Safety Information

For your safety

The Mt Peel Mountain Bike Marathon and the Blue Mountain Gorges Challenge are both challenging races that demand fitness and skill.  There are a number of risks ranging from exhaustion to accident.   We have in place a plan to reduce risks through signage, marshals and backup safety crew.  Before starting, all participants must read all information in the entry form and event website. You must be present and pay attention to the pre-race briefing.

The course is marked with arrows and spray paint for direction.  Please navigate the course with diligence and care..

Downhill or technically challenging areas will be marked with downward arrows and/or “caution” signs.

Walking is optional and may be required, however the whole of the course is rideable.

On course there are marshals at key locations. These marshals are in radio contact with race Head Quarters. There are two combined drink/first aid stations.  One is located at the summit of Coal Hill, the other is located at Lochaber Road.

If you suffer minor injuries that you cannot treat yourself, make your way to the next marshal point for treatment or seek assistance from other riders.

You must assist anyone who has suffered serious injury. Competitors forced to stop and administer aid will have their finish time adjusted applicably.   Do not move anyone with suspected neck or back injuries.

In the event of a rider being unable to move, one competitor must stay with the injured rider while another competitor moves with the race to the next marshal or emergency aid station.

Entrants withdrawing - either before or during the race - must notify a race official or marshal.

Competitors must carry sufficient fluid and food for a 3 - 6 hour ride.

All entrants must carry a full set of thermals and wet weather gear.

All competitors must carry a personal repair kit.

All riders must ensure their bikes & standards approved helmet are in safe and serviceable condition.

Bring your phone and camera, but don't wear your iPod during the race.

Several sections of the race are on public tracks and shingle and sealed roads.  All tracks and roads are open to traffic and normal road rules apply.  Competitors must obey road rules and keep left & give way to any traffic.

Compulsory Gear List

Compulsory Gear that must be carried by all riders (NB random gear checks will be made before the start of the race): 
  • All bikers must wear an safety standards approved helmet throughout the entire race.
  • All bikers and must carry (or wear) a thermal top, wind jacket and/or wet weather outfit.
  • At least 1.5 litres of fluid/hydration (there is a water/aid point at Coal Hill and at Lochaber Road).
  • Energy food/nutrition for the whole race.
  • Bike repair kit - at least one spare tube (we recommend 2 or more spares), a puncture repair kit, tyre levers, pump, chain repair tools, chain lube and multi-tool.
  • Personal first aid kit.

Term and Conditions of Entry

  1. I/We accept the conditions of entry, while recognising and agreeing that mountain biking is an inherently risky and physically challenging undertaking.
  2. I/We attest to having read all information supplied in the entry form, website or event programme, and enter this event knowing full well the risks and demands involved.
  3. I/We take personal responsibility for my/our fitness, experience and actions during this event and in my/our judgement I/we have sufficient competence and experience to participate safely.
  4. I/We consent to receiving medical treatment that the event organisers consider desirable during or after the event.
  5. I/We release the event managers and all persons or corporations associated directly or indirectly with the event from all claims, demands and proceedings arising out of my/our participation and I/we indemnify them against all liability, financial or otherwise which might arise whether or not by negligence or the negligence of others for injury, loss or damage arising out of or connected with my/our participation in this event. This release shall extend to and include the organisers, other competitors, volunteers and medical personnel, the owners, licensees, and occupiers of land upon which the event or any part of it is conducted, any statutory body or local authority having control over any land upon which the event or any part of it is conducted or which is involved directly or indirectly with the event in any manner whatsoever including promoters, sponsors and event organisers. This release and indemnity continues forever and binds my heirs, executors, personal representative and assigns.
  6. I/We understand that withdrawals prior to the closing date will be refunded, provided a request for a refund is notified in writing to the organiser before the closing date/time minus an administration fee.  No entry fees will be refunded after this date/time.
  7. I/We understand that in the event of fire, earthquake, flooding, earth slippage, tree falls and/or any “Acts of God” that make the event and/or course unsafe or inaccessible, or if other circumstances warrant, the advertised course or event may be altered, postponed or cancelled without refund
  8. I/We authorise my/our name and details, voice, image or likeness to be used without payment in any capacity relating to the event.
  9. I/We agree to abide by all event rules and directions issued by the event organisers and agree the decision of the race director affecting all matters is final.
  10.  I/We have read and agree to all the safety information, rules and conditions of entry.