The following is a description
of the Great Moonbuggy Race course. The course and specific obstacles may vary
in detail from this general outline, but the description should give participants
a good idea of the layout of the course.
- The starting line is located underneath the Space Shuttle, near the "Pits"
Area where moonbuggies are inspected and repaired. Obstacle One,
consisting of two ridges, is located underneath the Shuttle.
- After Obstacle One, the course slopes up slightly on a paved (asphalt) path,
and over a hill toward Obstacle Two. After Obstacle Two,
one travels downhill and encounters Obstacle Three. A sharp
turn to the left leads through the Rocket Display Area to Obstacle
Four and then Obstacle Five, located near the rear
of the Saturn V rocket and in the Rocket Display Area.
- Upon exiting Obstacle Five, the course turns sharply to the right, remaining
on asphalt and moving uphill. One encounter, Obstacles Six through
Eight. The three obstacles are gravel.
- At the end of this straight section of the course, a wide turn (approximately
135 degrees) to the right brings participants to the circular downhill path
leading to the lunar Crater Area. On the way to the Crater Area, Obstacles
Nine and Ten will be found. After Obstacle 10, the course continues
to follow the curved path downhill to the Crater Area.
- Upon entering the Crater Area, the course moves to the left and takes a
complete 360-degree clockwise path through the lunar terrain.
The largest crater, Obstacle 11, has a rim rising approximately
18" over 2 feet and a diameter of approximately 15 feet. In conjunction
with the 2005 Most Unique Award, and to provide a "real moon" challenge
for participants, a sand pit will be included in the lunar crater area.
After leaving the Crater Area, moonbuggies will travel to the right toward
Obstacles 12-14, all gravel obstacles. The path is at first
flat, and then slopes uphill toward Obstacle 14.
- After Obstacle 14 the course terrain is gently sloping downward, with a
few “speed bumps” to slow descent.
- The course takes a left-hand turn as the participants enter the U.S. Space
Shuttle Area and the series of three lunar Obstacles 15, 16, and 17,
described as undulating terrain.
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