Epic FAQ Board - Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question from the list below and the answer will appear on the right-hand side.
- What bike would be best? Hard-tail or softy?
- What will the weather be like?
- I want to find a sponsor to cover my entry fee. What am I allowed to do in terms of signage?
- Do I have to take out insurance for personal belongings and health or is the insurance included in the entry fee?
- What is the prize money?
- Where can I get photos?
- Where are the bike shops for emergency repairs?
- Are there any different conditions for international riders?
- I want to be a part of it, but am not quite up to riding this year... can I volunteer?
- I am a volunteer. What will be provided to me?
- How much can we bring?
- Accommodation the night before?
- Can friends and family follow the race?
- Can friends and family camp at the next destination the night before I arrive?
- Can my boyfriend attend the dinner/prize giving in Tekapo?
- What about special dietary requirements?
- What about snacks after racing?
- What food will we get while racing?
- Will we be able to get more supplies during the race?
- I don't want to be in a tent, can I hire a campervan if I organise for someone to drive it for me?
- Can I bring my dog?
- Can I do it with my son/daughter aged 16 or younger?
- Is there a maximum age limit?
- I don't have a team mate, but really want to do it... can you help?
- Will there be transport from Tekapo back to my car at Mt Somers?
- Is it only two person teams?
- Can I leave my car in Mt Somers while I ride?
- What about transport from Tekapo back to Mt Somers?
- Who will help me if my bike breaks?
Please contact us with any further questions or post them in our race forum.
Answer
What bike would be best? Hard-tail or softy?
The stages are quite varied, from long and rough to short and fast. Some of the descents will be bone shaking and rutted so a full suspension bike would be handy, and after 5 hours in the saddle some rear suspension might be nice for your back. However there are also some bike carry sections where a lighter bike might be a bonus. Whatever you are most comfortable on will probably work nicely.
