Hello All,
The Ground Effect Winter Teams Race Series, run by the Taupo Mountain Bike Club, is about to begin. Once again with the generous sponsorship support of Ground Effect (the MTB clothing people of Christchurch) and The Corner Shop (your Avanti Pro Cycle Centre in Taupo), and associate sponsors, value for money is assured. There will be great spot prizes, and food and drink for all participants included in the entry fee ($15 per rider, or $10 per Taupo MTB Club member and 12 years and under). The venue will once again be Craters of the Moon (now known as Wairakei Forest), on those great pumice all-weather mountain bike tracks. Your Team size can be up to 4 people, and you ride in relay fashion, completing as many laps of the circuit as you can in the set time. The first event is 3 hours duration on a 4.5 km circuit, with duration and lap size increasing a little for the second and third events. The dates are: Sunday 6 June, Sunday 4 July, and Sunday 8 August. Registration opens at 9.00 am, with racing starting at 10 am. There are entry categories to suit all abilities and ages, and families are welcome. This is a fun event. A copy of the event poster is attached.
So get your teams together now, and we'll see you there!

Taupo MTB Club: Winter Teams Race Series Safety Plan

The following actions will be taken, to ensure the safety of all participants:

  • All participants will fill out an entry form. The form will contain basic safety information, and participants must sign to confirm that they have read and understood it.
  • Safety information will additionally be given verbally in the race briefing each day.
  • The format of this event is intended to appeal to a wide range of riders, from family fun groups through to more serious competitive riders. This range of ability will be highlighted during the verbal briefing, and all riders requested to have consideration for the safety of others.
  • Cycle helmets must be worn at all times when riding.
  • The tracks being used for racing will be closed to members of the public during the event, and this will be achieved by strategically placed course marshals. To be safe however, participants will be warned to expect other cyclists on the tracks, travelling in either direction.
    • (There is no public vehicle access to the MTB tracks.)
  • A comprehensive first aid kit will be on site.
  • A cell phone will be on site at base for emergency use.
  • Course marshals will be identified by High-Visibility vests, labelled "Marshal, Taupo MTB Club". As far as possible, marshals will carry a cell phone, and be placed in a position where a phone signal is available. During briefing, participants will be asked to advise a course marshal of any accident resulting in significant injury, and the marshal will summon assistance from the event base. The Event Director will call in St John if required.
  • At the end of the event, a sweep rider will check the full course to ensure that all riders have safely left the course
  • The course will be inspected prior to each event, and any identified hazards will be removed, repaired or marked and taped off. Particular hazards to be looked for include the following:
  • Dangerous holes in track surface, eg from horse damage (to be filled and compacted)
  • Fallen trees/branches/dangerous branch ends at rider level (to be cut or trimmed back and cleared)
  • Steep downhill sections or drop-offs (to be identified by danger signage).
  • Briefing will include an oral description of the route, tracks being used and their condition. The route will be marked with arrows and tape.
  • Smoking is prohibited at the venue.
MTB Night Racing

Yes, handicap night races are now underway. If you have bright halogen night lights, a reasonable skill level, and are familiar with the tracks Tourist Trap and the Ferret in Wairakei Forest, come and give night racing a try!

Racing takes place on the first Thursday of each month.

Meet at the MTB car park (corner of Karapiti and Powerline Roads) in Wairakei Forest at 6.30 pm. There is no entry fee - just bring your bike, helmet, halogen night lights, effective taillight, and a sense of fun.

The race consists of two laps of the Tourist Trap plus Ferret circuit, with split and finish times recorded, results posted each week and handicaps reviewed as needed. The event runs monthly, commencing in April, and ends when the evenings become too light once more (probably October).

Give it a try!
 
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