Falls Creek Mountain Raid - ADVENTURE RACE 15-16th February, 2014.

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1 Welcome to the Falls Creek Mountain Raid - ADVENTURE RACE 15-16th February, We are getting pretty excited about the approaching race and to be honest, are all very envious of the adventures you have ahead of you in and around Falls Creek as part of the 2014 Falls Creek Mountain Raid Adventure Race. Thank you for your support of this inaugural race. Having recently completed our final course recce we can report that the landscapes around Falls Creek and the Bogong High Plains are very impressive and will provide for some great adventures over race weekend - with outstanding mountain views, high plain pastures, alpine lakes, rock outcrops and an extensive network of single tracks and trails that allow you to truly get into the wilderness. You will race through all this and more as part of this exciting new event so we hope you re ready for a great weekend in the fresh alpine air. We also express our thanks and appreciation to our major stakeholder Falls Creek Resort Management Board who lead the way in the development of this event. They know that their patch of the Victorian Alps is pretty special and they wanted to share it with the rest of us and that s how this race was born. Now to the task ahead: you are receiving this because you have entered the 2014 Falls Creek Mountain Raid Adventure Race and included below are some updated details on the event, such as the event schedule and equipment lists, as well as some gentle reminders on things like accommodation, food and equipment. Please send it to your team mates and support crews, and tell everyone to read it very carefully. This will be the last info you receive from us prior to the competitor briefing at 8:30pm on Friday 14th February when the course will be revealed. We hope you are fit and looking forward to the adventures ahead. Good luck. Rapid Ascent Team

2 Adventure Race and Trail Runs The Falls Creek Mountain Raid includes a 2 day adventure race held over Saturday and Sunday, and 2 different trail running races that will be held on Sunday morning. The information in this document primarily relates to the ADVENTURE RACE. If you are doing the trail run then there is a separate information booklet for you online. Schedule and Briefings Schedule - where and when and how Friday 14th February 5:00pm 8:00pm Adventure Race Competitor Registration 6:00pm 8:30pm Pre-race Pasta Dinner - Falls Creek Country Club Restaurant 8:30pm Adventure Race - Competitor Briefing & Map handout for Day Falls Creek Country Club. 9:00pm Informal teams Q&A with race officials (not compulsory to attend) Saturday 15th February 7:00am RACE START: Adventure Race long course Day 1 7:15am RACE START: Adventure Race short course Day 1 12:30pm FINISH: Adventure Race short course winner expected to cross the line 1:30pm FINISH: Adventure Race long course winner expected to cross the line 4:00pm 6:00pm Trail Run - Competitor Registration 6:00pm Adventure Race - Competitor Map handout for Day 2 (Slalom Plaza) 7:00pm 9:00pm Mid-race dinner at Café Maximum Sunday 16th February 6:45am RACE START: Adventure Race long course Day 2 7:00am 8:00am Trail Run Competitor Registration 8:30am RACE START: Trail Run long course 8:40am RACE START: Trail Run short course 8:40am RACE START: Adventure Race short course Day 2 9:50am onwards FINISH: Trail Runners begin crossing the finish line 11:00am Presentations (Trail Run) 12:00pm FINISH: Adventure Race short course winner expected across the line 2:00pm FINISH: Adventure Race long course winner expected to cross the line 1:00pm 4:00pm Post event BBQ 3:30pm Presentations (Adventure Race) Team registration, race briefing and map distribution It is compulsory for all teams to attend team registration on the Friday evening between 5:00pm and 8:00pm. Registration will take place in Slalom Plaza, on the Bogong High Plains Rd. It is then compulsory for all teams to attend the competitor briefing at the Falls Creek Country Club on the High Plains Rd (about 300m downhill from QT) at 8:30pm on Friday evening as this is where any specific advice and instructions will be passed on to competitors and support crews, including the distribution of COURSE MAPS AND HANDBOOKs that detail the course. The handbook for both days racing and the maps for Saturday s racing (only) will be distributed on Friday evening. The maps for Sunday s racing will be distributed on Saturday evening at 6:00pm from the finish line at Slalom plaza. Be advised that you will be given 10 different A3 sized maps so if you intend on contacting (adhesive waterproof clear plastic) them to make them water proof then make sure you bring enough contact with you. COMPETITOR REGISTRATION: It is compulsory for ALL competitors to attend registration. Teams do not have to attend together - you can register individually. Team members cannot pick up items on behalf of another. We are required to see every-one individually as each person must sign an indemnity form. LOCATION: Slalom Plaza, on the Bogong High Plains Road. Proceed up the stairs to the grassed area. TIME: 5:00pm 8:00pm (If you are running late, please phone Claire ) LATE ENTRIES: Entries will be available on the day. Please phone Claire to arrange your registration at Falls Creek.

3 LOOKING FOR NEW TERRAIN? AUSTRALIA S NEWEST TRAILS ARE OPEN AND READY TO RIDE. 3 CROSS COUNTRY SINGLETRACKS & 1 SHUTTLE OR CHAIRLIFT ACCESSED DOWNHILL. IT S ALL ON AT FALLS CREEK free Alpine shuttle weekend MARCH 1-2 chairlift operation APRIL (easter) /fallscreekalpineresort fallscreek.com.au/mtb

4 Job: Falls Creek Mountain Raid T-Shirt Design Client: Rapid Ascent Job: Falls Creek Mountain Raid T-Shirt Design Client: Rapid Ascent Race Kit Contents At registration each team member will receive the following: Race Bib - to be worn as the outer most garment at all times. One per adventure race team member Mountain Bike Plate to be displayed on bike for duration of the event. One per adventure race team member 3 Zip Ties to secure your race plate on your bikes Boat Sticker to be displayed on your boat for duration of the event. Two per adventure race team Official Event T-shirt - One per adventure race team member Support Crew Car Sticker - One per adventure race team. To be displayed on the top left hand corner of the front windscreen for your primary support crew car - to gain access to transition areas. BBQ Token one per adventure race team member for Sunday s post event BBQ lunch Social Adventures Event Functions A range of event functions will be held over the Mountain Raid weekend that we encourage you to attend: Pre Race Pasta Dinner, 6:30pm 8:30pm on Friday The Falls Creek Country Club. Bogong High Plains Rd. The Falls Creek Country Club Restaurant will host the Pre Race Pasta Dinner that is simply the perfect way to start your race weekend, especially since the the dinner flows straight into the competitor briefing that is compulsory for all teams to attend at 8:30pm at the same location. The massive buffet dinner is $25 per person and will include a wide choice of pasta, sauces, salads & bread for the prefect pre-race carb load. Tickets to be pre purchased on the event website (merchandise tab) or via to Claire - Claire@rapidascent.com. au to confirm your table. Online ticket sales close Thursday 15th Feb, 9am EST. Please phone Claire to arrange tickets after this time. The dinner is open to all friends, families and support crews Mid race dinner - Saturday night. Café Maximum in the Village Bowl. Located in the village bowl opposite the top of Gully Chairlift, Café Maximum will host an optional mid event dinner on Saturday night for those wanting a place to congregate and celebrate the middle of the event. They serve a range of contemporary Australian foods and have a dish to suit all budgets and tastes with dinner served from 6:00pm. FREE post race BBQ, 1:00pm 4:00pm on Sunday afternoon in Slalom Plaza Celebrate your accomplishments over race weekend by joining us for a free BBQ for all adventure race competitors on Sunday afternoon, adjacent the finish line. BBQ food and other tastie meals and beverages will also be for sale to non-competitors in Slalom Plaza. Follow it on the Twitter #mountainraid We will be tweeting plenty of race updates and photos throughout the event weekend so support crews and friends know how you re getting on. Follow us on via or #mountainraid Accommodation Accommodation will not be provided during the event so we encourage all competitors to book your own accommodation in Falls Creek for the period of the event. The start and finish locations for both days will be within the Falls Creek Alpine Area and are easily reached if staying on the mountain. There is a range of accommodation providers listed on the Travel and Accommodation pages on the event website (including some great specials from Koki Alpine Resort and Cedarwood Apartments) or visit accommodation or call FALLS or speak to the reservation centre. Food, Petrol and Supplies Falls Creek has a small Foodworks supermarket at the base of the Slalom Plaza (event HQ) so you can get last minute supplies on mountain otherwise we d suggest you stock up before you get there. There are a number of restaurants open in the Falls Creek Village so there are a few different dining options available. There is no petrol station at Falls Creek so make sure support crews fill up before you arrive. Response: Artwork Response: Artwork

5 Falls Creek Village Map CAFE MAXIMUM Mid event dinner To Mt Beauty (down the hill) COUNTRY CLUB: Pre-Race pasta dinner Competitor Briefing SLALOM PLAZA: Competitor Registration Sponsors displays Finish line To Rocky Valley (Up the hill)

6 Adventure Race Format The Falls Creek Mountain Raid Adventure Race will be challenging yet attainable for a variety of adventure types ranging from your John Jacoby adventure experts through to newcomers giving it a go for the first time. There will be both LONG course and SHORT course races - both will follow the format listed below: Race format includes: Teams of 4 people who complete the whole course together (this is not a relay) 2 days of racing with long course teams completing 6-11hrs of action on Saturday then another 6-8hrs on Sunday, whilst short course racers will be out there 5-7hrs on Saturday and 4-6hrs on Sunday. Disciplines include: trail running, mountain biking, lake kayaking and other off-road surprises where you navigate from one transition area (TA) to the next, collecting as many check points along the way as you can Each discipline will provide 1 3hrs of non-stop action before you change to the next discipline with no single leg being too epic (unless you get lost!) The course is kept secret from competitors until the night before and teams navigate from one transition area to the next, collecting as many mandatory and optional check points along the way as you can Each team needs to be self-sufficient with its own support crew and equipment The course details will not be advised until the competitor briefing and maps are handed out on Friday evening Adventure Race Course The Adventure Race course will take teams to a spectacular array of alpine landmarks and terrain features, providing a terrific journey across the Falls Creek Alpine resort and surrounding Bogong High Plains. The following points help explain the course and form part of the rules: Teams must collect CP s in number order (unless specified otherwise) before reaching the next transition area CP s will be white/orange orienteering style flags and will have an electronic timing box hanging underneath into which you insert your timing stick as proof that you have been to the CP. Teams MUST check in and check out with race staff at all TAs by inserting your timing stick (dibber) into the specific timing box located at that TA. All TA s will be manned by race staff and your times will be recorded at each TA. Teams may receive assistance from you support crews only within the transition areas. This includes help handling equipment, providing food and other help. No assistance can be provided anywhere else along the course If a team decides to withdraw from the race they MUST do this only at a manned TA and only after advising a race official. Disciplines: A summary of the disciplines and distances you can expect over the weekend is provided below: Trail running / trekking: Long course: ~30-45km / Short course: ~15-30km Point to point running, rogaining and cross country travel are all components of the race. The majority of running will be on existing tracks and trails but there is also some off-track trekking required on both days. Mountain biking: Long course: ~60-100km / Short course: ~40-60km Riding as a team on mountain bikes on (plenty of) single track, 4WD tracks and some 2WD roads. Mountain bikes are certainly required (not road or hybrid bikes) Kayaking: Long course: ~15-20km / Short course: ~10-15km All team members must paddle so that long course teams can either paddle 2 doubles, or 1 double and 2 singles or 4 singles. Short course teams will be provided with 2 plastic double sit on top kayaks along with paddles and PFDs for you to use. These boats will be available at registration for you to set up and get accustomed to. If you have any questions about the boats then please call John Jacoby: Paddling will be on Rocky Valley Pondage plus or minus some other secret waterways (who knows?!). Long course teams can paddle anything from surf skis with under stern rudders through to sea kayaks and canoes. If long course teams need a boat for the event then we have an exclusive arrangement in place with Peak Adventure who can rent boats out to those who need them call Jarad Kohlar: Other Adventures Now being an adventure race means you also just never quite know what is around the corner and with a canvas like the Falls Creek Alpine Area there is no shortage of fun adventure options. Train like a scout and be prepared for a little of anything as well.

7 Optional checkpoints and time credits In an effort to make the racing tighter and to incorporate more strategy the course will include a number of optional checkpoints that teams can miss if you are feeling tired or moving slowly. The optional checkpoints will be identified in the course handbook and will attract time credits if you collect them, and pending how long you take, should earn you a greater time credit than it takes to find the checkpoint. Strategy will be key! This system is also designed to challenge the faster and more capable teams (that we think will have to collect all optional CPs to win) whilst still giving slower teams an achievable challenge. The winning team will be the team with the lowest cumulative time after time credits and / or penalties have been applied to their overall race time. Cut off times There are several Cut Off Times included throughout the course. Teams must ensure that they remain inside the cut off times or they will receive a penalty or be moved along the course in a vehicle (and incur significant time penalties). Support Crews A support crew is compulsory for teams. One person will be sufficient provided they have a car that can carry mountain bikes and/or boats plus associated equipment for your team. Support crews have a lot of fun and truly get involved with the spirit of the event by following the teams without having to do the work. In all honesty, the logistics for support crews for the 2014 Adventure Race are very easy. There will be a minimal movement of gear required and kayaks will really only need to be dropped off at the start of the day and picked up at the end of the day. Vehicles: Support crew vehicles do not have to be 4WD and we would greatly prefer if there was just one support crew car per team as the parking at some TAs is very tight for space. We may also be able to assist you to find a support crew if you get stuck or are travelling from interstate to do this race. Please contact Claire Eats at Rapid Ascent Claire@rapidascent.com.au or should for assistance, or know of any people who d love to be crew for a team. First come, first served. GET MORE. More performance. More power. More technology. Introducing the new industry standard from LED LENSER. H14R.2 P6.2 H7R X21R.2

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9 Equipment, Safety and Rules Equipment list The compulsory equipment list is kept to a bare minimum and in many cases you may choose to carry additional gear, and in fact, it may be wise to do so. We figure you are all grown-up mature people doing this race and it is therefore up to yourselves to decide what gear you want to carry. Teams must provide their own equipment. All equipment brought in to a section must be brought out. You are not allowed to leave any equipment, waste/rubbish out on the race course. The following compulsory equipment lists form part of the race rules: Compulsory items for all legs: The following items must be carried by each team member at all times: Numbered race bib as the outermost garment over all clothing at all times (Race bib provided at Registration) Rain jacket - Goretex or another waterproof / breathable fabric recommended Lightweight fleece or thermal top (must be long sleeve) Head-torch Safety blanket Whistle The following items must be carried by each team at all times: First Aid Kit including: 2 x Stretch Bandages / 4 x Wound Dressings 7.5cm X 7.5cm / Paracetamol Tablet x 12 or equivalent / 6 x Butterfly wound closures / Surgical Gloves Mobile phone. Ensure you save the following phone numbers: John Jacoby , Sam Maffett , Liam Atchison Timing stick provided at registration Recommended extra equipment to bring with you: Compass 2 per team Map case ideally water proof Contact to waterproof maps Coloured pens, pencils etc to mark up your maps Rapid Ascent will have First Aid Kits ($15), Whistles ($5) and Safety Blankets ($7) for sale at registration. Compulsory items for the paddling legs: PFD (Personal Flotation Device) (not provided, except for short course entrants) Paddle ( not provided, except for short course entrants) Whistle (must be attached to PFD) (not provided) NOTE: Competitors must be able to swim unaided for minimum of 1km in ocean/lake conditions Recommended Paddling Equipment Variety of paddling clothing suitable for all conditions Footwear (not provided) Neoprene beanie or similar hat for cold and wind Compulsory items for the mountain bike legs Mountain Bike Certified Bike Helmet to Aust/NZ/US standard Recommended Mountain Bike Equipment Tools, pump, tube etc to complete own repairs and allow assembly/disassembly of bike. Bike computer (not provided) - GPS capable bike computers are NOT permitted NOTE: there will not be any bike mechanics available on course or at Falls Creek, therefore it would be best to bring your own spares to make sure repairs can be easily facilitated. Recommended Run Equipment Thermals top and bottom if it is cold 2nd pair of running shoes for days where there are 2 run legs and shoes may be wet Competitors and support crews are also advised that there will be no drinkable water at any of the TAs so are encouraged to bring sufficient water containers to sustain yourselves all day.

10 MAPS!!! A variety of maps will be supplied ranging from 1:50,000 to 1:10,000 scale. In some special activities, specific orienteering maps and/or aerial photos or diagrammatical maps will also be used. These will be issued immediately before your team commences the activity. It is highly recommended all maps are waterproofed as well as the race handbook. When you receive the handbook on Friday, you will receive maps numbered 1, 3, 4 and 5. Master maps and handbook will be posted on the event notice board to advise of any changes to the course. It is the team s responsibility to check the master map and handbook for any changes and alter their maps and/or race handbooks accordingly. Rental Boats Peak Adventure Peak Adventure are a kayaking coaching / training / hiring business based in Melbourne lead by champion adventure racer Jarad Kohlar and partner Emma Francis. They have a mighty big shed full of over 100 boats and surf skis they are offering to rent to competitors needing a boat, paddle and/or pfd (because you don t have one or are travelling from interstate ). They will transport your boat to the race, from transition area to transition area (so you won t even need a car with roof racks ) and will help you with the whole kayaking thing. They have a massive range of boats available but for example can provide competitors with a FENN XT ocean racing ski with paddle and PFD for $250 for the weekend. If you still need a boat or if you have already arranged to rent a boat from Peak Adventure then please visit their website here: or contact them info@peakadventure.com.au (03) to ask for more details about how they can help you with a boat.

11 Race Rules The various regulations and requirements listed in this document and the event handbook (handed out on Friday night) also form part of the race rules for the event, in addition to the following: Prior to competing in the event, participants must: Read and Sign Participant Indemnity Be able to swim competently, including the ability to swim 1km in open water unassisted At all times during the event (unless when team members are required to compete in an individual discipline) participants are to be within 50 metres of all other team mates at all times, ensuring that each participant is continually observed by their team-mates. Penalty 3 hrs. Teams must collect CP s in number order (unless specified otherwise in the race handbook) before reaching the next transition area (TA). Teams MUST check in and check out with race staff at all TA s by inserting your timing stick into the timing box If a team decides to withdraw from the race they MUST do this only at a manned TA and only after advising a race official. Cut-off times will be advised to teams as part of the race handbook. These cut-off times will be strictly enforced to ensure the safety of the event. The race organisers reserve the right to change these cut off times as they see fit and this may be dependent on weather conditions. Competitors missing cut off times will be unranked but may re-commence the course from the start of the next stage (after the one missed) We recommend all Australian competitors hold current health insurance via a private health fund or some form of ambulance cover All teams are permitted to lodge protests against results or decisions enforced during the event. A judging panel of three Rapid Ascent Directors (including the relevant leg director) will adjudicate on all protests and other contentious matters, and their decision will be final. Rapid Ascent has sole discretion to alter or amend the race format or the rules in order to increase the safety of participants or for any other reason deemed appropriate. Competitors may not use GPS s or any other navigational aids aside from a compass at any stage throughout the event. Use of mobile phones with GPS capability is also forbidden. Note, altimeters are permissible. Support crews may only assist teams in transition areas If one team member withdraws from the event, the remaining team members may continue in the event but they will become unranked in the official results If a team member is injured or in difficulty please call race management. Phone numbers are on back of MTB plate and place these key numbers in your phone

12 Fire Safety and Extreme Weather We are in constant communication with Falls Creek Resort Management (FCRM), Parks Victoria (PV) and the CFA about the prospect of a fire and / or extreme weather in the region of the event. We have made a commitment not to compromise the safety of any competitors, any FCRM, CFA, PV or DSE personnel dispatched to attend a fire or weather incident, any private land owners or the wilderness and surrounding areas as a result of the Falls Creek Mountain Raid. As a result, there is a chance that the course could change on the day or the event could be cancelled. The event will only be cancelled if there are extreme weather conditions in the area over the entire weekend and it is determined that the danger is too great to permit runners to go through the course. Any change of course, evacuation or event cancellation will be communicated to competitors as soon and as safely as possible, through any of the following means: SMS sent to competitors mobile phones At the event registration area on Sunday morning When runners are assembled at the start line Directional arrows stating Emergency proceed direct to Finish All messages will be copied and placed on the official event notice board in front of the registration area and on the event website at Once again, these changes would be a last resort, but we respect your safety, the landowners, residents, flora and fauna of this beautiful part of the world in extreme circumstances. Proud hydration partner of the Falls Creek Mountain Raid Hydration is important before, during and after exercise. Hydralyte Sports is a clinical rehydration and electrolyte replacement solution. It is designed to maintain fluid balance, healthy body functions and optimal exercise performance. It is low in sugar and high in electrolytes (lost in sweat). SpeCial event discount visit: store.hydralytesports.com and enter code FallS to receive 25% OFF + FREE SHIPPING Top tips for the Falls Creek Mountain Raid Develop a hydration plan during training. Aim to match fluid losses as closely as possible to reduce the impact of dehydration on your performance. Begin the event well hydrated. This will involve drinking regularly throughout the days leading up to the event. Remember to drink with all meals and snacks during this time. On the event day, consume ml of Hydralyte Sports in the 2 hours leading up to the event start, and continue to consume water between doses of Hydralyte Sports. Begin drinking early on the day of the ride and drink regularly. Aim to drink between ml per hour of Hydralyte Sports, depending on the intensity of your ride and ambient weather conditions. Alternate with water to maintain hydration.

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14 8-10 MARCH May, 2014 Alice Springs, NT