Coromandel Primary School
What is Pedal Prix ?
The Australian HPV Super Series is the largest event of its kind in the
world and is one of the largest events involving young people in
South Australia.
The series requires entrants from primary and secondary schools,
colleges, universities and community groups to design and construct
a human-powered vehicle and race it for 24 hours non-stop.
The event not only requires vehicles to be well engineered from
suitable high-tech materials, but also requires teams of students to
be fit, organized and committed.
26 Years of Pedal Prix
The popularity of this event, started by the Technology Teachers
Association in 1984, has continued to soar and attracts entrants from
both public and private schools and colleges from across Australia.
Further information can be found at www.pedalprix.com.au
Our school has been closely involved in this great event for 26 years.
This is a special opportunity for the students and their families to be
involved in a fun learning experience.
Who can be in it?
Year 6 & 7 students
Size & height is irrelevant for team members.
We will help you improve your fitness levels to enable you to enjoy
the events even more.
We expect a full commitment from team members to the whole of
the Coro Pedal Prix programme including fitness and training. It is a
team effort.
.
What we do in Pedal Prix
Register interest:
Interested year 6 & 7 students and parents register interest
(tonight's meeting).
Commit:
Students and families provide commitment to the program as
outlined in the student and parent contracts
Fitness:
Students attend fitness sessions
Training:
Students attend training sessions (familiarity with vehicle, riding
skills, stamina, vehicle testing and team strategies).
Fund Raising:
Students and parents participate in Fund Raising.
Compete:
Students compete in 2 X 6 hour race events, and also the 24
hour race event. (Loxton to be discussed)
Who do we race?
There are four categories of riders:
Category
Category
Category
Category
1
2
3
4
Primary Schools where riders are from Year 6 and 7 only
Junior Secondary riders are under the age of 16 and enrolled at school
Senior Secondary riders are under the age of 19 and enrolled at school
Open exceed the age limit of Category 3, private and/or non-institutional teams
There are now community teams in each category.
We share the circuit with all age categories who are also competing
against each other within their own categories.
There is a huge speed difference between us and more senior riders in
the other categories. The top teams reach speeds of up to 65km/hour.
This is just one of the aspects that we train and prepare for!
When do we race ?
Race 1 - Mount Gambier, 8 hr event, non-series, Fri 31st
March - Sat 1st April Coro not attending
Race 2 - Loxton, 6 hr event, Sat 6th – Sun 7th May TBA
Race 3 - Victoria Park, 6 hr event, Sun 19th June
Race 4 - Victoria Park, 6 hr event, Sun 30th July
Race 5 - Busselton WA, 6 hr event, non-series, Sat 19th-20th
August Coro not attending
Race 6 - Murray Bridge, 24 hr event. Fri 22nd – Sun 24th
September
Team selection – Team A & Team B
Team A – this will be made up of 12 riders only, and is our competitive team,
racing in the new vehicle. This team will be selected by us, based on merit. We
will be looking for endurance, lap times, attitude and commitment. They will be
competing in both Vic Pk events and Murray Bridge 24hr event. This team may
vary over the race events.
Team B – this will be for all other riders, aimed at building experience and
allowing students to ride at a level they are more comfortable with. It can be
competitive too, as we always encourage the riders to be their best. They will be
competing in both Vic Pk events.
*Murray Bridge can be considered, but it will need a full commitment from parents
to take on management of that team. It does bring new challenges in how we fit
in training for this many riders, and logistics of running dual pits at MB.
Loxton race event to be discussed
What are Sub teams ?
At each event we are allowed teams of up to 20 riders per vehicle.
We will divide our team into 3 or 4 sub-teams.
Each sub team will rotate through a roster as often as required. We aim
to even this out between riders, but each race presents itself differently.
As we are a competitive team, we may decide to keep a rider out for
longer, or bring a rider in sooner.
Each sub-team is looked after by 2 sub-team managers (parents)
At the 24hr event each sub-team will ride for 2 hours, then sleep / rest /
eat for 4 to 6 hours depending on final numbers. This cycle will then
repeat until the end of the race.
Each rider completes as many laps as they can before returning to the
pits to change riders (by the first race at Vic Pk, we will be looking for riders being able to stay
out for a min of 20 mins and then 30 mins plus at Murray Bridge)
What is the role of the Sub team managers ?
Responsible for their group of riders
During the racing session:
Quick rider changes
Safety gear
Timing
Nutrition and hydration
Warm up & cool down
Encouragement
Between racing sessions (Murray Bridge only):
Student get sufficient sleep
Ensure they have adequate meals
Wake them and have team ready for racing
Keep teams together (at least know where they are)
Marshalling
Each team must supply trained Marshals who are rostered on duty during
each event they enter. This is a condition of entry…no marshals = no race!
Registration is completed online, with a short training document to
complete.
All Marshals must be older than 18 years to ensure maturity. Both men
and women are suitable for this role.
Marshals operate under the direction of the “Chief Marshal”.
At the 6hr events each team usually is rostered for about two hours duty
at a position on the circuit near to our pit area.
At the 24hr event each team usually has a 4 hr shift.
Coro needs a minimum of 4 parents per team so the duty can be shared
or a least covered if someone can’t be there due to unforseen
circumstances.
This is not a hard job and adds another dimension
to parent involvement.
What happens at the 6 hour races?
The pits are set up from 7am. We will be allocated a pit location by
the event co-ordinators. Families are expected to help with this.
Racing will be from 10am to 4pm.
Riders arrive half hour before their allocated race time, and expected
to remain in the Pit area for that time.
Pits are packed up immediately after the race.
Parking is available around Vic Pk
in side streets or on-site for a fee.
Catering is available by
vendors on-site.
Victoria Park Circuit
Our Pits
The Pits are where all the action is!
 Team managers will be co-ordinating the race and communicating
with race organisers.
The mechanic will be ready to ensure any mechanical issues are dealt
with and to maintain windscreen, tyres and lights.
Sub-team managers will supervising their riders, ensuring they are
hydrated and prepared for the next ride and assisting rider change over.
.
What we need from parents for Victoria Park races?
Sub team managers:
Sub team managers co-ordinate the riders within their sub teams for
their allocated 2 hour race period. The students may not remain in the same sub team for each race.
Marshals:
Each team is asked to provide trained marshals who will be allocated a time.
Pit setup and pack up:
The pits need to be set up at 7am and then packed up after the
race. We will need assistance transporting vehicles and equipment. We do a trailer pack the day before
a race, and then unpack at school immediately after a race. All families are expected to help out in
some way with this.
Mechanic: a couple of people happy to assist with servicing the vehicle as required
Timing:
time and record student laps
Encouragement:
Scrutineering:
All students and parents will be needed to cheer and encourage the riders.
All vehicles are fully scrutineered prior to each race day to ensure they meet
safety regulations and specifications. At this stage we will not be needing parent or rider support for
this.
What happens at the 24 hour race
in Murray Bridge?
Thursday - trailers are packed at the school with all our equipment for
the weekend
Friday - the vehicle and all equipment is transported to the event early
morning, arriving by 10.00am.
The Pit and camping areas are set up. The vehicle will be put through
scrutineering on Friday.
A practice session will happen Friday evening, and it is an opportunity to
go hard for a top grid position.
What happens at the 24 hour race in Murray Bridge?
Saturday - All riders are expected to be at the track by 7.30am for
familiarisation, team photos and settling in.
We walk the track with the riders to discuss riding tactics for the various
points.
Saturday 12 noon, race starts. (runs for the next 24hrs)
Sunday - late morning, pack up camp site.
12.00 noon, race finishes. Pits are packed up, equipment loaded on
vehicles
Presentation of awards. Attendance not required, unless…
Head home!
We need families to meet us at school to unpack the trailers
What does the circuit look like at Murray Bridge?
What facilities are there at Murray Bridge?
Fully fenced, security patrolled location.
Toilet blocks positioned in several locations.
Shower blocks available (central location).
On site catering
(good range of food available, very good coffee all night long!).
Secure on site parking
External car-park
(vehicles can not be moved during the event and a fee will apply)
(vehicles can come & go) - (maybe fee, service clubs).
Full range of facilities available in the town, within easy walking
distance. (i.e. Chemists, shops, supermarkets, ATM’s, hotels etc)
Campsite at Murray Bridge
A Camp Commandant will be nominated and they will co-ordinate
setup and pack-up of the campsite.
The campsite is placed a short walk away behind the pits. It’s a quiet
area and very suitable for when trying to sleep.
We setup a shelter, BBQ, lights & catering facilities to create a place to
relax outside away from the pits when not on your racing shift.
24 Hour racing
During the 24 hour race Students will be challenging their stamina which
is why fitness is so important.
We need to make sure that students are properly nourished and
hydrated. Day racing can be quite hot and proper hydration is an absolute
must!
We need to make sure they have the required sleep. This is not a party
and lack of sleep will lead to poor performance and unhappy kids!
We race rain or shine for the entire 24 hours.
.
How can I help at Murray Bridge?
Sub team managers:
Sub team managers co-ordinate the riders within their sub team for
several two hour periods over the 24 hours.
Pit setup and pack-up:
The pits need to be erected on Friday and packed up on Sunday.
Camp setup and pack-up:
Sunday morning
The camp needs to be set up on Friday and packed up late
Marshals:
Marshals are spread around the circuit to assist in controlling the event. Each team is
asked to provide a trained marshal who will be allocated a time.
 Scrutineering:
All vehicles are fully scrutineered on the Friday to ensure they meet safety
regulations and specifications. We will need a student and parent to take the vehicle through
scrutineering.
Catering: Cooking the Saturday evening meal, Sunday breakfast and healthy snacks brought
across to the pits as required.
1st Aid:
One or 2 parents who can administer first aid
Timing:
time and record students laps
Encouragement:
All students and parents will be needed to cheer and encourage the riders.
What about Fitness?
Fitness is a vital part of the programme. While we are looking for fast
lap times, more importantly, it is the ability to stay out on the track
while getting good times. Endurance is everything.
A training programme has been developed to target specific rider
needs. We work the legs, with the recumbent riding style in mind, core
strength for stability, and cardio vascular for general fitness.
Fitness sessions will start later in term 1 and continue into term 3. we
will hold one session at 8am on a given day, and one lunchtime session
per week.
Students are required to attend all training sessions.
What happens at training?
Training will mostly be on Sunday afternoons at Victoria Park, with a few
Saturdays, as arranged between Pedal Prix Australia and the City council.
Students are rostered in hour timeslots and expected to attend all training
session. Dates are on the weebly.
Training builds fitness, and develops good riding skill as the students learn
to ride the track for the best line.
We attend training in most weather conditions. If it is particularly windy
and stormy we will cancel for safety reasons. We make that call as late as
we can, sending both emails and SMS to all families.
What happens at training?
You will need to bring a skater style helmet, sunglasses, water, and your
cleated riding shoes.
Previously we have encouraged bike riding at training as well, but for
safety reasons we will no longer be supporting this.
Parents are there to assist with lap timing, rider changeovers, and is an
opportunity to gain familiarity with the vehicles.
Training is family friendly, but it is very cold out at Vic Pk, so come well
prepared.
What about uniforms?
We have a Pedal Prix team riding shirt available for purchase, and we
encourage this. Otherwise they wear their school shirt. Comfortable shorts
for riding is a must.
Our shirts can be worn at school as part of their regular uniform.
We also have a Pedal Prix team hoodie available to purchase. The
wearing this at school is still to be confirmed, due to the safety concerns
around hoodies.
Commitment
This is a team event. Success of the team is dependent on everyone’s
contribution and commitments.
We do our best to communicate with the team everything they need to
know, and in return we NEED you to communicate with us. Replying to
emails as quickly as possible helps us with our planning.
Team members will all sign contracts and are expected to:
attend all fitness sessions.
attend all training sessions.
Obey all team rules.
Support and encourage all of your fellow team members.
Being a part of the Pedal Prix team is a big commitment and we do expect
full participation by the riders.
As well as rider ability, attendance records and general attitude/behaviour
will be considered when selecting our team for Murray Bridge.
What will it cost ?
$70 per student for race events 3 and 4 at Victoria park.
Loxton will be equally divided up by those racing, approx $30. TBA
$100 per student for race event 4 at Murray Bridge.
This covers the costs of race vehicle entrance fee, Saturday dinner & Sunday breakfast
Riders can purchase a polo top at a cost of $40. (2016 price)
Team hoodies are $45. (2016 price)
All 6 hour events:
Free entry for riders and spectators.
24hr Murray Bridge:
$15.00 per person (under 10 free)
This applies to everybody through the gate, and covers Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday - wrist bands
are utilised.
A $10 fee for secure internal parking at Murray Bridge will be applied.
Meals at 6hr events and Saturday / Sunday lunch at Murray Bridge are
not supplied
Sponsorship and Fundraising
We rely on both fundraising and sponsorship to help pay for the cost of maintaining
and purchasing vehicles.
The vehicles do a lot of kilometres over a year, and mechanical parts and trikes having a
limited lifespan. Our newly purchased vehicle from Trump Trikes is going to give us a good
competitive edge, but as importantly, it will reduce the amount of time spent maintaining our
aging fleet.
We kicked off fundraising with our sausage sizzle at Celebration night, raising over $500. A
few more events may need to be organised.
Sponsorship is an important and much appreciated way of helping with our costs. In return we
advertise the business on our vehicles and trailer, seen by thousands of people over the Pedal
Prix season. Please consider if you have or know of a business that may be interested.
Helpers working directly with the students may need
their RAN training and DECD police clearance.
Please speak to Liz Pelling regarding your clearances.
Loxton 6hr event
Loxton is a relatively new race in the Pedal Prix calendar, and for the
first time we are considering entering a vehicle.
The race weekend is on Sat 6th and Sun 7th May. Saturday for set up
and Sunday for racing. This is the weekend immediately following
the yr 7 camp. For this reason, we are only considering taking the
yr 6’s. Ideally 12-15 riders is enough for this event.
Due to travelling distance, around a 3hr drive, it will require staying
overnight on the Saturday in the Loxton area.
The cost of entering this race, $350, will be divided up among those
who participate. All other costs of attending this event are the
responsibility of the family.
It is considered to be a challenging track, due to a hilly section, and
will be a great opportunity for our new riders to get some
experience.
We will be racing our older vehicle in this event.
Loxton Circuit
Thankyou
Thank you all for your attendance and interest, we are available to answer
any further queries you may have.
Please make sure you have filled in the attendance sheet before you leave
with your email address clearly written.
If you have an interest in undertaking any of the roles we have spoken of,
please make sure your name is added to those lists. We will be using email
as well as paper copies to communicate.
Don’t forget to have a look at our Pedal Prix Weebly
http://coromandelpedalprix.weebly.com/
For further information regarding the Pedal Prix organisation including race
details please visit the official Pedal Prix website.
www.pedalprix.com.au
Or you can contact the Team Managers:
Megan 0417830070 or Larry 0407744075