And then this email!

Hi Folks
The mountain biking in this years event is going traverse some very varied terrain. In parts the type of terrain will be new to many of you.
We recommend that you get your bikes serviced prior to the event so that they are in peak condition. Check your tyres are in good nick and be sure to carry some spare chain links and a chain breaker. For navigating its helpful for one at least of the team members (preferably your navigators) to have a map holder on the handlebars.

Cheers
The ARC Team

I've made a map holder out of an icecream container. Double sided tape will hold a presentation folder in place, and in that will be our map and directions. Not bad I thought. I'll post a photo when I get our camera back from the beach. The flash map holders cost about $200. Actually everything in this adventure racing lark is expensive. I'm borrowing some lights which go on to my cycle helmet. I thought I'd have a look to see what they are worth - $500. So they won't be on my Christmas list! I'll just make sure that Richard gets some beers for lending them to me!

I'll get my bike serviced next week, and buy some spare links and a chain breaker thingy. I'm actually OK with punctures etc (although I think it will be harder getting the rubber off a mountain bike wheel compared to my road bike.

Tonight is abseiling practice. After tonight Janie and I should be feeling a lot more confident. We've practiced most things that are likely to be thrown at us.