Rules

 

1.ENJOY YOURSELF

First and foremost we want you to have an exceptional day! Prairie Gran Fondo has gained a reputation as one of the most enjoyable cycling events in the prairies. We are very proud of this, and want you to leave as ecstatic about PGF as we are to produce it. If you follow these rules, keep your head up, and treat others like you’d like to treated, you will leave with one very memorable experience.

 

2. PGF IS NOT AN “OFFICIAL” RACE

For most riders Prairie Gran Fondo is a self-paced ride where you receive a finishing time for your own information. However we love the idea of competition and admire those that like to get out there and ride hard and if you are up for it and want to challenge your buddies to see who can register the fastest time …. go for it! Rdiing as a team can “amp up” the fun so don’t hesitate to join up with your co-workers, fellow cycling buddies and form a team of 4 to 6 riders. Special recognition for Men’s, Women’s and  Co-Ed teams are planned.

 

3. A HELMET AND A BIKE

Yes, you need both of these in order to participate in PGF. Neither are optional. Sorry. Both should be in reliable working order so that you don’t pose a danger to yourself or others when you drop a chain, blow a rim, or even eject a water bottle from a too-loose cage. 🙂 Participants are permitted to use standard road bicycles, hybrids, commuters or mountain bikes. Aero handlebars are permitted. However, out of respect for the safety of fellow participants, riders with aerobars must refrain from using them within 3 meters of any other rider. Violation can lead to immediate disqualification and removal from the event.

 

4. BE CAREFUL, RIDE WITH COURTESY and OBEY THE RULES OF THE ROAD – THIS IS A BIG RULE!!

As a cyclist you are considered a vehicle under provincial traffic laws and therefore governed and bound by the traffic laws of Saskatchewan.

Be extremely careful riding your bicycle. For a majority of the route you are sharing the road with motorists. Some roads are rugged, with potholes and patches of gravel and a lapse in attention could lead to loss of control.

Courteous riding entails:

• Riding in control, and single file whenever possible.
• Being aware of others around you and communicate well in advance. Use gestures in combination with verbal commands.
• Pass on the left only. Politely say “on your left” upon approaching a rider from behind.
• Riding 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. Never overlap your wheels with another cyclist.

 

5. RIDER HEALTH

It is the responsibility of each rider to ensure that his/her health condition is sufficient for the event. Know your limits. Rest stops are provided along the course and a roving SAG wagons will be on course. Do not underestimate how difficult this ride will be, both in terms of the fitness it will require and the bike handling ability it demands of you. The Gran-Daddy & Gran Fondo routes are not recommended for inexperienced riders. We don’t suggest these as your first century ride. However, if you are looking to “step up” to longer distance please see our training page.

 

6. HEADPHONES ARE NOT ALLOWED

 

7. EMERGENCY VEHICLES ALWAYS HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY.

Give way to the emergency vehicles by pulling over, stopping and dismounting.

 

8. DISPLAY YOUR EVENT NUMBER

All registered cyclists must wear their event number according to event instructions. Riders who fail to do so will be disqualified and may not receive an official finish time.

 

9. REFUND POLICY

No refunds.

 

10. WAIVER

All riders have must have signed their waiver before they can participate. To participate, riders under the age of 18 on event day must have their waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

 

11. DO NOT LITTER

As a temporary guest of our planet please dispose of garbage in designated garbage bins only. If you are seen throwing garbage or trash, gel packs, inner tubes, or any other disposable items onto the ground, you will be fined for littering. We will not be cleaning up after you.

 

12. WASHROOMS

When nature calls, riders are asked to use toilets provided at rest stops.

 

13. ENFORCEMENT

We will enforce all of these rules in order to ensure rider safety. There’s always a few people in any large group of cyclists who, for one reason or another, disobey the rules of the road. In a ride this big and challenging, there can be serious consequences to this sort of recklessness; some could even be fatal. Volunteer on-bicycle marshals, volunteer marshals and SAG volunteers will be riding with you to offer the best and safest experience possible. They will also ensure that all of these rules are being followed. If these rules are broken, you will be disqualified and not permitted to return next year.

 

14. CONDUCT

If at any time, you treat others with disrespect, including volunteers, fellow riders, course marshals, SAG drivers, tech support, or anyone else, you will be disqualified and not permitted to return next year.

 

Rules can be altered if deemed necessary at sole discretion of the organising committee of Prairie Gran Fondo.