1. GENERAL RACE INSTRUCTIONS

Welcome to the inaugural Golovane X-plore MTB race and introduction Holla Trails. The route is a true mountain biker’s course, it is tough but we are confident you will enjoy it. It is not a “fancy’ race and is being put on for the love of the sport.

• A GPS unit is not required as the course is marked with lime, however GPS units can be used
• Basic refreshment points (water only) will be provided (incl. a local store so pack some cash).
• Temperatures can reach in excess of 40 degrees so please come prepared ie: hydration packs, sunscreen, etc
• Please be aware and look out for snakes and read the emergency instructions supplied below
• A medical service and sweep vehicle will be supplied – “cut off’s” will be enforced
• Part of your entry fee includes a wholesome lunch which you can enjoy after a hot shower and refreshments will be on sale

Equipment check list:

• Mobile phone programmed with In Case of Emergency Number (ICE), riding partners number and race emergency phone number (071 563 4455)
• Money for shop and drinks afterwards
• Helmet, gloves & sun glasses
• Hydration to last 30km’s – hydration pack or bottles, spare sports drink powder
• Sunscreen & lip ice
• Tools, puncture repair kits/tubes, pump and/or bombs
• Energy bars, GU’s and food – the average rider should take around 6hrs30min to finish the course
• Change of clothes, soap & towel

Registration & start:

• 85km race starts at 6:30am
• 50km race starts at 7:00am
• Registration - from 5:30am
• Registration closes at 6:45am
• Coffee and bacon & egg rolls will be on sale

Route:

• The route is 83 km and has over 2 000 meters of climbing
• The first half is the most difficult with the most of the climbing – reserve some energy to enjoy the second half – when tired look at the view and surroundings
• If it gets hot, use the numerous stream and river crossings to cool your body down.
• There are no marshals on the route so treat every road crossing with respect and be aware of traffic on the roads.
• Look out for the lime markings. If you lose the route, go back to the last lime marking you saw
• GPS info: Those with GPS units can download the route files directly from HERE. Note on GPS: at appox. 56 km, a short loop (+/- 850 m) in Howards Bush is on the GPS trail but will be blocked off on the day. The route reconnects 25 metres further on.
• Highlights:
  • The view before from the top of the escarpment – approx 30km
  • The Quad trail, natural vegetation and stream crossings after the Trading Store – approx 38km
  • The nasty climb up to the Mast – at approx 60km
  • Howard’s Bush…..
  • The sweeping trail back to Holla Trail Centre
    
• Refreshment points:
  • “The Dam” - water will be supplied (26km)
    
  • “Trading Store” – Coke, Bar Ones & bottled water for sale (37km)
  • “The Mast” – water and bananas will be supplied (55km)
• Cut offs:
  
  • 11:00am (30km mark) – riders will be sent on an alternate route to join the main route
    
  • 12:30pm (50km mark) - riders will be sent on an alternate route to join the main route
    

2. INITIAL PRE-HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT OF SNAKE BITE

1. Before leaving, check that the emergency telephone number is stored in your phone
   
2. In the case of a snake bite, immobilise the patient and keep them calm and call the emergency number immediately, do not delay. If alone, keep calm and do not continue cycling, sit down alert a fellow rider and ask them to phone the emergency number and ask them not to leave you until help arrives. The person phoning may have to ride to a higher point for cell phone signal. If you have a GPS unit get a GPS co-ordinate of the snake bite victim to aid with recovery
   
3. Lie down, keep calm and keep hydrated
4. Do not suck the bite site - Do not apply a tourniquet
   
5. Comforting and reassuring the patient is a very important part of the first aid treatment.
   
6. Try to get a good description of the snake
   
7. Paramedics will have the necessary equipment to treat snake bites and will transfer the patient to Alberlito Hospital in Ballito

• Notes:
  • In most cases, victims have a couple of hours before serious life-threatening symptoms manifest themselves.
    
  • ONLY in suspected neurotoxic bites (mamba, Cape cobra), it is recommended that you apply a wide crepe bandage (or other material) firmly above the bite site (as tightly as for a sprained ankle) to slow the spread of venom to vital organs like the heart and lungs.
    
  • The life threatening neurotoxic effects of Mamba and Cape Cobra bites (such as difficulty in breathing) develop within 30 min to 4 hours. If you are more than 2 hrs away from medical assistance, respiratory support (e.g. mouth-to-mouth resuscitation) may be necessary.
    
  • The life threatening effects of a cytotoxic snake bite (e.g. puff adder) develop late (6-24 hours).
    
  • Wait for medical assistance to arrive

  Supplied by TYGERBERG POISON INFORMATION CENTRE
  (Tel: 021 9316129)
  

3. EXPECTED WEATHER

The conditions for Sunday look great – overcast in the morning, light breeze, no rain and no excessive hot temperatures. However please come prepared just in case it does get very hot – see www.windguru.com

3. HOLLA TRAILS INTRODUCTION