Insane Tour 2024

November 30, 2024

Categories

Registration Ends

History

The Insane Tour began in 2003, originally using mountain bikes. This decision was influenced by the event’s organizer, the Alliance of Mountain Trekkers and Adventurers (AMTA), a non-profit cycling organization based in Minglanilla, Cebu. The tour traditionally starts in Minglanilla and heads north before continuing south. Although they once attempted to reverse the route, it was eventually decided that beginning in the north was safer and more efficient, leading to its adoption as a tradition.

Initially, the Insane Tour was exclusive to AMTA bikers and was held for free, without prizes. The focus was on racing against time and oneself. Participants' times were recognized with certificates, and medals were awarded in some years. At first, all AMTA bikers toured together. As the years went by, participants began touring in teams, selecting groups they felt comfortable with and that shared the same goals and speed. Each year featured a theme, with names such as planes (e.g., F16, C130), cars (e.g., Alfa Romeo, Barchetta), cats (e.g., Panthers, Thundercats), and military themes (e.g., Gurkha, Expendables). The event evolved to include AMTA teams competing based on speed.

In 2009, the Insane Tour began welcoming outsiders. By 2019, a registration fee was introduced, which included a finisher medal, event shirt, and refreshments. An experimental road bike category and a mini Insane Tour were also introduced, covering almost half of the original route. However, it was determined that road bikes were less suitable for certain sections of the route, particularly at night and due to some road damages. The route also featured stations called Oasis. Subsequent tours included prizes for top finishers, supported by various generous sponsors and supporters. The Insane Tour continues to be a collaborative effort of the entire AMTA family and honors its roots by sticking to mountain bikes, which adds to the challenge and preserves the traditional nature of the event. Participants who finish the tour are honored with the title of "Tourmaster".This “What the heck tour” is not an ordinary tour. It is one of the beyond category tours in Cebu.


Rationale

The Insane Tour’s commitment to using mountain bikes and maintaining its classic route underscores our dedication to preserving the event’s traditional challenge and authenticity. The route is designed to test endurance and resilience. Despite the option for road bikes, mountain bikes are favored to ensure safety and uphold the event's original spirit. The evolution of the tour, from a free event to one with registration fees and sponsor support, reflects our aim to balance tradition with the practical needs of modern cycling events. This structure allows us to offer a challenging and rewarding experience while adapting to the needs of our participants and supporters.

The Route

Classic Insane Tour (CIT):

Minglanilla → Tabunok → Cebu City → Mandaue → Consolacion → Liloan → Compostela → Danao → Catmon → Sogod → Bogo → San Remigio → Tabuelan → Tuburan → Asturias → Balamban → Toledo → Pinamungajan → Aloguinsan → Barili → Dumanjug → Ronda → Alcantara → Moalboal → Badian → Alegria → Malabuyoc → Ginatilan → Samboan → Santander → Oslob → Boljoon → Alcoy → Dalaguete → Argao → Sibonga → Carcar → San Fernando → Naga → Minglanilla


THE OASES

There are 7 strategically located oases:

All Oasis locations are on your right and easily accessible along the road. Make sure to stop and refuel!

  • Bogo: Approximately 1 km after the Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Brgy. Lapaz, City of Bogo, Cebu
  • Cut-Off Time: 11:00 AM, Saturday
  • Kaway Resort & Spa, Tabuelan: Around 3.5 km before reaching Tabuelan Public Market
  • Authenticate arrival with a selfie and time. No stamping or logging.
  • Asturias: Approximately 1 km after passing Asturias proper
  • Cut-Off Time: 3:00 PM, Saturday
  • Aloguinsan: Beside the church in Aloguinsan, less than 200 meters from the Public Market
  • Cut-Off Time: 6:30 PM, Saturday
  • Moalboal: (location to be added)
  • Cut-Off Time: 10:30 PM, Saturday
  • Santander: Located at Santander's Sanayon Site, approximately 2.61 km after Santander proper
  • Cut-Off Time: 4:00 AM, Sunday
  • Sibonga: About 400 meters after Sibonga Plaza
  • Cut-Off Time: 7:00 AM, Sunday
  • Finish Line:
  • Cut-Off Time: 10:00 AM, Sunday

Note:

Participants must pass each Oasis checkpoint within the designated cut-off time to continue in the event.

Remember to authenticate your arrival at Kaway Resort & Spa with a selfie.

Stay aware of your pace to avoid disqualification. Keep hydrated and ride safe!

Event Details

Date: November 30 to December 1, 2024

Location: AMTA Headquarters, Tungkop, Minglanilla, Cebu

Start Time: 4:00 AM on November 30, 2024

Late Start: Allowed up to 30 minutes with AMTA authorization

Registration Fee: PHP 2,000

Inclusions: Event shirt, Race number, Medal for finishers, Refreshments

Registration Deadline: November 27, 2024

Categories and Prizes

General Classification Prizes (Overall Winners):

These prizes are for the top 10 finishers across all categories, regardless of age or gender:

1. 1st place: ₱15,000

2. 2nd place: ₱12,000

3. 3rd place: ₱9,000

4. 4th place: ₱7,000

5. 5th place: ₱5,000

6. 6th to 10th places: ₱1,500 each

Age Category Prizes:

Participants not finishing in the top 10 of the General Classification are eligible for additional prizes in their respective Age Category and the Women’s Open:

1. 1st place: ₱1,000

2. 2nd place: ₱800

3. 3rd place: ₱600

Rules for General Classification and Age Category Placement

General Classification Takes Precedence:

If a participant finishes in the top 10 of the General Classification (Overall Winners), they are no longer eligible for prizes in their respective age category. This rule ensures that all top-tier athletes are recognized in the General Classification, while allowing other participants in their age group to be recognized separately.

Clarification on Opting for Age Category:

Participants cannot opt to be placed in their Age Category if they qualify for the General Classification. Even if a participant prefers the title of being 1st in their age category rather than finishing lower in the General Classification, their position in the General Classification takes precedence.

Reasoning: This rule maintains the integrity and competitive spirit of the General Classification, ensuring the top performers are recognized across all categories.

Side Note:

There is only one champion, and that is the 1st placer in the General Classification. The 1st placers in age categories will be recognized as winners.

Event Guidelines

THE START

  • Gun Start: 4:00 AM on November 30, 2024, at the new AMTA Headquarters.
  • Late Starters: Allowed up to 30 minutes with permission from authorized AMTA personnel.
  • Check-In: All participants must check-in for the start. Passports will be stamped.

THE BIKE

  • No e-bikes allowed.
  • MTB 26/27.5/29 with a minimum tire width of 1.95. Aero bars are permitted.
  • Change of Bike: Permissible as long as the specifications are the same.

THE BIKER

  • It is first and foremost his responsibility to ensure his own safety and well-being.
  • He must be physically, mentally, and emotionally ready and fit for the challenge.
  • Ensure your bike is in excellent working condition. Helmets are mandatory, and front and rear lights are required. Reflective jackets and additional reflectors are recommended but not compulsory.
  • Review the Insane Tour Manual thoroughly to understand all event details and requirements.
  • He must sign a waiver supplied by AMTA.
  • Carry your passport at all times. Collect it during orientation and have it stamped at each oasis. Submit the passport at the finish line, signing it to confirm your time. Missing stamps will invalidate the passport.
  • All bikers are required to extend courtesy to everyone involved in the event.
  • Respect for AMTA Tour Officials is mandatory.
  • Bikers are advised to arrive before the cutoff time at every Oasis and at the Finish line.
  • A biker who misses the cutoff time or passport stamping is allowed to continue if they wish and will still receive a certification for their achievement.
  • It is advisable for all bikers to remain visible along the road. Avoid stopping, resting, or eating in secluded areas where it is difficult for marshals, watchers, and fellow bikers to see you.
  • Even though you may be competing, we are all ethical bikers with an unspoken code: watching out for and helping fellow bikers, especially in times of distress. A Samaritan biker is applauded and commended by all.
  • Always help when asked.
  • Always seek help when in trouble. This is a higher goal than the event itself.
  • All bikers and their support personnel must communicate with the Chief Marshal for status reporting.
  • Bikers can report, complain, or protest any incidents on the road at every oasis. Rest assured, it will be addressed fairly.
  • Respect other road users and display good manners throughout the event.
  • Dispose of waste properly using the trash bins available at the oases.

THE PASSPORT

  • It is a biker’s pass to every checkpoint/oasis as a valid participant. A biker is responsible for his passport. It is vital proof of his participation in the event. Losing it results in complications, including loss of time and money.
  • A biker who cannot present his passport at an oasis can be issued a replacement passport for PHP 100.00, but will lose time in the process. The oasis issuing the replacement passport can only confirm that the passport holder arrived at that oasis and nothing more. The biker can then continue and present the replacement passport at the next oasis.
  • All bikers must ensure that their passports are verified and stamped at every checkpoint.

CHEATING

  • Everybody abhors cheater. Cheating will result in immediate disqualification if caught, or disqualification later if proven.

Cheating Examples:

  • Clinging or holding onto a motorized vehicle during the course.
  • Riding on a vehicle while still a valid participant.
  • Drafting behind a non-participant or a contracted rider.
  • Being pushed or pulled by a motorized or non-motorized vehicle.
  • Taking shortcuts.
  • Swapping bikes with a non-legal bike.
  • Changing riders (mercenary bikers).

THE DISCIPLINE

  • Bikers caught cheating by event officials or fellow participants will face appropriate consequences, depending on the gravity of the infraction.

Penalties: May include a warning, a reduction in arrival time, reprimand, disqualification, or banning from the event.


Participant Guidelines

KEY PERSONNEL

The Tour Director

  • Manages and supervises all aspects of the tour to ensure they are adequately planned.
  • Creates committees and coordinates their tasks required for the safe and successful execution of agreed plans.
  • Directs staff, volunteers, and participants during the tour.
  • Ensures a positive experience for all involved.

The Marshals

  • Event officials on the course responsible for supervising the event. Their roles include ensuring safety, maintaining discipline, and recording data.
  • They can call out bikers not following the rules and regulations of the tour.
  • They report their activities and assessments to the Chief Marshal and can make field decisions when needed during the course of the tour.

The Chief Marshal

  • Acts as the tour manager.
  • All data regarding the progress of the tour are channeled to him.
  • Instructions to the Marshals come from his office.
  • He can make field decisions during the course of the tour.

The Oasis Manager

  • In charge of all oases, including providing hydration to bikers, and recording and verifying passports.
  • Has the authority to recommend disciplinary action or disqualification for irregularities and can report to the Chief Marshal for further disciplinary action if needed.

SUPPORT VEHICLES

  • Assistance: Allowed within 500m of an oasis only. No assistance between oases.
  • Following: Vehicles must leapfrog and avoid impeding cyclists or motorists.
  • Drafting: No drafting behind or using vehicle headlights. Vehicles can provide security and maintain a 500m distance.

DNS and DNF

  • DNS (Did Not Start): Registered but did not start. No refund.
  • DNF (Did Not Finish): Registered but did not finish. Riders who do not finish must promptly inform the Oasis or the Marshal, so that search and rescue efforts can be appropriately managed.

RECOGNITION OF FINISHERS AFTER CUT-OFF

Finishers who complete the Insane Tour after the 30-hour cut-off will still be recognized as Tourmasters. However, they will automatically be placed in Adventure Mode, signifying that they have completed the tour outside the official race window. These finishers will be included in the Wall of Fame, acknowledging their perseverance and commitment to completing the tour.

It is a matter of principle, pride, and honesty to be included in the Wall of Fame. If participants choose to cheat, that stigma will stay with them forever—they will be seen as fake heroes. After the 30-hour mark, there will be no access to Oasis stations for refreshments, and participants’ arrival times at each Oasis will no longer be monitored.

THE BUS

A sweeping vehicle is stationed at Moalboal Oasis, ready to sweep at 12:00 AM on Sunday toward Santander Oasis. Bikers between Aloguinsan and Moalboal may strive to reach the bus station at Moalboal Oasis if they need a ride home. Bikers between Moalboal and Santander, if in SOS mode, may wait for the bus to arrive at their location and indicate their predicament to receive help.

Bikers caught by the bus will be asked if they wish to continue or not, but the bus will still wait at Santander Oasis.

The bus will depart Santander at 4:00 AM on Sunday with those from Santander Oasis.

STOPPAGE

Rain or shine, the show must go on. However, a major force of nature or unexpected event can halt the tour. The Insane Tour Committee will decide when it is necessary to stop the event.

If the decision to halt the tour is made a day or more before its commencement, the event will be rescheduled. However, if the tour has already started when the stoppage order is issued, the tour will be considered unfinished and cannot be rescheduled. It will remain in that status.

THE FINISH LINE

The Start Line is also the Finish Line.

Bikers are required to present themselves at the "Finish Line" venue to validate their arrival. Hold on to your passport as it is crucial, and have it stamped to mark your triumphant finale in the most challenging Tour in Cebu.

Champions, winners, finishers, and those who did not finish (DNF) are all requested to encourage bikers approaching the Finish Line.

THE FINAL SAY

The first to arrive is clearly the winner. He is, of course.

But not officially yet.

The result is not final until one hour after his arrival, provided there are no protests on file. The Chief Marshal must confirm this.

Only then will he be officially declared the winner.

PODIUM FINISH & PRIZE DISTRIBUTION

In the Insane Tour, if two or more participants cross the finish line simultaneously, and a clear winner cannot be determined, those participants will share podium positions and prizes. We will employ various timing methods and technologies to verify any discrepancies; however, if the finish is genuinely equal, both riders will be recognized equally. This approach ensures fairness and reflects the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie that the Insane Tour promotes. Shared medals or prizes will be awarded as necessary, honoring the tradition of collaboration among participants.

PROCLAMATIONS

Winners and finishers will be proclaimed one hour after confirmation of their individual arrival at the finish line. Official times of arrival and rankings will be provided shortly after the tour.

AWARDING

Prizes and medals will be awarded on December 1, 2024, at 6:00 PM at the AMTA Headquarters.

THE CELEBRATIONS

You’ve completed the tour.

You’ve made it to the finish line—or somewhere close.

Now it’s time to celebrate. It’s a must.

You can now proudly brag that you’re officially INSANE!!!

Frequently Asked Questions

The Insane Tour is an annual mountain bike touring challenge held in Cebu, Philippines, known for its demanding nature. Since its inception in 2003, the event has pushed riders to their limits, covering more or less 500 km around the island. Organized by the Alliance of Mountain Trekkers and Adventurers (AMTA), the tour tests endurance, toughness, and camaraderie among participants. Complete the tour to earn the prestigious title of Tourmaster! 

The event is named 'Insane' because of the rigorous demands it places on participants. The route spans long distances along Cebu's coastal roads and national highways. Although the roads are mostly paved, there are damaged sections, and using mountain bikes adds to the challenge and tradition of the event.

The Classic Insane Tour (CIT) starts in Minglanilla and follows this path:

Minglanilla → Tabunok → Cebu City → Mandaue → Consolacion → Liloan → Compostela → Danao → Catmon → Sogod → Bogo → San Remigio → Tabuelan → Tuburan → Asturias → Balamban → Toledo → Pinamungajan → Aloguinsan → Barili → Dumanjug → Ronda → Alcantara → Moalboal → Badian → Alegria → Malabuyoc → Ginatilan → Samboan → Santander → Oslob → Boljoon → Alcoy → Dalaguete → Argao → Sibonga → Carcar → San Fernando → Naga → Minglanilla.

The Insane Tour began in 2003, with a route starting in Minglanilla and heading north before continuing south. This route became a tradition because it was found to be safer and more efficient than starting in the south.

Medellin and Daanbantayan are not included because adding them would require backtracking, disrupting the loop structure of the tour. Additionally, maintaining the traditional route helps preserve the record for the shortest completion time.

In 2019, the organizers introduced an experimental road bike category and a mini Insane Tour, covering almost half of the original route. However, it was determined that road bikes were less suitable for certain sections of the route, particularly at night and due to some road damages. The event also started charging a registration fee, which included a finisher medal, event shirt, and refreshments. The route featured stations called Oasis.

The Insane Tour continues to honor its roots by sticking to mountain bikes, which adds to the challenge and preserves the traditional nature of the event.

While the route is mostly paved and could technically be done on a road bike, the Insane Tour is primarily designed for mountain bikes to preserve the event’s tradition and challenge. Road bikes are also less safe for some sections, particularly at night.

Initially exclusive to AMTA bikers and free of charge, the Insane Tour began welcoming outsiders in 2009. It evolved to include a registration fee starting in 2019, which covered a finisher medal, event shirt, and refreshments. The event now features prizes for top finishers, funded by generous sponsors and supporters. Themes and team competitions were introduced, adding new dimensions to the event while maintaining its traditional challenge.

It is not recommended to participate with a road bike due to safety concerns, particularly at night. The tour is best suited for mountain bikes, which align with the event’s traditional and challenging nature.

The tour starts in Minglanilla and heads north because it was found to be safer and more efficient than starting in the south. This route has since become a tradition, and it continues to be the preferred starting point for the event.

The organizers are committed to preserving the traditional route, which has become a key part of the event’s identity. While minor adjustments may be made, the core route is expected to remain largely the same.

Participants should be prepared for a physically demanding experience, with long distances, some damaged road sections, and potentially challenging weather conditions. The tour is designed to push cyclists to their limits.

Stay updated by following the official social media channels and checking the event website for the latest news and announcements.

Registration Ends