Questions & Answers
Saved Friday 30th May, 2008 6:39am by Peter Creagh
Edited Saturday 13th September, 2008 6:16am by Peter Creagh
What different about the Flight Centre Cycle Epic in 2009?
The only major differences in 2009 are the inclusions of the Peppers Enduro and Merida Chaser on the Saturday program.
What is the Peppers Enduro?
The Peppers Enduro replaces the Mega Epic in response to riders' feedback. This race will be better value and resourced, to be held on Saturday and carries a handsome cash purse. Riders earn points for both the Peppers Enduro and Flight Centre Classic. Do well in both to earn an additional cash bonus.
What is the Merida Global Chaser?
The Merida Chaser is a new for Sunday’s line up. This is an introductory mountain biking event designed for people to ‘dip their toe in the water’ and see what all the fuss is about. The course is largely non technical and will be conductd on the property farm tracks with some single track.
Is the Flight Centre Classic timed?
All categories including the Flight Centre Challenge are timed. Results are posted on www.cycleepic.com.au within 48 hours.
Who should ride what?
Competitive riders should contest the Flight Centre Classic or ride as a two person team in the Team Relay. Recreational riders seeking a challenge should take part in the Healthwise Global Chaer, Peppers Mega Epic, Flight Centre Classic or Merida Pursuit.
What is the difference between an Elite and standard entry?
The Elite category is for sponsored, trade team and competitive riders chasing the cash purse on offer. To be competitive in the Elite category you should be able to complete 100kms in less than five hours and less than three hours for the 50kms depending on conditions.
When do entries close?
The entries close 5pm, 15 August.
How difficult are the Mini & Minor Epics?
The Mini and Minor Epics are non competitive events that will follow 5 km and 12 km running tracks on the Old Hidden Vale property. These tracks are farm roads that can be rough in places but generally smooth. Both will follow the Epic single track into resort and this short section will be the most demanding with a climb onto a ridge. Kids who are unable to ride the steepest section can push their bikes without too much trouble.
Can parents ride with their kids in the Mini & Minor Epics?
Parents are welcome to ride with their children and we will have marshals out along the route to assist with any problems.
What time do the Mini & Minor Epics start?
The Minor Epic will start at 2pm Saturday and Mini Epics at 2.30pm.
What do the Mini & Minor Epics riders get?
Every rider will receive a registration pack containing an Epic t-shirt, soft drink and Epic sticker.
Are there prizes for the Mini & Minor Epic?
All riders will eligible for a random prize draw that includes Netti helmets and bicycle accessories.
Are there any late entries?
Late entries on application to management team.
Does the Epic route differ from 2007?
There are no route differences from 2008. The total distance for the full distance is approximately 105 km and the half distance 52 km and may vary due to course conditions ie. wet and dry.
How technical is the course?
Sections of the Epic route are reasonably technical. The Ma Ma Creek section is a technical descent with rocky stock route with several creek crossings. Caution is the letter of the day and consideration for your fellow riders is paramount.
The Razorback descent is another technical section requiring caution due to the long grass and water bars.
The Edwards Gap descent follows a rough farm track that is very quick and strewn with rocks of various sizes. Again caution is required.
The final single track section on Old Hidden Vale features two short technical climbs. The bulk of it follows cattle tracks and cows aren’t yaks nor do they take the most difficult route.
What is the passing protocol along the track?
Passing riders will call ‘track’ and always pass on the right. Slower riders should move left, when and where they feel safe and allow the overtaking rider to pass. Some riders will call ‘right’ or if they feel that they have not been heard, they will simply yell at slower riders to get out of the way. No offence is intended as Epic riders tend to be very considerate of one another. An important thing to remember is not to make any erratic direction changes when another rider is passing.
What will the climate be that time of year?
The early spring climate can range from mild to warm and occasionally wet. The temperature ranges from 14º - 28º and humidity 70%. Sunrise 0600 hrs and Sunset 1830hrs.
Will the race proceed if it rains?
The Epic will proceed in wet weather. The race is journey and the elements have always been a feature of any adventure.
Will the route change if it rains?
If it rains, the route will be diverted along the road to avoid the black soil between Preston Peak and Mt Prosper. Once you go off road into Ma Ma Creek, there is mub and no detour but then, this is mountain biking!
What additional information will I receive about the event?
All riders will receive an event program in their riders pack. The program will include the event timetable, directions to checkpoints, safety information and race rules.
When will I be notified about registration collection?
All participants will have a final confirmation of event selections and a nominated collection address. Most riders postal packs will be sent Express Post five working days prior to the event. Interstate participants will receive their Express Post packs earlier.
Can someone else collect my registration pack?
Another person may sign for and pick up your registration pack. Your final confirmation letter will be required.
What will the riders registration kit contain?
Race number
Program
Directions
T-shirt
Sticker
Sponsors’ product
Bus ticket if booked
Massage voucher if booked
Epic jersey if ordered
Why is there no free sports bottle this year?
There is a lot of talk about green house emissions and environmental commitment. We can all make a meaningful contribution in small way and for that reason we have moved away from providing free sports bottles. The bottles will be replaced by another event souvenir.
What will occur if I fail to collect my registration pack before the event?
Should you fail to collect you registration pack, you will need to notify event management asap. Alternative arrangements will be made however this may result in missing your start.
What will happen if I forget my race number?
No number, no race. Event management will have additional race numbers however issuing a replacement will take time and this will result in missing your start.
When will the race start?
The Peppers Mega Epic Fri 1pm; Sat & Sun 7.30am
The Flight Centre Classic From 7.40 – 9.00am Elite categories last wave
The Merida Pursuit 9.15 – 9.35am Elite categories last wave
The Healthwise Global Chaser 11.00am
All times subject to change
What time are the presentations?
The presentations will commence at 4.30pm.
How are the random prizes distributed?
All random prizes will be distributed at the event during the afternoon. Big ticket items will be drawn at the presentations.
How are the major prizes distributed?
The major prizes will be drawn at the presentations. These include 42” television, $500 Flight Centre travel voucher, $500 Merida gift vouchers and the Karapoti tour.
Do I need to be present to win a major prize?
Yes, you will need to be present to win a major prize random draw prize. You will have 15 seconds to claim you prize before another number is drawn.
Can I get a lift from Peppers Hidden Vale (PHV) to Preston Peak Wines?
You can book a bus from PHV to Preston Peak and Mt Sylvia. You can also organize a lift with friends or family.
How many bus services are there?
Two bus services will run before and after the event to Preston Peak and Mt Sylvia. The following services:
Can I carry my bike on the bus?
Carrying bikes on the bus is up to each individual driver. Some will carry your bike and some will not.
How do I get my bike to the start if I have booked a seat on the bus?
We have organized a taxi truck to transfer bikes to a secure facility at Preston Peak Wines. The Preston Peak taxi truck service will operate Saturday at 9.00am, 12 noon and 3pm. The My Sylvia taxi truck will leave at 8.30am Sunday.
You will need to load your bike and the Epic Management accepts no responsibility for any damage or loss.
Can I take my bike to Preston Peak Wines and use the secure facility?
Preston Peak Wines has made their massive cellar available for bike storage. You can book your bike in on Saturday. We recommend this option.
Is the Epic route marked?
The route is marked with red arrows pointing straight ahead, left and right. Red arrows pointing down denote caution, double arrows: hazard and caution; and triple arrows: hazard and high caution. Red crosses signify wrong direction.
Can I ride the route outside of the event?
Anybody can ride the route anytime with the exception of sections traversing private property. It is important that you familiarize yourself with BNT before attempting the ride. Notify somebody of your intentions and carry suitable equipment including food and water. Leave all gates as you found them and be considerate of other users and property owners.
Will water be available along the route during the race?
Water will be available along the route at each of the checkpoints and at the entry to Peppers Hidden Vale. Ideally, you should carry Camelbak with at least two litres of water with you from the start and refill at each checkpoint. The average rider will consume more than six litres during the event.
Can I receive outside assistance during the race?
Peppers Mega Epic, Flight Centre Classic Elite and Merida Pursuit Elite riders cannot receive outside assistance before checkpoint one. Beyond CP1, outside assistance is allowed. All other participants can receive outside assistance any time. Checkpoint two will feature the Shimano Service Station where riders’ bikes can receive minor adjustments and repairs.
What do I do if I withdraw during the race?
Should you withdraw during the race, you will need to notify race officials. If for any reason you are unable to locate an official, you call Peppers Hidden Vale and leave a message with race administration. Failure to notify the event organizer may result in an unnecessary search by emergency services. This may result in the event organiser seeking compensation from the offending rider.
What do riders need to do at checkpoints?
Riders must enter a checkpoint race and have their number registered by officials before continuing the race. Any withdrawals or incidents must be reported with checkpoint officials.
Are feed zones allocated at the checkpoints?
All checkpoints have allocated feed zones. Marshals will direct supporters to the appropriate areas.
Will there be food available at the checkpoints?
Local community groups set up food stalls. Riders will be able to purchase food and drinks from these stalls.
Will there be car parking at the checkpoints?
Parking areas will be allocated at checkpoints and marshals will direct vehicles. Only official vehicles will be permitted in the checkpoint areas for safety.
What will occur when the Epic route is closed?
The course will close at 4.30pm. Riders will need to have passed Checkpoint Three before 4.30pm.
Will there be first aid available along the route?
First aid will be available at each of the checkpoints and at Peppers Hidden Vale. A sweep vehicle manned by a communications officer and first aid responder will follow the last rider.
What camping facilities will be at Peppers Hidden Vale (PHV)?
Participants are welcome to camp on the property on Saturday and Sunday nights. A designated camping ground has been set up close to the resort. Shower blocks and portaloos have been installed for the weekend.
What other facilities will be available at PHV?
The resort boasts a top class restaurant, tennis court, swimming pool, games room and gym. You are welcome to inspect the resort.
If I miss the race, do I get a refund?
You will not receive a refund if you miss the race. A 50% refund will be given to participants who withdraw before 8 August. All withdrawals must be supplied in writing.
Travel times (approximate)
Brisbane to Peppers Hidden Vale - one hour
Brisbane to Toowoomba - two hours
Brisbane to My Sylvia - 90 minutes
Brisbane to Checkpoint One - two hours
Brisbane to Checkpoint Three - 75 minutes
Peppers Hidden Vale to Toowoomba - 90 minutes
Peppers Hidden Vale to My Sylvia - one hour
Peppers Hidden Vale to Checkpoint One - two hours
Peppers Hidden Vale to Checkpoint Three - 45 minutes
Toowoomba to My Sylvia - one hour
Toowoomba to Checkpoint One - one hours
Toowoomba to Checkpoint Three - 90 minutes
Toowoomba to Peppers Hidden Vale - 90 minutes
