You are expected to ride in the spirit of self-reliance, integrity and equal opportunity. Rules in an event such as this are to try and keep the ‘playing field’ as fair as possible but rules are largely self-policed so there is no point in cheating as you are mainly cheating yourself. 

 

 1.⁠ ⁠Riders must follow the designated route precisely and must sign in/out at all three checkpoints. Riders may leave the course for resupply but must return to the exact point of departure from the route to recommence their ride. If a rider gets motorised transport to resupply or attend to mechanical or medical issues then a time penalty will be issued. All riders must maintain evidence of their ride.

 

 2.⁠ ⁠If a rider leaves the route due to navigation error they must return to the exact point of departure from the route to recommence their ride in order to avoid penalty. If rider makes navigational error and does not return to point of departure from designated route they will receive a penalty of at least 3 times any time saved.

 

 3.⁠ ⁠No 3rd party support. Friends and family may NOT come see you during the event and may NOT leave anything for you along the route unless PRIOR consent is obtained from Race Office and the rider has communicated (with Race Office) that he/she accepts the associated time penalty for outside assistance. If no prior consent is obtained then penalties will be at least twice as long or even disqualification in extremely deviant circumstances. All food and equipment must be carried from start or acquired at commercial services available to all riders. Riders may receive assistance/spare parts/food/water from fellow riders. 

 

4. No private lodgings. Private lodgings are defined as facilities not available to everyone in the race Ie. Lodgings acquired through a personal connection.

 

5. Riders may not make any pre-bookings for accommodation before the race commences. Riders must make their own accommodation arrangements and bookings en route. Getting friends/family to make bookings on your behalf is deemed to be "outside assistance". 

 

6.⁠ ⁠Riders must carry all mandatory equipment items for the entire duration of the ride (refer to Mandatory Kit list below)

 

7.⁠ ⁠Riders must wear cycling helmet on head whilst riding.

 

8.⁠ ⁠Riders must keep their mobile phone on and be reachable for the duration of event. Official race communication will be through WhatsApp. 

 

9.⁠ ⁠This is essentially an individual race but riding in groups/pairs is permitted and there is no specific rule against drafting.

 

10.⁠ ⁠Riders must know and observe all local traffic laws

 

11.⁠ ⁠'Leave no trace' : all riders are expected to follow the 7 leave no trace principles

 

12.⁠ ⁠Ride in the spirit of self-reliance and equal opportunity

 

If a rider breaks a rule they will be disqualified or given a time penalty. All time penalties must be served at the top of Bainskloof Pass (18km from the finish). The rider's tracker must record no movement for the duration of the penalty. If a rider elects to not serve his/her penalty then the time penalty will be tripled (x3) and added to his/her finish time. 

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Time penalties are issued by the Race Director. The standard time penalty for outside assistance will be 3 hours. If no prior consent from Race office is obtained the time penalty for outside assistance will be at least 6 hours (refer rule no.3).

 

The race director and/or race referee will be responsible for enforcing the rules at their discretion. Any penalties/disqualifications may be appealed in writing within 72 hours of race finish and will be adjudicated by referee panel.

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MANDATORY KIT LIST

1. Mobile phone

2. Helmet

3. Bike light (front)

4. Red light (back)

5. Head-lamp

6. Waterproof Jacket

7. *First Aid Kit 

8. **Emergency Bivvy (minimum) 

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* First Aid Kit - See recommended list in Race Manual for complete list. At minimum riders must carry:

Bandage, gauze, antiseptic, plasters, steri-strips, hydration salts, Aspirin. 

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**Emergency Bivvy is defined as a waterproof Mylar or aluminium coated tube sac that you climb into. Please note that a space blanket does not suffice. If you are carrying a more heavy duty bivvy/tent/sleep system then you dont have to also carry an emergency bivvy but we always recommend taking one also as it is so light and small and can save your life. Emergency bevy's and RADBAG's are available form the Freedom online store: https://www.freedomchallenge.org.za/gear