Rules and Safety
Updated 21/09/2021
SAFETY - we're looking after you
Part A. Specific COVID LEVEL 2 rules:
1. Please do not come as a competitor, volunteer, spectator, supporter or racer if you are experiencing any flu or cold-like symptoms.
2. No more than 100 racers (outdoor venue limit), volunteers and SAR are not included in that total,
3. Spectators and supporters are encouraged to spread themselves around the course and avoid congesting the start/finish area or race village. Please stick to your bubbles and stay at least 2m apart from other people. Bring a mask and wear it where it is not possible to stay physically separate from other people. SIGN in via the QR code if you are spending any time at all in the race village.
4. There will only be a minimal, low-key race village, with QR code sign-in, antiseptic, and physically separated (or masked) volunteers. Please respect all signage and taping around the village. PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU WILL BE EMAILED YOUR RACE BRIEFING! But keep an ear out for announcements in the morning and afternoon.
5. The SAR team will have their own briefing separate from the race village area and communicate via radio with the race officials and volunteers. SAR volunteers mask up, use antiseptic, and QR codes.
6. Start times of the 100 racers will be staggered to keep separation, and within each category riders will self seed at least 2m apart and head off in a time-trial format, rather than a mass start.
7. As racers finish they will receive their congratulations, race time, and hand in their race chip in exchange for a Solander fish burger voucher, a can of non-alcoholic Kombucha from Kombucha Bros, a Juicy from Tasmanbay nz, and “spread their legs” around the race village to eat while socially distancing.
8. Unfortunately we will not be able to do Prize giving and Spot prizes in the race village, instead we will post these online and certificated and spot prizes will be able to be collected from the Gravity Nelson shop during the following week.
7. The extensive area of the race staging actually provides considerable advantages over other events like football games, so please take advantage of the space and spread out.
Part B. Specific RACE rules:
1. The Course is full of highly technical areas, especially Black Diamond ridge. Hazards exist everywhere, ride within your own ability at all times. The downhill from the Coppermine saddle is running incredibly fast… stay safe and have fun.
2. Treat all aspects of the course as potentially dangerous. No obstacles are marked as we don’t know how well you ride. Ride at your own pace!! Don’t risk your safety or the safety of others. In particular, be careful overtaking at speed as some parts of the course are exposed. Try and spread your legs and stay separated from other competitors and marshals throughout the race. Please have a mask in your pocket for emergencies, marshals will also be able to mask-up if they need to get close to you to assist you.
3. Carry some first aid supplies. If you suffer minor injuries make your way to the next emergency aid station for treatment. These are at Wells ridge, Coppermine saddle and The Maitai South Branch at the start of the 4WD track, or wait for the tail end Charlie.
4. You must assist anyone who has suffered serious injury. Competitors forced to stop and administer aid will have their finish time adjusted.
5. Do not move anyone with suspected neck or back injuries. Instead support and stabilise them
6. In the event of a rider being unable to move, one competitor must stay with the injured rider while another competitor moves with the race to the next emergency aid station and inform them.
Any entrant withdrawing from the event - must notify a race marshal or aid station staff or tail end Charlie and return to the start area and inform me. THEY MUST ALSO RETURN THEIR TIMING CHIIP AS THESE ARE EXPENSIVE AND REGISTERED TO YOU INDIVIDUALLY. FAILING TO ADVISE OF PULLING OUT COULD SEE YOU FACING A SAR BILL, as almost happened 2014
In the event of bad weather, all entrants are advised to carry a polypropylene top and windbreaker or light rain coat.
All competitors are advised to carry at least two spare tubes, a full puncture repair kit, bicycle multi-tool.
There is no road closures or Trail Closures anywhere on the course. Organisers have no control over members of the public who chose to use the road, so competitors must obey road rules and keep left & give way to any traffic at all times.
Please do not drop rubbish. Our concession depends on this.
Please avoid skidding on the track especially on the switch backs at the bottom of bolder valley