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NB - ALL BLUE CROSS ROADS REQUIRE A HIGH CLEARANCE 4X4 VEHICLE, and on-the go navigational equipment in the form of a hand-held GPS and/or mobile devices loaded with the GAIA/Strava App and the respective route for the discipline.

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Day 0 (zero): Mahenye Fly Camp - ARRIVE BY 1530 HOURS MON 7 AUGUST 23

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• Drive to Start Point at Mahenye crossing to BX-funded Fly Camp.

• Park vehicles as directed by BX marshalls. 

• Set up tents in linear format against East bank in Save riverbed as directed by BX marshalls.

• Shower and Toilet enclosures provided but limited water available. 

• Be self-contained for water or replenish from Pump Attendant Village (70m carry) or Jamanda South Boom.

• Heat own water for bucket bathing.

• Photoshoot & Sundowners in riverbed, 168m AMSL.

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Day 1: 'Longest Day' 113k from Mahenye SPt (168m ASL) to Musikavanhu Bushcamp (MSBC) (447m ASL)

 

• Commit to first light departure - no photoshoot.

• Appoint 2 vehicles as 'sweepers' over 10kms of Jamanda Concession due to possible Elephant and Buffalo encounters.

• Road conditions vary from rough to very rough and stony with numerous washaways.

• BX-funded Bushcamp on Musikavanhu School playing field. 

• Toilet and shower shelters available and water can be drawn from nearby boreholes (60m carry) but HOT WATER FOR BUCKET BATHING BY OWN ARRANGEMENTS.

• Please bring any unwanted items of sports equipment and/or childrens reading books etc for donation to the school.

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Day 2: 'Shortest Day' 59.8k from MSBC (447m ASL) to Fiddlers-on-the-Green)(FOTG)(970m ASL)

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• Road conditions rough to very rough and stony with some low range work required.

• Sign into Makande Main Gate and closely follow green trail through orchards to FOTG.

• Camp anywhere around clubhouse.

• Showers and toilets available.

• Supper and breakfast courtesy of Chipinge ladies.

• Please make own bookings. Budget guide US$20pppn - tbc. (see Overnight Stops page)

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Day 3: 86.8k from FOTG (970m ASL) to Chimanimani (1515m ASL)

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• First 7.2k through farmland unsupported. Back up vehicles follow cyan track 'XTC23 D3 Bk Up 10.6k' through Chipinge Village.

• Road conditions poor to very poor for first 33k to Rusitu tar road. Thereafter a mix of reasonable gravel  through Roscommon Estate (hard climb) and then tar to Charter Sawmill. Hard climb on tar to 'XTC23 D3 End 259.6k' at Chimanimani Village.

• Overnight accommodation by own arrangements.

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Day 4: 86.7k from Chimanimani (1515m ASL) to Whitewaters Bushcamp (WWBC)(956m ASL)

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• Road conditions poor to very poor up Tank Nek & through to Cashel Village. Thereafter a mix of tar and reasonable dirt to WWBC.

• Follow cyan track into BX-funded WWBC at day's end.

• Logistics as per MSBC. Toilets, shower enclosures available but be SELF-CONTAINED for WATER. PSE HEAT OWN WATER FOR BATHING.

• Sundowners on rock to SW of Camp.

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Day 5: 72.3k from WWBC (956m ASL) to Uplift at Zimunya Township (1115m ASL)

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• Road conditions a mix of reasonably good sand and gravel roads with 8kms of tar along Bazeley Bridge road.

• Load bikes onto trailers at 'XTC23 D5 Uplift 418.6k' (1115m ASL) and drive into Mutare for overnight stop by own arrangements.

• Camping plus showers/toilets and reasonably priced meal available at Hillside Golf Club (HGC).  

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Day 6: 78.5k from D6 SPt (1145m ASL) to Nyangani Car Park (NCP)(2144m ASL)

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• Commit to early start due to time-consuming pre-ride vehicle transfer and  significant climbing.

• Bk Up vehicles load 'XTC23 D6 Tfr 50.6k' and drive to D6 SPt at 'XTC23 D6 SPt 418.6k'

• Load 'XTC23 D6 78.5k'.

• Road conditions reasonable but with some very steep and stony sections. Tar through Juliasdale  and rough, uneven and stony surfaces on Placefell Road leading to NatParks Circular Drive and Nyangani Car Park.

• Prepare for a hero's welcome at Finish Line.

• Bk Up vehicles to carry cooler boxes and camp chairs.

• Own arrangements for overnight accommodation. 

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Day 7: Summit Day: 2.9k from NCP (2144m ASL) to Nyangani Mt Summit (2565m ASL)

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• Drive to Nyangani Car Park  (NCP) to arrive no later than 0800 hrs. Allow 75 mins from Nat Parks office.

• Load 'All Summit Day 2.9k '. Use navaids in case of white-out.

• Assess personal climbing strength & opt for slow, medium or fast climbing group.

• Sign large red book for full-distance participants at the summit. Brown book for back up and supporters.

• Limit Summit dwell time to quick photo shoot only & then descend.

• Head straight for Rhodes Hall for Spirit of the Blue Cross Celebratory Lunch and Awards Ceremony commencing at 1300 hours.

• Half Portuguese Chicken and Chips to be served. Cash bar available but bring cooler boxes for any special tipple.

• Further info closer the time.

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