RESOURCES

NEWSLETTER 3

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WELCOME

Chapter 2 is getting close now so here is some info to sink your teeth into. Make sure you pay attention to things like mandatory gear and timing. If you haven't read the other newsletters we recommend you go back and read them there is still loads of important info in them.

SCHEDULE

The Logistics planner will be released on Friday the 11th of October.

This will cover information like :The leg type i.e Trek, Kayak etc, Fast and slow time for each leg, and what boxes you will see at each TA. This is to assist you with the packing but we are careful not to give too much away.

First Aid

We thought it is important to add a little here about Snakes. After Chapter 1 it was apparent that our Aussie teams are a little complacent and our Kiwi teams are not that excited about the fact Australia is home to around 100 venomous snakes, although only 12 are likely to inflict a wound that could kill you.

Snakes are most likely going to get out of your way and are not interested in attacking you. Noise of the team moving through the bush will likely move them on. If you do encounter one possibly laying in the sun, just give a wide berth and pass it. Like we said it won’t strike unless it feels cornered or threatened.

Snake bandages are part of your first aid kit. Please don't skimp on this and make sure you have a high quality specific bandage. The important criteria is length (10cm x 10.5m) and indicator marks to show the correct pressure.

Our first aid team will have some Areo brand available for purchase at registration for $12.00. They will also be available to demonstrate bandaging techniques and go over management of a snake bite treatment.

Make the time to check out this video on Pressure Immobilisation Technique for Snakebite.

The Competition

It's safe to say getting to the start line can be one of the most challenging parts to an adventure race. But we have a pretty good start line here. We will be in contact with each of the team captains shortly to finalise some of your team details.

DON'T FORGET TO ORDER YOUR ON TRACK MEALS

Race Director Rob Preston enjoyed trying On Track Meals for the first time time during the One Water Race last month in Sweden. 250km of swimming and running was fueled by a lot of gels, chocolate and blueberry soup was made much more interesting when supplementing some On Track meals such as Coconut Ginger Chicken.

These delicious meals are fresh, not freeze dried, and the taste is next level. On Track meals are sponsoring a Transition so every competitor will receive a hot meal: the perfect thing after a long packraft.

If you are after any of these meals for the race or other adventures the good people at On Track are giving competitors a discount code - EXPEDITIONAR10 for 10% off- head to https://ontrackmeals.com/.

MANDATORY GEAR

As mentioned in the last newsletter each team will require

120L waterproof duffle bag for a remote bag drop

4 x bike boxes

A typical bike box style used on an airline is what is required - Max dimensions 140cm x 80cm x 30cm - don't be the guy who brings a massive bike box!. Corflute (Fluted plastic) or cardboard (we suggest wrapping the cardboard in plastic contact if you don't have a Corflute one in case it rains). No sharp edges or protruding buckles, fixings or wheels. Maximum weight 30kg

4 x 100L tubs

These need to be sturdy and able to withstand transportation over the course of the event. We recommend the type below available at Supercheap auto. These boxes have a 25kg weight limit.

1 x paddle bag

This can be a tubular bag 50cm diameter x 150cm long and max weight 25kg.

Paddles may be transported separately if securely bundled together and labelled.

Here is the mandatory gear list.

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COURSE UPDATE

It's looking good and we are excited. The course is shaping up to be a really great mix of all the region has to offer. High peaks, flowing rivers and some really great riding. The snow has melted, in fact the ski season ended early this year, however we are still seeing some cold weather and at this stage we aren't sure how long it will hang around. Our recommendation, and it goes without saying in alpine regions, is to be prepared for a range of weather conditions. Make sure you have a good quality jacket and base layers and on the flip side plenty of sunscreen for the middle of the day.

That's all great information but tell us what we are doing!!

We can't give specifics but I can give an overview. Here are some stats.

The total length of the course is looking to be 450 km over 9 stages
Mountain Bike 232 km
Packrafting 70 km
Trek 83 km
Packraft or trek 62 km

Some of you will have seen packraft/trek and wondered how much packraft and how much trek. Well the answer is you will do some of each but it's up to you how much*. Expedition AR is a “proper” adventure race, we assume that's why you signed up, if you were looking for something easy you should have done an ironman. Your team will need to make decisions on when and where you paddle and when and where you trek. For example: If it’s cold and dark you might decide trekking is a better option that packrafting, or, oh gosh, that's a bloody big hill let's paddle around it. Either way you will need to be able to carry your pack raft comfortably through some difficult terrain so make sure you do a practice run with your backpack and full gear collection.

*Pursuit teams will paddle CTR boats and not packraft/trek, so those worried about their old knees can breathe a sigh of relief. That said, we hope your shoulders are in good shape cause it's a bit of paddling ;)

VOLUNTEERS

If you have any family or friends that are keen to spend some time in the Victorian Alps then encourage them to volunteer for the race. Volunteers are a key part of putting the events and we couldn't do it without them.

If you are keen, please indicate your interest here.

SOCIAL MEDIA STARS

We understand the appeal of turning off the computer and heading off-grid for a few days with your mates and removing the buzz of social media from your brains. However, to help grow our event, and the sport of Adventure Racing that we all love, we need some help sharing your adventures.

Please tag us in your teams training adventures using

@expedition_AR on instagram,

or our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ExpeditionAR.com.au/

FINAL THOUGHTS - It's so close, what do I do now?

Yep we are less than one month to the start gun being fired in an undisclosed location in the Victorian Alps. Now is not the time to try and cram in super long missions and epic training sessions. Tick along and make sure you are fit and healthy for the race. Take the time to go over the previous newsletters and chat to your team about gear and logistics to make sure that all the details are squared away. Getting on top of the admin and packing can be the less fun aspect of preparing for an expedition race but in many ways it can have a large impact on the success of your race.

See you in the Victorian Alps