The TSS blurs the lines between a traditional bikepacking race and gravel races. Because of the unique format of these events we have adopted our own rules.
Lowdown – is a bikepacking ride with designated campsites for participants. It is most certainly not a race and your time is not tracked. This event is a solo-self-supported bikepacking ride where you will be expected to carry everything you need to complete the ride, be able to fix your bike, and rely on resources that are on route and available to every other rider. Of course, there is no penalty for breaking any of these “rules”, but we ask that participants adhere to the spirit of this event and of bikepacking at large.
Slowdown & Showdown – These two events follow the golden rule of bikepack racing…Solo, Self-supported, and they WILL be enforced. The golden rule encapsulates the rules and spirt of bikepack racing, do it yourself. However, there is still room for ambiguity and so we’ve created a guideline to follow, we’ll call them the 10 Commandments.
Dont’s
No Drafting
No Sharing
No Stashing
No Support
No Hitching
Do’s
Be Kind
Be Prepared
Leave No Trace
Have Fun
Ride Your Damn Bike
Other
Media – A controversial topic. If you’d like to create media about this event or about an athlete/s it must be approved prior. Any media that is not approved could result in a time disqualification. You can submit a request at bikes@bikesordeath.com
Grey Areas – It is impossible for one set of rules to fully address the endless possibilities that will arise when riding for hundreds of miles. Each participant is expected to govern themselves and act ethically. This is solo, self-supported, at some point you may need to ask yourself “Is this support? Is this an unfair advantage over my fellow riders?” and it will be up to you to answer that question honestly. You sign up for these events to push yourself, test yourself, not to cheat yourself or the other riders, you are expected to adhere to that. If you have questions don’t hesitate to reach out at bikes@bikesordeath.com