Drinks / Phone Reception / Maps

[Benjamin]

Hi Alina,
Thanks for all the maps and answers. There seems to be a lot of excitement about the race.

I've got a question about the aid station drinks. Will there be bottles of sports drink or water that we can grab and put in our packs? Or will the drinks be in plastic cups (like usual races)? How will we fill our camelbaks?

Also, at CP3, is there reliable phone reception so that we can inform our crew of our expected time at CP4?

Are the maps provided going to be colour?

Thanks,
Ben

[Benjamin]

What will the First Aid at the checkpoints consist of? Will there be sunscreen, vasoline, painkillers etc?

Thanks.

[Dale]

I have been out on the final sections of the previous course this week end and I am sorry to hear that there have again been changes to the map. Does anyone at the organising end understand how to communicate with the entrants through an automatically generated emailing list so that we are notified of changes as they occur instead of having to check in as though we are constantly connected to the website. Are we going to get legible maps rather than the blury ones appearing on the website? Are we going to receive clear instructions for each section as per Oxfam so that when the map fails us we are able to read the clear instructions? When will these arrive? The Blue Mountains is a long drive away so we need finalised details VERY soon so that our on course training is accurate. Tired, dark and cold does not sit well with not being sure of where you are and how far there is to go. As this event preparation(?) goes on I am becoming more alarmed at the paucity of information and the amaturish way it appears to be being conducted.

[Alina]

Drinks - there will be tubs of water and Endura drink.  You will be able to fill your bladder from these.  There will also be cups if you just want to grab something on the run.

Phone Reception - Telstra 3G works at CP3.  both Optus and Telstra work on Ironpot Ridge which is the next section after you leave CP3

First Aid - First aid at the checkpoints is for emergencies and for those people that need to pull out of the event due to injury or fatigue.  You need to be self sufficient with sunscreen, vasoline/chaffing cream, blister care, painkillers etc. 

Maps - the maps provided will be good quality black and white copies.  The maps on the web show the route clearly but may print out a bit fuzzy.  If you want colour maps for the event or for training you can purchase the topo maps and mark the route on them yourself.

Hope all that helps
alina

[Benjamin]

Thanks for the answers. They help a lot in planning what to carry.

Can I just confirm that I mean CP3 at Old Ford Reserve and Leg 4 is next (6 Foot Track). How's the phone reception there, rather than on Iron Pot Ridge.

Thanks a lot,
Ben

[Andrew]

Vodafone has no reception at Old Ford Reserve.

[Alina]

Telstra and Optus both have reception at Old Ford Reserve and on most parts of the six foot track.