FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS COMPETITORS:

Transcription

1 Speight s Coast to Coast Post: P O Box 33330, Christchurch 8244, New Zealand Phone: (0064 3) , Fax: (0064 3) info@coasttocoast.co.nz Website: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS COMPETITORS: Q. Are there qualifying standards to enter? A. You must present a copy of a Grade two participation kayaking certificate before 30 th November. Other than that anybody can enter the two day or one day events. No- one has to pre- qualify. Q.Is the entry fee the same for internationals? A. Yes, it s NZ$858 plus GST ($128.70) = NZ$986.70, although competitors in the Teams School Boys, Teams School Girls, those aged under 18 (two day event only) and those aged over 65 years pay an entry fee of $645 plus GST ($96.75) = $ per competitor. There will be a late fee of $100 for entries after 15 th January. Q. Does it cost $ for a team of two or is it $ per person? A. It is $ for a team of two people. The event costs $ per competitor. Competitors in the Teams School Boys, Teams School Girls, those aged under 18 and those aged over 65 years pay an entry fee of $ per competitor or $ per team. Q. Does the entry fee include tickets for the pre- event banquet or prizegiving brunch? A. Yes, one ticket each to the pre- event banquet and prizegiving brunch are included in the entry fee. Extra tickets to the pre- event banquet and prizegiving brunch cost $40 each. Assistants, friends and supporters may purchase tickets, but they must be ordered by 15 th December. Q. Can I get a refund for any lost or unused meal tickets? A. No, these are your responsibility. If you lose your tickets you have to purchase more if you want to attend these meals. Q. Where do I get extra Kumara banquet or Christchurch prizegiving brunch meal tickets? A. You can order meal tickets through the Speight s Coast to Coast office until 15th December by sending in a cheque or credit card details. The tickets will be put in your race pack. They will not be on sale at Kumara. Q. I want to bring my children to the Kumara pre- race banquet and Christchurch brunch. Do they require tickets? A. Yes, children aged between 6 to 12 years must purchase a ticket. They are half price. There is no charge for children aged 5 and under. Page 1 of 1

2 Q. Do I need a ticket to attend the prizegiving ceremony? A. No, entry to the prizegiving ceremony is free, but you require a ticket to the brunch. Q. I have several assistants. Can I get extra handbooks? A. Yes, you can download them from the website after 1 st July, or you can contact the office and we will post a copy. Q. I have booked accomodation in Greymouth. What is the story about road closures early Friday and Saturday morning? Will it be possible to drive from Greymouth to the cycle stands? A. Yes you can drive from Greymouth to the cycle stands, unload the cycle then drive to Aickens. We allow traffic to travel east as long as they do not stop until they reach Aickens. Q. Where can I find accomodation for the night before the race begins on the west coast? A. Camping sites are available at the Kumara racecourse on Thursday and Friday evening. No bookings are required. Facilities include hot showers, toilets and a camp kitchen. Q. Can I take campervans into the Kumara Racecourse to camp for the night? A. Yes you can, but there are no powered sites. Q. What happens if my cycle or mountain run equipment does not pass the spot check inspection at Kumara racecourse? A. Make sure you have the correct equipment, otherwise you will need to purchase items from the sponsor displays, cycle backup vans or drive to Greymouth or Hokitika to find an appropriate shop. Q. What happens if my kayak equipment does not pass the spot check inspection at Mt White bridge? A. Make sure you have the correct equipment. You will not be allowed on the river without it. Q. Where can I fill up water bottles? A. There are no official drink stops at the event other than at finish lines. You may fill up water containers at Kumara racecourse and Klondyke Corner. We recommend you bring with you at least two filled 20 litre water containers. Q. How far is it from the Kumara Racecourse to the pre- race banquet venue? A. The banquet is at the Kumara Town Hall, about 3km east of the Kumara Racecourse. You must drive as there is no shoulder and you would be coming back in the dark after the race briefing. Please do not drink and drive. Q. What about camping at the end of the first day (Friday)? A. The event provides camping sites at no charge on Department of Conservation land at Klondyke Corner on the Friday night for Two Day Individual and Team competitors. One Day competitors may camp at Kumara racecourse or arrange other accommodation. Q. Can I camp at Kumara Racecourse before the Thursday registration? Like on Tuesday or Wednesday night? Page 2 of 2

3 A. No. You ll need to find somewhere else to camp. We only have access from Thursday. Q. Can I camp anywhere at Kumara Racecourse? A. Yes, but there are conditions. Camp well away from the buildings. We have areas specifically set aside for the operational aspects of the event and we need to have full access to these on Thursday. Q. Can I camp at Klondyke Corner before the Thursday registration? Like Tuesday or Wednesday night? A. Yes. It s a National Park. However, we have areas specifically set aside for the operational aspects of the event (marked by waratahs and orange tape) on the Wednesday) and we need to have full access to these, so you may have to move if requested. Q. Is it compulsory that I stay at Kumara Racecourse or can I find my own accommodation? A. No. It s entirely up to you you can stay wherever you like as long as you attend the safety briefing on Thursday night, have your cycle at the cycle stands and you re at the beach for the start on time. Q. When do the entries close for internationals? A. Entries are limited. Places are not kept for International competitors and they should enter early to secure their place along with the other competitors. Entries must be received no later than 31st January. There will be a late fee of $100 for entries after 15 th January. Q. I want to find a sponsor to cover my entry fee. What am I allowed to do in terms of signage? A. You must not alter the bib or supplied stickers in any way, and must not be sponsored by any company in competition with Lion Nathan products in beer. Q. I want to place sponsor logos on my kayak and helmet. What size are the event stickers? A. There are two kayak stickers (530mm x 140mm) placed either side of the kayak (front right and rear left), a helmet sticker (120mm x 50mm) placed each side of the kayak and cycle helmet and a sticker (120mm x 100mm) placed on the front of the kayak and cycle helmet. Q. I am an International Competitor coming over. Can I find New Zealand Assistant support? A. Check out then select Support Crew Finder under Services and post your details Q. Can I have a cycle helmet with a safety certification from another country? A. Yes. Helmets must be of a standard recognised by NZ s Land Transport Standard Association (LTSA). As long as the helmet has an approved/legal safety standard marked by a country, it will be suitable for the race. However, we recommend cycle helmets are checked at a cycle shop before the event. As a general rule, a cycle helmet should be replaced every three years. You must not wear a kayak helmet on a cycling stage. Q. Can I draught off a vehicle or cyclists not in the race? A. No. Q. Can I run, cycle and kayak in barefeet? A. No. Appropriate footwear must be worn on all stages. Page 3 of 3

4 Q. What happens at railway crossings? A. There are railway line crossings on the cycle and run stages. You must stop for the trains. If alarm bells are sounding or the official requests that you stop, you must stop. If a competitor does not stop they will be disqualified from the race immediately. Q. It has been the policy of our Canoe Club that all students must be able to roll in a grade two rapid to complete the course. I am led to believe this has caused some division within the club. The irony being that very few experienced kayakers can complete such a roll and it is not a requirement of entry for the Speight s Coast to Coast. What s your policy? A. You do not have to be able to complete a roll to be eligible to enter the Speight s Coast to Coast ask your Kayak Instructor to complete our Grade two participation certificate form (available from the website) certifying your proficiency in Grade two water and that you can safely manoeuvre the river section of the Speight s Coast to Coast. While the ability to perform an eskimo roll is not a compulsory kayak requirement, we strongly encourage competitors to attain this skill. Q. Can I swap my spot prize for another prize, size or product? A. No Q. Can I exchange my performance prize for another size or product? A. No. Q. If I win a prize like a kayak or roof box, can you ship it home for me? A. No, it s the prizewinners responsibility to arrange transport. Q. Can one member of a team collect the race pack? A. Yes, for two person teams there is one combined race pack that either team member can collect. Remember it will have purchased meal tickets, bib, sponsors beer, equipment stickers and timing transponder so you need to know where to find your team- member. It s up to you to have a pre- arranged place and time to meet! There may not be cell phone coverage at Kumara or Kumara racecourse, so you must have a pre- arranged place and time to meet. The Race Briefing is compulsory and both team members must attend. Q. I can t make it to registration on Thursday what should I do? Can my support crew collect my race pack? A. In exceptional circumstances this may be allowed, but this needs to be approved by the Speight s Coast to Coast office. You or a representative must attend the race briefing. New and updated information is given at the briefing. Q. Do we need two thermal top and bottoms, two first aid kits, two thermal hats, two pairs thermal gloves, two water proof pants, two survival bags and two long sleeved thermal tops for the mountain and kayak section? A. Only if you re in the one day race, as your gear needs to be checked at the kayak put in before you re finished the mountain section. Otherwise, one of each. Two day individuals and team members must transfer equipment from the day pack to the kayak on Friday first aid kit, survival bag etc Q. The long sleeved thermal top. Can we use Wool, fleece or a mixture? Page 4 of 4

5 A. These are all okay. The garment weight has to be significantly heavier than a base layer garment. It is described as a mid- layer garment with insulation properties, approx, gsm. Cotton products are not acceptable. We allow synthetic, natural or composite thermal products. Icebreaker merino outdoor clothing is ideal for the Speight s Coast to Coast because it controls temperature, manages moisture, resists odour and stays dry and comfortable over long distances. Icebreaker, one of our major sponsors, has a full range of premium merino outdoor clothing and accessories. Check out Icebreaker.com for more information. Q. I m a two day competitor. Where can I leave surplus warm- up clothing that I had while waiting to start the cycle from Klondyke Corner? A. We suggest you leave a numbered and named plastic bag with the officials at Klondyke Corner. Don t leave valuables in it. This bag will be taken forward at the end of the day, and will be available at the Prizegiving venue on the Sunday. Present a bib or suitable ID to collect it. All care, no responsibility. Q. Do I have to have a survival bag or can it be a survival blanket? A. It must be a survival bag. The bag should be in good condition. If its more than two years old, buy a new one! Q. I have a 55 N rated bouyancy vest - is that okay? A. Yes 55 N of flotation corresponds to a lead weight of 6.2 kgs underwater so is allowed Q. I currently hold NZQA unit standards in kayaking 467,477,478. These units cover rolling in sheltered or slow moving water, demonstrate kayaking skills on sheltered or slow moving water, and demonstrate kayaking skills on grade two water. Are these qualifications accepted as a Grade two participation certificate for the kayaking requirements of entry? A. Unfortunately these qualifications are not accepted as a Grade two participation certificate for the kayaking requirements of entry. You will need to complete a grade two participation certificate from an unstructor. Check out the list of instructors on the website. Q. Do we need a front light that shines, blinks or one that simply glows white? A. According to New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) website you must have: o a rear red or yellow reflector o a steady or flashing rear- facing red light that can be seen at night from a distance of 100 metres o a steady white or yellow forward- facing light that can be seen at night from a distance of 100 metres (a front flashing white or orange light may also be fitted) o yellow pedal reflectors or reflective straps attached to the lower parts of the cyclist's legs o good brakes on the front and back wheels, or, if the cycle was made on or before 1 Jan 1988, a good brake on the back wheel. Lights must be attached to the cycle. Make sure you have new or charged batteries fitted. Helmet mounted lights may be used in addition to the cycle mounted lights. Page 5 of 5

6 Q. Can a vehicle remain at Klondyke Corner until the last two day competitor has left? A. Yes, but wait for the cyclist to reach Mt White before departing. Q. It could be raining at the start? Can I wear a plastic bag over my clothes? A. Yes but you must not wear a black or dark coloured bag as you won t be seen by traffic. Use a clear plastic bag, and don t discard it. This applies to both competitors and assistants. Q.What is the minimum food and drink requirements for the mountain run? A. It is up to you, but remember to take sufficient supplies. Nutrition information is provided on the website. If you need professional advice consult with SportsMed. Q. Is one reflective ankle band sufficient? A. No. Reflective ankle bands must be worn on both ankles. Q. Is it okay to wear just a bumbag in the mountain stage? A. No, you must wear a day pack. All your compulsory equipment must be able to fit in the day pack. However, you may have a bumbag in addition to the day pack to make food more accessable. Q. Are hiking poles permitted on the mountain run? A. No, sorry, we don t want you obstructing other runners. Q. If you have run the mountain stage before do you have to carry maps of the mountain run stage? A. No. Q. Do I need to carry maps of the kayak stage? A. No. The maps are useful for assistants to locate Mt White, Gooseberry Stream and Woodstock in case you are withdrawn from the event. Q. I m in a team where do I tag my team- mate at Waimakariri River Gorge bridge? A. The exit from the timing chute at the river, not at the cycle stands. The team kayaker must exit their kayak, cross the timing mat and then tag their team cyclist who then runs up the gravel road. Q. I would like to join a team, can you help? A. Yes we can. Head to the website and select Find a team- mate under Services. This lets you display your details and what sort of team- mate (runner or kayaker) you are looking for. Q. I m doing the kayaking section of the event. Can I do the last cycle also so I get to cross a finishing chute once? A. No. Unfortunately the mountain run team member gets all the glory of finishing at both Klondyke and Sumner. We do however have a can of Speight s for your team member at both finish lines! Competitors aged under 18 years receive a non- alcoholic beverage. Q. If my team mate does not finish a stage, can I continue on subsequent stages? A. No. Page 6 of 6

7 Q. If I miss a cut- off time, can I or my team mate continue on subsequent stages? A. No. Q. Can I have a lower race number? A. No. The race numbers are allocated as entries are received. The earlier we receive your entry, the lower your race number will be. We cannot change these numbers once confirmation has been sent out to a competitor. A lower two day race number means you start earlier on Saturday. Q. Can I wear my i- pod or similar device in the cycle stages or running stage? A. No, the competitor must be able to hear other riders in the bunches and safety instructions from marshals. Q. Can I change from the one- day race to the two- day race after I have entered? A. Yes, but we prefer you do this before 15 th December. Q. Can I change from the two- day race to the one- day race after I have entered? A. Yes, but we prefer you do this before 15 th December. Q. If Plan B the Bad Weather Alternative route is implemented, how will I know where transitions are? A. Should the Speight s Coast to Coast be held up by bad weather then a running stage (31 kms) will be held on the farm track from Aickens to Deception footbridge and then on the State Highway from Deception footbridge to Klondyke Corner, followed by a cycling stage (86 kms) from Klondyke Corner to Waddington (near Sheffield), a further cycling stage (54 kms) from Waddington to Hagley Park, a kayaking stage (19 kms) down the Avon River to Pleasant Point Yacht Club, followed by a cycling stage (10 kms) to Sumner and then a run to the finish. The team member who would have cycled from Waimakariri River Gorge Bridge to Sumner must do the cycling stage from Klondyke Corner to Waddington. All Two day and One day competitors must have finished the Speight s Coast to Coast at Sumner Beach by 11pm Saturday 9 th February. Updated detailed Plan B notes will be provided on the Speight s Coast to Coast website before 31 st November. Page 7 of 7

8 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ASSISTANTS and SUPPORT CREWS: Q. How many assistants can a competitor have? A. As many as you like, but at some locations you will only be allowed one assistant because of space restrictions. Q.Can I walk to the cycle stands? A. Assistants must not walk to the cycle stands from Kumara Racecourse or be in the cycle stands area when the race starts. The road is closed to traffic including pedestrians. Q. How many assistants vehicles can a competitor have? A. As many as you like, but please consider your carbon foot print. We can supply extra vehcile stickers at registration. Q. What do I do if my competitor hasn t arrived at a transition or finish line and it s a lot longer than their expected time? A. Find a timekeeper and make an inquiry. At Waimakariri River gorge bridge there is a list of competitors that have passed through Woodstock on display at the radio base. The radio officials have a map of how to get to Woodstock. Q. Where can I take off my competitors gear at each transition? A. You must not remove any of your competitors gear, give them gear or equipment for the next stage or aid them in any way until they have passed over the timing mats, under the overhead transition banner and exited the timing chute at any transition. The only exception is at Mt White bridge where there is no banner or timing. Gear may be removed once the competitor reaches their kayak, not before. Q. I m a one day assistant. Where can I start to assist my competitor at Klondyke Corner? A. Competitors must have passed over the timing mat and under the transition banner at Klondyke Corner before they remove their day pack, clothing or bib. Assistants must not remove their competitors cycle from the cycle stands until their competitor has passed over the timing mat at Klondyke Corner. Assistants may hold the cycle on the sealed side road, but not on the State Highway. Assistants are not allowed to assist their competitor on their cycle or push them up the road! Q.Where do we find our competitor times and stage places? A. Times are recorded at Klondyke Corner, Waimakariri River Gorge Bridge and Sumner. Provisional times will be displayed at Klondyke Corner on Friday, Sumner on Saturday and the Christchurch prizegiving venue on Sunday. Q. Do you have to take out insurance for personal belongings or is the insurance included in the entry fee? A. You must have your own personal property insurance policies. It is not covered by the entry fees. Page 8 of 8

9 Q. Can my competitor wear the bib under their day pack? A. Yes, but the bib number must be visible from the front. This allows access for food and emergency clothing from their pack. Mesh style packs that cover the bib number are not permitted. Q. Can my competitor wear the bib under their bouyancy vest? A. No. The bib must be over the top of the bouyancy aid. Q. Can my competitor wear the bib under jackets and other clothing? A. The bib must be worn over the bouyancy vest and all items of clothing. The competitors bib may be worn under the day pack on the mountain running stage, but the bib number must be visible from the front. The bib must be worn on top of the waterproof jacket on the mountain running stage. Q. What do you mean by waterproof jacket and pants? A. Waterproof means seam sealed and constructed of a durable material. Water resistant is not acceptable. Q. What style of jacket and pants? A. Jackets must have a hood and we suggest pants have side zips to make it easier to put on without removing shoes. Plastic ponchos are not acceptable. We carry out a poke test during the spot checks at registration. If we can poke a finger through the material, it will fail. Q. Can a vehicle pick up an assistant with a competitors cycle as they go past the dirt road turn off down to Mt White? A. No. All two day vehicles carrying kayaks must drive down to the bridge. Two day competitors must carry or push their cycle down to the bridge. One day competitors may leave their cycle at the turnoff. If you re not involved with delivering the kayak, continue on to Waimakariri River Gorge Bridge. Do not park on the highway and walk down the road to Mt White bridge. Q. Can I have my competitors gear ready up on the State Highway at Mt White Bridge? A. No, you must leave all compulsory equipment in the kayak once it has been scrutineered. Bibs must remain on the competitor as they run down the road and enter the transition. Bouyancy vests (compulsory equipment) must remain with the kayak. Q. Can I enter the mountain or river stages to watch my competitor? A. No, you can only view competitors at transitions. Assistants must not stop at the Otira footbridge. Q. Do I have to listen to instructions from officials? A. Yes. Officials are tasked with carrying out duties of crowd control, traffic management, enforcing rules, risk management etc. Officials are an important part of the Speight s Coast to Coast safety systems. Instructions by officials to competitors and assistants must be followed. Failure to do so will result heavy time penalties or disqualification. Page 9 of 9

10 Q. Can you hire campervans with roof racks to carry kayaks? A. Yes, some do but you need to book early otherwise you will need an extra vehicle or need to arrange for someone to transport your kayak. Q. Can an assistant drive back to Klondyke Corner after their competitor has departed Mt White bridge in their kayak to pack up camping equipment? A. We do not recommend it. As support crews are held at Mt White bridge until all two day competitors have arrived, if you drive back to Klondyke Corner your competitor may have arrived at Waimakariri River Gorge bridge before you get there! Q. Can I wait with my one day competitors cycle on the road at Klondyke Corner and help them get started? A. No, you must not aid your competitor or push them on their cycle. Do not run with them on the road. Q. Can I help my two day competitor walk their cycle down to the river and across Mt White bridge? A. No, the competitor must do this. Q. Can I help my competitor up the gravel road at Waimakariri River Gorge bridge? A. No, you must not push, pull or carry your competitor. You can hand them food, drink and their cycling gear. Q. Can I wait with my competitors cycle on the road at Waimakariri River Gorge bridge and help them get started? A. No, you must not aid your competitor or push them on their cycle. Do not run with them on the road. Q. Where do I collect my competitors cycle at Sumner and how do I get it? A. You must present your competitors bib to collect the cycle. Please collect the cycle as soon as possible after your competitor has finished as the area gets very congested with cycles. Q. If my one day competitor leaves Waimakariri River Gorge bridge after 6pm can I follow them down the Old West Coast Road rather than taking the Kaiapoi route? A. Yes. You can follow as long as you leap frog your competitor. You must not follow directly behind or in front of your competitor. You must not impede or disrupt traffic. If we find anyone breaking this rule, significant penalties will be imposed. After 6pm your competitor must wear a NZTA approved reflective high visibility safety vest. You must supply your own vest, but we ll have some in case your vest does not meet the appropriate standard. Q. If my competitor cycles through Christchurch after the police have left the light controlled intersections can I stop the traffic to assist my competitor? A. No. All competitors and assistants must obey the road code and stop for red lights. Q. How will my competitor find his way through Christchurch after dark? A. The route is described in the event documentation. We suggest you cycle the course at least once before the event. At major intersections where competitors turn left or right, signage will remain in place until the last competitor passes through. It is the competitors Page 10 of 10

11 responsibility to know the course. Check out the route through Christchurch on the website under THE RACE, THE COURSE then select CHRISTCHURCH MAP. Buy a map of the route. Q. Can I bring my dog? A. No. Dogs are not allowed in National Parks, even if they were to remain in your vehicle. Page 11 of 11

12 Q. Should I watch the number board at Waimakaririri transition to see when my competitor is coming in? A. The board is a record of those passing through Woodstock. Don t rely on the accuracy of the board to signal the arrival of your competitor as not all competitors numbers will appear there. Keep watch for your competitor arriving. Q. If I leave my competitors equipment in any of the transition areas will it turn up at Christchurch Prizegiving on Sunday? A. We ll do our best but don t rely on the Speight s Coast to Coast staff to collect gear you leave behind. Make sure all your competitors gear is numbered, especially their shoes. Q. What do I do if my competitor has been withdrawn? A. Make sure your competitor is checked off with an official, that an official withdrawal form is completed and that their bib and transponder is handed in. We will return the bib to the competitor after the event. Q. Where do I wear my timing transponder? A. Around your ankle, attached by a velcro strap. Do not put it on your cycle handlebars, inside your mountain daypack or in your kayak dry- bag. Q. What happens if I lose my timing transponder during the race? A. Check at each transition that the timekeepers record a time for you. Please see a time keeper to be issued a replacement. Q. Where will photos be available after the event? A. Pauls Camera are our official photographers. Photo packs will be available for sale at the Prizegiving brunch on Sunday morning, or else check out phone or imagecentre@paulscamera.co.nz Q. If Plan B the Bad Weather Alternative route is implemented, how will I know where transitions are? A. Should the Speight s Coast to Coast be held up by bad weather then a running stage (31 kms) will be held on the farm track from Aickens to Deception footbridge and then on the State Highway from Deception footbridge to Klondyke Corner, followed by a cycling stage (86 kms) from Klondyke Corner to Waddington (near Sheffield), a further cycling stage (54 kms) from Waddington to Hagley Park, a kayaking stage (19 kms) down the Avon River to Pleasant Point Yacht Club, followed by a cycling stage (10 kms) to Sumner and then a run to the finish. The team member who would have cycled from Waimakariri River Gorge Bridge to Sumner must do the cycling stage from Klondyke Corner to Waddington. All Two day and One day competitors must have finished the Speight s Coast to Coast at Sumner Beach by 11pm Saturday 11 th February. Detailed Plan B notes will be provided on the Speight s Coast to Coast website before 31 st November. Page 12 of 12