This Trans Baviaans Countdown Blog is especially for the Support Driver of each Team! Its not just the Cyclists that need to prepare for this epic adventure, the support team is just as important. Here follows some vital information for you Support Drivers.
"You can do anything as long as you have the passion, the drive, the focus, and the support." - Sabrina Bryan 
Trans Baviaans Support Driver Info The support driver of the team plays an important part during the race. It is very important for the support driver to take the time to understand the rules and information provided. Should this be neglected resulting to rules not being obeyed, penalties will be given to the team of that support driver. This is why it is very important for the team to make sure that your support driver knows the route, checkpoints and the rules! RULES:
- NO SUPPORT VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED THROUGH THE BAVIAANSKLOOF -ONLY OFFICIAL VEHICLES ARE PERMITTED ON THE CYCLIST ROUTE!
- Support vehicles will ONLY be allowed at Checkpoint 5 and Checkpoint 6. They must travel to these checkpoints through the Langkloof (via Uniondale and Joubertina).
- NO ASSISTANCE WILL BE ALLOWED ALONG THE ROUTE. ASSISTANCE MAY ONLY BE PROVIDED AT CHECKPOINT 5 AND CHECKPOINT 6 AT DESIGNATED FEEDING ZONES. TEAM MEMBERS MAY NOT BE ASSISTED AT THEIR VEHICLES, THIS WILL BE DEEMED AS ASSISTANCE ON ROUTE.
Registration
- The Support Driver for the team must register/collect support info at registration, in addition to the team registering.
- Please make sure you know your team number before registration!
On Route
- Only one support vehicle is allowed per team.
- The road is open to normal traffic. Please obey all traffic rules, officials, marshals and medics.
- The route will not be marked. Ensure that you are familiar with the information and maps provided.
- Due to the Eastern Cape Parks Board instructions to reduce the number of vehicles travelling through the Baviaanskloof during the event, NO team support vehicle are permitted to travel through the Baviaanskloof during the event. This will be checked by EC Parks at the entrance gate.
- Event Sweep vehicles will be available to act as pick-up vehicle for those that are forced to withdraw. Medical and mechanical assistance will be available at specific checkpoints and on-route.
- No assistance will be allowed along the route. Assistance may only be provided at Checkpoints 5 and 7 in the designated feeding zones. Team members may not be assisted at their vehicles. This will be deemed as assistance on route and will be penalized.
- No assistance will be allowed along the route. Assistance may only be provided at Checkpoints 5 and 7 in the designated feeding zones. Team members may not be assisted at their vehicles. This will be deemed as assistance on route and will be penalized.
- Cyclist will have the right of way during the race.
- Ensure that you know the route and location of checkpoints 5 and 7. Keep on your designated route (differ from cyclists).
- No driving through the veld. Stick to the road and demarcated areas (at checkpoints).
- Support vehicles are not allowed to travel back on the route.
- NO littering.
- Support vehicle drivers must arrive at the FINISH at least 20 minutes before their team - please come and report to the FINISH marshal upon arrival.
Checkpoints at Trans Baviaans
- Food and sustenance at checkpoints are free for cyclists only, support drivers are allowed to buy from the vendors.
- When arriving / departing from checkpoints – make sure you report this to the Checkpoint Marshal and that he/she has acknowledged your team number and provide you with a sticker for your Team Support Driver Control Card.
- Support drivers MUST know their team number. Arriving at the checkpoints and not knowing it, will result in the holding up of oncoming traffic - this will be penalised!
- Support vehicles arriving at checkpoints will not be allowed to leave before their team arrived, unless they continue to the next checkpoint.
- Please obey checkpoint marshals – they have discretion to implement penalties.
- Drivers must bring their control card to the marshal at the FINISH in order to receive their free SPUR burger.
Important times
- All support vehicle drivers must attend the drivers briefing at 09:00 at the start line on Saturday.
- Event support will be withdrawn at 12:00 on Sunday. Team support vehicles must then collect their team.
Remember!
- Please be prepared for all weather conditions. The event will take place irrespective of weather conditions unless intervened by Disaster Management.
- Support drivers must be experienced and have basic orienteering skills.
- Support drivers MUST make way for official and emergency vehicles.
"Patience is the support of weakness; impatience the ruin of strength." - Charles Caleb Colton Please note: Riders are allowed to lodge a complaint towards support drivers not obeying the rules or acting in an unsafe and inconsiderate way towards the riders. Source: www.transbaviaans.co.za
