Rider Briefing | Shimano MTB GP | Blores HIll VIC

Welcome to the Shimano MTB Grand Prix at Blores Hill in ‘The Middle of Everywhere’! Make this the perfect MTB XC racing getaway in the Wellington Shire Council this autumn. This is some general information for race participants and visitors to Blores Hill on the weekend –

This is the Shimano MTB GP launch event in VIC!

Launching into Victoria the Shimano GP format kicks off for the first time on the classic mostly hand built trails of Blores Hill Mountain Bike Park deep in the Gippsland. After the recent hiatus from racing the Gippsland Mountain Bike club is pumped for the return of events in the region. Club members have been hard at work prepping the course and from all accounts it is in MINT condition for this weekend.

On offer is 11km loop taking in the best on offer – Blue-green, Jim’s, Lower Tramway, BMT just to name a few. With only a 166m of elevation you will have plenty in the tank to enjoy the flowy decent. This is the perfect event to return to racing or start your racing career. Remember solo or teams allowed!

What awaits you: cross-country racing at its best!

We are launching Shimano MTB Grand Prix cross-country racing in Victoria! For this first Rocky Trail XC event we would like to thank also the Wellington Shire Council and the local business community for their fantastic support.

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Just 2.5h East of Melbourne, enjoy an awesome MTB racing venue at Blores Hill with us! Race on the Saturday and then explore this beautiful region on the Sunday to experience some of Victoria’s finest offerings. From scenic mountain ranges, pristine beaches, beautiful wetlands, temperate rainforests, and many other beautiful places, the best of everything is right at your fingertips in the heart of Gippsland.

Here is our Destination Guide for #rockytrailracers in “The Middle of Everywhere” – with lots of local businesses showcasing the region with offers.

---

VIRTUAL RIDER BRIEFING

During 2020 the Rocky Trail crew and racing community have adopted an additional set of event and racing rules in order to keep racing in the Covid-19 events environment. We are drawing on the experiences we have gained as organisers, however, also as a competitor and spectator at the events you play an important role. – Please take the time to watch or read through this entire rider briefing.

---

RIDER BRIEFING CONTENT IN WRITING

We are so grateful for the outpour of support and enthusiasm by our Rocky Trail riders through 2020 and in 2021. We have been able to deliver successful events through the support of our. Community and with their assistance to ride within the constraints COVID 19 presented. We need to continue to comply to social distancing and other COVID rules to continue to run events.

A lot of thought has gone into this Rider Briefing and we expect all competitors and non-racing visitors to comply with how this event will be run. It is very challenging and a privilege to host this event and participate in this race – we appreciate your cooperation.

• Maintain social distancing at all times in the open air event hub and when purchasing food and drinks.
• We are tracking all event participants – non-racing supporters and ANY visitor at the venue are required to sign in for an Event Access Pass ahead of the race or on the day via these links:

Event introduction

The Shimano GP format provides a ‘seriously fun” racing experience for all.

• Registrations open at 7:30 am and the friendly staff are there to make your racing experience as easy as possible.
• Riders will be called to the start at approximately 8:45.
• Race grid is self-seeded and we ask riders to be reasonable as no 4 or 6 hr race has ever been won in the first kilometres.
• Racing will start at 9am.
• 4hr racers will need to have started their last lap before 1pm and 6hr riders started before 3pm.
• Presentations for the 4 hr race will be as soon after 1pm as possible (approximately 1:45pm).
• Presentations for the 6hr race will be as soon as the last rider has finished their last lap.

We can wait to see you smashing it! – Remember, your race photos are included in your entry, be sure to download them after the race and share your stories using:

#rockytrailracer

#shimanomtbgp

---

ABOUT the venue

The Event Hub is located on the intersection of Tinamba Glenmaggie Road and Weir Road.

• Onsite parking is available near the event hub but we request all participants to proceed with caution when turning off the main road into the event hub.

• Follow the signs and our volunteer marshals, 2wd parking area and a 4wd parking area available.
• Additional overflow parking is available on Sandy Point road within a short walk to the Event Hub.

About the race track:

Leaving from the southern parking area and Event Hub off Tinamba-Glenmaggie Rd the track goes out, up “BlueGreen” and onto “Jims’s” missing the infamous “Trig”. After this fun decent on “Jim’s” the course links onto a travers along the “Tramway” before a short pinch climb will have the riders primed to enjoy the flow of “BMT” before using “The Loser”, “Lower Tramway” and “ The Family Loop” back to the start finish.

Total climbing of only 166m over the approximately 11km course.

Event Format

For those of you, for whom this will be the first Rocky Trail event, we differ from most other events by offering a much more relaxed format.

For regular Shimano MTB GP racers – we have a major change for you in 2021: we are racing for 4 and 6 hours and the main racing categories are solos or pairs only!

How does it work?

• Most laps per solo rider or team in the least amount of time wins.
• The race track is closed at 1pm for 4 hour racers and at 3pm for 6 hour racers – you may still start another lap before that cut-off and that lap still counts.
• There are age-group and eBike categories – eBikers: only eBikes that conform with the Australian standards are allowed at our events.
• Expect less of a winners-only-focused competition, but a positive and inclusive experience for all racers.
• Rider call up 8:45am, race start 9am
• Last lap start: 1pm for 4 hour, 3pm for 6 hour race – this lap still counts.
• Most laps per solo rider or team in the least amount of time wins.

Schedule

Friday
All day The track is marked and you can practice on it but we won’t have any services (marshals, first aid) in place.

Saturday
7:30-8:45 am Registration open to pick up your number plate
8.45 am Rider call up, be race ready.
The official rider briefing usually held before the race start will be available online before the race.
9 am Race start
approx. 11 am Kids race
1.00pm Race finish – GP4 hour
2.00pm Est. Ceremony GP4 hour
3.00pm Race finish – GP6 hour
4.00pm Est. Ceremony GP6 hour

approx. 4.00pm Last Rider and Sweeper across the line and event finishes.

Presentation

You can check your race results on your phone as soon as you cross the timing mat/finish line after every lap – we have LIVE TIMING, so also everyone back home on the couch 😉 can check your racing progress throughout the day. When you finish your 4 or 6 hour race do check those results and laps. If you’re on a podium, please come and see the timing/registration desk to claim your podium race plate. This is YOUR race number for the remainder of the Season, reserved for you and you can keep collecting racing accolades/podium stickers for it.

Event Support:

What can you expect:

• A well-marked course
• Caution signs in technical areas
• Passing opportunities
• A large transition area
• Online rider briefing prior to event
• Music, BBQ and medical service in case something doesn’t go to plan
• Easy registration
• And a supportive community

Come along and join the team to make the first Victorian Shimano GP a great success!

We thank the support of the local business across the weekend;

• Food – Gippsland MTB club will be operating a BBQ on site with cold drinks available.  Gourmet Beef & Chicken burgers $10
• Coffee – Bling 51 coffee will keep us going.
• Tech Support: The team from Mallards Cycle  will be set up in the event hub for all the last minutes bike issues
• Merchandise: Available for purchase at registrations are “Race the way you ride” tee-shirts and hoodies, Rocky Trail Socks, Mudguards as well as Gu’s.
• Music:  Our Rocky Trail Rradio with DJ Mista Nige powered by earSHOTS will be providing the beats to kick off racing and give you the adrenalin you need. 
• Giveaways: Will be again supported by our sponsors and will have giveaways available on the day.

Event Facilities:

• Medical: Medical Edge will be on site for the duration of event with roaming marshals out assisting across the day
• Toilets:  Portable toilets will be provided at the event hub
• WATER: NO WATER IS AVAILABLE ON SITE – please bring sufficient personal supply

Event Photos:

Outer Image Collective photographers will be on site to snap that action photo you have been dreaming about.

Weather:

A sunny day is ahead! We expect the weather to be good for the weekend at Blores Hill.

Event updates during the race / weekend:

We always announce any major updates mainly via the FB event page, as well as our news blog and email newsletters:

Rider List and Results

All weekend you can find links to Rider List and LIVE Results via the drop-down menu from the event page on our website! You can check these now and throughout the weekend via your mobile devices – to reduce touch points we will not have any public display computers on-site.

Emergency contacts:

Race Director – Bob Morris 0458 299 558
Event Manager, Media liaison – Jo Parker 0424 955 332

General race regulations

• Race etiquette – Important: you MUST adhere to social distancing rules AND rude behaviour out on track is not acceptable. Please be kind to each other. We are all here to compete and to race and that is fine, but as owners of Rocky Trail Entertainment, Juliane and Martin Wisata EXPECT their competitors to be respectful of each other:
  • We have seen an exciting and amazing influx of new competitors at Rocky Trail events an especially as we move into new regions with our races, we want to be very clear about this: EVERY competitor has a right to be out on track.
  • The fast and semi-pro racers need to be (and would be from their experience) aware that especially at a lap race, a podium position is not won by one or two seconds that you might loose by overtaking a slower rider in a respectful and friendly manner. Call out to the rider or runner ahead of you, tell them you are there and that you will move past on which side.
  • For casual racers, please respect the fast guys too – sometimes the fast riders see a gap that you don’t and they have the confidence that they can overtake you safely. Trust in their judgement. – At the same time, stand your ground, no need to stop completely, move to the side and let them pass. You will find you’ll get into a flow and a rhythm.
  • We appreciate every racer and we have been building the Rocky Trail community for over a decade – we are grateful to have you all racing with us.
  • Chat to Martin or Juliane if you have any questions.
• If you are the parent or carer of a junior racer you can ride or run with them, either as a racer or see rego to nominate as a marshal.
• We love to help and chat! Our staff at rego and at the starts are there to help. Talk to them.
• No cheating! You need to stay on the race track. No cheating or ‘sneaky pro lines’ where you leave the track and reenter.
• Don’t litter – please take your rubbish back with you or throw it in the landfill or recycling bins we have near the registration tent.
• Toilets will be cleaned and disinfect during the day. Please let us know if they need a clean.
• Timing will be done with your timing chip – please ensure it is on your bike/attached to your chest and in the MTB that the plastic doesn’t touch any metal parts of your bike (e.g. don’t wrap the number plate around your handlebar).
• You agreed to our RACE WAIVER when you registered online – here is a link to the RACE WAIVER again
• Click here for DETAILED RACE RULES

COVID-specific Event Rules

How are we running this event and how do we keep you safe? By limiting the rider field to 300 per day (events up to 500 are allowed at the moment in NSW) you can see right away that we still err on the side of caution. So please understand if some of the rules appear harsh, but we need to ensure that we can keep racing in this new world.

• Social Distancing: Our main request is that you follow the Covid-Safe rules and regulations as laid out by the ACT Government and observe strict Social Distancing Rules throughout your race day. A lot of thought has gone into this Rider Briefing and we expect all competitors and non-racing visitors to comply with how this event will be run. It is very challenging and a privilege to host this event and participate in this race – we appreciate your cooperation.
• Racers AND Non-racing supporters and ANY visitor at the venue are required to sign in via the “Check In CBR” App. (scroll up for info)

Rocky Trail Covid-19 safety guidelines:

1. BEFORE THE RACE: If any of the following applies please contact us immediately.
   We will transfer or refund your entry but you CAN NOT PARTICIPATE in the event:
   1. If you are showing any signs of the cold or flu.
   2. If you have event the slightest fever (we have facilities on site to test and will send you home immediately if you have fever).
   3. Please be aware that we will and are ready to shut down and postpone the event if direct Federal or State Health orders change in the event lead up until Friday.
   4. For details regarding event transfers or to cancel an entry, please refer to our policy.
2. ON RACE DAY: There are a few important changes on how we run things on the day:
   1. ACCESS:
      • We are utilising majority of the trail network, if you are not racing please chat to Jo at the rego tent to understand where you can ride.
      • if you are spectating on your non-racing day, please check in online and report to the Rego tent as a supporter/visitor.
      • You can practice on non-racing days, but we won’t have any services (marshalls, first aid) in place.
      • Volunteers are welcome, again come out and bring your bike if you have one.
   2. RACE PLATE: You can pick up your race plate with the timing chip from the rego and info point – check the schedule for opening times.
      • This way we avoid queues near the registration area.
   3. RACING & ETIQUETTE: You MUST adhere to SOCIAL DISTANCING rules!
      • If you queue up at a start line please leave a bike length between each other.
      • Overall we don’t expect much queuing as the field will spread quickly.
      • When you finish your race please give each other as much space as possible.
      • No hand-shaking permitted at event.
      • Please understand that we need to be very strict on this . Non-compliance will result in revoking race access or disqualification.
   4. CHEERING: Keep 4m distance to the race track!
      • If you ‘hackle’ or encourage other riders on their race run please do so at least 4m away from the race track.
      • Shouting is a known source of virus transmission and we MUST minimise the risk there. Non-compliance will result in revoking race access or disqualification.
   5. RESULTS & CEREMONY:
      • Race results are LIVE throughout the day.
      • Access race results via the website.
      • approx. 4:00pm Last Rider and Sweeper across the line and event finishes.
      • Presentation ceremony will kick off when majority of riders are back, approx. 1.40pm and 3.30pm
      • Giveaways to every racer: pick a Red Bull or Rocky Trail sticker sheet at rego.
      • IMPORTANT: CHECK YOUR RACE RESULTS with us or as soon as you cross the line! The top three podium getters in each age category will receive a podium prize.
   6. PERSONAL HYGIENE:
      • No ‘snot rockets’ (blowing your nose without a tissue) in the vicinity of other people.
      • Hand washing stations and sanitation stations are available at the venue.
      • Please regularly clean your hands with an alcoholic-based hand rub or wash hands with soap and water (especially after going to bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing).
      • Riders and visitors are encouraged to wear (cycling) gloves when picking up number plates.
      • Unless from the same family, we discourage you from car-pooling to the venue.
   7. PARTICIPANT TRACKING:
      • Every person at the event (including non-racers) need to register.
      • Racers will be tracked with race plates.
      • Non-competitors will need to sign on via the online system.

Enforcement of COVID Safe Plan

If we see blatant breaches of those rules we will ask you to leave the event. You are not only potentially endangering other racers, but also the future of our business.

We recommend but won’t enforce that all event participants use the Covid Safe App to assist health authorities with tracking potentially.

Please understand that the team won’t shake hands, hug, high five or fist bump anyone and will be trying keep some distance to all riders during registration, start and finish. There will be a lot socially distance elbow bumps from us, which is almost as good .

Now, get ready!

---

Do you have any questions?

Talk to us via our online chat – click on the orange circle symbol on your bottom right screen corner and we’ll be right with you! (We always love talking bikes, racing and riding!)

See. You. Soon.