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What is the ACE250 course like?
It’s very lumpy, or to be exact extremely difficult. The 250km course has 6 major climbs, three of which have an average gradient of greater than 6%. It’s either uphill, downhill or undulating, but never flat.
You can check the course profile and maps at:
http://www.cyclingprofiles.com.au/HTM/Audax/ADXIndex2.htm
How does it compare with the Alpine Classic 200km course?
About 30% of the ACE250 course is shared with the Alpine Classic. As this is the first time that the ACE250 has been run we have no way to compare the two rides.
Given there is an extra 50km to ride and another 700m to climb it would be fair to say that the ACE is somewhat more difficult.
Which start should I select?
Unless you have ridden a sub 10hr Alpine Classic or Fitz’s Epic, and pulled up feeling strong you should consider the 0400 start.
If you have never ridden the Alpine Classic but have ridden other qualifying events e.g. PBP, Lake Taupo, Ironman etc that are not renowned for their climbing you should also consider the 0400 start. Unless of course you are an experience hill climber and feel confident.
Can we expect different weather on the ACE than the Classic?
Given that two-thirds of the course is on the eastern side of the Victorian Alps, and is influenced by different weather patterns, it is possible that the weather not be the same. However if it is 38C in Bright it may well be as hot in Omeo.
To check the current weather in the Alpine area visit the AWS weather site
Could it rain or even snow on the ACE?
Yes anything is possible weather wise. In the 25 years of the Alpine Classic we have had light snow in Falls Creek and rain and freezing condition on Mt Buffalo. However January & February are probably the most stable months in the Alps.
Come prepared for extreme weather
Is Bush Fire a possibility during the ACE ?
Yes, the period from December to late March is usually a high fire danger time in the Alps. Naturally the event would not go ahead if fire were a threat.
In 2003 the entire Alpine Classic was cancelled because of bushfires.
Apart from bushfire and adverse weather are there any other dangers?
There are inherent dangers in cycling, with the risk of collisions being the most obvious. Descending requires its own skills. Many of the descents are long and they may also be steep.
When riding at dawn or dusk riders should be aware of the risk of encountering wildlife, especially wombats and kangaroos, on the road. In the early morning roads may be damp from overnight dew.
High winds and or rain during the event can leave debris on the road.
The ACE250 route has two wooden plank bridges. Riders are required to dismount and to walk across.
If I start at 0400 will I need lights on my bike?
Most definitely, you will need to comply with the Audax Australia Cycling Club’s night riding rules and to pass a pre-ride inspection.
No Complying Lights - No Ride.
You must have fixed on your bike at all times
- one front and rear light (clearly visible from at least 200 metres from in front or from the rear of the bicycle)
- a reflector clearly visible from 50 metres .
In addition you must carry a spare set of lights front and rear.
You must also wear at night a reflective bib/vest that will be supplied at the start of the ride. The vest is supplied free for you to keep and must not be discarded during the ride.
Lights mounted to helmets are not acceptable and taillights must be static-not on flashing.
A fully description of our lighting requirements can be viewed on our website
Is there mobile phone coverage throughout the entire course?
Depending which carrier your phone is using there is coverage over much of the course. However there is no coverage for about 20km after leaving the Blue Duck Inn to near Raspberry Hill en route to Falls Creek
Are there any shops on the course?
There are supermarkets & cafes in Omeo, Falls Creek and Mt Beauty. ATMs exist in Omeo (inside the supermarket) Falls Creek & Mt Beauty. In addition there is a small shop as part of the “Blue Duck Inn”.
Do we need stop at the “Blue Duck Inn”?
NO, but it is the last point where you can obtain water till Raspberry Hill 32 km away.
Will there be mechanics on duty?
There will be bike mechanics on duty in Bright the day prior to the event. In addition there are good bike shops in Bright & Mytrleford. There will be no mechanic available at the start of the event.
You should have you bike serviced prior to the event or well maintained. A new set of tubes,tyres and brake blocks would be considered a good investment for the event, along with getting rim wall wear checked by a qualified bike mechanic. You need to carry spares for any eventuality i.e. tubes, spare seat bolt, tools etc.
Do I need to purchase food on the ACE?
Generally the food supplied is adequate for most participants. There are no meat products. However we are unable cater for special diets, i.e. gluten free.
Please note, we do not supply electrolyte powders. Past experience has taught us that there are too many personal tastes with this additive and we suggest you carry the product of your choice. From time to time sponsors may offer sports drinks to riders, however you should not depend on this service.
Do I need to carry water?
YES. Carrying a minimum of 2 bidons is recommended as a minimum
Sports Medicine Australia recommends to avoid dehydration, that:
Athletes drink approximately 500 mls (2 glasses) in the 2 hours prior to
exercise.
During exercise longer than 60 minutes, 2-3 cups (500-700ml) of cool water
or sports drink are sufficient for most sports.
After exercise replenish your fluid deficit to ensure that you are fully rehydrated,
but not over-hydrated.
Water will be supplied at Dinner Plain 67Km Omeo 111Km Blue Duck Inn 140km, Raspberry Hill172km, Falls Creek 190Km, Tawonga Gap 227km
Further information regarding avoiding dehydration can be found at www.smartplay.com.au
What can I expect from the Checkpoints?
Checkpoint volunteers monitor riders’ progress. The Brevet Card allows us to identify if any rider is missing in action and in such cases make the appropriate response.
Checkpoints provide sustenance, observe rider’s condition and advise as appropriate and provide current information on road and weather conditions.
Checkpoints DO NOT provide spares, mechanics nor performance enhancing drinks, powders, bars, gels and the like.
The Motorcycle Riders monitor the progress of the event and of the participants and provide ongoing feedback to the organizers and support services. They do not carry spares nor sustenance
What happens if I can’t go on?
Sometimes the body and/or the bike can let us down Sit off the side of the road with your bike turned upside down.
If you have a mobile and are in an area where you can use it, call the event organizer. The number will be on your Brevet Card. If you don’t have a mobile and/or coverage the Motor Cycle Riders will spot you and advise the event organizers.
A sweep vehicle will pick you up and bring you and your bike back to Bright. It is preferred that you do not to ask relatives/friends to come and pick you up. This will add to the vehicular traffic mixing with the other participants on the narrow windy mountain roads.
Am I allowed to have private support?
No, the rules of the event prohibit private support
Is there any way my family & friends track my process?
With advances in technology it is expected that in years to come tracking and online updates from remote locations will become an affordable service that we can provide.
However in 2010 we will be offering a homegrown alternative called IMI Technology (I Made It)
How will IMI work?
On entering the event you will be asked to provide mobile phone numbers for up to three family or friends.
On arrival at Omeo (and possibly Falls Creek) your bar coded “Throw & Go” tab will be scanned which will record within minutes your arrival time. Our system will than release packets of data over the internet (about every 15mins) to a communications company which in turn sends bulk SMS messages.
Your family or friend will receive a simply SMS that will have a standard message e.g.
“John Smith arrived at Omeo at 0900” There will be no provision to edit the message and send personal cheerios!!!
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