FAQ

Epic – The ultimate challengeOur flagship event for those wanting to push their endurance and backcountry riding skills. Expect rough terrain, steep climbs and descents, knee- to waist-deep river crossings, changeable weather and long hours in the saddle. Confidence riding in a bunch and tackling challenging terrain is essential.Classic – The Epic, with a little lessIf you like the sound of the Epic but would prefer an hour or two less riding, the Classic could be for you. You’ll experience much of the same terrain and adventure, while skipping the section that is predominantly on State Highway 6.Dingle Dash – Adventure made achievableFor those wanting a more achievable challenge without the bigger terrain and river crossings. At around 60km, you’ll still get private access to Dingleburn Station, tea and scones, incredible lake views and the iconic Bluffs section — just with a more manageable day in the saddle.

Aid Station 1Distance for:Epic 66kmClassic 37km1. Green Bush Hut(3.6km after the Hunter River crossing)Self service waterPH 1000 Electrolytes drink mixPH 30 ChewsPH 30 Gels BananasShelterToiletsFirst aidMechanical assistanceAid Station 2Distance for:Epic 91kmClassic 62km 2. Dingle Burn StationTea and Scones fundraiser (for a gold coin or lighter paper note donation)Self service waterPH 1000 Electrolytes drink mixPH 30 ChewsPH 30 Gels BananasShelterToiletsFirst aidMechanical assistanc

There are numerous unmarked hazards on this course, as there should be with a wilderness adventure of this nature.Hazards: Public roads with local and tourist traffic, Bunch riding at the start of the event, River crossing, Potholes, Rocks, Stock, Rutted tracks, Steep descents, Exposed bluffs and banks, Weather conditions given the duration of riding and limited shelter (both Hot and Cold) and other acts of nature (fire, floods and earthquakes) are all part of what is required to be considered and negotiated by the competitor.Any hazards outside of those expected will be identified and marked accordingly to ensure your safety. The Course Coordinator does not anticipate any such hazards requiring identification to be on course baring some unexpected natural event pre race start. If this is the case the hazard will be marked and will be included in the pre race briefing paper.The course will not be marked with directional arrows except at critical junctions. The tracks do not lend themselves to taking the wrong path but where there is major deviation from the track you are on, it will be marked accordingly. It will not be a navigational test.

Mechanical support will be at Green Bush Hut (Aid Station 1) and the Dingle Burn Station (Aid Station 2). They are professional mechanics from Outside Sports bike shops in Wanaka. A spare bike will be carried in the Epic and Classic Tail End Charlie vehicles in case you have a major malfunction. Support crewsSupport crews are discouraged from following the EPIC riders along SH6 or any of the riders coming back along Timaru Creek Road. The less traffic on the public roads surrounding the course the safer the riders will be. Timaru Creek Road is gravel and a dusty road will be the last thing the riders will need.Note:No assistance can be given to any riders outside of the event officials or other competitors otherwise disqualification of the rider will occur. They have to make it home under their own steam or withdraw.

All E-Bikes are in a non-competitive category.Spare Battery on course options: All Batteries will need to be well named and dropped off at Registration the night before the race.For Epic riders the battery change is at Green Bush Hut (approx 63km mark) and for the Classic, its at the Dingle Burn Station (approx 62km mark).

Recommended gear as per the list below should be carried. However the best person to make that decision about your safety is you. Check the weather here and here. Consider how long you could be out there, consider the worst case scenario and plan accordingly. We believe if people are thinking for themselves then they are safer than someone telling them what to do. We can have four seasons in one day in this part of the country so plan accordingly, think smart and race well.For a 20% discount on all Rab gear right up until the race starts please join our newsletter or get in touch for unique discount code to be used at: https://www.outfittersstore.nz/ For any bike-related equipment we encourage you to support our amazing event sponsor Outside Sports.Bike tubes, Puncture repair kit,Tyre Lever Set,Pump,Multitool, Chain breakerSunscreen stick,Anti-chaff,Whistle,First Aid kit (gauze squares, tape, a couple of Paracetamol or Nurofen tablets, an elastic crepe bandage)At least one water bottle and sufficient food to meet your individual energy needs for 5-10 hours of riding.Clothing options:Waterproof Jacket: Rab Phantom or Firewall JacketPoly prop / Thermal layer top and bottoms: See link here Rab SyncrinoEmergency bivi: Rab Ark Emergency BiviBeanie: Powerstretch BeanieGloves: Rab VR GlovesNOTE: We want you to enjoy this challenge regardless of the weather. Help us to help you. Anticipate the things that could go wrong and mitigate them. Make sure you have the gear to get you to the finish line.

If our safety team decides the river levels are too high to cross safely, we’ll switch to our Plan B course: an out-and-back route starting and finishing at the Lake Hāwea Community Centre.The Epic and Classic will be a few kilometres shorter than their planned distances, but the challenge will remain. The Dingle Dash course will stay unchanged, with staggered start times to keep the events separated at the start line.There is no reserve day. If Plan B is required, we’ll announce this by 3pm on the Friday before race day.

When you are in the back country YOU are the person primarily responsible for your own safety. We will try to limit the event infrastructure so that it will not be too noticeable during this event so you can enjoy the course with minimal interference.You will be a long way from home so you need to ensure that you:Carry the recommended gear.Ensure you have a well maintained bike.Have trained sufficiently to ride the distance and stay focused on the hazards and your own needs for food and water.Ensure you complete, on the entry form, any specific medical condition you have that may affect your well being and or treatment.If you come across an accident, you must stop and give all reasonable care that you can, while sending someone forward (not back unless really close) to the nearest Marshal for help. The Marshal will call in the situation to the Event Safety Manager so that we can get expert help on the scene as soon as possible.We will have first aid trained Marshals situated throughout the course, in the tail-end-Charlie vehicle and at the finish line.