Race Rules

The primary route must be followed at all times. No short cuts or alternate routes are permitted. (The course may be altered by the promoters in the event of inclement weather, or other unforeseeable circumstance. Should this occur, participants will be sufficiently advised.)

Participants must wear a helmet while riding their bicycle.

Outside support is NOT allowed (This includes assistance with navigation and supplies.)  The official checkpoints or aid stations along the routes will serve as a neutral area where event participants may meet their support crew to restock supplies and repair equipment.  This checkpoint will be the only location along the entire course where participants may receive assistance from their support crew. 

Each participant must have present, or have informed someone that this person may have to come get them should they need to abandon the event. WE WILL NOT COME GET YOU. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU.  If you break down on course you will need to call someone to come get you.  Some areas on the course may have little or no cell reception, therefore you may be walking to the nearest spot with cell reception. Please make sure your cell phone is fully charged before starting.

Participants should print off a set of cue sheets (in case directional signs are moved). The course will also have directional ‘markings’ to re-assure participants they are on route, but these markings are not guaranteed.  There will also be a list that includes notes on where water will be available, bathrooms, areas with cell reception, etc.  You will be able to print off the Cue sheets and list prior to the race.

 A “Cut-Off” time will be established for reaching each checkpoint (TBD). Cut-off times are based on an average moving time of 10 mph. This includes your stopped time, so the longer you stop the faster you will be required to ride.  These times may be adjusted, as deemed necessary by event staff, to account for unforeseen circumstances such as inclement weather, poor course conditions, etc. Cut-off times are established for the purpose of rider safety, and will therefore be strictly enforced.

Participants may help other participants during the race - with mechanical support, navigational assistance or by any other means.

Support Crews and Spectators are NOT allowed on course, except to pick up a rider who is abandoning the event. If a Support Crew vehicle is spotted on course for any other reason, their rider will be disqualified from the event. Providing support to a rider while on course goes against the self-sufficiency spirit of this event. It is unfair to other participants, and therefore will not be allowed.

Participants may not advance along the route by any means other than bicycle, or by foot. There will be no hitching rides. Participants may, in the case of an emergency, mechanical failure or other unforeseeable problem, be assisted by motorized transport but by accepting such motorized transport, you will be automatically disqualified from the event. If for any reason you abandon the race you MUST check in at the finish area to let the event organizers know you are no longer on course.  EVERYONE must be accounted for at the end of the day!

Choice of bicycle type is up to each individual participant. This course is ideal for cyclocross bikes/”gravel grinders”….but hybrids, touring bikes, or 29”er hardtails, etc. are allowed. Just be aware that some thought and research should go into your final bike choice. The gravel roads can get pretty harsh in certain areas if we get rain, and although most of the course is nice smooth gravel, there are sections of rocky and rutted roads.  Participants must start and complete the entire course on the same bicycle frame.  All other components and equipment may be repaired or replaced during the event. Participants in the Single-Speed class must complete the entire event using the same gearing combination.

Participants must obey all city, county and state laws, and “Rules of the Road”.  There WILL NOT be anyone stopping traffic at intersections or road crossings.  All riders must watch for and yield to traffic.  The gravel roads in this area are used by all types of people, some who pay attention and some that don't.  We will try to make vehicles aware of the event, however riders need to be responsible by staying on the correct side of the gravel, and being careful in blind corners, etc. All riders must conduct themselves at all times in a manner that will not bring discredit to the event.

Last but not least, this is your environment, any and all trash must be carried on your person until you get to an aid station to discard it. Please keep the area clean!