Getting Close

Hello one and all, as I sit here on Wednesday afternoon and look to my right, out the window towards the Port Hills and Castle Rock I can see a clearing sky, yahoo. It seems the predicted southerly blast has blown through already which bodes well for the weekend sufferfest.

We have over 30 people "signed" up for this years adventure, a large number for such a fringe event, you are all crazy!

Here's an image of the course

You can find details of the course here http://ridewithgps.com/routes/11017680

If you have not received an email containing the .gpx file of the course along with a couple of versions of the cue sheets you aren't on my list. If you want to come and play, best email me quick-smart.

Thanks to Rosie and Craig for getting out and checking parts of the course last weekend, and discovering a closed road! I have had to remove the back road section from Charteris Bay across to Purau, the real downside to this is now you will be tempted by a shop and a couple of cafes as you ride by them ;-)

I have added a couple of “zero” points on the .csv cue sheet file which allows more accurate measurements, especially if you go off route for food/water etc. Hope this helps. Please note this file is editable so you can organise you cue sheets how you like them.
The .pdf file is auto generated.
The .gpx file should have the turns loaded as waypoints to aid navigation by GPS.

There is now tracking available via MAProgress for this event for those of you with your own Spot devices. It is not compulsory and Shane is providing this service for free. If you are keen to be tracked on the MAProgress site please let Shane know via the website

There is no entry fee for this event, in the past we have passed a “hat” around at the start for donations which are then made to a nominated charity. Bring some cash to chuck in the hat if you would like too, no pressure.

This is a self supported backpacking event. No outside assistance other than commercially available services.
You are on your own once you start. I’m going to be out there suffering like the rest of you so I can’t help. It is up to you to get to the finish, or get rescued. The majority on the course, 90% is on public roads, you MUST follow the NZ Road Rules at all times.
It is likely you will do some riding in the dark, make sure you have lights, with fresh batteries!

Start time is 7am on Saturday morning from Hansen Park in Opawa.

See you all on Saturday morning, Scott

lepetitbrevet@gmail.com