ArHC Race Rules for 2024                                       

 1.     Riders are required to wear blaze orange or chartreuse on their torso and head– by Arkansas Law – when they are “in areas where (hunting) seasons are open.”  Muzzle loading deer season will open October 19, 2024.  This means that the race will not be affected by deer season in 2024.

2.     This is a self-supported ultra-biking event.  Riders are expected to self-police themselves regarding the rules.

3.     “Self-Supported” means that the rider is completing this course solo.  No sag van.  No food/gear/water caches.  No calling a buddy to bring a pizza and beer. No drafting.      This rule should not be interpreted to mean that racers are precluded from cooperating with and providing assistance to other racers in the spirit of sportsmanship and descent humanness.              

4.     Riders should post the mandatory selfies - while on-route – within twelve hours of arriving at the selfie-stop.  The selfie checkpoints are listed below.

Mandatory Selfie-Stops

1.     Pilot Rock

2.     White Rock Mountain

3.     Beaver Bridge

4.     Boxley Valley

5.     Richland Creek Bridge

6.     Blanchard Springs

7.     Toad Suck

8.     Flatside Pinnacle Trailhead

9.     Dicks Gap Overlook

10.  Queen Wilhelmina State Park

11.  Mount Magazine State Park

12.   Finish Photo in Russellville

** Selfie is loosely defined.  Feel free to get an innocent by-stander to snap your picture.  You may photograph your steed instead of yourself.

5.     Follow the race route.  Failure to follow the race route will result in disqualification. The official race routes are delivered to racers by the race staff before the start of the race. It is the responsibility of the racer to make sure the route in their navigation devise matches the route delivered by the race staff.  The ArHC Race will -mostly- follow the Adventure Cycling Association route of the same name. Modifications from the ACA route are often necessary because of road closures and/or construction.  Riders should contact ACA for maps, GPX files, and phone apps.  The race will follow the perimeter – don’t take the cut-off routes.  If you have the kahunas, you may ride the singletrack options detailed in the ACA maps.

6.     Riders may ride the loop clockwise or counterclockwise.

7.     Riders should attend the pre-race meeting on the night before the start.

8.     Trackleaders will provide SPOT services.  Riders should register on the Trackleaders website.  Riders who rent a SPOT will pick up this unit at the pre-race meeting. (SPOT is the name I am using for any GPS tracker.)

9.     Riders must have the SPOT running when they are advancing on the course.  In the event of SPOT failure through mechanical or user error, the rider will be required to provide a GPS track from their phone or backup GPS unit.  Failure to do so can result in disqualification.

10.  Pedal.  No electric bikes.  I can’t believe that I have to put this in the rules.

11.  Finishing times and places will be determined by SPOT trackers.

12.  Riders may accept spontaneous support from the businesses and/or private citizens along the route.  In other words, trail magic is allowed. Family and buddies should refrain from providing support to a rider unless they make the same support available to ALL participants (Trail Angels).  No pacers or follow-along-rider-friends.  Yogi gifts are legal.

13.  Trail Angels should not jump forward on the course to provide continuous assistance for a select group of riders.  Riders should refuse help from a trail angel who repeatedly reappears on the course.  Trail Angels should stay in one place as long as possible and serve as many riders as possible.

14.  Riders may leave the course for medical, mechanical, lodging, & food, but should return to the course at the same point to continue. 

Safety Rules and Risk Management Plan

15.  Riders are responsible for their own health and welfare.  A helmet must be worn.  Riders should seek medical help or emergency services if the situation warrants.  Don’t be stupid:  pull the plug if you are hurt or sick.  Riders shall FIRST call 911and/or engage their SPOT unit if they or another rider need emergency services.

16.  Riders who withdraw - DNF (Did Not Finish) - should contact the race staff ASAP.  Failure to officially withdraw may result in unwarranted worry by loved ones and un-necessary searches by emergency personnel.

17.  Riders shall follow road laws. 

18.  All riders must complete the race waiver.

19.  A rider must be a legal adult to ride the ArHC race.

20.  Riders should not ride in weather that will cause physical danger such as lightning storms, tornados, floods, and heavy downpours.

21.  Riders should be prepared for extreme heat and modify their plans if heat causes unsafe riding conditions.

22.  A helmet must be worn while cycling during the race.

23.  Riders must carry a SPOT unit for emergency use on the ArHC race.

24.  Riders are responsible for ensuring that their bicycle is in good working order before the race.

25.  Front and rear lights are required if the rider is riding in darkness.

26.  Riders are responsible for ensuring they are sufficiently fit for the race.

27.  Riders are responsible for sufficient drinks, food, and appropriate tools/ spare tubes, etc.

28.  Riders are expected not to be under the influence of alcohol or any drug that could impair their riding ability and judgment while riding.

29.  Wave to automobile drivers.  Be an ambassador for cycling.

30.  Don’t trespass.  Stealth camping is prohibited. Get permission. You will not be DQed, but you might be arrested.  Be an ambassador for cycling.

31.  Don’t litter. Be an ambassador for cycling.

32.  Tip the wait staff.  Be an ambassador for cycling.

33.  Don’t be a jerk.  Be nice.  Help your fellow riders.  Be an ambassador for cycling.

34.  Any and every accident on the race shall be reported as soon as possible to the race administrators. Race administrators will contact local authorities as appropriate.

35.  Race administrators shall monitor the progress of the riders twice a day via TrackLeaders.  If a rider’s dot disappears or stops moving or leaves the course, the race administers will attempt to contact the rider, and/or the emergency contact, and/or the local authorities as appropriate.