Important Rider Information

BE PREPARED
The Paluma Push is an endurance race and as such riders are expected to be self-sufficient.
Riders are required to:

• have an Australian Standards Approved cycling helmet
• have a recently serviced off-road worthy bike in good and clean condition (to ensure unwanted seeds are not transported into the World Heritage area)
• have enclosed shoes, eye protection and sunscreen
• carry a minimum of at least 2 litres of drinking water (allow about 1 litre of water for every hour.  As a guide, the average time for the recreation course in 2011 was 2 hours and 25 minutes and the average time for the competition course was 3 hours and 4 minutes)
• carry tools, spare tubes, pump to fix a flat if need be   
• carry food (energy bars)
• carry out what they carry in. Littering is not acceptable. This includes discarded tubes or bike parts.
  

THERE ARE NO WATER STATIONS ALONG THE COURSE!

The Paluma Push is a great ride and a great challenge so take the time to be properly prepared so you can enjoy the experience even more. 

SAFETY
The Paluma Push is a demanding and somewhat challenging course and carries an element of risk.  Some hazards you may encounter include loose gravel, rocky, steep, muddy and slippery surfaces, obstacles such as fallen logs, overhanging branches and/or vines, closed gates, fresh cow pats and cattle.  Please take due care and use your common sense.

• If you suffer minor injuries and require first aid make this known at any of the 4 check points and the volunteers will advise the ambulance as required via radio.
  
• You must assist anyone who has suffered serious injury. Competitors forced to stop and administer aid will have their finish time adjusted applicably.
  
• Do not move anyone with suspected neck or back injuries.
  
• In the event of a rider being unable to move, one competitor must stay with the injured rider while another competitor proceeds to the next check point.
  
• Any entrant withdrawing from the event - either before the start or during the race, must notify a race marshal at a check point.
  
• Whilst the organisers have arranged for the Paluma Dam Road to be closed to vehicle traffic, they have no control over members of the public who chose to ignore the road closure. Competitors must therefore keep to the left and give way to any traffic. Similarly, whilst on private property riders are advised to take care on blind bends and on downhill sections and be aware of the possibility of vehicles approaching from the opposite direction.

COURSE ETIQUETTE / HOW TO PLAY

• Before starting all participants must read all information in the course notes.
  
• All riders must be present and pay attention to the pre-race briefing.
  
• The Paluma Push is run according to the principles and practices of fair play and decency.  There is ample space on the course for passing a rider.  However, as you approach a slower rider you should let them know what you are doing by calling “PASSING ON YOUR LEFT / PASSING ON YOUR RIGHT”.   The rider in front has right of way but slower riders should not delay faster riders unnecessarily.  A rider walking their bike must give way to a rider who is riding.
  
• All riders must obey race officials, including check point volunteers, at all times.
  
• In the event of serious accident any rider who does not stop to assist will be disqualified.
  
• Anyone reported littering on the course will be disqualified. This includes punctured tubes and energy bar and gel packets!
• No short cuts.  (Shortcutters wear nappies).
  
• Walking is optional and sometimes necessary.
  
• Any form of protest should be lodged in writing to the organisers within 30 minutes of finishing.  Any male wishing to lodge a protest will be required to wear a pink frilly ballet dress while singing a Kylie song to the post race presentation crowd.  If this is done then you must be serious so we will listen.   Any Female wishing to lodge a protest will of course get what she wants.  In all matters the organiser's decision will be final.

COURSE MARKERS

• It is the riders responsibility to look for course markers and to follow the correct course.
• The course will be marked at regular intervals with Pink Flagging Tape. Red arrows on white background signify left and right turns.  Black X on pink background signifies Wrong Way Go Back.  
• In technical areas or steep descents the course will be marked with a series of downward arrows. The more arrows the higher the risk.

BIKE NUMBER PLATES
Recreation Class = Yellow Number Plate
Competition Class  = White Number Plate
Attach your number plate to the handlebars (front) of your bike using at least 3 ties. Do not wrap it around your stem, bend it or obscure the number with your cables so it cannot be seen.  Remember, if we can’t see your number you may not get your results. You may keep the number plate as a souvenir of the event.

VOLUNTEERS
There are many volunteers who give up their valuable time to make the Paluma Push possible.  When passing through a check Point take the time to say G’day and thanks. Who knows, you may need them just around the corner. Click Here for more information about how you, or someone you know can help out before or during the event.

Have questions? Contact Us.

 Visit the Paluma Push Facebook page: www.facebook.com/palumapush