GSB2014 course overlaid on Topomap

Nathan has pointed out a nice tool which overlays the Great Southern Brevet 2014 course onto the New Zealand Topomap series.

Check it out below. You can print out the tricky sections to carry if you are one of the GPS-free riders.

GSB 2014 Course on NZ Topomap

Checking in!

Did you know a Brevet is a Diploma or Certificate (remember that from your high school French?). The certificate refers to the card carried by riders which gets stamped or signed at checkpoints along the way (pubs, hotels, etc.). It is also used to refer to the event itself, that is, a certificated ride.

The Great Southern Brevet "certificate" is digital. By sending a Txt from each checkpoint along the route we can follow your progress. No need to get your card stamped.

Twitter versus Texting?

Twitter was looked at as an option for checking in but has a few limitations when compared with texting.

With most modern smartphones there are no limits on message length (twitter is limited to 140 characters). You can be as verbose as you feel and really let us know how you are enjoying it (or not!).

Most cell phones plans have unlimited texting included so cost is minimal.

We can easily identify you from a text message but Twitter is largely anonymous We need to know who you are and it also makes it easy for your friends experiencing your ride vicariously on the end of an internet connection as well.

For those coming from overseas (not just the North Island) a SIM for your cellphone can be obtained for as little as $NZ 2 and a complete phone on Pre-Pay for $NZ 29.

 

If your phone is unlocked then a Pre-Pay SIM is a cheap alternative to expensive roaming charges. Check out these providers:

Vodafone New Zealand

Telecom New Zealand

2 Degrees
 

From checking out the course, both Vodafone and Telecom have good coverage. Telecom would have better high speed data coverage.

Course GPX

For those planning on using a GPS, or viewing and/or printing from a map package that can read GPX files, the course is available in GPX format.

This is a test version that has been filtered with the same level of details as the Google map. You can use it to practice loading into your GPS unit or map package.

The final version will have waypoints with food and accommodation information and the Cue Sheet added.

TIP: Select the little down arrow when Google displays the file to download it to your computer.

Link to GPX of GSB 2014 Course

If you have an outdoor series Garmin GPS such as the Etrex, Dakota or Oregon then plug it into a USB port on your computer and wait for your computer to recognise it as a USB drive.

Then navigate to the Garmin drive (little blue triangle should appear next to it) and select the GPX directory on the drive (your device). Copy the downloaded GPX file into here.

Your Garmin device



The GPX directory on your device

Then use the Windows "Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media" to eject the device and unplug it and power it up.

Under "Track Manager" the listing should have the leg titles for the Great Southern Brevet 2014 and you are good to go. When you want to navigate select "Where To" and "Tracks" and the first leg of the Brevet.

Garmin Edge Cycling computer

If you are using a Garmin cycling device the process is slightly different as the directory you are looking for is "NewFiles". Once you have copied the file into this directory, disconnect and power up your device. You will find the Brevet legs under "Ride" and "Courses".

The other option is to use Garmin "Mapsource" or "Basecamp" to upload the GPX to the device. You run Mapsource or Basecamp and select "Import" to import the GPX file saved on your computer after you downloaded it.

Once it is imported you can select it and then hit the icon for uploading to your device (in Mapsource)  or right click and select "Send To" and choose your device (in Basecamp).



Using Garmin Basecamp to upload GSB Course to your device

If you have a non-Garmin device the file upload method should still work but the correct directory will be determined by the manufacturer of your device. Check the device manual or online help.

Either way you should be good to go. Now you just have to make those batteries last ;-)

A word about safety!

Not everyone's favourite subject but this is important so please read (and heed).

The basis of the ride is self-sufficiency. You must be able to support yourself when it comes to food and water, navigation and possibly basic bike repairs. Some parts of the route are some distance from population centres (if you can call Tarras, population approximately 230, a population centre that is).

The terrain (mountainous and barren) and the weather (alpine at times) also factor into the challenges of the ride. Although you are riding at the height of the New Zealand summer and will experience temperatures in the high 20's and low 30's, there is always the possibility of a severe weather change (especially at altitude).  Snow is not unusual in the region at this time of year and although temporary, it can be harsh.

Snow

400 metres above sea level in January 2012

Last time round saw a freak event with temperatures dropping from the daytime of 25+ to below freezing overnight with the result the scene pictured above.

Please be sensible and if the weather changes for the worse seek good shelter and wait it out. Do not continue riding. The small delay to your ride is better than risking your life. You may think the temperature and conditions can't get worse but they can be extreme in Central Otago and particularly above 1000 metres.

River Crossings

The big one is being avoided (the Godley) but there may be other minor ones you have to cross. After rain (or snow) even the small crossings can be difficult with a bicycle.

The Manuherikia at ankle deep

If you are traveling with others then organise to shuttle bikes and people across safely. If you are by yourself then be particularly cautious. A bike wheel dragging in the water can momentarily throw you off balance. You may have to lighten the bike for the crossing and fetch your gear separately. If others are not far behind then waiting could be the option.

Other obstacles

Are too many to list.... fences, gates, stock! potholes, fallen trees, campervans! swing bridges......

Hopefully these will mostly form part of the scenery and be part of the experience (if you don't get too close).

Road rules

To re-iterate Rule 10 - Obey the road rules at all times. Even the most remote track can have farm workers or recreational 4WD vehicles on it so approach blind corners with caution. You might only see a walker on the Rock Peak Track on the Criffel Range but a 4WD is not uncommon on Thomsons Gorge Track.

Help

You are supposed to be self-sufficient but there are other riders out there which may be able to help. Your SPOT Tracker is also a safety device in that it can summons help. Please use it wisely!

If you have run out of plunger coffee at Top Hut in the Oteake Conservation Park then it is not the time to hit Help/Assist on your SPOT. However if it has all turned to custard and it is life threatening then hit SOS.

Remember SOS will bring the New Zealand Rescue Coordination Centre (and the New Zealand Police) to bear. The Help/Assist will bring friends or nearby riders to assist. You need to be able to judge the situation accordingly.

And don't forget to enjoy the ride!

Course GPX, Cue Sheet, Start Info and Location

Hello All,

I realise the information has been coming a bit late but things are approaching controlled chaos so thank you for bearing with us.

Detailed information should be available later Sunday. The course GPX (and instructions to load if you are having problems). The start time and location (looks like we are OK for 11:00 am as Twizel and Omarama are within easy reach) will be there as well.

The Cue sheet will take a day or two longer and hope to get those leg descriptions up.

I will post maps sections of the tricky parts if I can get the LINZ data loaded properly. With the exception of a few of the most remote tracks the navigation should be pretty good as you will follow well publicised trails such as the Alps 2 Ocean and Round the Mountain. The Crown Range and Knobby Range may require some care in navigating but both are good trails with just a tricky turn or two to throw you off.

The SPOT Hire info will also be up. It is a simple form as we have most of your details already but it will include details on where to deposit the hire fee.

And finally.......

The Map, almost?

People are needing to see the updates to the course to help in planning food and rest stops so have had a major session with GPX's and KML to get something up to work with.

There is a small gap from Arrowtown to Queenstown to be added (it will use the Queenstown Trails  so is off-road and pleasant riding).

The big changes are no wet feet on day one (and a much easier day) and a hill on the way to Arrowtown.

A few tweaks may be in order as haven't had time to measure it up.



Great Southern Brevet 2014 Course

 

The Little Ride that Could

"I think I can, I think I can..."

Well it has been a roller coaster week but it is much improved. Lessons have been learned and faith in the good nature of people restored. In my line of work (yes, I have a day job which is not thinking about ridiculously long bike rides in ridiculous terrain) it would be called "failing forward".

The Great Southern Brevet is not a commercial enterprise with a team of planners operating out of an office in Queenstown or Wanaka with a big budget. It is a nod to something that may have had it's time, when people just got outdoors and enjoyed the best New Zealand has to offer without liability insurance, fire levies, etc.

This is not to say it disregards safety, just it favours simplicity over complex structure. Everyone should understand their obligations to treat the land with the care and respect it deserves whether public or private.

"Care and proper planning must be used at all times, if time permits"

Another quote from my day job which reflects the trade off of getting things done versus thinking about doing something. Got the balance wrong this time so will be more work next time but for now it is all go.

The route has changed a little as it was ambitious and the complex chain of landowners untangled. The map will be back up online over the weekend and am working on the GPX for those wanting a download.

Entries have well and truly exceeded what can be handled so the Registration Form has been taken down. Another issue needing work as what was a low key informal ride is getting a bit big. Have a few emails to answer and will try and work with those who are still keen. If you have any changes in your plans then please let us know as it will allow us to accommodate others.

Thanks again for encouragement and support.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Hello All,

As part of this ride we depend on the goodwill of landowners and we do not assume it is a right to cross private land. We have approached all landowners we have identified from records we can access but have not heard or had all confirmed.

PLEASE do not assume you have the right to cross private land because a line appears on a Google map.

If you have concerns please contact us immediately as our records are not always accurate. We appreciate any information which allows us to properly contact landowners.

Relying on information and working remotely from the North Island means we may not get it right and in the first instance we must respect all landowners rights.

We request that riders do not ride any sections of private land prior to permission being granted.

To GPS or not to GPS, that is the question

The ethos of the Great Southern Brevet is self-sufficiency. This applies to navigation (as well as food, water and bikes repairs!)

Last time round we jotted down some tips on navigation (Click here) and advice on GPS use. With the improvement and availability of the technology it remains a vexing question whether to use a GPS or not.

A compass and paper map remain the most reliable method of navigation but arguably life with a GPS is easier. When they work, they work well. They make for one less stress on your ride.

They can be had for as little as $NZ100 for the basic model. These are capable of a basic map (monochrome) and the course. They can show when you veer off course and how far you have to go.

Thank goodness the scenery is in colour!

The colour models with increased memory can sport full topographic maps and are generally easier to use, but come at a price.

Power is a big consideration with a GPS. No power = no route! You can use power saving modes to extend battery life, and/or use it sparingly (would you really need a GPS to follow the Lake Hawea track?). Units with replaceable batteries allow you to carry a backup set to get you out of a bind while rechargeable units tend to require good discipline managing power consumption.

A copy of the cue sheet and a 1:250,000 map are always good backup, but if you want to up-tech, then you better get it on your Christmas list as time is running out!

Not sure going this small works?

Now where are my glasses?

Time to Walk the Talk!

OK, so you have been telling everyone around the water cooler that will listen, that you are about to embark on a major pain fest through the rugged central South Island of New Zealand in the New Year. Now comes the time to walk the talk!

Yes, time to get your details in so we can see how many riders will be enjoying the January sunshine in Lake Tekapo before setting off for an adventure.

We may have to limit numbers as it is a challenge to get enough trackers at the moment and although not expecting large numbers we do need to know as soon as possible. If you have your own SPOT then there should be no issue, just fill out the details on the form.

If you are not quite sure then drop us a line first and we can help with any information you may be missing. Details will be added to the site about the new course in earnest over the next couple of weeks in time for reading during your Christmas Break.

WARNING: Clicking on the link below may result in discovering you have parts that you never knew could hurt so much while sitting down (on a small surface attached to two wheels that is!).

Registration Form for the Great Southern Brevet 2014

Registration?

Will you have to register for the Great Southern Brevet 2014?

The short answer: Yes.

As the route passes through several private properties it is a condition of access that we know who will be travelling through the property. This is mostly for safety reasons but also piece of mind for the property owners. Please respect their right to know who and where and when someone is on their property. They are essentially allowing us to wander through their backyard.

Many of these "backyards", though spectacular, are not without hazards so it is important we know where you will be traveling and approximately when. Although the Brevet operates on a "self-sufficiency" ethos there may come a time when even the best of us need a hand. New Zealand has some strict health and safety laws and the Great Southern Brevet seeks to abide by these.

The registration form will be up on this site next week so please check back and if you are intending to be in Tekapo on the 18th of January, 2014 please complete the details on the form.

If you are not sure please still complete the form as it will save time if you decide at the last minute you need a serious dose of great scenery and great riding. Remember there is no entry fee.

What's the Great Southern Brevet 2014 going to be like?

Have had many questions along these lines over the past few weeks. Would guess mostly by those not sure what they will be getting themselves in for.

It will be great!

Yeah, I know too easy an answer. But really if you need an idea of what you are getting yourself into then first thing to do is read this site. Check out the Daily Txt-ins/Photos page to get a feel of what the riders experienced last time. Most of this is in their own words and their own photos.

Then check out the Leg Descriptions pages for an overview of the type of terrain and riding you can expect. And finally check out the Links page for helpful hints if it is your first big ride.

Over the next week or so the 2014 Course and Leg Descriptions will be posted. Although the scenery and riding will be fresh the idea is still the same: great riding, great country to ride through and great company.