The 508 Official Rules and Regulations

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PENALTY FOR VIOLATION OF THESE RULES IS DISQUALIFICATION (DQ), UNLESS TIME PENALTY (TP) IS NOTED.

Premise: All persons associated with The 508 are ambassadors of the event and shall conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the race and on Race Across America, Inc. at all times. The public should be impressed, not annoyed. The race has been held since 1983 and we want it to continue long into the future. Hosting a safe, fair, and legal event every year, without fail, is our best opportunity for perpetuating The 508.

 

The 508 uses public roads, requiring the observance of all event rules, traffic laws and the motor vehicle code. This includes, but is not limited to, stopping appropriately for traffic lights, stop signs, and trains across the road, riding as far to the right as is practicable, and the like. Racers disregarding stop signs, traffic lights, and traffic laws have a very damaging effect on the race in general, significantly more than "running" a light during a training ride. These violations are considered cheating, unsportsmanlike, unsafe, and can be the reason for authorities not granting permission for races.

 

UPDATED FEBRUARY 2025

 

I. GENERAL RULES.

 

A. Administrative Rules.

1. All racers and all crew must sign and turn in the Release of Liability / Agreement to Terms and Conditions prior to the race.

2. Attendance at the Pre-Race Meeting is mandatory. Solo entrants must be represented by the racer and at least one crew. 2-Person Team entrants must be represented by at least one racer and one crew. 4-Person Team entrants must be represented by at least two racers and one crew or 3 racers. The Crew Chief, ALL crew members and ALL racers are strongly encouraged, and generally expected, to attend.

3. The Race Director has the authority, at any time, to overrule any rule or add a new rule based on extenuating, unforeseen, and/or unusual circumstances and/or to maintain the integrity and fair play necessary for the successful completion, and continuation, of the race. The Race Director has ultimate authority in regards to all rules, their interpretation, and their enforcement. There is no "appeals committee," nor an "appeals process." All entrants in the race, and their support crews, willingly acknowledge this fact, as well as all other race rules, by attending the race in any capacity.

 

​B. Safety and Emergencies.

1. Safety must be the single most important concern of everyone connected with the race. Safety prevails above all other rules and competition. In an emergency condition where human life is in jeopardy, all concern should be directed to the injured. If a rule is violated in an emergency situation, or should there be a delay (e.g., stopping to give CPR to another racer), the Race Director will consider necessary allowances.

2. All Emergency Evacuation costs for participants or crews will be borne by that person or their heirs. The race organizers are in no way liable or responsible for emergency evacuation.

3. Since The 508 uses public roads, it is impossible to control traffic or get road closures. Never risk human safety. Racers and crews must "size up" every road situation and decide how best to proceed or not to proceed. Use common sense and think safety first!

4. It is the Crew Chief’s responsibility to make sure that the crew members are receiving enough sleep necessary for the safe operation of a motor vehicle. If a racer does not have the necessary manpower to safely drive the vehicle, the racer will be detained until the crew can safely support the racer. If a driver has become too sleepy, he or she must relinquish the driving responsibility. If no one is awake enough to drive, the racer must stop until a crew member has obtained adequate sleep. (TP or DQ)

5. If you see another racer or crew behaving in an unsafe or unsporting manner, please say something to that crew and to a race official.

6. A Race Official may prohibit a racer from continuing for safety reasons, e.g., a racer being too sleepy to ride.

7. All support vehicles must carry a comprehensive First Aid Kit. Additionally, entrants may choose to bring an AED and/or satellite phone. It is highly recommended that each support team include at least one member who has current CPR and First Aid training and certification, or a higher level of medical training.

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C. Compliance with Laws.

1. It is the responsibility of all drivers and all racers to be familiar with all traffic laws, and all traffic laws must be followed by all racers and all crew members at all times. (TP or DQ)

2. A FULL, legal stop is always required at all stop signs, at all red traffic lights, and activated railroad crossing signals. (TP or DQ)

3. Railroad Crossings: Racers and crew vehicles must stop and remain stopped at all activated railroad crossing signals until the activated signal terminates. (TP or DQ)

4. All racers, crew and staff must display courtesy, good taste, decorum, and sportsmanship at all times. Nudity is specifically not allowed. (TP or DQ)

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II. RACER CONDUCT.

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A. Racing Rules.

1. To be declared an OFFICIAL FINISHER in the race, entrants must complete the course within the following limits: 49 hours for solo randonneurs; 48 hours for solo entrants; 46 hours for relay teams.

2. The clock will not stop for any reason.

3. A racer may not receive any type of push-off or propulsion from a person or vehicle. (TP)

4. All racers may walk or run if they so desire, providing they keep the bicycle with them. (TP)

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B. Drafting/Riding.

1. Drafting and/or riding together are never allowed.  Rules for the first few miles during the neutral zone as noted in the Race Magazine, Route Description.

2. The following space between racers must be maintained, except while passing one another:  a) when riding with no crew vehicle: 12 meter split (three car lengths) from another cyclist or vehicle; b) when riding with a crew vehicle: 100 meter split (a football field). There must be enough room between racers for rear traffic to comfortably pass one racer and his/her crew vehicle at a time. (TP)

3. No racer or crew vehicle will attempt to block or impede the progress of another racer or crew vehicle.

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C. Routing. 

1. Every inch of the prescribed course must be traveled by each racer or relay team. In the event of a routing error, e.g., wrong turn, the racer may must be driven back to the exact original spot where he/she left the course and continue riding from that location. There will be no allowance made for lost time or miles ridden in the wrong direction.

 

D. Live Tracking. 

1. Each entrant will be issued a GPS tracker provided by TrackLeaders.com. GPS trackers will be distributed at the start line immediately prior to the race start. Solo and solo randonneur racers must carry the GPS tracker in their jersey pocket for the duration of the race. Teams (both Staged-Relay and Open-Relay) must place the GPS tracker on the dashboard of the Follow Vehicle. For safety reason, team members may not carry the GPS tracker and attempt to pass it between racers during exchanges. 

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E. Banned Substances.

1. IVs (intravenous fluids) are not permitted during the race.

2. As a condition of competing in this event, all racers must be willing to submit to a drug urine test before, during, or after the race.

3. If any USOC-banned substances are detected, the racer will be disqualified from competition and the final standings of the race itself.

4. If a racer has used any banned substances within six months of the race, written notification must be submitted to the race office. This information will remain confidential. Our medical advisors will review the type of substance used and the reasons involved and a written response will be sent to the racer.

 

III. BICYCLE AND EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS.

 

A. Bicycles.

1. Bicycles must be propelled solely by human force, and by legs only in the standard division.

2. The Race Director or a Race Official may disallow any unusual bicycle, component, equipment, or apparatus before or during the race. Conventional bicycle components which are aerodynamically or otherwise designed in some unique and unusual manner are subject to approval by the Race Director before the race.

3. Devices attached to the bicycle or racer designed solely to reduce wind resistance or increase speed, e.g., air foils or sails, are prohibited.

4. All bicycles must be equipped with at least one functioning brake system; a fixed gear drivetrain alone is not considered a brake system.

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B. Divisions.

1. Standard: All bicycles, except those described specifically below, shall be entered in what is known as the “Standard” Division.

2. Recumbent:  All recumbents compete against each other in their own division and may enter in one of the following configurations:

   • STOCK vehicles may have any number of wheels. Vehicles may not incorporate any form of fairing, or part of fairing. Wheel discs/covers are allowed.

   • SUPERSTOCK vehicles are vehicles with any number of wheels. Wheel discs/covers are allowed. A front or a rear fairing is allowed. The edge of the fairing toward the racer may not intersect the imaginary plane formed by joining the racer's shoulder centerpoints with hip centerpoints. No part of the fairing may be moved in entering, exiting, starting or stopping.

   • SUPERSTREET vehicles are vehicles with any number of wheels. Wheel discs/covers are allowed. Fairings can be one of two formats: Type 1: Any amount of fairing is allowed, but no part of the fairing may be moved to enter, exit, start, or stop the vehicle. Type 2: Any amount of fairing is allowed, but no more than 40% of the fairing surface may be of a hard material (i.e. composite, metal, or molded plastic), while the remaining 60% of surface area of the fairing must be of flexible, woven material (i.e. nylon, spandex). Parts of the fairing can be moved to facilitate entry and exit, or stop and start of the vehicle. The racer's head must be exposed above the fairing.

   • STREAMLINER vehicles are vehicles with any number of wheels and any amount of fairing allowed. Fairing panels may be moved for entry, exit, starting, or stopping.

   • UNLIMITED - Same rules as STREAMLINER, except vehicles do not need to be capable of self-start/self-stop. Racer must be able to exit the vehicle unaided in case of an emergency.

3. Fixed Gear/Single Speed: Fixed Gear or Single Speed bikes must use the same fixed gearing (ring/cog/wheel) for the entire event. Aerobar attachments and aero-designed parts are prohibited. Wheel switches are permitted only for wheel failures, and must be essentially identical to the failed wheel. Bike switches are not permitted. Racers on fixed gear bikes may not coast with feet off the pedals. Racers must declare their gear (ring/cog/wheel size) choice at check in, which may not be changed thereafter.  Fixed gear/single speed division racers may abandon that division and switch to a multispeed bike in the "standard" division, then complete the race on the multispeed bike, provided that they or their crew notifies a race official as soon as possible; they will then be treated as having ridden the entire event on the multispeed bike.

4. Tandem: Tandems are bicycles that seat two racers. Tandems must at all times be ridden by the same two racers, and may never proceed with only one racer. For tandem teams, the same two racers shall remain together in sequence for each respective stage of the course.

 

C. Bicycle Lighting.

1. At all times, day and night, each bicycle must be equipped with a properly functioning and legal front and rear lighting system and this system must be ON at all times. (Note: small LED lights are not sufficient and will not be allowed, except when used in addition to more substantial bicycle lights.) The front light (which must be bike-mounted) must be visible from 500 feet, and the rear light, which may be flashing, from 500 feet. Additionally, while riding at night, racers must have significant amounts of reflective material on their bike and/or body, facing in all four directions. At minimum, it is required to have reflective tape around both crank arms and four pieces on each side of both the front and back wheels – reflective writing is not a substitute for reflective tape.  We highly recommend the taillights and reflective gear (and the identity products) offered by www.RoadID.com, as well as the reflective gear and lighting offered by www.ZombieRunner.com.  (TP)

 

D. Clothing.

1. ANSI, CPSC, ASTM or Snell approved helmets must be properly worn and fastened by racers at all times when on the bike.

2. For your safety and the safety of other riders and road users, headphones / ear buds / earpieces in or on both ears may not be used at any time while cycling. Listening to music is particularly discouraged. Riders must at all times comply with applicable laws and ride safely given the existing circumstances.

3. No racer or crew member may wear clothing that displays poor taste or which promotes tobacco products.

4. Neither racers nor crew may publicly expose themselves during the process of changing clothes, relieving themselves, or otherwise.

 

IV. SOLO RANDONNEUR DIVISION.

 

The Solo Randonneur Division is intended to allow riders to complete the course without crew or crew vehicle. All rules consistent with the following Randonneur rules apply.

 

A. Riders may not accept assistance from anyone other than 508 officials, 508 checkpoints, other 508 riders, or commercial establishments (e.g., purchasing water or snacks at a convenience store) along the route. Riders may not “plant” any items along the route prior to the event, nor pre-plan support from other the support teams of other entrants.

 

B. Riders may provide items in “drop bags” — during Racer Check-In — to be delivered out onto the course to designated locations. These should the size of a small duffel bag or smaller. Riders should plan on being self-supporting in every respect. Drop bags will be delivered to the following Time Station locations: Fallon, Austin, and Eureka, plus at the junction of US50 and Rt 722 just past Middlegate, a randonneur check-in and resupply location between Fallon and Austin (subject to change based on volunteer availability). Drop bags will return when the time station closes. Do not expect to receive drop bags before Sunday morning.

 

C. Complimentary water for randonneurs (only) is provided at Fallon, Austin, Eureka, and the junction of US508 and Rt 722 (just past Middlegate).

 

D. Riders should be “lit up like a Christmas tree,” particularly at night, and use extensive reflective clothing and reflective tape on their bikes. Riders must have available at all times at least two functional and adequate headlights and taillights with a generator or ample batteries. Examples of adequate lights may be found at dinottelighting.com. Examples of reflective tape may be found at www.reflectivelyyours.com. Reflective tape will also be available at check-in upon request. Riders may not proceed at night without both head and taillights functioning. It is also recommended riders use a mirror, such as the “Take a Look” mirror by Bike Peddler. 

 

E. Riders must be prepared for any kind of weather condition, from 100-degree heat during the day, to sub-freezing temperatures, strong winds, rain, or snow, all of which may be experienced during the event, especially at night at elevation.

 

F. Randonneur riders are expected to return to the finish line under their own power, or arrange for their own transport if they withdraw from the race. Limited SAG support may be available in case of emergency (such as a medical issue or mechanical problem that cannot be fixed on the read). Tired is not an emergency. Please note, a rider sagging in likely will not be transported directly to the finish, but may be required to wait at a time station or other location for long periods or ride along in an official or other vehicle for the duration of the event before returning to the finish. In other words, there is no “taxi service” nor “bus delivery” provided by the race organizers.

 

G. Riders receiving any unauthorized support or committing other violations will not be listed as official finishers, but may — in some circumstances — be allowed to complete the course, without being listed as a finisher. In other cases, riders may be required to abandon the event and remove themselves from the course.

 

V. TEAM DIVISION. 

 

The 508 Rules and Regulations for solo racers (those above and below) apply to team racers, where appropriate, plus:

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A. Teams may enter either the Staged-Relay Category (rider exchange can only be done at time stations) or Open-Relay Category (rider exchanges may be done anywhere on the course according to the rules below)>

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B. There is no requirement as to how many miles each team member must ride.

 

C. Only one racer may cycle at any time. Racers will exchange completely off the active roadway without blocking the shoulder for approaching racers. When performing exchanges, the incoming racer must overlap wheels with the rider heading out. 

 

D. Riders may not push each other or assist in acceleration in any way. The retiring racer must pull off the road completely, and not block the shoulder, and wait to be picked up. The retiring racer must not circle back to a waiting vehicle. (DQ)

 

E. SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT AND CRITICAL DURING EXCHANGES.

 

Race Officials will monitor exchanges closely. The following primarily applies to team in the Open-Relay Category, though Staged-Relay are also subject to penalties for any observed violations.

1. Choose an exchange site, which provides good visibility in both directions— minimum 600 feet in either direction. Do not choose an exchange site on a curve or bend in the road or near the crest of a hill where visibility may be limited. Avoid an exchange in a No Passing Zone unless there is a wide shoulder or good turnout space. The exchange must be on the right side of the Race Route. 

2. There must be sufficient and safe parking space for all support vehicles involved in a racer exchange. Stopped support vehicles must be a minimum of 5 feet to the right of the right side of the travel lane or 5 feet to the right of the fog line.

3. Support vehicles stopped and awaiting an exchange must be stopped from at least one minute before the exchange occurs until one minute after the exchange is made. The support vehicle may not stop in the traffic lane during an exchange, thus exchanges must not impede the normal flow of traffic.

4. During exchanges there must be only one vehicle in motion at a time.

5. During night time, all racers must be within vehicle headlights and no more that 30 feet (10 meters) from the front bumper of the follow vehicle. Racers cannot advance without a follow vehicle immediately behind the racer.

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F. Note the following concerning rider exchanges

1. In general, The 508 course provides limited areas for exchanges due to many miles with soft shoulders, limited shoulders, and few complete turnouts. Please remember that SAFETY is paramount and not team overall time or an individual rider's desire to exchange.

2. No rider exchanges from the race start (Mile 0.0) to meetup point with race at Mile 30.67.

3. Limited rider exchanges between Mile 82.97 to 125.47 due to soft shoulders. Crew to use only proper pullouts to exchange where Rule VI.D. in total is satisfied.

4. Limited rider exchanges between Mile 387.42 to 438.87 due to increased west bound traffic and soft shoulders. Crew to use only proper pullouts to exchange where Rule VI.D. in total is satisfied.

5. No rider exchanges on Six-Mile Canyon westbound (return leg), Mile 481.97 to Mile 489.92. Note: Racers can exchange between the end of Six-Mile Canyon and the start of Geiger Grade in Virginia City, if the racers can follow Rule VI.D. in total.

6. No rider exchanges from base of Geiger Grade westbound (return leg) from Mile 490.12 to summit of Geiger Grade Mile 493.97.

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G. Each team must enter with two or four racers. If one or more of the team members gets hurt or cannot ride once the race has begun, no substitutions or additions are allowed to their team roster.

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H. Only one racer per team may ride at any time except for the last two-tenths of a mile of the race (from the hotel access road directly after the turn off from S Meadows Pkwy to the finish line), at which point all members of a team may get on their bikes and ride into the finish together, provided a crew member or teammate is available to drive the crew vehicle if it is during night hours. However, this is not allowed if the team is intending, or likely, to attempt a sprint finish with another team: sprints must be contested by one racer per team (the racer riding the final few miles of the race as bound by Rules VI.D. and VI.E.).

I. At least one racer, or two in the case of tandems, must finish for the team to be declared finishers. This means that the rest of the racers may drop out.

 

VI. SUPPORT CREW RULES.

 

A. One person shall be assigned the title of crew chief, and will act as the spokesperson for the crew and racer.

 

B. At least three crew members are required for the duration of the race for the solo and two racer relay divisions. Four racer Staged-Relay teams are not required to have designated crew members as they can crew for themselves. Four racer Open-Relay teams are highly recommended to have crew, because they may be utilizing two race vehicles.

 

C. All crew members must sign and turn in the Release of Liability / Agreement to Terms and Conditions prior to the race. (A support crew member is defined as anyone who actively assists a racer in any manner at any time during the race.)

 

D. Crew members may never cycle at any time during the race.

 

E. Each racer is responsible for the actions of that racer’s crew.

 

F. In the spirit of sportsmanship, any support crew may offer assistance to any racer or crew at any time.

 

G. Racers who drop out of competition may join another racer's crew, however a Race Official or Race HQ must be notified.

 

H. Vehicles may not follow racers during daylight (defined as 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM) at any time. Vehicle-to-racer and racer-to-vehicle handoffs—and even verbal communication—during daylight are prohibited throughout the duration of the race. 

 

I. All racers must always be followed literally, directly, and as closely as safety permits, by the support vehicle at night. EXCEPTION: No direct follow is allowed, even at night, from mile 483 to mile 493.3, the ascent of Six Mile Canyon from Dayton to Virginia City and then over the summit of the Geiger Grade. "Night" is defined as the time between 6:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Racers may not ride at night without an appropriate crew vehicle directly behind them during nighttime hours, including the finish portion of the race, except as outlined below. NOTE: If any law enforcement officer disallows direct following vehicles, all entrants must comply with their directives.

1. While traveling eastbound on the route at night (from Reno until the turn-around time station at Eureka), the racer must be self-sufficient with lighting to allow the support vehicle to pull-off or drop back to allow traffic to pass and flow freely. This rule is in effect to limit passing vehicles from crossing into oncoming racer traffic heading westbound on the course. Additionally, while traveling eastbound on the route (from Reno until the turn-around time station at Eureka), even at night, vehicles may not conduct vehicle/racer handoffs or communication. (TP or DQ)

 

J. When following a racer, the crew vehicle shall be positioned as far right as conditions permit, allowing drivers approaching from the rear to see past the crew vehicle.

 

K. When stopped, the crew vehicle shall be positioned completely off the traveled portion of the roadway, well beyond the white “fog” line, with 4-way flashers on.

 

L. Crew vehicles shall not be allowed to travel in front of a racer, at or near his or her speed, within 50 meters except briefly—as traffic dictates—when leap-frogging during the day. (TP or DQ)

 

M. A crew vehicle may not create any advantages for a racer by means of breaking the force of the wind to the front or side; excessive leap-frogging for the purpose of creating a wind break for a racer is prohibited. (TP or DQ)

 

N. Crew vehicles shall not be allowed to travel alongside a racer, even to very briefly passing off food, beverage, or information. (TP or DQ)

 

O. Communication with a racer may be done with the use of a public address system or other loudspeaker. However, in residential neighborhoods and QUIET ZONES designated in the Race Magazine, Route Description section, no sound amplification is allowed. (TP or DQ)

 

P. Under no circumstances may two or more crew vehicles follow behind a racer. Caravanning, or a procession of two or more crew vehicles behind a racer, is absolutely prohibited. (TP or DQ)

 

Q. Crews shall not in any way impede the progress of other crews or any racer. Actions that offer a disadvantage to another racer are prohibited. (TP or DQ)

 

R. While following the racer when rules allow, if traffic cannot pass the racer and crew vehicle safely, the crew vehicle and racer must pull over to the right, when possible, and allow traffic to pass. If there is nowhere for the crew vehicle to pull over and the crew vehicle is causing a significant traffic problem, the driver should drive on ahead of the racer and find a spot to pull over to let the traffic pass. Signal the racer of the situation because he/she might want to momentarily pull over also. In all circumstances, the crew vehicle must resume following the cyclist as soon as possible (as soon as the traffic from behind has passed). (TP)

 

S. Support crew members may not run or walk along with, next to, in front of, or behind their racers for any reason (except during water bottle and food hand-offs during the day).  (TP)

 

T. Crew vehicles may not park or otherwise be on the race course in the vicinity of the cyclists for the first 30.7 miles of the race; thus they must leave the start line prior to the race start and drive directly to the 30.7 mile location, ahead of all racers. Racers should be prepared to make their own repairs during this 30.7 mile segment of the race; however, limited neutral support may be provided by race staff.  (Delay of Crew Vehicle and/or TP)

 

U. Following Your Racer. Hints during daylight support: (1) Use two way radio communication; (2) Use arm signals between racer and crew; (3) Plan nutritional regime before the race; (4) Drive ahead of racer, pull completely off the road and stop, get out of vehicle and listen for racer’s request. Obtain necessary items in vehicle, drive ahead of racer, pull completely off the road and get out, then pass off the requested supplies.

 

V. Crews must observe these safety requirements at all times:

1. Stay calm and cool, no matter what happens.

2. Trade off driving duties as often as possible.

3. Always have two wide awake crew members at night.

4. Watch for drunk and/or inattentive drivers.

5. Obey all traffic laws.

6. Watch for traffic approaching from the rear.

7. Be extra cautious at all turns and stops.

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W. Night Driving.

1. Crew vehicle headlights must be dimmed (not on "brights" or “high beams”) when any oncoming traffic approaches within 500 feet, when following within 300 feet of the rear of another vehicle, when another vehicle passes, and within 300 feet of a time station. (We encourage never using the brights or high beams except during emergency situations.) This rule will be strictly enforced with a NO WARNINGS/NO TOLERANCE approach to enforcement. (TP)

2. Additional spotlights may not be mounted higher than the standard built-in headlights of the crew vehicle, except for a pass-off light mounted on the right side of the crew vehicle which is used to temporarily light the road when driving next to a racer during a pass-off of supplies.

3. Hand-held spotlights may not be used while the vehicle is in motion.

4. If the crew is unavailable during night hours, for any reason except as provided herein, the racer may not continue riding and must remain with the crew vehicle.

5. Any support crew member who is outside of a support vehicle at night must be wearing a reflective vest with 360 degree reflectivity, such as an OSHA-certified Class 2 or Class 3 certified high-visibility garment.

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VII. CREW VEHICLES.

 

A. Vehicles wider than 80" may never be used to follow the racer. (As measured at the widest part of the back of the vehicle, not including protruding bumpers or fenders. Please note that vehicle manufacturer spec's generally DO include bumpers and fenders.) The ideal crew vehicle is a minivan, though small cars and small SUVs will work as well. Due to their height, camper vans, supersize SUV's, supersize pickups with large shells, and the like are very strongly discouraged as crew vehicles, even if they are less than 80" in width. Sprinter and Transit vans will be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on width, height, number of real wheels, cameras, blind-spot safety features, and number of windows on the vehicle. (TP or DQ)

 

B. Hummers (any model), large “SportsMobiles,” extended cab pickups, cargo vans, and motorhomes are not allowed for any purpose by anyone involved with the race.

 

C. Solo racers, solo tandems, and two- or four-person time-station relay teams bring only one crew vehicle for the duration of the race. Two- or four-person open relay teams may have no more than two crew vehicles for the duration of the race. Note: Any vehicle associated in any way with any racer(s) is considered a "crew vehicle," thus "unofficial" crew/support vehicles or family/friend cheering squads are not allowed anywhere on the race route except at the start and finish locations.

 

D. Crew vehicles may not pull a trailer of any kind.

 

E. All crew vehicles must meet the minimum requirements of property damage and personal injury liability automobile insurance for the state of Nevada.

 

F. Crew vehicles must be equipped with the following:

1. At least two amber (not red) flashing lights mounted on the far left and right rear of the roof visible only from the rear. The crew vehicle must use the flashing roof lights at all times when following its racer. These flashing lights must be very bright and of very high quality. Additionally, a rear reflective equilateral "slow moving vehicle" triangle having a minimum height of 12" with a red or orange reflective border not less than 1.75" in width must be mounted to the rear of the vehicle. (Amber lights and triangle may be rented through the registration process or by emailing info@raceacrossamerica.org. 

2. A reflective sign that reads CAUTION BICYCLE AHEAD. This will be provided by Race Management at check-in.

3. Racer number signage must be visible and easily legible on three sides of the crew vehicle (both sides and rear). This will be provided by Race Management at check-in.

4. You are encouraged to decorate your support vehicle with your totem name as long as the required requirements outlined above are not obscured. 

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VIII. STAFF AND TIME STATIONS.

 

A. Race Officials are instructed to only reveal racers' positions and arrival times at Time Stations, if known. Racer position information is subject to human error. The race organizers will not be held responsible for the reporting of inaccurate positions and times, regardless of the source.

 

B. All racers and crews are required to text their racer number and totem and time arrived at each Time Station, which are located in designated places along the race route, as noted in the Official Race Route. Neither racer nor the vehicle has to stop. If the time station is staffed, crew may check-in with the volunteer as a courtesy. (TP) 

 

C. Racers and crew members are expected to treat race officials with respect, courtesy, and compliance. Disrespectful or undue argument or ignoring directives from Race Officials or law enforcement will not be tolerated. (TP or DQ)

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IX. PENALTIES AND CHEATING.

 

A. Penalty for violation of these rules is Disqualification (DQ), unless Time Penalty (TP) or other penalty is noted. The Race Director has the discretion to modify penalties if multiple violations occur at the same time.

 

B. Non-DQ rule violations will result in the following time penalties for solo and relay racers, which will be added to their final time. 

1. 1st offense: 15 minutes total

2. 2nd offense: 45 minutes total

3. 3rd offense: DISQUALIFIED

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C. Upon observing a racer's violation of a traffic law or race rule, a Race Official will issue a time penalty or a disqualification to the crew, whose responsibility it is to inform the racer. An entire team can be penalized or disqualified because of the actions of any one team or crew member. If a racer is disqualified, the racer and crew must immediately return their GPS tracker and leave the race course in the crew vehicle, with no further interaction between the racer/crew and other participants.

 

D. Racers or crew members who observe another racer or crew member breaking race rules or traffic laws are encouraged to immediately say something to that racer or crew member, as well as report their observations to the race officials at the earliest possible convenience. Race Officials may, but are not required to, impose penalties based solely upon credible reports of cheating from non-officials.

 

E. View violations of all the rules as cheating and as you would drafting, holding onto a vehicle, or being driven up the route. Cheating must not and will not be tolerated.

 

F. Each entrant must bring one piece of candy (or more) to Racer Check-In. Candy will be distributed to the race volunteers as a small token of our thanks. Entrants who fail to do so will be given a gentle reminder at Check-in that they must read and understand the rules prior to the start of the race.

 

G. If you have any questions, please contact us. We will assume that the rules are clear and you will be held accountable in accordance with them.

Penalty for violation of these rules is Disqualification (DQ), unless Time Penalty (TP) or other penalty is noted. The Race Director has the discretion to modify penalties if multiple violations occur at the same time.

 

END RULES - HAVE FUN!