THE RULES

The Mishigami Challenge is the premier ultra cycling race in the Midwest. It's a personal challenge to see how quickly you can complete a designated course around Lake Michigan by riding your bicycle in a solo, self-supported manner. The only thing at stake is your own personal honor. There will be no prizes, trophies, or money waiting for the "winners." The Mishigami Challenge aims to provide an equal playing field for all challengers, both locals and those from afar. All riders are expected to utilize good judgment, ride safely, and adhere to the highest standards of integrity.

1. You must complete the full course under your own power from start to finish.

1a. Riders must strictly adhere to the prescribed route. If a rider leaves the course for any reason other than a “necessary detour,” they must return back to the exact location of the exit before resuming forward progress on the course.

1b. Necessary detours are those mandated by road closures and/or unavoidable safety hazards on the prescribed course. In the event of a necessary detour, riders should follow detour signage where available and return the course where directed by such signage. In the event that no signage is available, riders should seek a detour that safely minimizes deviation from the prescribed course.

1c. Advancing forward on the route by any means other than one’s own pedal (or foot) power is strictly prohibited. (Exception: Ferries allowed where stated).

1d. No drafting.

1e. Use of any motor to increase speed or reduce rider effort or any type of air scoop or umbrella sail intended to harness wind power or minimize wind resistance is prohibited.

1f. In the event of a serious mechanical failure that renders a bike un-rideable, a rider may receive outside assistance (including commercial or noncommercial motorized transportation) in ANY direction to repair the problem. A rider may also receive assistance (including commercial or noncommercial motorized transportation) returning back to the exact location of the breakdown to resume forward progress. Under no circumstances, however, may the assistance come from a friend, family member, or other acquaintance of the rider.

2. You must complete the challenge solo and self-supported.

2a. You are responsible for you.

2b. Apart from transportation directly off of or back onto the course in the event of serious mechanical failure (which is governed by rule 1f), riders may not receive ANY assistance from ANY third party, with the SOLE EXCEPTION of commercially available services that are equally available to all challengers.

2b. Each rider must maintain separate gear. There is to be no sharing of resources.

2c. Riding in the company of other riders will be tolerated. But if doing so necessitates momentary drafting, riders must report the infraction, and a time penalty will be assessed.

3. The playing field should be equal for all riders, regardless of where they are from. Do not engage in actions before the ride that could inherently advantage you over your fellow challengers.

3a. No caches. Racers should not send anything ahead to be picked up at a later point along the course.

4. The Mishigami Bicycle Challeng is to be ridden as a single stage.

4a. The clock will begin at the designated date/time of Grand Depart and will run continuously until the rider reaches the designated finish (or scratches from the race).

4b. There are no required checkpoints or designated rest periods on course. The clock never stops.

5. Proof of passage is to be supplied via approved GPS tracking devices.

5a. All riders must continuously carry (and keep on) an approved GPS tracking device to record their progress. These tracking files will be the sole evidence used to determine that each rider completed the prescribed course and the time it took for them to complete the challenge.

5b. Online GPS tracking is not intended to ensure rider safety. It is for entertainment, timing, and validation of course compliance.

6. Use good judgement and ride safely. Strictly adhere to all safety guidelines.

6a. Riders are solely responsible for their own safety. You are responsible for you.

6b. Know and obey all local traffic laws.

6c. Know when to rest. Do not ride beyond the point where you can safely operate your bicycle. You should know that point better than anyone else. Again, you are responsible for your safety.

6d. Wear a helmet at all times while on the bicycle.

6e. All bicycles must have at least two working headlights and two working tail lights. The two headlights should have different power sources. The two tail lights should have different power sources. One headlight and one tail light must be illuminated at all times from dusk until dawn.

6f. All riders must have a reflective vest and reflective ankle bands that must be worn/displayed at all times from dusk until dawn.

6g. All bicycles must minimally be equipped with the following reflective elements:

At least 6 inches of reflective tape along the rear of each seat stay.
At least 6 inches of reflective tape along the front of each fork.
At least 3 strips of 2-inch reflective tape on each side of each rim (12 strips total for both rims).

7. There is nothing to win or lose except your own honor, so act with integrity.

7a. It is the sole responsibility of all riders to know the rules and police themselves. In the case of route deviation, it is the rider’s responsibility to recognize their mistake and correct it before proceeding forward on the route.

7b. Riders are responsible to self-report, in writing within 48 hours after completion of the Challenge, any and all rule infractions. Riders who fail to self-report may be removed from rankings or disqualified completely.

7c. Self-reported minor rule infractions that are unintentional or necessitated out of safety may be assessed a time penalty at the discretion of the challenge director.

7d. Major rule infractions or intentional, unnecessary rule infractions may result in the rider being removed from rankings or disqualified completely.