RULE #1
LEAVE NO TRACE
The only marks you should leave on your journey are those of your tyres. Respect nature. You will be crossing some fragile ecosystems and protected areas, so leave nature unchanged.
RULE #2
RIDE SAFELY, RIDE RESPONSIBLY
The GOATS uses roads that are open to traffic, and you must always observe and comply with local and municipal laws. Safety always comes first and the route set by the organisation is suitable for cyclists and complies with local regulations.
Helmet, front and rear lights, and high-visibility vest are mandatory at night. Be visible to other users of the common roads.
RULE #3
ONLY YOU (HONESTY AND HONOR)
Only you, your strength and your bike (e-bikes are not allowed), no outside help. Drafting is not allowed, unless you participate in pairs or in neutralized phases, which will be indicated by the organization in time. Side-by-side is allowed.
In case of emergency, you can leave the course, but you must get back on at the exact exit point and continue the route.
RULE #4
BE SELF-SUFFICIENT
Food, drink and belongings must be carried by you or acquired unplanned en-route. You are responsible for you own safety and logistics.
Booking accommodation or any logistic support before the ride is not allowed. Support crew or virtual base-camps are prohibited, but unexpected and unrequested help en-route is allowed.
The pair is considered as a rider itself, they can share all the resources between themselves but external assistance is not allowed.
RULE #5
STICK TO THE TRACK
You must follow the track we have given you. If the route is blocked by something unexpected (e.g., construction sites, landfalls, trees on the path, etc.), you may leave the track but you must return to it as soon as possible.
Intentional shortcuts will cost a time penalty.
You may also leave the route temporarily (to eat, rest, etc.), but you must return to the same point where you left off to continue the ride. In the event of a medical or mechanical emergency, use whatever transportation you need and return to the same point to continue the ride.
RULE #6
BE ON TIME
Be on time for accreditation, briefing and start.
If you do not finish the course before the deadline, you will be scored as DNF. You cannot expect official service or support after this deadline, but your ride can continue: Just return the tracker, relax, and enjoy your route.
If one of the paired riders drops out, the pair will be scored as DNF, but the other rider can continue and will be scored as finisher (out of category).
RULE #7
CONTROL YOUR TRACKER
Satellite tracking is only a service to follow the riders online: You are responsible for the proper use of the tracker. Turning off the tracker or extended periods of inactivity without reporting to the organisation will result in penalties.
If the pair rides separately for any reason, the tracker must be worn by the last rider.
A refundable deposit against loss or damage will be required for each tracker.
RULE #8
RESPECT ALL
Please be kind with the staff to them, they have worked hard and invested their time and effort to support this adventure, and whit all other participants and locals.
Follow the advice of the crew, they will only do it for your safety and the good progress of the trip.
RULE #9
INSURANCE
Valid liability, death, accident and medical insurance is mandatory for the duration of the event and also covers the cost of retrieval and return transportation.
Please be aware that all responsibility lies with you.
RULE #10
BE RESPONSIBLE AND REASONABLE
Adhere to all the rules described here, pay attention to your body and make your decisions sensibly and rationally, without losing sight of the dimension of the challenge and the control of your efforts, and do not overdo it with sleep deprivation, because in this way you will be more exposed to accidents due to lack of concentration and reflexes.
Study the route and plan your adventure carefully, thinking of all the elements that can contribute to your success and an unforgettable experience.When people ask us how can we ensure riders comply with the rules, we always answer the same: we can’t. The honorable agreement is inherent to bikepacking adventures. This can be a fair ride, it just depends on you.