Iowa Streets & Roads Conference 2004

Motor Grader Roadeo, October 14, Ames

Agenda

7:30 - 9:00 a.m.	Registration (Hilton Auditorium, map)
8:00 - 9:30	Written Test
8:45 - 1:00 p.m.	Driving Test
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.	Box Lunch on Course
Follwing Driving Test	Awards, Door Prizes, Vendor Drawings

About the Motor Grader Roadeo

The objective of this non–ground engaging competition is to negotiate the motor grader course while accruing the least amount of penalties. Each operator will earn a score based on how accurately he/she completes the course. Operators will be required to position the motor grader’s frame and moldboard in positions simulating daily job requirements, such as preparation of road surfaces and shoulders, drainage, and snow removal.

Who Should Participate?

Operators from every city and county in Iowa are encouraged to participate.

Registration Fee and Deadline

The registration fee is $65, which includes a box lunch. Registration deadline is October 1, 2004.

Cancellation Policy

Registrations cancelled in writing by October 1 will receive a full refund. After that date a $10 cancellation fee will be assessed. Substitutions may be made at any time.

Equipment

Equipment will be provided for the Motor Grader Roadeo.

Motor Grader Roadeo Contest Requirements

Part 1. Written Exam: 25 points, 1 point per correct answer

Participants will complete a written exam using representative questions from the Motor Grader Operator course offered by Iowa LTAP/Center for Transportation Research and Education.

Part 2. Driving Course: 6 min. time limit; 370 points, total per obstacle varies

This event is a non–ground engaging competition. The objective is to negotiate the seven obstacles as quickly as possible while accruing the least amount of penalties. The seven course obstacles include (1) a serpentine course, (2) a mailbox course, (3) bull grading, (4) ball in the chute, (5) blue topping, (6) cul-de-sac, and (7) a turn-around.

Scoring the Driving Event

Each operator will be given a total point score based on how accurately he/she completes the course. See each section description below for specific point deductions.

No points will be earned if the operator has to stop after entering an obstacle on the course.
Ten points will be deducted for each minute over the six-minute time limit for completing the entire course.
Cutting the tire in any obstacle will result in disqualification.

Motor Grader Roadeo Course Details

See the following course sections on the official course layout below.

Serpentine Course (60 points):
Operator must negotiate the motor grader through the cones without coming into contact with them. Five-point deduction for each cone contact.
Mailbox Course (60 points):
Operator must knock the blocks off stands without knocking over the stands on either side of the mailbox and without hitting the mailbox. Ten-point deduction for each block not removed. Zero points earned for hitting the mailbox.
Bull Grading (60 points, 10 bonus points for perfect score):
Blocks are arranged on stands of different heights (see course map on page 13). Operator must knock the blocks off stands without knocking over the stands. Five-point deduction for each stand knocked over.
Ball in Chute (20 points):
Operator must pick up a large ball with the toe of the moldboard and carry it a short distance. Then, using the heel on the opposite side of the motor grader, the operator must place the ball into a chute.
Blue Topping (60 points):
Operator must remove the third set of red and white blocks on both sides without removing the blue blocks. The first and second sets of wooden blocks will be for alignment purposes only. 15 points awarded for each red or white block removed from the third set. 30-point deduction for removing a single blue block on a side in the third set.
Cul-de-Sac (50 points, 10 bonus points for perfect score):
Operator must negotiate a tight circle, marked by cones on the inside and outside, without coming into contact with any cones. Five-point deduction for each cone contact.
Turn-Around (60 points):
Operator must drive forward from the cul de sac obstacle, turn the motor grader around, and then back to the finish line, all without touching the cones. Five-point deduction for each cone contact.

Motor Grader Roadeo Course

(click image for full-size map--424 kb pdf)