There is only 8 days to go until the big raced but who’s counting?

All 586 of you are no doubt well underway with your preparations so as part of that thought process we thought we would send you a few points that may be of assistance.

Firstly, and most importantly, this is a no cotton wool event. For those of you who have done it before know that the better prepared you are going in is proportionate to how happy you will be at the finish line. It is a long ride, but an even longer push so please put time into these areas. Think carefully about getting your bike in good shape, plan your nutrition and watch the weather closely so you know what to take with you. Look on our site www.contactepic.co.nz for hints from local experts and our Enervit nutrition plan.

We will have two Aid Stations on course (see Map and Aid Station info on web site). Racers Edge will be at the registration on Friday night, selling an assortment of product from their shop for last minute supplies along with Enervit supplements used at the Aid Stations.

Registration and meal informtion

Registration is on the Friday night and is COMPULSORY. You can not register on the morning of the race at all. Registration is to be held at the Hawea Hotel in the garden bar from 4 until 9pm. Please bring your confirmation sheet with you. You will receive your bike plate and timing chip, please take very good care of these.

On the day of the race the Hawea Hotel will be open from 5.30am for you or your supporters to grab breakfast, coffee or a muffin. During the day along with the usual, tasty restaurant menu, they will also offer a variety of quick, off-the bbq meals that will suit the starving and children a like. It is a fantastic afternoon, and the Hotel is the most relaxing of venues to be part of the event. Anyone is welcome to come out and support.

Sailz restaurant, just up the road from the Hotel, will be open from 7.30 for supporters’ breakfast, coffees and morning teas.

A carbo loading pasta meal is available on the night of registration and orders can be made up until Wednesday night , the week before the race, for $19. These can be purchased via our merchandise page www.lakehaweaepic.co.nz/merchandise.html for yourself and any other supporters. We will have a limited number of these for sale on the night for a cost of $25.

Points of Note

Remember the Tea and Scones at the Dingle Burn Aid Station. For those new to the race, the kids on the station go to correspondence school, they help with making tea and scones for all riders and ask for a gold coin donation as a fund raiser. One year they brough a computer for the school, last year they donated their money to the Christchurch Earthquake appeal. So bring some change and support a good cause(notes are a lot lighter than coins!).

 If you are in the Classic division please consider how you will get out to the start line. If you are unable to get dropped off then you may need to contact Alpine Coachlines who provide reasonably priced transportation for you and your bike. Please make your booking now at www.alpinecoachlines.co.nz.  Any queries regarding this service are to be directed to them, they are an independent company.

 If you need to withdraw for any reason please inform us as soon as you can. This just makes the logistics and safety procedures smoother and tighter. We would appreciate that.

A reminder for those wishing to vie for the cash prizes you need to be entered into the Open leg of either division. 

Some merchandise sizes are still available online for the t-shirt and cycle shirt as well as caps. There are also women’s t-shirts which are not on the site, but have a more fitted cut and higher cut sleeve. If you wish to order these please just email info@contactepic.co.nz direct.

Where to stay , What to do

For those of you who have not booked accommodation yet we advise you consider Edgewater, Wanaka’s lake-side resort with extensive amenities including a spa pool!! This majestic setting will turn your arduous journey into a memorable holiday.www.edgewater.co.nz

Updated information will be on our Facebook page and Radio Wanaka, tune your radio to 92.2 on arrival. Any emailed newsletters will also be posted on the news page of our site so please check this Thursday and Friday if you are unable to access your inbox.

On the Sunday after the race Lone Star Wanaka is offering a plate for a plate deal where you can show your race bike plate for a free entrée or dessert. This is a great place to take the family or your crew to celebrate the completion of such a huge goal.

 Of course those who are supporting may have a little bit of time on their hands so consider the first ever Makarora Valley Creative Arts Trail which is running from 10-4pm on the day of  the race. Entry to all 4 venues is just $3 and all the funds raised during the day will go to Makarora School. An extensive array of art genre will be exhibited as well as a silent auction and food stall. For those who wish to go earlier the Makarora Tourist Centre will be open for breakfast. The Makarora Country Café will also be open.

Makarora supports competitors by manning the most remote stations as well as providing 4wheel drive transportation. You can support them by checking out www.makaroravalleycreativearts.org . Only 15 minutes from the Kidds Bush turn off.

Last Man Standing contenders

There is a shrinking group of loyal attendees who have entered and completed the Epic leg of each and every Contact Epic. Now, in our 5^th year we gone from 540 to just 41 vying for the LMS Kitty which the Last wo/Man Standing will take (once there is only one left!) This year’s draft list of contenders is below, please check and inform us of any omissions or inaccurate inclusions.

 Last Man Standing Contenders: 

TIME TO ACT: Entries closing in 6 days.

Entries have been extended until the 30th of March. This is the last chance to be part of the 2012 Contact Epic so go to www.contactepic.co.nz to make it happen because “A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams”

PREVIOUS WINNERS RETURN:

We are very much looking forward to this years race with 3 of the past 4 yrs Contact Epic winners returning to lay claim to the title of winning NZ’s Ultimate MTBing Challenge.

Brent Miller of Christchurch, winner 2009, Tim Wilding, winner 2010 and Dougal Allan, winner 2011, will be facing off on the start line to see who has the goods this year.

Women’s winner Kath Kelly will be back to defend her comprehensive domination of the Women’s field. Looking for a 5th consecutive title. We wait to see if there will be a significant challenge to her reign.

ACCOMMODATION:

If you are looking for accommodation for this event, there is no better option in Wanaka than to reward your efforts by staying and dining at the exquisite lake front resort in Wanaka, Edgewater.

It houses its own restaurant and bar and is easy walking distance to the centre of town. Please mention you are a Contact Epic competitor at the time you make your reservation to receive the special rate. Look here to view the suites and discover its numerous facilities. www.edgewater.co.nz

You can make this reservation by phoning 0800 108 311. You won’t be disappointed!

MERCHANDISE:

On our merchandise page you will see the new 2012 Contact Epic Tineli cycle shirts, as well as new t- shirts and caps.

There are a limited number of each so if you would like something to remember your challenge then go to the merchandise page on our website now by clicking on this link. http://www.contactepic.co.nz/merchandise.html

You can pick up all merchandise from registration the night before the race. Once you have registered take your number plate to the merchandise counter and they will assist you.

MEALS:

The Carbo-Loading Pasta Meal is held at the registration venue (Hawea Hotel), from 6-8pm and is a fantastic opportunity to meet and catch up with fellow competitors. The cost of the meal is a very reasonable $19 and can be purchased either at the time of entering on line, by ordering via our website as of the end of this week. If you prefer to pay via direct credit just email me with numbers of tickets wanted and we will sort this end. You are welcome to also purchase for any supporters who may wish to dine with you.

 These tickets can be collected from the registration booth. Unfortunately, to cover the costs of extra catering, if you purchase on the day of registration or the race there will be an extra $6.00 added to the price of the meal. There will be limited tickets available on the night sorry.

On the day of the race there will be a variety of food available for purchase by competitors and supporters.

Breakfast is also available for those early rises at the Hawea Hotel (03 443 1224) and Sailz Restaurant (03 443 1696) which is a short walking distance from the Hotel itself. Please phone to book.

POST RACE plate for a plate will again run the Sunday after the event at Wanaka’s Lone Star restaurant. All you need to do is show your race plate at the time of ordering and you will be rewarded with a free entree or dessert.

TRANSPORT TO THE CLASSIC START LINE:

A bus service is available from Alpine Coachlines to get you and your bike to the start of the Classic so you can leave your car at the finish line. This will depart from the Hawea Hotel at 5.30 am to ensure you make the start line on time. The cost is $20 and you will need to book in advance via their website. www.alpinecoachlines.co.nz

Alpine CoachlinesPhone 064 3 443-7966  for Bookings

Email: info@good-sports.co.nz

 Meals

A pasta pre-race carbo loading meal is available during Registration and can be purchased by making a payment into the LMS account 03 1739 0100223 00 with your name as reference. This will be available until 3pm on Wednesday at $19 a head. You are more than welcome to purchase tickets for support crew at the same time. There will be a limited number of registration meals available on the night for sale at a cost of $25.00. There is a great atmosphere at the pre-race meal and there is a great view of where you are heading from the restaurant! This is available from 5.30 until 7.30pm.

On race day the Hawea Hotel will be open for breakfast and have burgers and chips available for sale in the afternoon. There will be a buffet meal available after 5pm that you can order on the day.

The Sailz Restaurant only a minute’s walk from the Hotel is available from 7am for breakfast and/or coffee during the day.

Tea and Scones

Yes, the tea and scones café at Dingle Burn Station will be operating again. A popular stop for most competitors, this is raising funds for the Christchurch Relief Fund. All you need to do is make a donation and you will be rewarded with tea and locally baked scones. Remember paper is lighter than metal!

Plate for a Plate

Lone Star has a great offer for any Contact Epic competitor eating out on Sunday night after the race. Take your bike plate in as evidence of entering the event and you will receive a free entrée or dessert with your main meal. Lone Star serves the perfect sized meals for people who have just cycled over 100km!

Merchandise

We have a new t-shirt that is available for purchase at the registration and on the day. It is your badge of honour so bring your cheque book! We also have branded caps for sale. If you have pre purchased a cycle shirt you will be able to pick this up at the merchandise store at registration.

Prizes

Prize giving will include the usual 5 models whom you will strip should your name be called. This has proved to be a huge success as you the winner is having some say in the prizes you receive, and all the prizes being useful to a mountain biker. Actually there are 6 models—one is D-fa dog with the latest in pet clothing technology! Again, the first two persons to select one of these prizes will be selected via the Contact Epic stickers on cars. So you need to collect a sticker from registration and get it on your car to get yourself in with a chance.

To keep the prize giving to a reasonable time we will be trialing the provision of spot prizes at registration. These will be drawn before registration and like all other prizes you will need to be present to receive. Even if you receive one of these prizes you will be eligible for one of the biggies as below.

All entered competitors’ names will go into the draw for a sky dive from Lake Wanaka Sky Dive, a free entry, flight and accommodation for the Contact Huka race in Lake Taupo and a free bike from TREK!!!!!
Classic transport to Kidds Bush

If you are in the Classic division remember that you are going to have to get to the start line at Kidds bush by 6.30am. This means that if you want to leave your car at the Hawea Hotel Finish Line you will need to book for the bus transport with Alpine Shuttles as below;
Alpine Coachlines
Phone 064 3 443-7966 for Bookings
Email: info@good-sports.co.nz
www.alpinecoachlines.co.nz
 ps.  No dogs allowed at Kidds Bush – thanks
Registration

Will be this Friday at the Hawea Hotel on Capell Ave in Hawea between the hours of 4pm and 9pm. You are required to attend registration and without your race plate you are unable to race. We are unable to give out race plates the day of the event.

If for any reason you are unable to attend please can you e-mail or phone as it makes our safety procedures and logistics a lot smoother to have the correct numbers known at the start of the event.

LMS Kitty

These are the ever faithfuls that have attended and completed the Epic leg of the Contact Epic for the past 3 years. There are only 60 of you left on the list!!! And of that 60 there are only 5 females.

Course

The course is unchanged from last year. The first half of the Hunter side has had a fair bit of rain so the land owner has run a grader along the road to tidy it up. Hes done too good a job really and will if its dry it will make things a tad faster I woud say.  Remember for thoses new to the challenge, that once you cross the Hunter River and if you want to change your socks, clothes etc then do it at Green Bush Hut as you will probably have another smaller section of river to cross before you get to dry land again.

See our hints page here and the nutritional advise below to help plan your ride.

Side note

 A local chap who is competing requires a lift to Dunedin on Sunday for a hospital appointment (we assume this is not race induced) . If you may be able to assist, can you please e-mail us at info@contactepic.co.nz and well connect the dots so to speak. 

Nutrition Advice

Plan your nutrition strategy well in advance of the event, work out what food you need to carry in your pockets or pack and have an idea of what you will take in at what point around the course.

There will be  Enervit G sport drink and Enervit performance bars and bananas on course – but the best practice is to have your food requirements with you when you start.

Enervit will be available for purchase at registration.

Enjoy a good breakfast at least an hour before start time and roll to the start line with your stomach comfortably full – not overstuffed.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate…….drink every 15minutes or so right from the start. Use Enervit G sport in – or Enervit GT tablets with, your water to replace the minerals you loose through sweat and to get the vitamins etc your body needs to keep operating properly.

Don’t wait until you feel hungry before you start eating; eat regularly – every 40-50minutes.Have a look at the nutrition strategy below for a great guide – add in some additional product to stretch the plan out depending on how long you expect to take getting around the course.

Start minus 1hr – 1x ENERVIT Pre Sport Carb Loader
Start minus 15min – 1x ENERVIT Sport Gel
15km – 1x ENERVIT GT Sport Tablet
30km – 1x ENERVIT GT Sport Tablet
40km – 1x ENERVIT Sport Gel
60km – 1x 1/2portion ENERVIT Power Sport Bar
100km – 1x 1/2portion ENERVIT Power Sport Bar
110km – 1x ENERVIT Cheer Pack
Finish + <20min – ENERVIT R2 Recovery
Throughout the ride hydrate with ENERVIT G Sport or G Sport Competition (with Caffeine).

Also …. think about this –

As you make your way through the event your body becomes fatigued. Your legs get tired, your arms get tired, your back gets tired – Your stomach and digestive system gets fatigued as well and it becomes more difficult for it to process food as it gets tired.

So it makes great sense to use products that are specifically designed to deliver the carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and amino acids you need with maximum efficiency and ease of assimilation.

Enervit provides the ultimate nutrition system to see you through.

Finally

As of this evening (Sunday 10th) the weather looks OK, but in 6 days that could change. Last year a few got caught out by the weather, makes sure this year you are not one of them. Check the weather here on Friday so you can plan accordingly.

Give that bike some tender loving care at the bike shop so it looks after you on the day. Shout your self a new pair of gloves, a seat or a helmet becease you know you deserve it !!

Good luck with your last minute preparations. Travel safely and we look forwared to seeing you all at registration for the start of the Contact Epic experience.

If your need accommodation for the Contact Epic this year then don’t forget to book with Edgewater ,our official accommodation sponsor. Each year they have booked out so if you don’t want to miss out then book now.

“With lawns stretching right to the water’s edge of Lake Wanaka, Edgewater is a welcoming retreat. Explore the best that Wanaka has to offer, whether you’re looking to be inspired or you’ve made some plans already. The Edgewater team are here to make your stay memorable”.

www.edgewater.co.nz

Southern Lakes Festival of Colour – Wanaka 12-17 April 2011

Come down to Wanaka a few days early and enjoy this fantastic festival of arts. Below is an outline of what its all about.

“The Southern Lakes Festival of Colour is a biennial celebration of the arts. Six exciting days and nights of astounding performances and inspiring exhibitions set against the spectacular autumnal backdrop of the Southern Lakes.

The Festival is based in Wanaka but reaches out to the wider region. In 2011 we plan to have performances in Queenstown, Luggate, Hawea, Cromwell and Glenorchy.

Exciting announcements for the 2011 Festival include two new plays to be commissioned by the Festival. Riverside Drive is being written by award winning screen writer Graeme Tetley and directed by Sara Brodie and will feature a local cast of high school drama students, Flat Out Productions and some good blokes. It’s New Zealand in the early 1950′s when teenagers got sex and rock and roll and broke free from so many social constraints. A sure-fire sell out. Rita and Douglas is another premiere of a brand new play based on the relationship between painter Rita Angus and composer Douglas Lilburn. It stars leading NZ actress Jennifer Ward-Lealand and top musician Michael Houstoun. A knock-out show.

All of this along with the very popular Aspiring Conversations programme of ideas, discussion and debate as well as dance, music, art exhibitions, Schoolfest, street performers and more. So make sure you are in Wanaka for the 2011 Festival of Colour.

Southern Lakes Festival of Colour 12 to 17 April 2011″

www.festivalofcolour.co.nz

Get down south and check out this race

The 2011 MLT Moonshine Trail will be celebrating its 5 Year Anniversary on Saturday 19th February!

Be part of this iconic event and share this ‘once a year’ opportunity to explore Southland’s exceptional and distinctive Hokonui landscape.

You are spoilt for choice as the 2011 MLT Moonshine Trail offers a four events – the Cycle Surgery 40km Mountain Bike for the Dead Keen; the BNZ 35km Mountain Bike for the Moonlighters; a 30km run for the Bootleggers; and the Allan White Sports Shoe Clinic 15km run for the Hillbillies.

 Entries close on Thursday 17th February at midday so claim your spot on the start line NOW!!

 For more information or to enter this iconic event check out  www.moonshinetrail.co.nz

To all you previous Contact Epic survivors, the 2011 event is waiting for you. Capitalise on your summer training base and enter now. Or for those who need some motivation enter and commit to taking on the course, the distance or yourself, there is no better motivation than knowing you have a big day out coming up. 

RACE DATE

This year the race starts Saturday 16 April, same time 0700 at the Contact Dam or Kidds Bush.

ENTER NOW BEFORE 31 JANUARY

Confirm last year’s prices by Entering Now or prior to 31 January:

click here to enter:  www.contactepic.co.nz/entry.html

LAST MAN STANDING CONTENDERS

There are 121 of you left in the running to take home the full kitty, which at this stage, including interest is totalling over $800. Remember you have to enter and complete the full circumnavigation to remain a contender. This is another chance for the tortoise to beat the hare! Perseverance will be the winner!

List of Contenders

Mark Adam Outram, Peter Faithful Dunedin
Richelle Adams Dunedin, David Fenwick Dunedin
Dean Allison Lk Hawea ,Hamish Fraser Wanaka
Mark Anderson Chch, Barry Frew Tapanui
Graeme Appleby Southland, Grant Fyfe Wanaka
Rene Aukems Lk Tekapo, Steve Gregory Gore
Andrew Ballantyne Invercargill ,Darren Grimmett Wanaka
Peter Barrow Wanaka, Steve Gurney Chch
Dean Bell Te Anau ,Stephen Hardy Q’town
Lindsay Bellamy Arrowtown, Gerald Harraway Wanaka
Tony Bird Cromwell, Dave Heads Wellington
Don Black Alexandra, Bruce Hillis Blenheim
Ken Blatch Gore, John Hogg Wanaka
Tup Blunt Wanaka, Richard Huuskes Dunedin
Michael Bone Invercargill, Brett Jenkins Timaru
Michael Boomer Chch, Roy Johnston Dunedin
Harry Briggs Wanaka, Kath Kelly Dunedin
John Burke Wanaka, Barry King Invercargill
Stuart Chambers Dunedin, Matthew King Dunedin
Darren Clay Lk Hawea, James King-Turner Te Anau
Jason Clyne Chch, Dennis Kirk Palm. Nth
Charles Cochrane Wanaka, Stefan Kissling Wanaka
Marjorie Cook Wanaka, Mark Ladbrook Wanaka
Blair Coupe Wanaka, Mark Lankow Invercargill
Mike Coutts Alexandra, Mike Larsen Invercargill
Dave Cowie Otautau ,Nigel Leary Timaru
Dave Crotty Wanaka, Peter Leith Dunedin
Tony Culshaw Wanaka, Brian Lippers Alexandra
Richard Cunliffe Q’town, Malcolm Low Dunedin
Kim Currie Dunedin, Steve Maluschnig Wanaka
Wendy Davison Wanaka, Dean Marshall Dunedin
Derek Direen Wanaka, Gavin Mason Wanaka
Alex Dodds Hawea, Kris Mayen Wanaka
Floortje Draisma Wanaka, Greg McIntosh Gore
David Drake Hawea, John McKie Chch
Robert Duffy Dunedin, Kevin Mclaughlan Q’town
Robert Facer Wanaka, Andrew McLeod Wanaka
Stu McMaster Wanaka, Lucie Urbancova Geraldine
Andrew Mitchell Timaru ,Pieter van Ammers Dunedin
Trevor Nixon Dunedin, Dan van Asch Wanaka
Neil Ofee Dunedin, Jasper van der Lingen Chch
Leigh Overton Wanaka ,Dutchy Vermeulen Wanaka
Malcolm Patterson Invercargill, Patrick Waser Wanaka
Chris Pearce Wanaka, John Williamson Alexandra
Mike Plimmer Wanaka, John Wilson Gore
Glenn Randle Alexandra ,Nathan Winter Dunedin
Brian Read Wanaka, Dean Winton Dunedin
Tania Reid Wanaka, Michael Wright Ettrick
Craig Rizzi Wanaka, Sam Yeo Alexandra
Dan Roberts Q’town, Grant Yeo Alexandra
Wade Rollo Dunedin ,Oliver Young Wanaka
Craig Ross Clyde,Jerry Rowley Wanaka
Tom Rowley Wanaka, Gill Rutherford Dunedin
Ali Scarlet Chch,Mary-Louise Schroder Wanaka
Ian Shore Dunedin ,Paul Simpkin Wanaka
Mark Smith Alexandra,Errol Soper Alexandra
Eddie Spearing Wanaka,Richard Spence Alexandra
Michelle Stalker Q’town,Tom Stevens Q’town
Christine Stowell Chch,Phil Straver Chch
Darrell Thomson Dunedin,Bruce Thomson Wanaka
Wayne Tily Invercargill,Gary Tweedie Wanaka
Simon Underwood Dunedin

We would love for you to share your experiences on our Facebook page. If you are interested in becoming a friend of Contact Epic or just want to read what others have said please click on the link below : If you want us to post your comments on Facebook alongside a photo of you enroute just send us the excerpt and we will post for you. We have heard some humorous and heart-warming stories that I know others would love to read about.

www.facebook.com/profile.
Fortitude:
We only had four injuries that needed medical attention and only 6 people pulled out of the race and did not finish. This is testament to the fact that this event attracts a tougher, dedicated and experienced group of riders who know how to handle themselves and the conditions. We really hope this continues. We had some very cold people cross the line in the first one and half hours with only the shirt on their back. Clearly they are capable of suffering more than the average, but some were getting close to boarder line. But I suppose its all part of the adventure. I think next year we’ll go back to the warm sunny days that we are used to.

Course record:
The course record now belongs to Epic rider Tim Wilding of Wellington in a fraction over 5 hours. In our inaugural year Marcus Roy came home in 4.45 but the course was slightly shorter that year, so for a full course record this is it. Maybe Tim will return and try to crack the 5 hour mark, Marcus will make a come back to regain his crown or last year winner Brent Miller will look for another top podium spot in 2011? I suppose only time will tell.

The podium in the classic this year was completely dominated by Otago and Southland, riders which was great to see. However in the Epic, Taupo, Wellington, Christchurch and New Plymouth all made their present felt come merit prize time, so well done to you guys and gals that made the effort south to take care of business.
Fundraising:
Another reason to be proud of your efforts on the day is that each and every km you rode, whether you completed it or not, earned one dollar that Contact Energy donated towards the building of a new community centre in Lake Hawea.

Money raised during the event when to:

-$65 000.00 to the new Lake Hawea Community Centre.

-$1400 you all donated for the tea and scones will be going to the education of local children. The Mead and Dickson family have given $400 to the Tarras and Hawea Schools while the $1000 left will be used for the correspondence school their    children attend.

 -$4000 was donated by Contact to the various volunteer community groups that helped during the race.

 -$700 was earned by the local basketball team who made the bacon butties at the finish line.

 -$310 total of donations made to the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust from the entries on line.

In total over $70 000.00 was raised from this event which is a very pleasing outcome for all concerned.

Cycle shirts:
For those still wanting to purchase cycling shirts ($119.00) or caps ($29.00) we have some available. Just drop an e-mail to www.info@contactepic.co.nz and you can direct credit payment or post a cheque.

Of course if you just want a car sticker then let us know and we will post out to you! You are part of a hardy and adventurous group of athletes; it is something to be proud of.

Sponsors:
I know you have heard it all before but the event can only run with the support of our sponsors, including our naming rights sponsor, Contact and our gold sponsors Radio Wanaka, Infinity Investments and Edgewater Resort, plus the numerous product sponsors that provided the very good spot prizes a lot of you won on the day.

A thank you and support of these brands can go a long way, so remember to support those who support you and your sport.

Lost property was at a minimum this year—I think most people wore everything they had! We do have one polar fleece, one sleeveless jacket and two pair of gloves. Please get back to us with a description as soon as you can if you believe these may be yours. Also lost along the way were a pair of glasses at the Hunter River and an orange marmot jacket. Both of these competitors would love these returned, so if you have them just contact us and we will connect you.

The next Contact Epic is booked in for April 16 so as to avoid the double ups of Easter. Book in early and remind colleagues/friends that the cut off date is mid March so they will have to get onto it. For all those who book before January 31, we guarantee the same price as this year. We also have a new multisport event in the pipeline for the end of the year that is aimed more at teams. We will keep you up to date via this e-mail address.

Free photos are available from www.studio5.co.nz Just click on this link or go to the site and scroll through to find a photo of you that you want. Remember the photo number then go to the contact page and tell Garrick Cameron our superb photographer your email address, the photo number and he’ll send you a copy, just like that, all thanks to Contact.

Feedback and debriefing is important for any race. We would love to hear what your views are of the race. Please share with us your impression of the event, what you found worked and what suggestions you have for the future races. All those who return the survey to us before the end of June will go in the draw to win a $50.00 voucher to Lone Star restaurant.

Survey link: http://www.lakehaweaepic.co.nz/survey2010/

Thanks again to everyone for your effort, good humour and camaraderie, it all makes for a great day out. Thanks also to those of you who entered into spirit of the race and assisted others along the way.
See you next year: 16 April 2011.

From the LMS Events Team

See you all again in 2011 with a new goal, PB, course or just a ride to the local Dingle Burn Cafe for a scone.

• There is no diviation off the Main Highway for the Epic riders this year, so its straight ahead, staying on the tarmac until you hit the Kidds Bush turn off.

• We will not have an Aid Station at Kidds Bush this year but we will have bananas and Enervit Sports drink etc at the other two Aid Stations.

Transponders:

This year we are trialing the use of transponders. Sports timing NZ will be supplying the units and will be responsible for the timing. We will upload results to our web site every half hour as we have done previously and you will be able to check your result at the Hawea Hotel via two new Mac monitors linked to the web site.

The Transponders will be attached to your ankle via and velcro strap, quick and easy!

Merchandise:

There are still some cycling shirts available, but we have limited numbers in each size. Go on line to www.contactepic.co.nz to order and pay for yours. We will also have sports caps available on the day for purchase.

Registration:

Please note that registration is held at the Hawea Hotel the night before the race (Friday) and will be between 4 and 9. We are unable to register anyone on the day.

The first 50 competitors to register will receive a FREE sample of a locally produced product SWEET CHEEKS, a butt butter that has proven results in reducing chamois friction for riders. This will also be available for sale at the Racers Edge shop on the night along with ENERVIT supplements and nutritional race products.

Prizegiving:

Prizegiving will be held on the day in the garden bar of the Hawea Hotel at approximately 5.30. Once the sun goes down it can get cold quickly so be sure to bring warm clothing.

Please note you must be in attendance to receive spot prizes. Our prize giving is unique in that the majority of the prizes are worn by our 5 models and you are permitted to select your own prize by removing items.

This year you will be given a Contact Epic sticker to put on you vehicles. The first person to select any prize (except the Trek bike) will be the person whose car registration plate we read out that has a Contact Epic car sticker on the back windscreen. These stickers will be given out at registration and are available on the day.

Make sure you are in to win, You can pick anything from a Giro cycle helmet, Mountain Hardwear Epic rain Jacket, A 12000 ft Sky Dive over Lake Wanaka or even a new Geax tyre for your trusty stead and the list goes on.

Tea and Scones:

For those new to the event, the Dingle Burn Station owners’ grandchildren run at tea and scones stop about two thirds of the way around the track by the wool shed on the Dingle Burn Station. For a donation to their correspondence schooling they will provide you with much needed and earned sustenance in what would have to be NZ’s most unique and remote café!! So put some cash in your back pocket and remember paper is lighter than metal!
 

Meals:

A pre-race pasta meal is available for just $16 at the Hawea Hotel over the time of registration. We will take orders for the meal up until Tuesday April 20 (tomorrow). Your order can be made online www.contactepic.co.nz with visa payment or you can just send us a note with cash or cheque prior to this day. It is great value and a great way to meet other competitors. There will be a limited number of meals sold on the night for an increased cost ($21).

There will be a buffet, including dessert, at the Hotel on race day. This will cost $25 and will start at approximately 3pm. Should you want this, you pay as you go on the day. No preorders needed.

An early morning breakfast is available at the Hawea Hotel on the morning as well as at the Sailz Restaurant just up from the Hotel. Bookings are recommended for the Sailz breakfast and you can do so on 03 443 1696.

Plate for a plate at the Lone Star!

On the Sunday after the race, from 5 pm, Lone Star are offering a free entrée with main to any Contact Epic competitor that brings along their bike plate as evidence of entering NZ’s Ultimate MTB Challenge. There will be other rider-only specials on the day as well.
 

Listen to Radio Wanaka:

Radio Wanaka, 92.2 FM is the official radio station for the Contact Epic and will be the first informed of any changes or updates to the race. So tune in and Mr Ed will talk you through everything you need to know.

Transportation to the Classic Start:

For those of you doing the Classic leg of the race, a bus service is available for you and your bike from the Hawea Hotel to the start line at Kidds Bush. You can get all information regarding this and book your seat on line now at www.alpinecoachlines.co.nz. Please note there will be NO official transport back to the Kidds Bush at the end of the race.

Withdrawals:

If you are unable to attend for any reason we would appreciate being informed. This just keeps our systems and organisation tight and current. Just an e-mail, text or phone call to with your name and category would be much appreciated.
www.info@contactepic.co.nz or 027 4595106

Supporter entertainment:

Destination Hawea have a number of events on the day for supporters.
Village Market Day
Saturday 24th April 10am – 2pm
Beside Sailz in Lake Hawea
 

Art @ The Nook
An exhibition by local painters, potters, wool craft artists
Also the last weekend of the famous Nook Road plant sale
Saturday 24th April 10am – 4pm
Sunday 25th April 1pm – 4pm
At Nook Road Nursery
www.nookroadnursery.co.nz for details
Maps available from Lake Hawea Motors & Sailz
Supporting the new Lake Hawea playground equipment for the under 3s
Remember our race is about self responsibility, So keep an eye on the local weather so you can plan your trip and the gear you need to get the job done. Weather Link Cllick Here and Here 

Get yourself to the start line with the right gear, make it to the finish with your bike in tack, then give yourself a big pat on the back for taking on one of the longest and most demanding, single day mountain bike rides in the country. Whether you are going hard out and finish in 5 hours or cruising around the course in 12 taking in the scenery, we look forward to sharing this inspiring part of the country with you.

The LMS Team
LMS Events
Wanaka

Challenge – Inspire – Believe – Achieve

Welcomes competitors & support crew participating in the Contact Epic

We would like to invite you to:

Village Market Day

Saturday 24^th April 10am – 2pm

Beside Sailz in Lake Hawea

Art @ The Nook

An exhibition by local painters, potters, wool craft artists

Also the last weekend of the famous Nook Road plant sale

Saturday 24^th April 10am – 4pm

Sunday 25^th April 1pm – 4pm

At Nook Road Nursery

www.nookroadnursery.co.nz for details

Maps available from Lake Hawea Motors & Sailz

Supporting the new playground equipment for the under 3s