Bicycle Across Missouri

BAM 2000

presented by

Hostelling International - Gateway Council (HI-GC)

Join HI-GC for the ultimate ultra-marathon. BAM is a scenic tour across Missouri for the long-distance cyclist. Rated in Bicycling Magazine as "one of the 10 toughest weekend bicycle rides in the U.S.", you, the rider, will encounter knee-busting knobs, breath-taking valleys, historic towns and scores of enthusiastic well-wishers to cheer you on. Started as a training event between quadrennial Paris-Brest-Paris events in 1980, BAM has evolved into its own unique event challenging riders from 16 to 68. If you are a fit, highly motivated cyclist, we invite you to accept the BAM challenge this Labor Day weekend.

•BAM Full Tour (575 miles in 63 hours or less) Designed for the experienced ultra-marathon cyclist, the Full Tour is a double crossing of Missouri, beginning and ending in Chesterfield (suburb of St. Louis). Riders will travel continuously rolling back roads of Missouri to Grain Valley (suburb of Kansas City). There are several sections of extremely steep hills along parts of the route.

•BAM Half Tour (287 miles in 32 hours or less) Perfect for the very fit, self-sufficient rider, the Half Tour is a good introduction to ultra-marathon touring. The Half Tour uses the same route and facilities as the Full Tour, starting in Chesterfield and finishing in Grain Valley. Half Tour riders need to arrange their own transportation back to St. Louis.

•Team BAM (Full and Half Tour available). The BAM relay will allow as many as four team members to take the BAM challenge. All rules apply to the team except that only one number will be assigned to a team and only the individual cyclist wearing the number will count toward the official time. Relay teams must provide their own PSV. There is an additional cost for the jersey.

•RAAM Qualifier BAM 2000 will also be a Race Across AMerica (RAAM) qualifier. For RAAM consideration, you must be a current member of the UltraMarathon Cycling Association (UMCA) and declare your status as a RAAM qualifying rider prior to the close of registration Friday, September 1. RAAM qualifiers will have a separate start. They are required to provide their own PSV and all RAAM rules apply. No drafting allowed.

•BAM "Lite" Century (Labor Day) For those with limited time, the BAM Century covers the 100 miles of the most challenging hills of BAM. Starting at the DoubleTree Hotel, riders traverse the steep hills and scenic countryside from Chesterfield to Union on the eastern part of the BAM route. Registration includes a marked route, lunch, sag support, heat and humidity.

In addition to a tremendous sense of accomplishment and pride in a job well done, each rider or team will receive BAM souvenirs at the start of the ride, a finisher’s pin upon official completion, and results mailed at the end of the ride. Meet other riders at the Carbo Loading Riders’ Banquet Friday evening at the DoubleTree Hotel for just $20.00.

Proceeds from Bicycle Across Missouri (BAM) support the ongoing programs of Hostelling International - Gateway Council (HI-GC), presenters of the ride. HI-GC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing the understanding and friendship among people from diverse backgrounds through educational travel and outdoor recreational opportunities. The Gateway Councils presents over 300 bicycling, hiking, canoeing and travel education activities year-round each year. HI-GC also seeks to develop hostels; which are low-cost, dormitory-style accommodations in its jurisdiction to help meet the mission of the local, national and international organization.

•Rules & Regulations - Upon receipt of your registration, a complete list of rules and regulations will be sent with your registration confirmation. HI-GC will send you information on what to bring, rider tips, rules, lighting requirements, a schedule of events and an overview of the course. The following points should be noted.

--Riders under age 18 must be accompanied a parent or legal guardian (either riding or on a support crew) and must provide their own PSV.

--All riders must wear helmets which meet or exceed ANSI 90.4 or Snell standards.

--Bicycles ridden between 7:30p.m. and 6:30a.m. must be equipped with headlights, tail lights, reflectors on pedals and wheels.

--All bicycles must pass inspection prior to the event and show spare batteries, 1 spare bulb and helmet.

• Meals - Thirteen checkpoints spaced 35 to 60 miles apart provide a variety of sandwiches, snacks, fruit and drinks to riders and crews who have bought meal tickets. Hot meals will be available at two checkpoints. Hot drinks, soup and oatmeal will be provided at night at all checkpoints.

• Checkpoint Facilities - Each checkpoint will provide toilet facilities. Most checkpoints provide gymnasium-style, sleeping accommodations. Some checkpoints have showers. More details will be in the information packet.

• Volunteer Support - friendly, supportive HI-GC volunteers will be ready to assist riders at registration, at checkpoints, on the road, and at the finish line.

• Baggage shuttle - A van will provide limited baggage transport to checkpoints, allowing riders to travel as lightly as possible.

• Map Booklet - Riders are provided with a detailed map booklet pointing out many services along the route. The route will be marked with arrows.

• Neutral support - Riders should plan on a self-sufficient ride, though neutral support vehicles will be available to assist you.

• Personal Support Vehicles - The use of personal support vehicles (PSVs) is encouraged. PSVs add an extra measure of safety, especially at night. PSVs will also be inspected before the ride and should have the magnetic, reflective "Caution Bicycles Ahead" signs mounted on the rear of the vehicle. These signs can be purchased at HI-GC and must be ordered by July 15.

• Travel/Lodging - all arrangements are being made by Des Peres Travel for the period of Thursday, Aug. 31 through Monday Sept. 4. Room rate is $84/night single or double occupancy. The Doubletree Hotel and Conference Center is the site where all ride activities are scheduled. Contact Des Peres Travel before August 10 to reserve your room at 314-821-7717 or 800-264-7717.

• Registration - Applications must be postmarked by July 15, 2000 to reserve a jersey in your size. Registrations and balances due must be postmarked by August 15 to avoid the late fee of $30.00. We encourage you to register early to avoid the late fee and help HI-GC plan a great BAM for you!

After August 15, registrations with late fees will be accepted by phone or in person at the Gateway Council Office or accepted on Friday, September 1 between 1and 5pm at the Doubletree Hotel registration and check-in area.

• For more information. Questions about registration status should be addressed to:

Hostelling International- Gateway Council (HI-GC)

5:30p.m. - Registration closes.

6:00p.m. - Mandatory Riders/PSV meeting. All riders and support crew are expected to attend.

7:00p.m. - Carbo-loading Banquet.

7:00-8:00p.m. - Late check-in.

• Saturday, September 2

5:45-6:15a.m. - Rider sign-in. All riders are required to sign in.

6:15a.m. - Pre-ride announcements.

6:30a.m. - Ride start for Full and Half-Tour riders.

8:30a.m. - Ride start for RAAM qualifiers & Team BAM

• Sunday, September 3

2:30p.m. - Half-Tour ends. Grain Valley closes at 3pm.

• Monday, September 4

7:00a.m. - BAM Century start

7:00p.m. - BAM Century ends

9:30p.m. - Full Tour ends. Doubletree checkpoint closes.