One of the things I love about the Ak Attack is the hour planning. Last year I think Simon and I made fairly quick decisions, and then it was the wonderful calm before the storm. I'm sure you'll love this event HM

Nick_K wrote: I can see why a lot of people are put off by a race like this. Its a bit more demanding than your typical mtb race both in fitness and chance of getting lost.

That is true, but unlike Karapoti, there's a huge opportunity to tune your "race" to your own strengths. If you hate long steep climbs, a careful route can often avoid these. If you love technical singletrack, you can usually hunt this out too. You certainly don't need to spend four hours grovelling along 4WD roads in the heat (and if you do, you chose to do it!)

sifter wrote: four hours

Natral wrote:

sifter wrote: four hours

That's another aspect - it is not compulsory to spend the whole time out there, and it definitely needn't be a massive loop with a point of no return like Karapoti is.

Spare a thought for the six eight hour teams too! Some of which may well be beaten by the winning 4 hour team

For those entered please ensure you have all the individual and team gear, escpecially the 8 hour riders because you will be along way from home.
Weather report looking good http://www.metvuw.com/forecast/forecast.php?type=rain®ion=nz&noofdays=all

I just received an unconfirmed report we have already had our first injury. A Mountain bike rider ( entered in the Akattack ) possibly scouting out tracks over the weekend crashed and burned big time on Big Ring Boulevard, breaking his leg. Got a helicopter out. There was reports of a second helicopter rescue in the Aka's over the weekend but no details.

As far as single speed for the event, I'll be putting my share of the 40 flags out on a single speed on Saturday, ( with the assistance of a vehicle ). Still I would expect that you should be able to choose tracks that would allow you to ride close to 90% of the time, depending on your gearing.

Map it and they will come

sifter wrote: One of the things I love about the Ak Attack is the hour planning. Last year I think Simon and I made fairly quick decisions, and then it was the wonderful calm before the storm. I'm sure you'll love this event HM

I'm positive I will. It sounds just like the Polaris ones I did.
The other I did here was just a straight visit the markers in number order jobbie, which felt too much like a race of the fittest.

I agree with Sifter, it can actually be easier than a regular mtb race, as there's no pressure to ride like a maniac the whole time (in fact there are many compulsory stops for map reading and clipping cards etc) and you get to choose whether you want to ride up those crazy big hills. It is more of an adventure race though - youre really out in the wilderness out there some of the time (which to me, is part of the attraction ).

Having said that though, Lara and I won't be around to defend our womens 4hr title this year - I blame Lara who is swanning about the south island chasing rare plants (or something). Looking forward to the MTB-O series though

Hilary wrote: I agree with Sifter, it can actually be easier than a regular mtb race, as there's no pressure to ride like a maniac the whole time (in fact there are many compulsory stops for map reading and clipping cards etc) and you get to choose whether you want to ride up those crazy big hills. It is more of an adventure race though - youre really out in the wilderness out there some of the time (which to me, is part of the attraction ).

Having said that though, Lara and I won't be around to defend our womens 4hr title this year - I blame Lara who is swanning about the south island chasing rare plants (or something). Looking forward to the MTB-O series though

That's a shame Hilary. What was she thinking

That's a shame Hilary. What was she thinking

I know, botantists eh?

Actually I think I've found a new partner - can we enter on the day?

Pity your partner had to leaf

Not easy on the day as entry will be subject to available maps.We should have a few spare, but they go to the printer tomorrow after a last look at the points tonight.

If you are serious then, contact Mike Wood and let him know, He will probably let you pay on the day.

The excitement is building! There's going to be some exciting route comparison on here next week too, I can just feel it. Good to see so many vorbers appearing in the 4 hour race

BTW, for first timers, you might want to consider making yourself a map holder. Simon and I both have a simple bit of coreflute zip-tied to our handlebars/stem. It is about A4 size, and I use bulldog clips to hold the map in place. I'll ziptie the clip cards to one of the bulldog clips on Sunday

For anyone interested, I have two A1 copies of the "Maps" for Sunday but you will need bigger map holders than sifter proposes. I'll list them on Trade me if I get time

The web site resources page http://akattack.rhizome.net.nz/resources.aspx has a couple of good links to how to build map holders or at least some ideas.
For those that have blown their budget on our low entry fees, there is the 2L/4L Ice Cream container lid cable tied to the stem and handle bars and a couple of buldog clips to secure the map.

After you have eaten all the ice cream you'll probably need to be doing the 8 hour event !

sifter wrote: BTW, for first timers, you might want to consider making yourself a map holder. Simon and I both have a simple bit of coreflute zip-tied to our handlebars/stem. It is about A4 size, and I use bulldog clips to hold the map in place. I'll ziptie the clip cards to one of the bulldog clips on Sunday

does that mean you can remove the clip card from your bike and save the hassle of dragging a bike right up to the clipper

I use a similar basic map holder... but with elastic bands. I find buldog clips and rigid descents aren't compatible

Just picked up my race bike from my generous sponsor, Oli Brooke-White at Roadworks. The bike looks so good I thought he'd got me a new one!