Rider Handbook

Safety Principles

We want the Big Rides to be the safest events of their kind. In order for us to accomplish this with all the participants and crew members, there are some basic principles and policies which will enable us to enjoy a safe event. Remember, we are all now a part of the Big Ride community; we should look out for one another, lend a helping hand, and always remain alert!

Ride Principles

The spirit of the Big Ride is about us moving beyond our limits, both as unique individuals and as an incredible group. This not only applies to the challenge of training, fundraising and pedaling, but to the way we treat one another and interact with one another from now through the Ride.

The Ride is not a race. It is a supportive, community-oriented ride open to people from all walks of life. Because of this, we will learn to expect the unexpected. Expect people to offer you help. Expect people to ask how you are doing. Expect people to support you, to cheer you on in a way you've never experienced. Expect to give that back. Afterwards, expect to experience a sense of pride in your achievements.

Safety Policies

The following are principles and policies you should adopt and follow, not only as a Big Rider, but wherever and whenever you ride a bicycle.

STAY ALERT      STAY ALIVE

• We're serious. Safety is a serious issue with us. It must be with you, too. We will repeat safety messages throughout the Ride, and you'll hear safety talks before the ride - you'll become accustomed to it. That's the goal. This repetition will help you to not have to think about what safety is. Safe riding will become second nature to you.
• Helmets and mirrors required. You must properly wear an ANSI, Snell or ASTM approved helmet while on the Ride and Ride-related events. You must also use a bike mirror at all times while on the Ride.
• Group riding. Riding in a group is very different from riding by yourself. Your riding behavior affects not only your life, but others' lives as well. Your actions on your bike will affect others. Remember: there will be riders of all skills and abilities on the Ride.
• Riding unsafe. Unsafe riding is foolish. You should never ride in such a way as to endanger the lives of others. The Ride is not only non-competitive; it is a context of community and support that does not tolerate unsafe riding behavior.
• Distractions. The use of earphones, radios or cellular phones is not permitted while riding. Riders need to remain alert at all times.
• Drafting. Drafting is the act of following closely behind another cyclist. Drafting can be dangerous, especially for inexperienced cyclists. Drafting is discouraged on the Ride at any time, regardless of cycling experience. The ride is not a race. You will be sharing this experience with cyclists who are not familiar with drafting, and you will endanger your life and limbs and theirs if you draft.
• Alcohol and drugs. This is absolutely not permitted while on the Ride, including at campsites (except where local rules allow alcoholic beverages), rest stops, and checkpoint or on the road.
• Tobacco Products. This is a non-smoking event. The use of any tobacco products is not permitted at any time during the event.
• Ask questions. If you are at all unsure about what is safe or unsafe riding, ask us. When it comes to your life, there is no such thing as a dumb question.

Basic Ride Policies

• Pets: We love our four-legged (and other) friends, but unfortunately we cannot allow pets on the event or at Ride related events.
• Check-ins/Check-out: For safety reasons we will have systems and procedures that will allow us to keep track of riders at all times. Riders will check in at Checkpoint (Rest stop at half way through day) and at end of each day.
• Vehicles: There will be very limited space at campsites and rest stops for vehicles. Excess vehicles on the route pose a safety problem. For safety reasons, you should discourage friends and family from driving along the route.
• Campsite Courtesy: We will be guests at each of our campsites and rest stops. We want our hosts to have an equally positive experience on the Ride as the Ride participants. Please respect the property we use and respect the beauty of our country.
• Leaving the Route: We encourage all Riders to stay on the designated route. If a Rider chooses to leave the route, they do so without support and at their own risk.
• Leaving the Ride: Riders who wish to leave the Ride, or leave due to injury, personal or family reasons, will be given resource information on transportation home. Actual transportation is the responsibility of the Rider and not the Big Ride.
• Guests: Relatives and friends may want to visit you on the Ride. They are welcomed but will not be able to utilize our resources (camping, showers, and food). Please be aware that most of your energy will be expended on riding and your down time will be spent resting, doing laundry and EATING.