Following a number of meetings and a successful but informal trial run, the roadway through the Dimboola Recreation Reserve will be used for a track trial for Human Powered Vehicles on Sunday, 12 February between the hours of 10.00am and 3.00pm.

Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor Debra Nelson said that "a HPV team from Horsham had been searching for an appropriate training site for some time. They recently tested the track and believe that because of its location and the distance of the track the Dimboola Recreation Reserve makes an ideal training base and potential site for future races."

"Human Powered Vehicles or HPV's are becoming a large alternative sport in schools and colleges across the country, with teams travelling great distances to compete in races which can last anywhere from six to 24 hours."

Pictured above - A HPV, or Human Powered Vehicle, similar to the one that will try out the roadway through the Dimboola Recreation Reserve next weekend. Photo contributed

Cr Nelson said that "Council is excited that a site within the Shire has been identified as a potential location which might see the Recreation Reserve being the venue for a future race."

The event on Sunday 12 February 2017 will be a small trial run with only one HPV, a number of riders and support crew. A larger test trial at the Reserve on Sunday 23 April 2017 will see more HPVs operating.

Should trials be successful the Dimboola Recreation Reserve could become a host venue for future HPV races. A number of HPV race events including the Victorian and the UniSA Australian HPV Series are held in numerous locations around Victoria and South Australia. The RACV Energy Breakthrough held in Maryborough, Vic attracts approximately 20,000 people.

"Council representatives have inspected the entrances and roadway around the Recreation Reserve to ensure the safety of riders and drivers of vehicles. Unfortunately, all but one vehicle access point to the Recreation Reserve will have to be closed on the day from 10.00am and 3.00pm," Cr Nelson said.

Access to the Recreation Reserve will be available from Park Street via Lloyd Street. A marshal will be located near the A&P Pavilion to advise any drivers coming into the Recreation Reserve to be aware of the HPV and riders.