Planning on doing it in 2012 and just doing some prep work?
From what I remember when I raced it in 2006 & 2007 it took about two weeks. With the economy down it may take longer.
I signed up early August (~40 days after it opened). At that moment there were ~75 seats left. I have no idea if this is typical.
It was open until mid august this year.
Suggestion: Go watch it in 2011 then, maybe volunteer, sign up while you’re there because on-site folks get first crack. Train while you’re out there, do prep work on the actual course & learn it. Go home, train specifically with the terrain & distance in mind. Duplicate your A race & keep your eye on the goal. There will be others doing the same & you want to have a fun time. Arriving at a course to race with no clue as to how hard it is or isn’t can make or break your day quickly. Hit up some local house rental places there & reserve a place early & get the pick of the litter. Lots of places on Government way are rented out. Definitely bring or rent a bike. Not sure if they have rentals there.
Rocky M as much as I’d like to go and watch, from NZ it’s costs major $ so if I am going that far, I’m racing.