Shimano MTB QLD Logan 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 launching Rocky Trail cross-country racing in QLD at Daisy Hill and with thanks to the support from the Logan City Council! It’s very challenging times to say the least, which require a very specific 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.

The Rocky Trail crew in NSW re-launched the Shimano MTB Grand Prix events last weekend and all the procedures went like clock-work with all competitors and supporters as well as spectators being very compliant. Everyone had a truly enjoyable day out on the ‘rocky trails’ – we want to communicate all procedures in details ahead of the race so that we’ll all be on the same page on the day and can focus on riding and racing together out in nature.

We have been working towards this event for over a year and with all the COVID-19 disruptions it has felt like a big build up. The Daisy Hill trails have been Brisbane’s premier MTB destination for many years, and we are especially pumped to be bringing racing onto these hallowed tracks for the first time.

Bob Morris, Race Director

It will be great to see all our cross country racing friends and meet some new ones.

Cheers, Bob & Jo

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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 organisers back globally running races post the Covid19 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 300 per day you can see right away that we will err on the side of caution. So please understand that whilst some rules might appear harsh, our main aim is to ensure a safe and professional event environment so we can keep racing in this new world.

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.

• 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 how we are starting this cross-country race: we do love a good gun start, however, temporarily we will be implementing a revised race starting procedure – it is all explained in the video and below.

• 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.
  
• VENUE: Please familiarise youself with the venue details and access points and location of the event centre:
  • This event features the awesome Daisy Hill MTB Trails – please take note of the event centre location, which is based at the trail head on the corner of Ford and Avalon Roads.
  • Do not park at the Koala centre nor Underwood Park as you will have quite a journey to find us. More details below.
    
• A note about expected weather conditions – we have it on good authority from the locals, that “the weather couldn’t be better just stunning a bit of a breeze but that’ll keep people cool”.

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 LOGAN

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.
• 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: LOGAN / DAISY HILL Venue

Event centre and parking location: Don & Christine Burnett Conservation Are, 691 Ford Rd, Priestdale QLD 4127 – see map below

Google maps link: please visit the event website

Important: This event features the awesome Daisy Hill MTB Trails – please take note of the event centre location, which is based at the trail head on the corner of Ford and Avalon Roads. Do not park at the Koala centre or Underwood Park as you will have quite a journey to find us. – See map for details.

Parking: Rocky Trail has secured the use of private land owned by the Karreman Quarries to provide safe parking option for competitors and supporters. This area is immediately to the north of the entrance to the existing Ford Rd Carpark and trail head on the corner of Ford and Avalon Roads.

Event centre access: Walk in to the Event Hub is approximately 200m from the Ford Rd Carpark

Race track: see map on the event website

Services and facilities:

• Highclass Burgers & Jungle Bean coffee will be on site for all catering needs
• MTB Mechanic will be providing tech support – please bring your own supplies, if you know you require very specific spare parts.
• First Aid in event centre and marshals out on track
• Portable toilets

Attention interstate racers:

Queensland is open to the majority of Australians. For non-Queenslanders a QLD border pass is required. Please get your access pass via this link:
https://www.qld.gov.au/border-pass/queensland-border-declaration-pass-july-10

Emergency contacts:

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

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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 even the slightest fever (we have facilities on site to test and will send you home immediately if you have fever)
   4. Find out more information about the QLD border restrictions
   5. 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:
      • Daisy Hill MTB Park has a huge trail network with many uses. On race day only we have the following tracks closed for racing with signage and marshalls in place.
      • Trails being utilised for racing are Ripleys, Glider, Wiry Panic, Grasstrees plus a selection of fire road. Please note fire roads will not be exclusive use.
      • If you are a non-racer, 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.
      • When you arrive follow the signs to the parking area located within Karreman Quarry. We will have volunteers assisting.
      • We need to maximise parking in this area so please ensure you park as close as possible to the car next to you and keep the road clear in and out.
      • Do not drive past/over the bunting tape, it has been put there for a reason (ie bog hole).
      • Once parked you will need to walk and carry bikes/equipment for approx. 300mtr to the event hub. The transition area is very shady so marquees are not required for shade.
      • If bringing a marquee we welcome drop off Friday to make Saturday setup easier.
      • 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 PROCEDURES: You can pick up your race plate with the timing chip between 7.15am 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.
      • Riders will need to follow signs to the start.
      • Riders are asked to self-seed into the large start grid area. Please ensure social distancing is maintained through this process.
      • 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 – Riders to self-seed into the large start grid area, please follow signage and instructions by our crew.
        • Please remember to observe social distancing throughout this process, we’ll be there to assist.
        • The simplest way is to remember to do it in a single file leaving a bike length between each other.
   5. EVENT FINISH: You cannot start another until those cut-off race finish times.
      • 1:00pm Race finish – GP4 Solo and 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.
   1. RACING & ETIQUETTE: Please adhere to SOCIAL DISTANCING rules!
      • Again, when you are gridding up at the start line, please do it in a single file leaving a bike length between each other.
      • 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.
   2. 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.
   3. 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 a podium meal – pick those up from the rego tent, please!
      • Giveaways to every racer: pick a RedBull or Rocky Trail drink bottle at rego.
   4. 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: neutral support and parts will be available from MTB Mechanic.
   5. 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.
   6. 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 being marked and you can practice on it but we won’t have any services (marshalls, first aid) in place.

Saturday
7:15-8:45 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 

approx. 11:00am Kids race – See details below

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

About Rocky Trail Kids Races

May we ask that you register the kids (as other non-racing visitors) via the Event Access/Spectator Rego online ahead of Saturday. On the day, sign the kids in at the rego tent from around 10:30am and we’ll give you all the details. We plan to do a short time-trial and have options for different age groups. It’s a very easy-going little ride/race – the main thing is for the little shredders to have fun, get involved (and tired!) and most importantly: eeeeeveryone’s a winner! 😉♥🎈🚲🌼

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 Logan 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.

Riders to watch out for!

Our Race Director Bob Morris has been browsed the rider list these last few days and is quite chuffed with the line up of podium chasers and and casual racers!

Solo 4hr:

• Women to watch: We will have Holly Lubcke, former Junior National Champion racing with us as well as perennial XCM podium chaser and international stage race finisher Imogen Smith. The line-up will also include Sharon Heap, the local XCO World Champion.
• In the men’s we’ll keep an eye on Cameron Wright, the XCO Junior World Champion as well as Mike Blewitt, AMB Magazine and Marathon Mountain Bike editor and regular XCM podium chaser.

4hr Teams:

• Donna Dall / Bubsy Larssen – Donna is a 3x World Champion Coach and Bubbsy is her new prodigy and one to watch for sure.
• Robbie McEwen – One of those former Australian BMX Champions … and oh yes, 3x Tour De France green jersey winner and 12x TdeF Stage winner. Robbie will be racing in a father and son team with teenage Ewan McEwen.
• Sanden Carpenter/Caleb Dodds – A fast juniors and a pairs team to keep an eye on.
• Joel Dodds/Hayley Oakes – Current U17 Male and Female National Champions who are both “crazy fast”.

7hr competition:

• Women Solo: Olivia Nendick will line up, she represented Australia as a Junior in Cyclocross and is coming back to racing. Rocky Trail veteran racer and multiple 24-hour and marathon race champion Catherine Wood will represent the Jetblack Racing Team in Logan.
• Men Solo: Max Hobson is a fast junior who is stepping up into Elite racing; Simon Nendick, an impressive racer also returning to racing from serious road competition and cycling injury.

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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 re-enter.
• 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 3 portable toilets at the event centre, 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

Logan City Council Mayor Darren Power said the event, the first of its kind for the popular Daisy Hill mountain biking track was hoped to be the first of many for the area.

“We have some wonderful natural assets here in Logan, Daisy Hill among them. We are looking forward to welcoming the racers here in August and watching them enjoy the fantastic riding experience that is our Daisy Hill mountain biking trail.”

Logan City Council Mayor Darren Power

Destinaton & Plan your trip

From manicured riverside parks and natural bushland reserves, to weekend farmer’s markets, adrenaline-charged adventures, unique shopping experiences and cultural encounters – the variety will surprise you!

Be sure to check out the many activities and experiences in the region and two awesome accommodation offers!

Event accommodation partners

We would like to thank the Logan City Council for their event support.

We would also like to acknowledge the support of the following local partners:

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.