Discussion: 2021 GODZone
in: Adventure Racing; General
Jan 8, 2021 9:13 PM
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could you please add a year to this forum topic title (if possible?) so we know which race it's about?
Jan 9, 2021 2:53 AM
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Oh man, I have no idea how to do that. Do you want to re-start the thread? Or I can. Or you can guide me through editing this thread's topic title. My feelings will not be hurt in any way by us abandoning this thread :)
Jan 10, 2021 10:32 AM
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GD44:
Any international teams not able to go (even though entered) as a result of the pandemic?
Jan 10, 2021 8:06 PM
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I know of at least one U.S. team (captained by David Alazraki) that had to abandon their plans. Not sure if Kevin Poirier is on here but I think his is another.
Jan 11, 2021 1:40 PM
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GD44:
Team Endurancelife had to abandon too (Phil Scarf, Jackie Scarf, Kris Smith, Ian Grace). Likely to lose money too. :-(
Feb 20, 2021 1:23 AM
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Warren Bates picks the favorites for Chapter 9. Looking forward to the "ding-dong battle"!
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU2102/S00158/godz...
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU2102/S00158/godz...
Feb 23, 2021 4:50 AM
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late to Convo...Silent chasers out. registration spot will be credited to 2022. :-/
Feb 23, 2021 4:53 AM
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any cases of Mtn Dew bet on who is on the podium?
first 2 spots are slam dunk imo, then it starts to get interesting for the third!?
sneaky weasel gang or Highland Events? team iSport
first 2 spots are slam dunk imo, then it starts to get interesting for the third!?
sneaky weasel gang or Highland Events? team iSport
Feb 23, 2021 11:07 PM
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I'll go two cases o' the 'Dew for one of the youngster teams on the podium...so I'll pick the Weasels.
Feb 27, 2021 11:03 PM
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Ugh. The event may be in trouble: Aukland just went on higher level alert/lockdown due to Covid. Here's the message from Warren Bates:
Kia ora everyone. Well…this is the news none of us wanted to hear.
Following the announcement from the New Zealand Government, we have been directly in touch with all team captains to let them know that:
• Auckland will be in Alert Level 3 for seven days until 6am Sunday 7th March
• The rest of NZ will be in Alert Level 2 for seven days until 6am Sunday 7th March
We are currently assessing the situation and in discussions with GODZone’s event partners, stakeholders, landowners and other related parties. Lockdown is clearly going to have a significant knock-on effect for teams, support crews, event staff, volunteers, equipment and infrastructure movements. We know how stressful this will be for everyone. Please bear with us while we assess the situation, we are currently reviewing our options and will advise you soon with further information about the status of the event.
Kia ora everyone. Well…this is the news none of us wanted to hear.
Following the announcement from the New Zealand Government, we have been directly in touch with all team captains to let them know that:
• Auckland will be in Alert Level 3 for seven days until 6am Sunday 7th March
• The rest of NZ will be in Alert Level 2 for seven days until 6am Sunday 7th March
We are currently assessing the situation and in discussions with GODZone’s event partners, stakeholders, landowners and other related parties. Lockdown is clearly going to have a significant knock-on effect for teams, support crews, event staff, volunteers, equipment and infrastructure movements. We know how stressful this will be for everyone. Please bear with us while we assess the situation, we are currently reviewing our options and will advise you soon with further information about the status of the event.
Feb 28, 2021 8:30 AM
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More Covid response details today from the RD:
This is a status update for GODZone Chapter 9.
Our organising team are aware of the need to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and are committed to the New Zealand Event Sector Voluntary Code. We are following and adhering to all Government, Ministry and Health Guidance, and will continue to do so over the period of the event. We are extremely grateful to all those throughout New Zealand doing their bit to keep everybody safe.
We have been in discussions with key stakeholders and officials regarding the safe operation of the event under a level 2 scenario. It is a collective belief we have the appropriate protocols in place to permit a safe operating environment under the existing alert level in Rotorua and the surrounding area. Level 3 for Auckland complicates the picture somewhat and may have a significant impact on some competitors, crew, volunteers and staff’s ability to attend the race. More on this later.
Over the last 24 hours we have been connecting with all teams, volunteers, key staff, suppliers and event partners to establish what impact alert level changes have across all aspects of the event. It is too early to definitively say the race will go ahead. However, feedback from key strategic partners is positive and we are all working hard, behind the scenes, to make it happen. To counterbalance this positive outlook, we are mindful that the operating environment is constantly evolving and further changes are possible.
We would like to stress the important points below and ask all competitors and support crews to strictly adhere to any directives:
1) Mass gatherings during the event will not be permitted. Contingency plans have been enacted to ensure that all participants, crew and staff are suitably distanced at all times. This will mean significant changes to welcome, safety briefing and registration. Your safety is paramount and it is imperative that safety briefings are completed thoroughly and specific information will be released later in the week. This will outline how this revised process will be rolled out. Please note that prize giving ceremony and gatherings at the end of the event will be severely limited and may be curtailed all together.
2) As outlined above, communications have been ongoing with landowners, iwi and other major stakeholders on the course in regards to access. Whilst we have planned the route with a Level 2 lockdown in mind, we are aware that some entities may restrict access with Auckland at Level 3. If key permissions are rescinded, the GODZone course may be compromised; or, in an extreme scenario, could be entirely impractical or impossible to run the race at all. We will continue to work hard on the access side of things as a high priority.
3) There will be significant restrictions on support crew numbers and spectators at all points on the course where the teams come into contact with them. Please accept this as part of keeping everyone safe. Specific information will be released later in the week.
4) We are awaiting advice from Covid Authorities on Auckland based competitors and support crew. At this time we are unsure whether they will be permitted access to the event. The Government guidelines are not completely clear about when time cut offs strictly apply for departing Auckland. Once we have updated guidance (hopefully tomorrow morning), Keren will be in touch directly with all teams that have Auckland based team members. Any decisions in this regard are outside of our control and will be rigorously adhered to, whatever the outcome.
If the alert level rises to 3 for Rotorua or any of the surrounding areas over the coming days, Chapter 9 will not go ahead. Furthermore, should the alert level be raised during the event, we will be obligated to shut the course and ensure that all teams and support crews depart in a safe and orderly manner.
A polite reminder to all:
At Alert Level 2, you should follow public health measures and consider others around you.
If you, or someone you are in close contact with, have symptoms of cold or flu, are unwell or who are waiting on test results for COVID-19 please do not attend the event.
If you have cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms, call your doctor or Healthline and get advice about being tested.
If you have been told to self-isolate you legally must do so immediately.
It’s important that you use basic hygiene measures, including washing your hands, coughing or sneezing into your elbow and cleaning surfaces.
Keep track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen. This helps with rapid contact tracing if it’s required.
We appreciate that this is an incredibly difficult time for everyone involved with the event. Rest assured we continue to do everything we can to ensure Chapter 9 takes place, safely. As frustrating as it all may be, we urge that you, your team and your support crew all continue doing their bit for New Zealand.
Further developments will be released in due course.
This is a status update for GODZone Chapter 9.
Our organising team are aware of the need to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and are committed to the New Zealand Event Sector Voluntary Code. We are following and adhering to all Government, Ministry and Health Guidance, and will continue to do so over the period of the event. We are extremely grateful to all those throughout New Zealand doing their bit to keep everybody safe.
We have been in discussions with key stakeholders and officials regarding the safe operation of the event under a level 2 scenario. It is a collective belief we have the appropriate protocols in place to permit a safe operating environment under the existing alert level in Rotorua and the surrounding area. Level 3 for Auckland complicates the picture somewhat and may have a significant impact on some competitors, crew, volunteers and staff’s ability to attend the race. More on this later.
Over the last 24 hours we have been connecting with all teams, volunteers, key staff, suppliers and event partners to establish what impact alert level changes have across all aspects of the event. It is too early to definitively say the race will go ahead. However, feedback from key strategic partners is positive and we are all working hard, behind the scenes, to make it happen. To counterbalance this positive outlook, we are mindful that the operating environment is constantly evolving and further changes are possible.
We would like to stress the important points below and ask all competitors and support crews to strictly adhere to any directives:
1) Mass gatherings during the event will not be permitted. Contingency plans have been enacted to ensure that all participants, crew and staff are suitably distanced at all times. This will mean significant changes to welcome, safety briefing and registration. Your safety is paramount and it is imperative that safety briefings are completed thoroughly and specific information will be released later in the week. This will outline how this revised process will be rolled out. Please note that prize giving ceremony and gatherings at the end of the event will be severely limited and may be curtailed all together.
2) As outlined above, communications have been ongoing with landowners, iwi and other major stakeholders on the course in regards to access. Whilst we have planned the route with a Level 2 lockdown in mind, we are aware that some entities may restrict access with Auckland at Level 3. If key permissions are rescinded, the GODZone course may be compromised; or, in an extreme scenario, could be entirely impractical or impossible to run the race at all. We will continue to work hard on the access side of things as a high priority.
3) There will be significant restrictions on support crew numbers and spectators at all points on the course where the teams come into contact with them. Please accept this as part of keeping everyone safe. Specific information will be released later in the week.
4) We are awaiting advice from Covid Authorities on Auckland based competitors and support crew. At this time we are unsure whether they will be permitted access to the event. The Government guidelines are not completely clear about when time cut offs strictly apply for departing Auckland. Once we have updated guidance (hopefully tomorrow morning), Keren will be in touch directly with all teams that have Auckland based team members. Any decisions in this regard are outside of our control and will be rigorously adhered to, whatever the outcome.
If the alert level rises to 3 for Rotorua or any of the surrounding areas over the coming days, Chapter 9 will not go ahead. Furthermore, should the alert level be raised during the event, we will be obligated to shut the course and ensure that all teams and support crews depart in a safe and orderly manner.
A polite reminder to all:
At Alert Level 2, you should follow public health measures and consider others around you.
If you, or someone you are in close contact with, have symptoms of cold or flu, are unwell or who are waiting on test results for COVID-19 please do not attend the event.
If you have cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms, call your doctor or Healthline and get advice about being tested.
If you have been told to self-isolate you legally must do so immediately.
It’s important that you use basic hygiene measures, including washing your hands, coughing or sneezing into your elbow and cleaning surfaces.
Keep track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen. This helps with rapid contact tracing if it’s required.
We appreciate that this is an incredibly difficult time for everyone involved with the event. Rest assured we continue to do everything we can to ensure Chapter 9 takes place, safely. As frustrating as it all may be, we urge that you, your team and your support crew all continue doing their bit for New Zealand.
Further developments will be released in due course.
Mar 1, 2021 4:06 PM
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It's still on! But, it's extra challenging...today's update:
An updated Status Report for GODZone Chapter 9 (March 1st).
Our organising team are aware of the need to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and are committed to the New Zealand Event Sector Voluntary Code. We are following and adhering to all Government, Ministry and Health Guidance, and will continue to do so over the period of the event. We are extremely grateful to all those throughout New Zealand doing their bit to keep everybody safe.
This morning we talked with the Government's Advisory Agency on the position of Auckland based competitors and support crews. They were unclear on the position and went away to discuss the situation internally. We received a call a couple of hours later and were informed that any resident of Auckland, who is already out of Auckland, is permitted to attend GODZone. This decision is on the basis that the individual has met and continues to meet all existing Government Alert Level Guidelines for areas outside Auckland. To be clear, any individual who is NOT currently outside of Auckland is not permitted to attend the event by this same Government agency. Exemptions to leave Auckland on the basis of attending GODZone should not be requested and will not be granted.
We recycled this clear directive to event stakeholders, council, the local district health board and iwi representatives. It was a collective decision that the parameters above did not go far enough to mitigate concerns around the spread of Covid-19 outside of Auckland. Therefore, an additional layer of checks has been put in place to give these major partners of GODZone (and ourselves) comfort that we are all doing everything in our collective power to reduce transmission risks. This afternoon all team captains were informed that every competitor and support crew who is normally resident of Auckland will have to provide evidence of a negative Covid-19 test as a pre-requisite of GODZone attendance.
In follow up, all competitors who had registered with the event as Auckland residents were emailed a waiver document that required a simple list of questions to be answered and signed. These questions relate specifically to adherence to Covid-19 Alert Level Guidelines. This document was then sent on to team captains for their attention, to ensure that any support crew members from Auckland undergo the same level of scrutiny.
This is clearly a difficult situation for a few teams. Will it create some serious headaches? Absolutely. However, the alternative is a blanket ban on all Auckland-based individuals, regardless of movements and timeframes. We hope you will understand the decision making process and comprehend how seriously everyone is taking it.
A document has been circulated in the past half hour to team captains which, outlines the key protocols for event delivery under the current Alert Level. Please digest this information and make sure you are fully aware of the need to follow any rules laid out. Please note that this is a working document and may be subject to change as the Covid-19 situation evolves.
All participants of GODZone should understand that it is not just the teams and support crews that are meeting various obstacles in the lead up to the event. We, the organisers, are sad to say that we have lost key event staff, volunteers, medics, media and other personnel due to the Auckland Lockdown. We are not looking to bend any rules to get these people to the event and have asked all of those faced with this predicament to act responsibly and to do the right thing - stay away until the Alert Levels say otherwise. Should the situation deteriorate and we continue to lose more key personnel, the delivery of the event may become untenable.
That said (and without wishing to sign off with a note of too much optimism) we remain confident that we can deliver a truly epic Chapter of GODZone. Local iwi, Rotorua Lakes Council, our main sponsors and others have risen magnificently to the occasion and are working really hard to make things happen. Fingers crossed for the coming days but we are still planning for the race to start on Friday.
One additional quick note: Please discourage spectators. Teams are still welcome to bring and substitute between a 6 person support crew. However, in all specific transition areas, numbers will be restricted to two (and in some cases it may only be one person). Members of the support crew who are not on direct transition duties must not visit the transition site and should stay away. This is to ensure that we do not breach any mass gathering guidelines, particularly at some of the earlier transition sites. Should the Alert Levels move downward, these support crew rules may be relaxed.
We truly hope to see you on Thursday for what really has been a Chapter Like No Other.
An updated Status Report for GODZone Chapter 9 (March 1st).
Our organising team are aware of the need to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and are committed to the New Zealand Event Sector Voluntary Code. We are following and adhering to all Government, Ministry and Health Guidance, and will continue to do so over the period of the event. We are extremely grateful to all those throughout New Zealand doing their bit to keep everybody safe.
This morning we talked with the Government's Advisory Agency on the position of Auckland based competitors and support crews. They were unclear on the position and went away to discuss the situation internally. We received a call a couple of hours later and were informed that any resident of Auckland, who is already out of Auckland, is permitted to attend GODZone. This decision is on the basis that the individual has met and continues to meet all existing Government Alert Level Guidelines for areas outside Auckland. To be clear, any individual who is NOT currently outside of Auckland is not permitted to attend the event by this same Government agency. Exemptions to leave Auckland on the basis of attending GODZone should not be requested and will not be granted.
We recycled this clear directive to event stakeholders, council, the local district health board and iwi representatives. It was a collective decision that the parameters above did not go far enough to mitigate concerns around the spread of Covid-19 outside of Auckland. Therefore, an additional layer of checks has been put in place to give these major partners of GODZone (and ourselves) comfort that we are all doing everything in our collective power to reduce transmission risks. This afternoon all team captains were informed that every competitor and support crew who is normally resident of Auckland will have to provide evidence of a negative Covid-19 test as a pre-requisite of GODZone attendance.
In follow up, all competitors who had registered with the event as Auckland residents were emailed a waiver document that required a simple list of questions to be answered and signed. These questions relate specifically to adherence to Covid-19 Alert Level Guidelines. This document was then sent on to team captains for their attention, to ensure that any support crew members from Auckland undergo the same level of scrutiny.
This is clearly a difficult situation for a few teams. Will it create some serious headaches? Absolutely. However, the alternative is a blanket ban on all Auckland-based individuals, regardless of movements and timeframes. We hope you will understand the decision making process and comprehend how seriously everyone is taking it.
A document has been circulated in the past half hour to team captains which, outlines the key protocols for event delivery under the current Alert Level. Please digest this information and make sure you are fully aware of the need to follow any rules laid out. Please note that this is a working document and may be subject to change as the Covid-19 situation evolves.
All participants of GODZone should understand that it is not just the teams and support crews that are meeting various obstacles in the lead up to the event. We, the organisers, are sad to say that we have lost key event staff, volunteers, medics, media and other personnel due to the Auckland Lockdown. We are not looking to bend any rules to get these people to the event and have asked all of those faced with this predicament to act responsibly and to do the right thing - stay away until the Alert Levels say otherwise. Should the situation deteriorate and we continue to lose more key personnel, the delivery of the event may become untenable.
That said (and without wishing to sign off with a note of too much optimism) we remain confident that we can deliver a truly epic Chapter of GODZone. Local iwi, Rotorua Lakes Council, our main sponsors and others have risen magnificently to the occasion and are working really hard to make things happen. Fingers crossed for the coming days but we are still planning for the race to start on Friday.
One additional quick note: Please discourage spectators. Teams are still welcome to bring and substitute between a 6 person support crew. However, in all specific transition areas, numbers will be restricted to two (and in some cases it may only be one person). Members of the support crew who are not on direct transition duties must not visit the transition site and should stay away. This is to ensure that we do not breach any mass gathering guidelines, particularly at some of the earlier transition sites. Should the Alert Levels move downward, these support crew rules may be relaxed.
We truly hope to see you on Thursday for what really has been a Chapter Like No Other.
Mar 2, 2021 7:51 PM
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NEWS UPDATE:
See GODZone website for latest news - GODZONE INTEGRATES SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR COMPETITORS ARRIVING IN ROTORUA.
See GODZone website for latest news - GODZONE INTEGRATES SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR COMPETITORS ARRIVING IN ROTORUA.
Mar 2, 2021 8:36 PM
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From GZ: WE WILL BE GOING LIVE
Remember you can follow all the action live when we kick off on Friday. Just jump on the website, all the info you need will be there so you can follow your favourite adventure racing legends. No doubt, as the action unfolds you will become absorbed in all the wild and wonderful action.
Remember you can follow all the action live when we kick off on Friday. Just jump on the website, all the info you need will be there so you can follow your favourite adventure racing legends. No doubt, as the action unfolds you will become absorbed in all the wild and wonderful action.
Mar 3, 2021 11:32 PM
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Just a note about those videos linked above. The final one from Legend Steve Gurney was fantastic! Truly want to save that and use it before every race...and for inspiration throughout the training season.
Mar 4, 2021 3:19 AM
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Mar 4, 2021 3:20 AM
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Teams have received at least some of their maps, maybe all. Haven't seen a report if it's the whole race or just part. Here comes the night of not getting enough sleep due to screwing with the maps, race food, and bins
Mar 4, 2021 2:46 PM
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Time check for those who aren't clear what time it is in Rotorua. For me in the Mountain Time zone, the race will be happening 20 hours ahead of me...8am today for me is 4am tomorrow at the race.
In related news, sunrise and sunset (also at the link above) are at approximately 7am and 7:45pm local time. So, full darkness reigns on course from about 8:30pm to about 6:15am, in case that affects your interpretations of what's going on with the dots (why is this team going in circles? why is this team still sleeping?, etc.).
Tracking will likely go live by noon MT today in the US. I hope everyone enjoys the dot watching!
In related news, sunrise and sunset (also at the link above) are at approximately 7am and 7:45pm local time. So, full darkness reigns on course from about 8:30pm to about 6:15am, in case that affects your interpretations of what's going on with the dots (why is this team going in circles? why is this team still sleeping?, etc.).
Tracking will likely go live by noon MT today in the US. I hope everyone enjoys the dot watching!
Mar 4, 2021 4:01 PM
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Armchair AR Top 10 Predictions
Admittedly missing some top teams...poor local knowledge on this one.
https://www.facebook.com/armchairAR/posts/11358198...
Admittedly missing some top teams...poor local knowledge on this one.
https://www.facebook.com/armchairAR/posts/11358198...
Mar 4, 2021 6:34 PM
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Heads up: going live at 8:50a when the race starts:
GUESS WHAT?
It’s Race Day.
Yes, it has arrived.
And we are SO excited.
Just a bit of a shout out here to then three teams that were struggling for a fourth team mate due to lock down restrictions in Auckland - but they all managed to find someone to fill the adventure shoes... Yes!
Some teams had gear stuck in Auckland, but successfully scrambled around to get the tools of their trade together for kick off today.
The attitude of adventure racing is pulling together and getting it done, and that’s just what they’ve done.
Respect.
Remember, we go live at 8.50am this morning, when the Teams set off. Your feast of dot watching begins!
Excited?
We are...
GUESS WHAT?
It’s Race Day.
Yes, it has arrived.
And we are SO excited.
Just a bit of a shout out here to then three teams that were struggling for a fourth team mate due to lock down restrictions in Auckland - but they all managed to find someone to fill the adventure shoes... Yes!
Some teams had gear stuck in Auckland, but successfully scrambled around to get the tools of their trade together for kick off today.
The attitude of adventure racing is pulling together and getting it done, and that’s just what they’ve done.
Respect.
Remember, we go live at 8.50am this morning, when the Teams set off. Your feast of dot watching begins!
Excited?
We are...
Mar 4, 2021 7:14 PM
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Apparently there is a staged start to help manage social distancing for the start...saw a post from Tiki Tour that they are in the first wave. Has anyone seen details about how the race times will be equalized after this? Normally, RDs really want to have the team that will place first to cross the line first, but if there's a 1 hour gap from the start a winning team could come in 30 min behind a team that started before them.
Mar 4, 2021 7:18 PM
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A bit more info on staging groups:
First Wave Pure 8.50am
Second Wave Pursuit 9.00am
Third Pure 9.10am
Fourth Pure 9.20am
First Wave Pure 8.50am
Second Wave Pursuit 9.00am
Third Pure 9.10am
Fourth Pure 9.20am
Mar 4, 2021 7:24 PM
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Thanks for the links Conman. Leg 3 mtb and Leg 7 trek look like monsters. Has anyone seen RD leg timing estimates? (edit: I found them) I could see that trek taking over 40 hrs for some teams.
Mar 4, 2021 7:29 PM
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Check out the "Course" Button on the right sidebar of the live tracking site. It has links to "full stage details" for each stage, including the estimated fastest and slowest times.
Mar 4, 2021 7:46 PM
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Is the tracking live yet? I can't find a link. Can someone post if it is?
I do love a good stage-by-stage breakdown though!
https://www.godzoneadventure.com/live/route/stage-...
I do love a good stage-by-stage breakdown though!
https://www.godzoneadventure.com/live/route/stage-...
Mar 4, 2021 7:48 PM
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Mar 4, 2021 7:54 PM
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Thanks! Any idea why Avaya is listed as a British team (UK flag)?
Mar 4, 2021 7:57 PM
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They were reassigned team bibs and number some time this morning. I assume the flag on the tracking site for the team wasn't corrected yet.
Mar 4, 2021 8:48 PM
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Everyone is underway! Expect 15 minutes between tracker pings. Fortunately, most of the race is point-to-point, so it'll be safe to say teams have punched any CPs that they get near and continue past (except on the Stage 4 rogaine) when they don't trigger geofences due the 15m interval, especially on the bikes.
Mar 4, 2021 11:58 PM
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Seems like not. Enough chaos has been managed already with changes in the COVID restrictions that it's probably "meh.." moment for most folks.
Mar 5, 2021 12:10 AM
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Love Avaya's experience meter (found when you click on the team in the tracking map).
Mar 5, 2021 12:18 AM
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Got the scoop on equalizing the time gap due to the staggered start: for wave 1 and 3 teams (wave 2 was the whole Pursuit class), the time correction will be added to their 6hr mandatory stop time at TA2.
Mar 5, 2021 12:21 AM
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Looks like iSport has buried their tracker in one of their boats on the second lake crossing. It hasn't pinged for more than 30 mins.
Mar 5, 2021 2:00 AM
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Proper bush-bash ahead for CP 7 & 8. Pace might be measured in 100's of m per hour for this next stretch.. Might be a good measure of what's in store for CP10!
Mar 5, 2021 3:29 AM
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So, as absolutely nobody expected (HAH!), Avaya (aka Team New Zealand from Eco-Fiji) has taken a clear lead the middle of the Stage 2 packraft. They started the race 30 mins behind the first wave due to staggered starts but have passed everyone except iSport, who they trail currently by about 5 minutes. iSport was in the first wave (+30 mins)...unreal! The teams they have chased down are so fast and skilled...how can a team be faster than them without superhero skills?
Mar 5, 2021 3:34 AM
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For reference on the staggered starts, the 1st wave included teams numbered 1 thru ~20; 2nd wave was all the pursuit teams (~75+); 3rd wave ~20 thru ~40, and 4th wave ~40+.
Mar 5, 2021 3:58 AM
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Lead teams are now off the 3rd lake and headed into the bush to find CP10 at the top of a mountain. They have under 4 hours of daylight remaining. The distance to the CP appears to be about 10k. That distance is easily doable in 4 hours on trails...who knows in the local bush. I see numerous possible routes up to the CP. Should be a very interesting section.
Mar 5, 2021 2:51 PM
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Good morning! Loads of teams currently chilling out at TA2 for the required 6h+ stop. According to the replay, Avaya reached the TA at about 12:45a followed by Tiki Tour and iSport at about 1:00a. The latter both must stop for 6:30h and Avaya for only 6h due to to the staggered start. So, that means we should see Avaya restarting at roughly 6:45a (~10:45a MT in N.A.) and Tiki Tour and iSport at roughly 7:30a. 6:45a is right about at sunrise, which I think was the plan with regard to the land use concern that prompted the 6hr stop.
I figure that Avaya pushed very hard (harder than usual) to get to TA at the best time for them to be able to restart with a full day ahead. Other teams must have been thinking similarly and none of the leaders appear to have made any navigational blunders. Is Avaya really that much faster than the rest of the field? It's just amazing.
I will add that the Sneaky Weasels appear to be keeping up with Avaya, perhaps maybe even closing the gap from behind after being passed by them early on the stage 1 bike leg.
I figure that Avaya pushed very hard (harder than usual) to get to TA at the best time for them to be able to restart with a full day ahead. Other teams must have been thinking similarly and none of the leaders appear to have made any navigational blunders. Is Avaya really that much faster than the rest of the field? It's just amazing.
I will add that the Sneaky Weasels appear to be keeping up with Avaya, perhaps maybe even closing the gap from behind after being passed by them early on the stage 1 bike leg.
Mar 5, 2021 5:27 PM
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As expected, Avaya has just queued up at the restart as of the 6:15 tracker ping. Nobody else appears to have moved from their resting zones. Restart is imminent.
Mar 5, 2021 6:07 PM
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Looking ahead a bit, I wonder why anyone who is racing would go along the route shown in yellow on the tracking site between CP13 and CP14? The roads heading around to the NW seem to be a MUCH faster alternative. I'm guessing there's a required Waypoint at one of the huts on that track, but without the racer maps or the detailed rule of travel, I can't be sure. Has anyone else unearthed these documents?
EDIT: Yep - there's a mandatory waypoint at the Skips Hut. Found this on the detailed GZ webpage map for Stage 3.
EDIT: Yep - there's a mandatory waypoint at the Skips Hut. Found this on the detailed GZ webpage map for Stage 3.
Mar 5, 2021 6:22 PM
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Tiki and iSport are now off from the restart. Both are roughly 50 mins behind Seagate...I mean New Zealand...DOH! Avaya!
Mar 5, 2021 10:10 PM
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Into the bush biking section and, go figure, Avaya's tracker isn't pinging. So, we wait for it to pop back up after this section, perhaps near to CP14.
Mar 6, 2021 12:42 AM
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Looking forward to the rogaine where team's must choose 7 of 9 optional CPs, here's how I'd approach it ideally (in daylight, or mostly daylight), skipping CPs B and H. If in the dark, I might choose to focus on ridgetop and ridgeline CPs as much as possible, avoiding reentrants and spurs, which can be hard as hell to find even in daylight.
What are everyone else's thoughts?
What are everyone else's thoughts?
Mar 6, 2021 12:56 AM
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Just looking at the tracks of the lead three teams, it looks like iSport has dropped off the pace a bit. Wonder if they are blowing up physically, had a mechanical glitch, or made a wrong turn (this last thing seems unlikely since they are apparently on the only trail in the area).
Mar 6, 2021 1:30 AM
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conman Re: rogaine- seems like it is pretty straight up, just pick you poison, Ideal conditions, I would strongly consider the route you selected, the key will be to remain found, especially at night. I can see getting turned around in what appears to be thicker vegetation in the lower parts and having a helluva time getting re-located. Huge potential for massive time lost. Definitely would love to hear other points of view here??
Same for the big trek stage 7; pit falls I see particularly at night are going down the wrong ridgeline; at night it looks be difficult to re-locate, quickly. Secondly, with the big trek just post-PR section, and mid-race, heavy packs to begin the leg, teams will not be fresh, my thoughts are to take a big sleep prior to heading into the abyss; to midigate risks of mistake and blowing up. Also the only reprieve for teams, again from what I can tell, will be the huts and the occasional trail.
The trek, imo, will break a lot of teams....oooh can't wait to dot- watch that part!!
Conman- Thanks for the commentary and keeping track of things.
Same for the big trek stage 7; pit falls I see particularly at night are going down the wrong ridgeline; at night it looks be difficult to re-locate, quickly. Secondly, with the big trek just post-PR section, and mid-race, heavy packs to begin the leg, teams will not be fresh, my thoughts are to take a big sleep prior to heading into the abyss; to midigate risks of mistake and blowing up. Also the only reprieve for teams, again from what I can tell, will be the huts and the occasional trail.
The trek, imo, will break a lot of teams....oooh can't wait to dot- watch that part!!
Conman- Thanks for the commentary and keeping track of things.
Mar 6, 2021 4:16 AM
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Here's a link to the NZ topo maps if you want to see what the teams will be looking at.
https://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap?v=2&ll=-38...
I would be tempted to skip E and H or E and B myself. That's because I wouldn't back myself and aiming for all the high points and major stream junctions seems safest.
They don't look like obvious ridges though. With between 10 and 20 hours for a 21k trek I'm picking it's all about confidently knowing your position and sticking to a good line without second guesses. I would definitely play it as safe as possible.
https://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap?v=2&ll=-38...
I would be tempted to skip E and H or E and B myself. That's because I wouldn't back myself and aiming for all the high points and major stream junctions seems safest.
They don't look like obvious ridges though. With between 10 and 20 hours for a 21k trek I'm picking it's all about confidently knowing your position and sticking to a good line without second guesses. I would definitely play it as safe as possible.
Mar 6, 2021 12:28 PM
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Craig Cook posted a pic of the stream beds. There is a tremendous amount of deadfall in that area to deal with.
Mar 6, 2021 5:01 PM
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Here we go again! As in several past GZ events, Avaya has completely smoked the super-hard rogaine section and is now several hours ahead of the nearest competition. They left TA4 shortly after 2am and now, at ~6am, the next team (iSport) is the only other to have arrived at TA4, and they have not left yet. They may be sleeping for a bit, but still, they are now roughly 4 hours behind Avaya. If they stay at the TA longer, their deficit increases. Incredible!
Mar 6, 2021 5:07 PM
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In other news, a few teams in the thick of the rogaine have trackers that have gone silent. This means several of them a likely further along than is apparent. At 6am, the teams with current tracking pings are Tiki Tour, Ataraxia, Highland Events, and Torpedo 7. Those without recent updates are Sneaky Weasels, Out for the View, and Motueka; the latter two have not updated for more than 2 hours.
Mar 6, 2021 5:12 PM
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A bit further back, the bulk of the teams who've reached TA3 are just getting out on the rogaine and many are struggling to even get to the first mandatory control, CP16. Daylight coming soon will help, but this section is proving its mettle, separating the best navigators from the good ones.
Mar 7, 2021 2:56 AM
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Kinda have lost my passion for the details watching Avaya take complete control of the race and the course. They have just arrived at the hut where they'll transition to travelling the rivers in their packrafts for a long segment.
I guess I am curious to know if they'll try to get past the canyons and hike during the dark zone or just use the dark zone time to rest. The trailing teams are at least making progress in spite of the rain and three have completed the previous bike leg (Stage 5). Two of those have begun the trek, but are well behind Avaya...perhaps about 4+ hours. Reporting from TA5 by Tiki Tour's support crew is that they had a 3h sleep during the night on the rogaine leg and iSport had about a 1.5h sleep. More sleep to come after the trek for both of them as the river segment quickly enters a canyon that is likely impassable on foot. If they can't get down to the river and thru that before the 8pm dark zone; they'll be stopped all night. Seems like Avaya could have this buttoned up by morning.
I guess I am curious to know if they'll try to get past the canyons and hike during the dark zone or just use the dark zone time to rest. The trailing teams are at least making progress in spite of the rain and three have completed the previous bike leg (Stage 5). Two of those have begun the trek, but are well behind Avaya...perhaps about 4+ hours. Reporting from TA5 by Tiki Tour's support crew is that they had a 3h sleep during the night on the rogaine leg and iSport had about a 1.5h sleep. More sleep to come after the trek for both of them as the river segment quickly enters a canyon that is likely impassable on foot. If they can't get down to the river and thru that before the 8pm dark zone; they'll be stopped all night. Seems like Avaya could have this buttoned up by morning.
Mar 7, 2021 3:11 PM
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morning headline: Avaya has 10 hr lead on 2nd place- pretty much buttoned up.
Though I'd pick up where conman left off, with exactly how badly they will beat down a 2nd and 3rd place super strong teams!! Good on them, they are mind-blowingly fast over tough terrain , we've all seen what they can do, but this is another next level performance.
Though I'd pick up where conman left off, with exactly how badly they will beat down a 2nd and 3rd place super strong teams!! Good on them, they are mind-blowingly fast over tough terrain , we've all seen what they can do, but this is another next level performance.
Mar 7, 2021 3:23 PM
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buuuuttttttt....the podium battle is raging (well not exactly at the moment bc it's 4AM local time and teams are dark-zoned on stage 6 (packraft).
appears ISPORT and TIKI TOUR both taking a sleep at CP24/Oamaru Hut
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/place...
current 4th place Racers Edge/T7 maybe taking a sleep just before getting to the hut. not sure why, since the hut has 12 bunks, but im sure they have their reasons.
then a big gap back to current 5th place Ataraxia/Macpac
appears ISPORT and TIKI TOUR both taking a sleep at CP24/Oamaru Hut
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/place...
current 4th place Racers Edge/T7 maybe taking a sleep just before getting to the hut. not sure why, since the hut has 12 bunks, but im sure they have their reasons.
then a big gap back to current 5th place Ataraxia/Macpac
Mar 7, 2021 6:03 PM
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Darkzone lifts momentarily (7a). A few teams should be queued up to hit the water immediately, but not all of their trackers are pinging right now...classic for paddling sections when packs end up upside down in the bottom of the boat with the tracker buried.
MUCH further ahead, Avaya is smashing ahead as the sun rises at what I think is the second highest point of the race at 1650m, Whetu summit. The view of the sunrise from up there will be spectacular! The highest point is later in this trek when teams reach almost 1700m near Marorako summit.
MUCH further ahead, Avaya is smashing ahead as the sun rises at what I think is the second highest point of the race at 1650m, Whetu summit. The view of the sunrise from up there will be spectacular! The highest point is later in this trek when teams reach almost 1700m near Marorako summit.
Mar 7, 2021 11:45 PM
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So that’s why the 4 teams are in exact same position? I thought after 3+ days that it was uncanny.
Mar 8, 2021 2:30 AM
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After the trailing pack passes the Middle Hill Hut, we'll be able to judge the time split between Avaya and the next 4+ teams. Avaya slept at this hut for ~4 hours so their time lead isn't as great as it has appeared until teams reach and pass this point.
Of course, both Tiki and iSport have stopped updating as they reached this hut. Who wants to bet they both stopped for bit (it WAS a huge climb to get here), rummaged thru packs and now their trackers are buried under other gear?
Of course, both Tiki and iSport have stopped updating as they reached this hut. Who wants to bet they both stopped for bit (it WAS a huge climb to get here), rummaged thru packs and now their trackers are buried under other gear?
Mar 8, 2021 2:31 AM
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At the very pointy end, it looks like Avaya missed CP26 and has circled back to punch it. There goes at least 45 mins of their lead.
EDIT: there is something fishy going on the with the history, so this interpretation may be subject to revision...
2ND EDIT: it was a tracker bug that seems to have been cleared up. Similar things were happening for Tiki and iSport right by the Middle Hill Hut and those have also cleared up.
EDIT: there is something fishy going on the with the history, so this interpretation may be subject to revision...
2ND EDIT: it was a tracker bug that seems to have been cleared up. Similar things were happening for Tiki and iSport right by the Middle Hill Hut and those have also cleared up.
Mar 8, 2021 3:14 AM
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Avaya's lead has resolved to about 9:30+ over Tiki Tour, who is about another 35m ahead of iSport as they both near Whetu summit.
Mar 8, 2021 3:38 AM
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Looking back to TA5, where the first time cutoff passed about 30 minutes ago, the full course field has now been trimmed to ~24 teams. All other teams, including those that are short-coursed and still ranked, those that are unranked, and those on the Pursuit Course will not carry packrafts. They will instead turn Southwest at CP24, heading for CP27, to continue on the short course.
Mar 9, 2021 6:31 PM
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First place is almost a lock at this point. Avaya now about 30 mins from the finish. The races for 2/3 and 4/5 are far from over and it could be mighty interesting how these teams go. The pressure of having your competition so close while being so close to the end could cause any of them to blow up. A short rest would be so risky yet so beneficial.
Mar 9, 2021 6:32 PM
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doing some d-watching...has anyone observed any off-the-wall routes for the big trek? I saw some interesting stuff during the rogaine which was fun; however, on the trek it seems to be primarily on a track ( I'm not judging OR saying the nav isn't tricky) as there doesn't seem to be a lot of squiggly routes through there?? just curious.
I did notice between 27 and 28 some teams trying to head north in a valley- I can see why that could happen, but they generally made the correction fairly quickly, relatively speaking; looks like team 3 compass may be a little off right now...
I did notice between 27 and 28 some teams trying to head north in a valley- I can see why that could happen, but they generally made the correction fairly quickly, relatively speaking; looks like team 3 compass may be a little off right now...
Mar 9, 2021 8:17 PM
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Bash:
The GODZone record of Team Avaya's members:
https://www.sleepmonsters.com/races.php?article_id...
https://www.sleepmonsters.com/races.php?article_id...
Mar 10, 2021 2:41 AM
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bugeater - check out team 16 (Macpac) just a short while ago. seems they took a left in broad daylight instead of a right on the approach to cp26. gotta figure there were sleepmonsters on the right.
Mar 10, 2021 2:45 AM
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...also check out team 59 near the mangamingi saddle between cp27 and cp28. they went on a bit of a walkabout.
Mar 10, 2021 3:31 PM
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...interesting indeed! they are getting what I call ' their money's worth!'
Mar 11, 2021 12:57 AM
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Of course, for the back-of-pack teams still on the monster trek, it's been raining just about continuously for over 24 hours. Working the longest and suffering the most.
This discussion thread is closed.