The Dart Populaire is a fun event in which teams of 3 to 5 bikes (yes, you can have 10 people if you have 5 tandems) ride routes of their own design to a common destination. This autumn, get your team together for a Dart Populaire beginning at 08:30 a.m. and finishing 8 hours and at least 120 km later at 3520A Sunset Beach Dr NW Olympia WA 98502. Start wherever you like and ride the roads of your choice. Remember that at least 3 bikes must finish together to get credit.
Complete the team registration form and send your signed waiver and a RWGPS link to the organizer (email above).
Be sure to add your controls to the RWGPS route in two ways:
1) using the "add to cue sheet" tool, mark the controls as "hors category"
2) use "add POI" to display the controls on the route map
Background:
Each team is to design its own route that is at least 120 KM in length. The traditional format for a Dart is point-to-point, like an archer's arrow or Dart flying toward its target. at a nice locale and having an awards brunch with our friends and families. Completing a Dart or other team event is also required for attaining a RUSA cup.
Designing your route:
Though not a classic Dart route, a large circuit or loop may also be used, such as to make a scenic tour of a region. However, an out-and-back route is not consistent with the traditions of the dart. A short out-and-back route segment is permitted, such as to obtain food and supplies in remote regions, but no control may be used more than once and no road segment may be used more than once in the same direction. If an out-and-back route segment is utilized in the overall route design, a control point must be located at its turnaround.
Distance traveled is calculated on the basis of the shortest route between checkpoints that can be legally traveled by bicycle. Maps or mapping software with accurate mileages will be used to determine distances.
- No rest stop may exceed two hours in any one location.
- If several teams use the same starting point, then starting times for individual teams shall be spaced at least one hour apart.
- The start time and starting place approved with the team's registration must be used.
- At least 25 KM must be ridden between the end of the 6th hour and the end of the 8th hour of the ride.
Under no circumstances may these two checkpoints be the same place, even if the planned distance has already been completed. The exact time and the location of the team at the 6th hour point must be noted on each control card and verified by the signature or business receipt imprinted with the time, date and location.
- Teams may stop their Dart at any point after reaching a total distance of 120 KM and a minimum of 25 KM past the 6 Hour Control. This means that the house in Sunset Beach does not have to the final end point.
Be sure to add your controls to the RWGPS route in two ways:
1) using the "add to cue sheet" tool, mark the controls as "hors category"
2) use "add POI" to display the controls on the route map
Team composition and riding rules:
- Each team is limited to a maximum of five members (machines) and a minimum of three members. Tandems or other multi-rider vehicles count as a single member.
- Members of the same team may assist one another. However, teams are expressly forbidden to aid each other, even teams from the same club. The one exception to this is in the event of a medical emergency.
- During the event, riders may not draft anyone except their own Flèche teammates.
- At least three team members (read machines) must have ridden the same distance and arrive at the finish together.
- No following cars are allowed under any circumstances. Teams using a support car can receive support from their car only at the control points listed on their route cards.
- Assistance from other motorized non-participants is also not permitted, except in the case of a medical emergency. There may be secret and roving checkpoints.
- All riders are reminded that any failure to conduct the ride in accordance with SIR Brevet Rider Expectations, RUSA Flèche Rules, applicable laws, or any special instructions or equipment requirements for this ride may result in a time penalty or disqualification.
- All riders are reminded to please conduct themselves per SIR standards. Be courteous to control workers and staff.
- All the team's Brevet Control Cards are due to the organizer at 4:30 PM Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018.