Our first priority is your safety and we are committed to making this event as safe as possible. Many hours have been, and will be, expended planning for and ensuring your safety on this ride. It is also imperative that you understand your responsibilities and abilities as a rider. We are in this together, and we must act responsibly and in accordance with BTB Tour instructions and State and Local laws. Compliance with BTB Tour instructions, state and traffic laws are requirements that are intended to prevent injury, save lives and enhance your tour enjoyment.

We encourage you to set aside time for training and conditioning.  The more you train, the more you will be able to enjoy the Tour. Strive for the ability to ride a 25 to 30 mile ride comfortably prior to riding Bike The Border.  It would be advantageous to discuss your training goals with a doctor and start training as soon as possible!

In addition to proper training, keep the following in mind: Take the time you need when riding to get off your bike, stretch, rest from time to time, and most of all, Enjoy yourself!  This is not a competitive event.  It is a recreational ride, not a race.  By having a positive attitude, a good level of fitness, and the willingness to accept a few aches and pains, you will do just fine.

It's just as important to ensure your bicycle can go the distance mechanically.  Even though our EXPERT mechanic will be available and make repairs as quickly as possible, a broken chain, broken cable, or seized bearing can impede your enjoyment and travel progress.  Please perform preventative maintenance or have your bicycle inspected and/or tuned by a mechanic to augment your enjoyment potential.

Rules to Remember

• HELMETS ARE REQUIRED! Failure to wear a helmet while on a bicycle participating in the tour can result in expulsion from the tour.
• Rear View Mirrors are Highly Recommended (not required).
• Riding Single File is Highly Recommended. Never more than two abreast per ND State Law.
• Vehicles cannot follow or accompany riders for Safety reasons. Friends or relatives of riders should take a different route or drive to the destination ahead of the cyclists.
• No Pets. Please do not bring your pets in consideration of fellow cyclists.
• Know and obey all traffic signals, signs, markings, laws and regulations. Stop at all stop signs. Signal all turns. Cross only at intersections.
• Stay alert at all times. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Ride in a straight line, and consciously try to avoid excessive weaving back and forth.
• Before you stop, make sure no bicycles or motor vehicles are immediately behind you. Stop at the right edge of the roadway and immediately move to the shoulder. Stay clear of the roadway. Stopping is especially dangerous at the crest of a hill or on a curve.
• Call out to fellow cyclists when you are going to pass on the left or right or up the middle. Use terms like “On Your Left” or “On Your Right” loudly enough to be clearly heard.
• Pace yourself. Not all riders travel at the same speed, so don't try to keep up with someone who rides too fast for you. Riding too fast or in too high a gear is tough on your knees, heart and lungs.
• No drafting. Drafting can cause pile-ups. It is not permitted on the Ride.
• Always make left turns from the center of the road.
• When stopping, let others know of your intentions by sounding off and using hand signals. Pull to the right side of the road immediately upon stopping.
• Always cross railroad tracks at right angles.
• Avoid open cracks in the road, sand and loose gravel. Remember to alert Riders behind you of the danger. (You can do that by calling out "gravel" or "rough road").
• Cooperate with Ride officials at all times. Officers, local law enforcement, and BIKE THE BORDER Bicycle Tour staff (blue T-Shirts) will be patrolling the event - please obey their instructions and signals.
• Be especially vigilant when cycling downhill. Do not “ride” your brakes, apply brakes intermittently.
• Wear sunglasses whenever possible. Not only do they keep the sun from distracting you, but the also keep wind and insects from interfering with your ability to keep your eyes on the road.
• Make certain your bike fits you properly. Your comfort and ability to “go the distance” is influenced by proper bicycle fit. If you are not sure, have your local bike shop conduct a bike fitting for you.
• Wear bright clothing while riding, even during the day.
• June weather can be hot, or cool and windy
• Please bring a sweat shirt or light jacket and rain clothing.

For a complete list of laws, please see the North Dakota Century Code

For ideas of what to bring with on the tour, see the list of suggested items