Race Rules
Official Rampart Rager Rules
But first, a notice - as a WARNING to participants - The EVENT SPONSORS, ORGANIZERS, PROMOTERS, STAFF and anyone having anything to do with this event ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE for your safety or well being. We can not stress this strongly enough… YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU!
Main Guidelines
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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.)
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Participants must wear a helmet while riding their bicycle.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Participants may help other participants during the race - with mechanical support, navigational assistance or by any other means.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
Required Supplies
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Cycling computer
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2-3 Water Bottles and a hydration pack (strongly recommended)
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Food - energy bars, gels, nuts, etc..
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At least two spare inner tubes (patch kit recommended)
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Air pump or inflation system
Additional Supplies to Consider
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A cell phone to contact the “outside world” should you need help.
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​A GPS system to communicate your exact location to support or rescue personnel in the event of an emergency.
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Small rucksack / hydration pack
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Waterproof / windproof jacket
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Extra thermal top or warm layer to wear if stopped
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An emergency / survival blanket
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Tire levers
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Chain tool
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Allen wrench set
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Spoke wrench
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First aid kit
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Butt butter
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Chain lube
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Cash, debit card or credit card. (To purchase extra food, water or supplies.)
Safety Tips
When you are out riding in Colorado Springs, the weather can be unpredictable and can change rapidly and without warning. Be prepared for wind, rain, etc. with the gear that you carry. Even on a mild day, it is possible to get cold very quickly if you have to stop to fix a mechanical problem or become injured. So always carry a waterproof / windproof jacket or thermal top. Maintain your bike so it doesn’t let you down when you are at the farthest point from civilization.
As a minimum, carry the items listed above, and more importantly, know how to use them.
If possible, ride in a small group so that if someone does get hurt, there are enough people to stay with the injured person while others go for help.
Keep eating and drinking regularly to maintain energy levels. Know the symptoms of dehydration and “hitting the wall” and act accordingly.​
A Word to Support Crew Members
The only time you are allowed to be on the course is to pick up your rider if they decide to abandon the event. You are allowed to meet a rider at a checkpoint. Here you may help your rider with mechanical issues, and supply with food, water or clothing. Maps and directions will be available to print prior to the race.
A Word to Spectators
For your safety and that of the Racers, please stay off of the course during the race. There are various checkpoints through out the course that you can safely spectate from if you'd like to watch.