It's been another busy month of race prep here at Hellfire HQ - there's a new trail called squirrel which promises to be sweet as a nut. We also gave away a stonker of an early bird spot prize – an Avanti Competitor 29.2 carbon hard tail (Worth over $3,000) to Jarrod from Cooee. We've got another one of those to give away to a lucky competitor come day 4 of the Cup. Thanks to our major sponsors AvantiPlus for backing the Cup and supporting the MTB community.  

We've got more spot prize swizzery for our early birds - this time, if you enter before June 30th you go into the draw to win a cool fashion time piece from staunch MTB supporters and Hellfire cup sponsor 4SHAW. This watch body is made from unicorn tears and in the heart of this time piece you will find the workings of Thomas Edison’s little talked about invention, the mechanical squirrel. Well not really, but they are pretty cool. Anyone who enters before the 30th of June goes in the draw.

Make sure you get on over to Facebook and chuck us a like so you can keep on top of all the day to day stuff.

That'll do pig, that'll do.  Don’t forget to get your mates signed up and we will see you in November.

Cheers,

Duncan & the whole Hellfire Team

Last edition of the newsletter we mentioned some exciting news about the Race Village was incoming. Long term members of the Tasmanian MTB community will know that the access to the Kellevie race village area has always been made possible by the generosity and hospitality of the landowner Bernard Wooley. Many riders have enoyed a chat with Bernard while waiting for their turn smashing themselves over the course at Kellevie.

So, the BIG news is that the Kellevie race village and surrounding trails are under contract to be sold to private investors who are working on a MTB and recreation park development. This is very exciting as it means good things for the future of mountain biking in the area as well a permanent home for the Hellfire Cup. More updates on that soon!

Last year half the Hellfirers came from interstate and overseas, so we’ve put together some ideas for travellers. We have told you in previous newsletters all about MONA, the awesome vineyards in the area, all the trails and many other attractions.

Here is a road trip serving suggestion for you guys if you are extending your stay for a holiday (don’t forget if you are bringing mini mes there is childcare available during the race stages, so bike holiday can be family holiday (you can book childcare when you enter online).

Whether you get here by boat, plane or levitation there are many reasons to stay and check out the beautiful Tasmanian wilderness and indulge in superb food, wine and places to stay and visit.

The Team Hellfire shortlist

Northern Tasmania

• The trails at Kate Reed reserve and Trevallyn are super sweet and quite varied - lots of fun. 
• Tamar Valley has awesome vineyards and food stops and is very picturesque.
• Launceston has great dining and offers lots of cool attractions
• Depending on your schedule there is also some great riding at Penguin including the legendary Dial Ranges descent.

East

• Blue Tiers riding is great adventure riding and with trail development off its rocker in the North East it will only get better. Riding is so much fun that Ben Mather and Row Fry hold the 2 day Blue dragon MTB stage race there. 
• Freycinet National park is also worth a visit and has some great priced accommodation for families
• White Sands Estate the makers of Iron House beer and the Hellfire Cups Hell Brew can provide accommodation and excellent dining in a beautiful location.

South

• The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel have come on board again as our official accommodation sponsor. They’re helping us out with our accommodation requirements for the event and have also offered a special Hellfire Cup deal.  So, make sure you get behind them and bunk in their Hotel whenever you stay in Hobart.  Are you a regular business traveller into Hobart? Email Scott to have a chat about setting-up a corporate rate.  SPECIAL HELLFIRE CUP DEAL – valid 17th – 30th November 2014 Mention “Hellfire Cup” when you make your booking and receive 10% off the internet rate. You can call on 1800 814 676 or email The Old Woolstore. 
• Pennicott Tours offer award winning wilderness tours that are an amazing way to check out Tassie coastline. Conveniently for you, October and November are when the whales are heading South so don't miss this amazing sight.
• Bruny island is a short trip from the Tassie mainland and has a multitude of wild beaches and tikety-boo oyster bar Get Shucked, with a name like that and motto “fuel for love” well why wouldn’t you go there? 
• Tasmanian Quarter Masters are highly recommended for a feed.
• Foodies can get their gourmet walking tour on with Gourmania Food Tours around Hobart. 
• And of course, get weirded out/inspired/appalled at MONA.

West

• The fishing village of Strahan provides a great base for some great adventure riding. Just ask anyone who has done Wildside.
• It’s the wild part of the state and is very unique place to visit. Although more rugged and isolated the west coast has some world class hospitality and of course, a bag of trails for you to ride.

Ok so that’s a brief list of suggestions, and it’s just a few serving suggestions to give you riding, eating and chilling while you're here in Tasmania. There is of course, much more on offer in each of these areas. Here’s the list of top ten Tourism Tasmania recommended attractions.

Travellers – don’t forget that Hellfire Cup supporters, Mountain Bike Tasmania, offer great packages for people wanting airport and pickup and camping gear. They will update their packages for 2014 so check out their website late next week for what is available for 2014. Email Ian and the team for more info.

New Sponsor - Muc Off

We have new sponsors Muc Off on board to provide you with lots of spot prizes. They do great cleaning products and lubes and heaps of other things so check ‘em out.

Sponsor focus - Onsite assessments.

This year we are upgrading and installing new showers and infrastructure. The race village is a camping environment but one of our main focuses this year is to improve rider comfort. When the riding is done we know those staying at the village want to be warm and get clean and mean for the next days riding. To increase the shower capacity we need a plan. The man with that Plan is Richard Mason from Onsite Assessments Tas and we are pumped (pun intended) to have him on board as a significant sponsor contributing to the event.

Onsite Assessments Tas provide Services for Building Designers, Project Managers, Land Surveyors & Real Estate Agents. Principal Richard has over 25 years experience as a designer, assessor and regulator of wastewater systems servicing everything from individual houses on acreages, houses and holiday homes in beachside townships, tourism developments, cafe/restaurants, mine sites, rural businesses, sports clubs and festivals etc.

Richard is an Accredited Building Services (Hydraulic) Designer .
As well as operating a private consultancy since 2004, Richard has worked for over 20 years as a local government Environmental Health Officer. Richard brings an intimate understanding of the approvals process and the issues of most likely concern to Council Planners etc. This extensive experience means Richard is well placed to provide appropriate design advice and to steer your proposal through the often complex regulatory environment, to ensure a smooth passage through the approvals process and minimal delay in obtaining that vital permit.

Richard has extensive experience in site and soil assessment and the design of the following:

• Septic tank systems with in-ground absorption trenches and beds, ETA beds, mounds, bottomless sand filters and Advanced Enviro Septic systems.
• Composting toilets with separate greywater treatment.
• Aerated wastewater treatment/package plants with subsurface and surface irrigation reuse or discharge to absorption trenches etc.

All site assessment and design work is undertaken in accordance with AS/NZS1547.2012 On-site domestic waste-water management.

Call Richard Mason on 0418 589 309 or richardmason@iprimus.com.au.

Competitor info for the 2014 AvantiPlus Hellfire Cup has been updated. Download a PDF copy from our website.