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Safety Rules

General Safety Rules

• NO parking on the southbound side of the road.
• Side roads and farm field entrances are good places to park support vehicles.
• Do not park on hills, corners or in right turn lanes.
• Cyclists should ride on shoulders whenever possible.
• Support vehicles should always pull off road as far as safely possible.
• Hazard lights must be on at all times.
• Always use caution when pulling on and off of road.
• Always check your left side mirror before opening driver’s door to avoid hitting a biker or a
  runner.
• Make sure that the shoulder of the road is firm before parking vehicle.
• You will be notified of any road hazards or construction during evening meetings.
• The Minnesota Border to Border courses are marked with florescent arrows on the road.
• Please do not leave litter or other waste on the roadsides.
• Support vehicle may not follow behind racer.

Please remember SAFETY FIRST at all times.

Medical Assistance

Due to the nature of the Minnesota Border to Border Triathlon and the distances, medical assistance is not provided by race officials during the race. Since this is not a “closed course” local emergency providers will be notified of the race along the route and your race packet will contain the phone numbers of hospitals for you to contact.

“911” is your best call in an emergency. Teams are encouraged to bring basic first aid supplies.

Click here for a list of emergency numbers.

Dehydration

The most common reason for hospitalization during the Minnesota Border to Border Triathlon is dehydration. Make sure you are drinking enough liquids—even if there is a breeze and you are not hot! If you get thirsty, it could be too late. It is very easy to be tricked into thinking you are O.K. We hate to see teams come all this way and not be able to finish the event. Take care of yourself this week.

The most common reason for hospitalization during the Minnesota Border to Border Triathlon is dehydration. Make sure you are drinking enough liquids. The following is an excerpt from www.mayoclinic.com on the prevention of dehydraton:

• Take it slow. If you're used to exercising indoors or in cooler weather, take it easy at first. As your body adapts to the heat, gradually increase the length and intensity of your workouts. If you have a chronic medical condition or take medication, ask your doctor if you need to take additional precautions.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Your body's ability to sweat and cool down depends on adequate rehydration. Drink plenty of water while you're working out — even if you don't feel thirsty. If you're planning to exercise intensely or for longer than one hour, consider sports drinks instead. These drinks can replace the sodium, chloride and potassium you lose through sweating. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol, which actually promote fluid loss.
• Dress appropriately. Lightweight, loosefitting clothing promotes sweat evaporation and cooling by letting more air pass over your body. Avoid dark colors, which can absorb the heat. A light-colored hat can limit your exposure to the sun.
• Avoid midday sun. Exercise in the morning or evening — when it's likely to be cooler outdoors — rather than the middle of the day. If possible, exercise in the shade or in a pool.
• Wear sunscreen. A sunburn decreases your body's ability to cool itself.

MESSAGE TO SUPPORT CREWS: You really have to pay attention to your team to make sure that they are getting enough fluids. You may have to get forceful with them, but they will appreciate it when they reach the finish line.

Weather

The first two days can be very warm and humid. Dehydration and hyperthermia are serious life threatening concerns. Strong winds and crosswinds (especially for disc wheels) can be dangerous for bikers. Rain can present problems such as limited braking ability and poor visibility. Fog, especially the second day, makes the early morning start difficult and dangerous. As we move north, the third and fourth days, hypothermia becomes a distinct possibility. Canoeing in northern Minnesota is not to be taken lightly.

Severe Weather

In the case of severe weather, the Race Director has the right to postpone a portion of that day’s race. The race will be postponed in the case of warnings, hail and lightning. Listen to local radio stations for the most up to date information on severe weather. The definitions of the different weather advisories are:

Severe Weather/Tornado Watch : The conditions are favorable for a possible severe storm or tornado.

Severe Weather/Tornado Warning : A severe storm or tornado is likely occur.

If you are on the course and encounter severe weather take shelter immediately, do not wait for the Race Director and or a Course Marshal.

If the race is postponed due to severe weather then the Race Director will give stop and start information. Teams will not pick up and move forward unless directed to do so by the Race Director or a Course Marshal.

Additional safety information will be given at the briefings.

Other Safety Tips

Traffic and road conditions are largely uncontrolled. Detours can occur without our prior knowledge. Non-race vehicles are not necessarily aware of or sympathetic towards bicycle racers or their support vehicles. Support vehicle drivers must be extremely cautious when encountering racers on the course.

Orienteering during the race is crucial for both competitors and support crew. Due to the long distances and varying speeds, it is not uncommon to feel isolated. You could get lost. A missed turn is costly. Competitors, know where you are going before you leave your support vehicle for your next leg.

Rapids, during the canoe portion of the race, are lethal and all teams must portage each of them. Canoes can be destroyed and lives endangered if you ignore the portages and attempt to shoot the rapids.

ACCIDENT REPORTING

In the event of an accident occurs or a racer has a medical emergency after the race has completed, then the following USAT form must be filled or for each person involved.

The race is insured by USAT and, in accordance with their rules, all accidents must be reported to the Race Director. The Race Director will have the individual(s) involved in the accident fill out the USAT "USA Triathlon Incident Report”.

And don’t forget… 911

Please remember SAFETY FIRST at all times.