The rules below apply to ALL Dust Bowl distances and categories.  Please note, there will be additional regulations specific to the Elite 100-mile and Deluxe races; those will be posted in the relevant section of the website once finalized.

1. Eligibility & Governing Body Sanctions: The Dust Bowl is a USA Cycling sanctioned event.  To be eligible to participate in the Dust Bowl, an athlete must be in good standing and free of any active suspension, ban, or sanction from USA Cycling (USAC), the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), or any other recognized national or international sports governing body. Any participant found to have competed while under an active sanction or ban will be automatically disqualified, stripped of any awards or placements, and removed from all official results without refund.
2. The Golden Rule: Treat others how you want to be treated. Give high fives, wave to other riders, speak politely, and share encouragement.
3. Obey Traffic Laws: This course is on open roads. Yield to all vehicles/pedestrians, stop at all stop signs, ride no more than two abreast, stay on the correct side of the road, and signal your turns. (Indiana bicycle laws apply)
4. Ride Safely & Promote Safety: In case of emergency, call 911. Helmets are required at all times. Do not pass the neutral rollout vehicle. Stay alert, ride within your abilities on fast downhill sections (marked with caution signs), and call out road hazards/holes. Ride with caution when cresting hills and going around blind corners. The race director, SAG drivers, and aid station captains may remove any rider deemed a hazard to themselves or others.
5. Navigation is Your Responsibility: We highly recommend you have the route pre-programmed into your bike computer and utilize it during the ride. We will have signage on course indicating key turns, busy intersections, and upcoming hazards, but YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN NAVIGATION. Furthermore, physical signs are prone to vandalism and/or removal, so should not be trusted as the sole source of information/navigation.
6. Don’t Litter: Respect the local communities. Pocket all trash and water bottles until you can dispose of them in the trash cans provided at each SAG stop.
7. Support Restrictions: Personal SAG vehicles and outside support are only allowed at designated checkpoints (these will be identified in the 2027 Rider Tech Guide before the race).
8. Mechanical Support: This is a self-supported event; you are expected to fix your own flats and mechanicals. However, neutral support is available at the Endeavor Communications SAG stop (Crossroads Cyclery) and select other locations (Zipp). Roving SAG vehicles can transport you to the finish line if you cannot complete the ride, but they will not be equipped to provide mechanical assistance.
9. No Course Cutting for Advantage: Cutting the course or advancing by any means other than bicycle or foot to gain a competitive advantage will result in disqualification. If you must cut the course due to mechanical, injury, or fatigue, notify staff at the finish so you can be removed from award consideration.
10. Timing Tags: Your timing seatpost tag must be affixed to your seatpost at all times.
11. Aero Bars: Aero bars are legal, but use proper judgment and only use them when riding by yourself.
12. E-bikes: E-bikes are only allowed in the 44-mile and 63-mile events and must be registered in the E-bike category. This is a non-competitive class; no prizes will be awarded.
13. No Alcohol: Alcohol is strictly prohibited on course or on property owned by Eminence Community Schools, Eminence Christian Church, Eminence Baptist Church, Citizens Bank, or the A&A Fire Department.
14. Enforcement: Failure to comply with any of these rules may result in disqualification and/or a ban from future events.

*Additional rules may be added at the discretion of the race director as necessary