- This is NOT a Race
Long Distance riding is about time management not speed. THIS IS NOT A RACE! To ride 1000 miles in 24 hours, you only need to average 42 miles per hour. If you manage the time you spend at your stops you should have no problem completing this ride at a safe speed. Riders that are determined to be riding at unsafe speeds will not be certified. If the MTF or the IBA learns after the ride certification that the rider participated at unsafe speeds, the certification will be revoked.
- Rider's responsibilities
Riders will be required to acknowledge their responsibilities during the registration process.
Each rider is responsible for their own ride. Safety is of primary importance.
- Participant agrees to keep and maintain his motorcycle in a good and safe condition, in full compliance with all rules and laws governing such vehicles.
Specifically, said motorcycle shall be in full compliance with any and all safety inspections and certifications required by the State of registration of said motorcycle and shall be safe to operate on the public ways and under the conditions to be encountered in the Event.
- Participant will at all times while riding his motorcycle wear and employ all such safety clothing and gear including, but not limited to, a DOT approved helmet, as is reasonable, customary and prudent for use by motorcyclists under the circumstances of the Event.
A DOT approved helmet shall be worn at all times while Participant is riding in the Event whether or not the use of such a helmet is required in the jurisdiction in which the Participant is riding.
- Participant shall be licensed to operate a motorcycle in his State of residence and authorized to legally operate a motorcycle in the State or States, Country or Countries where the Event may be held.
Participant's motorcycle shall be properly registered and licensed.
- Participant shall have and maintain in full force and effect liability insurance and such other insurance as may be required for the operation of a motorcycle in the State or States, Country or Countries where the Event may be held.
- Participant shall comply with any and federal and State laws including, such as but not limited to, all safety rules, traffic laws and rules of the road.
- Should Participant be given a map or route information as part of the Event, Participant shall use such map or route information at his own discretion and will not rely upon said map or route information as a representation that it is safe or prudent to follow such map or route information. Such decisions shall be and remain in the sole discretion of Participant.
- Each Participant is responsible for his own ride. The MTF helps with the logistics by planning a route and arranging for witnesses, however, the Participant is responsible for the ride. Safety is of primary importance.
- The Participant is responsible for terminating his participation in the Event if he feels that continuing would put himself or others in jeopardy.
- The Participant is responsible for his personal condition. The MTF does not condone nor will it tolerate riding under the influence of alcohol, illicit drugs and even some prescription drugs.
- The rider is responsible for reviewing the Motorcycle Safety Foundation "You and Your Motorcycle: Riding Tips" booklet
- The rider is responsible for reviewing the Motorcycle Safety Foundation "Motorcycle Operator Manual" booklet
If the MTF discovers that a rider has violated their responsibilities, even if it is after the ride is certified, the MTF will notify the IBA and the certification will be revoked.
- Riders are responsible for their own motorcycles and the MTF does not do safety inspections. However, if an unsafe condition (including use of gas cans) is reported or observed, the rider will be ask to correct the situation and if not corrected, will not be allowed to participate?
- Am I allowed to carry extra fuel?
The MTF utilizes TeamStrange Uniform Rules ( http://www.teamstrange.com/uniform_rules.htm) as a guideline for Auxiliary Fuel Systems and the carrying of extra fuel.
Of important note is that No Gas Cans are allowed. This includes the containers used on ATV's which have become popular on some dual sport bikes.
The MTF does allow the following exceptions to TeamStrange's rules:
- How often am I required to stop?
In addition to mandatory stops listed on the website, the IBA requires riders to stop a minimum of every 350 miles.
- Recording all mandatory stops and keep all receipts
You must record ALL gas stops and any other stop longer than 20 minutes. You must keep and submit official receipts (Location, City, State, Date, and Time) for ALL gas stops and any lodging stops that you might make during the ride. It is not necessary that you maintain and submit receipts for such things as foods and snacks (unless you are using this receipt to document a mandatory stop).
In the even that you run out of gas and acquire extra gas (e.g. passerby or MSR bottles) you must document the amount of gas that you obtained. In the case of MSR bottles, if you refill them at the next stop you must document this as well.
- Group Riding
While this ride is being organized for a group of like minded riders, it is NOT A GROUP RIDE . The site coordinator will release riders on a staggered start in order to spread the riders out over a safe distance. You may organize small groups of 2-4 riders on your own and request that the site coordinator stage you together. However, you should be aware that riders tend to stop at different times even if they have the same fuel range. If you elect to ride in a small group, you should agree ahead of time that you will not continue due to peer pressure if you are feeling that it would be unsafe to continue.
- Discovering a rider is in need of emergency care
If you come across any person in need of emergency care, whether with your group or not, it is MANDATORY THAT YOU STOP AND SEEK PROPER MEDICAL CARE . Document the time that you spent with the person and get their contact information. The time you spent providing care will be considered when evaluating your ride. Note: You are only required to ensure that the rider is safe and does not require emergency care. For example: if you encounter a rider that has run out of gas, you have no obligation to assist the rider in obtaining gas. In fact, extra time will not be allotted for non-emergency care.
- Pre-ride Registration is required. - No Walk-in Riders will be accommodated.
- If fees within one week of the start of the ride, registration will be cancelled and the rider will not be able to participate. - No money will be accepted the day of the ride.
During the registration process you will be required to consent to an Agreement and Waiver.
Click the following link to view the Agreement and Waiver.
Review it thoroughly before registering for a ride.
- Terminating the ride
The MTF and IBA are dedicated to SAFE long distance riding.
If at anytime during the ride you question whether or not you should continue, by all means you should terminate the ride.
Listening to your body is an important part of long distance riding and you should not continue unless you are comfortable with your physical and mental state.
If you terminate the ride, be sure to notify the Site Coordinator so he does not send a search party looking for you.
If you terminate the ride or have an accident, you must notify the Site Coordinator as soon as reasonably possible.
Failure to notify the Site Coordinator that you are terminating the ride may result in suspension from participation in future events.
The MTF has a generous refund policy. Click the preceding link to view it. In the event you terminate your ride fees will be refunded accordingly
- Chase vehicles
Chase vehicles are not allowed. A chase vehicle defies the spirit of long distance riding.
If the MTF learns a chase vehicle was present, the ride will not be certified whether or not aid of any kind was rendered.
- Breakdowns during the ride
- If you have a breakdown during the ride and are successful in getting your bike repaired, you must return to the original spot of your breakdown before continuing. You should note the details of the breakdown in your documentation. Additional time will not be allowed for the breakdown
- If you have a breakdown and are unable to continue, you should immediately call the Site Coordinator to report your situation.
- Route Planning
- You MUST get receipts from the listed mandatory stops in the listed order for the MTF to certify your ride.
- The directions are based upon the recommendation of Microsoft Streets and Trips - Quickest Route.
- There may be alternate routes to each mandatory stop.
- In fact, the Garmin Mapsource files may be slightly different from the route described on the following pages.
- We DO RECOMMEND that you follow the suggested route.
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