Thoughts On Rules For Events

NOTE: Large doses of "my opinion" will be handed out in gloppy dollops today. You've been forewarned.....

Last week I posted some of my opinions on the concept of 'self-support' in ultra-distance bike-packing and gravel events. I mentioned some things about rules, and I stated I'd have some thoughts on those at a later point. Now is that time. 

My thoughts on the subject of rules for gravel events, and ultra-distance stuff is informed from my years of doing Trans Iowa, and to a lesser extent, the C.O.G. 100. I also draw some of my conclusions from hosting the Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational and the Geezer Rides along with the weekly 3GR gravel group rides I used to put on. 

This all comes into play regarding my thoughts on 'the rules'. Of course, the entire concept of having rules in gravel, or bike-packing events comes down to one basic thing- The event operates under its own unique set of rules usually developed by the event director(s).

This happened - originally- as a reaction to the myriads of complicated rules which were part of road racing, criteriums, mountain bike events, and 24hr racing. Gravel and ultra-distance, off-road events typically had very few rules and many were left to the 'rider's honor' to uphold, or even interpret correctly. This went over pretty well at first. The so-called 'like-minded' individuals who partook of the earliest gravel and ultra-distance MTB stuff were all content to abide and live and let live. However; it didn't take long for things to start becoming more complicated and difficult, so rules sprang up to keep things from getting off the rails. 

My entry card for the first Gravel Worlds where the only rule was "Don't Be Lame"

Now, rules are a good thing. We need boundaries and we need expectations set to get along with each other at events. Especially competitive events. So, I don't have a problem with anyone's specific rules for their events when I go to participate in them. As long as those rules and expectations are clearly laid out, easily found, sent to me, or spoken to me at a pre-race meeting, I am perfectly fine with following said rules. I don't think I've ever been upset about anyone's rules before an event. But if something had ticked me off, or not been agreeable, I would have not taken the start. I think that's what you should do if the rules don't seem 'fair', or whatever. Just don't go. I mean, most events put this stuff out there before you sign up- so don't even bother with signing up, and definitely don't make a fuss about an event you are never going to participate in. While that sounds like it is obvious, trust me- it isn't. 

I have seen and have experienced people's unasked for modifications for a certain event they seem bent about, for whatever reasons. To my way of thinking, that is such a rude and unnecessary venture that it borderlines on stupidity. What a waste of everyone's energies. Just don't even bother with it. 

I will say, however; that rules stated, and expectations stated, that are not backed up by event directors really chaps my hide. This goes for mid-event changes, which is really not cool. Again- I have had the opportunity to be on both sides of "The Rules" and I have had to do some unsavory things which were made necessary by having expectations and rules set forth ahead of events. I've had to drop out of events due to rules about time cut-offs, I've had to enforce them- even when the rider was one minute late. I have had to DQ riders and I have had to adhere to rules in events which I found silly, but I did it anyway because that's how the event was run. 

So, I think I have a somewhat unique viewpoint on 'rules' and enforcement of said rules. Here's where I see a big issue with some events and some promoters- the rules are not upheld, and sometimes, not enforced. Or worse yet- the rules are relaxed or changed during an event. Guess what? That leads to big troubles. Every time.

My thoughts regarding rules are that, unless you have the stomach to enforce them, don't make them, and definitely do not change them during an event! Unless you have the resources to make sure rules are followed- don't expect a clean event. In fact- you should not be putting the event on if that is the case. Thinking along the lines that - somehow- The Spirit of Gravel will keep people on track, or that people will hold to some vague 'code of honor', well, I am not sorry, but that is horse shit. People will- and often do- take advantage of rules, cheat, and don't bat an eyelash when doing so. Again- if you cannot enforce a rule- don't bother with the event. It will just be a huge farce in the end. Same holds true if you change the rules during an event.

Solstice 100: I got lost, went off course, and so I "DQ'ed" myself since I wasn't following the rules.

Now, that all may seem kind of harsh, but when it comes to rules, you either do them or you do not. And I believe, at any rate, this is what riders want. Predictable, clear, concise boundaries within which they have agreed to participate. 

And if a race director upholds all those expectations and rules to the best of their abilities then you will see that event rise in respect and prestige amongst riders. In fact, I respect many events to the point that I self-police my efforts. I have seen people feeling similarly at events I used to put on, being so concerned as to apologize to me for not being able to continue to participate under my format. But I've had to- as I stated- put on the role of being the 'rule enforcer' and sometimes that didn't feel very good. I get it. I've been there, but if you want respect, if you want your rules to mean something- you have to be the one to enforce them when and where necessary.

It seems like this stuff should be pretty obvious, but I keep hearing about issues with rules and I have personally seen things not upheld, which were stated ahead of time, at events I've gone to ride in. Maybe someone thinks some of this stuff is 'no big deal'. Well, if that's the case, why say anything, or make a rule at all. For example-  If you say you are going to enforce a rule regarding trash, and then you don't? 

Yeah... That's just one example of what I am talking about. 

Thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions.

Thoughts On Rules For Events

NOTE: Large doses of "my opinion" will be handed out in gloppy dollops today. You've been forewarned.....

Last week I posted some of my opinions on the concept of 'self-support' in ultra-distance bike-packing and gravel events. I mentioned some things about rules, and I stated I'd have some thoughts on those at a later point. Now is that time. 

My thoughts on the subject of rules for gravel events, and ultra-distance stuff is informed from my years of doing Trans Iowa, and to a lesser extent, the C.O.G. 100. I also draw some of my conclusions from hosting the Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational and the Geezer Rides along with the weekly 3GR gravel group rides I used to put on. 

This all comes into play regarding my thoughts on 'the rules'. Of course, the entire concept of having rules in gravel, or bike-packing events comes down to one basic thing- The event operates under its own unique set of rules usually developed by the event director(s).

This happened - originally- as a reaction to the myriads of complicated rules which were part of road racing, criteriums, mountain bike events, and 24hr racing. Gravel and ultra-distance, off-road events typically had very few rules and many were left to the 'rider's honor' to uphold, or even interpret correctly. This went over pretty well at first. The so-called 'like-minded' individuals who partook of the earliest gravel and ultra-distance MTB stuff were all content to abide and live and let live. However; it didn't take long for things to start becoming more complicated and difficult, so rules sprang up to keep things from getting off the rails. 

My entry card for the first Gravel Worlds where the only rule was "Don't Be Lame"

Now, rules are a good thing. We need boundaries and we need expectations set to get along with each other at events. Especially competitive events. So, I don't have a problem with anyone's specific rules for their events when I go to participate in them. As long as those rules and expectations are clearly laid out, easily found, sent to me, or spoken to me at a pre-race meeting, I am perfectly fine with following said rules. I don't think I've ever been upset about anyone's rules before an event. But if something had ticked me off, or not been agreeable, I would have not taken the start. I think that's what you should do if the rules don't seem 'fair', or whatever. Just don't go. I mean, most events put this stuff out there before you sign up- so don't even bother with signing up, and definitely don't make a fuss about an event you are never going to participate in. While that sounds like it is obvious, trust me- it isn't. 

I have seen and have experienced people's unasked for modifications for a certain event they seem bent about, for whatever reasons. To my way of thinking, that is such a rude and unnecessary venture that it borderlines on stupidity. What a waste of everyone's energies. Just don't even bother with it. 

I will say, however; that rules stated, and expectations stated, that are not backed up by event directors really chaps my hide. This goes for mid-event changes, which is really not cool. Again- I have had the opportunity to be on both sides of "The Rules" and I have had to do some unsavory things which were made necessary by having expectations and rules set forth ahead of events. I've had to drop out of events due to rules about time cut-offs, I've had to enforce them- even when the rider was one minute late. I have had to DQ riders and I have had to adhere to rules in events which I found silly, but I did it anyway because that's how the event was run. 

So, I think I have a somewhat unique viewpoint on 'rules' and enforcement of said rules. Here's where I see a big issue with some events and some promoters- the rules are not upheld, and sometimes, not enforced. Or worse yet- the rules are relaxed or changed during an event. Guess what? That leads to big troubles. Every time.

My thoughts regarding rules are that, unless you have the stomach to enforce them, don't make them, and definitely do not change them during an event! Unless you have the resources to make sure rules are followed- don't expect a clean event. In fact- you should not be putting the event on if that is the case. Thinking along the lines that - somehow- The Spirit of Gravel will keep people on track, or that people will hold to some vague 'code of honor', well, I am not sorry, but that is horse shit. People will- and often do- take advantage of rules, cheat, and don't bat an eyelash when doing so. Again- if you cannot enforce a rule- don't bother with the event. It will just be a huge farce in the end. Same holds true if you change the rules during an event.

Solstice 100: I got lost, went off course, and so I "DQ'ed" myself since I wasn't following the rules.

Now, that all may seem kind of harsh, but when it comes to rules, you either do them or you do not. And I believe, at any rate, this is what riders want. Predictable, clear, concise boundaries within which they have agreed to participate. 

And if a race director upholds all those expectations and rules to the best of their abilities then you will see that event rise in respect and prestige amongst riders. In fact, I respect many events to the point that I self-police my efforts. I have seen people feeling similarly at events I used to put on, being so concerned as to apologize to me for not being able to continue to participate under my format. But I've had to- as I stated- put on the role of being the 'rule enforcer' and sometimes that didn't feel very good. I get it. I've been there, but if you want respect, if you want your rules to mean something- you have to be the one to enforce them when and where necessary.

It seems like this stuff should be pretty obvious, but I keep hearing about issues with rules and I have personally seen things not upheld, which were stated ahead of time, at events I've gone to ride in. Maybe someone thinks some of this stuff is 'no big deal'. Well, if that's the case, why say anything, or make a rule at all. For example-  If you say you are going to enforce a rule regarding trash, and then you don't? 

Yeah... That's just one example of what I am talking about. 

Thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions.

Trans Iowa v13: Numbers

What if a six turned out to be nine?

In the process of producing a Trans Iowa, I deal with tons of numbers. That is actually pretty ironic. If you know me well, then you'd know why. Numbers and I have had a troubled relationship over the span of my lifetime.....

Well, be that as it may, I cannot let that bring me down. So I have enlisted help where necessary and the rest I try my best with. Mileages, time cut offs, roster numbers, costs for stuff, t-shirt size numbers. Numbers, numbers, numbers! 

Then there are the number plates. These are super important. They are what enables my volunteers to keep track of your coming and going at checkpoints, so scoring can be accurate, and we have a handle on how many folks are still out on the course at any given time. It is the number you use to call in a DNF with, and it is the number, should you be lucky enough to finish, that we need to record a finish time with.

I have used, off and on over the years, these "Olympic sized" Tyvek numbers meant for track and field events. They were found in a box at the shop where I work at. Since the shop doesn't put on races, and these numbers were just sitting around, I got to using them up. Well, I've depleted the supply. I am about a 1/4 of the total roster number shy for this year. So, I purchased a 100 new ones. Just like the old ones.

Greg Gleason exhibiting proper number plate placement.

So, I'll have all the numbers I will need, but they won't do any good if you don't use them right. We have had issues in the past with folks not having their numbers displayed properly and it has caused issues with my volunteers. So, there is a "right" way to do number plates at Trans Iowa. Here is a short list of things to remember:

• Don't pin your number to your jacket in the morning. Why? Because at some point you'll get too hot, take it off, stuff it into a frame bag or hydration pack, and guess what? My volunteers do not have x-ray vision, that's what. 
• Don't modify your number plate by cutting it away, folding it, or by trying to be all aerodynamic. This will get you into a DQ pickle right quick. Just pin it on like everyone else does and you'll be fine.
• Pinning the number to a hydration pack is allowable, but do a good job. If it flies off and you don't notice, guess what? You won't get scored anymore. Call it a "nature's DQ", if you will. Take that and make decisions based on that in regards to your number placement very carefully.
• If there is room, you can pin your number on the side of a frame bag or trunk bag, as long as the number plate is not modified in any way. Again, make sure it is secure and that you will not lose it.
• Finally, the preferred placement is shown at left here with Greg Gleason's winning set up from last year. Take note.......

Finally, I want to add that while some may see this list of "numbers rules" as a bit Draconian, I am doing this to make the job for my volunteers easier. They are doing this for Trans Iowa, and for you, for nothing other than a "thank you" and for the experience. Don't make the experience a lesser one by messing up with your poor or modified number plate placement. That will not be seen as something "good". Make sense? Be cool!

Trans Iowa v13: Numbers

What if a six turned out to be nine?

In the process of producing a Trans Iowa, I deal with tons of numbers. That is actually pretty ironic. If you know me well, then you'd know why. Numbers and I have had a troubled relationship over the span of my lifetime.....

Well, be that as it may, I cannot let that bring me down. So I have enlisted help where necessary and the rest I try my best with. Mileages, time cut offs, roster numbers, costs for stuff, t-shirt size numbers. Numbers, numbers, numbers! 

Then there are the number plates. These are super important. They are what enables my volunteers to keep track of your coming and going at checkpoints, so scoring can be accurate, and we have a handle on how many folks are still out on the course at any given time. It is the number you use to call in a DNF with, and it is the number, should you be lucky enough to finish, that we need to record a finish time with.

I have used, off and on over the years, these "Olympic sized" Tyvek numbers meant for track and field events. They were found in a box at the shop where I work at. Since the shop doesn't put on races, and these numbers were just sitting around, I got to using them up. Well, I've depleted the supply. I am about a 1/4 of the total roster number shy for this year. So, I purchased a 100 new ones. Just like the old ones.

Greg Gleason exhibiting proper number plate placement.

So, I'll have all the numbers I will need, but they won't do any good if you don't use them right. We have had issues in the past with folks not having their numbers displayed properly and it has caused issues with my volunteers. So, there is a "right" way to do number plates at Trans Iowa. Here is a short list of things to remember:

• Don't pin your number to your jacket in the morning. Why? Because at some point you'll get too hot, take it off, stuff it into a frame bag or hydration pack, and guess what? My volunteers do not have x-ray vision, that's what. 
• Don't modify your number plate by cutting it away, folding it, or by trying to be all aerodynamic. This will get you into a DQ pickle right quick. Just pin it on like everyone else does and you'll be fine.
• Pinning the number to a hydration pack is allowable, but do a good job. If it flies off and you don't notice, guess what? You won't get scored anymore. Call it a "nature's DQ", if you will. Take that and make decisions based on that in regards to your number placement very carefully.
• If there is room, you can pin your number on the side of a frame bag or trunk bag, as long as the number plate is not modified in any way. Again, make sure it is secure and that you will not lose it.
• Finally, the preferred placement is shown at left here with Greg Gleason's winning set up from last year. Take note.......

Finally, I want to add that while some may see this list of "numbers rules" as a bit Draconian, I am doing this to make the job for my volunteers easier. They are doing this for Trans Iowa, and for you, for nothing other than a "thank you" and for the experience. Don't make the experience a lesser one by messing up with your poor or modified number plate placement. That will not be seen as something "good". Make sense? Be cool!

The First Rule Of Cycle Club........

From Dale Jr's Twitter Feed- Guess who shamed him for his short socks?

Cycling is a weird sport. Really, truly weird. I know this because when I fell in love with the activity of bicycling when I was but a kid, it wasn't what I found as an adult. Back then no one thought about what clothes you wore or how you put your sunglasses on when you rode. You just rode your bike and had fun. That was pretty much the only rule- fun!

Things got more fun as I got older when I picked up a friend's ten speed bicycle for a bit as he couldn't find anywhere to store it while he was in transition between homes in two different states. During that time I rode his bike along trails and roads I hadn't been on. I often would ride down to hang out at an ice cream stand in a small town, eat my confection, then I would turn around and ride back home. I never heard a negative word about how I was doing all of this. Well, that is, until I started cycling with "serious road cyclists".

Now, I could blame this on "roadies", but that would be too simple. It really isn't roadies, or any other sub-culture of cycling, it is really just endemic to how males in cycling are, for the most part. I cannot speak for the females in cycling, but I do know all about the "rules" of "Cycle Club". Boy do I.....

Those guys I first started riding with on the local training loop weren't friendly. They weren't about teaching you anything, and they figured if you couldn't hang, well then, too bad. Heaven forbid that you wore something wrong, didn't "pull through", or took a flyer when it wasn't appropriate. There was a semi-secret language and all these unspoken, untaught "rules" which made riding with these jerks no fun at all.

Lance doesn't like your socks, Dale Jr. (Image courtesy of Bike Portland)

Ya know, if I hadn't had cultivated a couple of decades worth of "fun cycling" ahead of this group ride experience, I might have just quit the whole deal then and there. I had already spent a small fortune on clothing, the "right bike", and then I got treated like an unwanted step-child by these guys, which was really discouraging. Well, I went and did my own thing for rides after that and never went on another group ride for years. In fact, I still don't do road based group rides.

Ironically, Dale Earnhardt Jr just got into road cycling. He has been pretty open about the process on his social media. He says he feels odd wearing Spandex/Lycra outfits. He says he thinks the equipment "necessary" for road riding is expensive, and he revealed that he was shamed for wearing too short socks by none other than Lance Armstrong. He detailed how his first few rides have gone- he got thrown the bird by a motorist and had a flat tire from hitting a rumble strip due to an unannounced sudden move by a seasoned cyclist he was with. That's pretty encouraging stuff right there. Yep! Makes you want to jump right in and follow along, it does.

Sounds like the rules of "Cycle Club" are still in full effect. Too bad. No wonder folks get turned off by cyclists, or from trying cycling if they get into this subset of dudes that seem to have sucked all the fun out of riding a bicycle.

The First Rule Of Cycle Club........

From Dale Jr's Twitter Feed- Guess who shamed him for his short socks?

Cycling is a weird sport. Really, truly weird. I know this because when I fell in love with the activity of bicycling when I was but a kid, it wasn't what I found as an adult. Back then no one thought about what clothes you wore or how you put your sunglasses on when you rode. You just rode your bike and had fun. That was pretty much the only rule- fun!

Things got more fun as I got older when I picked up a friend's ten speed bicycle for a bit as he couldn't find anywhere to store it while he was in transition between homes in two different states. During that time I rode his bike along trails and roads I hadn't been on. I often would ride down to hang out at an ice cream stand in a small town, eat my confection, then I would turn around and ride back home. I never heard a negative word about how I was doing all of this. Well, that is, until I started cycling with "serious road cyclists".

Now, I could blame this on "roadies", but that would be too simple. It really isn't roadies, or any other sub-culture of cycling, it is really just endemic to how males in cycling are, for the most part. I cannot speak for the females in cycling, but I do know all about the "rules" of "Cycle Club". Boy do I.....

Those guys I first started riding with on the local training loop weren't friendly. They weren't about teaching you anything, and they figured if you couldn't hang, well then, too bad. Heaven forbid that you wore something wrong, didn't "pull through", or took a flyer when it wasn't appropriate. There was a semi-secret language and all these unspoken, untaught "rules" which made riding with these jerks no fun at all.

Lance doesn't like your socks, Dale Jr. (Image courtesy of Bike Portland)

Ya know, if I hadn't had cultivated a couple of decades worth of "fun cycling" ahead of this group ride experience, I might have just quit the whole deal then and there. I had already spent a small fortune on clothing, the "right bike", and then I got treated like an unwanted step-child by these guys, which was really discouraging. Well, I went and did my own thing for rides after that and never went on another group ride for years. In fact, I still don't do road based group rides.

Ironically, Dale Earnhardt Jr just got into road cycling. He has been pretty open about the process on his social media. He says he feels odd wearing Spandex/Lycra outfits. He says he thinks the equipment "necessary" for road riding is expensive, and he revealed that he was shamed for wearing too short socks by none other than Lance Armstrong. He detailed how his first few rides have gone- he got thrown the bird by a motorist and had a flat tire from hitting a rumble strip due to an unannounced sudden move by a seasoned cyclist he was with. That's pretty encouraging stuff right there. Yep! Makes you want to jump right in and follow along, it does.

Sounds like the rules of "Cycle Club" are still in full effect. Too bad. No wonder folks get turned off by cyclists, or from trying cycling if they get into this subset of dudes that seem to have sucked all the fun out of riding a bicycle.

Trans Iowa v13: Rule #24 Explanation

It was brought to my attention yesterday that the new rule #24 is a bit confusing, perhaps, so I am going to make this as clear as I can before we get to the event.

First, we have to take a look at the rule, then I will explain why I added it, then I will give some examples of the rule to maybe help shed some light on this.

First the rule.....

24: Participants must remain within the primary boundaries of the roadway at all times. If the roadway is bordered by fences or ditches, riders must stay between them. If the roadway is in open range, stay on the roadway. Leaving the roadway or climbing over a fence is considered short cutting the course and will result in disqualification

This rule was added for a few reasons. First and foremost it was added because of an incident I witnessed at the Dirty Kanza 200's 2015 running. Otherwise known as the "Mud Year".  As many will recall, the first mud roads were reached about 10-11 miles in to the event which required dismounting, carrying your bike, and traversing difficult muddy, grassy, and uneven ditches for three miles or so. (See below) The other main reason was a confrontation with a landowner at last year's Trans Iowa. (Also- See below) Finally, I have heard it said in jest that if riders come upon a road that is nasty mud, that they would just hop the fence and run in the field if it looked easier. 

The following images help explain what I am talking about.

The March. Dirty Kanza 200, 2015. 

 I want to reference the image above to make a point. This was taken by myself at the DK200 in 2015 in the latter stages of "The March" through those sticky mud roads. Notice that beyond the fences the ground is covered with grasses. It was much easier going in the fields, but of course, you couldn't use the fields. Or could you? Apparently a few thought this idea was okay as I witnessed more than one person jumping the fence and running across the open fields. This was, of course, illegal trespassing on private land. The very next year, (2016), this was discussed in detail at the rider's meeting for the 2016 DK200 and it was explained that this would not be tolerated any further. 

The site of Checkpoint #2 for Trans Iowa v12.

 Now I want to reference the above image to show that there are no fences here. Also- there is no discernible "ditch". Last year we were approached by the land owner of the lands that this road passes through. This is a public road, as noted by the signage behind the cars. The landowner contended that we were trespassing on their land by parking on the grassy areas alongside the road. 

The situation was diffused to the satisfaction of both parties, but in the heat of the moment, technicalities of the law notwithstanding, the landowner has the right of refusal here. At least for the moment, and I would have deferred to this landowner had an agreement not been reached, and CP#2 would have been adjusted accordingly. 

That's all water under the dam, but my point is that had the road been muddy, the landowner would have forced us to make riders walk the middle of this, and if that wasn't happening, we would have had to have rerouted the course around this.  Whether that was according to the rule of law or not makes no difference to Trans Iowa. I would have deferred to the landowner. So would have you had to......

No where to go but forward....

 Here is a great example of where you have no choices. I think the point is pretty much made clear with this sort of road. You aren't going to scramble up the embankments, and the easiest way ahead on course is the road. 

Mixed bag- One side is fenceless, the other has a fence.

There can be a mixed bag- Fence on one side, no fence on the other. In this case I would avoid the field to the left and choose the right hand side ditch if I were trying to avoid mud in the roadway. 

Interpretation: So, the spirit of this rule is pretty simple- DO NOT TRESPASS ON PRIVATE LAND! And maybe that's how the rule should read, actually. However; the riders will have to negotiate a differing scenario of Level B Roads across the 300 plus mile course of Trans Iowa. By the way, Level B Roads, and perhaps in towns, are the only places I can see this ever being applied. But the bottom line is to keep off private lands, keep it between the fences, and when there are no fences, use your best judgement. I would then encourage you to stay on the roadway, but that may not be the best way to do things in the mind of a cyclist with 200 miles in their legs. 

Also, and this is very important- This has never been a problem at Trans Iowa. I just want to keep it that way. 

Make sense? If not, send me a comment and I will help you out here.
 

Trans Iowa v13: Rule #24 Explanation

It was brought to my attention yesterday that the new rule #24 is a bit confusing, perhaps, so I am going to make this as clear as I can before we get to the event.

First, we have to take a look at the rule, then I will explain why I added it, then I will give some examples of the rule to maybe help shed some light on this.

First the rule.....

24: Participants must remain within the primary boundaries of the roadway at all times. If the roadway is bordered by fences or ditches, riders must stay between them. If the roadway is in open range, stay on the roadway. Leaving the roadway or climbing over a fence is considered short cutting the course and will result in disqualification

This rule was added for a few reasons. First and foremost it was added because of an incident I witnessed at the Dirty Kanza 200's 2015 running. Otherwise known as the "Mud Year".  As many will recall, the first mud roads were reached about 10-11 miles in to the event which required dismounting, carrying your bike, and traversing difficult muddy, grassy, and uneven ditches for three miles or so. (See below) The other main reason was a confrontation with a landowner at last year's Trans Iowa. (Also- See below) Finally, I have heard it said in jest that if riders come upon a road that is nasty mud, that they would just hop the fence and run in the field if it looked easier. 

The following images help explain what I am talking about.

The March. Dirty Kanza 200, 2015. 

 I want to reference the image above to make a point. This was taken by myself at the DK200 in 2015 in the latter stages of "The March" through those sticky mud roads. Notice that beyond the fences the ground is covered with grasses. It was much easier going in the fields, but of course, you couldn't use the fields. Or could you? Apparently a few thought this idea was okay as I witnessed more than one person jumping the fence and running across the open fields. This was, of course, illegal trespassing on private land. The very next year, (2016), this was discussed in detail at the rider's meeting for the 2016 DK200 and it was explained that this would not be tolerated any further. 

The site of Checkpoint #2 for Trans Iowa v12.

 Now I want to reference the above image to show that there are no fences here. Also- there is no discernible "ditch". Last year we were approached by the land owner of the lands that this road passes through. This is a public road, as noted by the signage behind the cars. The landowner contended that we were trespassing on their land by parking on the grassy areas alongside the road. 

The situation was diffused to the satisfaction of both parties, but in the heat of the moment, technicalities of the law notwithstanding, the landowner has the right of refusal here. At least for the moment, and I would have deferred to this landowner had an agreement not been reached, and CP#2 would have been adjusted accordingly. 

That's all water under the dam, but my point is that had the road been muddy, the landowner would have forced us to make riders walk the middle of this, and if that wasn't happening, we would have had to have rerouted the course around this.  Whether that was according to the rule of law or not makes no difference to Trans Iowa. I would have deferred to the landowner. So would have you had to......

No where to go but forward....

 Here is a great example of where you have no choices. I think the point is pretty much made clear with this sort of road. You aren't going to scramble up the embankments, and the easiest way ahead on course is the road. 

Mixed bag- One side is fenceless, the other has a fence.

There can be a mixed bag- Fence on one side, no fence on the other. In this case I would avoid the field to the left and choose the right hand side ditch if I were trying to avoid mud in the roadway. 

Interpretation: So, the spirit of this rule is pretty simple- DO NOT TRESPASS ON PRIVATE LAND! And maybe that's how the rule should read, actually. However; the riders will have to negotiate a differing scenario of Level B Roads across the 300 plus mile course of Trans Iowa. By the way, Level B Roads, and perhaps in towns, are the only places I can see this ever being applied. But the bottom line is to keep off private lands, keep it between the fences, and when there are no fences, use your best judgement. I would then encourage you to stay on the roadway, but that may not be the best way to do things in the mind of a cyclist with 200 miles in their legs. 

Also, and this is very important- This has never been a problem at Trans Iowa. I just want to keep it that way. 

Make sense? If not, send me a comment and I will help you out here.