18 HR DARK SIDE CHAMPSStarts Midnight Friday, Finishes 6pm Sat 4 Person Teams $3,000 1st Place Prize
PLUS 12 HOUR DAWN ATTACK The Opportunity for those who enjoyed the Raw Course to attempt a slightly longer distance with up to 12 hours to complete it! 2 or 3 person Teams
Starts 6am Saturday, Finishes 6pm Saturday
14th / 15th September, 2012
Tweed Valley, Northern NSW 1hr 45mins South of Brisbane
Accommodation & Camping on site
Saturday Night Presentation Dinner
Kayak & Tent Hire
HAVE YOU GOT THE KAHOONAS to take on Australia's most Uniquely Challenging,
Hardcore Adventure Race?
The 18 hr championship is open to 4 person teams and starts at Midnight Friday and finishes at 6pm Saturday. This event will test the hearts and minds of even the most experienced racers, because 18hrs at MD ARA means 18hrs of non-stop racing, even for teams at the pinnacle of the sport.
This is truly a unique event, where darkness, sleep deprivation and experiencing unfamiliar surroundings at night adds an all new challenge, to what is one of the most demanding events on the Australian Adventure Race Calendar.
But if you’re not a creature of the night… come and try the all new 12 Hour Dawn Attack that starts 6 hours later at 6am and is designed for those newer to the sport who want to try their hand at a longer event.This iconic event will be held in the Tweed Valley, just 1hr 45mins south of Brisbane with Mt Warning and World Heritage listed National Parks as the backdrop for the event.
The 18 hr ARA Dark Side Champs is an event for teams of four people . Racers are required to be self-sufficient as this is a non-supported event and support crews are not required/permitted.
Categories include Premier Mixed, Female and Male.
The Dark Side Champs event includes:
Up to 70km Mountain Biking
Up to 40km Trail Running / Trekking
Up to 10km Paddling - Competitors provide their own water craft
Adventure Legs
Intermediate Navigation
ABOUT THE 12 HR DAWN ATTACK
Run in conjunction with the 18 hour Dark Side Championships and designed for those who are a little newer to adventure racing, the 12 hr Dawn Attack offers a shorter option for those who have competed in the Raw Course at the Series event and fancy trying their hand at a slightly longer challenge.
The distances are easily achievable and the navigation is similar to the Raw Course, with teams having up to to 12 hours to complete the event. It is expected that most teams will finish faster than the allocated 12 hours.
The event starts at 6am on Saturday and teams have up until 6pm to complete the course. With the option of camping, accommodation and catering on site on Friday & Saturday, it's easy to make a weekend of it with family and friends and join us in the Tweed Valley on Friday Evening, stay for the Saturday night presentation dinner and head home on Sunday.
. Teams taking on the 12 hour dawn attack will complete:
Up to 40km Mountain Biking
Up to 20km Trail Running / Trekking
Up to 8km Paddling - Competitors provide their own water craft
Adventure Legs
Basic Navigation
The 12 hr ARA Dawn Attack is an event for teams of two or three. Racers are required to be self-sufficient as this is a non-supported event and support crews are not required/permitted. Categories include Premier Mixed, Female & Male.
PRIZES $3,000 Mountain Designs Gift Vouchers: 1st Place Premier Mixed
18hr DARK SIDE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Where there are more than 10 teams entered in a category, prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the Premier Mixed Team, Female Team & Male Team Categories.
Where there are less then 10 teams entered in a category, 1st place only will be awarded.
PREMIER MIXED CATEGORY
Place
Prize to the value of
1st
$3000 Mountain Designs Gift Voucher for the team
2nd
$200 value per person
3rd
$100 value per person
MALE & FEMALE CATEGORY
Place
Prize to the value of
1st
$200 Mountain Designs Gift Voucher per person
2nd
$150 value per person
3rd
$100 value per person
12hr DAWN ATTACK
Where there are more than 10 teams entered in a category, prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the Premier Mixed Team, Female Team & Male Team Categories.
A prize will be awarded to each person in the team regardless if they are a team of 2 people or a team of 3 people.
Where there are less then 10 teams entered in a category, 1st place only will be awarded.
This event has been three years in the planning and working with local authorities, councils, national parks and private land holders has resulted in one of the most challenging courses of the series.
The Dark Side 18hr event will include up to 70km of mountain biking, up to 40km of Trail Running and up to 10km of Paddling and adventure legs. The Dawn Attack will include up to 40km of mountain biking, 20km of Trail Running, 8km of Paddling and adventure legs. There will be no driving or transport and the full distance will be completed on bike, foot or boat with 90% of the course being on bush trails.
The riding and navigation is perfect for a night event and in the morning the course takes teams into some of the most picturesque landscapes Australia has to offer. This course will challenge the 'hearts & minds' of even the most experienced adventure racers so expect a few surprises along the way.
This is a non-supported event where teams must be self sufficient for the full 18 or 12 hours.
More About The Course
The team have developed a whole new course for 2012 and it's shaping up to be one of the most spectacular and challenging courses on the AR calendar.
With Mt Warning as the backdrop and the incredibly diverse terrain in the Tweed Valley, competitors in the 18hr event will be challenged both mentally and physically, but also rewarded with some of the most spectacular views and scenery in Australia. This is a course that few will ever have the opportunity to experience again.
Our 12 hour competitors will also be rewarded with some incredible scenery and terrain, however, the course has been designed so the journey will be slightly less challenging, but still offer an achievable challenge for those who are a little newer to the sport.
The adventure legs are a surprise on the day.... but be prepared for something just a little bit different.
There will be two key Transtion Areas on the Course where gear can be dropped and accessed during the event. Please check back closer to the event for full details.
The kayak leg will be suitable for most craft including ocean skis.
Kayaks, Paddles & PFD's are provided, however, Competitors in the 18hr & 12hr have the option to provide their own water craft. Teams bringing their own water craft will receive a discounted entry fee. PLEASE SEE DETAILS HERE
The home of the 18 hr Mountain Designs ARA Dark Side Champs and the 12hr Dawn Attack is the Inter-Action Experential Learning Centre in the Tweed Valley.
Located between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast in northern NSW Race HQ will be based on this awesome 3000 acre property surrounded by World Heritage National Parks in the Tweed Valley with magnificent views to Mt Warning. The camp is located 30km SW of Murwillumbah on Kyogle Rd.
Teams must provide their own water craft for the 18hr and 12hr event (hire options are available if required). Click on the Links below for full equipment information:
Water Craft & Paddles - Kayaks, Paddles & PFDs are provided, however, Competitors in the 18hr & 12hr events have the option to provide their own water craft. Teams bringing their own water craft will receive a discounted entry fee.
The following equipment is provided for participants
Double Toyz II Kayaks
Paddles are plastic blade, fibreglass shaft, flat blades.
PFD's
OR Bring Your Own Water Craft, Paddles & PFD's & Receive a Discounted Entry
Kayaks and equipment are provided, however, teams have the options to bring their own water craft & equipment if desired. Those bringing their own water craft will receive a $40 discount on the team entry fee.
The type of water craft used may include any type of Kayak, Canoe or Surf Ski with positive buoyancy. The water craft must be in good working order. Teams may have a combination of either single seat or two or three seat water craft. The water craft may not carry more paddlers than the boat is rated to carry. For the 18hr Dark Side Event each boat must have a glow stick attached to the front and rear
PFD / Life Jackets
Each particpant must wear a PFD. For those competing in the 18hr Dark Side Event a a glow stick must be securely attached in a highly visible position during the paddle legs. PFD's must be Australian Standard Type 2 or 3.
Mountain Bike & Helmet Each team member will require a mountain bike in good working condition and an Australian Standard Bike Helmet in good condition.
Water It's important to stay well hydrated throughout the event, therefore participants must carry a minimum of at least 3 litres of water with them at all times. A hydration pack, or bottles that fit into a backpack or your bike work well. Water will be available at resupply points on the course, however, teams will need to plan water supplies to ensure they have sufficient water for the duration of the event.
Nutrition Teams will be out on the course for up to eighteen hours and nutrition planning will be essential. Bring sufficient nutrition for the entire event. Energy Drinks, Energy Gels, Muesli bars, bananas and dried fruit mixes are all great ideas to keep your energy levels high during the event. Please see the EVENT NUTRITION PAGE for more informaiton
Safety Safety is a key priority therefore participants will be required to carry mandatory kit which includes:
Compulsory Team Kit (1 per team)
2 x glow sticks per boat- attached at the front and rear. (18hr event only)
Mobile phone - In a waterproof bag and switched off.
Waterproof map case or plastic contact to cover your map.
Permanent Marker Pen (To write on the map)
Course info, timing chip & maps (provided)
Compulsory Individual Kit (1 per team member)
Mountain Bike that has been serviced is in good working order
Australian Standard Bike Helmet in good condition.
White Front Bike Light: With sufficient battery life for the night portion of the event (18hr event only)
Red Rear Bike Light: With sufficient battery life for the night portion of the event (18hr event only)
Head Torch: With sufficient battery life for the night portion of the event
One glow stick securely attached to the front of each PFD. (18hr event only)
A first aid kit including 1x Foil Blanket, 1 x Crepe Bandage, 2 x Safety Pins, 1 x Medium Would Dressing, 1 x triangular bandage, 1 small roll of strapping tape, 1 pair of tweasers, Band Aids & Antiseptic Swabs
Compass
3 litres of water per person minimum. More is recommended
A pealess whistle
Waterproof jacket. Note: This must be a jacket. Rain ponchos are not acceptable as they do not provide adequate protection in the case of injury and/or inclement weather.
A sealed waterproof dry bag or similar to waterproof equipment that you don't want to get wet. Be warned... You and your kit will get wet & muddy!
A rucsac to carry your kit. Important Note: If you wear clip in bike shoes you will need to be able to carry a pair of running shoes with you as you may be required to run midway through the bike leg.
A sense of adventure!
Suggested Additional Kit
Off Road Trail Running Shoes
Socks including spare pairs
Food & snacks
Bike Computer
Map measurer
Highlighter pens (to mark your map)
Bicycle repair kit & spare inner tubes
Water proof watch
Hat
Protective glasses / sunglasses
Sunscreen & Insect Repellent
Towel & warm, dry clothes
Chairs to relax in after the event
Table to prepare map on
A small shade/rain shelter
Plastic bags for rubbish
Warm clothing. IT WILL BE COLD on the day, especially in the morning. Have a warm layer that you can wear at the start of the event and then remove if the day gets warmer
Prohibited Equipment
GPS - This includes and watches or bike computers that have any GPS capable functions.
Any maps other than those provide. No other maps may be used after registration for planning and no other maps may be carried during the event.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Shoes: Your feet will get wet. Lighter off road trail runners like Salomon XT Wings are preferable to heavy walking boots or ‘on road’ runners. An Off Road Trail Running Shoe will give you stability, grip & drainage which will all be important. Find out more at salomonsports.com or check out the great range at your Nearest Mountain Designs Store
Carrying your Shoes: If you ride with clipless peddles come prepared to carry a set of runners with you as you will have to run in the middle of a bike leg.
A final kit list will be sent to competitors prior to the event.
Inter-Action Experiential Learning Centre, Tweed Valley, Northern NSW
Friday & Saturday Nights 1hr 45mins south of Brisbane
The 18 hour Dark Side Championships & 12 hour Dawn Attack will be based from spectacular Inter-Action Experential Learning Centre in the Tweed Valley, just south of the Qld/NSW border.
Camping & Accommodation
Non-Powered Camp Sites and basic accommodation is available on site with showers and toilets at Race HQ on both Friday and Saturday nights. Options include:
Rooms: Sleep 4 and have 2 x double bunk beds. Cost is $22 per person per night or for less than 3 peoople, $66 per room per night.
Camping: $11 per person per night
Tent Hire: $11 per tent per night
Tent Hire
ICompeitors can hire 2-Man Tents at the cost of $11 per night. The tents will be delivered packed up and will need to be put up on site by the hirer.
Payment is cash or credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express) paid on arrival at the event site.
Camp Site & Vehicles
The camp site is a beautiful grassed area based on the creek and the centre’s livelihood depends on this area being kept in good condition.
Depending on the weather, we have special permission for vehicles to enter the camping area, however, vehicle movement must be kept to a minimum. Therefore if you wish to have your vehicle at the camp site you may drive in, but your vehicle must not be moved until your departure.
If you wish to be able to drive your vehicle during the weekend, there is an area above the camping area where vehicle may be parked.
In the event of rain vehicles will not be permitted in the camping area other than to drive in camper trailers/caravans if necessary.
Conditions Of Entry
The MD ARA Series Championships is a Family Focussed Weekend for those who love the peace & tranquility of the outdoors. In the spirit of the event all campers and participants are asked to comply with the following conditions:
To demonstrate respect for those who may be competing early the next morning, there is to be no loud noise, including generators, music, shouting or loud discussions during Race HQ quite times. Those who choose not to demonstrate this respect will be asked to leave the event site.
Any form of drunkeness, disrespectful or disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated and any person being seen to cause a disturbance will be asked to leave the event site immediately.
All behaviour should be respectful of the family nature of the event.
Campers are asked to keep their camp area tidy and to take any rubbish home with them.
Join us on Friday evening before the start of the event for a fantastic Carb Loading meal put on by the team at Inter-Action.
Full details coming soon
Series Presentation Dinner - Saturday 7:30pm til Late
After a long day (and night) of racing, what better treat than to sit back and relax with your mates at our Series Presentation Dinner. Full details coming soon.
If providing their own water craft (as outlined above) it must be in good working order and participants must be familiar with the craft and have extensive experience paddling it.
Have the ability to read a map and navigate to at least an intermediate standard.
Be at a fitness level equal to the distances of the event and be able to cope with the physical and mental demands of the event
Accept responsibility for themselves and their belongings during the event.
Be prepared to abide by the rules and safety regulations associated with the event.
A BIG THANK YOU to John from HAVE FUN TOURS for providing the option of mountain bike hire and light hire for the MD ARA Champs.
Bike HIre
Mountain Bikes can be hired for just $40 per day. Specialized Hardrock 29ers HIre includes a helmet and the team at Have Fun Tours have all bike sizes available. Bikes will be delivered to the event site and collected at registration.
Run in conjunction with the 18 hour Dark Side Championships and designed for those who are a little newer to adventure racing, the 12 hr Dawn Attack offers a shorter option for those who have competed in the Raw Course at the Series event and fancy trying their hand at a slightly longer challenge.
18hr DARK SIDE CHAMPIONSHIPS 
12hr DAWN ATTACK 
This event has been three years in the planning and working with local authorities, councils, national parks and private land holders has resulted in one of the most challenging courses of the series.
challenging, but still offer an achievable challenge for those who are a little newer to the sport.
There will be two key Transtion Areas on the Course where gear can be dropped and accessed during the event. Please check back closer to the event for full details. 
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Friday Pasta Night
After a long day (and night) of racing, what better treat than to sit back and relax with your mates at our Series Presentation Dinner. Full details coming soon.
