Rider Etiquette & Teamwork
We are all participating in this amazing event to have fun, to challenge ourselves and to raise much needed funds for charity - please keep this in mind.
The Challenge is a socially competitive ride, not a race, so teams are able to go as slow or as fast as safely possible. As riders will be of varying ability, fitness and experience, safety and fun are the main priorities.
There will be times when you are riding with a group of other riders and there will be times when you are riding alone. It is essential that you ride according to the conditions, including the weather, trail and traffic (including support vehicles and other riders).
Here are our guidelines for a safe and enjoyable experience:
Announce Hazards
Watch out for hazards and make others aware of them. Remember, that when riding in a group most riders will not have a good view of the surface ahead so it is important to announce holes, rocks, gravel, grates, vehicles, wildlife and other hazards. Indicate hazards by pointing down to the left or right, and by shouting “hole”, “bump” etc.
Be Predictable
Remember the fastest way to bring another rider down is to cut in front of them. Always look before you change directions. You are expected to “hold your line”, unless you indicate differently. Try to ride at a consistent speed especially when riding in a group.
Communicate
Use hand and verbal signals to communicate with other riders. Along with hand signals, verbally warn riders behind you of your changes in direction or speed. The rider at the front of a group should call out “left turn”, “right turn”, “slowing”, “stopping”, “hazard” etc. Let slower riders in front of you know that you are approaching and when you will pass them.
One Way Travel
Never ride in the opposite direction. For whatever reason you feel the need to turn around and go back, don’t do it on your bike - walk it and keep off the trail. You will put yourself and others at risk by riding in the opposite direction.
WHEN RIDERS ARE ON THE TRAIL
All riders must immediately obey all instructions from the current team support vehicle driver or team support crew member, as they will be on the 2 Way radio and be up to date with instructions and movements of other vehicles and the event organisers. This is essential to ensure the safety of all Challenge participants.
- AT ALL TIMES riders must wear an Australian Standards approved helmet
- AT ALL TIMES riders are to have 1 x support vehicle behind them (soloists utilising Event Support excepted)
- AT ALL TIMES support vehicles are to maintain radio contact (and make sure you’re not holding that button down)
- Support vehicles are to have their flashing amber light on for the duration of the ride unless otherwise notified by the event organisers
- If a rider needs to stop for any reason they are to ensure other riders are aware of their intention to stop and signal any following support vehicles
- Riders are to pull off to the side of the trail when stopping ensuring they are as far off to the side as safely possible to allow other riders and support vehicles to pass safely
- When a rider transition is occurring ensure all riders and the support vehicle are to the side of the trail. Choose the location for your rider transition wisely. Ensure other riders and support vehicles are able to see you clearly as they approach. Do not do transitions on corners or hills which reduce visibility.
- Bikes have the right of way at all times, vehicles must pull over to allow bike to pass safely, bikes are not to pass on the inside of vehicles.
Phew, glad we’ve got that covered and out of the way. It’ll be fun, we promise.