The official event program for the 2012 Ford Otway Cycling Classic that includes all the details about the event including the event schedule, course maps, rider service points, safety information and much more can be downloaded from here.

Fire Safety and Extreme Weather

We are in constant communication with DSE, Parks Victoria and the CFA about the prospect of a fire in the region of the event. We have made a commitment not to compromise the safety of any competitors, any CFA, PV or DSE personnel dispatched to attend a fire, any private land owners or the wilderness and surrounding areas as a result of the Ford Otway Cycling Classic.

As a result, there is a chance that the course could change on the day or the event could be cancelled. The event will only be cancelled if there are extreme fire weather conditions in the area on the Sunday and it is determined that the fire danger is too great to permit cyclists to go through the course. Declaration of a Total Fire Ban on race day DOES NOT mean the event will be automatically cancelled.

Declaration of a Code Red or “Extreme” fire danger rating for the South West fire district on Sunday will mean the event will be cancelled.

Declaration of a “severe” fire danger rating for the South West fire district on Sunday will result in discussions with land managers. Riders will be advised of the outcome as detailed below.

Any change of course, evacuation or event cancellation will be communicated to competitors as soon and as safely as possible, through any of the following means:

• SMS sent to competitors mobile phones

• At the event registration area on Saturday evening at Apollo Bay

• When riders are assembled at the start line

• When riders pass a checkpoint

• Directional arrows stating “Fire – proceed direct to Finish”

• All messages will be copied and placed on the official event notice board in front of the registration area at Apollo Bay.

Once again, these changes would be a last resort, but we respect rider safety, the landowners, residents, flora and fauna of this beautiful part of the world in extreme circumstances.

Rider safety and awareness

All the Rainforest Rides are being held on public roads. Whilst numerous traffic management steps have been taken to preserve rider safety on the day, all riders should be aware of the traffic environment you are in and remain conscious of your surroundings.

Please be aware of these points that are designed to help ensure your safety:

• All roads are open to the public (*) and NORMAL ROAD RULES APPLY AT ALL TIMES.
• Keep to the left hand side of the road and do not ‘wander’ around in your lane.
• Do not ride more than 2 abreast.
• Take care on the descents – there are some high speed descents so please manage your speed and remain in control at all times.
• There will be traffic marshals at key intersections around the ride routes. Please follow their instructions and be aware of cars (who don’t necessarily follow their instructions)
• Take care at any right hand turn and at the following areas for each ride:
• For all riders the final crossing of the Great Ocean Road into the finish chute in Apollo Bay. Please be careful and look in all directions before crossing.

140km Rainforest Circuit

• When turning right into the service station at Beech Forest
• At Lavers Hill – when crossing the road to find your café of choice
• When turning right into or out of Cape Otway Lighthouse Road from the Great Ocean Road
• When turning right into the Maits Rest ‘service station’ from the Great Ocean Road

70km Lighthouse Discovery Ride

• When turning left onto the Cape Otway Lighthouse Road and again when turning right onto the Great Ocean Road on the ride back
• When turning right into the Maits Rest ‘service station’ from the Great Ocean Road

23km Waterfall Explorer

• Take care when riding through the streets around Apollo Bay at the start and finish of your ride
• Keep an eye out for cars coming down Killala Road as this is a fast intersection

* The only exception is that Turtons Track (on the 140km ride) will be closed to all cars between 8:30am and 11:30am.

General Rules and Safety Information

The Rainforest Ride is a mass participation recreational ride - not a race! Yes, some riders will go fast and some will go slow, but the event is based around the fun and enjoyment of cycling in a very beautiful part of the world.

All riders must follow the road rules and event rules. Any participant found to be breaking these rules (and thus jeopardising the safety of other riders as well as the longevity of the event) will risk being escorted from the course and may not be permitted to participate in future rides.

Whether you are challenging yourself on the 140km Rainforest Circuit or the shorter rides, the event takes place in some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable but it is still important that riders stay alert throughout the duration of the ride and are aware of the environment around them, especially since most roads on the course are still open to public traffic at all times.

Rapid Ascent has designed the format and layout of the event with your safety and enjoyment in mind, working closely with the police, the local council, Vic Roads and other governing bodies to ensure that the event is conducted safely. The onus is still on you to be sensible and follow these rules and guidelines:

Road Rules

It is essential that all cyclists follow all road rules as well as the direction of police and traffic management during the ride.
In addition, riders must:

• NOT ride more than two abreast on dual lane roads (if a vehicle needs to overtake on a single lane road cyclists are required to move into single file to permit the vehicle to pass safely on the left hand side of the road)
• Ride with a helmet, correctly fastened
• NOT ride dangerously or negligently
• NOT use MP3 Players, iPods, walkmans or mobile phones while riding (you are here to enjoy the environment around you!)
• Keep to the left hand side of the road at all times to allow faster cyclists and vehicles to pass
• Remain behind the lead vehicle and in front of the tail end charlie vehicle that will follow the last rider around the course.

Additional Rules & Regulations

• Drafting of vehicles or motorbikes is strictly forbidden (Riding closely behind a vehicle or motorcycle to make maximum use of their slipstream, reducing wind resistance and effort required to ride at the same speed.
• You may NOT ride under someone else’s name or number under any circumstances
• The event will take place regardless of bad weather and will only be cancelled, re-routed or stopped for safety reasons such as extreme fire risk

Also Remember

• Adhere to speed limits and obey all traffic signals and signage and directions from Police, Traffic controllers, Event Staff and Marshals
• Ride in the same direction as traffic and on the left-hand side of the road
• Allow faster cyclists and vehicles to pass
• Riders must use hand signals if turning left or right, or stopping
• Riders should always look behind before pulling out to pass another rider
• It is the rider's responsibility to follow the sign-posted route
• Wear bright clothing that increases your visibility to other road users
• Do not ride in the gutter

Safety Points

It is important for the safety of all cyclists that:

All bikes are checked and serviced before the ride

Cyclists only pass on the right side of other cyclists as well as call out the passing of fellow cyclists

Riders start in their allocated group

Riders are experienced in riding with a pack, especially over hills and around bends

Carry mobile phones and be prepared to use SMS to communicate in areas of poor or no reception. Be prepared to travel to higher ground to gain phone reception

The above rules will be enforced by event staff, marshals, traffic controllers and Police.  Any cyclist found to be breaking the law will risk receiving a substantial fine from the Police.

Medical Recommendations

There will be mobile maintenance and medical support provided on the course. You MUST wear your event seat post sticker to receive support.

If you require assistance while on the course you should use your mobile phone to contact the Event Mobile at the Event Centre for mechanical support/tail end charlie wagon or the Medical Event Mobile Vehicle for a medical response. Event Mobile and Medical Event Mobile numbers will be noted on the event information sheet sent out in the pre ride information. Management can be reached via John on 0408 035 261 or Sam on 0400 001786. Otherwise you may advise a course marshal, police officer, traffic management or event staff member, who will then call for assistance.

Note, mobile coverage is patchy over the event course and does NOT exist in some areas. Using SMS texting is often a more efficient way of communicating if you are in an area of poor reception. A number of key marshal points will have in car VHF radio which provides good coverage across most of the course between race officials, medical teams and mechanical support vehicles. Remember, you are out in a remote part of the Australian bush and communications and emergency response times are not the same as if you were riding your bike down Collins St and required assistance. Please, be patient.

Medical staff have the ultimate and final authority to remove a competitor from the ride if the competitor is judged to be physically incapable of continuing the ride without risk of serious injury. To prevent this from happening, Rapid Ascent recommends the following:

• Drink plenty of fluid before and during the event
• If you are over 35 years of age and/or have not done much regular exercise, it is strongly recommended you have a medical check-up prior to the event
• Undertake a proper training program to prepare for the event

From the Medical Director
It is recommended that participants have ambulance cover – ambulances may be at the event, however if you require transport by ambulance you will be charged for this service if you do not have ambulance cover.

The quality of medical service will remain high, but due to the location of the course, riders should not expect the same response rate and level of service as in metro Melbourne.

Insurance
The Rainforest Ride is covered by public liability insurance but this does not include personal accident insurance. It is therefore highly recommended that you take out the optional personal accident insurance offered by Cyclecover when you enter the event. It is also recommended you have ambulance cover prior to participating in the event.

Cancellation of the event
In the event that the ride is cancelled due to extreme climatic conditions, no refund will be given.