Thank you Ira and Ken for your thoughts too.
Ira, all of the checkpoints would, normally be reachable, it's only the in case of freak weather (like we had 2 weeks ago - closing roads) when you wouldn't be able to get to them.
I have been working with Howard, and to a lesser degree directly with Mike on the design of this for just coming up to two months already.
- I was largely told that there was 'no-ride' until I, or someone else, had gone out and done it. - The proof ride, as is it... So last week I headed out and did it... 3,367km in 44.5 hours.
https://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=2558f5ff25ee73c4d8&hoursPast=0&showAll=yes
I have the first draft of all of the rules sorted, and they went past Howard yesterday who was largely in agreement with the content, but had pulled out the one point which I had on mandatory checkpoints. Initially I had taken quite a hard-lined approach saying that all checkpoints must be collected, and that researching access to them before leaving on the ride was the responsibility of the rider. I had also included a note to discuss any potential access issues with the verifier before leaving... - I think it was this point which created the issue, inviting a conversation about how we might chose to apply discretion before their ride.
I want to make this attractive, accessible and fair to all who might do it. Given the contributions in this thread, here's what I've currently got drafted on this specific point:
- You must visit each of the numbered checkpoints, and obtain a photograph of your bike at each point.
- There are some standard IBA approaches taken when you cannot reach a required checkpoint which include:
- Getting as close to the checkpoint as possible, and documenting (with evidence) why you could not reach the checkpoint (e.g. a photo of your bike next to the Road Closed sign).
- Checking for other means of accessing the checkpoint (using an alternative route or detour) and exhausting all reasonable options – documenting each.
- If you are exhaustively forced to miss a checkpoint, and if missing that would reduce your ride’s overall distance below 3,000km, then you must make up that lost distance by adding your own additional detour into the route at some point within the permitted timeframe.
- Include your documentation within your ride submission.
I think that is reasonably balanced now, and ready to be re-presented back to Howard for his further review.
I should have also said that the certificate is based largely on a SS3000K ride, 3000+km in 48-hrs.
Thanks again everyone!