Rules

1. YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN.
   Seriously.  Don't expect help from anyone.  If you have to call for help, you're done.  Other riders are allowed to help you, but they must offer, you can't ask.  Not even for tools or a Band-Aid.  Bring your own stuff.  Okay, you can probably expect your teammate(s) to help you out, but you don't want to be "that" guy/gal who can't support your ride.
2. HELMETS REQUIRED.
   If you are on a bike, you need to be wearing an approved helmet.  No exceptions.
3. LIGHTS.
   In the event of rain, you must have at least a red blinkie light in the rear.  At least a white blinkie in front is strongly recommended.
4. THE BIKE.
   With the exception of fixies (see below), you can ride any sort of human-powered vehicle you want.  However, it must be capable of going about 25kph on flat roads all day, and you should be capable of doing that, too.  The bike really should be in good mechanical condition.  Keep in mind that there will be gravel, some of it loose and deep.  Since this is outside, there may also be mud, rain, water, frogs, hail, brimstone, and/or flowing lava.
5. NO FIXIES.  NO AERO BARS.
   Hey, we love track, too.  But in a group ride, fixie riders can't stop as fast as those with brakes.  SS, fat bikes, trikes, even recumbents are okay (subject to the other rules).  Just nothing with a fixed gear.
   Aero bars.  Just no.  Not on a gravel ride.  It's not even funny in an ironic way.  Aero helmets?  Sure, why not?
6. GENTLEMEN'S RACE FORMAT.
   This is a Gentlemen's Race.  This has no bearing on gender, that's just the name of the format. Teams of 2 or more will ride together at all times.  Keep in mind, the route is your challenge, not the other teams.  There are no points for first place, just for finishing.  If you don't cross the finish line with your teammate, you will not be considered to have finished the race.
   - All riders will start at the same time.
   - All members of every team must stop at each checkpoint, find the checkpoint board, and follow the rules.
   - In case of an abandonment, please text the ride leader(s) on the cue sheet with the names of the people abandoning.  If there are two or more riders left on the team, they may continue once they are certain the person/people abandoning have safe passage home.  If a rider is left solo, he or she may join another team, otherwise that rider must also abandon.  Basically, no solo riders, period.
7. CHECKPOINTS / REST STOPS.
   The checkpoints are not optional.  The rest stops are, though there's a good chance you'll want to use them.  
8. DON'T RIDE LIKE AN ASSHAT.
   Share the Road applies to us, too.  These are public roads and everyone has the right to them.  Don't cross the yellow line.  Don't blow-off stop lights.  Don't antagonize the locals.
9. DON'T LITTER.
   Be a good citizen and put that used gel packet back in your jersey pocket.
10. GPS NOT ALLOWED.
    You can use a GPS device to track, broadcast, and analyze your ride, but you may not use one for navigation.  For that, you should use the cue sheet and map.  You're welcome to use a compass, sundial, dead reckoning, moss on the side of a tree, etc.  But not a GPS.  Asking someone with a GPS unit is in violation of the spirit of the rule, so that's banned, too.  You can ask a local, though, as long as you get a cool picture and little story out of it.
    GPS OPTIONAL.
    If you feel safer with a GPS unit, rock on.  Maybe one day we'll get inventive and create an orienteering challenge, but this isn't that day.  So, if you want one, go for it.  The GPS route will be emailed to the participants sometime before the ride.  If you don't want it or technology scares you, cue sheets will still be available.
11. USE YOUR BEST JUDGEMENT.
    If you just can't make it another 15 minutes to the next checkpoint, stop.  If you don't think you'll make it through the stop light with the rest of the group, stop.  If something breaks on your bike, stop. Just finishing the ride is a feat, no need to make yourself a martyr.