Furnace Creek 508 Official Rules and Regulations

Updated on September 15, 2009. Changes are noted in red

Penalty for violation of these rules is either a Time Penalty (TP) or Disqualification (DQ), as noted.

1. GENERAL RULES

A. Attendance at the Pre-Race Meeting is mandatory. Solo entrants must be represented by the racer and at least one crew. Team entrants must be represented by at least two racers or one racer and one crew. -DQ

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

C. 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.

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

E. Divisional racers start simultaneously (all solo at 7am and all relay at 9am). The fastest time for each division will be declared the winner, e.g., the first person to arrive at the finish wins.

F. The clock will not stop for any reason.

G. All traffic laws must be followed by all racers and all crew members at all times. This includes a FULL, legal stop at all stop signs, at all red traffic lights, and activated railroad crossing signals. To be clear, a “FULL, legal stop” means “the complete cessation of all forward movement.” The only exception would be where law enforcement officials direct riders through a controlled intersection without stopping, typically in the first few miles of the race. - TP or DQ

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

I. All racers may walk or run if they so desire, providing they keep the bicycle with them. -TP

J. The Race Director has the authority, at any time, to overrule any rule or invent 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.

2. BICYCLE REGULATIONS

A. Bicycles must be propelled solely by human force, with foot propulsion only, and be no more than 2 meters long and 75cm wide.

B. The Race Director or a Race Official may disallow any unusual bicycle or component 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. -DQ

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

D. Recumbents and HPVs compete in their own divisions and must enter in one of the following standard categories:

STOCK - Stock vehicles are vehicles with any number of wheels. Vehicle may not incorporate any form of fairing, or part of fairing. Wheel discs/covers are allowed.

SUPER-STOCK - 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 rider may not penetrate the imaginary plane formed by joining the rider's shoulder centerpoints with hip centerpoints. No part of the fairing may be moved in entering, exiting, starting or stopping.

SUPER-STREET - 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 (ie. composite, metal, or molded plastic), while the remaining 60% of surface area of the fairing must be of flexible, woven material (ie. nylon, spandex). Parts of the fairing can be moved to facilitate entry and exit, or stop and start of the vehicle. The rider's head must be exposed above the fairing.

STREAMLINER - 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. Rider must be able to exit the vehicle unaided in case of an emergency.

E. Fixed Gear Division: Bikes must use the same fixed gearing (ring/cog/wheel) for the entire event. Bike frames shall be steel, traditional double diamond design (forks are unrestricted) and wheels (maximum 25 mm rim depth) with 32 spokes minimum. Aerobar attachments and aero-designed parts are prohibited. Wheel switches are permitted only for wheel failures, and must be identical or essentially identical to the failed wheel. Bike switches are not permitted. Riders may not coast with feet off the pedals. Riders must declare their gear (ring/cog/wheel size) choice at check in, which may not be changed thereafter.

Fixed gear division riders may abandon that division and switch to a multispeed bike in the "open" division, then complete the race on the multispeed bike, provided that they or their crew notifies an official as soon as possible; they will then be treated as having ridden the entire event on the multispeed bike.

F. Tandems. Tandems must at all times be ridden by the same two riders, and may never proceed with only one rider. For tandem teams, the same two riders shall remain together in sequence for each respective stage of the course. - DQ

G. Classic Rendezvous Division: The requirements to enter this division—which will be a sub-category of ANY 508 division, whether solo, tandem, or 2x / 4x relay, will be to race on technology from 1983 or older. Specifically, this means:

• The frame and fork must be lugged steel (but built in ANY year, including brand new).
• No more than six cogs on the rear wheel.
• 32 spokes per wheel minimum.
• Friction shifting on the down-tube or bar-ends (must be true friction shiters; not clickables set in friction mode).
• Toe clips and straps.

Just to be clear, the frame and parts don't have to actually be 25 or more years old—just the technology has to be 1983 or older. Of course "style points" will be awarded to those whose entire bike, other than the obvious - tyres, cables, chain, brake pads, etc—are from 1983 or older!

3. ACCOMPANYING RIDER RULES

A. Drafting and/or riding together are never allowed, except for the first few miles during the neutral zone. -DQ

B. No racer or support vehicle will attempt to block or impede the progress of another racer or support vehicle. –DQ

C. Crew members may never cycle at any time during the race. -DQ

4. BICYCLE LIGHTING

A. While riding at night (defined as between 6:00PM Saturday and 7:00AM Sunday and between 6:00PM Sunday and 7:00AM Monday), each bicycle must be equipped with a legal front and rear lighting system and this system must be ON at all times. The front light (which may be helmet-mounted, rather than bike-mounted) must be constant on, not flashing, and visible from 300 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. We suggest wrapping reflective tape around both crankarms, the forks, rear stays, and helmet at the minimum. Riders must have full lights and reflective gear on, and be followed directly by their pace vehicle, between 6:00PM Saturday and 7:00AM Sunday and between 6:00PM Sunday and 7:00AM Monday. We highly recommend the tailights and reflective gear (and the identity products) offered by www.RoadID.com, as well as the reflective gear and lighting offered by www.ZombierRunner.com. –TP

5. CLOTHING FOR RACERS

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

B. No racer or crew member may wear clothing that displays poor taste or which promotes tobacco or hard liquor products. -DQ

6. DRAFTING / SPACE RULES

A. The following space between racers must be maintained, except, obviously, while passing one another:

1) When riding with no support vehicle: 12 meter split (three car lengths) from another cyclist or vehicle. –TP

2) When riding with a support 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 support vehicle at a time. –TP

7. SUPPORT VEHICLES

A. Vehicles wider than 78" may never be used to follow the racer. The ideal support vehicle is a small car, minivan, or small size SUV. Due to their height, camper vans, supersize SUV's, supersize pickups with large shells, and the like are very strongly discouraged as support vehicles, even if they are less than 78" in width. -TP or DQ

B. Hummers (any model), Ford Excursions, and motorhomes are not allowed for any purpose by anyone involved with the race. -DQ

C. Solo racers, solo tandems, and and two- or four-person relay teams bring ONLY ONE support vehicle for the duration of the race. Eight-person tandem relay teams may have no more than two vehicles. Note: Any vehicle associated in any way with any racer(s) is considered a "support vehicle," thus "unofficial" support vehicles or family/friend cheering squads are not allowed. For more info on the rationale for this rule, click here.

D. Follow vehicles may not pull a trailer of any kind. -DQ

E. All vehicles (and all cyclists) must obey the vehicle code laws of California. It is the responsibility of all driver (and all riders) to be familiar with all laws. A violation by a crew member will be assessed against the racer. –TP or DQ

F. All support vehicles must meet the minimum requirements of property damage and personal injury liability automobile insurance for the state of California and proof of this must be submitted to the Race Director prior to the race. -DQ

G. Support vehicles must be equipped with the following:

i) At least two amber (not red and not strobes) flashing lights mounted on the far left and right rear of the roof visible only from the rear. The support 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. They may NOT be little bicycle lights taped to the back of your van! Go to auto supply or RV rental stores to prepare these lights. Do not wait until the last minute to do so. For entrant insights about where to get these, or similar, click here. -DQ

ii) A sign that reads CAUTION BICYCLE AHEAD. This type of sign can be ordered through a sign shop or from Banners and Signs Graphx (310-559-4888) for pick-up at the race. -DQ

iii) Rear reflective equilateral "slow moving vehicle" triangle having a minimum height of 12" with a red or orange reflective border not less that 1.75" in width. The triangle can be purchased at most auto parts or RV rental stores or from Banners and Signs Graphx (310-559-4888) for pick-up at the race. Attach this triangle to the back of the pace vehicle when following behind your racer, but not at other times, such as when leap-frogging the rider on day one. -DQ

Triangles may also be ordered online via any of one of these vendors (with whom we have no affiliation and for whom we offer no endorsement):

http://www.sa-so.com/

http://www.emedco.com/

iv) Team or rider totem must be visible and easily legible (in words, not only pictures) on all four sides of the support vehicle. Lettering must be 6 inches high. Do not block windows. Solo signage should not use the word "TEAM." Signage for 2x teams must state “2X” and signage for 4X teams must state “4X.”

8. FOLLOWING YOUR RACER

A. Vehicles may not follow racers during daylight on Saturday, but may follow racers during daylight on Sunday. Only leapfrog support may be used on Saturday: Vehicle-to-racer and racer-to-vehicle handoffs during daylight on Saturday are prohibited. Always park in safe spots, completely off the roadway. –TP or DQ

Hints during daylight support:

• Use two way radio communication.
• Use arm signals between racer and crew.
• Plan nutritional regime before the race.
• 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.

B. All racers must always be followed literally, directly, and as closely as safety permits, by an appropriate support vehicle at night, as defined below. Racers may not ride at night for even one second without an appropriate support vehicle directly behind them, except as outlined in Rule 8I below. As such, "night" is defined as the time between 6:00PM and 7:00AM. Thus, it is MANDATORY that racers must have full lights and reflective gear on, and be followed directly by their support vehicle, between 6:00PM and 7:00AM on both Saturday and Sunday nights. -DQ

C. Support vehicles shall not be allowed to travel in front of a racer within 50 meters except briefly - as traffic dictates -when leap-frogging during the day. –TP or DQ

D. Under no circumstances may two or more support vehicles follow behind a racer. Caravanning, or a procession of two or more support vehicles behind a racer, is absolutely prohibited. –TP or DQ

E. Support crews shall not in any way impede the progress of other crews or any cyclist. – TP or DQ

F. Support vehicles shall not be allowed to travel alongside a racer, except when passing off food, beverage, or information. Under no circumstances should a support vehicle disregard traffic to the rear when traveling alongside their racer. –TP or DQ

G. A support vehicle may not create any advantages for a racer by means of breaking the force of the wind to the front or side. –TP or DQ

H. Communication with a racer can be done with the use of a public address system or other loudspeaker. However, in residential neighborhoods and QUIET ZONES designated in the route book, no sound amplification is allowed. -DQ

I. If traffic cannot pass the racer and support vehicle safely, the support vehicle AND CYCLIST must pull over to the right, when possible, and allow traffic to pass. If there is nowhere for the support vehicle to pull over and the support 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 support vehicle must resume following the cyclist as soon as possible (as soon as the traffic from behind has passed). -TP

J.  Prior the start of the race, support vehicles must drive ahead of the racers, at normal and safe road speeds, and stay ahead of all of the racers until the first point in the course designated for providing racer support. Crew vehicles may not be on the race course in the vicinity of the cyclists for the first 24.40 miles of the race, thus they must leave the start line prior to the race start. Racers should be prepared to make their own repairs during this 24.40 mile segment of the race; however, limited neutral support may be provided, as may be announced prior to the race. - TP

9. NIGHT DRIVING

A. Support vehicles headlights must be dimmed (not on "brights") 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 except during emergency situations. This rule will be strictly enforaced with a NO WARNINGS / NO TOLERANCE approach to enforcement.) -TP

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

C. Hand-held spotlights may not be used while the vehicle is in motion. –DQ

D. If all legal support vehicles are unavailable during dark hours, for any reason except as outlined in Rule 8I, the racer may not continue riding. -DQ

10. ROUTING / DIRECTIONS

A. 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 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. -DQ

B. If a racer is seen being driven up the course with the intention of making up for lost time and mileage, the racer will be disqualified. -DQ

11. SAFETY

A. Safety must be the single most important concern of everyone connected with the race.

B. 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, the Race Director will make necessary allowances.

C. It is the racer's responsibility to make sure that the support 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 vehicles, 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

Crews must observe these safety hints:

• Stay calm and cool, no matter what happens.
• Trade off driving duties as often as possible.
• Always have two wide awake crew members at night.
• Watch for drunk and/or inattentive drivers.
• Obey all traffic laws.
• Watch for traffic approaching from the rear.
• Be extra cautious at all turns and stops.

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

E. Since FURNACE CREEK 508 uses public roads, it is impossible to control traffic or get road closures. Like unknown weather conditions, traffic simply has to be dealt with. This is part of the FURNACE CREEK 508. Never risk human safety for the FURNACE CREEK 508. 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!

F. IVs (intravenous fluids) are not permitted during the race. If a racer receives an IV during the race, for any reason, then that racer is disqualified and may not complete the course officially. –DQ

G. A Race Official may prohibit a racer from continuing for safety reasons. Ex: a racer being too sleepy to ride.

H. Safety begins with reading, studying, and knowing the race rules in their entirety. To demonstrate that the rules have been studied completely, each entrant must bring a one dollar bill (or more) in a sealed envelope to Racer Check-In. The racer or team totem must be written on the outside of the envelope. It will not be returned (but will be donated to charity).

I: REMEMBER: Safety supersedes competition!

12. SUPPORT CREW RULES

A. A support crew member is defined as anyone who actively assists a racer in any manner at any time during the race (not counting race staff who "assist" all entrants by doing their job). A person who is not a member of the support crew, (does not travel in the support vehicles, does not eat crew food or associate with support crew members) who aids the racer in any way without the opposition of the crew captain and/or the racer, can be considered a crew member.

B. All crew members must sign and turn in the Release of Liability / Agreement to Terms and Conditions prior to the race. -DQ

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

D. There are no restrictions on the maximum number of support crew members, but at least two are required for the duration of the race for the solo and two rider relay divisions. Four rider relay teams do not need to have designated crew members as they can crew for themselves. -DQ

E. A racer may add crew members at any time and anywhere during the race. The crew must notify Race HQ immediately and the new crew member must sign the Release of Liability / Agreement to Terms and Conditions prior to joining the crew. –DQ

F. Each racer is responsible for the actions of their crew. -DQ

G. The crew may not use controlled drugs, stimulants, dope, or alcohol. -DQ

H. A support crew must not hinder the progress of any racer. Actions that offer a disadvantage to another racer are prohibited. -DQ

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

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

K. It is the support crew's responsibility to locate gas stations, food stores, camp sites, medical facilities, motels, restaurants, etc.

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

13. STAFF AND TIME STATIONS

A. Race Officials will be stationed along the route as well as in race vehicles. A Race Official may ride with any crew in any support vehicle at any time.

B. Race Officials have been 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.

C. All racers and crews are required to make their presence known at each Time Station, which are located in designated places along the race route, as noted in the Official Race Route. At night hours, neither the racer nor the vehicle has to stop, but the crew should have their windows down and sound systems / radios off in order to receive information from the Time Station as they pass. Relay teams must stop at each Time Station to facilitate rider switches. See relay rules below. -TP

D.  Racers and crew members are expected to treat race officials with complete respect, courtesy, and compliance. Disrespectful or undue argument or ignoring directives from officials will not be tolerated. –TP or DQ

14. TEAM DIVISION RULES

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

F. At least one racer, or two in the case of tandems, must finish. This means that the rest of the racers may drop out.

15. TIME PENALTIES

Non-DQ rule violations will result in the following time penalties for solo and relay racers, which must be served at TS#7, approximately 58 miles from the finish line. Note that penalized teams which refuse to serve their penalty time at TS#7, or any participant who willfully refuses to serve a penalty or willfully disobeys the direction from a race official, will be disqualified from the race and barred from entering again in the future.

1st offense: 15 minutes total
2nd offense: 30 minutes total
3rd offense: Any penalty up to being DISQUALIFIED AND BARRED FROM FUTURE PARTICIPATION (AS A RIDER OR CREW MEMBER)

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. If any member of a team is penalized, the entire team must serve the penalty. An entire team can be penalized or disqualified because of the actions of any one team or crew member. Race HQ and all Time Stations will be informed, thus disseminating the information to everyone. If a rider is disqualified, and in the judgment of a race official poses a threat to the rider, crew, other participants, the public, or the race itself, the rider and crew may be requested immediately to leave the race course in the crew vehicle, with no further interaction between the rider/crew and other participants.

16. IMPORTANT NOTES ON TRAFFIC LAWS, CHEATING, AND RULES IN GENERAL

A. The FURNACE CREEK 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. -DQ



B. One racer violating traffic laws really affects all the other racers. It's reasonable to believe that if one does it, they all must. Obey all traffic laws! -DQ

C. Please 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! -DQ

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 organizers at the earliest possible convenience. Officials may, but are not required to, impose penalties based solely upon credible reports of cheating from non-officials.

17. BANNED SUBSTANCES

A. 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. -DQ

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

C. 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. -DQ

IN CONCLUSION

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.

END RULES - HAVE FUN!!!