The Macedon Ranges MS Cycle Challenge Info

THE GREAT MACEDON RANGES CHALLENGE

The GREAT Macedon Ranges Challenge will be held on Sunday 29th April 2012. The map is also available for more detailed perusal on Google Maps via the web links.

Challenge Route 130 km Cycling Profile Topographical map 130km

Intermediate Route 75 km Cycling Profile Topographical map 75km

Short Route 40 km Cycling Profile Topographical map 40km

Three Route Options

By simply entering the ride, you can help to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis and support Rotary's other worthwhile community and charitable projects. An estimated 2,500,000 people worldwide have MS and approximately 15,000 of these are in Australia. Twice as many women as men have MS, with the onset of symptoms mostly occuring between the ages of 20 to 40. There is no known cure, however advances in treatment are being achieved and research to provide a cure is very encouraging. A large contribution of funds raised will be directed to MS projects via the Rotarian Action Group for Multiple Sclerosis Awareness in association with MS Australia and the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund.

Cost is $75.00 per person. $65.00 Early Bird Registration until March 16th. The cost is the same for all route options.

The start and finish point for the ride at New Gisborne is only 56km from Melbourne City Centre - approximately a 47 minute drive. Start time on Sunday 1st May is 8:00 am with rider kits available from 7:00 am on-site. Their are three routes this year approximately 130Km, 115km and 75km on very good sealed roads with a mix of open farmland, undulating hills, eucalypt forest and sustained climbs - culminating with Mount Macedon, the highest mountain in the region (at 1,013 m) and a fast-paced downhill run to the finish line. ...Enough to challenge the stamina of most riders.

It's not a race, but a tour that can be taken as competitively or leisurely as you like. The region is home to some of Victoria's most picturesque scenery. There are three official rest stops where you can freshen up, grab a snack or drink and make repairs. At the end, you'll be treated to a generous Rotary BBQ lunch/afternoon tea. And a SAG wagon will trail behind the last riders to assist or give a lift to the finish.

If you have any further queries, please email -
Barry - macedonrangeschallenge@gmail.com or phone Martin on - 0407 564389

We look forward to seeing you there. So get on your bike...Challenge the Ranges for MS changes!

Kind regards

The Rotary Club of Gisborne Inc.
PO Box 292, Gisborne, Vic 3437
Voicemail & meeting venue/times: (03) 5428 4483

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

AGE LIMIT REQUIREMENTS
Persons under 18 years old MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult.

COMMON SENSE
You must ride in a safe and responsible manner during the Cycle Challenge weekend and use common sense at all times. You should exercise caution on all public roads and operate defensively and courteously. On ALL twisting thoroughfares, cyclists will ride in single file.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
We welcome people with disabilities on the Cycle Challenge and ask that other riders show the same consideration and support they would expect to receive from other riders. The Rotary Club of Gisborne will use all reasonable efforts to cater for your particular disability where possible.

CANCELLATIONS
Rotary Club of Gisborne is under no obligation to refund monies due to program changes, non use, cancellation or dissatisfaction by participants.

SAG WAGON
A trailing support vehicle for riders is provided by the Rotary Club of Gisborne. The Sag Wagon travels behind the last riders on the ride and usually arrives late to the Stage finish.

INSURANCE
The insurance cover for the event comes under the District D9800 Rotary Club's insurance cover.

WAIVER AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RISKS INVOLVED
I understand that the ride involves cycling on public roads which are open to general traffic and I am aware of the hazards associated with this and also the inherent risks associated with cycling.
In my assessment I have sufficient riding competence and experience and have undertaken adequate training to participate in this event. I recognise that the bike used must be in sound mechanical condition and I will wear a correctly fitted Standards approved cycling helmet.
I agree to comply with Victorian road rules and to directions given by the Victorian Police, VicRoads and Rotary Club of Gisborne marshals in the interests of safety.
I hereby release, exempt and indemnify the Rotary Club of Gisborne, sponsors and all other persons involved in the event from and against any claims, liability, costs and expenses whether in negligence or otherwise which may arise in connection with this event.
Where I have a known medical condition that may affect not only my safety but that of others whilst involved with this event I will inform the Rotary Club of Gisborne in writing prior to the commencement of the ride.
The Rotary Club of Gisborne reserves the right to alter the route and venues provided on this event without notice and reserves the right to refuse admission to any person, irrespective of successful registration.
The Rotary Club of Gisborne is under no obligation to refund monies due to non attendance, programme changes or dissatisfaction.

Usually, the district experiences beautiful Autumn days in May, but cyclists should be prepared for moderately warm to cool, rainy conditions. Although there are three checkpoints with water replenishment facilities, riders should not jettison water bottles believing that the cool conditions do not warrant carrying their own water supply.

Safety and ‘rules of the road'

The route has several steep descents, especially the main Mt Macedon road, several long climbs, and weekend sightseer traffic. Consequently, although the route encompasses long stretches of the old Calder Highway that presents very safe and comfortable cycling, cyclists should make single file the preferred cycling style. The main Mt Macedon road traverses through residential as well as State Forest areas. High speeds can be achieved on this road and cyclists should be aware of the speed limit and the presence of pedestrians on the roadway. There are no roads closed for the event. Therefore, riders can expect to encounter the usual weekend traffic.

Cyclists should ensure that they have adequate ambulance and medical cover and have bicycle-related insurance policy. Check with Bicycle Victoria at http://www.bv.com.au/.

Sensible cyclists should remember:

This is not a race, but an enjoyable tour.
You are obliged to abide by Victorian Road Rules
Visit Bicycle Victoria for the road rules for cyclists
Avoid passing another cyclist on the inside.
Look over your shoulder when moving out or turning.
Call ‘passing' and ‘stopping' to alert surrounding cyclists.
Obey the directions of the marshals and follow the MS Cycle Challenge signage.
Pull off the road if you need to stop for any reason.

The organisers are working with the Macedon Ranges Shire and Victoria Police to provide a safe route. The local media and the community have been informed about the ride. Also:

Organisers will patrol the route
MS Cycle Challenge signage will be displayed to ensure cyclists have no difficulty following the course.
A vehicle will pick up those cyclists who cannot complete the event within a few hours.

Checkpoint Support

The Steam Park (New Gisborne), Trentham and Kyneton checkpoints have toilet and water replenishment facilities. The Mt Macedon base checkpoint has water replenishment only. The route passes a number of opportunities to access water and toilet facilities if you need more regular stops.

Food

The route passes through Woodend, Trentham, outskirts Daylesford, Glenlyon, and Kyneton. These towns have a plethora of food facilities to satisfy most people's requirements.

Parking at the Steam Park (New Gisborne start and finish point)
Webb Crescent, New Gisborne (Melways Ref 197 F4)
http://www.whereis.com/vic/new-gisborne/webb-cr?id=6391B3D0C441AA&intref=emailmap

There is ample parking at the Steam Park.
Finally enjoy the ride and hope to see you again next year.

Acknowledgment:

By entering this event, I confirm that I have read and agree to abide by the above terms and conditions. I agree to my contact details being disclosed to MS Australia for fundraising and promotional purposes. I agree that any photographs that may be taken of me during the event can be used for related publication in promotional material and on the internet.

CONTINUE TO REGISTRATION:(click appropriate response)

AGREE - MANUAL REGISTRATION

AGREE- ONLINE REGISTRATION (Will close at Midnight Friday 22nd April)

REQUIRE MORE INFORMATION/DISAGREE