What is a Rally?
A rally is a scavenger hunt, so NOT a race. You have to go to places that are described in a rally book. These places are called bonus points. To prove that you have visited this place, your GPS position from your tracker is automatically recorded or you have to take a picture of it you that you have to send by e-mail. You will then receive points for this. Each BP location has a different point value. The objective is to maximize the points you collect.
Who can participate on the rally?
The rally is designed for motorcyclists. If you have a valid driving license and a motorcycle declared as a motorcycle in the official papers, you are welcome. Trucks, cars, trikes and quads cannot participate.
Which kind of roads can I expect?
Since you plan your route yourself, you decide which roads you ride on. You can expect all kind of roads, after all you are in the Alpine region. Riding on small and winding roads should not be a problem for you. A few bonus point locations can only be reached on gravel roads; this is clearly indicated in the rally book. Again, you decide if you want to ride them.
What do I need for the rally?
To participate you need…
– a motorcycle and a valid license and insurance
– a GPS navigation device (sat nav): you will receive a GPX file with the coordinates of all bonus points. You must be able to transfer these into the device
– to use the GPS tracker provided by the rally team
Who organizes the rally?
This Rally is organized by the Iron Butt Association Benelux, represented by its president Michiel Buitenwerf.
The rally concept and layout is designed by the rally master Robert Koeber who had also designed the Alpenbutt Rally 2017.
What can I win?
There are no cash prizes. Participants will receive a certificate and a patch.
What is a Flag?
A piece of cloth with the rally symbol and the personal start number. The flag is provided by the Rally Master. The flag must be recognizable and readable on all photos.
What is a Bonus Point?
Anything that earns you points is called a bonus point. There are different types of bonus points:
– Geographical points: marked by GPX coordinates
– Tasks: indicated by an action (e.g. taking a break, buying an item)
– Combinations: a combination of at least two bonus points for which extra points are given.
Combos
A combo is a set of two or more Bonus Points. Combos are “points boosters”. The locations can be visited in any order. The important thing is that they are documented according to the rules. Check the Rally Book for the combo list and the specials.
What kind of tools do I need?
– A tool to import GPX coordinates and plan routes – e.g. Basecamp.
– A GPS Unit or something that can be used to navigate and can read and show the planned routes.
– The possibility to take photos (if necessary, also in the dark).
– The possibility to send the photos immediately per eMail.
– A mobile phone that also works in the rally area..
Can I ride together with friends?
Yes, of course. If you want to form a team with others, you have to announce it at the registration. You have to ride the whole rally together, but have to collect and document your points individually.
Can I ride with a pillion?
Of course and with pleasure. If riding two up, the pillion must be visible in every photo.
Pillion riders pay an extra fee and also receive a certificate and patch.
What does DNF mean?
DNF stands for “Did Not Finish.” A rider is always DNF if he arrives at the finish line after the specified end of the rally.
In addition, a rider can also be DNF if he does not meet certain rally-specific requirements. These requirements are defined in the rally book.
Riders with DNF status do not receive a certificate.
Do I have to ride 24 hours a day?
Absolutely not ! Safety is paramount. If you are tired, take a break immediately !
Rest breaks are mandatory and must be properly documented, otherwise you are DNF.
Does the rally fee include insurance?
No. Any liability of the organizers is excluded. You are solely and exclusively responsible for the risks and their mitigation. It is your duty to take care of the necessary insurances.
Do I have to pay extra fees during the rally?
Depending on bonus points and route planning, entrance fees, ferries, cable cars, toll routes or other things may have to be paid by the rider. A small amount of BP’s are only accessible by toll roads.
There are also costs for accommodation, fuel, food and other personal needs.
What is a Rider Meeting?
The Rider Meeting is held in the evening before the rally. There, all relevant information is distributed (such as the bonus points and rally books), questions can be asked, and the Rally Master may give valuable advice. Attendance is mandatory – and useful!
How many bonus points are there?
More than 300 – more than anybody can visit during the rally.
How many bonus points do I need to visit?
Information about minimum requirements is given in the Rally Book. Note that the number of BPs is not important – their points value is much more relevant.
Are there any general rules?
The rules given under the page ‘Rally Rules’ of this website. They can be expanded or changed at the riders meeting or in the rally book if needed.
Do I have to ride with excessive speed?
No!!! You must ride efficiently and do everything as efficiently as possible, especially when refueling and take pictures at bonus locations. The objective is not to waste any time.
You can lose far more points through poor planning and inefficient execution than you can gain by riding fast.
What is a Rally Master?
The Rally Master has created and implemented the rally concept. He is responsible for the correctness of the bonus points and for all rules. He is also the final authority in case of questions of interpretation regarding the rules.
What happens if I drop out during the rally?
We hope that this will not happen. But if it does – you are DNF. You will not get any money back.
Can you book a hotel for me?
No, we only create the framework for a good event. We are not responsible for your accommodation. However, we will arrange a room allotment in the rally hotel at the start and finish, you can reserve your for the time you want, but everyone is free to book an accommodation of their choice.
What is Scoring?
After the end of a rally, you will be presented the outcome of your collected points. In your individual scoring session, you can ask why you were not awarded certain points, should this be the case. No corrections are possible after the scoring has started. Your final points value is fixed at the end of the scoring.
All about money
I’m already registered, but I can’t participate after all. Too bad … but shit happens. Before a certain date (to be announced) you will get your money back, after that we cannot refund any payment.
What are the payment modalities ?
With your registration you pay € 100. This is to secure your place, places are limited. Before a certain date (to be announced) you have to pay the rest.
Can I get a discount because….?
No, there is absolutely no discount possible.
Is it possible to change the motorcycle during the rally?
Yes, once and only if there is no chance to get the bike roadworthy again. If you have to do this, it will cost you 50 % of your final points.
Which countries are in?
The list of countries where you can collect Bonus Points will be Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Monaco and France.
If you have questions to the rally master, you can ask them here:
