|
||
 |
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
Event Information
The area The Akatarawas are approximately 50km (about an hours drive) north of Wellington. They are most well known by mountain bikers and Karapoti Classic competitors, but are also popular with other outdoor enthusiasts.
The area is riddled with small rivers, streams and mini-canyons. A mix of open pine forest and native bush, both open and dense, will make off-track navigation a good challenge. There are not so many panoramic viewpoints to assist navigators either. As well as the famous Karapoti mountain bike course, the area is criss-crossed by a huge number of 4WD tracks and single tracks. Extensive fieldwork over the years means an accurate map of all these details can be produced to OHV's high map standard.
Weather at this time of the year can be warm and dry, or wet, damp, foggy and dark. Such conditions will make the course even more of a navigational challenge but also can turn travel into a bit of an adventure! This is the core of the Moonshine 24.
Preparation Advice from the endurance specialists is to start training early. Here are some training tips for preparing for a 24-hour rogaining event:
- Time on your feet is most important in your training programme (rather than speed). So getting out for a tramping trip or a long walk in the local hills will serve you better than a quick run around the park at lunchtime.
- Practice walking and running with the gear you are planning to carry for the event. This includes water and food for 24h. Practice to carry a little more weight than you will on race day to make sure you are able to carry that pack once you get tired! This will also help you improve your fitness levels.
- Get familiar with the foods you will be eating before, during and after the event. You need to know that you will digest well what you are planning on eating, and that it will help you perform for the duration of the race (and not the opposite!).
- Go out training with your racing partners. Get to know their speed, strengths, witnesses and communication styles. Rogaining is a team sport so use it to your advantage.
- Practice your navigational skills in all conditions: daylight, night, fog, mist and rain.
- Turn up to local map reading and rogaining events to sharpen your map reading skills and learn from most experienced rogainers.
Safety considerations Standard safety rules apply:
- Stay together in your team (2-5 people) at all times
- Before you set out, you need to lodge your intended route on the maps provided by the organisers In recognition that a large portion of the event is off-track in native or regenerating bush, participants are advised to have a minimum gear with them: two (2) thermal tops, thermal bottom, thermal hat and gloves, waterproof jacket, survival blanket and first aid kit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
Event options
- 24 hour "NZ Rogaining Championship", from midday Saturday to midday Sunday
- 2x6 hour rogaines, 6pm Saturday/6am Sunday
- Combined 6-hour rogaines to make a 12 hour
- 3-hour rogaine at 2pm Saturday
Event categories Rogaines are for teams of 2 to 5, with 2-persons being the most popular. While this rule is for safety, the teamwork factor is also part of the challenge and fun. There are various team categories based on sex and age. There are basically 12 categories - for each sex of men, women and mixed, there are age categories of junior, open, veteran and super veteran. And, junior entrants pay a fantastically reduced fee!
Organising committee This is the same basic team that brought you the very popular and successful Tararua24 in 2006, with some new very keen additions. The event director, course setter, vetter, helpers and caterers are all experienced rogainers who know what competitors like. All entry fees will be spent (from electronic controls to waterproof maps and food) on bringing you a classy and challenging event.
Hash house The start/finish area will feature a hash house providing all-day/all-night hot food and drinks. There are also plans for a remote hash house serving hot and cold drinks
Entertainment and prizes On Sunday morning, the hash house turns into an entertainment zone with results, music, BBQ and prize giving. Prizes from principal sponsor SILVA include compasses and headlamps, while local wines are also on offer as spot prizes. A catwalk will feature the Greg Thurlow label modelling the latestoutfits for the 2010 racing season. Something not to be missed!
The map The map is based on the LINZ 1:50,000 topographical map of the Akatarawas. This data has been transferred into OHV's mapping system and substantial fieldwork undertaking over the past five years has updated the map. Boundary details and start/finish location will be published prior to the event. Once the boundaries have been published, the area will be out-of-bounds for the competitors. We cannot enforce this so we rely on the integrity of the competitors for this rule to be respected.
Control points Controls will be marked with standard orienteering flags and electronic punches will be used to prove you have visited the controls, and for post-race splits and results. The event is endorsed by the NZ Orienteering Federation and the NZ Rogaining Association as the 2010 New Zealand National Rogaining Championships.
Travel and Accommodation The Start/Finish area is open for free camping on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. A multitude of accommodation choices is available in Wellington city (1h drive away) and Hutt Valley area (15-45min drive). The WellingtonNZ.com site (http://www.wellingtonnz.com/about_wellington) may be of assistance if you require further information about accommodation and travel. For those out-of-towners who are flying or catching the ferry to Wellington, transport is available to and from the event centre at a modest cost. Contact the Event Director via email for details.
