hope the training is going well and your bike is running freely...look forward to seeing you in a few weeks.

Cheers