MOUNTAIN BIKING
The riding will mainly be on formed roads and tracks. A full-suspension bike is advised, but a hardtail bike will be suitable. Prepare for muddy sections and in some areas, to carry your bike to link to other roads. A map board is extremely wise for the navigators to have mounted on their bikes. Front and rear lights are required for night riding. Teams need to take all their own tools, and need to be able to repair a flat trye and broken chain.
HIKING
Expect a range of hiking terrain, from steep forest country, to coastal beach walking. There will be trails and some off-track travel. Crossing rivers and waterways frequently happens on the West Coast so prepare to have wet footwear most of the time. The 48-hour race will have longer stages into steeper country, and possibly glacier travel.
NAVIGATION
The level of navigation in the True West is aimed to be challenging and testing. The nature of the terrain is that teams won’t cover huge distances as their moving speed will be slower, so navigation will have a bigger role. It is extremely important you have at least one strong navigator in each team.
PACK RAFTING
For 24 & 48-hour teams only: All team members must have the necessary skills to paddle whitewater wilderness rivers without support. There will not be river safety staff on all sections.
24-hour teams: All members must be competent in Grade 2+ whitewater.
48-hour teams: All members must be competent in Grade 3+ whitewater.
Teams will need to portage rapids they do not wish to paddle. Each team must have their own pack rafts, with their own paddles, helmets and PFD’s.
A repair kit and pump must be carried on each pack raft. For any night paddling, glow sticks must be attached to the rear of each pack raft, and each pack raft must have a waterproof strobe light accessible at all times while on the water. Each raft must have an accessible throw bag.
TEAMWORK
Perhaps the most important discipline. To be a highly functioning team is a result of planning, communication, a shared common goal, and a commitment to work together.