ARE YOU READY FOR 2010

Changes for 2010

Course:
For those brave souls who did the Epic course (125 km) last year, we are changing the deviation below the Hawea Look Out back to the original route. So there will be NO deviation this year, stick to the road and get that all done and dusted as you warm up for the 4×4 tracks that start at Mead Road.  For the Classic riders there’s no change for you.

Aid Stations:
There will only be two Aid Stations this year. The one at Kidds Bush for the Epic riders will be removed as it only 40-60 mins from the start and we think it better to put the electrolites, bananas etc well into the course when it really is needed. This way there will be some more product at Green Bush and Dingle Burn Aid Stations.

Remember there will be a bike mechanic as ‘tail end charlie’ for both courses and at the two aforementioned Aid Stations.

Training:
Pro Active Gym in Wanaka have set up an 8 week training programme for preparation for the race. If you need some structure or help with your training then check it out at contactepic.co.nz/hints.html or you can find the link to the programme on our home page just under the photos. You local riders can pop in and see them at the gym if you want any advice, they’re keen to help anyone who needs it.

There is also a bunch ride on Tuesdays after work at 5.30pm, start at the Gymfor those who are interested. It will be for a 1.5 hrs max and is open to all abilities. The rides will be headed by some people very familiar with the race, the course, mtbing and can offer some advice on anything you may need to know. It will last for 7 more weeks leading up to race day.  Generally it will be a strength day (that means a few hills).  So if you’re are keen to hook up with some different people or a change of scenery then come along and check it out.

There are also other handy hints on the Contact Epic website from our local MTBing gurus on the course, your bike and the very important aspect of nutrition. It’s a big day out so you have get the right amount and type of fuel in the tank to be at your best. If you are just cruising around then it doesn’t matter as much but you’ll enjoy the ride a lot more if you have got the nutrition side of it sorted.

Guests:
Steve Gurney is coming back again this year but he wants to ride a tandem around the loop. I think at this stage we have two tandem entries so he’ll have someone else to race.

The international flavor is again present with entries from Aussie, Singapore and America.

Entries:
Remember entries close on the 31st of March 2010 so enter now to avoid disappointment in case you forget.
 
This year you can donate to the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust, which is a group of very keen people who build biking and walking tracks all around Wanaka and the Upper Clutha. They do a great job and with your support they can continue to build tracks that keep bikes and walkers alike off the roads and in the hills where they are meant to be.

A donation is possible by adding an amount where you enter on line: to enter go to www.contactepic.co.nz/entry.html

“For the rich there is psychiatry, for the rest of us there is mounting biking”

Keep safe out there and we will see you on the start line soon.

Cheers

The LMS Events Team