10 Commandments
1 - WE LEAVE NO TRACES BEHIND
You will ride through sensitive ecosystems and protected areas. Take all garbage with you and leave nature as it is.
2 - WE RIDE SAFELY AND RESPONSIBLY
You ride on public roads. Always know and observe the local laws. Helmet, front and rear lights are mandatory. A reflective vest is mandatory at night. We recommend light-colored clothing to be more visible while riding.
3 - WE RIDE UNDER OUR OWN POWER
It's all about you and your bike. There are two categories: Solo and Pairs. Riding in groups with other participants is prohibited. Riding in the slipstream to gain an aerodynamic advantage is also not permitted. This rule does not apply during the start or for participants in the pairs category. If for any reason you are riding at the same speed as another rider, you must ride side by side instead of directly behind each other.
4 - WE ARE SELF-SUFFICIENT
Food, drinks and luggage must be carried by yourself or procured unplanned along the way. You are responsible for your own safety and logistics. Booking accommodation or logistical support before the race is not permitted. Support crews or virtual base camps are prohibited, but unexpected and unsolicited help along the way is allowed. A pair counts as one person. All resources can be shared, but external help is not allowed. It is strongly recommended that you bring a bivy sack, first aid kit and sunscreen, as well as electrolytes and weatherproof clothing.
5 - WE FOLLOW THE PATH
You must follow the official route and complete it in full. If this is not possible at any time for unexpected and justifiable reasons, find your way and return to the course as soon as you can. You may leave the route temporarily (to find food, rest, etc.), but you must return to the same point where you left the route to continue the ride. In the event of a medical or mechanical emergency, use any means of transportation you need and return to the exact point to continue the ride. The organization will send you the manual and route files 4 weeks before the start. You should study them thoroughly and prepare your own strategy.
6 - WE CHECK THE TRACKER
Satellite tracking is only used to track riders online; you are fully responsible for its correct use. Turning off the tracker or long periods of inactivity without reporting to the organization will result in penalties. If a pair rides separately for any reason, the person riding last must carry the tracker. A deposit is required for each tracker against loss or damage.
7 - WE ARE ON TIME
You must be on time for registration, the briefing and the start. If you do not finish the course before the 75h deadline, you will be classified as DNF (Did Not Finish). After the deadline, no official services or support will be available, but you can continue your ride. Return the tracker to us by 7pm on Sunday evening. If one person in the pair drops out, the pair will be classified as DNF. However, the remaining person can continue and cross the finish line as a finisher (Out of Category).
8 - WE KEEP OURSELVES SAFE
You must take out valid liability, death, accident and health insurance for the race, which also covers emergency rescue and repatriation. All liability lies with you. The organization does not provide insurance for the ride and assumes no liability for damages that you or others may incur directly or indirectly.
9 - WE RESPECT THE TEAM
Heart Times is made possible by the commitment of our team, volunteers, sponsors and institutions. Please be kind to them; everyone has worked hard to make this event possible. Follow the team's instructions; they are for your safety and the smooth running of the ride.
10 - WE ARE HONEST
The organization can impose time penalties for rule violations after the race. Ideally, however, this should not be necessary. When we are asked how we ensure that riders abide by the rules, there is only one answer: we can't do it without you. Fair behavior is essential for every bikepacking adventure.