The plan

An update after reviewing initial signup numbers

Transportation and Support

A large truck will be rented for the length of the TD which will be used to carry participants luggage to camp each day. The truck will be operated by two men who will help to load and unload all baggage and equipment at the start and end of each day. Riding in the truck will be a volunteer who will serve as the contact person for emergencies or questions while the two organizers are on the route each day. A volunteer on a motorbike carrying an emergency response kit will follow the riders at the end of each day, assuring all participants make it to camp safely.

Local contacts in each city will be made of an “on-call” vehicle, ready to bring any sick or injured riders to medical facilities or to major roads where better transport options are available. The rider will need to compensate the driver for their time and expenses. US$30 will go a long way towards getting you back to camp or to a medical facility, if need be.

Food

The TD plans to provide breakfast in the form of coffee, bread, and bananas each morning. At the end of each day, a group dinner will be provided for participants. For the sake of avoiding spoiled meat, vegetarian food in large quantities will be provided, with meat options available for individual purchase from local restaurants. Participants will be expected to bring supplementary food in their baggage. Peanut butter or jelly (or both!) to put on bread in the mornings, riding snacks for throughout the day, and any extra protein sources to add at dinnertime are the rider’s responsibility to pack in their checked bags. The riders will also be encouraged to bring their own cups, plates, and cutlery to help reduce waste throughout the race.

Water

Many portions of the TD are along populated roads that have kiosks which sell water and riders will be expected to buy it to replenish their personal supplies. Drinking water will be available at the start and end of each day.

Lodging

Hotel and lodging options are available at each stop along the TD, in Gleno, Atsabe, Bobonaro, Same, and Maubisse. In addition to a list of hotels which may be booked at the rider’s personal expense, there will be a camping location available to all participants at no additional cost. Bringing a small tent can be a good option.

At each location there will be low budget washing stations for bikes, showers, dish washing, drinking water, open space for personal tents, and a simple medical kit — but please do bring your own too; you'll want one with you on the trail anyway.

Prizes and Memorabilia

Because the TD seeks to create a lighthearted atmosphere which promotes unity and community between riders of all nationalities. Although prize money will not be allocated to each race class, certificates and a simple trophy will be awarded.

Sponsorship for national riders

Timorese would be able to enter the race at no personal expense, and will be helped financially and within reason with getting their bicycles in raceworthy condition. In order to ensure commitment at sign up, Timorese will be asked to provide a $20 deposit which will be returned to them at completion.

Money from entrance fees will also sponsor towards the food, water, transportation, basic lodging, and memorabilia for Timorese riders.

Budgeting

The TD believes that a transparent budget is one of the most important things it can provide to interested participants. In the spirit of transparency, it is worth mentioning that TD has attempted to overestimate costs in every category as to ensure that price per rider would only decrease as the event moves closer and more participants sign up. Extra funds from any category will then be moved into the category prizes for the top scoring male and female Timorese riders and a charity chosen by the entrants.

The main cost catagories for TD 2019 are luggage transportation, sponsorship for pre-race bike repairs for Timorese riders, provisions during the race, and category prizes.