The Black Bear Triathlon will be sanctioned by USA Triathlon. All USAT rules will be in effect during the event. These rules will be reviewed at the pre-race meeting described below. This is a non-drafting race. Please direct any rules questions and/or protests to the USAT officials on site. Protests of penalties must be filed with the USAT Head Official within 60 minutes after the protesting individual finishes the race. See their web site for additional info at www.usatriathlon.org.

Race Numbers
1. Registration official will mark your body with race number at check-in Saturday or Sunday morning. A number for your bike will be provided in the race packet and must be used and affixed prior to arrival.

2. Runner's number are also in race packet and must be worn in FRONT of the body.

Dropping Out
If you drop out of the race, it is IMPERATIVE that you notify a race official and return your timing chip at the information booth.

1. Swim waves will go 4 minutes apart.

2. Each swimmer must wear official cap as provided in race packet-no exceptions or substitutions.

3. Wet suits will be permitted according to USAT regulations.

4. The course will be patrolled by safety personnel in boats and/or kayaks.

5. Swimmers may hang on to a bouy, boat or a pontoon to rest without disqualification so long as they are not pushed or propelled in any way by.

6. You must complete the sprint swim course  in :40 minutes from the start of your wave. You must complete the Oympic swim course in 1:20 minutes from the start of your wave. 

1. Each competitor is responsible for having his/ her bike in proper working condition. Bike support will offer a complimentary safety check on bikes on Saturday at time of packet pickup. This is a quick inspection of the bike and is not meant as a guarantee that the bike is in proper working condition. Bike support will inspect for bar end plugs. You MUST have bar end plugs to compete. We will have an inventory of bar end plugs but can not guarantee we will be able to provide them to everyone in need of them.

2. All cyclists are responsible at all times for their own safety and for compliance with traffic laws on the cycling course and are solely responsible for the consequences of any infraction.

3. Cyclists are expected to heed directions and instructions of race officials.

4. ALWAYS ride on the right side of the road. Crossing the center line is not allowed. Take care making corners at high speed. They will be swept, but use caution just in case.

5. HELMETS are required during the bike race. They must be on your head with chin strap fastened securely any time you are on your bike before, during and after the race. This is a USAT ruling and violation is grounds for disqualification.

6. No individual support vehicles or assistance by anyone is allowed.

7. NO DRAFTING OFF ANOTHER BICYCLE or motor vehicle is allowed. Drafting is defined as the maintenance of a static position to the rear (within three bike lengths) or to the side (within 6 feet) of another cyclist or vehicle.

8. Exemptions to the drafting rule are: (a) when passing a cyclist if done within 15 seconds, (b) when the cyclist is required to reduce speed for safety reasons (e.g. weather, traffic control) or to receive aid, and (c) on curves or turns of 90 degrees or more.

9. Bike Course will close at 11:30 AM.

1. Runners must wear official race number on the course at all times. Numbers must be placed in FRONT of the body. Runners must make sure their official printed race numbers are visible to timing volunteers at the finish line.

2. No support or escort runners are allowed. This is an individual event. Receiving help results in disqualification.

3. There will be water stations along the course at about one mile intervals which will be stocked with water and HEED.
There will be HAMMER Gel and Cooling Rags available on the course as well.

4. Run Course will close at 1:00 PM.