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A breakdown of Polaris Events

::The ‘Challenge’ ::Polaris Peninsula ::Polaris Navitac ::Polaris Blade::Polaris Mini ::Polaris foot O ::

The Polaris ‘Challenge’ events are two days of mountain bike orienteering. Only Pre-entries are accepted for these events .The “Challenge’ events are timed, with 7 hours on day one and 5 hours on day two. Entries are for Solo’s and teams of two. (Solo’s will need to prove their experience).  , Teams members will need to carry some emergency just in case you get yourself into trouble and have to wait for help. Except for a ‘shelter’ large enough for both team members, no camping gear is carried during the days riding, as we race back to the event center and the comfort of your own basecamp for the night. At the event center there is usually full catering, a bar, bonfires and a great social vibe. Bring the family and friends, get them set up and enjoying the other attractions in the area and then get out and explore all you can on your bike within the allocated time limits. The orienteering is basic map reading/navigation and plotting of co-ordinates. Contact us for info on navigation courses and pointers to improve your skills.

A tougher style of “challenge” event is the:

The ‘Adventure format’ Polaris Challenge - the more extreme version, where teams must pack in and carry everything they would need to survive 36 hours out in the wilderness. This includes your food, stove, lights, tent, dry clothes and emergency rations. This is where having the right lightweight gear is to your advantage. At these events get ready to rough it for the weekend; all we provide are toilets, water and a bonfire at the overnight. And a basic event center for the Friday night registration and Sunday prize giving.  We are yet to host one of these events. They are very popular in the UK series but draw smaller numbers due to the extreme style. Lets get the numbers at the “standard” challenge events up and we will put one on.

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::Polaris Peninsula ::

Enter the Polaris Peninsula Challenge, a cross-discipline cycling event banging knobblies and thins into the same arena for the very first time...

Using a map of the peninsula, solo’s and teams of two have 7 hours to find up to 40 Control points (CP’s) scattered between Constantia neck and Cape point. You choose the direction and distance, and winning requires a combination of legs, brains and strategy.

It’s your chance to out smart and out play to get your podium finish.

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Polaris Navitac
An MTBO enduro. 8 hours of non-stop riding and navigating. More tactical and challenging than the other Polaris events, with a reality MTB feel. Within the race time teams will have 2 compulsory stops in the event center. The second stop will be a transition from daylight riding to night riding. If riders are late for there “Pit Stop’ they will receive the usual Polaris time penalties. At the stop they will receive a new set of control values and a new control card and some attention from their back up crew. They will have to re-think their strategy after every pit stop but points, after penalties are deducted, add up to a total score. Riders will also have to spend a compulsory 5 min in the Strategy tent, informing the race organizers of their tactical decisions and how they are feeling. The event is for Solos and teams of two. They will have to carry the required emergency equipment and lights for the dark zone The first Navitac was a huge success, so we will be hosting an annual July event in the Franschhoek/Dewdale area (Western cape).  Get out there and scout all you can to improve your chances on the day, just make sure you get a Safcol permit from Dew dale or the Tourism office in Franschhoek.

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The Polaris Blade - is a 5-hour paddle orienteering event. There are four categories. K1+K2; Surf skis; Sea kayaks (1:10 ratio) and other craft. The event is only for Teams of two and a specific list of emergency /safety equipment must be carried. Only Pre-entries will be accepted. Paddlers must be competent and able to cross open water. The orienteering is basic map reading and plotting of co-ordinates. Our favourite venue for this event is the Theewaterskloof dam near Villiersdorp in the W-Cape but there are some new and exiting venues on the cards.

We are also planning a two-day “adventure” style Polaris Blade . Imagine packing in all your gear and paddling out for 36 hours of Paddle orienteering fun and camping the night on the waters edge. Sound good, let us know you are interested and Watch this space!!

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The Polaris Mini- is one day, 4-hour version of the Polaris Challenge. They serve as tasters for the larger events and are great for training. Mini’s are perfect for those that are unsure they can handle an endurance MTB event.  Once you have ridden a Polaris event you won’t turn back. Entries are Solo’s and teams of two and the usual Pre-entries only apply.  Very basic kit must be carried and the orienteering is simple map reading and plotting of co-ordinates.  We will offer Navigation workshops leading up to an event for those that need some pointers. We will be increasing the numbers of mini events in 2004 to grow the interest in MTBO events.

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The Polaris foot O. same concept as the Mtb except you are on your feet and walk/running for 2 hours. Usually hosted as part of the Polaris weekend of Orienteering. Polaris Blade. Polaris Mini and Polaris Foot ‘O’.

For all the latest information about these events please go to the current events page, or book online on the online booking page.

So, get entered and get out there with Polaris Events.

::rules and reg's::

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Important: make sure you read this info to avoid the disappointment of being disqualified on the event day.

* Download the Rules & Kit list as a Word Document

(Right mouse click on the link above and select "Save Target as.." to save the document to your computer)

THE GOLDEN RULE: Once started all competitors MUST report to the registration centre, whether they have completed or not. This is essential since rescue teams will look for any competitor not recorded. Please do not waste their time! You could receive the bill for any unnecessary search and rescue!

1. MINIMUM AGE - Minimum age is 18 years on the day of competition. However young people over 16 on the day of the competition may compete if their partner is a legal parent or guardian.

2. MTB/HIGHWAY CODE - The MTB (or Off Road cycling) Code and Highway Code shall be observed at all times.
ALL FOOTPATHS ARE OUT OF BOUNDS.

3. START - Teams must be at the start at least 20 minutes prior to their official start time for a final briefing and to have their control card punched before starting. Any cards not punched will incur a 50-point penalty. Late arrivals will have to start with the next available group, however your start time will remain as per your control card.

4. TEAM MEMBERS - Teams MUST remain in vocal contact throughout the event, must visit the checkpoints together and finish together. If one member is unable to continue, the other should assist him/her to safety or obtain assistance and report their retirement to the registration centre. Under NO circumstances must the unaffected member continue alone. Leaving gear or your bike at anytime will mean disqualification. Some checkpoints will be marshalled, anyone arriving without their partner, gear or bike will not be allowed to clip their card.

5. CONTROLS AND CONTROL CARDS - Each control site will have an orienteering punch, identified with a piece of orange tape attached to the feature described on the control description sheet. Make sure you punch the correct number box on the control card.
DO NOT WRITE IN THE PUNCH BOXES
WRONG BOX - NO SCORE

6. OVERNIGHT - On arrival at event centre after days riding all teams must hand in their control cards to the marshals. During the evening all competitors must re-register and collect a new control card for Sunday. This is from the event registration. Bags will be provided for rubbish - please leave it in the designated point.
Any teams found dumping essential equipment (see checklist) will be disqualified.
Day one results will be posted at overnight camp with query forms; these should be left at registration.

7. FINISH - On arrival at the finish, all teams must hand their control card to the finish marshal. Leading competitors may have their equipment checked. All competitors will be expected to possess their emergency rations and required specified equipment throughout the duration of the event (see clothing and equipment checklist). On Sunday afternoon a final set of results will be published 15 minutes prior to the prize giving, any objections placed after the prize giving will not be considered. If you are unable to stay, you must nominate someone to check your results for you.

8. WINNING TEAMS - The total number of points collected minus penalties will determine winning teams. The penalties for arriving late (over 7 hours on Saturday and over 5 hours on Sunday) are shown in the chart. It is the competitors responsibility to ensure that their control cards are legible and punch positions can be identified. Controls punched in the wrong box will not be scored.

PENALTIES FOR ARRIVING LATE
1 min - 10 mins 1 point per minute
11 mins - 20 mins over 2 points per minute
21mins - 30 mins over 5 points per minute
31mins - 60 mins over 10 points per minute
Over 1 hour late Loose the days total points

9. KIT CHECK - Any teams found not to have the minimum specified equipment and clothing will be disqualified (see check list)

10. SOLO TEAMS - Solo teams will have a mandatory kit check at the finish

11. SELF-SUFFICIENCY - This is a self-sufficient event, any teams caught receiving outside help will be disqualified. The control card will have a sticker on the back with an emergency phone number. Only use the emergency number if you or your partner is injured. It is your responsibility to get back to registration if your bike breaks down, we will not collect you.

12. CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT – The minimum clothing & equipment requirements are specified on a separate page

13. LIGHTS - The event is planned to take place in daylight. Should you be caught out in the dark it is your responsibility to observe the Highway Code! A LED rear light, whilst some are not legal for riding on the road may prove useful.

14. SPIRIT OF THE EVENT – Any action deemed against the spirit of the event will result in disqualification. The organiser’s decision is final!

If, after reading this you are still unsure – ring the number below or e-mail your questions and we will try to answer your questions

::required kit::

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Important:

This list of equipment is compulsory for the 2 day Polaris Challenge, and may be scaled down by the orgainiser for the smaller events , depending on the race location and the pending weather. (For the 'Adventure style' Polaris we add to the required kit list)