1.0: What are the classes available in the two categories, Extreme and Adventure?

1.1: Do all teams start at the same time at the beginning of each day or will there be "staggered" starts?

Yes. All teams start together but from time to time we may opt for a staggered start according to categories for safety reasons.

1.2: Will there be scheduled snack breaks / water stops during the race, or is it up to each team to decide / organise what is best for them?

There are generally at least two or three water stations for teams to top up their water before proceeding. Responsibility lies with each team leader to ensure they have adequate water for the distance they need to cover each day. Race officials may patrol the race course from time to time to check up on teams lacking in water or who need assistance on sections we feel require additional over-sight by the organizers.

Teams will be advised where the water stations are and it is their responsibility to top up on water before proceeding. Alternatively, they will need to improvise if it means collecting river water and purifying it sufficiently to make it safe for drinking.

The SAC does not encourage teams to drink river or stream water without cleaning it first.

Teams will also be responsible for their own meals during competition and post-race each day.

1.3: Will there be a schedule of events available for each day?

Yes and No. Yes in that you will only know what activities you will be doing the next day during the official briefing each night where the next day's course description and maps will be passed out and questions

We do not give out information about the race course before the race to anyone, including support crews or the media to ensure a fair playing field for all concerned. 

1.4: What does the "camping" entail?

Essentially, be prepared to camp out on a soccer field or within a Kampung(Village) for the night. Or teams may elect to live with a local family under the "homestay" category. Teams or individuals may opt to camp out but are reminded NOT to leave any valuables or gear in the tents and to store all gear in 1 large bag which can be locked and stored in the main building of the START venue each day for security reasons.

1.5: Any advice on the map reading?

Obvious, one member must be able to read, understand and use a topographic map. The maps are reasonably good and detailed enough. You need to determine distance’s on map’s, important check points, and villages that will assist you in navigating from check point to check point using basic compass, good sense of bearing and proper planning in success. Team dynamics are important and depending on other teams to navigate from point to point may sometimes not be a good idea. Speedometers are useful items to have for your bike to make distance calculations. However, GPS units are not allowed for use at any point in the race.

We use 1:50,000.00 scale topographic maps.

1.6: Could you give us some guidance on what type of special training we should be doing for the Adventure category?

Focus on basic mountain biking skills going both uphill and downhill are essential; being able to do basic repairs to your bike, repairing flat’s and being able to ensure your physical abilities are up to par for a long 10 hour to 15 hour days are crucial in preparing not just your body and mind for a Sabah Adventure Challenge, but having the right attitude and team work with your partner.

We can make recommendations galore but at the end of the day, it boils down to putting in the hours each week and getting yourself both physically and mentally prepared. Spend less time on the thread mill,but condition your body and put in time out on the road and on trails for a solid 50-80 Kilometer run each week at a steady pace with a hydration pack.

Work on basic orienteering skills with topographic maps available in your area and get friends to test your orienteering skills by getting out on a bike and following instructions on getting from point to point over the day during the hottest time of the day are some of the steps you may consider.

1.7 What is "homestay?"

It essentially means living with a local family in their home and using one of their rooms as an accomodation. All homes have a basic toilet and kitchen for you to use and also an opportunity to mix and interact with local families rather than isolate yourself in your tent at the end of the day and to just minggle with other competitors rather than truly discover what Sabah is all about and the experince of discovering what Sabahans are all about.

It was introduced in 2009 and has proven to be a successful option and we have introduced it yet again. In 2009, 95% of teams elected for homestay with a local family. The success of the homestay program in 2010 means we will continue to introduce it for the 2011 event yet again.

1.8 Can I pull out of the race at any point and continue the next day?

Yes you can. There will be a designated location each day where teams can opt to pull out though this is not encouraged unless there is a genuine health concern or injury that warrants it. Individuals who withdraw at any point in the race during, before or after the race may not continue.

1.9 Will meals be provided during the event?

No. Teams will need to ensure they have adequate power bars, gels or snacks to munch on during the course of the race. For post-race, hot water will be available at the START/FINISH venue each day for individuals who are bringing freeze dried foods to heat up their meals for consumption. A prize giving lunch will be organized for all competitors at the end of the race at the finish point.

2.0 What is the breakdown of mountain biking vs running/hiking vs water activities for SAC 2011?

There are no specific rules or formula's for each year's race course. The race directors put together a race course that is challenging each year based on their experince and knowledge of the area's in question where the race is organized and it may included more hiking than mountain biking, or longer mountain biking sections as opposed to hiking sections, and from time to time, MAY or MAY NOT include an activity in the rivers in the highlands of Borneo. Teams and individuals must be prepared mentally and physically for a combination of mountain biking and trekking over the three days. This is the challenge put forward by the SAC and its course directors and for competitors to attempt to complete within the designated time given.