Event Details - Fitz's Challenge

http://www.imb.com.au/

IMB Fitz’s Challenge 

20th Anniversary Ride

28 October 2007 (last Sunday in October)
Proudly presented by Pedal Power ACT Inc. in conjunction with IMB

Canberra’s biggest and best known long distance one day event

How far will you go?

NOWHERE UNLESS YOU SET THE TIME CORRECTLY

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS STARTS at 2AM Sunday October 28

ONLINE ENTRY IS NOW CLOSED

It is possible to enter on the day. Discounts do not apply. Please be early to allow for entry processing as well as REGISTRATION

ALL ONLINE entrants will still need to attend to registration on the day to obtain a rider number and event instructions

Fitz’s Epic ‑ 207 km      Lights may be required, be prepared and bring front and rear lights
Fitz’s Classic ‑ 165 km
Tharwa Challenge ‑ 105 km
Tidbinbilla Challenge ‑ 49 km

After 20 years it is still a challenge not a race

You are welcome to register on the day but please arrive at least 30 minutes before the ride starts.

 Be at the start at least 30 minutes before your start time for registration and preparations

Start and finish at the new Stromlo Forest Park facility (entrance off Uriarra Road near the Coppins Crossing Road junction) in Stromlo, ACT – (Note: it is not at Tharwa)

See map for route details (note that the routes are different to 2006) – route maps and profile will be available soon - see attached documents

Fitz's Epic 207 kilometres

Be at the start area by 6:00 am for a 6:30 start (target time under 12.5 hours)

This is a very serious challenge with lots of climbing.

The route starts at the Stromlo Forest Park and turns right onto Uriarra Road and then right onto Cotter Road to Cotter Reserve, along Paddys River Road and Tidbinbilla Road to Tharwa Village and then via Naas Road to Rendezvous Creek (31 km south of Tharwa).  Then turn around and return to Cotter Reserve with detours up and back to Honeysuckle Creek tracking station (20 km) and Corin Forest (28 km). Next turn left into Brindabella Road (up Mt MacDonald) and then turn right into Uriarra Road and across the crossing to the finish at Stromlo Forest Park. (See map for details.)

Fitz's Classic 165 kilometres

Be at the start area by 7:00 am for 7:30 am start (target time under 10 hours)

This is a daunting challenge with plenty of climbing.

The route starts at the Stromlo Forest Park and turns right onto Uriarra Road and then right onto Cotter Road to Cotter Reserve, along Paddys River Road and Tidbinbilla Road to Tharwa Village and then via Naas Road to Rendezvous Creek (31 km south of Tharwa).  Then turn around and return to Cotter Reserve. Next turn left into Brindabella Road (up Mt MacDonald) and then turn right into Uriarra Road and across the crossing to the finish at Stromlo Forest Park. (See map for details.)

Tharwa Challenge 105 kilometres

Be at the start area by 8.00 am for 8.30 am start (target time 6.0 hours)

This is a challenge with some climbing.

The route starts at the Stromlo Forest Park and after once around the criterion circuit goes onto Uriarra Road and then via Cotter Road to Cotter Reserve and along Paddys River Road and Tidbinbilla Road to Tharwa Village.  Then turn around and return to Cotter Reserve. Next turn left into Brindabella Road (up Mt MacDonald) and then turn right into Uriarra Road and across the crossing to the finish at Stromlo Forest Park. (See map for details.) (See map for details.)

Tidbinbilla Challenge 49 kilometres 

Be at the start area by 8:30 am for a 9.00 am start (target time 3.5 hours)

This is a ride through hilly country designed for the stronger social cyclist or those who do not like lots of big hills or long hours on the bike.  Note that this year’s route is significantly harder that the route used over recent years from Tharwa.

The route starts at the Stromlo Forest Park and after once around the criterion circuit goes onto Uriarra Road and then via Cotter Road to Cotter Reserve and along Paddys River Road to Tanners Flat (at the old picnic area).  Then turn around and return by the same route to Stromlo Forest Park. (See map for details.)

BE PREPARED AND HAVE FUN

It’s you and the ride!

Riders should pace themselves throughout the ride, have plenty to drink and eat and rest as necessary to preserve energy for the latter stages.  Be prepared for punctures and for variable weather with wet weather gear, sun block etc.

Water and a limited range of fruit and snack food will be available at the check point location (see map).  Food and refreshments will be available for sale at Tharwa

There are no official sag wagons or back up vehicles (other than the course vehicles which will monitor the progress of riders through out the day and be despatched in case of an emergency).

The two longer rides, Fitz’s Epic and Fitz’s Classic, includes the course commonly used as a stage in the prestigious ‘Canberra Tour’ road race over many years.  They include some of the toughest climbs in the ACT including the notorious Fitz’s Hill with its long steep climb and descent.

It is the hills, the weather and the distance that provide the challenge.