faq

Am I able to ride the course before the event?
How fit or skilled do I need to be?
How will I know where to go on the course?
What do I take with me on the Convict 100?
How do I enter the Convict 100?
Should I expect anything in the post after I've entered?
Is a support crew needed for the Convict 100?
What are the expected finish times?
Where can I stay at St Albans?
What time does the race start?
Can I drive up on the morning of the race?
Can I get a refund if I withdraw from the race?
Are there any course changes for 2012?

Am I able to ride the course before the event?

No, many of the routes pass through private property and National Park land and are not open to the general public. Special permission has been obtained to allow you access to these areas on the day of the event. Please be respectful to land owners by not trespassing on their premises before the event.

How fit or skilled do I need to be?

The Convict 100 is accessible to all riders with the correct preparation. If you haven't been on your bike recently, now is the time to get training. A few sections require off road technical skills. Nothing that can't be walked if you are uncomfortable riding it.

If you are not used to riding long distance off road on your mountain bike, practise by building up to it over a variety of terrains. That way it won't be such a shock to your system on the day.

How will I know where to go on the course?

The course will be clearly marked with brightly coloured markers for easy guidance. Marshals will also be positioned at critical points along the course for extra guidance when it is needed. The trail outline and markings will be discussed in the final instructions document (released two weeks before the event) and at the briefing prior to the commencement of the event.

What do I take with me on the Convict 100?

Full course (100km)
Three water stations will be positioned at the 28km, 50km and 70km mark where riders can fill up with water and GU2O electrolyte drinks and coke cola. There will also be a selection of sliced fruit such as watermelon and banannas, lollies and other yummy stuff available at the water stations so take that into consideration when planning your nutrition strategy. The bike mechanics from City Bike Depot will also be present at the halfway mark to deal with any bike issues.

Competitors will have to carry all food and repair gear when they leave St. Albans. Please take note the course is basically one loop. You will start and finish at St. Albans so you will not have an opportunity to get more food or pickup gear along the way.

Find below what we consider essentials for any mountain bike ride in the bush:

Hydration backpack (plenty of water)
Food (some energy food to keep you going)
First aid kit (containing anti-septic, bandages, tweezers, dressings etc)
Pump
Tool bag (containing everything you need to fix your bike)
Spare tubes
Chain lube
Mobile phone (reception is patchy, but might help you get out of a sticky situation)
Spray jacket
Sunscreen and Insect repellent
Sunglasses or clear lenses

Half Course (50km)
Riders doing the half course can fill up on water, GU2O and fruit at the 28km mark. The 50km course is also a loop starting and finishing in St. Albans. Any additional food as well as repair kits need to be carried from the start.

How do I enter the Convict 100?

Entries for the 2012 Convict 100 will open on the 1st December 2011. You can enter via our secure online entry system. Click here to go to the Entry page for more information.

Should I expect anything in the post after I've entered?

We do not post out any information, merchandise or items related to the event. To ensure all riders receive the necessary information, we will communicate with you via the event website and your registered email address. One week before race day, we will release a final instructions document on the event website, containing all the information you need for race weekend. You will be made aware of this document via email.

Is a support crew needed for the Convict 100?

No, you do not need a support crew for this event. The nature of the race will require you to be self-sufficient out on the course.

What are the expected finish times?

Top riders doing the 100km course will finish the course in 4 hours depending on conditions. Start times for the race have been designed to allow those who would like to enjoy the ride sufficient time to finish in daylight.

Top riders in the 50km category should come in on the 2 hour mark.

Where can I stay at St Albans?

Please see the accommodation details on the Accommodation Page.

Alternatively accommodation is available in neighbouring areas to St Albans such as Wisemans Ferry. For more information visit www.sydneyhills.com.au

What time does the race start?

The 100km competitors need to report to the start line from 6:45am. There will be a race briefing at 6:45am followed by the start at 7:00am. Registration for the event will be open on Friday night and from 5:30am to 6:30am on race day. All competitors must register to receive their race number and transponders for timing.

The 50km competitors must report to the start line from 8:45am. The race brief will take place at 8:45am followed by the start at 9:00am. Registration for the 50km will be open on Friday night and from 7:00am to 9:00am on race day

Can I drive up on the morning of the race?

We recommend 100km competitors to stay over in St. Albans on the Friday night. If you live in the Sydney metro area you can drive up on the morning of the race but you will have to allow at least 2 hours to get to St. Albans.

Can I get a refund if I withdraw from the race?

Please see the Refund and Cancellation policy details on the bottom of the Entry page

Are there any course changes for 2013?

No, the 100km and 50km course will be identical to 2012.

faq