Rider Handbook

On the Road

The Big Ride will provide Riders with a spectacular and fully supported cycling tour. You'll ride with your new friends as you pedal through some of the most dramatic scenery in the world.  The stretches of outback on this ride will make you keenly aware of your surroundings and the wild nature in this area of the planet.

Checkpoint/Rest Stops

Checkpoint will be set up each day near mid-way to provide fluids, snacks and medical support. Riders will also check-in here daily. In addition, there will be two or three rest stops, which will provide fluids and support. The length and difficulty of the route will determine the locations that day. Longer days will have more stops.

Sag Assistance

There will be vehicles sweeping the route to provide support to Riders who cannot complete the day's ride. These are not intended to be taxis; therefore you need to prepare physically for the rigors of distance riding. These vehicles will be equipped to transport disabled bikes, however it is the rider's responsibility to have their bike in top-notch condition.

Props

Riders will be issued bike numbers with names that must be attached to your bike at all times to allow staff to identify it and your location from long distance. These numbers will be used to track the location of each Rider from the support vehicles. Riders will also be given a durable wrist band (hospital bracelet) to wear for identification for meals, etc. Each rider will also be given a laminated ID/name badge.

At Camp

Bicycle Repair

Bike repair help will be available at camp. It will be the Riders responsibility to be able to change flats, make minor adjustments to brakes, gears, etc. and we suggest they carry some emergency tools: Frame pump, spare inner tube, patch kit, multi-tool, etc.(see packing list).

Medical Services

We will have comprehensive information on local hospitals, emergency facilities, police, fire and other support services throughout the route. Please alert Big Ride Staff of any medical needs prior to Ride, such as oxygen, special medications, etc. We will be sending you a Confidential Medical Form. If you have any special needs, we would appreciate knowing in advance, so that we can accommodate you.

Meals

The Ride meals will be provided by the ride staff when we are away from towns.  Vegetarian (non-vegan) meals will be available through advance notice. Simple lunches will also be available for Riders to make and take with them for the day. There will be services along the route for most of the Ride. This gives you the opportunity to mingle with the community folks and sample the local flavors. On days when the services are slim, we will give you advance notice.

Showers, Wash Facilities, Laundry

Hot showers and sinks for washing, brushing teeth, etc and toilet facilities will be available each day in camp.

Laundry facilities are usually found in towns near where we will be camping or in camp grounds. Staff will advise riders on where to find there facilities.

Bike Parking

Bike parking will be in a designated area each day/night. We suggest you bring a lock to ensure the security of your bike at camp and when stopping along the route.

Gear and Gear Transport

You will be allowed two bags of up to 70lbs. (total) which includes your sleeping bag, pad and tent. Gear trucks will transport your gear from camp to camp each day. It will be your responsibility to load and unload your gear each day. There may be size limitations that we will advise you of at a later date.

Communication

The communication on the Ride will be through Ham Radios, two-way radios and cell phones. This will facilitate the safety of the Riders and Crew at all times.Riders are encouraged to bring cell phones as a means of communication with families and friends and for use in case of emerency on the road. We will do our best to provide electrical access for recharging when power is available. Many libraries will provide Internet access - also watch for internet cafes.

Weather

The Ride will continue even in the face of inclement weather, rain, wind and heat. In extreme weather conditions, the staff will temporarily close the route.

Route Directions

Route maps will be issued each day for the day's route. You will need an adequate map holder to hold the daily route guide.  There are many types available at your favorite bike shop, if you don't already have one. 

Ml/Packages

Shipping Bikes to the Start and From the Finish

Riders may ship their bikes to Seattle before the ride, if they choose, to be assembled before they arrive. Please contact the ALAW office in Seattle to arrange for this service. At the conclusion of the ride, Seattle area riders may send their bikes back in the gear truck. Other Riders will have access to local bike shops who will pack and ship your bike home at a reasonable cost. Riders may also choose to check their bicycles as luggage on their flights home. Most carriers charge a fee (check with your airline) and all carriers will require the bike to be packed in cardboard bike box. We recommend you have a local bike shop pack your bike for air travel to increase the chances of it arriving undamaged. Please do not pack your bike in hard-sided bike boxes as we will not have the space on the gear truck to transport those boxes across the country.

Staying in Seattle before the Ride

"To the bicycle tourer, one minutes realism is worth an hour's imaginings, preparatory to the event."

James E. Starrs, The Noiseless Tenor