FAQ - Colville Connection 8 March 2008

Travel

Approximate travelling times to Colville are as follows - Auckland 3 hrs, Hamilton 3 hrs, Thames 1 ½ hrs.

Accommodation is available at a range of motels, backpackers and camping grounds from Thames to Colville & Waikawau. Details are available from:
"Tourism Coromandel" Ph: 0800 888 222
"Coromandel Information Centre" Ph: (07) 866 8598

Limited accommodation is available in Colville, but its usually automatically booked out from one year to the next. Extensive camping is available at White Star Station (2km away) and at the camping ground at Otautu (5km), but most people stay in Coromandel Town an approximate 20 minute drive south.

Entry

Entry is by post using the entry form available in bike shops or the entry form on this website. Entries must be postmarked/payment made no later than March 5th, 2009.

Breakfast and BBQ

Colville School will be providing a delicious tasti breakfast before the race, so bring your taste buds with you! There will also be a post-event BBQ, organized also by Colville School. Perhaps you should save some of your taste buds for this scrumptious meal...

You must purchase Breakfasts at time of entry. No sales on the day.

Support Vehicles

A tail end charlie will be provided from Colville to Stony Bay and from Fletcher Bay to Colville on the 70km ride to pick up riders who have withdrawn. The vehicle will carry no tools and will not be able to assist with repairs. Quad or motorbikes will cover the MTB track section and can carry out riders, but bikes may need to be recovered later. A tail end Charlie will also be provided on the shorter courses but may not be able to recover broken bikes on the day.

Traffic

Parts of these rides are on public roads WHICH ARE OPEN TO TRAFFIC. Traffic should be minimal, but KEEP LEFT and under control at all times on the roads.
Spectators' vehicles on the course have the potential to be a major hazard to riders. PLEASE, NO SPECTATORS' VEHICLES ON THE COURSE.

Rubbish

This is a very special part of New Zealand. DON'T DROP RUBBISH. Riders observed dropping rubbish will be disqualified!

Finish & Prizegiving

Modest prizes will be awarded for the fastest time in each division.
The emphasis though is on participation with heaps of great spot prizes available including an extensive range of other cycling related equipment.

Compulsory Equipment

These are adventure rides. We recommend carrying water (a minimum 2 litres for the longer rides), a spare tube and bike tools. The terrain is rough. We recommend wearing cycle shorts and gloves and making sure your seat is comfortable!!!!! The friendly staff at Bike Barn & Penny Farthing can advise you, if you need help!

Results

Results and finishing times will be available at the finish. Detailed results will be posted on the web site promptly.

Bike Check

All rides have major descents. We strongly recommend that you have your bike checked at Bike Barn/Penny Farthing or at your local bike shop before the event.

Accessories

Bike Barn/Penny Farthing will have a limited range of accessories on sale at Colville and will have an emergency repair van at Fletcher Bay.

Drink Stops

Water is available at Stony Bay.
There will be a drink stop provided at Fletcher Bay.
Also a drink stop will be provided at Waikawau for 40km/24km riders.

Colville School

Colville School will be hosting and supplying services for the venue. Please support their fundraising activities. Post event food and drink will be available. nb: drinking water can be limited at this time of year. Bring some with you!

Cancellations

Full refunds 'til December 13th less $5 administration fee. 50% refunds to February 13th. No refunds thereafter. Partial refunds will be available if the event is cancelled. The event will be held in all but the most extreme weather conditions

Cut-Off Time

For safety considerations there will be a cut-off time of 3:30pm at Fletcher Bay.