Regulations
The Rough Rider: Rules & Regulations
The Rough Rider isn’t just a gravel race. It’s a test of grit, respect, and self-reliance over three days of rugged Arizona backroads.
We keep the spirit wild, but the rules tight – just like the famous lawman and Rough Rider, Buckey O’Neill. Read these carefully so you and everyone else can ride safe, ride hard, and ride fair.
1. Eligibility
Riders must be in good health, experienced with gravel or endurance cycling, and prepared for sustained physical exertion. Minimum age to enter is 15 years.
2. Categories
Riders may choose Cavalry (full distance) or Scout (shorter distance) for the 3-day race.
Solo Categories (Male, Female, Non-Binary):
Young Guns (under 50)
Old Guard (50+)
E-Bike (Non-Competitive)
Age is calculated as of the first day of the event. Categories cannot be changed once Stage 1 begins.
3. Withdrawal
If you cannot continue the event, notify race officials immediately:
At a checkpoint or finish line
Via the race office
Or inform a medical team member
Do not inform another rider as your only point of contact—this could result in a search-and-rescue initiated at your expense. Riders who withdraw will be transported to the finish line.
4. Environment
Respect the terrain and trails:
No littering (gels, wrappers, etc.)
Violations:
First offense: 2-hour penalty
Second offense: Disqualification
Routes may change due to fire, weather, wildlife, or other unforeseen conditions. Organizers reserve the right to cancel or reroute any stage. No refunds due to environmental conditions.
5. Liability
Riders participate at their own risk and must sign a waiver. Organizers, sponsors, and staff are not liable for injuries, theft, loss, or damages. All riders must carry personal health and travel insurance.
6. Start Numbers
Provided plates must be attached to handlebars and remain unaltered.
7. Sponsorship & Branding
Personal sponsor logos are allowed on clothing, helmets, and bikes. Unauthorized signage is not permitted in event zones.
8. Starts
Start staging begins 30 minutes prior. Mandatory briefing is 15 minutes before go-time. Start line stays open for 5 minutes after official start. Late riders (5+ min) will not be ranked.
Self-seeding is required. Please stage yourself honestly based on speed and ability.
9. Checkpoints
Each stage includes 2 checkpoints with food, hydration, and tech support. Riders must check in at all points.
10. Finish Protocol
Finish with your original bike and visible number plate. Riders arriving past cutoff will receive max time + 60 minutes. If a rider finishes in a vehicle (due to injury), they may continue but will receive max time + 120 minutes.
Riders must complete all stages to earn a finisher’s award.
11. Road Safety
Riders must obey traffic laws at all times. The course is open to traffic. Yield to vehicles and follow marshal direction.
12. Course Conduct
Slower riders must yield to faster ones
Ride cautiously in blind or downhill sections
No headphones or earbuds allowed
No shortcutting trails
Stop for mechanicals off-course
Violations may result in penalties or disqualification.
13. Outside Assistance
Support is only allowed at designated checkpoints. No outside support elsewhere on course.
14. Equipment & Bike Mechanical
Be self-sufficient. Riders should carry repair tools and essentials.
15. Safety Gear
Approved cycling helmets are mandatory at all times.
16. GPS Navigation
Courses are marked but GPS files will be provided. Riders are responsible for staying on course.
17. Protests
Riders may file a written protest with a $50 fee (refundable if upheld). A jury will review and render decisions prior to the next stage.
18. Penalties
Officials may issue penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct, rule violations, or unsafe behavior. Penalties range from time deductions to disqualification.
We’re here to create an unforgettable experience on two wheels—but safety, respect, and responsibility come first. Ride smart, ride kind, ride rough.