About
Race 1 - The Beast of Ballyhoura
Mountain Biking
You will need to be a reasonably confident mountain biker to tackle the world class Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails as some short sections will be narrow and technical. The course will generally follow roads and tracks and you may have to carry or push your bike at some stages, so be prepared for this. Make sure your bike is in good order and consider your tyre choice carefully as you will be on a mixture of surfaces. If a section becomes too technical you can always get off and walk.
Orienteering
Orienteering combines running with navigation. In this race teams will use a highly detailed map to select routes and navigate through diverse terrain and visit control points. Some points will be compulsory and others will be mandatory. Night navigation skills will also be essential.
http://orienteering.ie/builder.php3?Home
Mountaineering
Don't underestimate the mountains. You will be trekking on various terrain and will need to take great care during bad weather or during the hours of darkness. Stay together (maximum 100 meters apart) and look after each other. The weather at any time of the year is extremely variable and you will need to be fully prepared for any conditions. Make sure that the clothing you use is suitable for the weather you may incur.
Abseiling
We will be including a ropes section in the race. All equipment will be supplied and this section will be fully supervised by our rope technicians. Competitors will be required to have helmets.
Kayaking
Kayaking will be on BicSports Tobago sit-on-top kayaks. If you fall out, or capsize, the boats will not sink: in the eventuality the boat does overturn, just roll it over and get back on. The kayaking section will be on inland moving water, with some small rapids (no bigger that grade 2). You may be required to get out of the boat and undertake some river walking so a wetsuit for this part of the race is also a good idea.
Shooting
There will be clay pigeon shooting during the Beast of Ballyhoura at the uniquely situated Lazy Dog Clay Bird Shooting Range. Every competitor will be given a certain amount of shots and will receive a time bonus for every clay hit
Other items to note:
We may also include some mystery disciplines in the Forest at night. Be prepared and remember to work as a team at all times.
Race 2 - The Blitz
Mountain Biking and Hill Running
Hillrunning and mountain biking are the only skills you need for the Blitz. The Ballyhoura Forest will offer some tough hill climbs and descents before competitors tackle the new world class Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails which will offer some technical single track sections. All we ask is for you to know your limits and let faster riders past if they are behind you. A limited amount of mountainbikes are available for hire, contact www.xct1.com for information.
