It is one of the most challenging courses out there with the distance, varied terrain, remote environment and the Dingle Burn Café all making this event unique. Those that get through it can rest assured they can handle one of the toughest rides in the country.

Thank you all for supporting the race ethos of self-responsibility. We will make the event as safe as possible but want to fight the move toward the cotton wool, overly dictated rules, compulsory bike / gear checks etc. The better you prepare and manage yourself out there the more we can keep people thinking about these issues and keep the tough, rugged, adventurous kiwi spirit alive. Well done to you all again on this.

For those who rode in the inaugural event and are contenders for the Last Man Standing kitty, there is now about $650.00 in the pot. We will send out a news letter in July when entries open for 2010. This will include the names of all those still in the running.

We also have two Contact Epic jerseys left in medium size if any one missed out or may be interested in purchasing them.

Next year’s event:
Next years event will be on Anzac weekend, April 24, 2010. Entries will open online this July.
Go to www.contactepic.co.nz

Survey:
We have created a survey form that takes about 4 mins to fill out. It will assist us to provide the ultimate event for 2010! We want to continuously improve this event and need your help with ideas, suggestions and feedback. All you need to do is fill in this form online and push the send button.

Access the survey by clicking on this link: http://www.lakehaweaepic.co.nz/survey2009

Event highlights / low lights and anecdotes:
We were very pleased to see so many locals on the course and so many featuring on the podium. We had attracted riders from as far away as England, Aussie and USA which means you are all spreading the word well!

It was also fantastic to see riders from all over NZ with some big groups coming from Tauranga and Wanganui.

We have to make mention of the plus 60yrs that entered and completed the course. In particular we acknowledge our oldest competitor, Andy Middendorf at 70yrs old who completed the Epic and our two youngest riders, Declan Pearson and Nakia Randle, 15yrs that raced in the Classic. It’s great to see these people pushing their respective envelopes, so to speak, at both ends of the scale.

We only had two serious injuries to contend with this year, a gentleman on the old highway below the Lake Hawea lookout came a cropper and busted his collarbone, a few ribs and his thumb, that’s got to hurt! Another in a high speed wipe-out knocked himself out and bit the end of his tongue. He said the surgery to stitch it back together was worst than the accident it’s self but he is very keen to race again next year. That shows commitment and the sort of people we want to attract to this event.!

On the minor side one poor lady broke the forks off a borrowed bike just minutes from the Classic start line. (It was on the top of her car and got caught on greenery!) But in the spirit of the day, we raced back to the tail end charlie vehicle on the Epic leg and got the spare bike, half an hour later she was off trying to catch the people that did start on time and duly rode to the finish line with a great sense of achievement. A ‘no give up attitude’, we like that too.

There were a number of other scrapes and bangs by the looks of those crossing the finish line. Blood, sweat and tears, what a wonderful combination so long as it has a happy ending. Thank you to all those competitors who stopped to help their fallen comrades, we know it’s hard for some to stop but that’s what it’s all about. Remember it might be you that needs a helping hand next time.

We received a lot of positive feedback regarding this so, for those who made someone else’s day that little bit better, accept this pat on the back.

Of course the memories for each person will be different. I gather one chap caught up with an old Lincoln varsity flat mate from 30 years ago at the Dingle Burn ‘Cafe’ and, I daresay Jim McMurray and Bruce Thompson are unlikely to forget this particular birthday! There was a good compromise between the hard core racers, those taking on the challenge of just getting to the finish line and also those out to enjoy the scenery. Well done again to you all.

Prize giving:
The prize giving and the finish line had an overhaul this year and if you have any feedback on this see the survey page above.

Sponsorship:
Sponsors are an essential element in the success and viability of this event and we again would like to thank them. A special mention to our principal sponsor Contact, for their support for the event and the funding to the Hawea Community groups for the volunteers and financing the merit prizes in each of the sections. Also for the big step up in support of the competitors with the free photo and massages. I can’t recall too many other events that offer this.

Our gold sponsors Radio Wanaka, Edgewater Resort, Paterson Pitts and the ODT, do a great job in supporting this event and their contribution is essential for this event to grow.

If you check out our sponsor page and cast your mind back to all the sponsors banners and products that were on offer at prize giving, you will see that we have a great selection of sponsors offering some top of the line prizes. The best thing we can do as athletes is to support those businesses that support us in our sporting endeavors.

Other LMS Events:
To keep you focused and training over the winter, have a look at this other great Wanaka endurance event that LMS Events have been running for the past 5 years.

Mountain 2 Mountain – 13 September 2009 at the Treble Cone Ski field
It’s a fantastic and fun Multi Sport Event with 6 stages of Skiing, Running, MTB, Kayaking and Road Biking from Treble Cone Ski Field to the Snow Farm in the Cardrona Valley. This is a big day out for individuals who are wanting to keep motivated over the winter and is proving a particularly popular event for teams of 2-6 persons who now occupy the largest category of this event. Entry details will be in the July Newsletter.

Keep the rubber on the road! See you all in 2010 if not before!

The LMS Events Team

Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures.

There are a limited number of jerseys and commemorative Pinot Noir wine left. Once these have gone we are unable to get anymore. To order, go to the merchandise page on our website now by clicking on this link. http://www.contactepic.co.nz/merchandise.html

If you ordered a Contact Epic shirt or bottle of wine you will be able to pick these up from registration the night before the race. Once you have registered take your number plate to the merchandise counter for pick up.

Meals:

No road is long with good company.-Turkish Proverb

These will be available online up until the night of Tuesday the 21st of April. 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 $5.00 added to the price of the meal.

The Carbo-Loading Meal is held at the registration venue (Hawea Hotel), at the same time and is a fantastic opportunity to meet and catch up with fellow competitors.

The Post Race Meal will be available from mid afternoon on.
In both cases you are welcome to purchase for your supporters as well.

To order these meals now click on this link: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/141928512

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.

Accommodation:

The life of man is a journey; a journey that must be traveled, however bad the roads or the accommodation.-Oliver Goldsmith

You may not have control over the road but you do have control over your accommodation! No point doing it hard the entire time!

For those still needing accommodation for the event, we have secured a deal with the exquisite lake front resort in Wanaka, Edgewater Resort. 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!

There is also accommodation available at the conveniently located Hawea Hotel. There is a minimum of two nights booking. To secure please phone 0800 42 93 24. To view facilities and rooms go to, www.lakehawea.co.nz 0 42 90800 42 93 24 3 24

Registration:

If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.- Mark Twain (except your confirmations!)

Registration is compulsory. You will be unable to ride without picking up your number plate and reading the pre race briefing sheet the night prior to the race.

The registration will be held in the garden bar of the Hawea Hotel. (Beware the temptation!) Enter through the main entrance and turn left. You are able to register any time between 4 and 9 pm on Friday the 24th.

Racers Edge will have a small shop open at the registration for last minute equipment, Enervit nutrition and the latest gems in the Trek mountain bike range range.

In support of ANZAC Day the local Fire Brigade will be selling poppies at the registration for those who are interested. It would be great for everyone to ride with a poppy on their shirt or bike in honour of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Lest we Forget.

Race Start:

When a man has put a limit on what he will do, he has put a limit on what he can do.- Charles M. Schwab

If you are in the Classic and require transportation to the start line from the Hotel please phone the company below as they are providing this. Please also be sure to note the time of departure will be 5.30 from the Hawea Hotel.

Alpine Coachlines, 17-23 Dunmore Street, Wanaka, New Zealand
Freephone (NZ only) 0800 SKI WANAKA (0800 754926)
Tel +64 (0)3 443 7966 Fax +64 (0)3 443 7033
Email info@good-sports.co.nz

Supporters who are coming for the start of the race at Kidds Bush will need to either leave there before 7.30 or stay until after 9 at least, as this is also the route for the Epic competitors and we are trying to limit the vehicles on this section of road. Your assistance in this respect would be most appreciated.

The Epic start will involve a short 15 min ANZAC Dawn ceremony organised by the local RSA at 7.00am. Competitors will need to be at the start line at 6.45 to be in time for this and not disrupt proceedings. Please be on time and considerate of others who will be attending the service only.

Please make sure you have a light on your bike as it will be dark at this time and you will have to ride on an open road to get from the Hotel to the start line.

Tea and Scones:

The bicycle is the most efficient machine ever created: Converting calories into gas, a bicycle gets the equivalent of three thousand miles per gallon.- Bill Strickland

For those of you new to the Contact Epic, YES, it is true. The Dingle Burn Station Owners put on tea and scones for competitors just over 2/3 of the way through the race. It proved to be the most appreciated café for miles!! All they ask is if you think you might like to partake could you please have a gold coin donation “up your sleeve” for their children who require a number of extra items due to the necessity of being schooled via correspondence. A great way to support our local, rural children and get some energy back into the body for the last leg home.

Food and Gear Preparation:

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail!

One thing we can’t guarantee is that you will get wet and it will be cold but if I was a betting man I would say the odds are good in these parts. Please remember that you will be a long way from home. We had some very resilient people last year take on this challenge with very few injuries or issues. We would love the same this year.

A big part of this event for us is moving away from wrapping competitors in cotton wool. We believe you will be a lot safer by accepting responsibility for yourself, your bike and dealing with the issues that come from being out in the hills when you break a chain and face a 4 hour walk back or when a cold southerly starts snowing on you.

So please help us to keep the red tape as thin as practical by being as prepared as possible for the worst case scenarios. See our recommended gear list and race rules. We have provided a weather link so you can see what the weather is doing and make the appropriate decisions.

Think: Weather/Injury/Bike failure/Fuel for the legs.

Weather:

The trouble with weather forecasting is that it’s right too often for us to ignore it and wrong too often for us to rely on it. ~Patrick Young

It is best you check the weather a night or two before the race so you can pack appropriately. If you don’t have a preferred site try this one, http://metservice.com/public/maps/rain-forecast-3-day.html
Please note you are in a remote and mountainous area. The weather can be extremely changeable and is often different from neighbouring towns like Queenstown.

Prize giving:

I read the sports page of a newspaper first as it records people’s accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man’s failures.

Prize giving will be held at 5.30 on the day of the race in the garden bar of the Hawea Hotel (so you don’t need to move your poor legs any further). We know you will all be cold and tired (bring extra layers) so we will keep things moving as quickly as possible. We will acknowledge our sponsors, present cheques to our volunteer community groups then deal with the merit winners and spot prizes last.

This year we will have a Beauty or the Bag system for spot prizes. There will be 5 models dressed in MTB gear from head to toe. When your number is read out you get to select the Beauty or the Bag. If you choose the Beauty you select one item off one of the models until they have nothing left. (or as close as public decency allows!) If you select Bag you choose a lucky dip envelope that contains an unknown spot prize. These will all be displayed on our prize tables so be sure to check and see which of these are your pick during the day! A good mix of choice and luck. Remember our major spot prize is the TREK 6500 Mountain Bike valued at over $2000.

Supporters:

The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team. John Wooden.

The local community is holding a Market Day from around 11 am on the day of the race. It will be situated just up the road from the finish line, next to Sailz Restaurant and will have a range of local art and craft on sale.

There will also be ODT newspapers available free of charge to keep everyone up to date on the latest news.

Global Biking:

Global biking is a new website that connects mountain bikers from around the globe. It is an easy way to be better informed about what other countries have to offer (as well as being able to skite about our own great land of course!) and to converse with others who share the same passion.

Link onto www.globalmountainbiker.com

Withdrawals:

A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.

If you are unable to make the race for any reason we would greatly appreciate an e-mail. This just makes a number of organizational jobs on the day a lot smoother. Hopefully we will see you in 2010 if that is the case.

If you are heading off on holiday could you please check our website along the way. We will be posting all news and information on the Latest News section.

Up to date information will also be on Radio Wanaka the week prior to the race so tune your radios to 92.2 (or 94.6) in Wanaka or 99.1 in Cromwell. Cancellations and any changes will be announced on that station.

We will be checking our e-mails up until midmorning on the Friday before the race.

Good luck with the final preparation and remember:

The reward for those who persevere,
far exceeds the pain that must precede
the victory

We are committed to the process now, so unfortunately if you need to withdraw there are no refunds as per the cancellation policy. Please note that we do not allow transferred entries as it’s important for us to know who is on the course and have accurate records of competitors’ medical conditions, emergency contacts and the like.

We are sure you understand, in this remote environment, the need to ensure all documentation is accurate. We apologise for any inconvenience or disappointment.

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 some Enervit G sport drink and Enervit bars 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.

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.

However, it would have to be the perfect storm to stop this event as most of us enjoy the mud and rain as much as we do the dry, dusty hot days. It’s all about the adventure at the end of the day and taking on Mother Nature whatever she throws our way.

Train Hard, Race Easy.

What’s going on…
Contact increase power behind race
Contact are stepping up their support for the Hawea community and the Contact Epic competitors. They have increased their volunteer support group donation to $4000 dollars, ensuring the local community is rewarded for the time and energy they put into making this event so successful.

They also wish to support you, the competitor, more directly this year with a FREE 10minute massage and a FREE online photo of you mid adventure! Good on you Contact!

Contact Epic Merchandise:

For the first time this year we will be offering Contact Epic cycle shirts to competitors. This is a great way to tactfully prove to your mates that you completed NZ’s Ultimate MTB Challenge and NZ’s longest MTB lake circumnavigation! A sample of these are below. Please make your order prior to March 29 to ensure your size is available.

Visit website: www.contactepic.co.nz/merchandise.html

2006 Contact Epic Commemorative Pinot Noir
We also will have a very limited number of 2006 Pinot Noir from our well acclaimed local winery, Maude Wines
These have our own Contact Epic label on them and are a great way to celebrate your efforts post event or as a thank you to those who have supported your training.

Visit website: www.contactepic.co.nz/merchandise.html

Race Meals:

A reminder that registration and the pre race meal are both held at the Hawea Hotel the night before the race over the same time period.
The meal is a choice of pasta meals and is priced to appeal at $16.00 a head. The meal is available between 4 and 8 pm and must be preordered via the entry page of our website. Click here (Yes, you can just order a meal without entry). This is great way to get psyched for the race day and to meet up with other competitors.

On the day of the race a buffet will be starting at 4pm.The following dishes will be included in the buffet: chicken, beef, and potato bake with a ferity of fried food, salads, vegetables, rice and pasta. Again, for catering purposes these need to be pre ordered and paid for via the entry page on our website. Click here

Transportation to Classic Start Line:

Those who are entered into the 95km Classic are reminded that they will have to get themselves to the start line at Kidds Bush before 6.30 on the morning of the race. Kidds Bush is situated 30 minutes from the Hawea Hotel and 45 minutes drive from Wanaka itself. For those who are unable to get their own transport to the start line a company in town is offering transportation. The details for contacting them are below. Please note that you may need to be at the Hotel as early as 5.30 to allow for time to get bikes on and off the trailers. Bookings are essential.

Good Sports, 17-23 Dunmore Street, Wanaka, New Zealand
Freephone: (NZ only) 0800 SKI WANAKA (0800 754926)
Te:l +64 (0)3 443 7966 Fax +64 (0)3 443 7033
Email: info@good-sports.co.nz

Where to go and what else you can do…

Our official accommodation provider is:

Edgewater Resort

Edgewater Resort is located on Lake Wanaka, in Wanaka Township itself and offers the ideal location to energise before the event, and importantly relax and celebrate after you have completed the challenge.

Their one-bedroom suites and two-bedroom apartments are perfect for you and your support crew. There is plenty of room, with a central dining and lounge area. Each apartment or suite is fitted with a kitchenette, separate bedrooms and washing machines/driers.

Edgewater will have “Epic” specials available to competitors so make sure you let them know that you are booking as part of the Contact Epic.

Visit website: www.edgewater.co.nz

And of course there is the venue itself:

Hawea Hotel

Hawea Hotel has rooms available as well and is conveniently placed on the start and finish line.

Visit website: www.lakehawea.co.nz
Both of these accommodation sites were full well before the start of the race last year, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Festival of Colour

Held every two years, the 2009 Festival of Colour features six exciting days and nights of astounding performances, exhibitions and thought-provoking discussions set against the spectacular autumnal backdrop of the Southern Lakes. Come and join us for world premieres in theatre, dance and music. The festival runs from April the 28th to the 3 of May 2009. Check out the website to view the programme and buy tickets.

Visit website: www.festivalofcolour.co.nz

Post Office Lane

If you are looking for quality food and beverage in the centre of Wanaka you can’t go past Post Office Lane where a number of relaxed and sophisticated options are available.

With the all night, roaring outdoor fires, the relaxed Woody’s bar and sophisticated Barluga start the night well. Also nestled into the lane is the Cow pizza bar and above is one of Wanaka’s leading restaurants for fine, innovative cuisine, Botswana Butchery.

Plenty of great options, all in one convenient lane! (All well tested by LMS Events Staff and been given the gold star too!)

Visit website: www.goodbars.co.nz

Aspiring Helicopters

An unforgettable personalised experience flying around the World Heritage listed Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks, N.Z.

At Aspiring Helicopters we offer you a totally unique personalised flight. Our two helipads are located at working deer and sheep farms on the southern side of Lake Wanaka.

Visit website: www.aspiringhelicopters.co.nz

Alpinism and Ski

If you want to add some more adventure to your stay in Wanaka and get right into the backcountry, Alpinism and Ski can provided guided tramping, trekking and walks through the Mt Aspiring National Park as well as safe and achievable guided mountaineering assents of any mountains in the Southern Alps.

Visit website: www.alpinismski.co.nz

Skydive Lake Wanaka

Skydiving in New Zealand with Skydive Lake Wanaka is a scenic adventure experience like no other!

Their mission is quite simply to offer you the best skydive experience in New Zealand. Let us introduce you to the awesome adrenalin of skydiving, whilst delivering an unequalled level of safety and personal service, in one of the most stunning locations in New Zealand.

Visit website: www.skydivewanaka.com

Onsen Hot Pools

The Onsen Hot Pools experience is all about unwinding and soaking-up Queenstown’s spectacular scenery. Immerse yourself in the views, the pure waters, and the fresh mountain air, as your mind and body surrenders to the deep penetrating warmth and gentle massage of our private pools.

Visit website: www.onsen.co.nz

Ridgeline Adventures

We offer personalised adventures for everyone in the Wanaka area. Discover boutique vineyards tucked away among the rugged the landscapes of Central Otago with our very own Central Otago Wine Trail.

Easy 4WD adventures allowing access to one of the most spectacular views of Lake Wanaka you are likely to see and also exclusive Heli-hiking options.

Visit website: www.ridgelinenz.com

We are looking forward to some better weather down here as autumn starts to unfold. At this time of the summer the brown hills have an unusual tinge of green due the high rain fall levels. Therefore you out of towners better head to higher ground to acclimatize!

Supporters activities – A Garage sale/Market Day will be held on the green by the shop from 11.00am. The RSA have given their blessing. A donation for the RSA will be collected from each stall holder.

During the week prior to the race we ensure there is plenty of pasta available on the menu for the carbo loaders.

TREK are again offering a brand new Trek 6500 mountain bike valued at $2159.00 as a spot prize with every competitor having a chance to win it. Check it out at the Racers Edge Bike shop in Wanaka. Trek is the ultimate bike for NZ’s Ultimate Mountain Biking Challenge.

For More information about the bike visit: www.trekbikes.com

Enervit is a quality product made in Italy to the highest standards and incorporates some of the most sophisticated nutritional science in the world.

Available on the course to get you there and home again will be:

Enervit G Sport Drink:
Enervit G Sport Drink delivers carbohydrates for energy, with mineral salts and vitamins to fight cramping and keep you performing at your peak throughout your workout. G Sport restores your body’s mineral balance and speeds hydration. Use it to pre-hydrate, keep you going during your ride, and speed recovery by quickly restoring lost fluids after you’re through
•Essentials: Fructose, potassium, magnesium, mineral salts and vitamins
•Flavor: Orange

Powersport Bar
An easy-to-digest bar that provides time-released energy and vital minerals. Power Sport “trains” muscles, supplying the right quantity of essential amino acids to maintain optimal physiological levels, providing energy for muscle contraction during exercise.

Essentials: Carbohydrates, fructose, maltodextrin, minerals and vitamins Flavors: Apple, Chocolate

Powersport Crunchy
A delicious, cereal-based energy bar with a mix of fast- and slow-delivery carbohydrates, for sustained energy delivery. Boost your energy levels, and fortify your body with essential vitamins. Less than 4 percent fat.

Essentials: Soy protein, fructose, maltodextrin, antioxidants and B-group vitamins Flavors: Cookie, Chocolate