Elders Batchelor Classic (Road Race)

Time/Date

Race start: 7 am, Sunday 20 September 2020

Location

Litchfield Motel, Rum Jungle Road, Batchelor. Average overnight temperatures in September are about 20°C and chance of rain very low.

Allow 70 minutes travel time from Darwin.

Or stay the night in Batchelor - go for a swim or ride in Litchfield National Park on Saturday afternoon. Discounts available for Litchfield Motel, details below.

Course distances

The Batchelor Classic is an out-and-back race. Strava routes of each course are linked below. Grades A to D include Juniors 14+. You may suggest a grade in your online entry, but final grading of riders will be determined by DCC.

Men A Grade - 60km

Women A and Men B grade - 60 km

Women B and Men C grade - 45 km

Women C and Men D grade - 30 km

U14 Juniors - 15 km - chaperoned by adult rider (particpants must arrange for a chaperone - contact the Club as this may already be covered)

Riders will start at 7am from the Litchfield Motel immediately after the Race Brief, commencing with Group 1 (Men A grade), with 2 minute intervals between each subsequent group. From the Litchfield Motel a 2 km neutral zone is in place until the START/FINISH line at the intersection of Coach and Fowler Roads, south of the airstrip.

Membership requirements

All entrants require a Cycling Australia RACE membership.

There are 12 month memberships, as well as 2 month ($55) and 1 week ($43) options. Ride and Ride+ members may upgrade to RACE on a pro rata basis, or use a 1 week RACE membership. Discounts for families, and TA, MTBA, and BMXA members. Or try the free Bring-a-mate membership! See our website for details.

Entry Fee & Close of Entry times

Senior 19+ Early Bird Entry $10 (closes 11:59pm Thursday 17 September 2020)

Senior 19+ Late Entry $20

Juniors U19 Early Bird Entry $5 (closes 11:59pm Thursday 17 September 2020)

Juniors U19 Late Entry $10

Registration

Event registration opens: 6:10am at the Litchfield Motel. Bring your Membership card or proof of membership.

Event registration closes: 6.45am sharp (you must have registered prior to Race Brief).

Race Brief
 

Race brief will be held in the car park/driveway area of Litchfield Motel at 6:45am. An e-briefing will be sent around on Saturday afternoon. Remember to check your helmet for cracks and is within Australian Standards.

Timing

There is no timing for this event, however you may record your own times. Strava segments have been made for out and back routes for Grades A-D.

Support

This race is not supported. You must carry sufficient water and nutrition. Marshals or signage will be located at road intersections and turn around points to provide directions.

Marshals do not control traffic. Riders must follow marshal instructions and obey road rules and give way to other vehicles – the roads are open to traffic as normal.

Course closure

The course will be closed at 9.30am. There is no sag wagon, however a marshal or volunteer will be able to organise vehicles to pick up late riders. Please note that mobile phone coverage is patchy in the Eva Valley.

Placings

The DCC Senior Cyclist of the Year points will be awarded for 1st to 5th placings across the finish line for men and women in each grade.

There is also a KOM/QOM, approx. 6km from the finish line, ending at the intersection of Solomon Rd and Miles Rd. A Strava segment has been created for this hill. In 2019 we recorded placings for this, however in 2020 you can just check your strava placing for times!

Placings will be announced and medals and prizes awarded at the post race presentations at the Litchfield Motel from 9.30am. Stay for breakfast ($20 for either cooked or continental - cash only) and a swim! Please support the Litchfield Motel for providing the space for us.

Lucky door prize - a $100 voucher from Cullen Bay Day Spa will be given away at the post race presentations.

Early bird entry prize will also be announced - a $200 voucher for Pee Wee's at the Point restaurant.

Volunteers

Our events rely on the assistance of volunteers. We need volunteers for marshals (x3) and finish line recording (x2 or 3) (who are unable to race). We also need volunteers for the registration (x2 or 3) (can race).

Bunch riding and racing tips

See our website for bunch riding tips and bunch riding etiquette. Review the Strava segment elevation maps (linked above) to help with your race plan. Good luck!

Please be aware that spectators may be lining the road at the finish line and the KOM/QOM hill. Call out if you need space. Most of all enjoy the atmosphere.

Spectators

Spectators are welcome to watch the riders at the finish line at the intersection of Coach Road and Fowler Road (1 km south of Batchelor), or at the “Col du Solomon” hill top, 6 km south of Batchelor.

Free cow bells will be given away to help create an exciting atmosphere for riders. Families of riders are encouraged to come and cheer. Children should be supervised by adults at the side of the road. The road is open to traffic as normal.

Expected times at the hill top (6 km south of Batchelor) of grades A to D are between 7.50 am and 8.40am.

Expected finish line arrival time of all grades is between 8 am and 9 am.

Please park well away from the finish line and follow directions of marshals and race officials.

Accommodation and social events

Accommodation discounts at the Litchfield Motel have been provided for riders, volunteers and their families/friends.

Rooms are priced at $140 for up to 2 people, and $25 for each extra guest (maximum 4 people). This works out to $70/person for two guests, $55/person for three guests, and $47.50/person for four guests. All rooms have at least a queen bed and combination of singles/2nd queen beds. Get your friends and share a room! Mention you are NT resident for discount.

Email reservations@litchfieldmotel.com.au or phone 8976 0123 with this discount CODE: #batchelorbikerace.

There is a social ride on Saturday 4.30pm-6pm to the upper Finniss River and “Col du Solomon”, 6km south of Batchelor. Hill repeats for the fit and strong, or just check out how steep it is as we ride down to the Finniss River and back (total 20km, without repeats).

There will also be a group booking at the Litchfield Motel for dinner Saturday 6.30pm.