PAST RACE RULES

1. The Golden Rule. The sponsors, organizers, and anyone having anything to do with this race are NOT responsible for your safety. Think of this race as a 300+ mile hard training ride with prizes. We can't say this enough: YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU! Each rider is considered to be on a private excursion and remains solely responsible for any accidents in which he or she may be involved. No responsibility can be accepted for riders becoming lost or stranded.

2. The race is a non-stop, self-supported, solo competition along the gravel roads of rural Iowa. Competitors must carry ALL necessary equipment with them. Pre-arranged outside support is not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to, assistance with navigation, delivery of supplies, lighting, or lodging. Competitors will stock up on food and other items at stores and businesses along the route. Viva la gas station burritos and Oatmeal Cream Pies!

3. Racers can help other racers with mechanical support. We are not doing this event to leave someone out in the boonies of Iowa. That being said, have at least a pit crew of one to help you if you have problems. The people and sponsors associated with this race will not come get you or be responsible for you! You get run over by a tractor, that is your problem. You get attacked by a rabid raccoon, that is also your problem. You get recruited to scoop pig poop, yep you guessed it, that is your problem.

4. Riders must obey city, county, and state laws and rules of the road and conduct themselves in a manner that will not bring discredit to the event. You are completely on your own. Use your head. Look and yield for traffic. There will be no course marshals to hold up traffic.

5. Racers will be supplied a course map in the form of cue sheets. No GPS systems are allowed for navigation. GPS's are allowed for personal data and recording your ride. The primary race route must be followed at all times. No shortcuts or alternate routes are permitted. If you do this, you will be forced to help local farmers scoop poop! If you exit the course for food, supplies, or any other reason, You must reenter in the same spot in which you left.

6. Participants must remain within the primary boundaries of the road at all times. If the roadway is bordered by fences or ditches, riders must stay between them. If the road is in open range, stay on the road. Leaving the road or climbing over a fence is considered short cutting the course and will result in disqualification.

7. Competitors may not advance on the route by any means other than bicycling, or in the case of a mechanical, by foot. There will be no hitching of rides via Iowa farm animals. Moooooooo. Competitors may, in the case of emergency, mechanical, or other unforeseeable problems, be assisted by motorized transport. By accepting motorized transport you will automatically relinquish your standing in the race.

8. Bike choice is up to you! We allow mountain bikes, cyclocross bikes, 29ers, and road bikes if you really want to be stupid. I suggest at least a 1.95, but it's up to you how much you want to hurt. All Single Speed/Fixed category racers must start and finish on the same gear. Don't stick 10 assorted freewheels/track cogs in your bag. You can run a flip-flop hub, but both gears (freewheel and cog) must have the same number of teeth. No electric assist or anything other than a 100% human-powered, two-wheeled vehicles are allowed. 

9. Drafting is allowed, but please do not show up with eight of your buds and turn this into a road race.

10. Riders must wear an ANSI or Snell approved helmet. All racers also must use a flashing red taillight, headlight, and backup light source, i.e. a headlamp. A cellphone is also a good idea.

11. The event will happen regardless of rain, sleet, snow, drought, wind, rabbit infestation, etc. You get the idea. Remember: YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOURSELF! If the sky is falling or you see Dorothy's house go spinning by your head, you should take appropriate actions to protect yourself. We will not be responsible for ill-advised heroics in inclement weather. Be smart or be pig fodder! Weather related cancellation of the event will be enforced at the checkpoints. If you pull out before a checkpoint, you need to contact the event director to find out if the event is being terminated. Results will not be tabulated if we have to stop the event. If cutoff times to a checkpoint are not met by any event participant, the event will be terminated and all will be considered as DNFs.

12. Prizing will be distributed by raffle to the remaining participants at the time of stoppage or when it becomes clear the cutoff times will not be met. All participants will be directed as to where and when any prizing will be distributed at checkpoints by our volunteers. Must be present to win. Decisions of the event's directors are final.​

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The intent of these rules was to establish an equal and fair opportunity for all racers.

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SAFETY AND SUPPLIES

When you’re out riding in Iowa in April, the weather can change rapidly at any time. Being prepared for wind, rain, and snowy conditions with the gear you carry will make your ride much more enjoyable. Even on a 60-degree day, it’s possible to get cold very quickly if you have to stop and fix a mechanical or become injured.

• Always carry a waterproof/windproof jacket or thermal top and dress in layers appropriate to the conditions.

• Maintain your bike so it doesn’t let you down when you’re at the furthest point from civilization.

• Carry the tools listed below and, more importantly, know how to use them.

• Try to ride in a group so if someone does get hurt there are enough people to stay with the injured person while others go for help.

• Carry a basic first aid kit and survival blanket.

• Unless you are VERY familiar with the area, carry a map and compass in clear plastic bag. Again, know how to use them!

• Eat and drink regularly to keep your energy levels up. Be able to recognize the symptoms of dehydration and “hitting the wall”. Act accordingly.

• In most cases, the farmers of Iowa are your best bud. They will give you food and water and treat you like a son or daughter. However, there are a few out there that would rather mow you down with their 1969 Dodge pickup. Stay aware of your surroundings.

• Farmers own dogs. Dogs chase anything that moves. Be prepared to ward off a mutt if needed.

• Redwing blackbirds will dive-bomb your head if you get too close to their nests. Just keep riding, they won't hurt you.

SUPPLIES YOU MUST CARRY

• Red taillight and front headlight. Power output is up to you. Keep in mind how you plan to recharge.

• A way to contact someone should you need help, i.e. a cellphone or InReach

SUPPLIES TO CONSIDER

• Small rucksack/hydration pack

• Lightweight waterproof/windproof top

• Extra thermal top or warm layer to wear when stopped

• Two liters of water, either in a bladder or water bottles

• Food, i.e. energy bars, gels, or chocolate

• A good tire pump

• Tyre levers

• Two spare inner tubes

• Puncture repair kit

• Chain splitter

• Allen key set

• Spoke wrench

• First aid kit and survival blanket

• Butt butter

• Chain lube

• Cash, debit card, or credit card

• Handlebar map case 

• Cycling computer

This may sound like a lot of gear to be lugging around during a race. In many cases you won’t need it all. However, if something does happen to you or your bike in a remote spot, you’ll be equipped to deal with most situations or at least stay safe and warm until help arrives.