DOOM

Rules (an homage to CTR rules) 

Doom abides by the same ethos as the Colorado Trail Race. Below is the CTR rules modified in areas to fit the specifics of Doom. As a “Neo-Classic” in the history of bikepacking/ultra, it’s important to recognize and uphold the history of the sport. While everything does not apply directly, it’s the perfect framework to work with.  

* Please note these rules are almost entirely CTR verbiage; this opening quote helps with the overall message we are going for with Doom* 

“The rules are simple and brief – ultimately, the CTR is dependent upon each racer’s integrity. If you can’t do this ride without outside or pre-arranged support, don’t enter the race. Breaking or bending these simple rules is unfair to yourself and to the other racers who are out there suffering just as bad as you are, yet they are still playing by the rules. So please, play fair. You know you’re better than that – I know you’re better than that!”      -Stefan G- 

Photo by Kai Caddy  

Doom tries to be the opposite of regulated, rule heavy, licensed bike racing. Instead, there is a course that is set and a few simple rules to follow, really that's about it. Now the truth is, not everybody gets the rules for Self-Supported, DIY style bike racing. So, let’s go over the rules just to be sure, and if you aren’t clear, ask before the race! 

Rule 1: Self Supported 

Definition of self-supporting 

: characterized by self-support: such as 

a: meeting one’s needs by one’s own efforts or output 

b: supporting itself or its own weight 

Merriam-Webster tells it simply, Do It Yourself! Carry your own gear, carry your own food, hike and ride your own bike, don’t take food or shelter from folks you know. Don’t go so hard that you can’t take care of yourself and are forced to take help. Know the trail, climbs, descents, distances between water and resupply, look at splits of past riders, plan your own splits and how long/how much food you need. The info is out there, do your research, be reasonable, and you will have a much higher chance of finishing. 

Doom considers getting in a car, or any vehicle other than your own bike, to be support. No Car Rides! Only exception is medical emergency, do not abuse that. 

   -As far as Trail Magic goes, the Doom’s rule is if you know the person, say no. Trail Magic is and should be treated like a super lucky, tiny whiff of fresh air, not a resupply. If you screw up and are out of food and water, that is not anybody else’s problem, you should have done better research or carried more. If you are hoping for/needing trail magic, you are doing it wrong. Sure, taking a Coke or granola bar from a stranger is not a huge deal and is fine. Don’t make it a habit and do not ask/beg/or hint that you are in need when out on the course. Seriously folks, this is a test to see how far you can go and how well you can prepare for it. Do not bring the ride down to you, rise to the level of the ride and do your best. The neutral aid cabin resupply is the only exception to this rule and it’s just that – neutral, for everyone.  

  -As far as visitation goes, Doom’s rule is keep it between extremely limited to not at all. Doom (or other distance options) isn’t gonna take you months, your friends and family will live till you get home. Spot stalking is not cool, even if the stalker thinks it is, please leave the racers alone. Racers, do not ask anyone to meet you out there, it simply isn’t fair to those that travel from afar to race, and it opens the door to taking food/water/encouragement. Also changes the game knowing there is a bailout if things get too crazy, not fair at all to those putting it on the line. Plus, there’s no need to add more car traffic to the backroads. Ultimately if someone is out on course without any arrangement, say hi, be cool, but don’t take advantage of the situation. Riders, please educate your family and friends to leave you alone out on course and save the energy and beers for the finish. 

–This Includes Camera Crews, no pre-arranged crews of any sort. Fits in with the above reasons, and as Stefan says “…if you can’t do this ride without outside or pre-arranged support, don’t enter the race,” Simply; a camera crew is considered support in Doom. We will have neutral, event specific, media. While it is great to get content that inspires others, it isn’t fair to the ethos of Doom to have any sort of meet ups. The whole premise behind the rules of Doom, is to keep the “out there” feeling as much as possible, to keep it raw and personal. And to give everybody who wants to compare their time on the same course, the same basic rules to keep it legit. 

-DIY documentation is considered OK. 

Rule 2: Stay on Course! 

Know the course, use a GPS, be responsible for yourself. Navigation is the rider's responsibility only! 

Riders are asked to use Follow My Challenge USA (Dismay optional) during the event.  

Rule 3: Be Nice and don’t break the law. 

  The Doom course is not closed for the event. If you are racing, YOU ARE NOT BETTER OR MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANYONE ELSE!!! Everyone out there deserves to have their own experience and to not have that experience changed dramatically because you are racing your bike. Seriously, be nice to business owners/employees, obey the rules of the road, and wave to the locals. The world is full of assholes, let’s not add more shit, see below…. 

Rule 4: Leave No Trace. 

 Act as if there are thousands of others that are doing what you are doing.  

Plan ahead and prepare 

Travel and camp on durable surfaces 

Dispose of waste properly 

Leave what you find 

Minimize campfire impacts 

Respect wildlife 

Be considerate of others 

Don’t Go So Hard That You Can Not Self Rescue! Know your limits, sure Doom is all about pushing limits and seeing what is possible, but don’t go too far. A few folks have had some very serious breakdowns out there from extreme sleep deprivation and physical breakdown. Please do not end up in a place where you are unable to continue to a bail out point under your own power. 

That’s it! The idea is that if everyone is nice, and leaves no trace, then Doom does not add a significant stress, burden, or damage to the Ozarks and its rural communities. If everyone plays by the same rules and follows the same course, only then can we truly compare our experiences. If you are not sure, feel free to ask. It is up to each and every rider to know and understand these simple rules, remember cheating in a race like this is total bullshit. 

Photo by Kai Caddy 

Doom Rules FAQ & Clarifications 
Q: Does self-supported and no pre-arranged support mean I cannot stop for food or book accommodations? 

A: The guiding principal is “Do. It. Yourself” and “equal opportunity” for all racers, regardless of whether you live in a town Doom passes through or on a different continent. So, gas stations, restaurants, air-bnb's, campgrounds, and any other commercial services along the route are fair game as long as they are not pre-arranged. Friend’s houses, sag wagons, pacers, food-caches, etc. are obviously not commercial sources equally available to all racers and absolutely are not allowed. It is important to communicate this to family/friends who may be observing the race. The neutral aid cabin and its resources is for everyone.

Q: What is defined as a camera/media crew? Can someone meet me and take my picture? 

A: No prearranged meet-ups. Do not plan anything with anyone, if someone pops up to take your dirty mug shot it should be completely random when and where. Photographers should not focus on any one rider. Just like any meet ups keep them extremely limited and limit contact with rider as much as possible, once, maybe twice is ok. Riders communicate with your friends and family to leave you alone while out on course. To Be Clear, a picture taken in a spot or two along the route is not a huge deal, but following one racer along the route to get content is not ok during the event. Feel free to gather content outside of the event. This may sound very specific, but seriously just go ride your bike as fast as you can and don’t worry about getting content from others. 

Q: What about this “Trail Magic” I keep hearing about? 

A: Beautiful, beautiful trail magic. Totally unexpected and unplanned support. e.g. a random person giving you a coke or an orange. Or finding a box of girl scout cookies on the side of the road. But let’s keep the magic, magic – if you personally know the person who is offering unplanned/unexpected support, politely decline their offer. And please, no begging! 

Q: What if my bike breaks beyond repair? 

A: If your bike breaks and you wish to continue the event, you must hike, walk or crawl to a place where you can get it repaired. Once fixed, you must return, under your own power, to the exact spot you left the route. This is a completely self-powered race. If you get in a motorized vehicle, your race is over. 

Q: Can racers ride together? 

A: Yes. But, this is a solo competition – racers may not draft each other nor plan on sharing gear. The only exception to drafting is the opening miles of the event to the first Singletrack Sector (BOC Ponca Downhill). However, be a good citizen. If you see fit to give a fellow racer directions, mechanical assistance, water, a tube, or moral support, do so. Similarly, do not expect or feel entitled to any of the above. It’s nice to have good neighbors, but there isn’t a law mandating it. 

Q: Breaking the law? 

A: Duh! No trespassing. No littering. No riding in designated Wilderness Areas. Etc. If you need to get rid of something, find a trash can.  

Q: What if I get hurt? 

A: It cannot be stressed enough that you are ON YOUR OWN out there and must take personal responsibility for yourself!! There are some seriously remote sections of Doom where cellphone service is nonexistent and any medical assistance may be far, far away. Think about the consequences of an injury BEFORE you set out on this event. 

Q: Can I unload/stash part of my set-up before the out-and-back sections?  

A: Unfortunately, this doesn’t follow Leave No Trace principles – especially with a participant field of this size. Carry everything you have with you at all times.  

Q: More Questions? Better ask before the event starts.