HATTA MTB ORIENTEERING CHALLENGE
HATTA Mountain bike trail centre UAE
FRIDAY 27th January 2017
The event will be for pairs using mountain bikes to visit off road checkpoints over a set period of time in the
Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre area.
Riders will receive a printed map with checkpoints pre-marked, a list of the checkpoints with their coordinates,
points’ value and a clue to help locate the stamp.
The aim is to navigate and cycle to as many checkpoints as possible, choosing your own route to collect the
highest score and return within your time limit. You can of course just ride around collecting a few checkpoints
and enjoy the trails! There will be food and prizes at the end of the event for the top riders in each category.
Categories
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For the main 3 hour event there will be 3 categories (all 3 hours duration):
o Male Pairs
o Female Pairs
o Mixed Pairs
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There will also be a beginner’s event with a 1.5 hour duration which will be open to teams of 2 and/or
3, ideal for parents and their children.
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Under 18s may join if accompanied by a parent/guardian in their team.
Event timings
07.00hrs – Event village opens
07.30hrs to 08.20hrs – Teams will need to sign on.
08.20hrs – Briefing
08.30hrs – Maps, checkpoint lists and scorecards issued
08.30hrs – Start Opens (or ASAP after above).
09.00hrs – Start Closes
12.00hrs – Approx. Finish (depending on individual start time)
12.30hrs – Late finishes (after which zero points)
13.00hrs – Give aways and food
Control points, Maps and Score-cards
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The main event will comprise of 36 different checkpoints, 12x 10 points, 12x 20 points and 12x 30
points. This will give a maximum score of 720 points.
Most checkpoints will be unmanned however a few checkpoints will be marshalled and these will be
clearly marked on the map and checkpoint list. All marshalled checkpoints will have first aid supplies,
additional drinking water for emergencies, mobile phones and 4x4 vehicles where possible.
Checkpoints will be marked obviously. If you successfully navigate to the mark on the map and/or
coordinate then the checkpoint should be obvious. The challenge is a test of navigation, route choice,
decision making (and speed), but NOT a treasure hunt.
Each check point will have a stamp which each team will need to stamp their scorecard with.
Checkpoints will be marked with a flag, a sample will be shown during the briefing in the event village.
Check points will also have a tag with the checkpoint number.
Please make sure you stamp the right checkpoint in the right place on your card.
All teams will be issued with a:
o Map with the checkpoints pre-marked.
o Checkpoint Description List which will include the No. of the checkpoint, the point’s value,
the coordinates of the checkpoint and short description. IE:
Checkpoint no: (e.g. 1)
Number of points: (e.g. 10 points)
Northing: (e.g. 25d 2’ 3.3”)
Easting: (e.g. 56d 1’ 16.8”)
Description: (e.g. Top of steps by the Dam)
o Scorecard which will have a space to stamp each checkpoint and record your visit.
If you believe a checkpoint to be missing, then record your visit time and move on. If other teams
failed to find the checkpoint points may be awarded.
Duration, Scoring and Penalties
o For the main event the maximum duration will be 3 hours after which time penalties as below will
apply.
o < 5 minutes late - lose 1 point per minute
o 5 to 10 minutes late - lose 2 points per minute
o 10 to 15 minutes late - lose 5 points per minute
o 15 to 30 minutes late - lose 10 points per minute
o > 30 minutes late – lose all points
o Pairs will be ranked using points first with the largest number of points being the winner.
o In the event there is a points tie, pairs will be ranked by time.
Starting
o Maps, scorecards and checkpoint list will be issues after the briefing.
o You. may wish to take some time to look at your map, plan your route and decide on your race
strategy.
o Once they have been issued, the start will open at 08.30hrs and remain open until 09.00hrs.
o You may start at any time you want within this period.
o Please make your way to the starting area when you are ready.
o A race marshal who will record your start time and tell you when you may leave.
Finishing
o On completion, you must return to the finish area (the same as where you started) and report to a
race marshal who will be waiting to record your finishing time.
o Once your finish time has been recorded, you must hand over your punched score card over to a race
marshal.
Rules
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Team members must remain within 50m of each other at all times. There will be unmarked marshals
though out the area and anyone found not to adhere to the this rule will be disqualified.
You must be within 25m of your bike at all times.
A suitable bike helmet must be worn at all times must be worn whilst on the bike.
No litter – anyone caught dropping litter may be disqualified.
If a team stops to assist another team in the event of an accident then the assisting team may
record the start and end time of the assistance and apply to the organizers for redress. The time
may be deducted at the organizers discretion. This does not included stopping to help with trivial
things such as directions, puncture repairs, etc. unless it is an emergency and not helping could
cause potential harm or distress to others.
Kit Rules and recommendations
o All teams will need to carry the kit they would normally carry on a self-sufficient ride. There will be no
guaranteed assistance during the event.
o Fully functioning mountain bike or fat bike – suitable for rocky terrain.
o No cyclo-cross bikes or electric motor powered bikes, no slicks, semi slicks or street tires allowed.
Minimum recommended tire width is 1.9 Inches or more.
o Each rider is allowed 1 bike, no external assistance is permitted.
o Helmet (no helmet is no ride).
o Compass is required.
o GPS recommended but not a must.
o A charged mobile phone is recommended to be taken along during the ride.
o Water/Sports Drink/Snacks/Gels.
o First aid kit.
o Whistle.
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Results
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Basic tools/tubes/puncture repair kit/pump etc.
No I-pods, or headphones to be used at all.
Minor parts replacement allowed but no frame, fork or handle bars.
Numbers to be mounted to handle bars only.
Suggested: Map Board or other means to carry and easily view the map.
Results will be announced shortly after the finish.
Any objections to the results must be raised within 30 minutes of the finish
The event organization will discuss and have the final say.
No foul language or gestures.
Other Rules and Regulations
o Any rider participates at their own risk.
o Main 3-hour event is open to over 18-years only.
o The ride can only be done in pairs.
o Riders must have Valid GGC Residence permit and must be amateur riders.
o Professional and semi-professional riders are not allowed to enter.
o Footwear must be fully enclosed.
o No Rider shall benefit from his or her misconduct, dangerous riding, foul language or abuse to other
riders, or spectators will not be tolerated and will result on instant disqualification.
o To officially finish the event, the rider must cross the finish line with the same bike that they started
the ride on.
o A number board to identify each rider will be provided and must be attached to the handlebars at all
times.
o Slower riders must give way to faster riders, be nice!
o Bikers have right of way over those pushing on foot.
o It is the riders’ responsibility to make sure that their bike is suitable for this event.
o This event is aimed at regular mountain-bikers, it’s is organized to bring the mountain bikers together
and most of all to have fun and try something new.
o Bring your good mood and leave day to day worries at home!
Beginners event
o This ride will be for a duration of 1.5 hours and will feature 10 check points only.