B2B One Month Away! An overview of the policies for this year.

San Francisco’s 99^th Bay to Breakers is exactly one month away.  Here’s a quick overview of this year’s policies.  (If you plan on entering a float, you should definitely read AEG’s page as well.)   

1.  The Float Course:

           Floats retain their inalienable right to start at the beginning of the course, and there will be a 2^nd start area at the Civic Center.

          PLEASE NOTE: Floats will not be able to go the entire race route this year.  AEG says they will be routed off just past the Conservatory of Flowers in the park.  Needless to say, we are not happy about this change and hope to see it undone next year.  On the bright side, floaters can continue walking and leave their floats parked at the Conservatory until 6PM, and this new float end point could turn into a great party.

  SERIOUSLY: Don’t try to enter your float at Divis or in the Panhandle.  Even if you make it on the course, you will be routed off about a mile later in the park. 

2. Float Registration
          There is a new float registration system this year.  It’s $250 per float, which includes wrist bands for 20 people.  That’s $12.50 per person.  Nobody likes fees, but it costs a lot of money to make B2B a reality, and we think it’s important for floaters to pay their fair share.  We strongly encourage you to register.  The details are here:  http://ingbaytobreakers.com/index.php?page=floats   

3.  Float Restrictions

          AEG included some size restrictions in the fine print this year.  Floats aren’t supposed to be longer than 12 feet, or taller or wider than 8 feet.  We don’t know if there’s gonna be an army of bureaucrats wielding tape measures or what.  But if you have already built, or are planning on building a float that exceeds these dimensions, please email us at savebay2breakers@gmail.com ASAP.  We may be able to help. 

4.  Runner + Walker Registration
          If you’re gonna be traveling the B2B route on foot, we strongly encourage you to register too.  http://ingbaytobreakers.com/index.php?page=runners-walkers

Why should you register?  Well, consider this.  The main reason AEG tried to restrict things (floats/alcohol/anything resembling fun) this year and last year is that they think it will save them money.  These are financial calculations for them.  So as long as AEG “owns” the race, the best way we can preserve our traditions is to undermine their cost argument by paying our fair share.    

5.  Alcohol

          Kegs and glass bottles are specifically prohibited.  SFPD probably will be taking taps.  Beyond that, our recommendation is if you choose to drink just be discreet.  As AEG’s spokesman Sam Singer said on KCBS:  “It’s illegal to have open containers of alcohol, but as long as people don’t have kegs and they don’t have bottles, I think everybody will be simpatico.”

6.  The Neighbors

          Most importantly, please, please respect the neighbors. They are our hosts, and B2B would not happen without them.  They don’t need us fertilizing their lawns or driveways. 

If you have any questions between now and the 3^rd Sunday in May, feel free to post them on the group page or email us directly. 

Thanks and see you on the course,

CPBB