2008 Open12 - FAQ
This is the FAQ page for the 2008 Open12 event which has been and gone. Please go to the Open12 page for the FAQ on the latest event here.
The following is an adaptation of the questions posed prior to previous events. As and when questions are asked we have added these to the list.
We will be deliberately coy in answering any questions in regards to specific details of the event as it wouldn't’t take too much for those in the know to work out the location
Event Format
- Is it possible to compete as a team of 4? No – the event has been set up for pairs
- Where is it? Not telling you, it will be in the final details released on the 14th June.
- Is water available (other than our own) at transition points There will be either tap water or water available in jerry cans at each transition.
- Just wondered what format the Anquet Control locations will be in? They will be in the ADF format for the V6 software a sample file can be downloaded from this site - see event details.
- Can you open Anquet Files in Memory Map? Really don’t know as we don’t have Memory Map.
- One of us is injured can we get a refund? This question and ones similar have come from friends which makes it all the more difficult, but in summary no we are not offering refunds in the month preceding the event – A large portion of the Open12 costs are for hiring of equipment and staff, we have committed to these expenses on the expectation that everyone will come.
- Emergency food. What are we allowed to carry? Can this be high sugar foods such as honey, jellies etc? Again common sense, 4 jelly babies does not constitute as emergency food, most teams will carry a spare energy bar.
- Are substitutions of team members possible due to illness / injury? Yep right up to registration, it’s in our interest to get people racing.
- Will we have to get everything we need for the whole event either in the 15kg pack or our backpacks including any equipment for the special stages - yes
- I use shorts and cycling leg warmers for running and riding if it gets cold. Therefore, do my cycling leg warmers class as spare 'leggings' or do I need to carry shorts as well? We will still stick to having those items on the mandatory kit, discretion might play at the briefing on the Open12 / 24 but for the moment plan to have them in the box / bag. A full change of clothes is pretty essential if the weather turns very nasty or if you find yourself getting very WET!
- Will there be any food provided during the event or do we need to bring our own? no food will be provided during the event.
- Can we use a kit box at open12 instead of kit bag? Nope
- The web site talks about 'Transition' points where we can access our kit bags and where water's available, but how frequently are these? Without knowing that how can I plan how much food/water to carry in my rucksac? On this years Open12 there are 3 transitions, as to the time between them, that depends on the routes you take. You will know where these are and the open / close times this Wednesday [added 23/6]
- Will each stage fit onto one side of an A4 sheet when printed or should we print on A3? We had to do a proposal for this event which went off to allsorts of people and that had CP's on A4 maps. I think its possible but it might not be as convienent. One run stage will definately stretch over two A4 pages if you intend to bag them all (NB Anquet does not print to A3) [added 23/6]
- For the special stage headtorch, will a Petzl Zipka or similar provide sufficient light or is something a little brighter recommended? petzl tikka, poss OK for special stage but you might have wished for something a little more powerful if you go for a walk at night. [added 23/6]
- Can I just check, for the Open12 (and 24) is it the case that we either have to buy maps and mark/laminate them ourselves or buy the Anquet ones? (i.e. maps aren't supplied as they are in the Open5s?) Yep that is correct [added 23/6]
- I was just wondering about the gardening gloves for open 12? I have been to the garden shop several times now but still have no idea which ones to buy. I like the pretty spotty ones not that they will stay that way. Do we need leather ones or waterproof ones? Buy the spotty ones, it will bring a smile on everyones face. Don't have to be leather or waterproof. [added 23/6]
- Do we need to hire paddles? No paddling on this years Open12 so no unless you think they will help your running. [added 23/6]
- I notice that it says no GPS on the open 12. is that NO GPS, or can I take a GPS tracker along with me- ie. the garmin forerunner 305 for post race analysis? - you can take a tracker however if you use it to navigate we will chop your arms off. [added 23/6] sorry its getting late
- Just downloading the maps. Unless making a monumental screw up, there doesn’t seem to be one for the Start and Stage 1? read the control descriptions file. [added 23/6]
- You mention getting some hot food between the prologue and the start. Will this definitely be possible given the time of night it may be and whether any places will then be open? If in doubt take some food on the prologue - however I'm pretty sure you will find something [added 23/6]
- How long will the prologue last? Umm tricky one to answer 2-3 hours maybe more. [added 23/6]
- Since the bikes are being transported and not our kit bags to the end of the prologue, can we send helmets and bike shoes with the bike and/or any other kit to the end of the prologue? If you bring them to the start of the prologue with your normal race kit we will make sure they arrive with your bike. [added 26/6]
- At the end of the prologue or at the "start" is it possible to get rid off running shoes we don't need on the bike? Nope you have to take them with you to Trans 1-2 [added 26/6]
- Is it correct that we are categorically not allowed to return to our car after the prologue? That might prove particuarly difficult. Trust me even if you were allowed I don't think you could do it.
[added 26/6] - Is it safe to assume we won't be getting wet during the prologue? Yes unless it rains [added 26/6]
Mountain Biking
- How tough is the mountain biking course? Eg: Stairs, rates of climb and descent and condition of terrain (Woodland or cycle paths). In terms of terrain, it will be a mixture of tracks, minor roads and bridleways, as a general rule we do try and avoid sections that require carrying your bike
- Do we need buy expensive MTB lights? Umm, more than previous years will the MTBing be in the dark. To cope with three to four hours of riding at night plus a regular LED front light would be recommended.
- Does the MTB clothing for use at night have to be fully waterproof, or can we use regular cycle over-top such as water resistant, breathable commuter top for example? Common sense prevails here, just pop a posting on sleepmonsters and I’m sure a plethora of story’s will rattle out about wrong clothing at the 2005 Wilderness ARC (a large number of teams dropped out) – we would have a problem if you set off with an Alton Towers plastic mac even if it was a clear night.
- Cycle lights - any minimum requirements for brightness? Nope
- On last years Open12 some of the special stages were during the mountain bike stage and we could not wear cycling shoes with cleats in for the stages. Will this be the same this year? umm very tricky to answer - yes kind of, see control descriptions released on Wednesday [added 23/6]
- I assume from the event details that bikes will be transported between transitions. I've currently got a new and expensive bike on order which I'll be hoping to use but just want to clarify how they'll be transported? they do go in the back of a van, although in 3 years we have never had any problems or come backs from racers. The guys moving bikes are all MTBers so appriciate the value and the pride held in a quality stead. That said the caveat is we can't guarentee that it won't get scratched. [added 23/6]
- My mountain bike has died and wondered whether I can use my cross bike (partner has a full suss)? I don't have any problem with that - be an interesting day out. [added 26/6]
On foot
- The main question (and concern) is the amount of running. Can it all be walked or is it necessary to run during this section or at any other time and, if so, over what distance? You don’t have to run anywhere, the estimated distances are now on the website.
- I guess that during the evening / night section competitors use a head torch or similar? A good quality powerful head torch would be the way to go.
- The waterproof jacket/trousers - do these have to have taped seams (as per KIMM) or is untaped Pertex kit allowed? For one particular stage you will be expected to carry a suitable waterproof which has taped seems and has a hood. For the MTB sections you can use a pertex top without taped seems and it does not have to have a hood.
- Are trekking poles allowed? Yes
- Torch. Does a head torch count or do we have to carry separate torch too? Yes Head torch counts, although you will need to carry spare batteries or a spare torch as well
- We are intrigued about the mention of trekking. Is there a trek stage, and if so how does it differ from a run stage? It doesn't it, we are just trying to reassure people that you really do not have to run
- I have a goretex running jacket, but it does not have hood. do i have to find another jacket? As with other Open Adventure events discretion will play a part on the day. If the weather is clear then no problem. As a backup we suggest you put a mountain jacket in the car.
- Just wanted to clarify the Kinder rule - does that mean that
we can use just marked paths for the WHOLE of stage 4 or just on the top of Kinder itself? Sorry I've not been clear - the restriction is on the TOP of Kinder. [added 23/6]
Any top tips?
For the trekking section we will be making use of some remote areas and in some circumstances using control locations that are beyond the regular path junctions - familiarising yourself with contours on a map and how they would look on the ground would be a real benefit.