Introduction

Welcome to the 2010 Freycinet Lodge Challenge.   Enclosed in the following pages is vital information which should ensure that you have a safe and memorable Freycinet Challenge experience.   If you have any further enquires please don't hesitate to contact us.   Remember that entries are due by Wednesday 22nd September 2010. Any entries received after that date at the discretion of the Race Committee will incur a $20 late fee penalty. Please note that in 2009 the event did fill to capacity (and more so!) and we had people on a waiting list - don't leave it until the last minute or you could miss out if the event continues to be as popular as it did in 2009.

This competitor guide contains important information for participants in the 2010 Freycinet Lodge Challenge.   It is vital that you are familiar with its contents.   It is also very important that team contacts ensure that all members of teams are given an opportunity to familiarise themselves with this guide.

The Freycinet Lodge Challenge is an experience that you won't forget.   This event comprises some of the best known features of the East Coast of Tasmania, enabling competitors to experience the rugged grandeur of The Hazards and Wineglass Bay as it has never been experienced before.  

It must be stressed that it is the competitor's responsibility to ensure that they are adequately prepared in terms of fitness, skills and equipment for this unique journey.

 

Environmental Awareness

The 2010 Freycinet Lodge Challenge is run through the Freycinet National Park and there are a number of environmental issues competitors need to be aware of. The compliance of competitors to these environmental issues allows the race to be conducted in such a beautiful yet delicate park.

General

- Any person found littering will be disqualified from the event. Competitors need to secure all rubbish from energy foods and drinks and have a strategy in place to deal with sticky gel packets etc. Remain on the marked tracks, this also applies around carpark areas, tracks are in place to protect the park.

Sharing tracks with walkers

Hooded Plovers on Wineglass Baeach

Environmental weeds and pathogens

- It is essential that Freycinet Challenge competitors ensure that their equipment is clean before entering the National Park. All running shoes and mountain bikes need to be free of any soil or mud to help minimise the introduction of soil pathogens and foreign seeds. The soil borne pathogen Phytophthora cinnamonii (a root rotting fungus) is found in the Freycinet National Park and it is therefore essential that equipment is also cleaned after the race to minimise the spread of Phytophthora.
Kayaking equipment also needs to be cleaned before the race to ensure it is free of any vegetative matter, in particular coastal beach weed seeds which are beginning to spread into the park.

Race equipment will be checked for compliance prior to the race start.

Course description, equipment recommendations & support crew information



Day 1

Leg #1    The Hazards Circuit Run
Approximate distance: 18.6km
Estimated time: 1 to 2.5 hours
Map: Coles Bay 6033 walk map, 1: 250,000

Briefing time: 7:45 AM                                      
Race Start: 8.00 AM

Course Description

The Freycinet Lodge Challenge start will be at the Freycinet Lodge car park. Competitors will run through the Freycinet Lodge grounds before exiting via Honeymoon Bay and joining the road to the Wineglass Bay Track car park. From here, competitors take the Hazards Circuit track and head south contouring around the base of the Hazards to Hazards Beach. Competitors run along the beach for approximately 1km before turning inland (keep an eye out for the steps heading off the beach to the left) on the track to Wineglass Bay . Keeping left past the turnoff down to Wineglass Beach, (i.e. don't go down onto WineGlass Bay Beach - save that for day 2!), runners climb up and over the Wineglass saddle and back to the car park. The track over the saddle is steep and comprising of some rough terrain.

Runners then return towards The Freycinet Lodge, via the same route, and then continue PAST Freycinet Lodge, going out the driveway, turn left on Freycinet Drive, then left again into the little carpark just below the Lodge and head down onto Richardsons Beach. Runners head along the beach to the far northern end where they will be directed onto the little (marked) foreshore track which takes runners along towards the Coles Bay Jetty. From there, the run continues following the Esplanade all the way around to transition in the Village Green Recreation area opposite the Coles Bay Bakery.

The only section of track that will be marked is through Freycinet Lodge and Honeymoon Bay, and the northern end of Richardsons Beach. It is the responsibility of each runner to be familiar with the remainder of the route. Please note the Wineglass Bay section of the run is a very popular short walk and the track is marked by Parks with permanent signage. Considerable track work has been undertaken so there is no scrub and little mud. Some sections, however, are rocky, slippery, and uneven underfoot and care must be taken.

Water is NOT available and should be carried by all runners.

Runners will pass bushwalkers, many of whom are very supportive.   Your courtesy is appreciated.

Equipment Recommendations

• Running Pack - This should be fairly small, hang low on your back, and have a waist strap and a sternum strap. A water bottle holster on the waist band is a good idea.
• A water carrying/drinking system. This can be as simple as the one mentioned above, or utilise a bladder and tube.
• Shoes. The run has been done in everything from walking boots to racing flats without socks. However, please ensure that your footwear is going to be durable enough for the run over rocks, tree roots and mud and will be comfortable if wet for the duration of the run.   While the choice of shoes is very personal, the modern generation of specific trail running shoes are very popular and seem to perform well.   Gaiters are not generally worn, however, watch out for snakes.

Support Crew Information and Parking

Once runners have left, support crews for this section should prepare for the transition at the Village Green Recreation area opposite the Coles Bay Bakery, or may provide moral support for competitors at the Wineglass Track car park. Please avoid parking along the main road, and park along the Esplanade area, and in the Muirs Beach carpark. The weekend will be busy for parking, so please be patient, follow all parking marshals directions and allow plenty of time to park and walk, and get your competitor ready.

Leg #2   Road Cycle, Coles Bay Road and return to Swanick Bay Boat Ramp
Approximate distance: 60km.
Estimated time: 1.5hr - 3hrs .

Course Description

The cycle leg starts at the Village Green area opposite the Coles Bay Bakery. Cyclists then head out from this area following traffic marshals directions, turning left onto the Coles Bay Road and do a relatively flat and fast (!) out and back route along this road with a turning point just before the Tasman Highway Intersection. Cyclists then head back to Coles Bay to a Police controlled turn around point near the ATV area. Cyclist then head back out along the road, carefully turning left at Swanick Rd (which we be controlled by traffic marshals and SES) where the timing for this section will finish just near the Golf Club on the left. Cyclists will be handed a 5 minute time-out card, and can cruise down at a safe and leisurly pace the last few hundred metres to finish at Swanick Bay Boat Ramp and transition to their kayaker, who can commence their paddle leg at the end of that five minute timeout under instruction from Marshals.
Any cyclist NOT obeying police/traffic marshals instructions will be disqualified.

Equipment Recommendations

• Two drink bottle cages
• Clothing for a variety of weather conditions (e.g. arm warmers, leg warmers).
• Use sensible wheel and tyre combinations, noting that there are sections of the course that may be subject to road works and potholes.   Replacement wheels will incur a time penalty.
• Aero bars and aero wheels are allowed and would be an advantageous.

Support Crew Information and Parking
The same as for the day 2 road ride, support crew are not allowed to follow their cyclist on the road as this would create a major traffic hazard with the number of cylists doing an out and back route along the Coles Bay Road. Local Police will be out .

Riders must be self sufficient in terms of minor repairs.   Repairs requiring outside assistance will incur a time penalty.   Riders who use glue on tyres (singles) and puncture and opt for a replacement wheel will incur a time penalty.   All road rules must be obeyed.   Drafting is prohibited and it is expected that all competitors will respect this rule in the spirit of the event, and anyone caught drafting will incure a severe time penalty and public humiliation for bad sportsmanlike behaviour!

Parking - for the start of the cycle leg, parking is available along the Esplanade and in the Muirs Beach car park. For the transition from road ride to kayak, parking is available along the side of Swanick Bay Drive. Please keep cars directly away from the actual boat ramp area, as it is still open to the general public launching boats, and we need to minimise vehicles in this area for safety to departing mountain bikers. A drop-off zone will be available for support crew and paddlers to drop their kayaks close to the boat ramp, but vehicles must be removed immediatly. Once again, allow plenty of time to park and walk as it is a busy transition. Please follow parking marshals instructions and be on the lookout for incoming road cyclists and outgoing mountain bikers! Please look before you open your car door!!!

 

Leg #3    Moulting Lagoon Kayak
Distance: 14 km
Estimated time:   1 to 2.5 hours.

Course Description


At the end of the 5 minute time out period, kayakers will be allowed to proceed to their kayaks. Kayakers are not permitted to start in the water. Competitors enter the water at the Swanick Bay boat ramp adjacent to the Swanwick Jetty. Competitors can then proceed down the deep water chanel or over the shallows to a turning Bouy located adjacent to Pelican Bay (~3.5 - 4km). Competitor turn on this Bouy and then return to Swanwick and round the green channel marker closest to the Swanwick Jetty before proceeding on a second lap. After turning the second time at Pelican Bay bouy, competitors can proceed to the Swanick Bay boat launching ramp for the MTB transition. All buoys are to be rounded in an anti-clockwise direction.

Equipment Recommendations

• If a rudder is fitted to the kayak, it is advisable to be of the kick-up variety rather than the fixed sort.   There could be low water levels.
• Comfortable seat.
• Spray decks should be worn if you don't like stopping to empty water.
• A tube and bladder system is recommended for drinking.
• Repair tape and sponge - just in case.
• Rescue Tubes or Life Jackets ARE COMPULSORY EQUIPMENT. Lifejackets MUST be worn if you are paddling an encolosed kayak. Ski paddlers may carry a Rescue Tube or wear a lifejacket.

Support Crew Information and Parking

Parking - along the side of Swanick Bay Drive. Please keep cars directly away from the actual boat ramp area, as it is still open to the general public launching boats, and we need to minimise vehicles in this area for safety to departing mountain bikers. A drop-off zone will be available for support crew and paddlers to drop their kayaks close to the boat ramp, but vehicles must be removed immediatly.

Leg #4 Swanick Bay via Freshwater Lagoon to Freycinet Lodge MTB
Approximate distance: 20 km.
Estimated time: 50 min - 2 hrs
Map: Coles Bay 6033 walk map, 1: 250,000.

Course Description

Competitors change from kayaks to mountain bikes at the transition at the Swanick boat ramp. After the transition competitors turn right along the bitumen road (Swanick Dr) and then left on the bitumen road (Swanick Rd) to the main road junction (Coles Bay Rd). After the junction competitors enter the bush directly opposite the junction. This road crossing will be controlled by SES.

Staying on this track following the marked route around the quarry, then continue onto the Telstra Track. Continue along the Telstra track following the marked route, turning left * onto the Freshwater Lagoon fire trail and through the boom gate. Follow the marked 4wd track and bunting around the Friendly Beaches loop in a clockwise direction, * past the weir, back to 'the big tree junction', turning left at the marked tree, left down the hill at the next junction, then right immediatly prior to the National Parks Maintenance Depot, and here the timing for the mtb will be stopped just before competitors exit onto Freycinet Drive, go left and cruise at a leisurely pace back to check in with the marshal at the front of the Freycinet Lodge. It is compulsory that riders check in at the Lodge with the marshal or you/your team will not be recorded as finishing for the day. It is stressed that it is not a timed section along the last stretch of Coles Bay road back to the Freycinet Lodge carpark for safety reasons. Please ride safely as you are not being timed on this section!

The course will be marked with surveyors tape.

*(Private land access restricted to race day only)

Note: Coles Bay is noted for its granite gravel and this can be a slippery surface to MTB on.

Support Crew Information and Parking

Support crew will not be able to follow MTB riders back to the finish as the road is busy with local and tourist traffic. It is recommended that support crew proceed directly to the finish at the Freycinet Lodge, to watch their competitor finish at a leisurely pace! - Please be safe and courteous and follow all directions from parking officials. Allow plenty of time to find a park and walk to the finish line. Parking available at the Ranger Creek picnic area, Richardsons Beach carpark below The Lodge, limited parking at The Lodge, and parking only along the water side of the road (on your right as you drive towards the Lodge).

Leg #3  Freshwater Lagoon Mountain Bike Ride - the other direction!
Approximate distance: 24 km.
Estimated time: 45 min to 1hr 50 mins.
Map: Coles Bay 6033 and 6034 walk map, 1: 250,000.

Course Description

The same course as the last two years, Mountain Bike Competitors head out from the ATV area up and over Telstra Hill following the bunting and arrows, down the other side and turning right onto the Weir (Freshwater Lagoon) Road. Follow the track to the Freshwater Lagoon at the southern end of the Friendly Beaches. (Reverse of Day 1 mtb ride). Riders will need to be wary of the very large water bars, otherwise known as spoon drains, that have been built into the track in various locations. Particularly on the steep sections toward Freshwater Lagoon.

At the southern end of the Lagoon competitors turn LEFT through the gate and follow the track as it proceeds along the side of the Lagoon and after approximately 1km it turns inland, starts climbing, and then south again. There is one steep downhill and rutted/washedout section of track after the longish climb where competitors must exercise caution, and if not confident, may need to consider dismounting. The course continues south to a junction north of the sewage treatment pond*. At this point it turns LEFT and competitors follow the marked course back to the ATV site/Information Bay area where cyclists will be handed a 5 minute time-out card, to dismount, and proceed (leisurely!) across the road junction following instructions from SES traffic marshals, to transition to run in the Village Green public recreation space opposite the Coles Bay Bakery.

*(Private land access restricted to race day only)

Note: Coles Bay is noted for its granite gravel and this can be a slippery surface to MTB on. Be particularly cautious on off-camber corners - usually the cause in past years of any crashes!

Support Crew Information and Parking
Support crew will not be able to follow competitors on this section of the course. For the MTB transition, please avoid parking along the main road, and park along the Esplanade area, and in the Muirs Beach carpark.

Leg #4  Wineglass Beach Run
Approximate distance. 14km
Estimated time. 1 to 2.5 hours.
Map: Coles Bay 6033 walk map, 1: 250,000.

Course Description

Competitors proceed out from the Village Green Recreation Space area in front of the Coles Bay Bakery and follow the Esplanade Road around the headland. Approx 50 m after passing the Coles Bay jetty, runners head up a slight incline and take the walking track to the right along the foreshore to the Coles Bay Boat Ramp (there will be a marshal at this junction). Runners proceed along the second section of The Esplanade and onto the small foreshore walking track at the end, which takes runners down onto the northern end of Richardsons Beach. Runners then run along Richardsons Beach taking particular note to run around the rocks and not short cut over the Aboriginal heritage point, heading south along the beach towards The Lodge. Competitors will then head out onto the road at the Richardsons Beach southern carpark, below The Lodge and then follow the road (Freycinet Drive) all the way along to the Wineglass Bay carpark.
Runners then head up and over the Wineglass Saddle and onto Wineglass Beach. Then a short distance along the beach, keeping below the high water line (to protect Hooded Plover nests) to a turnaround point at approx 500m along the beach. They then return to The Lodge via the same route as the Day 1 run (turning in at Honeymoon Bay), to the finish line on the front deck of the Freycinet Lodge for some well deserved rest and refreshments!

The Wineglass Bay track is well marked, and some sections are rocky, slippery, and uneven underfoot and care must be taken. Marshals will be on the sections around the Esplanade and onto Richardsons Beach to direct runners.

Water is NOT available and should be carried by all runners.

Runners will pass many walkers and tourists, many of whom are very supportive.   Your courtesy is appreciated and required.

Equipment Recommendations

• Running Pack - This should be fairly small, hang low on your back, and have a waist strap and a sternum strap. A water bottle holster on the waist band is a very good idea. Water is essential at this stage of the race, especially for individuals!
• A water carrying/drinking system. This can be as simple as the one mentioned above, or utilise a bladder and tube.

Support Crew Information

Apart from reviving competitors at the end of the course and packing up equipment you can knock off!
Perhaps a beer and some refreshements on the deck may be in order?

Event Conditions

In keeping with the spirit of the event, the number of formal rules which govern the race has been kept to a minimum. It is hoped that participants will continue to compete in a sporting manner so this can remain the case in the future.   It is hoped that participants will respect fellow competitors, race officials, and, most importantly, the environment through which they will travel.

General Conditions

Conditions Relating to Specific Legs

Kayaking

Cycling

Running

Event Categories

There are a number of different ways in which to participate in the Freycinet Lodge Challenge. In 2010 there will be both one and two day entries accepted. The one day race will be on Sunday 10th October.

Individuals
Certainly the most demanding and perhaps one of the most rewarding ways to attempt the challenge!  The individual completes the entire course.   There are categories for the open female and open male individuals, as well as veteran and masters individuals.

Two Person Teams
This category provides more variety than the conventional three or four person format.   The requirement is that one team member completes each leg of the course, which they are required to specify in advance, but there is an expectation that each member will complete at least one leg per day.   .

Three or Four Person Teams
This race format involves teams of three or four completing the course as a traditional relay, with team mates passing the race number at each transition.   While competitors in these categories tend to specialise in one discipline for the duration of the race, this is not essential.   There are categories for male teams, female teams and mixed teams, and age categories, of open, veteran and masters.

Competitor Sponsorship
Competitors are allowed to have sponsorship.   They must however wear the race number as provided.  Individuals will be referred to by their name, while teams will be referred to by the team name nominated on the entry form.

Pre-event Time Table

Wednesday 22nd September 2010

Friday 8th October 2010

• Competitor Registration - 5:00pm - 9:00pm at The Coles Bay Community Hall, Harold St (which runs between Jetty Rd and The Esplanade)

• Pre race briefing - 7:30pm at The Coles Bay Community Hall

Saturday 9th October 2010

• Briefing time: 7:45am

• Race Start: 8.00am

Sunday 10th October 2010

Accommodation

Accommodation during the event does require some prior organisation. There is accommodation available at varying price levels from five star at the Freycinet Lodge (6257 0101) to small cabins at Iluka (6257 0115) which include six beds, a small kitchen/lounge and a bathroom. Accommodation is your responsibility. A full range of accommodation can be found on Tourism Tasmania's official government website.

Contacts

Competitor enquiries and race entries should be directed to:

Su Sprott Competitor Liason 159 Old Bernies Rd Margate, Tas 7054 Phone: 03 62671335 Mobile: 0408671335 Email:susprott@gmail.com

All other enquiries to go to: Tim Saul Race Director Mobile: 0438 687 302 Phone: 03 6248 9049 Email: tim@tasultra.org