Rules for the Muddy Minuteman

Jan 31, 2022

  1. The MM is open to riders of any street legal dual sport or adventure type motorcycle.
    Motorcycles will be classed by displacement. The minimum displacement is 300cc.

    The motorcycles will be inspected and must have current paper copies of a valid registration and valid insurance with a minimum of 300 / 300 coverage. If its state of registration requires an inspection sticker it must be current.  Straight or race pipes are not allowed.  License plates must be properly displayed.  Race numbers need to be covered. 
  2.  Required equipment. *
    Tire repair kit
    Tools to remove either wheel
    Tow strap
    Navigation device able to utilize .GPX files
    First aid kit
    Spot, In-Reach, Zoleo or other SOS / Tracking device compatible with SpotWalla  It is recommended this device has the ability to send messages to the rallymaster

    * In the case of a declared team the equipment above except for the tracking / SOS device may be divided between the riders.
  3. Earning points.

    The event will be scored on a high point system.  Riders earn points by visiting specific locations and performing specific tasks, while keeping a log (the score sheet).  The tasks can include finding information off a marker, taking a photograph, participating in an activity or anything else the rallystaff might come up with.  Riders will also earn points for resting.   There will be a period when riders will not be allowed to collect points.

    Riders will be given a unique identifier which must appear in every photo unless stated otherwise in the book.   If a rider loses their unique identifier, they may substitute their face.  Once the riders face is used it must appear in every following photo where required even if the rider finds their UI.

    The rider may use a dedicated camera or a smart phone.  The photos must have location data and the device must be able to download all the photos directly to a scoring computer via memory card or direct cable connection.  The MM reserves the right to use photos on the rally website and social media. We cannot guarantee memory cards will be returned but it our intention to do so.
  4. Bonus locations and types.

    Some of the bonus locations are as remote as we can find in New England.  Some of them have a challenging approach from one direction, a very difficult ride from another and a third that few big bikes would clear.  For the most difficult locations the rally book may indicate which direction it was scouted from along with notes on the other approaches if available.

    Other bonus locations may be in public parks, trail heads, scenic vistas and perhaps even a commercial establishment in a strip mall.
  5. Rest Bonus.
    Riders will be awarded points for completing the rest bonus as described in the rallybook.  To claim the points riders will have to stop riding no later than 21:00 hrs on Friday and resume riding no earlier than 06:00 Saturday morning.  Other than as described below riders may not claim points during this period.

  6. There are a few ways to earn points at the rest bonus.  To maximize the points for this bonus riders will need to sleep in a tent / hammock or bivy sack and cook a meal.  Using a hotel, cabin, air bnb or returning to the start to camp will not result in as many points.
  7. Rider Conduct.

    The MM is not a race.  Excessive speed, reckless riding, endangering the public or another rider, damage to property or a failure to tread lightly can all lead to immediate disqualification.

    Riders shall always be prepared to render aid to another rider or if necessary, a member of the public.  At a minimum riders must stop or receive a clear signal to proceed from any other rider who is stopped, down or in distress.  Riders who stop will be given credit on a case-by-case basis, riders who do not will be disqualified and barred from future events.  To help with any request for redress note the time you stop and the time you can resume along with the location.
  8. Teams

    It is highly recommended that riders ride as a team.  Riding alone is never recommended and actively advised against when applied to large bikes in what can be very challenging terrain.  It’s New England and conditions can change overnight and at times hour to hour.  We cannot predict the conditions and neither can you.

    Riders who declare as a team will receive points for doing so.  To earn theses points each rider must visit and properly document every bonus, including photos.  For a location that requires the rider to be in the photo it must be a group photo with all the riders in the team present and visible.  DO NOT FORGET YOUR UNIQUE IDENTIFIER.

    The minimum team size is two riders.  The point value will increase for each additional member.  To earn the declared team points all the members of the team must ride together to the finish.
    PENALTY.
    If any member of a team does not finish or does not meet the requirements for the ride each member of the team shall have the potential score deducted.  If the team bonus for three riders is 5,000 points and they do not satisfy the bonus 5,000 points shall be deduced from each member of the team’s score.

  9. Scoring

    Riders will be provided with a log / score sheet. To claim a bonus riders will have to visit the location and perform the task as described in the rallybook. The task may be to take a photo, answer a question or make a small purchase. Riders will be given a unique identifier which they must be clearly visible in every photo unless otherwise noted in the rallybook.

    The log book will contain a field for the local time and date and a spot to either answer the question, indicate a photo was taken or an item purchased. If you purchased an item you must bring the item and the receipt to scoring unless noted in the rallybook.