• Get your entries in.   Catch the early bird rate to save.
• Plan a training program with your team and put it into action.
• Ensure you have all the individual and team compulsory equipment that you need.
• Have your bike serviced - See our Sponsors for some great deals on servicing and even a new bike.
• Work out how your team and your bikes will get to the event on time.
• Read your pre-race instructions carefully when they arrive.
• Be familiar with the Race Rules outlined in the In 2 Adventure website.
• If there are any family members or friends coming along, consider asking them to volunteer as an Official so they can be a part of the fun.
• Ensure all team members have read and signed the waiver .
• Talk to your team about how you'd like to run the race:
  • What are your goals? (fun, to win, to finish, to complete the course in a certain time?) Shared goals go a long way to creating a team who work well together.
  • What role will each of you play?   Who will navigate? Will you take it in turns?   Who will make decisions?   Who will be the eyes for the navigator?   Who will motivate the team?   What are your strengths and weaknesses?   Who will strategise?   Who will prepare the maps? Who will carry and be responsible for the control card?

Equipment                                                                                                                                                                                                  back to top

• Ensure you have all mandatory equipment outlined by the race organisers.
• A rucsac to carry your kit. Important Note: If you wear clip in bike shoes you will need to be able to carry a pair of running shoes with you as you may be required to run midway through the bike leg. Camelbak have a great range of packs which are ideal for the Teva Series. Check out the full range at www.camelbak.com.au
• A pealess whistle
• Light waterproof jacket. Note: This must be a jacket. Rain ponchos are not acceptable as they do not provide adequate protection in the case of injury and/or inclement weather.
• A bike board is a great idea so you can view your map whilst travelling on your bike
• A bike computer will help you check the distance travelled on your bike.  
• Cycle helmet - this is an easy piece of equipment to leave behind. So make sure you pack it the night before.
• Waterproof clothing in case of rain.  
• Equipment for bike repairs - inner tubes, tools etc.
• Water for before, during and after the race.
• Ensure you have your race instructions with emergency procedures.
• During the race you are likely to get wet; therefore it is essential to waterproof anything that shouldn't be wet.   Specially designed waterproof bags, or clip seal bags in various sizes are a great idea.   For equipment like your mobile phone use more than one bag and ensure the seal is fully closed.

Other Equipment                                                                                                                                                                                    back to top

• Chairs to relax in after the race.
• A table to plan your course and prepare maps.
• Contact plastic or waterproof map cases to waterproof maps and information.
• Warm clothes to change into after the event.
• Sunscreen & insect repellent.
• Stationary for map preparation: Scissors, ruler, hole punch, string, permanent pens, highlighters, pencil, small note book, sticky tape, glue, zip ties, bulldog clips.
• Map measurer - to make it easy to measure travel distances.
• Plastic bags for rubbish.
• Drinks and snacks for during and after the race.
• Spare toilet paper (always handy)
• Bring a plate, cup, knife, fork & spoon for the BBQ afterwards

The day before the event                                                                                                                                                                      back to top

• Eat well.
• Get well hydrated.
• Pack your gear - ensure you have all mandatory equipment.
• Ring your team and get them fired up!
• Look forward to the race.

The morning of the event                                                                                                                                                                     back to top

• Leave in plenty of time to allow you to park, set up your chairs & tables, and be organised before registration opens. (You should ensure you have as much time as possible to plan once you have your course notes and maps).
• Ensure you have packed all mandatory equipment.

On Arrival                                                                                                                                                                                                back to top

• Park where directed.
• Drop off your bikes, helmet, bike shoes, gloves in the marked transition area (if applicable).
• Find a spot to set up your tables and chairs for planning.  
• Have your indemnity & waiver form signed and ready to take to registration.
• Try to have your equipment, backpack etc organised ready to race prior to collecting your race information at registration.   The more time you have to plan the better.

Registration                                                                                                                                                                                           back to top

• Take your signed waiver form.
• Confirm your teams details with officials at the registration desk
• At registration you will receive a race pack containing:
  • Course Notes - these will outline the rules of the race, the legs you will need to complete and any other important information relating to the running of the race.   Read this thoroughly.
  • Maps - There may be more than one map for different legs.   Checkpoints will be identified by a red circle on the map.
    Small Map / Large map
  • Checkpoint Descriptions - This will identify the type of area where you will find each checkpoint.   Taking notice of this information can save a lot of time searching when you arrive at the checkpoint destination.
    
  • Example:

  	Click to enlarge

• Control Card - Do not lose this card.   You will punch the control card to identify that you have been to the correct checkpoints.     It's a good idea to have one person who is responsible for the card throughout the race, so you always know where it is.   Attaching a string to the card and carrying it around your neck makes it easy to access at checkpoints and can prevent it being lost.
• Giveaways and promotional material .   Look out for some fantastic giveaways and sponsors product in your race packs.  
• T Shirts - If your team have ordered T Shirts these will be included in your race packs.
• Race Bibs - These must be worn as the outer most garment at all times including when wearing PFD’s (Personal Flotation Devices).

Planning                                                                                                                                                                                               back to top

• Time spent planning is invaluable so leave as much time to plan as possible.  
• Read the race instructions with your map beside you.
• Discuss your strategy with your team.
• Plan your route - Work out the best way to get from check point to checkpoint.   Remember, the shortest route isn't always fastest, consider the terrain on which you will be travelling.  
• Take special note of 'Out of Bounds' areas and 'Compulsory Routes'.   These are identified for your team's safety, so ensure you follow these instructions as penalties and even disqualification may apply for non-compliance.
• Mark your route on the map.    Highlighters are ideal for this.   Different colours can be used for different disciplines i.e. trekking, mountain biking and canoeing.  
• If you have time, note any relevant instructions and checkpoint descriptions on your map so you only have to refer to one document while you're racing.
• Identifying travelling distances is a great way to ensure you stay on track with your navigation.   You may like to mark your distances on the map so you know how far you need to travel before the next turn / checkpoint / land mark.
• Cover your map in contact or put it in a waterproof plastic bag or map case.   You are sure to get wet, sweaty and muddy; you definitely don't want your map to end up the same way.   You may like to attach a string to your map to make it easier to carry throughout the race.

Race Brief                                                                                                                                                                                           back to top

• Go to the race brief ready to start the race.   This means ensuring you have all individual and team mandatory equipment with you, your maps, check card and information.
• Listen carefully to the race brief.   Some instructions may have changed and this will be your opportunity to update your information.
• Take special note of any safety points, as these have been identified to ensure you and your team mates stay safe during the race.
• Take special note of emergency procedures and ensure you have your race instructions with you.

During the Race                                                                                                                                                                                back to top

• Follow all race rules and regulations.   Non-compliance will result in penalties or disqualification.
• Run your own race.   Following another team is never a good idea as they aren't necessarily going the right way or the best way.   It is important to know where you are at all times, so refer to your map regularly and keep track of your route.
• Stay together as a team, always within 100m of each other.
• Work together as a team and always keep the lines of communication open.   Talk about where you're going to next, how you'll get there and what you need to do when you arrive.
• Drink regularly and stay well hydrated.   Don't wait until you feel thirsty, by then it's too late.
• Eat small snacks regularly throughout the race.   Don't wait until you feel hungry.
• Roads, tracks and paths are not closed during the event, and adventure racers do not have right of way.   Obey normal road rules and be courteous to other users.   After all, we're all creating our own adventure in our own way, so let's make sure we all enjoy it.
• You may receive some race instructions on the course so be prepared to think on your feet.
• All team members must wear their race numbers as the outermost item of clothing at all times.   This also applies if you are wearing PFD's (Personal Flotation Devices).
• Be extra kind to officials and volunteers.   Officials have given up their time so that we can enjoy the thrill of adventure racing and events could not run without them.   Tell them how much you appreciate their efforts!
• Have a lot of FUN!   It's what you're there for.

The Course                                                                                                                                                                                       back to top

• The course will consist of legs of mountain biking, trekking, kayaking/canoeing (in the championships only) and adventure challenges.   The order of the legs will be outlined in your course notes.
• There will be a lot of short legs between checkpoints and transitions so you're always thinking on your feet.
• As a team you decide the best route to the next checkpoint.

Check Points are unmanned. Most check points will be identified by an orange and white orienteering marker.
Each marker will have a punch attached.

• When you arrive at a checkpoint punch your control card in the box that corresponds with the check point number on the map.   Each punch has a unique print and this identifies that you have been to the correct checkpoint.   Punching the incorrect box will result in penalties.
• Be as quick as possible when punching your card as other teams may be waiting behind you.  
• Move away from the check point as quickly as possible.   After all, you don't want to be giving away the location to the rest of the field!

Transition Areas                                                                                                                                                                               back to top

• Transition Areas are manned by event officials.
• Your team must check in with officials.   Your arrival time will be recorded and your check card punched.
• To assist officials, tell them your team number and name as you approach the table, so they don't have to ask.
• Although every effort is made to avoid delays, it is possible you may have to queue at transition areas.   Take this in your stride and be patient.   Event officials are working as hard as possible to ensure you are on your way as quickly as possible.

The Challenges                                                                                                                                                                                back to top

• Throughout the Teva race there will be a series of team adventure challenges to be completed along the way.   These are a surprise on the day of the race.   At Teva it's not all about your physical ability, but how you can work together as a team, strategis and think outside the square to complete the challenges in the shortest time.
• The key to success in most challenges is teamwork and communication.   Those teams that communicate well, work together and understand their individual strengths and weaknesses always do best.
• Approach the challenges with a sense of fun.   If there is anything you do not feel comfortable doing, then you always have the option of choosing to take a time penalty and bypassing the challenge.

After the Race                                                                                                                                                                                   back to top

• Celebrate your finish with your team mates.
• Stretch those muscles.
• Change into warm, dry clothes to avoid getting cold.
• Enjoy the BBQ provided.
• Share your war stories with other adventurers.

Prize Giving                                                                                                                                                                                       back to top

• Prize giving takes place after the course has closed and the majority of teams have completed the course.  
• Winners and place getters in the categories will be announced and prizes awarded.
• This year there's lots of prizes as part of the 'TEVA FUN ONE' twist for the 'let's have fun' end of the field, so there's something for everyone.   To claim a prize you must be present at the prize giving.

The Next Day                                                                                                                                                                                     back to top

• Start planning your next adventure!