RULES AND CONDUCT

  1. All riders must wear an ANSI, Snell or other approved helmet.
  2. This is not a race.  This is a self-paced group ride.
  3. Helmets are mandatory.  Cyclists must wear CSA approved cycling helmets.  Chin straps must be buckled at all times when on your bicycle.
  4. No private support. For the safety of all riders, private support vehicles are not allowed on the course.
  5. No Electric or Motor Propelled Bikes. Only fully human propelled bikes are allowed.
  6. Carry identification and relevant medical information on your person. Please ensure that you provide pertinent medical information on your registration.
  7. Always be aware of the rules of the road, traffic lights, signs and regulations – even with the presence of event and law enforcement officials controlling traffic on the course. Never assume that you have the right of way.
  8. The courses are not closed to traffic.  Please be courteous and do not impede vehicular traffic
  9. Ride safely. Unless passing another rider, please ride on the right side of the solid white line as far as possible. Before passing another rider, announce yourself by the words “passing on the left” and ensure there is no vehicular traffic approaching from either direction. Ride in single file. Please be aware there may be obstacles on the course. Ride defensively. You are responsible for your own safety.
  10. Ride predictably by scanning the road, anticipating hazards and clearly communicating your intentions to other cyclists and motor vehicles around you.
  11. Please use appropriate bathroom facilities – there are always portable toilets at feed zones.
  12. Be prepared to address minor mechanical issues. Suggested equipment includes at least one spare tube/tire, patch kit and pump or CO2 cartridge(s).
  13. Carry appropriate clothing in the event of sudden weather changes.
  14. Carry appropriate nutrition and hydration supplies.
  15. Acceptable bicycles: Two-wheeled bicycles only. Triathlon/time trial bikes will be allowed however riding in the aero position when in groups or passing other cyclists is prohibited for safety reasons. Child carriers, trailers or motorized vehicles of any kind are prohibited.
  16. iPods and other headphones are not allowed while on the bike course.  This is a basic safety issue. You have to be aware of your surroundings at all times.
  17. Event Cancellation. The race directors and local law enforcement have the authority to modify or cancel the event in the event of unsafe conditions. The race directors reserve the right to modify, postpone, shorten or re-route the event at any time either on their own judgment or if instructed by local law enforcement personnel.
  18. Entry fees are not refundable.
  19. Rain or Shine. This event will proceed in the event of rain so please come prepared.
  20. Out and back course. If you decide you do not want to complete the distance you signed up for, we would suggest that if you turn back early you do so at one of the aid stations so that a volunteer may assist you in crossing the highway safely.
  21. Event Cut-off time.Any participant on the course after 4:00 pm will not be supported. The event is finished at 4:30 pm.
  22. No littering: If you are caught littering while participating in the event, you will be subject to removal and/or fined.
  23. Emergency Vehicles ALWAYS have the right of way. If a rider encounters an emergency vehicle, the rider is to give way to the emergency vehicle by pulling over, stopping and dismounting. You are reminded to clearly communicate with other riders your intentions to slow down and stop.
  24. Display your event number. All registered cyclists must wear their event number according to race instructions. Riders who fail to do so will be asked to leave the event and will not receive an official finish time.

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E-BIKE CATEGORY

  1. Riders participating on e-Bikes are not eligible for any race awards.
  2. We encourage all participants to maintain safe riding practices while participating. Please keep in mind that you will be approaching riders on climbs quickly and should allow safe room to pass. It is important that everybody has a great time while riding.
  3. Our SAG drivers WILL NOT pick you up if your battery dies. It is your responsibility to manage your battery life.
  4. If you have a mechanical and require a ride from one of our SAG drivers, you are responsible for loading your bike safely into the SAG vehicle.

GUIDELINES:

  • Be aware of others around you and communicate well in advance while cycling. Use gestures in combination with verbal commands. Pass on the left only. It is recommended that cyclists advise others that they are about to pass – politely saying “on your left” upon approaching a rider usually does the trick. Ride with your head up. Look down the road not at the person in front of you.
  • If you choose to stop while on course, signal to the riders behind and pull over safely. Our on-course support team (mechanics, ride marshals, medical staff) may ask you to indicate whether or not you need assistance. If you’re okay, then signal with a “thumbs-up” to say, “Everything’s good with me.”
  • Maintain control and speed of your bike, even going downhill.
  • Know your limits.
  • Never overlap your wheels with another cyclist.
  • Be respectful of other riders and help others when needed.

START CORRALS
*corrals may not be implemented, based on final attendance

Participants are asked to self-select their starting position for the registration process. By asking riders to choose where they start, we aim to provide participants a safer and enjoyable experience. Please take a look at the criteria for each corral, then make an honest assessment of your abilities/objectives for the event, and choose the appropriate corral during the registration process.

Corral No. 1: Racers

Have you finished a Gran Fondo event in the top 5% of the overall field?  Do you average 35-40 kilometers per hour? Own a racing license? Train at least 10 hours a week? Think you can be competitive in your age category? Completely comfortable riding in a fast-moving group? Not planning on making leisurely aid-station stops? Registering to race — not just ride? If the answer to most of these questions if yes, then you belong in Corral No. 1!

Corral No. 2: Serious Enthusiasts

Cyclists choosing corral no. 2 should also have at least some race or fast-paced group riding experience, but perhaps not enough free time to be a fully dedicated amateur racer. That means you ride 8-10 hours a week, 29-34 kilometers per hour, and may be signing up because you want to race against your friends and fellow semi-serious cyclists.

Corral No. 3: Casual riders

This corral is for those that ride approx 3-6 hours a week, 23-28 kilometers per hour, are comfortable riding around others, and have completed a century, charity ride or maybe some triathlons. Now you’re ready to check out a slightly more competitive cycling atmosphere. Your plan is to ride reasonably hard all day, but you prefer to stay out of the front-of-the-race fray, and will probably enjoy at least one or two leisurely aid-station stops.

Corral No. 4: Beginners

As the title implies, this is for beginners and is a family-friendly zone. Choose Corral No. 4 if you average under 23 kilometers per hour, are new to riding in a group, and are signing up to ride your first 65, 100 or 180 km! Also the perfect starting place for families or other groups whose main objective is to ride together and enjoy the challenge and scenery.

CUT-OFF TIMES

1. To assure maximum participant safety and compliance with our community agreements, riders who wish to post an official time for the ride are required to reach cut-off points at pre-determined times.

2. Riders who do not reach cut-off points in the advertised time will be asked to stop and return to the start/finish via Gran Fondo Jasper transport vehicles or sign a waiver agreeing to be personally responsible for obeying traffic laws and getting back to the venue on their own. Official cut-off times are posted on the registration information.

TRAFFIC CONTROL

1. Riders will all start together and during the early portion of the event will be able to use both sides of the road for a rolling closure.  The roads are open to traffic, rules of the road apply.  Local law enforcement will be controlling the intersections.

2. For the majority of the course all cyclists will be restricted to the right lane, observing what is commonly known as the yellow line rule. Shoulder riding is encouraged at all times.

3. Law enforcement personnel will monitor all major turns and intersections throughout the course, however riders are encouraged to remain aware at all times for traffic on the course.

4. We will have motorcycles for on-course safety, readily available ambulance and medical services, as well as technical support and sag vehicles through the course.

MECHANICAL SUPPORT/ SAG

1. Mechanics in vehicles and on motorcycles will be on course to assist with major mechanical problems. Limited mechanical assistance will also be provided in the feed stations. Assistance is on a first come first serve basis, with a large course to monitor, so we encourage all riders to carry the basics like spare tubes, a patch kit and pump.

2. Sag wagons will patrol sections of the courses as well as follow the last riders. Sag wagons will provide transportation to any rider choosing to abandon the event. Sag wagons will sometimes carry minimum supplies of tubes, tires, pumps, tools, etc.

MEDICAL SUPPORT

1. Doctors, EMTs and ambulances will travel in the caravan to provide emergency medical support.

2. First aid assistance will be available throughout the course and at most feed stations. Refer to the final athlete information for specific details.

3. In the case of serious injury, ambulances will transport riders to the nearest critical care facility for treatment.

FEED STATIONS

1. Gran Fondo Jasper will have 3 feed stations along the course.

2. Feed stations will be fully stocked with refreshments, water, energy drinks, food as well as some nominal mechanical and first aid support.

3. Keep left if you are not stopping. However, remember that the left lane may be open for through traffic, so use caution and follow the guidance of the volunteers.

4. Keep right if you want to stop and “dine in”. Move to the far right shoulder and dismount your bike out of traffic lanes. The roads are narrow, so take care not to block traffic. Remember, timing does not stop when you stop at a feed station.