RULES
Let’s be honest: nobody loves rules. Bikepacking is built on freedom, exploration, and trust. But freedom only works when it’s shared — and fair play is what keeps this race real.
We believe every rider who lines up at the Trans Balkan Race comes with the same mindset: to give their best, to ride with honesty, and to experience the wild beauty of the Balkans. Still, good fences make good neighbors. That’s why we set down eight golden rules — simple, clear, and non-negotiable.
The rulebook is short, but its application is strict. It’s what keeps the race fair, the challenge true, and the stories worth telling.
01. NO SHORTCUTS
Ride the full route provided by the TBR organization by bike and validate your Brevet Card at all checkpoints (within cut-offs). If you leave the route for resupply, mechanicals, or rest, rejoin at the exact same point. If forced off by roadworks or closures, rejoin as close as possible. No exceptions.
02. SELF-SUFFIENCY
Complete the race in total self-sufficiency. All food, water, equipment, and spares must be carried from the start or purchased in public shops. No third-party support is allowed: solo riders cannot receive assistance from other riders (or external help), and pairs may only support their own partner. Drafting is not permitted, except within a pair.
Given the nature of the Balkans, if locals spontaneously offer food, water, or a place to sleep, this is part of the spirit of the race and is allowed. However, actively seeking such help counts as support and breaks the rule.
03. RACE CATEGORY
Start and finish in the same category — solo or pair. Pairs act as one. Riding together with other riders is limited to 10% of the route.
04. eQUIPMENT
Each rider must carry the mandatory equipment for the entire race. This includes a helmet, front and rear lights, a first aid kit, a survival blanket, and an insulating jacket (down or synthetic). Even in June, temperatures in the Balkans can drop very low, and being properly equipped is essential for safety.
05. EVIDENCE
Riders must maintain evidence of their ride. The race director may request the GPX track in case of disputes or missing tracker points. Failure to provide the ridden GPX file upon request will result in exclusion from the race classification and the finishers list.
06. TRAFFIC LAWS
Riders must observe local traffic and general laws at all times. Roads remain open to vehicles during the race, and many off-road sections are commonly used by 4WDs. Always ride safe, keep to the right side of the road — even on unpaved tracks — and avoid unnecessary risks.
07. LEAVE NO TRACE
Respect the land. Dispose of waste properly, keep campsites minimal, respect wildlife, and leave nothing behind.
08. RACE DIRECTION
No rulebook can cover every possible situation on a 1400 km journey across the Balkans. Unexpected circumstances will happen — from weather events to accidents, road closures, or rider disputes. In all such cases, the Race Director will assess the situation and make a decision. These decisions are final and binding. The aim is always to protect rider safety, ensure fairness, and preserve the spirit of the race.
RULES
Let’s be honest: nobody loves rules. Bikepacking is built on freedom, exploration, and trust. But freedom only works when it’s shared — and fair play is what keeps this race real.
We believe every rider who lines up at the Trans Balkan Race comes with the same mindset: to give their best, to ride with honesty, and to experience the wild beauty of the Balkans. Still, good fences make good neighbors. That’s why we set down eight golden rules — simple, clear, and non-negotiable.
The rulebook is short, but its application is strict. It’s what keeps the race fair, the challenge true, and the stories worth telling.
01. NO SHORTCUTS
Ride the full route provided by the TBR organization by bike and validate your Brevet Card at all checkpoints (within cut-offs). If you leave the route for resupply, mechanicals, or rest, rejoin at the exact same point. If forced off by roadworks or closures, rejoin as close as possible. No exceptions.
02. SELF-SUFFIENCY
Complete the race in total self-sufficiency. All food, water, equipment, and spares must be carried from the start or purchased in public shops. No third-party support is allowed: solo riders cannot receive assistance from other riders (or external help), and pairs may only support their own partner. Drafting is not permitted, except within a pair.
Given the nature of the Balkans, if locals spontaneously offer food, water, or a place to sleep, this is part of the spirit of the race and is allowed. However, actively seeking such help counts as support and breaks the rule.
03. RACE CATEGORY
Start and finish in the same category — solo or pair. Pairs act as one. Riding together with other riders is limited to 10% of the route..
04. eQUIPMENT
Each rider must carry the mandatory equipment for the entire race. This includes a helmet, front and rear lights, a first aid kit, a survival blanket, and an insulating jacket (down or synthetic). Even in June, temperatures in the Balkans can drop very low, and being properly equipped is essential for safety.
05. EVIDENCE
Riders must maintain evidence of their ride. The race director may request the GPX track in case of disputes or missing tracker points. Failure to provide the ridden GPX file upon request will result in exclusion from the race classification and the finishers list.
06. TRAFFIC LAWS
Riders must observe local traffic and general laws at all times. Roads remain open to vehicles during the race, and many off-road sections are commonly used by 4WDs. Always ride safe, keep to the right side of the road — even on unpaved tracks — and avoid unnecessary risks.
07. LEAVE NO TRACE
Respect the land. Dispose of waste properly, keep campsites minimal, respect wildlife, and leave nothing behind.
08. RACE DIRECTION
No rulebook can cover every possible situation on a 1400 km journey across the Balkans. Unexpected circumstances will happen — from weather events to accidents, road closures, or rider disputes. In all such cases, the Race Director will assess the situation and make a decision. These decisions are final and binding. The aim is always to protect rider safety, ensure fairness, and preserve the spirit of the race.
