Thank you for your entry into the Anaconda MTB Enduro (formally called the Bullrider). Our excitement for this event has hit top gear because of the exceptional response we have received from riders such as you who have already entered the event. We are overjoyed at your enthusiasm and are very confident that this really will be an exceptional MTB event for all involved.

The purpose of this mini newsletter is to say g'day, to welcome you to the event and to pass on a few reminders and details that might help you make the most of your participation. The first thing being that the name has changed (again!)... read on:

What's In a Name? Was: 'The Bullrider': Now 'Anaconda MTB Enduro'

Rapid Ascent are proud to welcome Anaconda as the naming rights sponsor of the event, which has triggered the change of name from The Bullrider to The Anaconda MTB Enduro.

Some history for you folks at home ... The very original Alice Springs MTB stage races - in pre Rapid Ascent times - was conducted by an active local as the 'Central Australian Bike Challenge' but ceased a couple of years ago. This local asked us if we wanted to take it over and after a recce mission and a fair bit of planning we jumped at the opportunity and "The Bullroarer" was born.

A pretty cool name we thought, but unbeknownst to us, it offended some of the local indigenous community and it was requested that we change it. So we did, which is where the name "The Bullrider emerged from. But as the event has little to do with our bovine friends this was possibly a bit misleading, so when Anaconda - Australia's largest camping and adventure superstore - jumped aboard, we agreed to "keep it simple"... And so the event that was the Central Australian Bike Challenge, then the Bullroarer, and then the Bullrider, is now the Anaconda MTB Enduro. (phew...)

What hasn't changed is anything else to do with the race you have entered. It still includes all the quality riding in the incredible location you signed up for. It still has 7 stages of riding over 5 days amongst the spectacular MacDonnell ranges and it is still going to be an terrific event - made even more so now because Anaconda are awesome and will bring their own elements to the event. So never fear - the event continues!

Book your accommodation

We strongly encourage you to book your accommodation now so you have everything sorted come race day as things in Alice Springs are starting to fill up. In fact the Heavitree Gap Outback Lodge (HTGOL), as the official event hotel, is now fully booked and cannot fit any more riders or their jockey wheels in. BUT never fear - there is a very good alternative.

The MacDonnell Range Holiday Park is located right next to the HTGOL and offers a very similar range of accommodation options for some very reasonable prices and as such is our second recommended place to stay if you have not already made a booking into the HTGOL.

Check out their website at www.macrange.com.au or give them a call on +61 (0) 8 8952 6111 (macrange@macrange.com.au) and you will see that they have hotel rooms, multi room chalets, camping, bunk house, outdoor area, pool... from as low as $20 a night per person. They can also provide breakfasts and other meals by request.

So double check with your mates and encourage others to a) enter the race and b) book their accommodation and then you're just about set for an awesome MTB holiday.

Equipment - tyre choice and set up

The riding around Alice Springs is truly exceptional with kilometer after kilometer of rolling single track and 4WD tracks set amongst the spectacular MacDonnell ranges but it can also be pretty harsh on your bike and particularly on your tyres if you are not well prepared. As such we have worked with a couple of local riders to prepare set of guidelines for how to set your bike up before you arrive so you minimize the chances of punctures and problems.

All the details are posted on the 'Equipment list' page of the event website at http://www.rapidascent.com.au/asp/Equipment.aspx?e=7 but the summary says - ride tubeless tyres with a sealant if you want to minimize trouble.

The last thing you want is to get fit and get to Alice for this race and then have it compromised only because you did not set your bike up as recommended before hand. As such, we'd strongly advise that you look at these points and follow them to the letter if you want to have a ripping race.

But wait there's more - bring the family and have a holiday as well!

There is a heck of a lot to do around Alice Springs beyond just riding bikes so why not plan to arrive a couple of days early and enjoy some of the sites, or hang around for a few days afterwards and race on down to Ayers Rock to take it all in.

There are also plenty of competitors who are bringing their husbands / wives / families with them who think its a great way to combine a biking holiday for you with a relaxing touristy holiday for them. Racing on 3 of the 5 days should be finished by about lunch time which leaves time to go and do something together.

Recommended reading would be the NT Tourism website to get a few ideas: http://en.travelnt.com/

Or the Central Australian Tourism Industry Association who are based in Alice Springs and can make all range of bookings and arrangements for you: http://www.centralaustraliantourism.com/

Dehydration

Whilst May is about the coolest time of year in Alice Springs making it ideal for riding, it is still likely to reach the mid / high 20's each day. Combined with long distances and exercise and this heat can easily lead to dehydration if you're not drinking enough of the right stuff. So we'd remind you to plan your hydration before hand and ideally test what sports drink product you are going to use during the event.

Our recommendation would be hydration sponsors VEROFIT who have two products that are ideally suited to a race like this. Their Isotonic drink is designed to rehydrate you efficiently during exercise and their Regeneration drink to aid in muscle recovery after exercises - which is important if you're racing for 5 days.

You can buy their products online at www.verofit.com.au and they will have a full range up at the event centre that you can try and buy during the event. Check them out online.

Get your friends to enter now !

There's nothing better than sharing experiences like these with your friends, so giddy up, and convince them that now is the time to enter the Anaconda MTB Enduro. There are only 75 places left before the field limit is reached, so send them them in the direction of www.rapidascent.com.au/AnacondaMTBEnduro/Entry.aspx?e=7