RIDE RULES – BCG ENDURANCE SERIES (SEASON 2)

Rule 1: Time Limits

Overall time limits vary for each ride according to the distance. These are (in hours and minutes, HH:MM):

20:00 hrs for 300 Km

a) Riders must arrive at each checkpoint between the opening and closing time for the checkpoint. These times are noted on the Ride Stamp Card with the information for the checkpoints. If a rider arrives at a checkpoint after it has closed, and the Ride Organizer is satisfied that the rider is late due to the occurrence of something unforeseen and beyond the control of the rider (such as stopping to help at a traffic accident or a road closure), then the Ride Organizer may waive the fact that the rider arrived at the control late and allow the rider to continue, subject to the condition that he/she arrives at the next checkpoint in time.
b) Poor bicycle or equipment maintenance, fatigue, lack of fitness, injury, hunger, etc are NOT unforeseen or beyond the control of the rider and therefore will not serve as a valid reason for being late. Subject to the foregoing, failure to make all checkpoints, even if the ride is done within the overall time limit, will result in disqualification.
Rule 2: Eligibility
These rides are open to any amateur cyclist above age 18.
a) Under the age of 18 must get a “consent form” signed by his or her parent or legal guardian.
b) These riders (16-18 years only) must be accompanied by their parent or their parents may appoint someone else to take responsibility for the entire duration of the event. This should be given in writing.
Rule 3: Registration
To participate in a BCG Endurance Series – Season 2, a rider must fill out the registration/Google form, sign a “waiver of liability”, and pay the registration fee set by the organizing team.

Rule 4: Safety
a) It is compulsory to wear a Helmet/Turban for the entire duration of the Ride. Riders without a helmet/Turban will not be permitted to start. Turban of minimum length 5 meters may be used in lieu of helmet in select cases.
b) It is compulsory for the rider to display their rider number prominently on the front and rear of their bicycle, for the entire duration of the ride. Riders not complying with this stipulation will not be permitted to start.
c) As this is not a racing event, the use of aero-bars is not permitted during a ride. Riders reporting at the start with aero bars would be required to remove them at the start point
d) For night riding, bicycles must be equipped with front and rear lights attached firmly to the vehicle. Lights must be fully functional at all times (Spare lights are strongly recommended; spare batteries are compulsory). At least one of the rear lights must be in a steady (rather than flashing) mode. Riders not complying with all these requirements will not be permitted to start.
e) All riders must wear a reflective vest that clearly places reflective material prominently on the front and back of the rider.
f) Anyone wishing to participate on a Tandem Bike will have to complete all rides with the same partner and on the tandem bike to get the series title. Completing one ride on tandem and the others singly will not confer the title of Road Warrior.

Rule 5: Responsible Behavior
During the event, all riders are required to conduct themselves in a civil manner and abide by all applicable traffic laws and regulations.

The Ride Responsible reserves the right to disqualify who:
1. Are disrespectful in their interactions with organizers, ride officials, volunteers and fellow-riders.
2. Conduct themselves in an unsportsmanlike manner at event.
Rule 6: Ride Stamp Card
a) At the start of the ride, each rider will receive an approved Ride Stamp Card. Riders must stop at each checkpoint to have their card stamped and to sign the organiser’s control sheet. Organisers may also include unannounced checkpoints (Secret Controls) along the route. This ensures that all the riders stay on the prescribed route.
b) Riders are responsible for keeping their Stamp cards damage-free and safe with them at all times during the ride. Failure to do so would result in disqualification. Ride Stamp Cards should be kept safe from any kind of damage (caused by tearing, dampness, fire, etc); damaged/torn cards would not be accepted and would result in disqualification.
c) Riders are not supposed to write anything on the ride stamp card, except what they are asked to at the start point by the ride official, such as their personal details, signature and ticking the check box for the medal.

Rule 7: Ride Route
a) At the start, each rider will receive a cue sheet indicating the route and the location of the checkpoints. Riders must stay on the route. If a rider leaves the route, they must return to the route at the same point prior to continuing, ie. no shortcuts or detours from the route, unless specified by the organizers.
b) The only exception to the “no detours” rule is provided when a road is closed. In such a situation, the rider should first attempt to contact the ride organizer/organizers to obtain permission to take a detour.

Rule 8: Unmanned Controls
a) Organizers may have checkpoints with no subscriber of the organizing staff present. At these unmanned checkpoints, the rider may be asked to click a selfie with any location i.e ATM, hotel, store, toll booth or petrol pump etc.
b) Missing checkpoint stamps, missing checkpoint times, or loss of the ride stamp card will result in disqualification. The rider is responsible for ensuring that he/she signs the control sheet and that his/her ride stamp card is properly completed, signed and stamped at each checkpoint.

Rule 9: Cheating
Any instance of fraud, cheating, or deliberate violation of any of the Ride Rules of BCG Endurance Series will result in immediate disqualification
Riders are not supposed to do the following during the ride
a) Using motorised transport during the ride.
b) Hanging on to or taking the support of a motorised vehicle during the ride
c) Drafting behind a motorised vehicle or a cyclist (who has not registered for that Ride)
d) Riders who decide to quit the ride at any point are required to first inform the ride officials, before they avail of any form of support from motorised or rail transport. Failure to inform beforehand would result in disqualification.

ANY VIOLATION OF THESE RIDING RULES WILL RESULT IN THE IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION OF THE RIDER.