How do I get to The Impossible Race Polo MTB?
Get yourself and your bike the designated pick-up points. We shall take it over from there. You along with your entire luggage and your bike will be shuttled to Polo safely and back to Ahmedabad after the race.
What is the eligibility criteria for registration?
The race has no open category registrations. Registrations for the event mean you should have your own bike, you should have experience in riding mountain bikes, you should have an insurance policy, you should be physically and mentally sound to compete and most importantly, you should love riding mountain bikes. If you meet all these criteria, you are prepared to race in the Impossible Race, MTB Polo.
What bike should I ride? What terrain am I going to be up against?
How will the weather be in Polo on race days?
Polo forest is situated to the North-West of Ahmedabad and the month of March would mark the transition from winter to spring. The temperatures will vary between 30-32 degrees Celsius during the day to 16-18 degrees at night. It will be pleasant; neither too cold nor too warm. Riders are advised to carry breathable riding outfits and one layer of woolens would be adequate as temperatures will not dip too much.
Why should I compete in MTB polo?
Polo MTB is not just any other cross country race. It is a test of endurance and is technically challenging. Verging on the lines of the endure-riding discipline, this event is one-of-a-kind. Moreover it is set in one of the best kept secret forests of Gujarat. The Polo forest is not only largely uncharted, it is a part of the old Vijaynagar Empire, the ruins of which are very evident of its glorious heritage. The historical value, the wildlife, the natural beauty, the culture and the amazing trails are more than enough reasons to participate in the mountain bike race. It will be an experience you will forever cherish and look forward to for years to come.
Can I compete if I am not a seasoned rider?
Well, of course you can. All participants will receive certificates and finishers will get finishing souvenirs. Even the riders who DNF (do not finish) will have one amazing adventure which will be etched into their minds. It is a physically challenging race, yes, but is it worth competing? Well, you will not know unless you register.
What if my bike breaks down?
In case of a technical failure in your bike, we shall have pit stops with mechanics and technical guides to help you fix your problem. In case of a replacement of a component, you will be able to purchase spares from our technical shop. This is subject to availability to don't expect a full-fledged set-up.
Can I carry my spare tubes, camera and tool kit with me during the race?
Yes, of course. We recommend you always ride with a daypack with a hydration bladder and emergency supplies which you may need for yourself or your bike.
What is a GPS enabled race?
A GPS (Global Positioning System) is a device which you may use to find out where exactly you are. The trail will be marked with signs and race tape to ensure you do not go off trail or get lost.
Is there a limit to the number of registrants?
As a matter of fact, there is. We will be closing registrations at forty (40) participants for the Polo MTB race. So, you better hurry up and register now!
If I am not an Indian registrant, and I am facing problems with the VISA, could you help me out?
Well, yes we can. Once you register with the event, please get in touch with the organizers via e-mail and we will be more than glad to help you out with the processes. As this is a government backed event, we are certain to help you out in case you face any Visa related difficulties to the best of our abilities.
Is there an age limit to participate in the race?
Yes, racers should be at least 16 years. We will consider applications of younger racers if they are experienced and can present a note from their parents or legal guardians.
Can I cancel my registration? If yes, how do I go about it?
Any cancellation of registration must be made by EMAIL ONLY. No cancellations are accepted by telephone. Once registered, a participant will not be reimbursed or be able to change races. A participant may only be reimbursed in case of
(1) an accident - or serious illness, (2) an injury sustained after registration and not completely curable before the day of the race. For (1) it is necessary to produce a medical certificate that has been attested by a doctor at least 10 days before the event. For (2) the organization recommends that the injured cyclist does not put himself/herself in danger unnecessarily and that they cancel their registration or postpone their participation for following year. To do this, the cyclist must make a request to the organization's Medical Counsel. This request must be accompanied by a detailed medical file. If the Medical Counsel agrees, the cyclist will automatically be registered for the following year for the same race. His/her payment will be kept by the race organization.
Can I volunteer for the event?
Of course! We are looking for volunteers to help us in managing and refueling aid stations, guiding national and international athletes through the registration process once on site which will include checking for ID proof, checking doctors' clearance, checking the compulsory gear, guiding the participants from Ahmedabad to race camp, explaining the rules of the race camps to the participants arriving on race site, etc.
What fluids and refreshments will be available at the location during the race?
During the race, cyclists will have access to sodas (they are good for upset stomach and they contain sugar which is the number one fuel for muscles) and energy drinks - But drink these little by little because an energy drink can also quickly upset your stomach if you drink too much at a time and exert immediately after that.
How do I get in touch with someone at the base camp in case of an emergency on my course?
As a participant you will be given an emergency telephone number that will direct you to one of our medical team personnel at all times. Be aware that there will be portions of the race where phones won't get signal. If you don't feel right, don't wait to be lost in the middle of the forest, far away from everyone. The best idea would be to stop at the closest aid station. You may then wait for the doctor to come and examine you before proceed further.
Is there a possibility of rain during the race?
There always a possibility of rain anywhere anytime on planet earth but it is very unlikely. We made sure by choosing the season for the race that the participants get the best of sunshine Polo.
Are there transport facilities available in chance of an emergency?
Yes there is and this will be arranged considering the number of people to be transported and the emergency of the situation. Transportation on cars, trucks or motorbikes will be made available as much as possible but there will be areas where no machine can get to you. This means that you should in any case try to reach the closest aid station. If you can't move, tell a participant you find around you and he'll tell the next aid station. Worst case scenario: be ready to spend some time waiting for help. This is the reason why you should have water and food with you at all times.
Are there any specific things I should be carrying as a rider?
You should not only carry water and snacks at all times but also display your race number plate on the front of your bike and don't forget your helmet, which is compulsory. You must also carry a tool kit with sufficient spare parts at all time because even if there will be bike support during the event, it may take some time to get to you sometimes. Also, be aware that there is no bike shop in the Polo forest area. For the road bike events, we would suggest carrying a minimum of 1 spare tube (but we recommend you carry 2), a small bike pump or 2-3 CO2 cartridges and the associated valve, tyre levers. For the MTB participants, because the event last for 3 days, we strongly recommend that one should carry with her/him at all time 2 spare tubes (at least), chain lube, a bike pump or 2-3 CO2 cartridges and the associated valve, tyre levers, a multi-tool, patch kit and a chain breaker (that you know how to use). A speed link/spare chain link is also useful. Also, don't forget to have your bike serviced before you leave for the event. That way you would ensure that it's in perfect condition. For more precise info, we strongly advise that you check on rules and regulation for the definite list of gear one should always carry along with him.
What are the facilities available on the course during the race?
Besides the aid stations that are more or less 20 km from each other on the - depending on the accessibility - there's absolutely nothing. This is a semi-self-sufficient race.
Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
NO, you cannot transfer your registration to anyone.
Will I get a refund if I cancel?
No. But in the case of an injury sustained after registration and not completely curable before the day of the race, the organization recommend that the injured cyclist does not put themselves in danger unnecessarily, that they cancel their registration and postpone running the race until the following year. To do this, the cyclist must make a request to the organization's Medical Counsel. This request must be accompanied by a detailed medical file. If the Medical Counsel agrees, the cyclist will automatically be registered for the following year for the same race. His payment will be kept by the race organization and his spot kept for next year.
