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Total Transport Tarmac Relay - Start 8:30am
The Relay is over the 160 km course with changeovers
approximately every 40 km. The only difference to the
Solo route is that Relay riders turn off at Whangamata Road
and follow it out to the Western Access Road (SH32).
Total Transport Dirt and Tarmac Relay - Start 7:00am
In essence this Challenge is the traditional relay with an MTB rider who rides the first leg, linking up with the first road cyclist at a point about 8km from Taupo along the standard course. The first road cyclist rides the 8km to the Interchange Point, but timing starts with the MTB rider.
- Any relay team can have an MTB cyclist as part of their team
- The MTB cyclist will start in Tongariro Street at 7:00am and ride 24km over some of Taupo’s finest MTB trails
- The leg finishes at the Saleyards Corner on Poihipi Rd, at a point about 8km from Taupo
- The team’s first road cyclist will gently ride the 8km out from Taupo to the Saleyards Corner starting straight after the Classic Race
- The MTB cyclist will link up with their team’s first road cyclist
- The MTB cyclist, having completed the section must then ride on Poihipi Road back to Taupo
- Once the first road cyclist has taken over the transponder from the MTB cyclist this Challenge continues in the same fashion as the Tarmac Relay
- The MTB course is over undulating terrain on trails up to Grade 3
- Previous MTB experience at this level is needed as is a reasonable level of fitness and of course a mountain bike suitable for this terrain
- The course is not suitable for beginners
Both Relays
Transportation for road riders and their bikes to and from Tihoi, Kuratau and Motuoapa is provided. It is vital that Relay riders read all instructions carefully and leave themselves plenty of time to catch their bus. Some of our bus departure times are critical and waiting for late comers is not an option.
A relay team may have two, three or four road cyclists. In teams with 2 or 3 road cyclists those riding more than 40 km must ride consecutive legs; e.g. a rider cannot ride legs 1 and 3.
The cost of entry for 2007 has been set at $90 per relay rider.
No accompanying vehicles are necessary or allowed. See Conditions of Entry
The relay interchanges will have a covered area, bike racks and toilets.
The timing transponder acts as your "baton". Hand the transponder to your next rider before they depart and you will get an accurate time for your team.
The 2 hour rule
Some teams may have a rider who has a mechanical breakdown or finds the ride physically more difficult than expected. To solve this problem we have the Two Hour Rule. If a Relay rider has not sighted their previous rider by the following times:
Saleyards Corner (MTB finish point) 9:15 am
Tihoi (road rider 2) 11.15 am
Kuratau (road rider 3) 1.15 pm
Motuoapa (road rider 4) 3.15 pm
the rider will be allowed to begin their leg. As no transponder will be transferred the final rider will then need to report to the finish marshals to have a finish time recorded.
Timing
Timing by Times-7
- Net time provided
- Fast, accurate results
- Ultra light transponder easily attached to your bike
- Controlled start
- Choose a starting group so that you will ride with others of similar ability
- Choose realistically to increase the safety of all riders
- Transponders are loaned to you so there is a $50 replacement charge for those not returned by 10 days after the event.
- Do not switch transponders with anyone else
Safety
Safety is paramount. We do all that we can to make your Challenge a safe experience, but you must have your bike and helmet checked. Many cycle shops will be offering free cycle safety checks (although necessary repairs are not free!).
Police Traffic Safety Officers and St John Ambulance patrol the course.
Pre-Ride Information
Pre-Ride Information with full details of the event is sent out with entry confirmation and GST invoice after 1 October.
Refreshments Refreshments will be available from a variety of outlets on the Domain. All Relay Riders will receive a food and beverage voucher at Registration. |
