Competitor Information Pack
NVSDC 2015 CLASSIC and ASSA National Championships
Congratulations on entering the 2015 Northern Victorian Sled Dog Classic and a special welcome to
mushers also entering the ASSA National Championships. We can also confirm that this IS an IFSS
accredited world cup event.
This race as many of you know continues on a 24 Year History of racing on the June long Weekend in
the Goulburn Valley and we hope to continue this tradition for many years to come. The NVSDC
committee and club members have been working very hard to bring a great race and a great racing
venue to the Sledding community. We have had tremendous support and would like to thank our
Individual Class Sponsors, those who have made general donations, offered special prizes, donated to
our raffle, offered to lend equipment and those who have offered their help and support. Without you
all this event would not have been possible and because of your help we look forward to putting on a
Spectacular Race Event!!!
As a competitor the spotlight is now on you. We wish you all the best in our race and hope that all your
passes are perfect, your dogs stay fast and sound and you have a fabulous time with fellow mushers
from all across Australia.
Now for some housekeeping
The NVSDC Committee always aim to accommodate its members and competitors as best we can but
we can only do this within reason. This year with over 220 entries the pressure will be on to make sure
all classes are run in a timely manner and at optimum temperatures for all competitors. The onus will
be on all Competitors to be at the start chute at the appropriate time, with all necessary equipment
and in the correct order. Penalties will apply to competitors who are late as per the ASSA rules. Please
make sure you are organised and on time so there is no need for penalties to be applied. If there are
any issues please let the race Marshall or Committee know as soon as possible so we can aim to
resolve them.
An important thing to note is that the NVSDC Committee runs this event strictly to the
times noted in this race pack, 6.00am means 6.00am SHARP. It is the only way we can run
an organised and professional event of this size. It is your responsibility to attend
meetings and be on time to your events. We will not wait for individuals or groups who
are late.
Compulsory Check In : This year there will be two competitor check in sessions.
Competitor Race bags, bibs and merchandise orders are available to be picked up at
check in. The bib draw is conducted electronically on the 30/5/15.
Friday 5th June – 5.00pm to 7.00pm and ;
Saturday the 6th of June – 10.00am to 12.00 noon at the Race Office (Scout Camp
buildings).
Any changes to classes must be made before 12.00 noon on Saturday 6th June.
Official Race Opening and Compulsory Drivers Meeting : To be held Saturday the 6th of
June at 1.00pm in the marquee outside the Race Office. Attendance is Compulsory for
ALL Drivers. Racing will commence at 3.00pm temperatures permitting.
Further driver meetings will be held Sunday Morning and Monday Morning and race
start times for Sunday and Monday mornings will be confirmed and communicated at
the Saturday Drivers meeting. If temperatures co-operate, these Drivers Meetings will
be held at 6.00am with a 7.00am start but this will be confirmed at the initial Drivers
Meeting on the Saturday as start times may need to be altered if temperatures and
humidity are high.
Please Note adequate Lighting will be required for all classes for the Saturday night heat
and for day heats if classes need to start prior to daylight due to temperature issues.
Race Order for Saturday 6th June
Start times, either 30 or 15 seconds will be decided at the Drivers Meeting
Minor classes commence at 3.00pm
After the last team returns, there will be a 10 minute break between all minor classes, announcements
will be made over loudspeakers at 10 minutes and 5 minutes before the start of each class.
1. Heat 1 – Men’s and Women’s Canicross (run together) – will be MASS START
2. Heat 1 – Men’s and Women’s Bikejoring (run together)
3. Heat 1 – Novice, Junior and 2 and 1 Dog Veterans classes (run together)
4. Heat 1 – 2 and 1 Dog Touring classes (run together)
20 minute break to start of 1 dog open class
After the last team returns, there will be a 20 minute break between all open classes, announcements
will be made over loudspeakers at 20 minutes, 10 minutes and 5 minutes before the start of each class.
5. Heat 1 – 1 Dog Open Class
6. Heat 1 – 3 and 2 Dog Open Class (run together)
7. Heat 1 – 8, 6 and 4 Dog Open Class (run together)
Race Order for Sunday 7th June
Drivers meeting at 6.00am
Racing commences at 7.00am (subject to temperature)
All open classes will be run at 30 second starts and reverse timed order may be used if required.
After the last team returns, there will be a 20 minute break between all open classes, announcements
will be made over loudspeakers at 20 minutes, 10 minutes and 5 minutes before the start of each class.
1. Heat 2 – 8, 6 and 4 Dog Open Class (run together)
2. Heat 2 – 3 and 2 Dog Open Class (run together)
3. Heat 2 – 1 Dog Open Class
20 minute break to start of 2 and 1 Dog Touring Class
Start times, either 30 or 15 seconds will be decided at the Drivers Meeting and reverse timed Order
may be used if required
After the last team returns, there will be a 10 minute break between all minor classes, announcements
will be made over loudspeakers at 10 minutes and 5 minutes before the start of each class.
4. 2nd and Final Heat – 2 Dog and 1 Dog Touring Classes (run together)
5. 2nd and Final Heat - Novice, Junior and 2 and 1 Dog Veterans classes (run together)
6. 2nd and Final Heat – Men’s and Women’s Canicross (run together) – will be MASS START
7. 2nd and Final Heat – Men’s and Women’s Bikejoring (run together)
8. Mini Pee Wee and Pee Wee Races
Race Order for Monday 8th June
Drivers meeting at 6.00am
Racing commences at 7.00am (subject to temperature)
All open classes will be run at 30 second starts and reverse timed Order may be used if required.
After the last team returns, there will be a 20 minute break between all open classes, announcements
will be made over loudspeakers at 20 minutes, 10 minutes and 5 minutes before the start of each class.
1. 3rd and Final Heat – 8, 6 and 4 Dog Open Class (run together)
2. 3rd and Final Heat – 3 and 2 Dog Open Class (run together)
3. 3rd and Final Heat – 1 Dog Open Class
Free Mushers BBQ and Race Presentations at approximately 11.00am
Distances
In view of the unseasonal warm weather and lack of training opportunities for most teams, distances
have been slightly shortened for some classes. The proposed distances for each class (temperatures
permitting) are as follows but these may change depending on track condition and weather conditions.
Final track distances for each heat will be announced at the Drivers meetings and maps posted outside
the race office;
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Total
1 Dog
2km
2km
2km
6km
3-2 Dog
3.47km
3.47km
4.6km
11.54km
8, 6-4 Dog
4.6km
4.6km
6.2km
15.4km
Novice
2km
2km
4km
Touring
2km
2km
4km
Junior
2km
2km
4km
Vets
2km
2km
4km
Canicross
2km
2km
4km
Bikejoring
3.47km
3.47km
6.94km
Pee Wee's
.5km
.5km
Mini Pee Wee's
.5km
.5km
PEE WEE’s and MINI PEE WEE’s : Entries for these classes will be taken up until half an hour before
the Pee Wee Bib Draw which will be held half an hour after the completion of the rest of the classes on
Sunday morning. Pee Wee and Mini Pee Wee classes are awarded on points which are allocated for
safety equipment and track etiquette. All Pee Wee’s and Mini Pee Wee’s will receive a prize to be
awarded at the special presentation at the Sunday night dinner at 6pm prior to the Monster Raffle.
Race Officials, Volunteers and NVSDC Committee
All race officials and volunteers will be wearing fluoro vests whilst on duty and executing their race
duties, there are approximately 15 – 20 of us around. If you have any questions or concerns please feel
free to ask any of these people for assistance and if they don’t have an answer they will point you to
someone who does.
2015 Race Giving Organisation Committee
President: Vaughan Winther
Vice President: Jo Winther
Secretary: Kirsty Cameron
Treasurer: Shelly Shewring
Race Co-ordinator: E’vette Levett
Track Marshall: Rod Murphy
Publicity Officer: Cate Macnamara
Fundraising Officer: Deb Murphy
2015 Race Officials
Race Marshall: Wayne Baker
Race Vet: Richard Ploeg
Entry Co-ordinators: Shelly Shewring and Kirsty Cameron
Chief Time Keeper: Kirsty Cameron
Time Keepers: Jo Winther, Deb Murphy, Beth McCombe, Cate Macnamara, Craig Heard
Chief Steward and Incident Manager: Vaughan Winther
Start and Finish Line Steward: Vaughan Winther
Trail Bosses: Rod Murphy and E’vette Levett
Assembly Stewards: TBA
Corner Marshalls: TBA
Race Vet : We are very grateful to Dr Richard Ploeg and his wife Sarah who are returning this year to
once again act as our Race Vet. The Race Vet is available for general examinations and first aid
requirements for driver’s dogs but any cases requiring emergency care will be referred to the
Shepparton Veterinary Clinic at the owner’s expense. Dr Ploeg has contacted the Shepparton Clinic
and will work in consultation with them over the race weekend (hopefully no dogs will need to be
referred). The Race Vet will be situated around the finish chute area while racing is underway.
Race Marshall : We are very pleased to have Wayne Baker as our Race Marshall this year. Wayne
has been involved in sled dog racing for over 2 decades having run Alaskan Huskies and Siberian
Huskies. He brings to the race a wealth of knowledge and experience and has attended many of the
races held at Moira Park over the last 24 years. The Committee is very grateful to the Baker family who
have given so much back to the sled dog community.
Race Rules : The Northern Victorian Sled Dog Classic is run under the ASSA Race Rules, Aggressive
dog policy and Sportsmanship Policy. All Drivers need to have read and understood these documents
(which will be included in this competitor pack) prior to competing in the race. These can also be
accessed from www.assa.asn.au or www.nvsdc.org.au
Equipment Checks : Please insure all your gear and equipment meets the relevant criteria set out in
the ASSA Rules. Equipment will be checked and teams that do not meet minimum requirements will
not be allowed to race until equipment is upgraded to meet the minimum requirements. Obviously
the event will run better if everyone turns up to the start chute with all required equipment in good
working order.
Camping and Parking: Camping is available at Moira Park. Camp fires are allowed but please keep
these to a minimum and follow standard procedures for camp fires in public parks. There is to be no
destruction of native vegetation.
Designated Parking and Camping Areas are marked on the map below. This year we have allocated
the areas closest to the start and finish chutes for drivers entering the 4/6/8 dog classes and their
associated handlers and camping buddies. This is to assist in getting these large teams to the start
chute on time. Please help us by sticking to allocated camping areas based upon the size of your team
entered. The areas will be clearly signed and also taped. We have also allowed an area for day
parking as we have numerous teams staying offsite, please stick to these areas and do not park on the
main track/road leading up to the start/finish chutes – this must be kept clear. Other areas are
reserved for official use only (scouts, Race Officials, NVSDC Committee) and are clearly marked, please
check that you are not setting up on a marked area. If you do you will be politely asked to move.
Designated Camping areas
Areas marked red are available
for camping.
The area marked ‘orange with a
purple outline’ is a designated
DAY PARKING area for
competitors staying offsite.
The area marked green is
reserved for the Scouts who will
be helping on the course.
Areas in yellow are reserved for
official use only.
Showers and Toilets are located
behind the main building. Porta-loo's will be located near the
start/finish chute.
Amenities
Showers and Toilets are available at the Scout Camp near the race office. If these areas need attending
to please let one of the NVSDC Committee know immediately. Portaloo’s will also be available in the
Start/Finish chute area.
Rubbish bins are provided on site for general waste and general recycling items, there are skips located
near the race office. Please do not put general rubbish or dog waste in the recycle bins or the club will
be charged significant excess fees on top of what we are already paying to provide this service. There
will be transfer bins situated around the camp for rubbish. Dog waste should be bagged and disposed
in the general waste bins only.
There will be a light tower situated near the start/finish chute area marked yellow on the map. The
tower is run by generators and is noisy, so please be aware of this when deciding on where to set up.
A public address system will be in use for this year’s race to make announcements regarding race
details.
Camping Fees
All Competitors have paid a $15 camping fee to cover the cost of permits, camp and Amenity costs.
Non competitors who are camping are encouraged to make a donation to help cover these costs.
Catering Options and Inclusions
The NVSDC Canteen will be operating for breakfast and lunch from the scout kitchen building at the
following times:
Saturday: 9.00am – 2.00pm
Sunday: 7.00am – 2.00pm
Monday: 7.00am – 11.00am
Our canteen is run by a group of volunteers with very generous donations by club members, it is a key
fundraiser for the club to ensure this race continues on in the future. It will be selling high quality,
home made hot food at very reasonable prices, see menu and prices below. Please support us and
the future of the NVSDC Classic by having your brekky and lunch at the canteen.
NVSDC Canteen Menu
Item
Item
Item
Egg and bacon rolls
Dim sims
Homemade Quiche
Assorted Toasties
Home made sausage rolls
Hots dogs
Pancakes
Tea and coffee
Soup - vegie and pumpkin
Hamburgers (made to order)
A mobile Coffee Van for all the caffeine desperados will be onsite from 7am on Sunday and Monday.
The Mobile Potato Van will be onsite serving dinner on Saturday night from 4pm till late. We had this
same business last year and the potatoes and hot dogs were fantastic and great value for money.
Our annual Musher Spit Roast Banquet will be happening again on Sunday night at 6.00pm, $25 per
head is an absolute bargain. We have over 100 people feasting at the Marquee.
A free BBQ sausage sizzle will be provided for all competitors at the Race Presentation on Monday at
approximately 11am.
Our special guest Iditarod Musher ‘Christian Turner’ will present a talk on some of his amazing
experiences at 5pm Sunday prior to the Musher Banquet. Christian became the best performed
Australian ever after his brilliant performance in the 2015 Iditarod finishing in 15 th place. Christian will
be on site all weekend.
Following the Banquet the Annual monster raffle and auction will be held with first prize being a brand
new Kick Bike. Tickets will be sold Friday, Saturday and Sunday leading up to the auction.
Track Distances :
1 Dog - 3x2km = 6km
Canicross, Novice, 2 and 1 Dog Touring, Veterans and Juniors Track – 2 x 2KM = 4km.
The Start chute is on the left hand side and the track follows the blue line in a clockwise fashion.
Three and Two Dog Track – 2 x 3.47KM + 1 x 4.6km = 11.54km - The Start chute is on the left hand side
and the track follows the green line (overlaying the blue in parts) around in a clock wise motion.
Bikejoring 2 x 3.47km = 6.94km.
.
Eight, Six and Four Dog Track – 2 x 4.6km + 1 x 6.2 KM = 15.4km - The first and second heat is as per
the 3-2 dog track above. The third heat is as per track below.
NVSDC Classic Contact:
Vaughan Winther (President) – 0439 651 852
Shellie Shewring (Treasurer) – 0418 635 778
E’vette Levett (Race Coordinator) – 0427 301 043
Directions: The race Site is located at the Moira Scout Camp, Moira Road, Kialla West, South of
Shepparton on the Goulburn Valley Highway. Signs will be placed on the highway in both directions.
Moira Dr, Kialla West Victoria 3631 - Google Maps
http://maps.google.com.au/maps
The race is organised and run by volunteers, any help would be appreciated.