PLEASE READ ALL & CAREFULLY. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE RULES!

1. Big Sugar Gravel Athletes must utilize an approved bicycle. This bicycle must:
   • Consist of a frame mounted on two wheels, one behind the other.
   • Have a seat and have handlebars for steering.
   • Be propelled solely by the operator via two pedals connected to the rear wheel by a chain or belt
   • Have two hand-operated brakes (fixed gear and coaster brake bikes are not exempt from this rule)
   • MAY NOT utilize aerobars, bar extensions, or clip on bar attachments of any kind
   • The same bicycle frame must be utilized for the duration of the race. Other components may be swapped out in checkpoints. Athletes may assist each other on course with parts.
   • Single speed riders must utilize the same gearing for the duration of the race.

2. Athletes must wear a helmet while operating their bicycle.

3. Athletes must pass over the timing mats at each of the official checkpoints. Cut-off times will be established for reaching each checkpoint for rider safety, based on an average of 10 mph. If you reach a checkpoint after the cut-off time, your time will not be scored and you will no longer be an official participant of the race.

4. Big Sugar Gravel athletes are responsible for themselves throughout the duration of the event. This includes:

   • Navigation of the course.

   • Interaction with local vehicle traffic.

   • Roads are open to the public and athletes are expected to follow all relevant bicycle laws.

   • Arkansas State Bicycle Laws

   • Missouri State Bicycle Laws

5. Support Crews, friends, and family members are NOT allowed on or near the course, except at the PINEVILLE aid station, ROCKFORD GRANGE aid station or to pick up a rider who is abandoning the event. IF A SUPPORT CREW VEHICLE IS SPOTTED ON COURSE, THEIR RIDER WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.

6. Outside support is only allowed at official checkpoints, with these exceptions:

   • Athletes may help other athletes with mechanical support, navigation assistance, or by any other means.

   • Athletes may resupply at local businesses and stores along the route.

   • Athletes may receive “neutral” support from local residents at a stationary location from which any other event participant could also receive aid.

7. The primary route must be followed at all times. No shortcuts or alternate routes are permitted.

   • If you intentionally exit the course for food, supplies, or any other reason, you must re-enter the course at the same spot at which you left.

   • If you get lost, you shall make every reasonable attempt to backtrack to the point where you left the course; or to re-enter the course as soon as possible and without gaining an advantage.

   • Note: “Advantage” is not defined by race position. Life Time reserves the right to determine applicable action

8. Drafting on another event participant is only allowed outside of the elite fields. However, drafting on a non-participant cyclist, or a motorized vehicle of any kind will result in disqualification.

9. Athlete “Race Plates” MUST be affixed to the front of the handlebars. They MUST NOT be bent, folded, wrapped around the head tube, or in any other position other than flat against the handlebars. Improper attachment will cause timing chips not to register and may be cause for disqualification.

10. All athletes must attend packet pickup on Thursday/Friday before race day to receive their event packet.

    • A government-issued photo I.D. will be required to sign in.

    • Event packets will be given out to registered athletes only. No one else can receive your pack for you.

11. The elite category includes these additional rules:

    • Racing for this category must be selected at time of race registration.

    • While an athlete may self-select this category, Life Time reserves the right to change a rider’s designation to their appropriate age group division prior to the race date, and will consult the rider before doing so.

    • All athletes selecting to race in the pro/elite category will not be eligible for age group podiums.

    • All pro/elite riders are subject to random drug testing.

    • All other rules remain in place.

12.  Challenges to event results outside of the elite field must come from a registered participant, must be made either in-person, or via email to bigsugargravel@ltevents.zendesk.com, and must be received no later than 24 hours after closing of the race finish line

13. All deferrals must be submitted to bigsugargravel@ltevents.zendesk.com no later than midnight on Wednesday, the week of packet pickup.

Due to limited space at aid stations and along the course, support crews are permitted only at the 100-mile checkpoints— Pineville and Rockford Grange. Please refer to the Aid Stations tab below for full details and maps.

The following amenities will be available at neutral aid stations at each checkpoint:
Water, UnTapped maple syrup, waffles, Mapleaid drink mix, pickles, bananas, potato chips, & cookies (snacky stuff)

Support Crews can help their riders out at the Pineville AND Rockford Grange Checkpoints.

There are NO drop bags on any of the Life Time Big Sugar Gravel presented by Kenetik courses.

1. If you wish to be picked up by your support crew, please make your way to an accessible locaton. Support crews CANNOT drive on the gravel roads of the course
   • If necessary, SAG Jeeps can assist you to an accessible location and take you to the nearest checkpoint location if you do not have another pick up option
2. Shuttles are available at the checkpoints to carry riders and bikes back to Bentonville
   • • They will take you to the finish festival.
3. If you need to call for help, use the BIG SUGAR HOTLINE: 719-257-3938
   • Cell service is spotty—all Jeeps have HAM radio which has better transmission if you need to communicate with support crews or race organization.

At packet pickup, all athletes will be given a $20 voucher (participating venues listed on voucher)

• If you’re buying something less than $20, no change will be given
• If you want something more expensive, you will have to pay the remainder

Each participant must carry with them (on their body or on their bike) every item on this list:

• Cycling computer or GPS device

• Minimum of two liters of water or sports drink

• Two spare inner tubes

• Air pump or inflation system

• A cell phone to contact the “outside world” should you need help

Additional supplies you should seriously consider:

• A GPS system to communicate your exact location to support or rescue personnel in the event of an emergency.

• Cash, debit card or credit card. (To purchase food, water, supplies.)

• Small Rucksack/Hydration Pack

• Waterproof/Windproof Jacket

• Extra Thermal Top or Warm Layer

• An Emergency/Survival Blanket

• Food – Energy Bars, Gels, Chocolate, etc.

• Tire Levers
• Puncture Repair Kit
• Chain Tool
• Allen Wrench Set
• Spoke Wrench
• First Aid Kit
• Chamois Butt’r
• Chain Lube
• Handlebar Map Case
• Compass

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, DIAL 911

AREA HOSPITALS:

Northwest Medical Center

• 3000 Medical Center Pkwy, Bentonville, AR 72712
• (479) 553-1000

Mercy Bella Vista

• 1 Mercy Way Suite 20, Bella Vista, AR 72714
• (479) 802-5555

Pineville Medical Clinic (Missouri) 

• 5265 US-71, Pineville, MO
• (417) 223-4290

Freeman Neosho Hospital (Missouri) 

• 113 West Hickory Street, Neosho, MO 
• (417) 451-1234

OCH Noel Family Clinic (Missouri) 

• 125 Main Street, Noel, MO 64854 
• (417) 475-6151

Mercy Hospital Cassville (Missouri) 

• 94 Main Street, Cassville, MO
• (417) 847-6000

Awards will go three deep in the following categories:

The 100mi will offer a $30,000 prize purse, split between men and women!

How far can you ride before you hit a sugar high? Make the end of your cycling season extra sweet and join us for BOTH the MTB and Gravel events!

Sweet Tooth Challenge: 100K MTB and 100-mile Gravel

Semi-Sweet Tooth Challenge: 50K MTB and 50-mile Gravel

Note: You must sign up for Gravel/MTB events SEPARATELY — individuals in both will automatically be entered in the Sweet Tooth Challenge. Sweet Tooth/Semi-Sweet Tooth Challenge is not a scored event. Individuals will be scored within each event, but a cumulative score will not be kept. Finishers will receive a bonus prize! 

• 50% Performance-Based: 25 coins go to top riders in each category.
  • If 1st place declines, it will roll down to 2nd, then 3rd. If 3rd place declines, it will be added to the random drawing.
• 50% Random Drawing: 25 coins will be up for grabs in a random drawing. Everyone’s got a shot!
  • Participants must be present at the awards ceremony with their qualifer tab (located on bike plate) in hand. The drawing will take place AFTER the awards ceremony and an announcement will be made when to bring your qualifier tab forward. Please do NOT bring your qualifier tab forward before the awards ceremony has concluded and before the announcement has been made.
• Distances: Finishers of the 100-mile distance will be eligible for a coin. Winners will be able to register for either the UNBOUND Gravel 200 or 100 Mile distances.