Shimano MTB GP NSW Port Macquarie & Kempsey 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.

For the first time in the history of Rocky Trail cross-country racing we are bringing our Shimano MTB Grand Prix events to the NSW Mid-North Coast! We are excited to showcase the fantastic trails at Jolly Nose MTB Park near Port Macquarie on Saturday and the Kalateenee MTB Trails in Kempsey on Sunday this weekend!

Thank you to all #rockytrailracers and supporters who will join us to launch these events up here to help spread the word about these amazing riding and racing destinations!

We have been hosting our mountain biking races in the Covid-19 environment since mid-July. Very challenging times to say the least, which require an additional set of event and racing rules in order to keep racing. We are drawing on the experiences we have gained over these last few weeks especially and as a competitor and spectator at the events you play an important role – 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 organisers back globally running events post the Covid-19 outbreak and all eyes continue to 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.

• Non-racing supporters and ANY visitor at the venue are required to sign in for an Event Access Pass ahead of the race as we are tracking all event participants! – Request your Access Pass AHEAD of the event via these links:

• Starting procedure: We expect less than 200 racers on either race day, so we will have a paced race start – we will line up the competitors together and will instruct you to keep a bike-length between you. The Race Director will lead you out and then sound the whistle. All riders will have the same start time. 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

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.
• The race track is closed at 1pm for 4 hour racers and at 4pm for 7 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.
• 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 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 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

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ABOUT: Racing Venues this weekend

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:
      • if you are racing on your non racing day, please check in at the Rego tent as a supporter/visitor.
      • You can practice on non-racing days (both tracks are marked), but we won’t have any services (marshalls, first aid) in place.
   2. ARRIVAL & PARKING: When you arrive you will be directed to the car park areas.
      • No parking in non-designate areas. Please follow signs and instructions by our crew.
      • We need a lot of space to spread registration tents, club and catering facilities.
      • 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 – all solo riders and one member of each relay team of 2 or 3
   5. EVENT FINISH:
      • Finish time means the time when the race track is closed.
      • You can start another until those cut-off race finish times.
      • 1:00pm Race finish – GP4 Solo & Teams
      • 4:00pm Race finish – GP7 Solo and Teams
      • You can start a new lap before the cut-off time above and 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 4:30-5:00pm Last Riders and Sweeper across the line and event finishes.
      • Race results are communicated at Jolly Nose MTB Park and LIVE throughout the day in Kempsey.
      • 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 with us or 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!
   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: we will organise portable toilets and we will service them regularly. Disinfectant and wipes will be provided.
      • First Aid: will be based in the event centre and roaming out on track.
      • Mechanic: unfortunately the mechanic support we ha lined-up had to cancel due to health reasons at the last minute. Please bring spare parts and the local clubs will endeavour to assist with basic mechanicals on the day.
   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 – all Solo and Team riders (one member per relay team)

approx. 11:00am Kids race

1:00pm Race finish – GP4 Solo and 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 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

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.