PRE-RACE REGISTRATION & BRIEFING?
Pre-race registration, rider briefing and collection of kit bags for both 5 day and 3 day events will be at:
19 Sep: 14:00 – 18:00 Race registration at Brackenhurst reception
19 Sep: 09:00 – Prologue start from Brackenhurst reception
20 Sep: 08:00 – start from Brackenhurst Hotel for 5 day event
22 Sep: 08:00 – start from Race Camp 1 for 3 day event
WHAT LEVEL OF FITNESS DO I NEED FOR THE RVO?
The RVO is aimed at all mountain bike enthusiasts. You will ride 6-8 hours per day for 3-5 consecutive days, maintaining an average speed of 13km/h or greater over hilly and difficult terrain. You must train hard and prepare well to successfully tackle the Odyssey. It will not be easy…..
All entrants should undergo a medical examination to verify that they are medically sound and capable of joining the adventure.
WHAT IS THE ROUTE LIKE? 

The route is totally natural and not groomed, it has been designed to flow along natural single-track, forest trails and gravel roads; it will be grassy, sandy, dusty, rutted and rocky in places. Any severe technical tracks that do not add fundamental value to the route have been excluded. There are some very fast, steep, treacherous, technical descents that demand caution. Only a short climbs are severe enough to cause 90% of riders to push up. We know you will enjoy the challenging route, less than 5% of total distance is on asphalt.
CAN WE RIDE IN A SMALL GROUP? 

For practical reasons we recommend teams of two or maximum three riders that are of an equal pace. It is mandatory that each team has at least 1 GPS unit to share. Teams must stay together for safety and practical reasons.
WHAT ABOUT SHORT CUTS? 

Yes, there are short cuts, but why on earth would you ever want to take one??? If you need to finish faster, then cycle along the highway or take a bus. If you are compelled to seek an easier route, then please stay at home in your arm-chair, the RVO is not for you.
WHAT IF I LOSE MY GPS?
If you lose your GPS then stop and join a following team, it is impossible to navigate the RVO without a GPS.
WHAT IF I GET LOST? 

If you get lost, retrace your route until you find fellow riders, then follow them. If you are totally lost, ensure that you have a) emergency cash b) working telephone with airtime c) a cute & cuddly riding partner.
WILL THERE BE RACE TIMING? 

Yes, the RVO is both a race and an adventure; race timing will be based on GPS data. In order to record an official time, riders must submit their GARMIN GPS ride data at the end of each day. Racers with egos can upload their GPS data to GARMIN Connect for analysis, bragging rights and posterity. There will be special GARMIN awards. Any route deviation that the organizers’ consider as an unfair advantage will eliminate the rider from any time classification, but the rider will not be disqualified from the event.
WHAT DO I NEED TO CARRY DURING EACH STAGE – FOOD & WATER? 

You must carry everything that you will need during a stage. There will be 2 or 3 water (only) stations each day, without any food. We recommend each rider carries a minimum 3L of hydration plus enough food to complete the day’s stage.
WILL THERE BE MECHANICAL SUPPORT AND SPARES AVAILABLE ON THE EVENT? 

Participants must be self sufficient for spare parts. Bike mechanics will available at both race camps but not along the route.
WHAT ABOUT ACCOMMODATION? IS IT POSSIBLE FOR SUPPORTERS TO FOLLOW THE RACE?
Both race camps will be tented villages, entrants may also rent a 2-person tent with single mattress. At race camp 2 cottages are available as an upgrade option.
Friends and family are most welcome to join participants at both camps. The RVO supporter package includes tented accommodation.
DO I NEED SPECIAL INSURANCE? 

Each participant must have their own personal medical / accident insurance for the duration of the event. Please present proof of insurance at race registration. AMREF Flying Doctors medical evacuation service is included within the entry fee http://www.amref.org/flying-doctors/ The RVO will provide medical support along the route and at the both race camp.
WHAT WEATHER CAN WE EXPECT?
The weather in September is usually mild, afternoon rain is typical, daytime temperature ranges from 12-25* C.
Brackenhurst Hotel is at 2100 m ASL so nights and mornings are 8-12* C.
Lake Naivasha is at 1900m ASL so nights are 10-12* C.
RVO high point is 2800m ASL on Stage 2, which could possibly be 12* C at midday. All riders must therefore carry appropriate cold and wet weather apparel.