Shimano MTB GP NSW Awaba Rider Briefing

Racing isn’t (just) about how long it takes you to get from the start to the finish.
It’s (also) about the adventureyou have along the way, the people you meet and the unique moments you share.

We are re-starting our cross-country racing season! Very challenging times to say the least, which require an additional set of event and racing rules in order to keep racing so please take the time to watch or read through this entire rider briefing.

VIRTUAL RIDER BRIEFING

RIDER BRIEFING CONTENT IN WRITING

We are so grateful for the outpour of support and enthusiasm by our Rocky Trail riders and community over the last few weeks and months.
We are one of the first MTB events back globally running post the Covid19 outbreak and all eyes will be on us. We need your cooperation.

How are we running this event and how do we keep you safe? By limiting the rider field to 250 per day (events up to 500 are allowed at the moment in NSW) you can see right away that we will 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.

• 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 this link:

• Another major change will be the race starting procedure – it is all explained in the video and below. 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.

• IMPORTANT: we understand completely that these are difficult and complex times and therefore, if you feel anxious, unsure or not comfortable to participate in this event, please contact us via ride@rockytrailentertainment.com and we WILL REFUND your entry, no questions asked.

• 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.

It’s a new way of “Running events in a Covid World” says our Race Director, Martin Wisata, in his blog from 21 July 2020, which requires us as a diligent events promoter as much as it requires engaged event participants. Read more…

ABOUT: EVENT FORMAT at AWABA

The Shimano MTB GP’s are cross-country endurance lap racing at its best!

Race for four (GP4) or seven (GP7) hours solo, in relay pairs or teams of three.
The Shimano MTB GP’s events are all about ‘seriously fun racing’!
Podium chasers can line up with Australia’s elites and experienced amateur endurance racers plus casual racers will have a blast, all feeling safe and part of an inspiring community.

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 the Shimano MTB GP specifically the race format is as follows:

• Most laps per solo rider or team in the least amount of time wins.
• There are age-group and eBike categories.
• Expect less of a winners-only-focused competition, but a positive and inclusive experience for all racers.
• If you are the parent or carer of a junior racer you can ride with them, either as a racer or see rego to nominate as a marshal.
• Our staff at rego and at the starts are there to help. Talk to them.
• Please note – we are Covid Safe compliant, your briefing will be virtual, we’ll be social distancing, the medal ceremony will be virtual and we’ll make this the safest event you’ve ever been at!

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: AWABA Venue

Adress: Olney State Forest – Jenkins Rd, Freemans Waterhole NSW

The Awaba race circuit will take you through many different terrains as we will be using the biggest loop in the park. You’ll start in the rocky bushland and traverse into lush and moist rainforest vegetation that’s so unique to this track! Big berms, big descents, big smiles guaranteed! If you are bringing the little shredders along that there are awesome kids and junior trails at Awaba that they will enjoy.

The trails are managed by the Forestry Corporation and built and maintained by the Hunter MTB Association. Camping is allowed at this venue.

Race track: see map on the event website

Parking and event centre: see important details below

Services and facilities:

• Daily Espresso Catering
• Bikes N Shocks Mobile Workshop (confirmed) – please bring your own supplies and see comment below
• First Aid in event centre and marshals out on track
• Toilets at Awaba MTB Park

Emergency contacts:

Race Director – Martin Wisata 0403 090 952
Event Manager – Juliane Wisata 0416 737 972

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IMPORTANT EVENT DETAILS YOU MUST KNOW

1. 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 live or have been to a published Covid-19 Hot Spot – please check the Hot Spot list here
   2. If you are showing any signs of the cold or flu
   3. If you have event the slightest fever (we have facilities on site to test and will send you home immediately if you have fever)
   4. Again, we understand completely that these are difficult and complex times and therefore, if you feel anxious, unsure or not comfortable to participate in this event, please contact us via ride@rockytrailentertainment.com and we WILL REFUND your entry, no questions asked.
      
2. There are a few important changes on how we run things on the day:
   1. ACCESS: the Awaba MTB Park is closed to the public on Saturday, 25 July 2020
      • if you are racing on your non racing day, please check in at the Rego tent as a supporter/visitor.
      • We are marking the track and event centre on Friday. You can practice, but we won’t have any services (marshalls, first aid) in place.
   2. ARRIVAL & PARKING: When you arrive you will be directed to the lower car park areas.
      • No parking will be allowed in the event centre which is on the left hand side driving in opposite the car park.
      • We need the entire space to spread registration tents, mechanics and the Daily Espressos who will be catering for us.
      • If you are setting up a tent for riders you must respect the 4m2 rule so under a 3×3 tent there can only be 2.25 people.
   3. RACE PLATE: You can pick up your race plate with the timing chip between 7.30am and 8:45am.
      • This way we avoid queues near the registration area.
      • If you are late, don’t worry, come to see us at the rego tent and we will assist you. You can still have your race and we’ll explain it all to you then.
      • 8:45am Rider call up, be race ready.
      • The official rider briefing usually held before the race start is replaced by this means of communication.
      • Most laps per solo rider or team in the least amount of time wins.
   4. EVENT START SCHEDULE – changes due to COVID19-measures apply!
      • 9:00am Race start – GP7 Solo and Teams
      • 9:20am Race start – GP4 Solo
      • 9:40am Race start – GP4 Teams
   5. EVENT FINISH: Last run is 3.30pm which means:
      • Finish time means the time when the race track is closed.
      • You can start another until those cut-off race finish times.
      • 1:20pm Race finish – GP4 Solo
      • 1:40pm Race finish – GP4 Teams
      • 4:00pm Race finish – GP7 Solo and Teams
      • You complete the lap you are on after the above stated finish time, it counts towards your result still.
   6. RACING & ETIQUETTE: You MUST adhere to SOCIAL DISTANCING rules!
      • If you queue up at the start line please do it in a single file leaving 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.
   7. 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.
   8. RESULTS & CEREMONY:
      • approx 5:00pm Last Rider and Sweeper across the line and event finishes.
      • Race results are LIVE throughout the day.
      • Access race results via the website.
      • There won’t be an official CEREMONY to comply with social distancing laws. We will publish a virtual podium with winner photos as soon as we have those.
      • IMPORTANT: CHECK YOUR RACE RESULTS as soon as you cross the line! The top three podium getters in each age category will receive their series plate – pick those up from the rego tent, please!
      • Giveaways to every racer: pick a RedBull or Rocky Trail drink bottle at rego.
   9. FACILITIES & SERVICES:
      • Water: Please bring your own drinking water – we will not have shared water.
      • Catering: will be on-site; please adhere to strict social distancing rules when ordering and waiting for your order. Please follow our crew and staff directions at all times.
      • Toilets: there is a public toilet block on-site and we will service it regularly. Disinfectant and wipes will be provided.
      • First Aid: will be based in the event centre and roaming out on track.
      • Mechanic: we planned to have Fizo Cycling as mobile mechanics on-site – we are awaiting confirmation. Please bring your own equipment and supplies.
   10. 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.
   11. PARTICIPANT TRACKING:
       • Every person at the event (including non-racers) need to register.
       • Racers will be track with race plates.
       • Non-competitors will be issued a Race Access pass.

Schedule Quick Reference Guide

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

Saturday
7:30-8:45 am Registration open to pick up your number plate.
8:45am Rider call up, be race ready.
The official rider briefing usually held before the racestart will be available online before the race.

9:00am Race start – GP7 Solo and Teams
9:20am Race start – GP4 Solo
9:40am Race start – GP4 Teams

approx. 11:00am Kids race

1:20pm Race finish – GP4 Solo
1:40pm Race finish – GP4 Teams
4:00pm Race finish – GP7 Solo and Teams

approx 5:00pm Last Rider and Sweeper across the line and event finishes.
Ceremony – We will have a virutal ceremony for all categories online after the event

Rider List and Results

From now on and all weekend you can find links to Rider List and LIVE Results via the drop-down menu from the Awaba 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.

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 🙂

Download the full Covid-19 Safety Plan below and here is a summary:

RACE RULES

The usual race rules still apply as always. In summary:

• 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.
• There are 2 permanent toilets in Awaba which we will clean 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 and that the plastic doesn’t touch any metal parts of your bike (e.g. don’t wrap the number plate around your handlebar).
• If you need to pass a rider out on track please do it in a friendly and safe way. Keep in mind that you have multiple runs per track so if you get held up you can always have another go.
• 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

OTHER EVENT INFORMATION

Destinaton & Plan your trip

Camping: There are permanent toilets at Awaba MTB Park and you can camp on-site for free as it is a NSW State Forest.

Accommodation: The closest tourism destinations are Newcastle, as well as the Lake Macquarie, Hunter Valley and Central Coast Regions.

Links:

• Newcastle Visitor Information
• Lake Macquarie Visitor Information
• Hunter Valley Visitor Information
• Central Coast Visitor Information

You will still have to get ready for the massive surge of adrenaline when you drop into your time race stages. When you rail those berms and fly across the trails, crossing the finish line with your heart pumping. You’re alive. You’re doing what you love. And that’s why Rocky Trail exist. So that you can RACE the way you RIDE.

See. You. Soon.