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GRAVEL 'SOTA

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A MN cycling series

Rules

Gravel ‘Sota Cyclist Rules & Expectations

Gravel ‘Sota exists to celebrate Minnesota gravel, local events, and the cycling community. This set of guidelines apply to all cyclists participating in Gravel ‘Sota series events in addition to any rules already established by each individual event.

1. Participation & Eligibility

  1. Cyclists living in MN and following border neighbors are eligible to participate in Gravel ‘Sota: U.S. States – MI, WI, IA, SD, ND and Canadian Provinces – MB (Manitoba) and ON (Ontario).
  2. Gravel ‘Sota is open to all cyclists who meet residency requirements regardless of age, experience, or ability.
  3. Riders must be properly registered for each individual series event they choose to participate in.
  4. There is no separate Gravel ‘Sota series entry fee; event registrations are handled by each event organizer.
  5. Cyclists must register for Gravel ‘Sota before the deadline of 12:00pm noon on June 1st, 2026.

2. Required Conduct

  1. Ride with respect for fellow cyclists, volunteers, organizers, landowners, and local communities.
  2. Unsportsmanlike conduct, harassment, or aggressive behavior may result in disqualification from the series.
  3. Follow all event-specific rules, instructions, and safety guidance.

3. Safety & Responsibility

  1. Cyclists ride at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety.
  2. Cyclists are expected to follow the safety protocols and guidelines for each individual Gravel ‘Sota event.
  3. Riders must obey all traffic laws, stop signs, and course markings.

4. Points & Categories

  1. Gravel ‘Sota points, recognition, or standings are calculated using the following points structure: 1 mile completed = 1 point.
  2. Gravel ‘Sota points categories
    • Classic = 1-74 miles
    • Endurance = 75-149 miles
    • Ultra = 150-250 miles. 
  3. Points will be awarded according to posted distance for each individual event registration distance. For example, if a cyclist rides a 52.6 mile route for a 50 mile event, they will receive 50 points. If a cyclist rides 49.2 mile route for a 50 mile event, they will receive 50 pts.
  4. Cyclists must finish the entire route distance they are registered for in order to receive series points for the event.
  5. Cyclists can earn points in multiple categories throughout the series season.
  6. Age groups will be defined by your age as of December 31st of the current series year.
  7. Gravel ‘Sota will incorporate three age group categories within each distance category:
    • Open (44 & Under)
    • 45+
    • 55+
  8. Points tie-breakers will be determined by:
    1. FIRST – Overall points each cyclist earns across all distance categories combined.
    2. SECOND – Distance points. Each mile from our Gravel ‘Sota Center = one point. Here’s how far each event in 2026 sits from our center of gravity city of Golden Valley, MN:

5. Results

  1. Timing, results, and categories are based on event-provided results.
  2. Gravel ‘Sota reserves the right to verify results for fairness and consistency.
  3. All updated series standings will be posted HERE.

6. Course & Ride Integrity

  1. Cyclists must follow the official course provided by each event.
  2. Leaving the course and re-entering to gain advantage is prohibited. Getting lost happens, cutting the course shouldn’t.
  3. Riders may stop, rest, repair, or seek food as needed within each event-specific set of guidelines.

7. Outside Assistance

  1. Assistance from fellow riders is encouraged.
  2. Outside support (non-participants) is allowed only if permitted by the event organizer.
  3. Any event-specific restrictions on support must be followed.

8. Equipment

  1. In the spirit of equality for individual efforts exerted, tandem entries are not allowed.
  2. This series will allow E-bikes. This includes class 1 or class 3 e-bikes only (no throttles allowed). E-bike participants will be listed in a separate category. There will not be prizes for the e-bike category.
  3. Riders are responsible for ensuring their equipment complies with individual event rules.

9. Environmental Stewardship

  1. Leave no trace: pack out what you pack in.
  2. Stay on designated roads and routes.
  3. Respect private property, farmland, and sensitive areas.

10. Media & Storytelling

  1. By participating, cyclists acknowledge that photos, video, and stories may be captured and shared for Gravel ‘Sota and individual event promotion.
  2. Riders are encouraged to share their experiences and support fellow events and cyclists.

11. Spirit of Gravel

  1. Gravel ‘Sota is about community, adventure, and showing up.
  2. Self-support, kindness, grit, and community matter more than finishing position.

12. Rule Changes & Final Say

  1. Gravel ‘Sota may update these rules as the series evolves.
  2. The Gravel ‘Sota organizers retain final authority on rule interpretation and enforcement.