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The Rules.

This unsupported brevet ultra cycling event is designed to test your endurance, resilience, and self-sufficiency over a challenging 1,300 km multi day course. The Great Southeastern Loop is not a race and while the order of finishing and times will be recorded the aim is simply to complete the course safely and within the required checkpoint times.  Riders must navigate independently, carry all necessary supplies, and rely solely on public resupply points, without any outside assistance or support vehicles. By embracing the spirit of self-reliance, participants commit to following a fair, environmentally respectful, and safe journey from start to finish.

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Please review the detailed rules below and the information in your registration pack to ensure a successful and rewarding experience on this unsupported adventure.

1. SUPPORT YOURSELF

  • No Outside Assistance: Riders must complete the event without any external support. This means no assistance from support vehicles, personal crews, or friends and family.

  • Carry Your Own Gear: Riders must carry all necessary gear, food, water, and tools. Restocking and resupplying at publicly available locations (such as shops or water stations) is allowed.

2. FOLLOW THE ROUTE

  • Self-Navigation: Riders are responsible for following the route and navigating independently. GPS devices, maps, or cue sheets are allowed, but no external guidance or pacing is permitted.

  • Stick to the route: The GSL follows a specific route that must be navigated exactly, this requires attention to the route.  If riders take a wrong turn or need to leave the route for a particular reason (such as requiring to go off course for supplies a mechanical or other reason) the rider must return to the exact point at which they departed from the official route to resume their journey. 

  • Visit each of the 3 Checkpoints: Get your brevet card stamped at each of the 3 checkpoints along the route.  Note that checkpoints close by the times indicated, if riders fail to reach the checkpoint before the closing time they will be unable to get their card stamped resulting in a DNF result.

  • All riders must adhere to NSW road rules and in the event of road works or other traffic diversions then riders must follow the directions of relevant authorities as a permitted diversion.

3. TAKE THE REQUIRED GEAR

  • Bike Standards: Only human-powered bicycles are allowed. No electric or motorized assistance of any kind is permitted.

  • Mandatory Safety Kit: Helmets must be worn at all times while riding, and riders must carry a number of specified essential items, including helmet, lights, hi-viz jacket, wet weather gear, repair kit, a charged phone, and a first-aid kit.

  • All riders are required to carry and operate the provided 2 way satellite GPS tracker at all times for tracking, communication and safety.

4. RESUPPLY AND REST ALONG THE ROUTE

  • Publicly Accessible Resupply Only: Riders can use publicly available resupply points (e.g., stores, gas stations, water fountains) along the route but cannot accept any private or pre-arranged support.

  • Note that accepting random kindness of "dot watchers" along the route is acceptable as long as this support is not directed to any particular participant.

  • Camping and Accommodation: Riders may choose to camp, use available hotels, or find other rest areas as they see fit.  All arrangements must be made independently and by the rider themselves.

  • If riders need to leave the route to get to resupply or rest locations they must later rejoin the route at the same location to continue their journey.

  • Riders must have a cumulative break of at least 6 hours off the bike (not moving) in each 24 hour period commencing from the 0500 hour start time (i.e. you can ride continuously for no more than 18 hours in any 24 hour period before taking a rest of at least 6 hours).

5. BE KIND: FAIR PLAY AND RIDER CONDUCT

  • The GSL is an adventure that will be challenging.  The ethos of the GSL is self sufficiency and to care for oneself which means riders may seem self involved and stand offish at times, don't take it personally this is because they have a lot of logistics to think about!  Please respect people's space. 

  • Please care for others - you will meet wonderful people on the ride, please participate in the spirit of kindness and respect for yourself and for other riders in the event. 

  • Remember this is not a race or a showdown, riders will ride their own bike in their own way at their own pace.

  • Respect Other Riders: Good sportsmanship is expected at all times. Riders should respect others on the road and avoid obstructing or interfering with fellow participants.

  • No Littering: Riders must respect the environment by carrying their trash and disposing of it at appropriate locations.

  • Personal Responsibility: Riders participate at their own risk and must accept personal responsibility for their well-being and safety during the event. All traffic laws and regulations must be followed.

6. FOLLOW EMERGENCY PROTOCOLS

  • Self-Rescue: In case of mechanical failure, minor injury, or other issues, riders are expected to resolve the problem independently and should not expect assistance from organisers or fellow riders who have their own journey to contend with.

  • Emergency Situations: In the event of serious injury or accident riders should immediately contact emergency services for assistance.  If out of mobile range riders should activate their emergency distress beacon through their SPOT tracker.

  • Withdrawing from the event: Riders must notify event organizers if they have decided to withdraw / scratch from the event.

  • Rider communication: riders can communicate with one another directly using the registered riders Whatsapp group in relation to any relevant matters on the route.

  • Contacting Organisers: A phone number for emergency contact with the event team will be provided. Use it only if absolutely necessary to ensure it remains available for urgent needs.

Breaking the Rules:

Any violation of the above rules may result in disqualification. The event organisers reserve the right to disqualify riders who do not comply with the spirit of self-sufficiency and fairness.

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