MTF Logo

Long Distance Standard Rules


  1. 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.

  2. 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.

    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.

  3. 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?

  4. 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:
    • Riders are permitted to carry one of the specific containers listed below if a Auxiliary Fuel Systeml is NOT used. The containers must be in good condition, show no signs of adverse wear, no leaking around the opening and NOT over filled. In addition, they must be carried as stated below.

      Allowable fuel containers:

      • MSR type (Mountain Safety Research) fuel bottles
        • One or Two container may be carried on a motorcycle
        • Manufacture’s link: http://www.msrcorp.com/stoves/bottles.asp
        • Must be properly stowed in a saddle bag or trunk to prevent leakage or fumes.
        • Caution: Cascade Designs Inc., the manufacturer of the MSR bottles, does not recommend using MSR bottles to store alcohol or gasoline containing alcohol or ethonol. The bottles are untreated aluminum and the alcohol could corrode them. For more information click here

      • Reda-inovations one (1) gallon Reda Gas Container
        • One container may be carried on a motorcycle
        • Manufacture’s link: http://www.redagascan.com/
        • Must be properly stowed in a saddle bag or trunk per manufactures recommendations.

      • Wolfman Luggage 1-Gallon RotoPax Fuel Pack
        • One container may be carried on a motorcycle
        • The container must be securely attached to the motorcycle using the manufacturer’s proprietary mounting system or cargo straps in good condition to the motorcycle in a safe location. (not near the engine, muffler, etc). This container is not to be carried in a saddle bag or trunk.
        • Manufacture’s link: http://wolfmanluggage.com/Accessories/RotoPaxMountSystem.html

      It is the rider’s responsibility to ensure the safety of these fuel containers, proper mounting, and assumes all risks if using one.



  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.


  9. Pre-ride Registration is required. - No Walk-in Riders will be accommodated.
  10. 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.

  11. 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

  12. 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.

  13. 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.
  14. 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.


  15. [ MTF Home ] [ Forum Guidelines ] [ MTF Merchandise ] [ MTF Calendar ]
    [ MTF Tourer's Assistant ] [ MTF Emergency Tags ] [ MTF Commision Program ]
    [ MTF Honors Page ] [ Touring Links ] [ Photo Album ] [ MTF Logos ]
    [ MTF Business Cards ] [ MTF Gold Dealers ] [ MTF Past Events ]


    Copyright © 2001-2011 Motorcycle Tourer's Forum. All rights reserved.
    For Questions or Comments about this site contact the Motorcycle Tourers Forum.