Thursday, February 19, 2009
Out of the office
See you there
Karyn
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Get Ahead of the Pack
Collated Race Day Information
Information for all 3 Stages!!
Time keeping:
¬ The time will be taken from the large electronic clock at the event centre. The Trek and Kayak will finish exactly 3 hours after race start and the Mountain bike 90mins (1.5hrs) after race start. You may finish early. No points will be deducted for finishing within the allocated time. However 20 point time penalties will be given once the time has elapsed and 20 points for every subsequent minute late back. Teams will be timed out if they are over half an hour late back.
Compulsory Gear:
¬ Must be carried at all times. If you are caught without it your team will be given time penalties.
¬ Each Person will need: A weatherproof parka, thermal gloves and hat, polypropylene or thermal long sleeve shirt and long johns, a survival blanket, a whistle and any personal medication they need. A hydration system is recommended (Camelbak, bottles etc)
¬ Each Team will need: A good first aid kit (must contain as a minimum: 2 metres of adhesive strapping tape, 4 Band-Aids, 2 gauze pads, 4 cm width crepe bandage, 2 pain relief tablets (Panadol or similar), compass, torch, sealed (plastic bag or similar) and fully charged cell phone.
Race Rules:
¬ All participants compete at their own risk and the organizers will not accept liability for any personal accident or injury during the event. A liability waiver form must be signed by each individual during registration.
¬ All team members must stay within 50m of each other and each team member must visit the control for it to be recorded.
¬ Compulsory gear must be carried at all times
¬ Follow the directions of the race organizers/marshals, any signs (when driving or racing), follow any compulsory routes and do not enter ‘out of bounds’ zones.
¬ Race within your limits. Each competitor enters under their own responsibility. They can judge whether they should participate in the event, start and continue to the finish line. Nevertheless the organizers reserve the right to stop a competitor or team from setting off or continuing the event. Please advise a race official if you are finishing a stage early or not starting a stage.
¬ Respect other park users and take care on blind corners (esp on the bike)
¬ Move slowly amongst any stock
¬ Those aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 21.
¬ Carry out all rubbish
¬ If a gate is sight and within 15m of a fence you are crossing please use it. Otherwise cross at the strainer (big) post. Leave all gates as you find them. Gates (red dots) have been placed on the map, these are from a file provided by ARC. They are by no means all the gates and should not be used as navigation tools rather possible access points into areas.
¬ Points will be deducted for misconduct or if any team/team members are seen breaking the rules.
Results:
¬ Preliminary results to be posted after each stage and each day. Final results will be emailed for individual stages, for the “sports” category for teams completing Day 1, and the “adventure category” for teams completing all 3 stages.
Trek Information:
The trek is run in a series of loops.
¬ The first Dam loop (D) is COMPULSORY for all teams to do first. ALL check points must be collected in the order specified.
¬ The other loops: Ti tree point (T), Coasteering (C), Airstrip (A) and Boohai (B) are optional bonus loops depending on the time you have left after finishing the compulsory loop. Note: You do not need to do all/any of these loops if you choose not to.
¬ These optional bonus loops can be done in any order (although the checkpoints within each loop must be collected in the order specified). You may only do one loop at a time.
¬ For each loop you must collect controls in numerically ascending order, never getting a number smaller that the one previously. However you may skip controls and proceed with the next number. For example you may choose to do C1, C2, C3, C7, C8… missing out C4, C5 and C6. However you may not go back and collect these at another time. If you miss them out they are unavailable for you to collect later.
¬ You may only collect controls on the loop you are on. If you pass controls that are for another loop you must leave them (do not record them) until you are on that loop.
Collecting and recording checkpoints.
¬ Circles on the pre-marked maps and control descriptions (see race pack for both of these) will help you locate checkpoints on the ground.
¬ Checkpoints will be identified by a letter and number at the top of the check point card indicating the loop and check point number. For example D1 is check point one on the Dam loop, B4 is the 4th checkpoint on the Boohai loop.
¬ Beneath this will be a code of numbers, letters or symbols. This is the code you will record on your record sheet beside the corresponding checkpoint box.
¬ The Record sheet for the compulsory loop will be in your race pack. Any subsequent loops you do must be recorded in the same format. These record sheets are to be handed in to the official at the registration table on the completion of each loop. When you have handed in a record sheet for one loop you may collect the next record sheet for another loop. You may only do one loop at a time. A record sheet must have your team name, the name of the loop the record sheet is for, the control numbers and corresponding control codes clearly written and legible.
Mountain Bike Information:
The Mountain Bike uses a Rogaine format.
¬ This means check points may be collected in any order. NO check points are compulsory – use your time wisely to find the best route suited to your teams capabilities.
Collecting and recording checkpoints.
¬ Circles on the pre-marked maps and control descriptions (see race pack for both of these) will help you locate checkpoints on the ground.
¬ Checkpoints will be identified by a letter and number at the top of the check point card. Beneath this will be a code of numbers, letters or symbols. This is the code you will record on your record sheet beside the corresponding checkpoint box. Note: Some of the controls will be the same as used from the trek.
¬ Please ensure your team name is recorded at the top of the record sheet.
Kayak Information:
HIGH TIDE IS APPROX 11AM.
The Kayak is run as a Rogaine.
¬ This means check points may be collected in any order. NO check points are compulsory – use your time wisely to find the best route suited to your teams capabilities.
Collecting and recording checkpoints.
¬ Circles on the pre-marked maps and control descriptions (see race pack for both of these) will help you locate checkpoints on the ground.
¬ Checkpoints will be identified by a letter and number at the top of the check point card. Beneath this will be a code of numbers, letters or symbols. This is the code you will record on your record sheet beside the corresponding checkpoint box. Note: Some of the controls will be the same as used from the trek.
¬ Please ensure your team name is recorded at the top of the record sheet.
Event Timetable:
Day One:
8.30-9.30am: Arrival and registration. All vehicles must arrive by this time. It is suggested you use all the available time to plan your teams course
9.45am: Race briefing for Stage 1: Trek, instructions, time for questions etc
10.00am: Start of Stage 1: Trek
1.00pm: Finish of Stage one: Trek
1hour break between stage one and stage two for refuelling, changing, course planning
For those vehicles leaving after the trek please do so between 1.30 and 2.00pm. (As people arriving to do the mountain bike only will be coming in until 1.30 and the roads will be used by mountain bikers for Stage 2 after 2.00pm.)
1.00-1.30pm: Registration for those doing Stage 2: Mountain Bike who have not done the trek.
1.45pm: Race briefing for Stage 2 : Mountain Bike, instructions, time for questions
2.00pm: Start of Stage 2: Mountain Bike
3.30pm: Finish of Stage 2: Mountain Biking
4.00pm: Preliminary results will be posted.
Day Two:
8.30-9.30am: Arrival and registration. All vehicles must arrive by this time. It is suggested you use all the available time to plan your teams course
9.30am: Race briefing for Stage 3: Kayak, instructions, time for questions etc
10.00am: Start of Stage 1: Kayak
1.00pm: Finish of Stage one: Kayak
1.30pm: Preliminary results will be posted
Entry and exit times for Vehicles:
Day One event centre is accessible through a locked gate which must be manned to prevent general public (not associated with ‘The Great Escape’) from entering the area. Please note the times the gate will be opened for you to enter and exit from the stage/s you have chosen to complete.
Friday 20th:
6.00-7.30pm for those arriving to camp for the night.
Saturday 21st:
8.15-9.15am for those arriving for Stage 1: Trek
12.45-1.15pm for those arriving for Stage 2: Mountain Biking (please take extreme care as there will be people racing of foot during this time)
1.30-2.00pm for those leaving after Stage 1: Trek
4.00-4.30pm for those leaving after Stage 2: Mountain Biking
Sunday 22nd:
7.45-8.15am for all those who camped the night to leave.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Entry List for the Great Escape
Becky and the B team: (Trek) Louise Porteous, Rebecca Gray, Penny Brothers
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Camping Saturday fully booked out!!!
For those still looking for accomidation for the weekend the links below might be of some assistance
http://www.jasons.com/New-Zealand/Wellsford/Pakiri-Beach-Holiday-Park
http://www.tourism.net.nz/listings/frame/accommodation/15856?from=http://www.tourism.net.nz/region/auckland/auckland---warkworth/accommodation/campsites-and-holiday-parks/
http://www.martinsbayholidaypark.co.nz/Martins_Bay_Holiday_Park/Driving_Map_IDL=30_IDT=2694_ID=15287_.html
http://www.mangawhai.co.nz/d_Accommodation.cfm?Return=Index.cfm
Monday, February 9, 2009
From Atiu Creek to Port Albert (Day 2 venue)
Turn left onto Run Road from the Atiu Creek exit, go north west on Run Rd After 4.6 km, go left onto Wharehine Rd Continue for 5.9 km along Wharehine Rd to Port Albert. Drive into the Port Albert Warf area and follow the directions of the marshals to park
Please note the locked gates will be open between 7.45 and 8.15am on Sunday for those camping at Atiu Creek.
Directions from Wellsford (state highway 1) to Atiu Creek
Starting from Wellsford, go south west on Rodney St After 0.2 km, go right onto Port Albert Rd After 10.2 km, go left onto Wharehine Rd After 5.9 km, go right onto Run Rd Continue along Run Rd looking for the entrance sign for Atiu Creek. Follow the general public road until you reach a locked date with a marshal manning it.
To use google maps search for "Port Albert":
http://maps.google.com/maps
Please note the times the gate will be unlocked for your entrance and exit to the park.
Friday 20th: 6.00-7.30pm for those arriving to camp for the night.
Saturday 21st: 8.15-9.15am for those arriving for Stage 1: Trek
12.45-1.15pm for those arriving for Stage 2: Mountain Biking
1.30-2.00pm for those leaving after Stage 1: Trek
4.00-4.30pm for those leaving after Stage 2: Mountain Biking
Sunday 22nd: 7.45-8.15am for all those who camped the night to leave.
Directions to Atiu Creek from Helensville
Friday 20th:
1.30-2.00pm for those leaving after Stage 1: Trek
4.00-4.30pm for those leaving after Stage 2: Mountain Biking
Latest camping information
Race Venue Announced
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tips and Helpful Hints
Working as a team:
To orientate your map hold the compass horizontal on top of the map in front of you (not vertical in front of your face or the compass will not give you a true reading) turn your whole body (and therefore your handful of map and compass) until the red tip of the swiveling needle (with a small N on the tip) lines up paralell with the top of the magnetic north lines on the map. You map should now be orientated. To check line up features on the ground with features on the map (such as hills, depressions/valleys, clumps of trees) etc.
Ariel photo maps:

When orientating off an ariel map use the compass and also check your position by lining up 2-3 other recognisable features on the map too.
- Having a map board on the bike means you can look at the map while you are riding (slowly) rather than stopping to look all the time. Instructions on how to make your own can be found on http://www.mapsport.co.nz/mtbo/mapbddianne.pdf
- Make good use of all the available time between registration and race briefing to plan your route choices, cut back options etc so you don't have to do so much on the go. Highlighters can help you mark out the options so you are not doing it all from memory.
- Having a number of navigators can ease the pressure on one person. Sharing the roles, navigator, back up navigator, reminder of eating and drinking, song singer etc can keep the team a happy one.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Early Bird Entries
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Additional Camping information

The event and camping area is spectator friendly so friends and family not partaking in the event are also welcome to stay. Children must be supervised at all times.
Please note that camping is not usually allowed in this area and is only permitted during this event.
This will be a great opportunity to meet other likeminded people. Experienced Adventure Racers will be around to share tips and answer any questions you may have.
As this venue is not a camping site those staying must be completely self sufficient. Port-o-loos, a BBQ to cook on and some water will be available for the Friday and Saturday night. There will be NO showers, kitchens or cabins.
It is suggested you bring a minimum of the following:
¬ Tent, sleeping mats and sleeping bags for all
¬ Pots, pans, cutlery and crockery for all
¬ Additional gas cooker (if you do not wish to wait for the communal BBQ)
¬ Drinking water
¬ Food for the duration of the stay (dinner, breakfast and race food)
¬ Something to sit on
¬ Torch each
¬ Warm clothes for the evenings
¬ Appropriate wet weather clothing.
Camping Rules:
We have been granted permission to camp under certain conditions, please follow them to help secure the use of this area for other activities.
¬ Camp (and park for camping) only in the area permitted
¬ Dispose of waste water under the trees
¬ No open fires are permitted.
¬ Please carry out all rubbish.
¬ Please respect other camper – noise etc
As camping will be behind locked gates please note the following times the gate will be open for you to enter and exit from the area.
Friday 20th:
6.00-7.30pm for those arriving to camp for the night.
4.00-4.30 for those leaving after Stage 2: Mountain Bike
Please register your interest to camp with your application form (in box provided). Please include the total number camping on each night (competitors and others)
As the camping is held near the event centre the information and directions to the camping will be available from Feb 9th when the event location is revealed.
Please direct any questions or concerns to Karyn on karynburns@hotmail.com or on 021 174 0872
Monday, January 5, 2009
The Great Escape Application Form- Standard Entry (before 31st Jan 09)
Team Name:
Team Captain:
Contact Phone Number (for Captain):
Contact Email (for Captain):
Team Members:
Will the same team members be competing together for the whole event? Yes/No
Will the same team be completing all three stages? Yes/No
Please indicate below how many people will be completing each stage under each category.

Please indicate how many people will be camping each night. Remember under 5s camp for free.

Total Cost $________________
Each team please make one bank deposit using “the great escape’ and your team name as the reference into account:
KL Burns 06 0265 0135031 00
Send a copy of the application form to karynburns@hotmail.com
OR: Post team application and cheque to K Burns 3-44 Korma Road, Royal Oak, Auckland 1023
* Non-waged: Students (including those at university) or those not in full time employment. If you are under 15 you must be accompanied by an adult.
Editing instructions to send application via email.
- Highlight the relevant instructions
- Select cut throught the right click on the mouse
- Paste selection into a new word document
- Type in the relevant details for your team
- To use the tables: Highlight the table and using the right mouse button 'format' the table, select the 'behind text' option. This should let your type be visable from behind the table. You may also need to resise or move the table to position it correctly over your text entries.
- Alternavively e-mail me and I can send you the Word Document version of the entry form.
The Great Escape - Camping Information

Escape for the weekend!! Camping accommodation is available for Friday and Saturday night close to the Day One event centre (within 500m!) at a land use fee of $5 per night per person – under 5s stay for free.
The event and camping area is spectator friendly so friends and family not partaking in the event are also welcome to stay. Children must be supervised at all times.
This will be a great opportunity to meet other likeminded people who enjoy adventure racing. Experienced Adventure Racers will be around to share tips, experiences and to answer any questions you may have.
As this venue is not a camping site those staying must be completely self sufficient. Port-o-loos, a BBQ to cook on and some water will be available for the Friday and Saturday night. There will be NO showers, kitchens or cabins.
It is suggested you bring a minimum of the following:
¬ Tent, sleeping mats and sleeping bags for all
¬ Pots, pans, cutlery and crockery for all
¬ Additional gas cooker (if you do not wish to wait for the communal BBQ)
¬ Drinking water
¬ Food for the duration of the stay (dinner, breakfast and race food)
¬ Something to sit on
¬ Torch each
¬ Warm clothes for the evenings
¬ Appropriate wet weather clothing.
Camping Rules:
We have been granted permission to camp under certain conditions, please follow them to help secure the use of this area for other activities.
¬ Camp (and park for camping) only in the area permitted
¬ Dispose of waste water under the trees
¬ No open fires are permitted.
¬ Please carry out all rubbish.
¬ Please respect other camper – noise etc
As camping will be behind locked gates please note the following times the gate will be open for you to enter and exit from the area:
Friday 20th:
Saturday 21st:
Sunday 22nd:
Please register your interest to camp with your application form (in box provided). Please include the total number camping on each night (competitors and others)
As the camping is held near the event centre the information and directions to the camping will be available from Feb 9th when the event location is revealed.
Please direct any questions or concerns to Karyn on karynburns@hotmail.com or on 021 174 0872
The Great Escape - Race Overview

An introduction/intermediate type adventure race held over two days. Teams of two or more have the option to complete one, two or all three disciplines of trekking, mountain biking (day one) and kayaking (day two) in a Rogaine (Mountain Bike & Kayak stages) and modified Rogaine format (Trek stage).
Maps will be provided with pre-marked check points to visit. Except for a small section of the trek all check points will be optional for each of the 3 stages. The navigation will cater for all levels. Options are available to ‘skip’ difficult controls or to ‘cut out’ controls to make the course shorter as you would in a Rogaine. This way the event will cater for all levels of navigation and physical capabilities. Time limits are present on all legs (3 hours for the Trek and Kayak and 1 ½ hours Mountain Bike) where competitors are expected to plan each stage in a way that the team finishes before the time is up. Teams receive 10 bonus points for every check point (visited and recorded) and 20 points will be deducted once the stage time is up and another 20 points deducted for each subsequent minute your team is late back. Teams will be disqualified after being ½ hour late.
The course itself will be kept secret from competitors until the morning of the race. The course for each stage will be announced during the registration for each stage (see event timetable section). Course information will be provided in the information packs and during race briefing. All questions are welcomed. Competitors must follow the course options available as designed by the organizers and must race within the spirit of the competition.
The race venue will be announced two weeks before the event and instructions on how to get to the two event centres will be provided.
A transition area (day one only) will be provided close to the event centre. Teams will use a vehicle as a base to transition from (you may choose to bring chairs, tarps etc to sit on etc for this). As teams will be self sufficient support crew will not be needed.
Race Rules:
Respect other park users and take care on blind corners (especially on the bike)Move slowly amongst any stock
If a gate is in sight and within 15m of a fence you are crossing please use it. Otherwise cross at the strainer (big) post. Leave all gates as you find them.
Compulsory Gear:
Must be carried at all times. If you are caught without it your team will be given time penalties.
Each Person will need: A weatherproof parka, thermal gloves and hat, polypropylene or thermal long sleeve shirt and long johns, a survival blanket, a whistle and any personal medication they need. A hydration system is recommended (Camelbak, bottles etc)
Each Team will need: A good first aid kit (must contain as a minimum: 2 metres of adhesive strapping tape, 4 Band-Aids, 2 gauze pads, 4 cm width crepe bandage, 2 pain relief tablets (Panadol or similar), compass, torch, sealed (plastic bag or similar) fully charged cell phone and highlighters, pens etc for marking route choices/strategies and recording checkpoint codes.
Additional equipment for the Mountain Bike: One pump and comprehensive bike tool kit per team. Each person must wear a certified cycle helmet. Method of attaching maps to the bike (eg mapboards) is recommended.
Additional equipment for the Kayak: Suitable kayaks (single or double) for open water and life jackets for each team member (6.2kg positive buoyancy as per international standards.) Foot wear is recommended.
Results:
Preliminary results to be posted after each stage and each day. Final results will be emailed for individual stages, for the “sports” category for teams completing Day 1, and the “adventure category” for teams completing all 3 stages.
Transport:
Allow 90-100mins from central Auckland (the sky tower) to get to the race venue. Where possible please try and share transport to minimise the impact on parking and the race venue. Roads are narrow (one way). Please try to arrive and leave at indicated times as passing will be difficult. All vehicles must follow the directions of the signs and marshals to the parking area.
Teams (of 4 or less) please only use one vehicle for the transition zone. Other vehicles and spectators cars may need to be parked approx 400m away (where the camping accommodation will be held).
Entry and exit times for Vehicles:
Day One event centre is accessible through a locked gate which must be manned to prevent general public (not associated with ‘The Great Escape’) from entering the area. Please note the times the gate will be opened for you to enter and exit from the stage/s you have chosen to complete.
Friday 20th:
6.00-7.30pm for those arriving to camp for the night.
12.45-1.15pm for those arriving for Stage 2: Mountain Biking
1.30-2.00pm for those leaving after Stage 1: Trek
4.00-4.30pm for those leaving after Stage 2: Mountain Biking
Camping/Accommodation:
Camping is available Friday and Saturday night near the event centre at a cost of $5 per person, per night. Children and families are welcome (under 5s free). You will need to enter this area through locked gates so please arrive (and leave) during the times this gate is open (see event time table section).
Please Note: This is not a campground; those staying must be completely self-sufficient!
A BBQ for cooking, Port-o-loos and a limited amount of water will be provided. There is NO kitchen, dorms or showers. Gas cookers are permitted though open fires are not. Please bring everything else. (Including food, drinking water, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, torch etc). You will be expected to carry out your own rubbish.
For those not wishing to camp the race venue will be announced on February 9th so you will have time to organise your own accommodation if necessary.
Spectators:
This area is spectator and family friendly with lots of opportunities to watch the race. Children are welcome but must be supervised at all times. It is recommended these people stay on the main tracks to view the action.
Event Timetable:
Day One:
8.30-9.30am: Arrival and registration. All vehicles must arrive by this time. It is suggested you use all the available time to plan your teams course
9.30am: Race briefing for Stage 1: Trek, instructions, time for questions etc
10.00am: Start of Stage 1: Trek
1.00pm: Finish of Stage one: Trek
1hour break between stage one and stage two for refuelling, changing, course planning
For those vehicles leaving after the trek please do so between 1.30 and 2.00pm. (As people arriving to do the mountain bike only will be coming in until 1.30 and the roads will be used by mountain bikers for Stage 2 after 2.00pm.)
1.00-1.30pm: Registration for those doing Stage 2: Mountain Bike who have not done the trek.
1.45pm: Race briefing for Stage 2 : Mountain Bike, instructions, time for questions
2.00pm: Start of Stage 2: Mountain Bike
3.30pm: Finish of Stage 2: Mountain Biking
4.00pm: Preliminary results will be posted.
Day Two:
8.30-9.30am: Arrival and registration. All vehicles must arrive by this time. It is suggested you use all the available time to plan your teams course
10.00am: Start of Stage 1: Kayak
1.00pm: Finish of Stage one: Kayak
1.30pm: Preliminary results will be posted
Questions/Queries and Contact Details.

If you require any further information or have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Karyn on karynburns@hotmail.com or on 021 174 0872
The Great Escape - Intro
Welcome to ‘The Great Escape'!!

Escape everyday routines and try something new: challenge yourself with this event!
The Great Escape is a team’s event involving teamwork, route planning and navigation for all levels over 1 or 2 days with 3 optional disciplines of trek/running, mountain biking and kayaking.
This event caters to people of all abilities. Race in teams of 2 or more to enter any one, two or all three of the stages. Each stage will be completed within a set time and there are options for finishing earlier. Assistance with navigation will be available on the day for beginners.
Held on February 21 and 22nd 2009 at a mystery location within 90 min of Auckland where no sporting event has been held before! Experience a combination of native and planted trees, open farmland and beach front adventuring.
The views are fantastic and the location is family and spectator friendly.
Stages:
There will be three stages: A trek/run and Mountain Bike on Day 1, and a Kayak stage on Day 2.
Results will be compiled for individual stages. There will be a “sports” category for teams completing Day 1, and an “adventure category” for teams completing all 3 stages.
Day One:
* Trek/Run - 3hrs max: Start at 10am. Leaving from and returning to the event centre. The course is designed with optional bonus checkpoints to keep teams of all abilities out there for 3 hours.
* Mountain Bike – 1.5hrs max: Start at 2.00pm. Leaving from and returning to the same event centre using the same area as the trek.
* Transition: There will be a 1hr break between stages to socialise, refuel, change, receive new maps/instructions etc. (A race briefing will be done prior to each stage).
* Escape for the weekend! Camping accommodation will be available on Friday and Saturday night at a cost of $5 per person per night. There will be opportunities to discuss Adventure Racing tips, experiences, training strategies etc with experienced adventure racers.
Day Two:
* Kayak – 3hrs max: Start at 10.00am at a new event centre approx 15mins away from previous day. Leaving from and returning to the new event centre. Travel as a team in single or double kayaks.
Early bird Cost: Before 31 Jan 2009 (cost includes Park fees)

