2009 Ironman Cliffhanger $30,000 and 50% filled already

Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Location: Mornington

Wham Bam thanyou Mam !!!! 2008 was a hoot! This event attracts Australia's most competitive rigs making it the most exciting and now THE richest 4WD event down under. This is it .. the fastest, most gruelling, most challenging and most exciting event.

International interest welcome.

Registered "Challenge" class
Unregistered "Buggy" class
CCDA sanctioned, rules, vehicle specs and log books required.

$30,000 take home cash prizes as follows ..
(1st, 2nd and 3rd places % split of $10000 based on class sizes Challenge vs Buggy)
1st places share $5000
2nd places share $3000
3rd places share $2000
20 x stage places at $100 per top 10 outright place per stage regardless of class. ($20,000)

Base Camp with catering, toilets (porta loos) and showers. Pre-cut lunches every day. Public Bar and pre-purchased fuel on site.

Once again on the infamous Cootawundi Station at White Cliffs NSW.

Commences Sunday 5th July and concludes Friday night 10th July 2009.

Medical centre and paramedics on site.

This will be capped at just 50 vehicles.

Competition entry fee is $2200 payable in full before 31st March. $500 non refundable deposit secures your spot. After 31st March, entry fees are transferrable to stand by list but not refundable. Price rise covers improvements to toilets, paramedics and communication equipment.

Spectators fee is $440 adults, $220 under 16 and $100 todlers under 5. Catered meals only available to pre-purchased ticket holders.

Not surprising - 50% filled already and just 360 sleeps to go.

Apply on line at www.ironmancliffhanger.com

or call us for info

Hobzee .. 03 59755533 bh
Rudi .. 0428534102

Joined: 02 Jan 2006 Location: Lara Victoria

Now before i start i would like to stress that this is NOT designed to be the start of a whinge/bitch/sledging session but more of a information session.

I know only too well the work involved in organising and running event and the costs associated in setting up, feeding, trying to reimberse volunteers, property owners, external services and the list goes on.

My question is, Rudi and Hobzee, where is the extra $700-$1000 going in relation to the event?
Can we expect extra services? I know Rudi has mentioned there will be a medical facility next year, which while expensive is a neccessity in my view.

The organisers and there associated company/s deserve to make money from this event so there would be no grievences with profits being made, in fact there should be, it's just a big/ish jump in entry fee and has defintely set back my plans for next year.

Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Location: Mornington

Thanks Ruffy - I'm glad we can air this up front. Sorry this response drags on a bit...

The event is without doubt getting very fast - it makes it special but also scary from a liability point of view. We are trying to keep it safe without simply taking out speed - that would be no fun. To this end we need to have on site paramedics "just in case" of a nasty roll over or even a spectator with a sudden heart condition, etc. We have hunted down ambulance crews but they are so under resourced at the best of times we have to find a professional crew capable of cutting you out of a wrecked vehicle, authorised to administer oxygen and have the gear to keep you guys alive, etc. This is a sizeable cost.

Also, we have to accommodate 250 backsides that need toilets. We learned that flushing toilets are not the go in a remote desert location and so we are tracking down lots of porta loos scattered through out camp. (I have had plenty of long drop suggestions but that site floods every wet season and the holes would need digging annually). At this stage we plan to buy 15-20 toilets and that will take a few years to recover. So we envisage a very expensive toilet tab.

We are going to campaign to get the best marshals to the best event and that will require "incentives".

We are also buying and setting up hi output UHF radios and sat phones with stage leaders as well as additional services in each our rigs and a central comms van. That will take a few years to recover these costs.

Also the usual catering, property owner, property license with Department of Lands and Insurance premium exceed $60,000.

So if you do the maths ... 50 cars at $2200 (inluding GST) = $100,000 less $60,000 in catering, property, insurance, etc then less the cost of toilets, less cost of paramedics, less marshal costs, less shower costs, less cost of buying comms equipment = not much left in fact dangerously close to RED .... and so we cant afford people pulling out at the last minute.

We have pledged $30000 in cash prizes and if we cant get that from Sponsors then guess who pays that? - yes I get Rudi to go halfs - that's quite an achievement.

Even after 4 years it's the passion that gets me accross the line and certainly not the dollars. But granted Mr Ruffy, this is a fair question and a lot must be thinking it - I hope this helps people realise that there is in fact greater value in '09 than previous years.

Joined: 27 Nov 2002 Location: Lost in Melbourne.

Hobzee wrote:

if we cant get that from Sponsors then guess who pays that? - yes I get Rudi to go halfs .

yea good luck #Rofl

Joined: 11 Nov 2006 Location: SPRINGMOUNTAIN BRISBANE

THE ENTRY FEE IS STILL CHEAPER THAN ANOTHER EVENT HELD OUT THAT WAY.... & WITH TWICE AS MANY RETURNS FOR YOUR $$$$

& NOT TO FORGET THE STAGE WINS ECT

EVEN IF THERE WASNT PRIZE MONEY, THIS EVENT GIVES YOU MORE
VALUE FOR YOUR $$, FOR COMPETITOR-SPECTATOR & FAMILIES, THAN
ANY OTHER EVENT OUT THERE....

YOU HAVE TO LOOK BEYOND THE ENTRY FEE, I HAVE & MY DEPOSIT IS IN..

PIGLET owner of the FATROZA

Joined: 26 Sep 2003 Location: Sydney,Narrabeen

Also put my entry in today

Mal

Joined: 22 Mar 2004 Location: sunshine coast

If I Put $500 down can I roll it to the following year if I am unable to get my Buggy finished? I really do not want to be in the position where my buggy is ready to go but the positions are full. I would be happy to find another replacement team to fill the spot.

Or will there be a seperate quota for buggys / trucks and am I safe

cheers bru

Joined: 27 Jan 2005 Location: Langwarrin

Bru, go to the website for conditions
www.ironmancliffhanger.com.au

go to entry form link and click on conditions......

Joined: 22 Mar 2004 Location: sunshine coast

Thanks mate, I had a look.

I will have to have a good hard think this week!!!

Cheers Bru

Joined: 23 Apr 2007 Location: Brisbane

Hobzee and Rudi,

You 2 have organised an excellent event for the last 3 years that I have been attending and to be fed, showered and all of the other luxuries that go with the event in the middle of Australia that is an awesome accomplishment.

The extra costs of a few hundred dollars in my mind is well worth every cent if it is going towards paramedics, communications, and dunnies etc.

I have spoken with a few people that attended this year and they have all said that for the $1500 that we paid this year, it was definitely too cheap for what we were getting in return. (Thats not to say to hike prices for the hell of it though.)

I really think that to have paramedics onsite is the best thing that could be done with an event of this nature in remote central Australia and I would definitely be willing to spend the extra money on just that in itself.

Also we walked away with our prize money on the night of presentation with you guys. There is another big event held out that way about 2 months before Cliffhanger that we competed in and we are stillllllllllllll waiting for prize money that was promised to us at presentation now 2 1/2 months later. It was also over $1,000.00 more expensive to enter the event and we didn't get fed or looked after like at Cliffhanger.

"Ruffy" get over it, you know it is an excellent event.

The level of competition in 08 was definitely a step above the rest with the 4WD's and competitors out there getting so much more competitive. I say "Bring it on" get out there and step up to the week long challenge if you can handle it.

Well done guys and all involved and keep up the good work.

Todd Robards.

Joined: 26 Sep 2003 Location: Sydney,Narrabeen

Blue Lightning wrote:

Hobzee and Rudi,

You 2 have organised an excellent event for the last 3 years that I have been attending and to be fed, showered and all of the other luxuries that go with the event in the middle of Australia that is an awesome accomplishment.

The extra costs of a few hundred dollars in my mind is well worth every cent if it is going towards paramedics, communications, and dunnies etc.

I have spoken with a few people that attended this year and they have all said that for the $1500 that we paid this year, it was definitely too cheap for what we were getting in return. (Thats not to say to hike prices for the hell of it though.)

I really think that to have paramedics onsite is the best thing that could be done with an event of this nature in remote central Australia and I would definitely be willing to spend the extra money on just that in itself.

Also we walked away with our prize money on the night of presentation with you guys. There is another big event held out that way about 2 months before Cliffhanger that we competed in and we are stillllllllllllll waiting for prize money that was promised to us at presentation now 2 1/2 months later. It was also over $1,000.00 more expensive to enter the event and we didn't get fed or looked after like at Cliffhanger.

"Ruffy" get over it, you know it is an excellent event.

The level of competition in 08 was definitely a step above the rest with the 4WD's and competitors out there getting so much more competitive. I say "Bring it on" get out there and step up to the week long challenge if you can handle it.

Well done guys and all involved and keep up the good work.

Todd Robards.

Sounds good Todd looking forward to next year & looks like ill have to borrow a mates camper trailer Smile

Mal

Joined: 01 Oct 2005 Location: pinerivers

Im contemplating entering in my GQ wagon but the extra $1000 for next years entry fee may put it out of my reach Im on a Very low buget and dont plan on any stage wins which may offset some cometitors entry fees so unless I can find a sponsor this comp will be out of reach for me just because of the larger entry fee. Have you thought of adding a trophy class with a lower entry fee and no prize money to help out the lower budget trucks as Im sure Im not the only one in this position?

Havin said that I agree with what Todd says, safety is paramount! and if I can scrape up the cash in time I will be there competing.

cheers Geoff

Joined: 02 Jun 2005 Location: laying on your couch

Ruffy wrote:

Now before i start i would like to stress that this is NOT designed to be the start of a whinge/bitch/sledging session but more of a information session.

I know only too well the work involved in organising and running event and the costs associated in setting up, feeding, trying to reimberse volunteers, property owners, external services and the list goes on.

My question is, Rudi and Hobzee, where is the extra $700-$1000 going in relation to the event?
Can we expect extra services? I know Rudi has mentioned there will be a medical facility next year, which while expensive is a neccessity in my view.

The organisers and there associated company/s deserve to make money from this event so there would be no grievences with profits being made, in fact there should be, it's just a big/ish jump in entry fee and has defintely set back my plans for next year.

it costs $10k min to do obc , cliff. whats a few extra hunge. motor sport is not a cheap sport. im tipping every year just like obc entry price will increase.

Joined: 14 Feb 2004 Location: Vic

Blue Lightning wrote:

There is another big event held out that way about 2 months before Cliffhanger that we competed in and we are stillllllllllllll waiting for prize money that was promised to us at presentation now 2 1/2 months later.

Todd Robards.

Probably got something to do with the fact they hadn't recieved everyone's entry fee by the end of the event Rolling Eyes

Joined: 11 Nov 2006 Location: SPRINGMOUNTAIN BRISBANE

hey thats ok fish, they got our FULL entry fees for 07..& we all only got 1/4 of an event.so they should have been in front to start with...

Joined: 25 Nov 2002 Location: Golden Square

pigletracing wrote:

hey thats ok fish, they got our FULL entry fees for 07..& we all only got 1/4 of an event.so they should have been in front to start with...

Really is the wrong thread. But theres still bills to pay even if the event got cancelled after the first stage. As for not paying the bills/winnings thats bullshit (I was just shitty we didn't get a jumper and T'shirt).

Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Location: Mornington

Ouch ... thanks for the support - If you make reference to other events then please continue to do so in a way that does not compromise Cliffhanger's great sportsmanship.

I for one think there might there might be one more OBC in me and if any one wants a seasoned fat old fart in their navi seat then let me know ... especially if you have a sick V8 coz I'm up for a thrill. You bring the truck - I'l bring the entry fee.

Hey Rudes - how about you and me in the the 'Ol Red Poo Trol? Got Gen3 - will travel.

BTW - we (The4WDShop) have just moved into our new 4WD warehouse in Mornington. Day time ph is 03 59755533 and we will be selling all the trick stuff the comp trucks want re suspension, winches, rims, tyres, lighting, etc. Since we know everyone we can get anything.....

Joined: 02 Jan 2006 Location: Lara Victoria

Blue Lightning wrote:

"Ruffy" get over it, you know it is an excellent event.

Hey Todd, You're right, i know it is a great event and i'll bust my ass to get there. As i mentioned i'm not poo pooing the price rise. Ask Rudi and Hobzee, i've been telling them it's too cheap since our first one.

I simply asked a question that was on many peoples minds and opened up the opportunity for R&H to explain the evolution of the event and the increased costs that go with it.

The aforementioned additions by means of Medical facilities and communications is an undeniable requirement for an event of this calibre so it's good to see the event heading in the right direction.

Dan

Joined: 11 Nov 2006 Location: SPRINGMOUNTAIN BRISBANE

good on ya RUFFY, so it was you that made the $$$$ go up,, the rest of us were going to wrap ourselfs in cotton wool & take extra bandaids,,or thats what we thaught extra medical procedures ment...(only jokes) hope to see you there for beeeers mr ruff

Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Location: Abreast in the field

Hmmmmmm Beeeeer??? Laughing

Joined: 11 Nov 2006 Location: SPRINGMOUNTAIN BRISBANE

was just talking to STERLO.. he informed us the average morning temp
was around minus 5.....The misses now thinks this will be a boys w/end

Joined: 07 May 2007 Location: Sunbury, Victoria

Here's a budget idea to save up for your event if you can...

Pay $500 now and then put aside $50 a week up until 31st March (gets you in the event for $2200).

or

Pay $500 now and then put aside $48 a week up until 1 week before Cliffhanger, (gets you in event for $2500).

It's amazing if you know how to budget, you can actually save the money without noticing.
You have to sit down, get all your bills infront of you and budget for the year.. It works!!! plus you save extra cash and you can include cash for events you thought you could never do.. Wink

It's easy.

Mrs Wazza

Joined: 27 Jan 2005 Location: Langwarrin

It may feel like minus 5 but it aint.

Temp. may varyfrom 0 at night to about 9 deg.

Daytime varies from 16-25 deg.

Check www.weatherzone.com.au for stats.....

Joined: 09 Dec 2005 Location: Melbourne

I was expecting the nights/mornings to be a lot coler than they were, I have no idea what the temperature actuly was but it really didnt feel too bad. Was heaps colder at Ateco.

Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 9:39 pm

I can testify that on the last morning when i woke up the water i had left in the billy was frozen solid!!! I didnt mind the temp. A. im Canadian and B. Mr Jonie Walker. I had heaps of fun but must admit i hope the dunnys are improved this year as i think you got a "bum" steer in that regard R&H. Im not opposed to goin walk about when the time comes but its a nice incentive when the wife comes. You all know what i mean. But ill be there either racing or watching.

Joined: 02 Aug 2003 Location: Croydon, Victoria

Ruffy, I dont think there is any problem with raising your question and I think it is great that people get to know how much these things cost to run. It helps everyone justify what they are doing.
Having organised numerous events myself, I can vouch for the cost involved. Even for a 3 day event, it is easy to spend 60K. Ateco 06 went even higher - but what a year that was. Unfortunately those costs are incurred regardless of whether the event runs full course or not. Many events also do not break even until a substantial number of spectators come along. That is a big financial risk for event organisors to take on. So guys if you want a fully funded comp from just your fees alone, watch entry fees rise substantially.

What makes someone earning money out of my volunteer labour palatable is it all goes back into the event with better equipment.
I have never seen hobzees books and dont want to, but I am sure there is not too much that goes back into his pocket at the end of the event.

Oh, lets not forget also the substantial time and effort that goes in behind the scenes to make these events happen.

Joined: 26 Sep 2003 Location: Sydney,Narrabeen

Looking forward to this event next year,will be good to do something new and different.

I did hear from a few that the food wasn't quite enough & that instead of one big campfire every night.there where 30 odd camp fires burning,sort of takes that feeling away of meeting the group your in that OBC gives you i suppose.

Mal

Joined: 26 Sep 2003 Location: Sydney,Narrabeen

Hobzee wrote:

I for one think there might there might be one more OBC in me and if any one wants a seasoned fat old fart in their navi seat then let me know ... especially if you have a sick V8 coz I'm up for a thrill. You bring the truck - I'l bring the entry fee.

.

If James can't afford to do both Hobzee it could be on

Mal

Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Location: Mornington

Britswed wrote:

Hobzee wrote:

I for one think there might there might be one more OBC in me and if any one wants a seasoned fat old fart in their navi seat then let me know ... especially if you have a sick V8 coz I'm up for a thrill. You bring the truck - I'l bring the entry fee.

.

If James can't afford to do both Hobzee it could be on

Mal

Mal last time I raced against you we were splitting times by 100's of seconds. So if I were to race with you but slide my seat forward a bit more than you then would I be beating you still ...

Joined: 26 Sep 2003 Location: Sydney,Narrabeen

Hobzee wrote:

Britswed wrote:

Hobzee wrote:

I for one think there might there might be one more OBC in me and if any one wants a seasoned fat old fart in their navi seat then let me know ... especially if you have a sick V8 coz I'm up for a thrill. You bring the truck - I'l bring the entry fee.

.

If James can't afford to do both Hobzee it could be on

Mal

Mal last time I raced against you we were splitting times by 100's of seconds. So if I were to race with you but slide my seat forward a bit more than you then would I be beating you still ...

If memory serves me well it was me infront of you :p Especially the one that counted the one Sponsored by Pro Comp Laughing