COURSE SAFETY

PERSONAL SAFETY

We go to great lengths to ensure this is as safe an event as possible but you also need to take responsibility for your own safety as there may not someone nearby to immediately assist you if something goes wrong. You should be as well informed, prepared and as self sufficient as possible. If you are expecting a water station or a medic every kilometre then perhaps this isn’t the event for you.

Compulsory MTB Bike and Gear Checks

MTB Bike and Gear Checks are compulsory for all Mountain Bike competitors - ensure that you get your gear checked, carry it all and know how to use it. MTB Bike and Gear Checks can only be completed in the few weeks leading up to the event at an official Motatapu Check store. Please note that some people outside of the main city centres may have to go to two stores in order to complete this process. To read about the compulsory gear checks in more detail click here. Spot checks will be preformed on event day (especially on place getters) to ensure people are carrying the compulsory gear at all times. Any infringement may result in disqualification or removal from the event.

Adequate Food and Drink

You should consume enough food and drink to get you through the event, either as snacks, energy gels or electrolyte drinks. Amounts and types required will depend on you, your metabolism and the conditions on the day. Try various forms during training to figure out what suits you the best. If it's a hot day, do not underestimate the amount of water you need for this race!

“Ensure you drink adequate fluids throughout the race to avoid getting cramps and headaches. There is not much we can do for cramps other than give you electrolytes to drink, which is why we recommend you carry your own. Please also note that too much fluid consumption can also cause issues. Plan and drink appropriately to suit both your needs and temperatures throughout race day” – Motatapu Medics

Music Players

iPods, MP3 Players, headphones etc are not allowed during the race and will result in disqualification. You must be able to hear what's around you at all times (eg. emergency vehicles moving around; competitors calling out “on your right” etc). Besides, that way you can tune into the amazing atmosphere surrounding this event!

Cut Off Times

Cut off times have been put in place to ensure the safety of all and to ensure that everyone completes the event well before dark. If you don't reach Aid Station 2 before 3.00pm you won't be allowed to complete the second half of the course and will need to wait at Aid Station 2 until the crew pulls out at the end of the day.

Inability to Complete the Race

Our Aid Station marshalls are also there to ensure that all competitors are fit and able to finish the course safely. Competitors have been turned back to Glendhu Bay over the years due to lack of fitness. If it is deemed by any of our staff or volunteers that you are not capable of finishing the course, we have the right to pull you out of the race and take you back to Glendhu Bay Motor Camp when the crew pulls out at the end of the day. However a limited number of vehicles are allowed on course and space is very limited.

SAFETY OF OTHERS

Please ensure the safety of others by being aware of the following:

Give Way to Support Vehicles

The official event support vehicles and emergency vehicles provide critical logistical support, primarily the transport of our race paramedics, doctors and first aid staff. We ask all competitors to be observant of all event support vehicles and to allow them past – they have right of way at all times. Normal road rules apply so stay left if possible.

Rider & Runner Courtesy

Remain in Control

Remain in control at all times, especially aware on the steep down hill sections. Out of control riders are a hazard to themselves and others

Passing

Be sure to warn those ahead of you well in advance that you are coming by calling out “coming right” and be sure to pass them on the right! Bikers move much faster than runners so the more warning you can give runners the better

Being Passed

Be courteous by keeping to the left on busier segments, on the steeper hills and on the downhills. Even if you don’t think you can make it up that last hill, please don’t get in the way of someone who thinks they might!

Stopping

If you need to get off your bike (eg. at Aid Station or going up a hill) move to the left before getting off your bike so others can pass you – don't just stop in the middle

Accident Response

Given the number of competitors on course relative to the number of support crew, it is likely that in an accident or emergency you as a fellow competitor may come upon that person before the support crews do. If so you should proceed as follows:

  • First on Scene: If you are the first on the scene please stop and assist the injured/distressed competitor & gather as much information as possible. 
  • Next on Scene: Talk to first on scene then proceed to the nearest radio (Aid Station / Medic / 4WD / Tail End Charlie / some Marshalls) to report the situation (even if that means returning the way you came) so we can get expert help on the scene ASAP. 
  • Others on Scene: Stop to see if any assistance can be offered and proceed if not.

If you assist please take a note of the time you take assisting the injured person and we may be able to credit your final race time, after verifying it, of course!