Is the Hoodoo 500 a RAAM Qualifier?

Yes!

Do I need to bring a support crew?

Hoodoo 500 non-stop riders must have at least 2 crew (and we recommend 3 or more if you expect to take more than 40 hours to finish).
Hoodoo 500 2-person may self-crew; but we think it’s better to bring along at least one other person.
Hoodoo 500 4-person teams may self crew.
Hoodoo 300 and 500 mile Stage riders must have at least 1 crew person; but riders may share crew (rules apply)
Voyagers and Nomads are not allowed to have crew.

 
What qualifications are necessary to race the Voyager Division?
 
You must submit a written resume, via email or snail mail. At the minimum, we expect to see a brevet series of 200, 300 400 and 600k within the past two years. A recent 1200k would pretty much guarantee a spot.
 
Finishing a 500-mile race with support would be a useful experience. 24-hour races are good. Double century riding alone will probably not be enough.
 
The Hoodoo 500 is a super tough event through fairly remote areas. You absolutely must be willing to put a rack and bag on your bike, as well as carry a camelbak. You absolutely must be willing to carry everything you could possibly need to make it through a long, dark and cold night (and most likely the better part of the second night).
 

Your resume should include details about how you plan to get through the event – what you’ll bring, you general strategy, etc. What we’re looking for is a rider with significant experience in distance, self-supported riding, and who is willing and able to take very seriously the planning for this challenge.

What Does a Voyager do if he/she Quits Racing?

As stated in the Official Rules, other than the drop bag service and water at the manned checkpoints, we provide no other support for Voyagers. While a Voyager may get lucky and find a ride with a support crew or an official, he/she must not plan for that. Please note: No supported rider or official is obligated or expected to provide transportation to a Voyager. This is but one of the reasons why potential Voyager racers must submit a resume evidencing their exceptional skills, training and good judgment, and willingness to be fully self-supporting.

If a Voyager needs/wants to quit, they should call Event HQ to obtain directions for the shortest way back to St. George from their current location. The only place on the route a car could be rented is Cedar City, over four hundred miles into the ride. Voyagers must carry a credit card and expect to get a hotel room if needed to rest so that they may either ride back to St. George the following day, or arrange for other transportation. 

May a Voyager pre-drive the course and leave drop bags for themselves?

Absolutely not. Such action would result in an automatic DQ. Pre-driving the course and leaving bags would violate the spirit and intentions of the Voyager Division. The whole point is to participate as a completely self-sufficient rider, fending for yourself along the way, carrying much of what you need, and really testing yourself against the elements, the road, and all the circumstances that arise during this long and challenging event. It’s meant to be brevet-style, but even tougher, as the Time Stations do not provide meals or accommodations. This is another reason why a detailed resume is required for entry; and why we’re very serious about who is invited and who is not.

How can I find teammates?

Post a message on our Facebook page. Be sure and include your contact information. There are also lots of forums on the internet for cycling, and facebook, and many other internet resources.

Are there awards/prizes?

In the 500 non-stop, 500 stage solo and voyager divisions, a beautiful plaque is given to the top male and female finishers.

In each solo category other than overall (age/gender), there must be at least five riders in that category for there to be a winner and an award for the “win.”

In the team divisions, the top 2-person and 4-person teams receive trophies. If there are more than 5 teams in any particular category (ie 2-mixed, 2-women, 2-man 50+), that category winner will receive trophies.

If the overall winner in any division is also the 50+ winner, that winner is the overall winner and there will be no 50+ winner. Same holds true for records. If a 50+ time is faster than the previous overall time, the 50+ time becomes both the overall and 50+ record.

If the overall winner in the solo division is a Voyager or Nomad, that winner is the overall winner and there will be no solo winner.

Does the Hoodoo 500 count towards the Planet Ultra Grand Slam?

Yes.