WE STRONGLY ADVISED YOU READ THESE FACTS, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO UNDERSTAND THE FOLLOWING PRIOR TO THE EVENT ~ What is the Death March? The Death March is a bicycle race for teams of two to be the first to reach designated cemeteries in and around the Hoosier National Forest. The ride begins and ends at Maumee Scout Reservation Norman IN. Teams will be required to reach five mandatory check-points, three of which are known in advance, published by March 1.  The other two mandatory locations will be drawn from the list of optional check-points and announced at the Start/Finish line. Two more check-points will also be drawn as "Dead Cemeteries" - having zero value for the day. Teams can use any route and can visit check-points in any order.  Teams will be able to earn bonus time by visiting additional check-points along the way.  Click here for the Death March Google Map.    ~ What does my entry fee get me? Death March participants get access two stationary sag supports with food, water and some mechanical assistance, a hot meal after the ride, hot showers, one-day Hoosier National Forest pass for each team member and more! Must register by March 1st to ensure shirt. NOTE: THERE IS A $20 PICK-UP FEE FOR ANY TEAM REQUESTING A RIDE BACK TO THE START/FINISH FOR REASONS OTHER THAN MEDICAL EMERGENCY OR MECHANICAL FAILURE. ​  ~ Where does the race begin/end? Maumee Scout Reservation Norman IN ​ ~ What will the start be like? Teams will have a mass start for the Death March and will line up for a mandatory rider meeting that begins promptly at 9:15 a.m.  The clock will begin at 9:30 a.m., shortly after the announcement of the two additional mandatory check-points. Don't be surprised to find teams immediately splitting into several different directions at the start! ​ ~ What is the course like? Teams should expect to encounter a combination of gravel road, rugged back-country mountain bike trail, unmaintained county roads and some pavement interspersed. Trail riding can often be avoided or minimized by using a longer route choice. Typically the minimum distance needed to reach the required checkpoints is 40-50 miles. However, this depends heavily on which two are drawn on race morning! To reach all the checkpoints, an estimated 60-80 miles of riding is needed. LITE teams should expect 20-30 miles to be an official finisher. ​~ What type of bike can be used? Riders have the option of using any bike they choose. Most use gravel, cyclocross, or mountain bikes. The entire ride must be done on the same bike. ~Death March Lite E-bike division (NEW FOR 2024): -Class 1 ebike only. (no throttle; assist shuts off at 20mph) -division is just for fun, meaning no awards for ebikes. -E-bikes are not permitted on Hoosier National Forest Trails. This includes Nebo Ridge Trail, and any numbered multi-use trail. Combs Road is allowable. -Callahan will be a "dead" cemetery to e-bike division because it can only be accessed by trails. ​ ~ Who can be on a team? Teams consist of two riders. Riders can be of any age or gender. No individuals. Teams must start and finish together in order for results to be included in overall placings. For the LITE Parent/Youth Division, the youth must be 15 years of age or younger and must be accompanied by an adult at all times. ~ Can teams ride together? Absolutely.  We don't care if you ride with a group or ride on your own.  Just stick with your teammate and make sure you reach the check points together. ~ Will there be SAG support?  What should I carry with me? A stationary sag will be available at two mandatory checkpoints (TBA); however, each rider should be well prepared to deal with the physical and mechanical problems that may arise.  Participants should plan to carry with them any/all items they may need for the day.  Each rider is STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to always have the following items available to them:   * Course maps   * At least 70 ounces of water   * Hand pump or at least two C02 cartridges and an inflation device   * Tire levers   * Patch kit (glueless patch kits are easier to use in the woods)   * Chain tool (and the knowledge to use it)   * Full set of metric Allen wrenches (1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm)   * Standard and Phillips screwdrivers   * Torx T25 wrench if you have disc brake rotors   * Compass (and the knowledge to use it)   * Rag   * Chain lube * Spare chain links * Spare derailleur hanger for your make and model of bike   * Food or energy supplements   * Small first aid kit   * Emergency light source (LED lamps are tiny, lightweight and long lasting)   * Identification (driver's license, state ID, etc.) Other items that are darn good to have:   * Pocket knife of "Leatherman" tool   * Duct Tape (carefully wrap 2-3 feet around an ink pen or Allen wrench)   * Several strong nylon zip ties   * SRAM power links for quicker chain fixes   * An old spoke cut in half and bent on each end to hold your chain together while fixing it   * A safety whistle to blow if you get in trouble.  Cell reception is iffy at best.  A safety whistle is your best backup in case of emergency.     ~ When will winners be announced? Winning teams will be announced 30 minutes after the top three team in all categories have returned to the start/finish area. Results will be posted on event website within 24 hours. Prizes will be awarded to top three finishing Men's, Women's, Co-ed and Parent/Youth teams. A free entry to the 2024 event will be awarded to the first place team in all five full-length divisions. ~ Where can I get a map of the area? Teams are responsible for providing their own maps and/or GPS.  A National Geographic map of the Hoosier National Forest (map # 770) can be purchased on-line.   If you have a question that is not answered in the FAQ's, send an email to Info@dinoseries.com.      This is a rain or shine event. Helmets are required. Please see our FAQ page for Refund and Transfer information.