• Get your entries in.   Enter up to 4 weeks before the event and be one of the first 30 entrants to catch the early bird rate and save.
• Plan a training program with your team and put it into action.
• Ensure you have all the individual and team compulsory equipment that you need.
• Have your bike serviced.
• Work out how your team and your bikes will get to the event on time.
• Read your pre-race instructions carefully when they arrive.
• Be familiar with the Race Rules outlined on the website.
• If there are any family members or friends coming along, consider asking them to volunteer as an Official so they can be a part of the action.
• Ensure all team members have read and signed the waiver .
• Talk to your team about how you'd like to run the race:
  • What are your goals? (fun, to win, to finish, to complete the course in a certain time?) Shared goals go a long way to creating a team who work well together.
  • What role will each of you play?   Who will navigate? Will you take it in turns?   Who will make decisions?   Who will be the eyes for the navigator?   Who will motivate the team?   What are your strengths and weaknesses?   Who will strategise?   Who will prepare the maps? Who will carry and be responsible for the timing chip?

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Equipment                                                                                                                                                                                                 

• Ensure you have all mandatory equipment outlined by the race organisers.
• 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 pealess whistle
• Light 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 bike board is a great idea so you can view your map whilst travelling on your bike
• A bike computer will help you check the distance travelled on your bike.  
• Cycle helmet - this is an easy piece of equipment to leave behind. So make sure you pack it the night before.
• Waterproof clothing in case of rain.  
• Equipment for bike repairs - inner tubes, tools etc.
• Water for before, during and after the event.
• Ensure you have your race instructions with emergency procedures.
• During the race you are likely to get wet; therefore it is essential to waterproof anything that shouldn't be wet.   Specially designed waterproof bags, map cases, or clip seal bags in various sizes are a great idea.   For equipment like your mobile phone use more than one bag and ensure the seal is fully closed.

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Other Equipment                                                                                                                                                                                    

• Chairs to relax in after the event.
• A table to plan your course and prepare maps.
• Contact plastic or waterproof map cases to waterproof maps and information.
• Warm clothes to change into after the event.
• Sunscreen & insect repellent.
• Stationary for map preparation: Scissors, ruler, hole punch, string, permanent pens, highlighters, pencil, small note book, sticky tape, glue, zip ties, bulldog clips.
• Map measurer - to make it easy to measure travel distances.
• Plastic bags for rubbish.
• Drinks and snacks for during and after the race.
• Spare toilet paper (always handy)

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The day before the event                                                                                                                                                                  

• Eat well.
• Get well hydrated.
• Pack your gear - ensure you have all mandatory equipment.
• Ring your team and get them fired up!
• Look forward to the event.

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The morning of the event                                                                                                                                                                   

• Leave in plenty of time to allow you to park, set up your chairs & tables, and be organised before registration opens. (You should ensure you have as much time as possible to plan once you have your course notes and maps).
• Ensure you have packed all mandatory equipment.

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On Arrival                                                                                                                                                                                             

• Park where directed.
• Drop off your bikes, helmet, bike shoes, gloves in the marked transition area (if applicable).
• Find a spot to set up your tables and chairs for planning.  
• Have your indemnity & waiver form signed and ready to take to registration.
• Try to have your equipment, backpack etc organised ready to race prior to collecting your race information at registration.   The more time you have to plan the better.

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Registration                                                                                                                                                                                         

• Take your signed waiver form.
• Confirm your teams details with officials at the registration desk
• At registration you will receive a race pack containing:
  • Course Notes - these will outline the rules of the race, the legs you will need to complete and any other important information relating to the running of the event.   Read this thoroughly.
  • Maps - There may be more than one map for different legs.   Checkpoints will be identified by a red circle on the map.
    
  • Checkpoint Descriptions - This will identify the type of area where you will find each checkpoint.   Taking notice of this information can save a lot of time searching when you arrive at the checkpoint destination.
  • Electronic Timing Chip - Do not lose this chip.   You will register the timing chip to identify that you have been to the correct checkpoints.     It's a good idea to have one person who is responsible for the chip throughout the event, so you always know where it is.  
• Giveaways and promotional material .   Look out for some fantastic giveaways and sponsors product in your race packs.  
• T Shirts - If your team have ordered Tech T's these will be included in your race packs.
• Race Bibs - These must be worn as the outer most garment at all times including when wearing PFD’s (Personal Flotation Devices).

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Planning                                                                                                                                                                                            

• Time spent planning is invaluable so leave as much time to plan as possible.  
• Read the race instructions with your map beside you.
• Discuss your strategy with your team.
• Plan your route - Work out the best way to get from check point to checkpoint.   Remember, the shortest route isn't always fastest, consider the terrain on which you will be travelling.  
• Take special note of 'Out of Bounds' areas and 'Compulsory Routes'.   These are identified for your team's safety, so ensure you follow these instructions as penalties and even disqualification may apply for non-compliance.
• Mark your route on the map.    Highlighters are ideal for this.   Different colours can be used for different disciplines i.e. trekking, mountain biking and canoeing.  
• Identifying travelling distances is a great way to ensure you stay on track with your navigation.   You may like to mark distances on the map so you know how far to travel before the next turn / checkpoint / land mark.
• Cover your map in contact or put it in a waterproof plastic bag or map case.   You are sure to get wet, sweaty and muddy; you definitely don't want your map to end up the same way.   You may like to attach a string to your map to make it easier to carry throughout the event.

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Race Brief                                                                                                                                                                                           

• Go to the race brief ready to start the event.   This means ensuring you have all individual and team mandatory equipment with you, your maps, electronic timing chip and information.
• Listen carefully to the race brief.   Some instructions may have changed and this will be your opportunity to update your information.
• Take special note of any safety points, as these have been identified to ensure you and your team mates stay safe during the event.
• Take special note of emergency procedures and ensure you have your race instructions with you.

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During the Race                                                                                                                                                                                

• Follow all race rules and regulations.   Non-compliance will result in penalties or disqualification.
• Run your own race.   Following another team is never a good idea as they aren't necessarily going the right way or the best way.   It is important to know where you are at all times, so refer to your map regularly and keep track of your route.
• Stay together as a team, always within 100m of each other.
• Work together as a team and always keep the lines of communication open.   Talk about where you're going to next, how you'll get there and what you need to do when you arrive.
• Drink regularly and stay well hydrated.   Don't wait until you feel thirsty, drink small quantities throughout the day.
• Eat small snacks regularly throughout the event.   Don't wait until you feel hungry.
• Roads, tracks and paths are not closed during the event, and adventure racers do not have right of way.   Obey normal road rules and be courteous to other users.   After all, we're all creating our own adventure in our own way, so let's make sure we all enjoy it.
• You may receive some instructions on the course so be prepared to think on your feet.
• All team members must wear their race bibs as the outermost item of clothing at all times.   This also applies if you are wearing PFD's (Personal Flotation Devices).
• Be extra kind to officials and volunteers.   Officials have given up their time so that we can enjoy the thrill of adventure racing and events could not run without them.   Tell them how much you appreciate their efforts!
• Have a lot of FUN!   It's what you're there for.

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The Course                                                                                                                                                                                     

• The course will consist of legs of mountain biking, trekking, and adventure legs which could be anything from Kayaking, Canoeing, Tubing, Rock Climbing, Abseiling, Canyoning, Archery and much more.  The order of the legs will be outlined in your course notes.
• There will be a lot of short legs between checkpoints and transitions so you're always thinking on your feet.
• As a team you decide the best route to the next checkpoint.

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Check Points          

• Check Points are unmanned.
• Most check points will be identified by an orange and white orienteering marker.
• Each marker will have an electronic check point attached.
• When you arrive at a checkpoint register your timing chip by placing the tip in the electronic check point. The check point will beep and flash to indicate your chip has been registered. If it does not beep and flash, try again. If for some reason it does not register write the uniqui identity number from the back of the box on your map and advise officials at the finish . Penalties will apply for missed CP's if the unique identifier is not collected.
• Be as quick as possible when registering your timing chip as other teams may be waiting behind you.  
• Move away from the check point as quickly as possible.   After all, you don't want to be giving away the location to the rest of the field!

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Transition Areas                                                                                                                                                                               

• Transition Areas are manned by event officials.
• Your team must check in with officials.   Register your electronic timing chip and have your time recorded by officials.
• To assist officials, tell them your team number and name as you approach the table, so they don't have to ask.
• Although every effort is made to avoid delays, it is possible you may have to queue at transition areas.   Take this in your stride and be patient.   Event officials are working as hard as possible to ensure you are on your way as quickly as possible.

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After the Event                                                                                                                                                                                   

• Smile for the camera at the finish.
• Celebrate with your team mates.
• Stretch those muscles.
• Change into warm, dry clothes to avoid getting cold.
• Enjoy the catering provided.
• Share your war stories with other adventurers.

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Prize Giving                                                                                                                                                                                       

• Prize giving takes place after the course has closed and all or the majority of teams have completed the course.  
• Winners and place getters in the categories will be announced and prizes awarded.
• There will also be a fantastic spot prize draw. Teams must be present at the prize giving to claim a spot prize. Spot prizes are awarded to all team members.

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The Next Day                                                                                                                                                                                     

• Start planning your next adventure!

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The Virgin Adventure Club!

The Virgin Adventure Club is a feature in the MD ARA Newsletters aimed at providing our virgin adventurers with a few hints and tips that as a first timer to the sport may help you along the way! The links below will take you to the information!

MAP SCALE

The map scale is a very important tool for determining distances on the ground. You can use the map scale to determine how far you need to travel from where you are, to where you need to be, and it's a very helpful tool when making your way around the MD ARA Course.

For example, by using the map scale and measurements you can determine that the next check point is 500m along this track from where we are now.

The relationship of an actual distance on the ground to a unit of measurement on the map represents a map's scale. For example a ratio of 1:25,000 means that '1' unit of measurement on the map, is equivalent to '25,000' similar units on the earth's surface.

Therefore on a 1:25,000 scale map:
1cm measurement on the map would be equivalent to 25,000cm on the ground, which of course is 250m on the ground.

At the MD ARA Series the most common map scale used is 1:25,000, however this can change dependent on the area of ground utilised for the course, or the amount of detail required. If more detail is required a larger scale map of say 1:10,000 may be used. This means that one centimeter on the map is equal to 10,000cm or 100m on the ground.

The map scale is usually found at the bottom of the map and is usually represented with an example of the measurement as in the example above.

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THE MAP LEGEND & SYMBOLS

A map is a graphic and symbolic representation of land as seen from above. Colours, numbers, contours and symbols give clues to the detail of the land.

The Legend
A map's legend outlines all of the important information provided on the map. The legend usually includes the maps symbols and the map scale.

An example of a legend is shown here.

Symbols
Symbols are the small pictures, dotted lines, thick lines, thin lines, different colour lines and different colours which represent the land shown on the map. Although a lot of the symbols may seem self explanatory, it's always a good idea to check the meaning of each symbol using the legend.

For example, the thickness of a line indicating a track could indicate that it is a wide open road or a small, overgrown track. Using this information could help in your route choice when making your way to the next check point. The colour of the land could also assist in route choice, for example darker colours usually indicate land that is less crossable. Features such as water courses, water bodies, buildings & fences could also assist in navigation on the course.

A good first step before you start planning your course is to first check the map's legend and the map scale.

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CHECK POINT DESCRIPTIONS

Check point descriptions are something that will help save a lot of time in your adventure racing career. Contrary to popular opinion, when you arrive at the general area where the check point is located, there will not be bells, whistles, flashing lights and the check point saying "Hey, over here, Here I am!!" :-), no we actually need to search, for it!

A red circle on the map indicates the location of the check point, however, the exact spot where the flag and control box are located can be anywhere within a 100m radius of the circle, which could mean a lot of searching. This is where check point descriptions come in.

In your race packs you will receive a course information sheet. A description of the exact location of each check point is listed on there. A typical description will be something like 30m North West of Track Junction. So, when your team arrives at the track junction indicated by the circle:

• Use your compass & map to determine which direction is North West.
• Travel 30m in that direction
• Find the check point

A good tip is that the check points are usually located in the best hiding place in the area. We share the beautiful locations that we use for adventure racing with a lot of other people, and we want to ensure that no one removes or interferes with the check point locations so the event will run smoothly.

So, the tip for virgin adventurers.... read the check point descriptions... know how to find a direction with your map & compass... & search for the check point!

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TRANSITIONS

Your map and your course instructions will refer to Transition Areas or TA's. These are areas where teams transition from one discipline to another, for example from the Mountain Bike to a Trail Run. At In 2 Adventure events these areas are usually manned by event staff who are outdoor leaders and hold qualifications in First Aid, Search & Rescue and Remote Area First Aid. Trasition Areas generally have communications back to Race HQ.

The transition areas are potentially where teams can lose the most time during the race BUT it’s also the easiest place to make it up. There is no point running your socks off for 7 hours then arriving in transition and taking 30 minutes when you could have done it in 5 minutes.

Don't view transitions as a chance to rest - view them as another sporting discipline - get in and out as quickly as you can - time yourself and work out systems and routines of doing things to speed up the process. Some tips that could help to improve your transition time include:

• Before arriving in transition ensure all team member are clear on what is happening when you arrive. Will you have to leave your mountain bike? Change shoes? Remove Helmets? Eat? Drink? Know what discipline is next, think about what you will be doing, discuss it, and plan accordingly.
• At most transitions you will have to 'Check In'. Have your timing chip ready to register when you arrive.
• Don't forget to 'Check In' if instructed it will result in penalties.
• Nominate one team member to carry the timing chip and check in at Transition Areas where required.
• There may be a surprise discipline at the transition area. If so, allocate one or two team members to read the information provided and collect control cards etc if required.
• Cut down on the amount of kit you bring with you as this can add to time wasting. One set of well planned clothing with layers that can easily be removed and replaced as required should be all that is needed for a one day event.
• If instructed, before departing the Transition Area ensure your team 'Checks Out'. Penalties will apply if this is not adhered to.

Checking In and Out at Transition Areas

At most transition areas teams will be instructed to 'Check In' on arrival and 'Check Out' on departure. It this is not completed penalties will apply. Expect to do the following at Check In / Out

• Go the the official at the tent or desk
• Tell them your team number
• Ensure officials manually record your team number
• Register your timing chip

You may also be required to have a control card checked or other activities confirmed. If instructed on your course notes or on information boards at the transition ensure this is completed. Penalties will apply for any instructions that are not adhered to.

So when it comes to transitions the key is be prepared, plan and practice, practice, practice and you could easily save hours during the race.

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CONTOUR LINES

What Are They?
Contour Lines are continuous, irregular circles on the map that represent the elevation of the land. The closer together they are the steeper the terrain, and the further apart they are the flatter the terrain.

The Contour Interval & Elevation
Your map will include information about the contour intervals. The interval indicates the distance between each line. A darker contour line indicates an index contour which occurs every fifth line. An Index Contour also shows elevation. The elevation will indicate if you are travelling uphill or downhill.

Contour Interpretation & Route Choice
Close contour lines indicate steep terrain, and lines that fall on top of each other usually represent a vertical cliff. Spaced contour lines indicate flatter terrain. Contours that form 'U' or 'V' shapes usually indicate a gully or a ridge or spur, depending if they are pointing toward higher or loser ground.

This information can play a valuable part in route choice. The shortest route isn't always the fastest. A steep climb and descent can often take more time than a longer, flatter route. The top adventure racers use these skills and gain significant advantage in an event.

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ORIENTATING YOUR MAP

What Does it Mean to Orientate Your Map?
To orientate your map is when you situate your map so that the lines running north are pointing to actual magnetic north.

Why Would I Orientate My Map?
When you orient a map and know where you are on the map, you can look in a certain direction and see a real landmark and find it on the map.

How to Orientate Your Map

1. Set your compass to north (turn the dial to 0 detrees)
2. Line the edge of your compass on the north/south line.
3. Turn the map until the magnetic needle is aligned with the meridan lines
4. Your map is now oriented.

It is good practice to get in the habit of orienting your map each time you stop to study the map and route.

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