2020 Great Otway Gravel Grind - EVENT PROGRAM

20 0 2 b e F 23

IC V , t s e r For

M A R G O R P ENT

EV

WELCOME

to the Great Otway Gravel Grind presented by Focus held as part of the Otway Odyssey in the magnificent Otway Ranges.

This event is gaining recognition as one of Australia’s most iconic gravel events and is attracting more and more riders from around the country each year.

Why? Most of it comes down to the course‌ the A-grade riding on quality dirt roads is truly world class and takes all riders on a magical journey through the towering timber forests of the Otway Ranges. Throw in a couple of solid climbs and fast flowing descents, a few time-out zone coffee stops, a social race vibe and you have the makings of a perfect day out on the bike.

As an entrant into the 2020 GOGG you have all this and more ahead of you, so thank you for joining us for the 4th edition of this iconic event - a maninstay on the national riding calendar. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

The Rapid Ascent Team

1

2020 Great Otway Gravel Grind - EVENT PROGRAM

EVENT SCHEDULE

Friday 21st February 4:00pm - 8:00pm COMPETITOR REGISTRATION for all races - Forrest Football Ground.

NOTE: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO ATTEND REGISTRATION IF YOU RECEIVED YOUR NUMBER IN THE MAIL. 4:00pm - 8:00pm SPONSOR EXPO: food and bike servicing available - Forrest Football Ground.

6:00pm - 7:00pm Pre-race champagne and info session in the Ladies Lounge - women only

Saturday 22nd February 7:30am 100km MTB Odyssey race start 8:07am 50km MTB Odyssey race start 9:10am 30km MTB Odyssey race start - males only 9:25am 30km MTB Shorty race start - female only 1:30pm Grom MTB ride activities commence 2:00pm – 3:30pm COMPETITOR REGISTRATION for GOGG riders and 10km Otway Pioneer riders 5:00pm Elite Athlete Q&A with Adam Kelsall at The Forrest Brewery - followed by live music at 6:00pm

Sunday 23rd February 7:00am – 9:30am 8:00am 9:00am 9:45am 12:00pm 1:00pm 3:30pm

Competitor registration for all Sunday events - GOGG and 10km races RACE START: GOGG big-ring 97km - Yaugher Rd RACE START: GOGG small-ring 49km - Yaugher Rd RACE START: 10km Pioneer - Yaugher Rd 10km Pioneer presentations GOGG 97km and 50km race presentations Course closes

FORREST IS THE EVENT LOCATION The Forrest Football Ground is the event hub and is located on Yaugher Road, 1.5km north of the township of Forrest.

Forrest is located approximately 2hrs from Melbourne with the quickest route being via Geelong and Winchelsea.

Forrest is a 40minute drive from Apollo Bay and 25 minutes from Colac.

Car parking is available on The Forrest Horse Riding Club located right next to the Football Ground (western side).

VIP Parking: •

Riders who paid for VIP Parking are eligible to park inside the Forrest Football Ground. We will e-mail a VIP parking pass to you - please ensure it is displayed on your dashboard when you arrive.

COMPETITOR REGISTRATION Competitor Registration • •

All riders for each of the events must COLLECT THEIR NUMBER PLATE before the start of your race (unless you paid for your number plate to be posted to you).

NOTE: you can arrange for a friend to collect your number plate for you.

Competitor registration times at the Forrest Football Ground: • All riders: Friday between 4:00pm and 8:00pm • GOGG 97km riders: Registration and entries on Saturday 2:00pm - 3:30pm and on Sunday 7:00am – 7:45am • GOGG 49km riders: Registration and entries on Saturday 2:00pm - 3:30pm and on Sunday 7:00am – 8:45am At registration you will be given a seat post sticker ‘number plate’. Please fix it around your seatpost so the number can be seen from the sides.

• Red numbers - 97km Big Ring riders / Green numbers: 49km Small Ring riders

2

2020 Great Otway Gravel Grind - EVENT PROGRAM

HAUL ASS, NOT CARGO. Welcome to the era of speed in gravel.

It’s time to change the paradigm of gravel bike design from hauling gear slowly to empowering athletes quickly.

Leveraging vast knowledge from road racing, the Áspero frame is designed with world tour stiffness for greater pedal power transfer.

ROAD RACING INSPIRED. GRAVEL RACING REFINED.

3

2020 Great Otway Gravel Grind - EVENT PROGRAM

THE COURSES The GOGG course will be fully marked but riders must PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE ARROWS AND COURSE SIGNAGE to ensure you are on the correct course.

The 97km GOGG Big ring course

Refer to the 97km Course Map on adjoining pages (or check out the interactive maps and more detailed course descriptions on the event website here.

Length: 97km Total elevation gain / loss: 2,260m approx Legs: • Leg 1 (Start > Kennet River): 57km • Leg 2 (Kennett River > Wye River): 9km (66km total) - UNTIMED section • Leg 3 (Wye River > Finish): 31km (97km total).

Course marking • with red and/or orange arrows on a white background. Arrows indicate the correct route.

• with strips of fluoro pink plastic surveyors’ tape tied to trees. These indicate the correct route.

CLIF Bar Fuel Stations - see more details below: • 33km point at Mt Sabine Rd / Kaangalang Rd junction. Water, 32gi, CLIF Bars and Coffee in Time Out Zone.

• 57km point at the Kennet River shops in the Time Out Zone.

• 65km point at the Wye River shops in the Time Out Zone.

• 83km point at Mt Sabine Rd / Kaangalang Rd junction. Water, 32gi, CLIF Bars and Coffee in Time Out Zone CUT OFFS: All 97km riders must have: • departed the first water point at the 33km pt by 11:00pm. If you miss this cut off you will be directed onto the 49km Small Ring course.

• restarted your ride after the Wye River / Kennet River time out zone by 12:30pm. This point is located as soon as you turn off Great Ocean Road onto Wye River Rd at approx 64km point.

The 49km GOGG Small ring course

Refer to the 49km Course Map on adjoining pages (or check out the interactive maps and more detailed course descriptions on the event website here).

Length: 49km Total elevation gain / loss: 1,030m approx Legs: • Leg 1 (Start > water pt Mt Sabine Rd): 33km.

• Leg 2 (Water pt on Mt Sabine Rd > Finish): 16km.

Course marking • with red and/or orange arrows on a white background. Arrows indicate the correct route.

• with strips of fluoro pink plastic surveyors’ tape tied to trees. These indicate the correct route.

CLIF Bar Fuel Stations: • 33km point at Mt Sabine Rd / Kaangalang Rd junction. Water, 32gi, CLIF Bars and Coffee available in Time Out Zone.

Water points and “time outs”.

Both GOGG races have some time-out section(s) on the course where your race time is no longer ticking over! These are included because it’s in the style of gravel grinding, allowing you to stop and have a drink – order a coffee, regroup with your friends, and then set off again.

“Time outs” will be recorded by the electronic timing hardware set up at these locations: • 33km point at Mt Sabine Rd / Kaangalang Rd junction. (97km and 49km riders) • Time stops ~50m before the junction / Time starts 50m after the junction. Water point and a coffee van will be at the junction in between.

• 57km point at the Grey River Rd / Great Ocean Road junction. (97km riders only) • Time stops on Grey River Rd ~400m before the junction.

NOTE: Riders continue along the Great Ocean Road between the 57km pt and 66km pt, passing through the townships of Kennet River and Wye River / Separation Creek where there are a couple of café’s, toilets, and even a beach you can swim at during your race without impacting your race time.

• 66km point at the Wye Rd / Great Ocean Road junction. (97km riders only) • Time starts on Wye Rd ~50m after the junction.

4

2020 Great Otway Gravel Grind - EVENT PROGRAM

5

2020 Great Otway Gravel Grind - EVENT PROGRAM

•

83km point at Mt Sabine Rd / Kaangalang Rd junction (same point as above - 97km riders only) • Time stops ~50m before the junction / Time starts 50m after the junction. Water point and a coffee van is at the junction in between.

Points to note: • Time Outs are limited to 1hr maximum. Riders stopping for longer than 1hr will be given a time penalty. Note, it is not compulsory to stop, just an option as it’s an ‘untimed’ section of the course.

• Riders crossing any time point with less than 1 second apart will be given the time of the first rider to cross the point (as per the Tour de France). This is to stop you truly sprinting into the water pt area.

• The water point at the junction of Mt Sabine Rd and Kaanglang Rd will have water, 32gi sports drink, CLIF Bars bananas, lollies and a coffee cart selling barista made coffee, tea, milk shakes and San Pellegrino for you to stop and enjoy. Coffee cart items are for sale so remember to take some money with you!

Course marking:

For all courses: • all intersections will be clearly marked with large red or orange arrows. There will not be a marshal at all junctions to direct you, so riders must keep an eye out for and follow the markings as you see them • the course will also be marked with pink surveyors tape tied to trees / branches intermittently along the route

FREE BEER AT THE FINISH!!

All riders will receive a ticket for a free Forrest Brewery beer when you finish your race!

Simply take your ticket to the Silver Bullet Bar on the footy ground to receive your pony sized beer and celebrate the end of a great ride.

Underage finishers can show their number plate at the merchandise marquee to collect a free soft drink.

This generous offer is made possible thanks to our friends at Topbike Tours (Emma Colson and David Olle).

LIVE UPDATES AND RESULTS Live event updates on Twitter and Instagram #otwayodyssey

We will be uploading live event updates, photos and other race snippets from the Otway Odyssey under the tag #otwayodyssey all day Saturday via Twitter and Instagram. Tell your friends at home to follow Rapid Ascent on these social media platforms and feel free to join the conversation by tagging #otwayodyssey and @rapidascent.

EVENT PHOTOS

Event photos via ‘Photos 4 Sale’ www.www.photos4sale.co.nz

Our favorite event photographer Allan Ure from Photos 4 Sale will have professional photographers at various locations around the course to take plenty of photos of you in action on the day. All photos will be individually catalogued and available to view / purchase from www.photos4sale.co.nz

6

2020 Great Otway Gravel Grind - EVENT PROGRAM

GOGG Big Ring 97km COURSE MAP

GOGG Big Ring 97km ELEVATION PROFILE 7

2020 Great Otway Gravel Grind - EVENT PROGRAM

GOGG Small Ring 49km COURSE MAP

GOGG Small Ring 49km ELEVATION PROFILE 8

2020 Great Otway Gravel Grind - EVENT PROGRAM

Up for anything.

Ready for everything.

Thule UpRide

Thule UpRide A universal design for all types of bikes. With zero frame contact and maximum protection, the latest upright bike carrier from Thule lets you transport your trusty steed safely, securely, and in style.

Bring your life thule.com IMPORTED & DISTRIBUTED EXCLUSIVELY BY GoActive Outdoors 9

Importer & distributor of Thule Active With Kids 2020Sport&Cargo Great Otwayand Gravel Grind - EVENT

PROGRAM

hello@goactiveoutdoors.com.au 02 9887 2473 www.goactiveoutdoors.com.au

COMPETITOR SERVICES

The Otway Odyssey / GOGG is more than ‘just another bike race’ and includes the Event Expo over the weekend.

Sponsors Expo: Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm and Sunday 9:00am - 3:00pm

All sponsors of the Otway Odyssey, as well as several other biking and tourism related companies will have stands at the Forrest Football Ground including: • Focus and Cervelo Bikes Australia - will be set up with a selection of their bikes and the opportunity to have a chat about their range of MTB, gravel/CX and road bikes and what sets them apart from the rest.

• Thule - will have a huge display of their bike carriers and accessories.

• Bikecorp with displays from Michelin Tyres, Azure apparel and Super-B tools and accessories.

• 32gi - will have a range of hydration and nutrition products to try and buy.

• Krush bike wash • Cycle Closet • No Limit Cycle Repairs (Griffyn Branagh) will be set up to provide any last minute bike mechanical work you need • + a range of other sponsors.

Additional services set up on the Forrest Football Ground include: • Forrest Brewery event bar - see below • Food stalls: 10:00am – 5:00pm Saturday and 8:00am - 1:00pm Sunday • Kids entertainment and jumping castle 10:00am - 4:00pm Saturday and Sunday 8:00am - 12:00pm • First Aid point

Clothing valet

We will look after your clothing whilst you are out racing - just make sure it is in a sealed bag with your name on it then drop it off to the clothing marquee near registration.

Event bar thanks to the Forrest Brewery

The award winning local business - The Forrest Brewing Company - will be operating an event bar right next to the finish line and we encourage everyone to celebrate with one of their beers at the end of your ride.

10

2020 Great Otway Gravel Grind - EVENT PROGRAM

2 NEW BIKES TO WIN

Win a FOCUS MTB worth $4,500!

TAG A FRIEND WITH #OTWAYODYSSEY AND YOU (OR THEM) COULD WIN THIS MAGNIFICENT MACHINE!

We will do a prize draw at the presentations on Sunday afternoon and one lucky rider (or their tagged friend) will win a brand new FOCUS O1E 8.7 valued at $4,500RRP. All you have to do is be an entrant into any of the Otway Odyssey or Gravel Grind events and tag a friend and include #OtwayOdyssey in a social media post and you could roll away with any a brand new bike!

(You don't have to be at the presentations to win the bike).

Check out the full range of Focus bikes at:

www.focus-bikes.com

Win a Cervelo worth $5,300!

SIMPLY BY ENTERING THE OTWAY ODYSSEY YOU COULD WIN A NEW CERVELO BIKE! We will do a prize draw at the presentations on Sunday afternoon and one lucky rider will win a brand new CERVELO Aspero gravel bike valued at $5,300RRP. All you have to do is be an entrant into any of the Otway Odyssey events MTB, Gravel Grind or kids' events and you could roll away with this amazing new bike!

(You don't have to be at the presentations to win the bike).

Check out the full range of Focus bikes at:

www.focus-bikes.com 11

2020 Great Otway Gravel Grind - EVENT PROGRAM

EVENT MERCHANDISE Pre-purchase merchandise should be collected from the merchandise marquee during the hours of registration.

The following items will be for sale during the event (limited sizes and quantities only).

Event Jersey $120 - MTB Odyssey specific • Asteria Italian Fabric seriously soft & form fitting with ease • Time Out Italian Fabric Eyelet Mesh as a contrast and further moisture transfer • Skin Gripper for anatomical comfort at the front waist and sleeve • Full Front Zip • 3 Back Pockets with centred rear zip pocket for valuables • Flatlock seams for next to skin comfort • Manufactured by Body Torque as their top of-the-line jersey Sizes: Mens: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL / Ladies: S, M, L, XL

Event T-shirt $25

- GOGG specific

• This is a slim-fit cotton shirt that is a great memento of your 2020 Otway Odyssey experience.

• Custom event print on front and back - separate Otway Odyssey and GOGG shirts • Men’s sizes: XS - XXL

Event Trucker cap $25

- MTB Odyssey specific

• One size fits all with adjustable back • Mesh back and printed logo on the front

The only travel you’ll need to consider.

Bendigo Bank mobile lending In the market for a home loan, but short on time?

A Bendigo Bank mobile lender will travel to you.

Because you’d rather dodge branches in the Otways than visit one in town to talk banking.

Use the QR code to find your nearest Bendigo Bank mobile lender and quote Rapid Ascent Referrer No. 40289.

bendigobank.com.au 12 2020 Great Otway Gravel Grind - EVENT PROGRAM Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited, ABN 11 068 049 178 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 237879. (1407977-1424359) (02/20)

RACE RULES AND CUT OFF TIMES The following race rules apply to all competitors in either the GOGG 97km and 49km races: • Competitors must start and finish the full course on a non-motorised bicycle (e-bikes accepted).

• Competitors must ride the complete course as marked and directed, passing through all checkpoints on your course. Taking shortcuts or using any unfair means of obtaining an advantage over other competitors will result in disqualification. It is the rider’s responsibility to ensure that the correct course is followed.

• All competitors must wear a certified bike helmet at ALL times.

• MTB races only: Individual competitors must use only one bike frame for the entire ride, although wheel changes are permissible in the designated support area inside the Forrest Festival.

• GOGG races only: Individual competitors must use only one bike frame for the entire ride, although wheel changes are permissible in the designated time out zone.

• If female competitors in the 100km race wish to be eligible for cash prize money (including the Queen of the Mountain and Timed Descent) they MUST start in the elite womens’ field start at 7:00am. Competitors wishing to race in this category must notify Rapid Ascent at registration.

• In order to win either the King or Queen of the Mountain or Timed Descent, a rider must also complete the entire distance of the race entered.

• All competitors must carry the listed compulsory equipment for the entire race.

• Failure to carry the required First Aid Kit will result in a 20 minute time penalty.

• Riders who withdraw at any time after the start must advise a marshal of their withdrawal immediately.

• Race numbers must be displayed on the handlebars for mountain bike riders and seat posts for GOGG riders at all times and cannot be modified or cut down in size in any way.

• Riders may accept mechanical assistance on the course only by other registered racers, designated race officials and the specified race mechanic as long as it does not result in assisted forward progression. Outside assistance from anyone else may only be provided on the playing surface of the Forrest Football Ground.

• One competitor cannot provide assistance in forward progression (pushing / pulling / towing) or food or drinks to another competitor in another category except in emergency circumstances.

• For the 100km MTB race and GOGG 97km race, cut-off times at two key points will be strictly enforced as listed below.

• Australian Road Rules apply at all times on all roads, tracks and trails.

• Only registered riders, marshals or officials may ride on the course.

• Pedal assisted e-bikes may be used provided they do not have a power output greater than 250watts or a powered speed faster than 25km/hr. E-bikes will have their own category and will not be eligible for age group or overall prizes or prize money.

• Failure to abide by these rules may result in a time penalty or disqualification.

• Rapid Ascent has sole discretion to alter or amend the race format or the rules in order to increase the safety of participants or for any other reason deemed appropriate.

• All protests must be lodged with the Race Director within 15 minutes of the official results being posted. A judging panel of three Rapid Ascent staff (including the Race Director) will adjudicate on all protests and other contentious matters, and their decision will be final.

• If the race is cancelled or called off after it has started, it is each rider’s responsibility to get themselves back to either the Start or Finish areas as soon as you have been notified of the cancellation.

Cut Off Times: All 97km GOGG Big Ring riders must have: • •

departed the first water point at the 33km pt by 11:00pm. If you miss this cut off you will be directed onto the 49km Small Ring course. restarted your ride after the Wye River / Kennet River time out zone by 12:30pm. This point is located soon as you turn off Great Ocean Road onto Wye River Rd at approx 64km point.

13

2020 Great Otway Gravel Grind - EVENT PROGRAM

PREVIOUS WINNERS 97km GOGG Big Ring 2017 males

2018 males

1st Tasman Nankervis 3:02.54 2nd Ryan Standish 3:03.24 3rd Russell Nankervis 3:03.32

1st Jay Vine 3:09.30 2nd Chris Jongewaard 3:09.51 3rd Ryan Standish 3:10.52

2017 females

2018 females

1st Peta Mullens 2nd Helen Shelley 3rd Harriet Smith

3:22.47 3:53.43 3:56.48

1st Peta Mullens 2nd Renata Bucher 3rd Helen Shelley

3:42.03 3:45.36 3:55.21

2019 males

1st Tasman Nankervis 3:05.09 2nd Michael Harris 3:05.50 3rd Paul Redenbach 3:06.17

2019 females

1st Samara Sheppard 3:18.56 2nd Holly Harris 3:25.51 3rd Renata Bucher 3:38.36

49km GOGG Sml Ring 2017 males

1st Jody Zerbst 2nd Nick Grosso 3rd Ryan Standish

2017 females

1st Caitlin Wade 2nd Leonie Viterbo 3rd Belinda Hadden

14

1:51.00 1:53.28 1:54.46

2:05.23 2:07.19 2:14.22

2018 males

1st Michael Howson 2nd Gwendal Grey 3rd Craig Jones

2018 females

2019 males 1:45.13 1:50.24 1:54.28

1st Sarah Bath 2:24.35 2nd Joanne Kemp 2:25.29 3rd Rebecca Herridge 2:32.47

2020 Great Otway Gravel Grind - EVENT PROGRAM

1st Chris Hellman 2nd Xavier Hart 3rd Mitchell Snowball

2019 females

1st Kate Smyth 2nd Julie Shaw 3rd Deb Lindstrom

1:46.03 1:46.03 1:46.04

2:28.21 2:31.21 2:32.22

NEW!!

Bongmusa Mthembu 3 x Comrades Marathon Winner

CRAMP ASSALT Advanced electrolyte and anti-cramping gel

15

www.32gi.com.au

2020 Great Otway Gravel Grind - EVENT PROGRAM

“

What an event!

It’s so unique to race the Alice Springs trails and couldn’t recommend it more!

Paul van der Ploeg

”

4 DAYS 6 STAGES ALICE SPRINGS, NT 20 - 23 AUGUST 2020 www.theredback.com.au

16

2020 Great Otway Gravel Grind - EVENT PROGRAM

• Easy race logistics • Friendly, social atmosphere • New trails & super stages for 2020 • Owned & organised by riders for riders

WANT MORE ACTION? Then check out these other Rapid Ascent races taking place all around the country in 2020.

Bike Buller Festival

Mt Buller, Victoria, 7 - 8 March, 2020 www.BikeBuller.com This exciting event brings all that’s great about mountain biking to the one spectacular location for a massive biking weekend. Including a range of gravity and cross country orientated events, a food, wine and music festival, kids race, bike expo and more and it’s no wonder this event is so popular.

X-Adventure Dunsborough

Dunsborough WA. 4-5 April, 2020. www.xadventure.com.au An off road triathlon event through the stunning scenery around Dunsborough in South West WA. With long course and short course options, duathlon, plus a kids triathlon, this is the biggest off-road triathlon in Australia held in adventure paradise.

Margaret River Ultra Marathon

Margaret River WA. 9 May, 2020. www.MRultramarathon.com.au Providing a spectacular 80km journey for solo runners and relay teams (with up to 5 runners), the Margaret River Ultra Marathon provides runners with an incredible race in Western Australia’s Cape to Cape coastline. Over 1,000 runners expected!.

The MINI Trail Running Series

Five wilderness locations within 1 hour’s drive of Melbourne, Jun - Sept. www.TrailRunningSeries.com.au Trail running races for everyone... The Trail Running Series includes 5 different race venues all within one hour’s drive of Melbourne with short (~6km) / medium (~12km) / and long (~17km) course runs through spectacular wilderness. Make sure you are part of this revolutionary series in 2018.

The Redback

Alice Springs, NT. 20 - 23 August, 2020 www.TheRedback.com.au An awe inspiring mountain bike stage race in the majestic MacDonnell Ranges of Alice Springs. With 6 racing stages over 4 days varying from a 45 second hill sprint to a 45km epic, this is MTB nirvana with plenty of flowing single track, incredible scenery and friendly camaraderie.

Run Larapinta

Alice Springs, NT. 26 - 29 August, 2020 www.RunLarapinta.com.au A four day, four stage trail running race along the most spectacular sections of the iconic Larapinta Trail in Central Australia. Race either the Malbunka with 20km - 45km stages or the Namatjira with 10km - 30km stages for an incredible event experience.

Surf Coast Century presented by MINI

Anglesea, VIC. 29 September, 2020. www.SurfcoastCentury.com.au A spectacular 100km trail run along Victoria’s surf coast and wildflower hinterland with the promise that no two steps will be the same. Do it either as an individual and click over the whole 100km solo or join up with some friends in a relay team of up to 4 and run 25km each.

NEW Eagle bay Epic Adventure Race

Eagle Bay, WA, 7 - 8 November, 2020. www.AugustaAdventureFest.com.au A new challenge at WA's birth place of adventure. The Eagle Bay Epic is designed as the ultimate mix of off-road adventure racing with MTB, ocean swim, kayak and trail running legs that traversing the pristine coastline in south-west, Western Australia.

Good luck on race day and we hope to see you at another Rapid Ascent event soon.

www.RapidAscent.com.au 17

2020 Great Otway Gravel Grind - EVENT PROGRAM