Riders

• The MTB TOURS are sanctioned by the Pedal Power Association.
• Riders must be in good health and well trained.
• Riders will start in different starting blocks to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride for everyone.

Medical

• During the Tour, the Medical Officer reserves the right to withdraw a rider who is not deemed physically capable of continuing.
• Any medical expenses incurred will be for the competitors account and will be claimed from their medical aid.
• All competitors need comprehensive medical aid which will cover any medical expense which may be incurred whilst participating in the Tour which is conducted in the spirit of self-contained, self-reliant back country cycling.

Bicycles

• Only Mountain Bikes in good working order will be allowed to start the race.
• Bikes must be marked with official Tour number board securely fitted and visible from the front. Numbers must not be modified or mutilated in any way, including cutting, adding stickers, removing existing stickers or trimming.
• The bike is in safe working order.
• Maintenance of bicycles during the race is the responsibility of each rider.
• Bike repair services will be provided by outsourced service providers at stage finishes

Helmets and Clothing

• A rider not wearing a helmet at any stage of the race will be removed from the course immediately.
• All helmets must comply with international “ANSI” standards.
• Appropriate riding attire, including a shirt, must be worn at all times.
• Eye protection is strongly recommended.
• It is recommended that fully enclosed footwear be worn.

Obligatory Equipment

• These items must be considered the bare minimum, and it is strongly recommended that riders ensure that they are fully prepared to deal with emergencies they may encounter. The following items must, however, be carried by a rider during the tour:
• First Aid Kit – consisting of a minimum of:
  1. Foil survival blanket
  2. First Aid Dressings x 3 (Sizes 2, 3 and 4 recommended)
  3. Adhesive first aid plasters x 5
  4. Sun-block with a minimum SPF factor of 15
• Any riders on specific personal medications are responsible for supplying and carrying such medication.
• At least 2 litres liquid capacity per rider.
• Multi-tool or bike repair tools.
• Mobile and working telephone (South Africa uses Dual Band GSM 900/1800 – this is the same as in Europe).

Finish

• The finish line closes at 15h00 on the first day and at 14h00 on the second day.
• Riders who are deemed by the Race Organisers to arrive at the finish line after the cut-off time will be swept off the route by the sweep vehicle.

Traffic Regulations

• The Tour will not have exclusive use of any public roads during the race.
• All regular traffic regulations must be observed at all times during the race. (In South Africa we drive/ride on the left hand side of the road!)

Nutrition and Hydration

• Riders retain the ultimate responsibility to carry enough water and nutrition with them.
• The Tour Organisation will provide water and fruit at Feed Stations on the route.

Withdrawals

• Any person who cannot continue for whatever reason must immediately inform the Race Office. This can be done at the Race Start, the Finish or at Water points. Withdrawals will only be official once you have handed in your bike board.
• In the event of a search and rescue operation being initiated for a rider who has withdrawn, but has not informed the Race Office, the cost of the search and rescue operation will be transferred to the rider.

Ethical and Environmental

• No littering or unnecessary damage to the environment will be tolerated.
• Litter, relating to sports nutrition and feeding stations, will be tolerated within the direct area of the feed stations.

Disqualification

A Rider may be disqualified at the discretion of the Race Office for any one or more of the following reasons including, but not limited to:

• Riding at any point on any stage without a helmet.
• Excessive littering.
• Disrespect or damage to the environment.
• Bad sportsmanship.
• Abuse of Race Officials.
• Traffic Rule violations.

Basic Mountain Bike Racing Rules and Etiquette

• Riders must complete the entire distance of the tour, and the responsibility for following the official route lies with the rider.
• Riders must act in a polite manner at all times, and permit any faster rider to overtake without obstructing.
• Riders must respect the countryside and ride only on the official route. Riders must avoid polluting the area, and not leave any waste or litter.
• No glass containers of any kind are permitted on or near the course.
• Riders must not use offensive or abusive language during the race, act in an unsporting manner, be disrespectful to the officials, or ignore the race regulations.

Registration and Briefing

• Tour registration takes place at the venue and at the time and place indicated on the race website.
• All riders must have registered by the cut-off time indicated on the race website on the day preceding the first stage of the race.
• A rider must inform the race office if he is substituting another rider. The Race organiser will not be responsible if wrong information is supplied in the event of a medical or other emergency situation when a rider has not completed the substitution form at registration.
• A pre-race briefing will take place at the time and place indicated on the website