#BADLANDS
MANIFESTO
Badlands was created to encourage the gravel cycling and bikepacking in Eastern Andalusia, a unique place in Europe where its only deserts meet deep forests, the Mediterranean coast and its highest mountain pass.
Once per year there is a common start for riders coming from all over the world with places very limited, but it is not a race: Badlands is a personal challenge where you must complete the route by yourself.
RULES
RULE #1
LEAVE NO TRACE
You will ride across some fragile ecosystems and protected areas, leave nature unchanged:
. Do not deteriorate or alter any biotic or landscape resource.
. Do not alterate the processes of ecosystems and the behavioural patterns of living beings.
. Do not dump or abandon objects or solid or liquid waste outside the places specifically designated for this purpose.
. Collect your own waste when this service is not provided by other entities.
. Do not produce soil erosion or changes in natural drainage patterns.
. Do not light fires outside the areas specifically designated for this purpose.
. Do not produce noise that disturbs the tranquillity of the area or wildlife.
. Minimise use of artificial lighting and restrict it to cover orientation, security and emergency needs.
RULE #2
RIDE SAFELY, RIDE RESPONSIBLY
Badlands uses public ways open to traffic, you must always know, observe and comply with local laws.
Helmet and front+rear lights are mandatory. It is also a legal requirement to wear a reflective vest when riding at night. It is strongly recommended to wear bright clothing during the ride.
Following the local laws, riding with headphones is not allowed.
RULE #3
RIDE UNDER YOUR OWN POWER
Badlands is about you and your bike, that’s all.
There are two categories, Solo and Pairs. Riding in groups or together with other riders is not allowed.
Drafting is not allowed. This means you can’t explicity follow any rider or vehicle which could give you an aerodynamic aid (this rule shall not apply during the neutralized start or for pairs category riders). If for any reason you ride temporarily at the same pace as another rider, you must do it side-by-side.
RULE #4
BE SELF-SUFFICIENT
Food, drink and belongings must be carried by you or acquired unplanned en-route. You are responsible for you own safety and logistics.
Booking accommodation or any logistic support before the ride is not allowed. Support crew or virtual base-camps are prohibited, but unexpected and unrequested help en-route is allowed.
The pair is considered as a rider itself, they can share all the resources between themselves but external assistance is not allowed.
It is strongly recommended that you bring: bivvy bag, SOS Kit, sunscreen, electrolytes and winter clothes.
RULE #5
INVENIAN VIAM
“I shall either find the way or make one”
You must follow and complete the official track. If at any point for any unexpected and justified cause this is not possible, just find your way and return to the route when possible.
You can also temporarily leave the route (to find food, rest, etc), but you must return to the same point you left off to continue the ride. In case of a medical or mechanical emergency use any kind of transport you need and return to the exact point to continue the ride.
The organisation will send you the Handbook and the track files some weeks before the start. You must strongly prepare and study it.
RULE #6
CONTROL YOUR TRACKER
Satellite tracking is just a service to follow the riders online: you are fully responsible for ensuring the correct use of it. Turning off the tracker or long periods of inactivity without reporting to the organisation will imply penalties.
If the Pair ride separately for any reason, the tracker must be carried by the last rider.
A refundable deposit will be required for each tracker against loss or damage.
RULE #7
TAKE YOUR TIME, BE ON TIME
You will be punctual at the accreditation, the briefing and the start.
If you don’t finish the track before the deadline you will be considered DNF. After this deadline you can’t expect any official service or support, but your ride can go on: just return the tracker, relax and enjoy your route.
If one of the paired riders scratches the pair will be considered DNF, but the other rider can keep cycling and be considered Finisher (Out of Category).
RULE #8
TAKE OUT YOUR OWN INSURANCE
You must take out valid liability and medical insurance, covering medical treatments, rescue, death-related and repatriation costs in case of accident.
Be aware that all liability rests on you. The organisation won’t provide you any kind of insurance for the ride and will not held liable for any damage whatsoever that may occur directly and/or indirectly to you or other parties.
RULE #9
RESPECT THE CREW
Badlands is possible thanks to the enthusiasm and commitment of our staff, locals, sponsors, institutions and riders. Please be nice to them, all of them have been working hard to make this happen.
Follow the crew indications, they just will do it just for your safety and the good progress of the ride.
RULE #10
ACT HONORABLY
The organisation can impose time penalties for violations which be decided once the ride is finished. But this shouldn’t happen.
When people ask us how can we ensure riders comply with the rules, we always answer the same: we can’t. The honorable agreement is inherent to bikepacking adventures.