Etiquette & Safety

General Etiquette

 We want you to have a wonderful time and enjoy the challenge. While we will endeavour to make the event as enjoyable as possible, there are a few little things you can do that will promote your own enjoyment and that of others.   Please ensure that you arrive a little before the start time so that we can get going at the allotted time. 

  • Ensure you check your gear and have everything ready to go the night before.
  • When we meet please ensure that you leave a clear path for pedestrians to use the footpaths and cars on the roads, as we are not fortunate enough to have road closures.
 
General Advice
  • Keep hydrated
  • Keep sun‐safe. You will be out in the elements for long periods. Sunscreen is a must and items like arm covers are real valid options
  • Remember that we are riding into the mountains and that the weather can turn quite cold and wet so take some warm clothing as well - a spray jacket, arm warmers and leg warmers my be welcome  additions to your kit for the day.
 
Ride Safety

The safety of every rider and volunteer is of paramount importance. While we endeavour to make the event as safe as possible, each individual is responsible for their own safety. Riding in and around other cyclists requires care and attention. To make sure you don’t cause a crash, consider the following when riding:

  • Descending on unknown roads has inherent danger. Take it steady and descend at your own pace.
  • Generally while riding, we will ride as a bunch with riders two abreast. Once we hit the climbs it will generally become single file. Also ride single file to the left of the road when a vehicle is wanting to pass – if there is an escort vehicle behind you, it will give three short toots to alert riders.
  • Be aware that we will be riding through open countryside and the national park where vehicles and buses also use the roads. You will encounter some of these during the challenge.
  • Ride with a buddy always. If dropping off, make sure someone knows.
  • Riding in the ‘aero position’ of triathlon bars is very unsafe in a group setting hence bicycles with aero-bars (TT-bars) are strictly prohibited.
  • Mobile phones while cycling – you must pull to the roadside and stop if you wish to use your mobile phone. 
  • Please refrain from using any other item that could potentially inhibit the flow or safety of other participants or which we, in our reasonable opinion, deem may cause danger or risk of danger to you or other participants.
  • Be aware of other cyclists around you and how close they may be to you. Their safety is often in your hands and they will trust you to ride sensibly and safely
  • Don’t do anything that the person riding behind you would not expect – for example stopping suddenly, braking sharply unless absolutely necessary, or swerving to avoid something at short notice
  • Constantly be aware of what is coming up ahead of you and adjust your position in the road in advance. Hold your position in the road when cornering and don’t cut from one side to the other unexpectedly
  • Please slow down for the hair-pin turns on the main descents from Cethana and Moina to the Forth River. These corners are signposted with speed restriction signs (25km/hr or 15km/hr). Pay particular attention to the hair pin corner after the long, straight downhill section coming from Moina. It is more than 180 degrees and very tight. After the long, fast, downhill section immediately before this corner it is easy to misjudge your speed, so slow right down as you approach this corner.

If you take a little bit of extra care during the challenge, this will enhance your safety and of those riding with you.