Backroads Liability Release

RELEASE, ASSUMPTION OF ALL RISKS AND BINDING ARBITRATION AGREEMENT

BACKROADS, BACKROADS, INC., its and their employees, shareholders, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, successors, representatives and assigns (collectively BACKROADS) does not own or operate any entity which provides, or is to provide, goods or services for your trip including, for example, lodging facilities, transportation companies, food service or entertainment providers, equipment suppliers, operators of recreational, adventure or other activities (regardless of whether such activities are included as part of the BACKROADS trip itinerary), babysitters or daycare providers, etc. As a result, BACKROADS is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such third person, or of any other third party.

From time to time, Backroads may mention activities or operators of same in which you might be interested (for example, ziplining, horseback riding, surfing, off-road jeep trips, etc.). It does not operate or supervise any of these activities and is not liable for death, injury or damage resulting from participating therein, even if it assists in arranging them and it makes no representation concerning that entity’s liability insurance or the existence of any such insurance.

I have voluntarily applied to participate in the trip designated on this application (or a trip to which I may subsequently transfer). I am participating in this trip with the knowledge of the numerous risks and dangers involved including but not limited to: negligence in any manner on the part of BACKROADS including, without limitation, negligence in the conduct or arrangement of the trip in any respect from inception to completion, negligence with regard to bicycle selection or maintenance, the use, installation or maintenance of any optional or add-on equipment such as pedals, odometers, mirrors, bar ends, etc., in the maintenance or operation of any van or other motor vehicle utilized to transport passengers, etc.; acts of God or force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, acts of government, strikes or other labor activities; physical exertion for which I am not prepared; negligent or reckless cycling by the participant or others; inability to properly operate a bicycle; forces of nature; weather conditions; transportation failures or the failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely, whether by plane, train, auto, boat, canoe, kayak, bicycle, ski, horseback or other animal, by foot, or by any other conveyance; dangers associated with swimming or jumping from boats including the possibility of hitting a boat, an object or a person while doing so, being caught in rough or rapidly moving waters, etc., consumption of alcoholic beverages, medications or other substances whether or not prescribed; risks associated with food, food allergies or impure water; terrorism or the threat thereof; criminal activity; bites from or dangers associated with wild or other animals, pests or insects; negligence or willful misconduct by third parties; breakdown or failure of bicycles or other equipment; financial default of any supplier; high altitude; accident, allergic reaction or illness without access to means of rapid evacuation or availability of medical supplies or services; the adequacy of medical attention once provided; epidemics or the threat thereof including, but not limited to, exposure to COVID-19 by any means of transmission; stolen, lost, or misplaced luggage or property; and theft or break-ins into vans, lodging rooms or elsewhere. I acknowledge that the enjoyment and excitement of adventure travel is derived in part from the inherent risks incurred by travel and activity beyond the accepted safety of life at home or work. I AGREE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MY OWN WELFARE AND ACCEPT ANY AND ALL RISKS OF DELAY, UNANTICIPATED EVENTS, INCONVENIENCE, ILLNESS, INJURY, EMOTIONAL TRAUMA OR DEATH.

I acknowledge that the cost of all BACKROADS trips is based upon trip participants executing this Release, Assumption of All Risks, and Binding Arbitration Agreement. I agree that this Agreement shall be legally binding upon me personally, all members of my family and all minors traveling with me, my and their heirs, successors, assigns, and legal representatives, it being my intention fully to assume all the risks associated with this trip and to release BACKROADS from any and all liability to the maximum extent permitted by law.

MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS: I understand that BACKROADS reserves the right to take photographic or film records of any of its trips and agree that BACKROADS may use any such photographic or film records for promotional and/or commercial purposes, as well as approve such use by third parties with whom BACKROADS may engage in joint marketing, without any remuneration to me. I assign to Backroads all right, title, and interest I may have in or to any and all media in which my name or likeness might appear.

I agree to follow all written and verbal rules of safety presented to me by BACKROADS. I understand that BACKROADS reserves the right to refuse as a trip participant, or remove from a trip, without refund, any person it judges to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in the activities, who it judges is abusive to other trip participants, leaders or third parties, or who it determines detracts from the enjoyment of the trip by others. BACKROADS reserves the right to make route, hotel, itinerary and trip modifications as required or desirable to improve the trip quality and/or to accommodate the comfort and well-being of guests.

The U. S. State Department and the Centers for Disease Control publish important country-specific information for travelers. We recommend you review this information at
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html and
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices.

BINDING ARBITRATION: I agree that any dispute concerning, relating or referring to this Agreement, the brochure or any other literature concerning my trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §§ 1-16, pursuant to the Comprehensive Arbitration Rules & Procedures of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (JAMS). Such proceedings will be governed by substantive (but not procedural) California law without consideration of the California Arbitration Act and will take place in Berkeley, CA. Except for trips in California, the California Vehicle Code will be inapplicable to my trip or any claim arising therefrom. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this Agreement, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this Agreement is void or voidable. By agreeing to these terms and conditions, I, as well as Backroads, waive any right to a trial by jury. 

KNOWING & VOLUNTARY EXECUTION: I have carefully read and fully understand the contents and legal ramifications of this Agreement as well as all the conditions as stated in the IMPORTANT INFORMATION section of the current BACKROADS brochures, including but not limited to, those regarding cancellation and refund policies. Cancellation fees are determined according to this formula: # of days prior to trip/Cancellations fees per person. 96+ days/$300; 61-95 days/30% of trip price; 31-60 days/60% of trip price, 0-30 days/No refund. Exceptions to this policy cannot be made for any reason, including but not limited to, weather, terrorism, civil unrest, personal, family or medical emergencies. I understand that this is a legally binding and enforceable contract and sign it of my own free will. I agree that if any portion of this agreement is found to be void or unenforceable, the remaining portions shall remain in full force and effect.

This contract is accepted by BACKROADS in Berkeley, California, and cannot be changed in an oral communication. We can only accept one signature per form.

Special Departures, Active Cruises and Private Trips have unique payment and cancellation policies; ask your Trip Consultant for more details.