We really don't know what else to say.  Despite all we have on the website there were still support drivers yelling at our volunteers when they were turned around at the "NO FOLLOW CARS" sign.  There was a ton of illegal/non-official support.  And there were an amazing number of idiots out there that would drive almost to the top of the climb and then realize they had gone too far and try to do a 7 point turn in the road while riders were coming down at 40 mph.  We realize that your loved ones that want to drive to support you are good natured.  But some obviously don't have a clue or care about the dangers they are causing.  This has been the biggest headache of all and is the reason that will eventually kill the race (if not a rider).  You riders need to talk to your support drivers and explain the situation.  Especially on the Glacier climb there were support drivers who were very close to causing major riders crashes.

For 2007 we will try to get a motorcycle support that will drive up and down with tools and wheels and NO OTHER RACE RELATED TRAFFIC WILL BE ALLOWED on the 1st climb of day two.

No race traffic (includes official follow vehicles, your feed zone support, friends, enemies, family, ride home, or anyone that even speaks to you) past the Pack Stations (last mile of the first climb and third climb) or past the 8,250' aid station on day two.  In case of weather emergency we will come down and have everyone come up to the finish and take down as many riders as possible.

  I.e., if your friend/ride/official support vehicle passes this sign you will be DQ'd.

Riders are requsted to ride back down from the finish.  It is discouraged, but acceptable, to accept a ride down once you have reached Highway 168 either day.  This is not us being jerks, but a demand of the U.S. Forest Service and also for YOUR SAFETY.  Traffic on these tiny winding roads is very dangerous.

The rules above are safety rules to minimize the chance of you becoming a hood ornament on a possibly intoxicated fisherman.  Every vehicle going up the climb at 6 mph will make that fisherman madder and madder to the point that he doesn't look (that's assuming his vision is even adequate) for a descending rider coming down at 55 mph when he goes to pass the 15th support driver.  This can result in death.

Support Vehicles

Despite what our safety rules might make you think, we actually want as many follow vehicles as possible.  It is a great service to the event for you to provide mechanical assistance to riders and also be on the course to call 911 in case of an emergency and give directions.  Riders are greatly comforted seeing lots of support drivers.  This small community has very few people that have the knowledge of bike racing like your family and friends do.

If you want your personal support vehicle to be allowed on the climbs (without you getting DQ'd) then you must have them sign up as an official support vehicle.

Please read and sign the below agreement.

I would like to drive behind my rider to provide nutritional and mechanical support.

I agree -

1 - not to drive past the Pack Stations (last mile of the first climb and third climb) OR past the "NO FOLLOW CARS" sign on the first climb of day 2 OR past the 8,250' aid station on day two (past the "NO FOLLOW CARS" signs).

2 - not to help any rider in any other way or to hinder any other rider; including making sure that I keep at least 50' behind other riders and 150' in front.

3 - not to perform any hand-offs on the fly.  I will find a safe spot with a good shoulder and get all the way off the pavement to give a hand-up.  These will be done only when on climbs when the speed is minimal. 

4 - Anything I provide my rider, I also agree to provide to any other rider that requests; including food, water, and sports drink (although I may save my rider's wheels).

5 - I will carry any other rider's wheels requested in the field that my rider is in as well as being available at the start to receive these.  I will give these out only to their owner.  I will have race caution signs in both front and back windows as well as a sign to identify the field that my rider is in.

6 - I will drive with extreme caution on all the descents, follow all speed limits and traffic laws, and stay well away of any rider traveling at speed.

7 - I will not shadow riders on Highway 168 or 395.  (Cal-trans will not allow this.  On the state highways you must drive a normal speed, pull-over, wait for your rider to progress and repeat, but not shadow).

8 - I will have tools, spare tubes, and a pump available for all riders in the event.

_______________ ______  _________________________________    _______________________________ signed                  date      my rider's name printed legibly    category

________________     ____________________________________________

vehicle license #     description

 

Thank you very much for agreeing to drive support.  We have a very small pool of volunteers in this small community.  So any of your support/help is greatly appreciated!!!!!!!