Colorado Brevet Series

Colorado High Country 1200 Registration Underway!

2012-02-10T15:01:00.000-08:00

The second edition of the Colorado High Country 1200 is now open for registration. This year we introduced a two-week pre-registration period, with a lottery at the end.

Pre-registration ended January 31 and seemed to work well, avoiding the angst and trepidation to see who had the fastest trigger finger the moment registration was open.

The lottery was carried out by veteran CHC volunteer Patricia Heller, who duly randomized the numbered snips of paper, appropriately in an empty nutritional drink bin:

Each snip was carefully removed and recorded ...

... under the watchful gaze of selection monitor Buster the Dog:

The good news is that, if CHC and Last Chance history is any guide, everyone among the pre-registrants who is in a position to ride will be able to - as well as others who register later.

And ... there may be possibilities for a pre-ride.

-jle

Colorado Permanents - What's New!

2012-01-27T07:31:00.000-08:00

A couple of new Colorado permanents you might like:

Vail-Glenwood-Vail (VGV) - A new 200k from Catherine Shenk: "A year-round ride from Vail to Glenwood Springs and, if you have time, you can visit the hot springs for a soak before returning. Note there is typically a tail wind on the return."

Rabbit Mountain Romp - A new 108km Permanent Populaire offering "A foothills-skirting jaunt punctuated with short climbs, visiting Eldorado Springs and Rabbit Mountain." This is actually the first part of the Carter Lake Cakewalk, so conceivably you could start together with folks riding the latter.

Rabbit Mtn. Romp does not include Rabbit Ears Pass

(photo from Colorado High Country 1200):

Looking Back

32 riders rode 195 perm rides last year, including some never-before-ridden ones. An active year!

Which perms get ridden the most, and which are more "selectively" ridden? Here are the stats for 2011.

Click to view larger image.

Few surprises here. Lyons-Berthoud, in third place, is a 103km permanent populaire, by the way. The others are 200km or longer.

Here are stats since the first Colorado permanent.

Click to view larger image.

The most-ridden ones generally offer terrain which is more conducive to letting riders stay together, and are more season-proof.

The least-ridden ones are by no means inferior routes. Rather, they're often the most challenging (and most season-constrained). To see a tally next to the Manhatten Express (considerable dirt road mileage), Aspirations Attaining Aspen (a mountainous 600k), Fun Frolic to Fraser (dirt over Rollins Pass), the Squaw Pass Scramble (Omigod Road), the Mt. Evans Grimpeur (Mt. Evans summit ... and Omigod Road), and Rocky Mountain High (Grand Junction to Denver over the mountains) is a testament to hardy riders!

Thanks to Will deRosset, Beth and Brent Myers, and Catherine Shenk for these extra-credit treats!

♣ ♣ ♣

As we ramp up our brevet planning, remember the perms! They are great for:

riding alone
riding congenially with a few friends
going off on new adventures between scheduled events
keeping up fitness ... and toughness ... in the off-season before the brevets.

John Klever and Leslie Sutton at Eldorado Canyon

on the Carter Lake Cakewalk

-jle

The Can-Am Challenge - Something for You?

2012-01-17T07:08:00.000-08:00

The Can-Am Challenge is an award earned by finishing a Canadian and a US 1200km-or-longer Randonneurs Mondiaux sanctioned Grand Randonnée in a single calendar year.

History - The award started as a cooperative initiative between Réal Préfontaine (vice president of Randonneurs Mondiaux at the time) and Jennifer Wise, RM president and Boston-Montréal-Boston event director, as a way to promote 1200k’s in North America, build a sense of community, and give an added challenge to “overachieving” randonneurs.

The original Can-Am commemorative pin:

The inspiration for the award came in 1997, when Dr. Préfontaine had succeeded in his self-imposed challenge of finishing both the Rocky Mountain 1200 and BMB, as he described in a 2006 article in American Randonneur.

At that time, there were only two 1200k’s in North America: BMB, begun in 1988, and the RM1200, begun in 1996. And riding more than one 1200k in a year - much less a month apart - seemed exceptional to say the least.

Now, of course, there are multiple Canadian and US 1200k’s, and multiple riders who succeed at two or more 1200k’s in a single year. So the Can-Am Challenge can be seen as a harbinger of increased aspirations both on the part of event organizers and riders in the ensuing years.

The new 2012 medal design:

This year in Canada, the BC Randonneurs is organizing the Rocky Mountain 1200, while the US offers the Shenandoah, Cascade, Colorado High Country, Taste of Carolina, and Colorado Last Chance.

-jle

You can see further details on the BC Randonneurs website, and soon on the RUSA site. Thanks, by the way, to RM1200 co-director Ali Holt, who designed the new medal. Ali was also the graphic artist for our High Country 1200 jersey and medal.

RUSA Distance Awards ... and the K-Hound Phenomenon

2012-01-11T17:10:00.000-08:00

As a fresh year beckons, it's time to apply for RUSA Distance Awards if you're interested. Deadline to apply is January 25. If you've ridden 1000km or more in RUSA events in 2011, you may apply for one or more distance awards.

Distance and Randonneuring - Randonneuring is about a number of things. It's above all about seeking out personal challenging events and finishing ... hopefully with some camaraderie thrown in. But rando goals by their vary nature involve considerable cumulative distance: 1,500km for Super Randonneur, at least 2,400km for R-12, and, well, 1,200km for a 1200k grand randonnée. Plus the added training randonnées. Plus the sheer-joy-of-riding randonnées.

Distance volumes can be a byproduct of your main goals, or an added goal in itself. In either case, if you're doing a fair volume of randonneuring miles, why not get recognized?

Some Perspective - Certainly, for many randonneurs, beyond a certain point, life intervenes. Not everyone's life obligations, structure, and priorities make room for countless hours on the bike. Fortunately, there are many other splendid goals within randonneuring.

A Bit of Extra Credit - RUSA Distance Awards are in denominations up to 5,000km. Lone Star Randonneurs RBA Dan Driscoll saw that there were some overachievers who could use a larger denomination, hence the LSR K-Hound award, for finishing 10,000km or more in RUSA events in a year.

This year, Catherine Shenk became the first Colorado randonneuse, and second Colorado rando overall, to earn K-Hound status - this through a variety of far-flung, challenging events, from Texas to Alaska. Congratulations, Catherine!

Dan will be giving us an update on his program in an upcoming issue of American Randonneur magazine.

For now, simply maximizing the number of happy, challenging, rewarding rides sounds like a great goal for us all.

-jle

A Frosty Pre-Solstice Kersey Kick!

2011-12-18T06:18:00.000-08:00

On the Saturday before Winter Solstice, I joined John Klever, Leslie Sutton, and Tammie Nakamura for a scenic but frosty Kersey Kick 200k.

This ride was particularly festive because it capped John Klever's second R-12 award - congratulations John!

It's all smiles as we head east, facing the sun.

There hasn't been much of a thaw in the weather, so what Plains snows we've had haven't melted off, making for a blanket of white.

Temps bottom out at around 14ºF around Firestone. This may be a personal best icicle count while riding!

On a mesa above the chilly valley air, Leslie stops for a sandwich.

And everyone relaxes around the Kersey store's randonneurs' dining table.

One thing you can count on, as Tammie points out: 14 miles uphill into the wind from Kersey to Hudson.

It's been chilly, topping out in the 40's, but lots of scenic views, too.

And now it's a race with the setting sun on to the finish of another bracing ride.

Thanks to John, Leslie, and Tammie for some great, upbeat company!

-jle

Rio Vista Rumble 200k - LSR Fun Galore!

2011-12-16T08:09:00.000-08:00

Visiting my family last week, I had a chance to do my first Lone Star Randonneurs ride. RBA and bon vivant Dan Driscoll chose the Rio Vista Rumble 200k Permanent, a lightly rolling course that made it easier for folks to stay together. One good thing about visiting is that the LSRs ride most every weekend.

Here's a very approximate idea of the route:

Ten riders start off at dawn from Joe Pool Lake near Arlington. A chilly start made chillier by a brisk breeze blowing off the lake.

Pleasant morning but staying chilly, as Gary Gottlieb and Dana Pacino, Pam Wright, and John Hogue near Rio Vista.

What's this? Riders spy someone at the top of a rise waving us down, a sign revealing the reason:

LSR - and Last Chance veteran - Vickie Tyer (center, between Pam and Dan) has graciously come out to provide a bit of sociability (and snacks). Vickie would be riding, but is recovering from a wrist fracture from a skating mishap.

Dan gives some exhortation, while Sharon Stevens (also a Last Chance veteran) focuses on nutrition.

Kaylene, Dave Campbell (up from Austin), Pam Wright, and DD take a break at the "apogee" of the ride in Blum.

Though there is the occasional live oak grove, much of the route is expansive and wide-open, like our Plains Permanents.

Fortunately, Gary knew that this bridge replacement was far enough along for us to cross it, but not before hoisting bikes over barbed wire, and crawling through barricade fencing.

Despite occasional mild patches, it never actually gets balmy. (The high temps, breaking 50º, were about the same as on the Front Range.)

Seems like all the hills on this course have rider-provided monikers. Here's the namesake for Orphan Hill, a country orphanage now a Texas Historical Site.

A chance to pose at a county line (thanks, Dan). Like Dan with his Texas Stampede jersey, I'm wearing my 1200k event's jersey (and vest!).

We illuminate taillights for safety on the final stretch.

And everyone pulls in pretty much together for another fine day on the bike.

Thanks, Dan, and all the LSRs for a fun, friendly ride!

-jle

Moss Beach Ramble 207k

2011-11-16T12:11:00.000-08:00

One great thing about Permanents is that if you happen to be away from home, there may be a Permanent to ride nearby.

My wife and I were spending last week in Monterey, so I looked up Bill Bryant's and Lois Springsteen's Santa Cruz permanents. Of course, if I'd not known there were permanents in the area, I could have checked the RUSA Permanents Map:

I zeroed in on the Moss Beach Ramble 207k:

The day of the ride, Bill graciously started me off on his commute to work, with some added tips for good measure.

A nice start, just after dawn, heading up the coast towards Davenport.

Parts of Highway 1 are open, parts more sheltered.

Spanish Moss adorns the coastal pines.

The route turns inland up Gazos Creek Road. I wasn't expecting to encounter a woolly mammoth!

Pescadero Road climbs through redwood forests.

The cool forest air had me putting on more layers, only to bake at the top of the Haskin's Hill climb which breaks out into dry, sunny landscape before plunging to the control at La Honda.

The San Gregorio store may be the stateliest convenience store I've come across.

Heading through the open foothill landscape back to the coast ...

... and up to the turnarount point at Moss Beach.

The Moss Beach control was friendly, if less stately.

Heading back down the coast, you climb above the cliffs at Halfmoon Bay ...

... and veer onto Stage Road.

An avenue of eucalyptus trees greets you.

Sure enough, a road with the word "Stage" in it is bound to have some good climbing.

While folks may be fleeing hurricanes in the Southeast, or volcanoes in Washington State, here it's tsunamis. It's not so much how far away or how fast you go, but how much you climb that counts.

Much of the route was very quiet, like this stretch of Cloverdale Road.

Sandy cliffs along the Pacific Coast need regular excavation, to provide room for slides at the base. They were doing this as I passed.

The final coastal stretch featured great views from above the cliffs including the faintly-visible Monterey Peninsula to the south ...

... and some actual beaches with surfers and picnickers.

Soon the finish line came into view ...

... and a fitting end to an enjoyable, scenic day of riding.

Bill and Lois did an excellent job designing this route (no surprise), and were very hospitable in providing this great riding opportunity!

-jle

1200k Round-Up for 2012!

2011-11-04T12:08:00.000-07:00

Still recovering from - or thinking fondly back to - that 1200k you rode a few months ago? Or will 2012 be the year you bridge up to your first 1200k?

With the snow flying outside, you may be starting to ponder and plan!

Five US 1200k's are scheduled for next year:

And north of the border, BC Randonneurs is organizing the

Rocky Mountain 1200

Further afield, you can look on the Randonneurs Mondiaux calendar for other worldwide, once they've posted their 2012 calendar. A few I've heard of:

Audax Australia's Great Southern Randonnée next October
the 1001-mile 1001 Miglia Italiana in August
a new 1200k in the Massif Central region of France in July:

Plenty to whet your appetite!

Awards can add an extra measure of motivation. Some 1200k-specific ones:

American Randonneur Challenge - finish two US 1200k's in the same year (in 2012 there are two within Front Range commuting distance!)
Coast-to-Coast - finish four different US 1200k's - no time limit
Can-Am Award - finish a US and a Canadian 1200k in the same year

A few details on each ...

The Shenandoah 1200 takes you through historic Civil War venues, and up and down many hills in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and North Carolina, many of them stiff, a few ornery, but only a couple extended (Blue Ridge Parkway and Willis Gap Road), with a high scenery quotient to take your mind off your legs' discomfort. My Report (2010) Catherine Shenk's Report (2009)

The Cascade 1200 starts and ends on the west side of the Cascades, which is verdant and can be wet. The middle third of the ride transits the expansive but arid, hot eastern slope, not totally unlike the eastern plains of Colorado. There are some long, hefty climbs, but they are worth it. Very well supported by Seattle International Randonneurs. My Report (2008)

The Colorado High Country 1200 is the world's highest 1200k, topping out above 10,000 ft. three times. The climbs are prolonged but fairly gentle. The scenery is expansive, varying from Continental Divide outcroppings and forests to high sage parks. My Pre-Ride Report (2011) - intended as a rider's guide - Day 1 - Day 2 - Day 3 - Day 4

The Taste of North Carolina starts by climbing up the Blue Ridge, then takes you on a flat trek through the coastal plains to the Atlantic, finishing up with some climbs over an ancient mountain range and into the finish. I've seen generally favorable reviews.

The Last Chance is once again indeed your last chance at a US 1200k in 2012. It's rolling, open, and exposed. There are some flat sections, but not as many as you'd think. And the wind can be your constant companion. An evocative pioneer experience. My Photomontage (2006)

Well there you have it. Start planning, visualizing, and getting excited!

-jle

P.S. If you are new to this or are there's a new event you want to explore, just ask! There are plenty of us to help you.

Cathy Cramer on UMCA Homepage!

2011-10-25T17:18:00.000-07:00

Our friend and fellow Colorado rando Cathy Cramer is featured on the homepage of the newly reworked Ultra-Marathon Cycling Association (UMCA) website. You can also go directly to the Cathy's story.

Why are these folks smiling? Find out in the article!

Normally this blog features randonneuring news and stories, but I thought you might enjoy this one, about one of our riders. It's a good read. There are several photos ... including one of the pace animal.

You may find kindred experiences - I did!

-jle

P.S. This illustrates the longtime crossover between the rando and ultra worlds. (One example: UMCA co-founder and Race Across America (RAAM) victor Lon Haldeman was ultra liaison to the US rando organization and organized Randonneurs USA brevets at PAC Tour Desert Camp and Wisconsin Brevet Week.)

A Summery Fall 200k!

2011-10-13T08:16:00.000-07:00

The final brevet of the season, the James Canyon Jaunt 200k, took place under brilliant skies with summery temps into the 80's. No one was complaining!

A good turnout, 19 randos lined up on Dillon Road:

The Jamestown checkpoint info question was what entertainment was being offered at the Mercantile. Usually, that's written on this blackboard, but this time the entertainment was a 438-pound prizewinning pumpkin.

Brian Rapp, fresh back from Paris-Brest-Paris, is memorialized with the pumpkin:

Cathy Cramer displays her brevet card, with the Jamestown info:

Heather Mierzejewski, Mike DiPando, Lloyd Jones, Charles Hutchinson on the Rd. 12 climb - John Guala photo:

The beginnings of peak foliage in James Canyon and Lefthand Canyon:

Along the Paradise Valley reservoir - John Guala photo:

Lots of water at Great Falls:

... and all in all, a fine day enjoyed by everyone!

I hope you've enjoyed the season, and to the new riders on this brevet, a big welcome!

Remember we still have many jewel-like days, with fine weather we may not see again until May of next year. So consider riding some Permanents, and hooking up with others who may wish to join you!

-john lee

RUSA Super Randonneur Jersey in Stock!

2011-09-30T06:19:00.000-07:00

The RUSA Super Randonneur jersey is now offered as a standard stock item in the RUSA Store. A fresh batch has just arrived. So if your name appears on this page, you may be interested in having one!

Plenty of jerseys like this at PBP:

The RUSA SR jerseys were quite popular and visible at Paris-Brest-Paris. And you may have noticed that two of the authors in the latest American Randonneur were sporting an SR jersey.

A good way to give your SR status a bit of visibility!

-jle

Six Achieve the Randonneur 5000 Award!

2011-09-25T17:23:00.000-07:00

A record six riders have earned the Audax Club Parisien's prestigious Randonneur 5000 award this year:

Catherine Shenk
Dick Wiss
Irene Takahashi

Ray Rupel
Tom Knoblauch

John Lee Ellis

You can also see prior years' awardees, dating back to 2001! Riders have four years to complete 5000km in events, including:

a series of 200km, 300km, 400km, and 600km brevets in a single year,
a 1000km brevet and a flèche (a team ride spanning 24 hours),
Paris-Brest-Paris.

No small feat!

Please join in congratulating these R-5000 Riders!

Catherine Shenk

Dick Wiss

Irene Takahashi

Ray Rupel

Tom Knoblauch

JLE

Paris-Brest-Paris Reflections

2011-08-31T04:11:00.000-07:00

Of the nearly 5,000 starters at the 17th Paris-Brest-Paris 1200km Randonnée, 440 were Randonneurs USA members, and of those, 17 from Colorado. PBP'11 had pretty good weather - certainly better than the PBP'07 rainfest: mild temps, a tailwind both ways, and only spotty (though at times heavy) showers that some riders entirely missed.

Here's where PBP went, essentially out-and-back to Brest and back:

Among nearly 5,000 bikes (fewer bikes than riders, of course, what with tandems, tandem trikes, recumbent tandem trikes, etc., and even that German three-person tandem), it's fascinating to look at the range and variety. These corraled two-wheelers are chomping at the bit - just add riders:

Even fender design, for those using fenders, can be quite artful, like these wooden models:

The day of inspection and rider-packet pickup dawned bright, sunny, and festive:

It's a great chance to meet people when they're still bright-eyed. Here is erstwhile Colorado randonneuse Deb Banks with Irene Takahashi:

Like Irene, Ray Rupel is a 1200k veteran doing his first PBP:

Here Irene joins Cheery Vernon Smith (nice jersey choice, Vernon) and Paul Foley, who've ridden PBP together before:

Inside the Gymnase des Droits de l'Homme (Gymnasium of the Rights of Man), Jennifer Wise, RUSA Member #1, hands out rider packets, while Pierce Gafgen (member #9) does photo reportage:

Next day the 80-hour riders are off at 4pm in the blazing sun, while the 90-hour riders wait up to three hours in the same toasty weather for their start waves. My cohort fortunately got the shady side of the stadium:

Rider waves were sent off at 20-minute intervals (several hundred riders each), to spread folks out. In between, the inevitable speechmaking, jugglers (I'm not kidding!), magicians and other entertainment for onlookers.

I really enjoyed the daylight start, a big change from previous years, when 90h riders started at 10pm or later. The scenery was lovely in the early evening, and you could keep a better eye on the riders around you.

We rode through the night, sometimes passing or being passed by friends who'd sync up to chat for a few minutes. At mile 90, past midnight, comes the refreshment stop at Mortagne au Perche. The food line was short enough to have a bite - a prudent investment that only took a few moments.

Monday boasted cool, mild temps and only the occasional sprinkle. After resupplying from drop bags in Loudeac (280 miles), we encounter the front group of 80h riders ... on their way back.

My plan was to sleep first in Carhaix (mile 320). Since we actually get there before dark, there's plenty of sleeping spots. Those tempted to head on to Brest were unfortunately rewarded by rain overnight. For us, however, it was dense fog over the high point of the route, Roc Trevezel, and on into Brest.

Here's the pedestrian bridge cyclists cross to get to Brest (the cables disappearing into the fog are from the neighboring auto bridge):

Euro-norm reflective vests were required this year, and PBP offered a moderately priced one. It was a bit bulky, fairly warm, and not aerodynamic, but did ok in these conditions ... and the visibility was excellent:

Heading back, a stop at a cafe in Sizun. PBP the top news story, and, oh, there was also some foreign news:

Back over the sage country of Roc Trevezel. The fog is lifting a bit, but you still can't see the transmission tower. Outbound (in the dark) I only knew I'd gotten to the top because of its flashing strobe.

East of Carhaix you ride along a delightful lane with trees forming a canopy (pretty spooky by moonlight, however):

After checking in at one of the traditional secret controls, a stop for saucisse en crêpe - a Breton treat - being grilled along the roadside. After nightfall we pull into Tinteniac. Early there, too, and plenty of bed space. (When I get up the next morning, though, there's a rider waiting to take my place.)

Breakfast in Fougeres by first light, and dawn while climbing out of town. The wind has strengthened now out of the west and it's a splendid day.

Monsieur Pomme-de-Terre invites you to visit:

France usually looks pretty green, but this has been an especially moist spring and summer, so everything is verdant. Contented cows lounge in lush meadows:

New since PBP'07 are windmill farms (small ones, 6-8 windmills, on ridges):

Good thing I saved that croissant and brie from breakfast - a nice roadside snack:

The approach to Villaines-la-Juhel includes a 3km winding descent:

On past Villaines, the road is on a ridgetop, and the luminous light bathes the expanse of meadows. This is the type of terrain and land use you see in much of England, too.

Small villages, clustered in valleys, surrounded by woods and meadows:

Vying with the hay constructs in Kansas on the Last Chance:

A farmer offers fresh-picked, very juicy peaches, and a tip on how far to Mortagne-au-Perche and Paris:

Everywhere, signs urging on the cyclists, even on wrapped hay bails:

We passed one chateau, albeit a ruin.

We cross the finish line at the gymnase after nightfall, after getting an escort from a private car:

Now's just to get the final stamp in your brevet booklet and pick up the photos that the Maindru folks took of you the previous couple of days on the route, when you were trying to look your best, if only for a few seconds.

Will deRosset, experiencing a very different ride, synched up the final two hours to the finish - a nice way to end the event:

I came back the next morning to join the clapping public that we've been cycling past for days. Here some jubillant randos take their victory lap to the finish at the gymnase:

We like to think that PBP is special because of the French people lining the route and the camaraderie of thousands of your fellow randonneurs. But as I enjoyed one tasty meal after another, and had the benefit of any number of sleep spots to choose from at checkpoints, and was greeted at each turn with a volunteer's smile, it's clear we owe so much to the tireless organizers and volunteers, who have not only pulled off another 5,000-rider event, but have, if anything, outdone themselves this time around. Chapeau!

-jle

Colorado High Country 1200, PBP ... and more!

2011-08-09T17:44:00.000-07:00

July's inaugural Colorado High Country 1200k went well! Lots of rider enthusiasm, great support by our esteemed volunteers, and many happy faces at the finish line.

Some stats:

7 climbs over 9,000 ft. (3 over 10,000 ft.)
30,000 - 35,000 ft. of climbing
48 starters (+2 pre-riders)
36 finishers (+2 pre-riders)
75% finishing rate
85% riders from out of state
4 foreign riders (Canada and Finland)
21 hard-working volunteers!

Congratulations, riders and many thanks to the volunteers! You can find photos, stories, rider finishing data, and more on the High Country Web pages.

Maybe a ride to put on your radar?

Next up for the 1200k's, on the weekend of August 20-21: Paris-Brest-Paris and the Alaska Big Wild Ride. Local riders will be represented at both. Some of these riders have already done a 1200k this year to warm up!

Bonne route à tous!

-john lee

A Farewell to Spring at the St. Vrain 400k/600k/1000k!

2011-06-30T14:43:00.000-07:00

Riders could enjoy really fine conditions on this wrap-up of spring brevets ... while looking back on the winds, heat, cold, and snow mere weeks before.

Rarin' to go at the ride start. -- Michelle Grainger photo:

We had visitors from afar, including our friend Deb Banks formerly of Boulder.

Michelle, Irene Takahashi, Cathy Crame, and Deb Banks (below)

Michelle photo:

Tailwinds up St. Vrain Canyon made for a refreshing climb to the Peak-to-Peak.

Michelle zooms toward Meeker. Steve Le Goff photo.

I even had my picture taken. Another excuse to stretch the legs.

Paul Foley photo:

Meeker Peak looking refreshing:

And Longs maybe not quite ready for high-season climbing:

At the Meeker Park Lodge, "Cheery" Vernon Smith and Paul Foley take a break,

shoes removed as per lodge store etiquette:

A pleasant backroads interlude at the mouth of Big Thompson Canyon:

Not all was tranquillity, however, as Steve Le Goff tried to extract a cyclist

from a predicament. - Michelle photo

A blackbird surveys Longs and Meeker, now in the distance:

And the day winds down on some satisfying kilometers:

Hope your season has been rewarding so far!

-jle

Crossovers

2011-06-14T17:40:00.000-07:00

Crossover between the randonneuring and competitive ultra world has been a natural phenomenon lo these many years. Lon Haldeman, multi-time RAAM champion was also the Ultra-Cycling Marathon Association (UMCA) liaison to International Randonneurs (the US rando organization in the 80's and into the 90's) ... and a brevet organizer ... and multi-time Paris-Brest-Paris finisher.

I read Lon's account of a soggy PBP'87 and wondered how I would do, slogging through drenching conditions and sleeping on bales of hay. It colored my preparation.

Nancy Guth (right, below) and Mary Florian (left), both Colorado Last Chance 1200k veterans, will be starting the Race Across America (RAAM) on Thursday as a two-person team, Team RAAMBoomers:

Maybe you have friends or bike pals who are doing RAAM. I do. We wish all of the RAAM participants a safe ride and the best of luck!
-jle

p.s. Tim "Foon" Feldman points out that our local friend Tom Lavalee from Denver is now under way at solo RAAM. We certainly send our best withes to Tom, an accomplished ultracyclist! Hopefully this good finish at last year's Last Chance wil l buoy him up!

PBP Registration Starts June 11 - Details ...

2011-06-07T10:06:00.000-07:00

Registration details from RUSA Brevet Coordinator Mark Thomas:

Registration for PBP opens Saturday, June 11 (Paris time) - or Friday afternoon in the US. Because the US did not fill up its quota of entries during the pre-registration process, ALL riders can register at this time regardless of pre-registration status. (Over 200 spaces are left as of this morning).

New 2011 riders (and any other rider that did not complete a brevet in 2010) do NOT have to wait until preregistration places free up on June 20.

Preregistered riders must make their registration at this time. [This must include at least three of your four qualifying events, with certification numbers. -jle] Ideally, they would do so before pre-registrations are released after June 19, but our quota status may make that less important. In all events, registration must be completed before July 17.

As cautioned before, everything from RUSA about PBP is unofficial. RUSA does not manage PBP. Official ACP information on PBP registration can be found here:

http://www.paris-brest-paris.org/pbp2011/index2.php?lang=en&cat=inscription&page=c omment_sinscrire2

and here

http://www.paris-brest-paris.org/pbp2011/index2.php?lang=en&cat=randonnee&page=reg lement

(especially Articles 5-7)

Registration Form - We have not seen the registration form, but here's my best guess as to what to have available when you go online to register:

The homologation (certificate) numbers for at least three of your four qualifying brevets; i.e., your 200, 300, 400, 600 brevets in 2011 (or longer, if you are substituting a longer brevet for a shorter). If you don't have all four, you must add the last one by the time registration closes on 7/17.
A credit card to make payment for the ride.
For pre-registered riders, please also have the Dossier Number (US-###) and password from your pre-registration. Check your confirmation email from you preregistration for these. If you can't find them, contact me for help.

Homologation Numbers - To get the homologation (certificate) numbers for your brevets in the US, you can go to the RUSA results search page. From www.rusa.org, select "Search For . . . Results" from the left hand menu. Enter your RUSA number to get your results. If the certificate number is blank, that means that RUSA has not yet received the certificate number for that event from the ACP.

For your information, the process that results in certificate numbers being posted on the website is not instantaneous. First, your RBA needs to submit the results to RUSA. Then the RUSA brevet coordinator (me) batches those up and submits them to the ACP. Then the ACP numbers the results and sends a spreadsheet back to RUSA. Then the RUSA brevet coordinator posts those numbers to the website.

If a qualifying brevet was done outside the US, you will have to contact the organizer for the certificate number.

Once registration starts and we see the actual form being used, we can update this information with any other registration requirements.

Mark

Pleasantest Lefthand 400k Yet?

2011-06-05T08:58:00.000-07:00

After a spate of typical spring blustery, snowy weather, we had mild, dry, and only occasionally breezy conditions for the Lefthand 400k. A coyote crossed the parking lot as riders assembled - guess it was a good omen? 26 riders started:

Ray Rupel - here on the Foothills Highway - rode 54 miles to the start from his home in Littleton (making sure he's doing long enough rides in the ramp up to Paris):

The Indian Peaks still have lots and lots of snow on them!

Riders were treated to lush, green landscapes, thanks to recent rains, and the smell of freshly-cut hay near Platteville. Heading into a stiff breeze on the homebound stretch past Wellington, riders found a pleasant distraction in the form of dozens and dozens of mint-condition antique cars, hot-rods, and what have you cruising up and down our route, part of a giant car show near Loveland.

Some folks upped the camaraderie, like this group taking a break at the Johnstown control: Brian Rapp, Foon Feldman, John Flanigan, Michael Henderson, Lloyd Jones, and Paul Foley:

It's nice to have a brevet occasionally where you're simply riding and enjoying the day, not jousting against the elements!

-jle

Lots of "quality" miles on the South Park 400k!

2011-06-02T17:48:00.000-07:00

May 28 saw the inaugural South Park 400k out of Colorado Springs. A big thanks to Vernon Smith for putting this together and trying something new.

Tom Knoblauch, Beth and Brent Myers, and Billy Edwards at the start (Vernon Smith photo):

PBP-aspirant Billy Edwards gives his take ...

WOW, GLAD THAT'S DONE - PBP BOUND!

That was tough. I am not sure if it was the course, the winds, or riding that long solo. I missed my aero bars with a passion in those windy sections.

Altitude was taxing on the system, harder to maintain power.
27 mile stretch of damaged road was mentally and physically taxing.
Headwinds up Red Hill Pass and all the way to Fairplay, started to get comical. Ok, finally got a screaming tailwind for first part of trip away from Fairplay, a welcome reprieve.
The hills and then shifted to headwinds south of Hartsel were never-ending.
That out and back was just mean, but a tailwind back to the loop actually was easier than the headwind down to the RV store.

I was pretty happy to hit that light at Divide and know it was pretty much downhill to CO Springs.

In a typical rando moment on the much gentler Lefthand-Raymond 600k the week before:

Vernon, your route was ridiculous, but I am tougher for PBP. I am glad I got to ride down around the Springs. I hope you and Tom had fun. Next time, I will bring a tent or make sure I have someone to share the wind with.

- Billy Edwards

Now PBP Qualified

Vernon adds: "It will never be again on Memorial Day. Too busy, although I was spared from most of it. People liked the Tarryall area but not the new construction. Highway 9 south of Hartsel all the way to Parkdale is fantastic. The climb, once turning off of Highway 9 and onto County Rodd 11 (the Gold Belt Tour) is incredible, as are the views up on top. Saw hundreds of deer in the evening. The 110 miles from Fairplay down to Parkdale and back up to Divide were low, low traffic."

I'll just add earnest congratulations to everyone on this ride!

-jle

Important PBP Dates from Mark Thomas

2011-05-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

Mark Thomas reminds us of the following important dates for PBP aspirants. See lots more info like this on the PBP Wiki.

May 29	Preregistration for riders who rode a 200km ACP brevet (or longer) in 2010 Starts midnight Paris time, so 3PM on 5/29 for west coast, 6PM on 5/28 for east coast
June 11	Registration begins (presumably midnight Paris time, so afternoon of 6/10 in US) Preregistered riders start final registration Non-preregistered riders may also register if there are quota spaces available (likely)
June 19	Pre-registered riders lose their priority space if not yet registered This may free up national quota to allow more non-preregistered riders to register on June 20
July 17	Registration deadline Riders who registered without all of their 2011 brevet homologation numbers must provide them by July 17

More registration info at the ACP PBP Registration page.

Prep for 1200k's + PBP Primer = Food for Thought!

2011-05-20T17:16:00.000-07:00

Our good friend Susan Plonsky, Arizona RBA, has published a couple of helpful documents on her website - along with her personal insights training for Boston-Montreal-Boston(s):

How to Peak for Your Randonnee by Jeb Stuart - Ever wonder what to do in the month or two leading up to a 1200k grand randonnée or other peak event? Jeb's advice is based on his elite coaching background. You'll see some common themes with John Hughes, Michelle Grainger, and other knowledgeable coaches. Even the veterans among us may take some good reminders away.

Paris Brest Paris: What to Know Before You Go by Tom Baker - Lots of pictures and detail about what venues look like, the specific challenges that PBP uniquely offers, and a number of great tips.

Have a read!

-jle

Michelle and Steve Check Out the Black Forest 300k!

2011-05-10T17:47:00.000-07:00

Michelle Grainger and Steve Le Goff checked out the Black Forest 300k course last Sunday, May 8. Findings:

The couple hundred feet of Hodgen Road construction was packed dirt and very ridable - see photo. (There were detour signs as you turn from Walker onto Black Forest Road - but you could bike on down to Hodgen.)
The Elbert Store was friendly and well-stocked. There is also now a place in "downtown" Elbert to get pizza and other warm food items, which Brent and Beth recommend.
Please take advantage of the warm welcome at the Black Forest Texas Firehouse BBQ place (control store) - they are expecting us, and may be offering specials for the biker crowd.
The new routing leaving that checkpoint - downhill on Shoup Road to digest the BBQ and uphill on Rollercoaster - works out well.

-jle

And now for Michelle's story!

The last qualifier for Paris-Brest-Paris

DONE! Now let the work begin!

And, oooohhhhhhhhh, was it a painful ride for me. I guess I would say it is kind of bittersweet. I had to work hard for my final PBP qualifier. I would love to say I enjoyed myself throughout the day but it was a very difficult day for me. A little humble pie seemed to be served at every control and every hill we rode up. Most of the hills are between 7 and 11 %. (Garmins have great purpose.)

The Black Forest 300KM is one of the most beautiful Brevets. It takes us on rolling roads through horse farms and past huge houses nestled against the foothills west of Denver, and south down to towns with names you only hear about when there are major snowstorms: Larkspur, Palmer Lake, Black Forest and Elbert. This 300 KM is mainly above 7,000 feet and has just under 10,000 feet of elevation gain. You hope for no rain throughout the day, as it will turn to snow (as we found out last year), but this usually means good stiff headwinds for most of your scenic riding.

I am so very lucky to have Steve at my side for all of my rides. Mentally I'm not quite ready to ride all of the Brevets on my own and physically not quite ready to pull my own butt around. So, many thanks for a loving, strong and patient husband and best friend. I could not and maybe would not be willing to chug along to get my butt to Paris if it was not for Steve. Not to mention the many friends, like John Lee, who also help me reach my goal of riding in PBP this year.

A great finish well before dark and a perfect pre-ride ... with a good message for the actual day of the Brevet: the dirt road section on Hodgen is short and ridable. Please buy a lot of food at the control in Black Forest. The BBQ and hospitality are awesome and they are looking forward to seeing all of you on Brevet day. Eat eat eat!

- Michelle

Michelle and Steve Ride the NW Crank!

2011-05-09T19:37:00.000-07:00

Here is a short recap of our wonderful ride with the Seattle International Randonneurs during the NW Crank week of rides.

When Steve and I started looking around for a Brevet week, or at least the option to do a 400KM and a 600KM Brevet in one week, we jumped at the chance to go and ride with the Seattle International Randonneurs at the NW Crank week of rides. It seemed the perfect way to celebrate our 19th anniversary and test out my riding legs after such a long winter off the bike. It helps that the elevation of the start and finish of these rides is about 6,000 feet lower in elevation than where we lay our heads at night.

Our biggest decision was not who to give the pets to for a week or what to pack for different weather conditions, but was whether we should go buy fenders for our bikes. We know some of the RMCC Brevet riders have fenders on their bikes but Steve and I have declined to add them to our bikes (at least for now). We are very aware that it can be very impolite to ride with people in rain and not have fenders... but decided to trust that we would be treated as inexperienced guests and I can say, we were not disappointed.

We were treated like the dry inland riders we are. Lucky for us (or really our new riding friends) we only encountered a handful of rain drops. I now own a brand new pair of quick release Race Blade fenders. I'll be ready for that rain now!

The Brevets during the NW Crank Week featured orchards of apples, cherries, and pears. We saw fields of winter wheat brown and done and the new sprouts of the coming summer wheat. We rode along the Columbia River and saw incredible mountain lakes, like Lake Chelan.

Our new friends at SIR (and, of course the promoters of NW Crank) did not disappoint. We had a wonderful vacation and even more satisfying rides. We made great new lifelong friends and people we hope to see in Paris or Brest, or along the way.

Steve and I would highly recommend going next year and getting in some early season miles, Brevets, or just great scenic rides. P.S. bring fenders-maybe.

Bonne Route!

Michelle and Steve

This year's NW Crank started the week with a 600k brevet and ended with a 400k, with a 200k, 300k, and alternate "fun rides" in between. This past weekend, Michelle Grainger and Steve Le Goff finished off their Super-Randonneur series and qualification for Paris-Brest-Paris by pre-riding the Black Forest 300k ... a tapering ride, ha, ha. -jle

More on Cripple Creek 300k ...

2011-05-04T07:10:00.000-07:00

Vernon has provided more details on stores and lodging which I've added to the original post.

-jle

Cripple Creek - Pine Junction 300k - the Inside Story!

2011-05-02T17:54:00.000-07:00

The inaugural Cripple Creek - Pine Junction 300k is slated for Saturday, May 7. Route designer and ride leader Vernon Smith has produced a route profile which highlights:

15,600 ft. of climbing (twice the climbing guideline for a 300k; by comparison, the Black Forest 300k has 9,000 ft.)
10,200 ft. maximum elevation (at Cripple Creek).

Vernon advises riders: "You will be at 76 miles after completing the Cripple Creek loop (max elevation 10,200) and are back in Woodland Park. At this point, consider the weather, your fitness, and how you are feeling before starting off to Pine Junction. At 76 miles you have had less than half of the elevation gain for the day, although you will now generally stay below 8,300 feet. It is here in Woodland Park that you have an option to simply ride down Ute Pass back to the start in Colorado Springs.

"Lights for the morning that will still be working into the night are a must.

"Plan on a long hard ride."

So there you have it. As you may have gathered, this is a course replete with climbing followed by, well, more climbing, and much of the course is on winding mountain roads with limited shoulders in some areas.

Thanks, Vernon, for designing and leading this new challenge! See added details below ...

-jle

RIDE START DETAILS

Marriott Towne Place Suites (as on the route sheet, etc.)

4760 Centennial Blvd.

Colorado Springs CO 80919

All rooms have a full kitchen.
The single studio is $79
The two bedroom unit is $99
Reservations at 719-594-4447

STORES NORTH OF WOODLAND PARK

Pine Junction store closes at 9pm
Deckers store closes at 5pm

Falcon-Limon-Kiowa 200k - a BRISK first Colorado Springs brevet!

2011-04-27T18:38:00.000-07:00

At the same moment (8:00 am, Saturday, April 16) that team Deer With Headlights was heading out into blowing snow flurries in Boulder County on their 232-mile Flèche, our indomitable friend Vernon Smith was herding his riders out onto the breezy plains for our initial Colorado Springs brevet offering! Here is his story ...

-jle (Team DWH Member)

-------------

There were nine of us.

It was cold.

Not sure, but I think it was in the high thirties when we started.

People say I might over dress some times.

I guess this is one time it came in handy.

What a wimp!

Let me tell what I was wearing:

Feet: Sock, shoes, booties.
Legs: Cycling shorts and my nylon-faced wool tights.
Core: Synthetic sleeveless "Undershirt", long sleeve poly-pro top, two jerseys, arm warmers over the poly-pro top, a light jacket, and and my gore-tex cycling jacket.
Hands: Gloves. Not just my finger gloves, but my Pearl Izumi WINTER gloves.
Head: Cotton in both ears, my Pearl balaclava, helmet, sunglasses.

Other than shedding the balaclava after about 30 miles, and then my Gore-Tex jacket in Limon (57 miles) I kept everything on. Once, for about 30 seconds, I unzipped the Heartcycle jacket a few inches. Twice, for about 60 seconds, I wondered if the nylon-faced tights were too warm. Then we turned into the wind at Kiowa and I was glad I had on what I did. I even thought about putting the balaclava back on, or maybe the gore-tex jacket, but I didn't.

My biggest problems all day were: 1) lack of sleep for the four weeks leading up to this and only four hours the night before, and 2) both thighs wanting to cramp all day. I had taken the Merckx bike to Albuquerque for the four weeks I was working out of our office there, and had trouble getting the seat height right. When I mounted the Serotta in Falcon for the 200K, I could tell immediately the seat felt high. I thought I would ease into it. I never did. Between Limon and Kiowa I stopped to see if lowering the seat would help. But my Moots Tailgator was down all it would go. I'd forgotten that on the Last Chance 1200 in September 2010, I'd lowered it all the way, and I never adjusted the Tailgator up to give me more adjustment in seat height. What is going on? Seems like I have to lower my seat height every year. My legs seem to be getting shorter.

Anyway, I began at the back and talking a bit with Gary and Eric. Then I went to try and catch the other six riders. I caught only one - Roger. We rode ~ 25 miles together then I looked back and discovered I was alone. At Limon I found four leaving (Ashton, Lloyd, Bert, Scott, I think) as I got there. I thought I'd catch them in the 36 miles before Kiowa. I never did, but they were at the store in Kiowa. I grabbed a quart of Coke and a pack of Hostess Twinkies (bad idea). The clerk asked me “do you need a little sugar”? Then and four of us were off into the head wind, south to Falcon. The four of us lasted to somewhere south of Elbert then we broke into four individual and separate riders, each fighting the wind at our own pace the rest of the way. The temperature was 39 degrees when I got back. About the same as when we left. There were a few snowflakes blowing sideways in the air too.

It was a tough 200K as evidenced by our times, 9:36, 9:47 and longer times.

- Vernon Smith

-------------

You may also be chilled and entertained by Felix Wong's ride report with photos.
Next up out of Colorado Springs: the Cripple Creek - Pine Junction 300k - give it a try!

RUSA Offers PBP-Conformant Vest!

2011-04-20T06:53:00.000-07:00

RUSA is offering a PBP-conformant vest via the RUSA Store. Deadline to order is May 15. This is the same model from the same (European) manufacturer as the ACP is using for their PBP vests.

With the ACP vest, you get the ACP/PBP logo. With the RUSA vest, you get a chance to try it out this summer before the event, or to order one without going to PBP.

A number of us tried on vest samples at least weekend's Drake Doubleback 200k. Here I am wearing the size Small.

The sizing is "roomy" (and unisex) so Small is fine for me, as you can see. Plenty of room for more clothing underneath. It would be snug to wear a hydration pack underneath, though, but would be ok to wear the hydration pack outside because the reflective strips on the back would be still be visible.

This is a polyester fabric vest, so it is ok in mild weather, but could be a bit toasty in warm conditions. It seems well-made. It is not ultra-compact to fold up (as one would expect with a cloth vest), but ok.

-jle

New PBP Wiki from RUSA

2011-04-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

RUSA has added a Paris-Brest-Paris Wiki, an evolving site offering info on many aspects of the event itself, transportation, accommodations, interesting pre-registration statistics and prognostications, and who know what else. A big thanks to San Francisco RBA Rob Hawks for creating this, and to the various contributors.

-jle

RUSA Adds Patch for P-12 Award

2011-04-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

P-12 awardees can now order a colorful patch from the RUSA Store:

This is the first patch offered by RUSA, and a nice memento. The new P-12 award, for completing a sub-200k randonnée - Populaire, Permanent Populaire, or sub-200k Dart - in each of 12 successive months, can be a great way to encourage fledgling randos by riding with them on shorter events, or complement your own riding with shorter outings, alone or with friends.

So think about working the P-12 into your rando schedule, and a big thanks to the RUSA Store Creative Department!

-jle

Try a PBP-Conformant Reflective Vest at the DD 200k!

2011-04-10T17:43:00.000-07:00

Thanks to our friends at Seattle International Randonneurs (SIR), you will be able to try on samples of a reflective vest that will satisfy Paris-Brest-Paris requirements (EN 1150 & EN 471) and that you may want to have whether or not you're heading to Paris.

These photos are courtesy of Audax Club Parisien:

SIR has taken the initiative to offer a version with SIR logo. That offer is now closed. But RUSA will be offering their own, with RUSA logo. In any case, you can find out what size fits you, as the manufacturer is the same for all three.

These vest samples will be available at the start of the Drake Doubleback 200k on April 16. If you wish to try on a vest, please arrive early - 7am would be good.

-jle

Combined Colorado Randonneuring Group!

2011-04-04T17:25:00.000-07:00

The Colorado Permanent Riders folks are merging into the Colorado Randonneuring Google Group:

I started the Colorado Randonneuring group last July for 1000k riders who wanted to coordinate their plans and pose questions of interest to other riders. The same holds true now: we can coordinate our plans for brevets and permanents, and raise questions everyone may be interested in.

So if you're not a member, and think you'd like to be, join up, and hopefully join in the camaraderie!

-jle

Earliest PBP Pre-Registration Starts April 3!

2011-03-28T13:50:00.000-07:00

For Paris-Brest-Paris aspirants who finished a 1000km or longer ACP/RM randonnee last year, pre-registration opens this Sunday, April 3. The ACP has posted some details on this process.

"Rider License Number" only applies to FFCT, UFOLEP, and other applicants, not to foreign ("Int'l.") riders like us.
"Rider Affiliation" again applies to those organizations, not foreign (non-French) riders.

Since there are more US rider slots (718) than US 1000k+ finishers in 2010 - some of whom aren't bound for Paris anyway - there is really no race to pre-register for that group. So if there are glitches or ambiguities to be ironed out, there's plenty of time.

Happy Planning!

-jle

2011 Brevet Season Underway - With 7 New Events!

2011-03-21T11:57:00.000-07:00

Our 2011 season is now underway, with a record 24 events from 100km to 1200km in length. How many are you putting on your schedule?

Especially exciting are some new events:

Colorado Springs Brevets - We're introducing three spring and one late-season brevet based in Colorado Springs. They offer new terrain to explore, and some interesting parts of our region!

Falcon - Limon - Kiowa Triangle 200k - A wide-open plains ride that's more challenging than one might think, including the big, wind-exposed rollers from Limon to Kiowa.
Cripple Creek - Pine Junction 300k - Two challenging spurs, one to Cripple Creek, and the next along the Rampart Range to Pine Junction.
South Park 400k - Backroads to Fairplay and then more lightly-traveled roads south to the Arkansas Valley west of Royal Gorge.

Larkspur 200k - The Black Forest and Larkspur area like our Black Forest 200k (out of Castle Rock), but from another vantage point.

A big thanks to Vernon Smith for proposing these events, designing the routes, and leading them!

Golden Gate Gadabout 200k - Based on the Permanent by that name, this summer 200k climbs Golden Gate Canyon of course, descends St. Vrain Canyon, with plenty of the Peak-to-Peak Highway and a spur to Eldora thrown in. A scenic mid-summer tune-up!

High Country 1200k Grand Randonnée and 1000k Brevet - Years in planning (thank you, Pat and Buster Heller), the HC 1200 is designed to max the scenery while minimizing traffic. A peak event for a number of folks from the US and abroad!

The Rest of the Schedule! - Of course this is in the context of the usual panoply of events and myriad avenues to your goals:

Populaires - spring warm-up and autumn foliage cool-down
SR series - two or more chances at each distance (200k, 300k, 400k, and 600k) to become a Super-Randonneur ... or qualify for Paris-Brest-Paris or other 1200k, including an early 600k for High Country aspirants
Colorado Front Range Flèche - this time actually on Easter weekend

Register online ... and, new for this year, see who else is registered for events ... don't be left out!

-jle

Flèche Deadline Is Racing Towards Us!

2011-03-10T07:29:00.000-08:00

Your deadline for submitting a route and team roster for this year's Colorado Front Range Flèche is April 1.

The Flèche is a curiously appealing event: 24 hours from start to finish, no matter how fast you ride, with a minimum of 360km (224 miles) to pedal between those hours. By contrast, I find the 400k brevet, though a bit longer, is less of a challenge, because you can go all out and don't have to put up with your teammates!

Here are the happy teams last year finishing with a 100% success rate:

With that enticing prologue, if you're considering this year's Colorado Front Range Flèche, we're exploring new territory. Traditionally, the flèche is held on Easter weekend, the first weekend after the first full moon after the vernal equinox. That can mean late March, or late April, as this year.

Regions in "wintry" climates are allowed to delay their flèche. For that reason, ours has been held the second weekend in May (only snowed out once!). Yet, for once we're in striking distance of actually holding our flèche on Easter weekend, as it's in late April.

Interested? Some teams will be reprising their efforts; new teams may be forming. To seek a team or teammates, you may use the Colorado Randonneuring Google Group (just sign up for membership).

-jle

A Raft of New Permanents to Explore!

2011-02-21T06:51:00.000-08:00

We've had some good tastes of winter here on the plains:

But plenty of sun, mild days, and dry roads, too:

Permanents let you pick and choose the choice days to get in a good, long ride. With friends, all the better! Here is Irene Takahashi enjoying the Roggen Roundabout:

A dozen new permanent routes were added in the course of last year, ranging all the way from the Lyons-Berthoud Bump-Along 100k through Brent Myers' 428km Rocky Mountain High. These are shaded on the Colorado Permanents page. A sampling:

Carter Lake Cakewalk 206k - Skirting the foothills, where it's often warmer in winter days than further out on the Plains. Punctuated by occasional short climbs to keep the blood moving.
Coal Creek Calypso 219k - A Peak-to-Peak permanent, this one featuring the climb up Coal Creek Canyon. A milder-day opportunity.
Golden Gate Gadabout 210k - Another Peak-to-Peak permanent, featuring Golden Gate Canyon, oh, and spurs to Eldora and Rabbit Mountain.
Lyons-Berthoud Bump-Along 103k - Perfect for the P-12 aspirant or stretching your legs whena 200k is not in the cards.
Rocky Mountain High 428k - Brent Myers' point-to-point from the Amtrak station in Grand Junction to Union Station in Denver.

Not all of these are early-season routes, but certainly ones to keep in mind as the season unfolds.

Meanwhile, enjoy those dry, sunny winter days before spring snows move in!

-jle

PBP Tips from The Daily Randonneur!

2011-02-09T14:47:00.000-08:00

Ed Felker, editor of The Daily Randonneur - also RUSA's Randonneur 5000 award administrator and DC Randonneurs bon vivant - has surveyed a half dozen PBP veterans, garnering expert insights under the rubric PBP, The Anciens’ Way.

These are veterans of multiple PBPs, so it's useful to see how their choices have changed (hopefully for the better?) over time.

Have a look. And now Ed has posted the rest of the survey, in Part 2.

-jle

A Slight Brush with Winter!

2011-02-08T16:32:00.000-08:00

Hard to resist a Permanent in February that starts above freezing. In fact, at the same moment a thousand miles west, the Santa Cruz 300k brevet was starting off only a couple degrees warmer.

But ... very different prospects! Topping out above 80º there; devolving to below freezing at the finish line here.

A scenic if icy panorama in Paradise Valley:

Heading east from Campion, the sweep of the foothills-born snow cells:

And interesting patterns crossing the South Platte:

I had lucked out since mid-morning when the blustery cold front blew through. It had brought a succession of spotty snow showers, all of which I'd managed to miss. Just a bit of wet pavement in their wake.

That's why the final hour from Erie to the finish - a hint of spitting snow flurries building into actual real snow with some slippery final miles - was more of an adventure - "the rando experience" - rather than a true bother.

... and still not as snow-encased as Irene's ride a year ago ...

A happy finish for a February outing!

-jle

2010 Result Mailing on its Way!

2011-02-02T17:27:00.000-08:00

While the mountains have lured us with great snow ...

as at Snow Mountain Ranch:

... yet local roads have been great for riding a Permanent ... for example, past ice covered Baseline Lake in front of the Flatirons graced with a cloud of snow from the mountains:

... there's been plenty of indoor time to affix ACP stickers from Paris to your brevet cards:

... and compile them all into a growing raft of envelopes:

... wending their way to you. Whether your envelope is a particularly thick one or on the slimmer side, I hope it contains fond reminders - perhaps a coffee or grease spot here or there - of a season well spent ... and tough rides survived!

And hopefully, too, an energizer to start ramping up for your 2011 season!

-jle

P.S. You can also see the 2010 consolidated rider results online.

Jennifer Wise Interviewed à Paris!

2011-01-27T17:53:00.000-08:00

A charming YouTube video interview of Jennifer Wise this month in Paris by Audax UK member Damon Peacock, whom you may remember for his great helmet-cam reportage of PBP'03, the Daylight 600k in Scotland, and other memorable bits.

If you've ordered something from the RUSA Store, Jennifer has been on the other end. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Jennifer was RUSA's first president, former president of Randonneurs Mondiaux, editor of American Randonneur, and organizer of the premiere US 1200k, Boston-Montreal-Boston.

Jennifer was in Paris representing our country as she does so well. It was always such an uplifting sight to see Jennifer waving to us struggling riders crawling up Andover Ridge or Mont Terrible on BMB, and so has it been to see her along the PBP course ... and on this interview.

Merci beaucoup, Jennifer!

-jle

What's New at Paris-Brest-Paris 2011!

2011-01-26T14:13:00.000-08:00

The Audax Club Parisien has sent this note with a variety of new things for PBP'11. Some of these have been on their PBP website for some time, but some are new and have yet to appear there. Here is their message verbatim. Some interesting tidbits!

New in 2011

In 2011, veterans of the Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur will discover many new features that should make their ride even more pleasant.

Bike Check and Brevet Card Collection - As in previous editions, the bike check will make sure that your bike is in accordance with the rules and enable you to fix last-minute problems. After the bike check, you will pick up your brevet card as well as the various ordered items (jersey, reflective vest, meals, etc.).

In 2011 we will accomodate those who start at 5:00 a.m. by setting up bike check and brevet card collection for them alone on Sunday morning. This way, they can avoid spending two nights there before the start. All other riders will have their bike check on the day before, Saturday, August 20.

Pre-ride Party - The Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur is a great opportunity to celebrate and to have a good time all together. That's why we invite you to meet on Saturday evening for a party which will end with fireworks around the 'Gymnase des Droits de I'Homme'.

Charity - Since 1991, the Audax Club Parisien donates a part of the Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur revenues to charity. This year we chose to help the 'Institut Curie' to fund cancer research. We invite you to join us with your own contribution. You will find several links to the 'Institut Curie' on our website.

Earlier Starting Times - The first riders will start Sunday, August 21 at 4:00 p.m. The last ones are expected to leave around 8:00 p.m. This should enable you to ride further before your first overnight stop on Monday evening. We hope that this will avoid further overcrowding at the Loudeac control.

Free Starting Times - In addition to the traditional group starts, we will offer free starting times on Sunday evening from 09h00 to 10h00 p.m. and on Monday morning from 5:30 to 8:00 a.m.

No crowds, no stress, you will simply validate your brevet card and cross the starting line, and the randonnee begins. But beware, we can only allow small groups of less than 20 people to start at once, and if there is too much demand we might have to impose restrictions. Of course, you will immediately be riding in the flow of traffic and we urge you to be vigilant from the very beginning.

Simplified Registration - In 2011, the registration process is simplified. We only offer online registration on the PBP website (http://www.paris-brest-paris.org/) with integrated payment. You don't have to send any documents by mail.

Rider Tracking - No more long lines at the controls to validate both brevet card and magnetic badge! We will still use the brevet card to document that you went through the various controls, but your passage will be automatically recorded with a magnetic chip that you carry across a mat on the floor. At the end of your ride, you can keep the chip as memory.

Sleeping Option at Saint Nicolas du Pelem - Starting earlier than in previous editions, you may ride further than Loudeac for your first sleep stop ... if you consider sleeping at all! But the need to sleep can show up all of a sudden. Saint-Nicolas-du-Pelem should allow you to tackle this stage without worries. Located midway between Loudeac and Carhaix, it will offer you an ideal sleeping opportunity if you hesitate to ride all the way to the next control. In addition to many sleeping mats, you will find: showers - restrooms - cold and hot snacks (breakfast) - and a bike mechanic.

Arrival at Brest City Centre - Previous PBP finishers will tell you how strange it is to look forward to Brest for many hours and finally see only a few corners of the city. In 2011, we will make you discover a little more of Brest's assets by inviting you to ride along the port and in the city centre. We would like your arrival in Brest to become one of the greatest memories of your randonnee.

PBP 2011 'High Visibility' Reflective Vest - Since 2007, French law has changed and all riders must wear a high visibility vest during hours of darkness or other low-light conditions. Long before it became compulsory in France, the ACP mandated the wearing of a reflective sash when riding at night. In 2011 , all reflective vests must comply with the safety norm no. EN471. At registration, you can purchase a reflective vest, to ensure that you comply with French traffic law. This vest will be marked with the PBP Randonneur 2011 logo.

- - -

On a related note, have a look at Mark Thomas's excellent rundown on latest PBP quota info.

Last and Longest - KC Wraps Up His Rando Year!

2011-01-16T12:18:00.000-08:00

KC Heck completed his first R-12 in December, capping off a 4000km rando year. Here's KC finishing his February, 2010 200k:

My adventure for the last Permanent of the year (Windsor Wanderer) started off even before I threw a leg over the saddle. The temperature on the thermometer read 30 degrees, certainly cold, but not freezing. (Technically yes, but not for cyclists going for the R-12 award.) So I decided to apply some embrocation. For those of you that don’t know what embrocation is, think of Ben Gay on steroids. It heats up muscles for cold riding conditions. While driving to the start of the ride, the embrocation started to work. As I drove on, the warming sensation started to turn into a searing flesh, Oh My God; I’m on fire sensation. I had to open the window, not to cool myself off, but to relieve my ears from the high-pitched screams, which was piercing my brain.

I pulled into the Conoco gas station, and ran to the restroom carrying a spare t-shirt. The clerk must have thought I was running into the restroom for a completely different reason. Once inside I ripped off my winter tights and proceeded to wipe off the excess embrocation with the t-shirt. Slowly the pain started to go away. Did I mention that while I applied the embrocation, my shorts weren’t on? I must have gotten some of the cream on the padded inside area as I pulled on the shorts. Needless to say I had to wipe off other areas as well. Note to self, "Don’t do that again!!"

Finally by 8 AM, I was on the road. When I reached Hwy. 42, I was warmed up nicely. I was glad to see a few other cyclists on the road as I made the left turn heading north. Of course they all seemed to be commuters, only riding for a few miles. I still had 127 miles to go.

Climbing out of Erie heading east, the traffic that was present early, disappeared. The vista started to open up before me as the suburban sprawl gave way to open fields. I always like this section of the ride; it always makes me feel like the ride was really underway. Everything seemed right with the world until…Wind. I had to put on my outer Gore-Tex jacket to stop myself from shivering right off the road into a ditch. At least the wind was blowing from my left, so I was able to maintain around 15 to 16 mile per hour.

Riding along the I-76 Frontage Rd., I neared Hudson and the first checkpoint. Along the way I encountered two charging dogs. I guess the "Fierce Dogs," which use to appear on older cue sheets, were back. As they started to close in on me, they weren’t slowing down. Quickly thinking, I pulled out my full-length bike pump, started growling, and swinging chaotically. I must have really created a scary scene, because the dogs stopped dead in their tracks. I might have pulled my pump out too forcefully, as I found out later in the day.

Checkpoint # 1: a quick re-fill and out-fill. By this time it was a little past 10, and my nose was bombarded by the most wonderful smell so far, fresh pizza. Especially compared to my Hammer liquid nutrition, which didn’t even come close. Back on the road and the promise of more wind.

At first it wasn’t too bad, but I was traveling west on Hwy. 52 and Wind(sor) was approximately 43 miles to the north. The wind was mostly out of the north. So turning north on to Rd. 41 was brutal. I started to average between 8 and 11 mph. When an eighteen-wheeler traveling past at 60 miles and hour does nothing to disrupt the airflow, you know it’s windy. By the time I got to Platteville 19.6 miles away, two hours had passed.

Time to pop some Ibuprofen. Apparently I’ve been having some knee problems lately, and this was an attempt to stave off the inevitable. Get card signed, get some hydration, and get to the bathroom. Say a prayer for the wind gods to die down, and off I was again.

The wind was still bad and by the time I got to the area just short of US 34, I knew that this was going to be a long long day. When I finally reached the crest of the area I like to call the Greeley Plateau, (you can see for miles upon miles in all directions) US-34 intersection, I looked forward to the descent into Windsor. I was not to be rewarded. The road must have been gravel sealed (chipped sealed), not too long ago. In an effort to stay out of the gravel, I winded up riding closer to the edge of the road than I would have liked to. Thorns were now on my mind, and because of the wind, I had to pedal fairly hard. I was all over the road. And you guessed it; I got a thorn on my tire at the bottom of the descent.

I found a nice grassy area on the west side of the road. It was near a development, and I proceeded to change my front tire. Within a few minutes a car pulled over and offered to help. I thank them but said that I was all right. Tire changed; back on the rim; and time to pump. Nothing… so I pumped faster. Again nothing…I pumped faster still. That’s when the nipple broke off, rendering the tube useless forever. S…O…B…Okay, take off tire again, and repair the holey one. Problem was I couldn’t get the pump to well…pump. Finally, after about 30 minutes, I was able to get just enough air in the tire to find the hole. But now what? Now I regretted telling that car I was okay. I kept trying to work the pump, and then it came apart in two pieces. AHHHHH!! It occurred to me that I was slowly running out of time to reach the next checkpoint in Windsor.

I put the pump back together as best I could, and tried it some more. I was still around 7 miles from Windsor and if I had to walk that, game over and no 4000K for the year. So I prayed, well more like pleaded, and cursed and tried to work the problem. After an hour on the grassy knoll I gave up. I put the tire back on the bike and ran down the road. It should be noted that running in cycling shoes pushing a bike was neither easy nor particularly fun. I only had one hope left.

A car pulled off to the side of the road, and my prayers were answered. Laurie Brethauer, a cyclist, was driving the car, and she offered to help. Laurie said that she did not have a pump with her, but she offered to drive me somewhere. I had to explain my situation to her concerning my ride. Without hesitation she offered to drive me to her house, which was just a few miles away. She said that I could pump up my tire, and then she could bring me back. I was very, very gratefully. I quickly took off my front wheel, and placed the bike in her back seat.

While en-route she phoned her husband, who was home, and had him bring out the pump, thus saving time. When we got there I quickly filled my tire. Laurie also gave me her bike pump, in case of another flat. She even filled up my water bottles when I wasn’t looking. Because of her generosity, I had a chance of completing the ride.

She drove me back to the spot where I was picked up. With the tire mended, I was back on the road with 45 minutes and 7 miles to Windsor. This part of the ride was kind of a blur, with my head low (for aerodynamic purposes).

Finally arriving at Windsor, I got my card signed, and re-filled my Hammer solution mix. I still had 50 miles to go, but the need for worrying about cut off times diminished. It was going to be a long ride in the dark. Because of the hard riding since the flat, I was in need of more Ibuprofen. So two more pills, and back on the road.

The sun was mostly behind the increasing cloud cover, so the temperature that had been okay for most of the day started to seep in to my bones. Climbing out of Windsor brought back a little heat, but for the rest of the ride, cold became a constant companion. I was looking forward to a nice tail wind all the way to Hwy. 52. Unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be. The wind had changed direction and was now blowing out of the east southeast. It was going to be a long, long day.

Crossing US-34 again, it was already time to put on the lights. After all I shouldn’t be so surprised: it was the shortest day of the year. About this time my knee was hurting, and would continue to do so for the remainder of the ride. Well…only when I pedaled.

Finally after three years of being a member of RUSA, I got my full moon night ride. As an added bonus, later that night sometime after 11 PM it was going to be a full lunar eclipse. By then I hoped to be finished.

Traveling along the frontage road, I hit my low point. Cold, wind, dark, knee pain, hungry, and to top it off, my right contact which had been pissing me off all day, really started to bother me. I had to ride with one eye closed at times. But I remembered I was having fun, albeit in a strange way for most people to understand. I kept telling myself 4000K, 4000K, my last day.

I needed to stop, and the truck stop at Hwy. 52, was my oasis. More water, a power bar, and the last of my mix would keep me going to the end. By this time it was sometime between 7 and 8, and the clerk noting my attire, wondered if I was really on a bike. I told him that I was. He seemed impressed, as did a young woman purchasing a drink. She overheard our conversation and said that she didn’t even want to walk the distance from here to her car to get a drink. I figured I would have some fun with this. I told her, “If you think that is bad, I’ve been on my bike since 8 AM this morning, and I still have about 19 more miles to ride, for a total of 130 miles for the day.”

You could say I left her speechless. Okay enough of a good time. Time to make some miles. I still wasn’t out of the woods yet. I had enough time, but if I had any other type of mechanical, it would be close. Before I knew it, I had to make another pit stop. The damp coldness sometimes makes me do that. So I had to stop two more times, once at the Erie Mall, aka the Erie Conoco station, and again at 7-11. Not wanting to cool down, I quickly went inside and came back out.

Downtown Louisville was a very welcome site. All the Holiday lights were up. If worst came to worst, and I had a problem I knew that I could walk to the finish and still make the cut off time. Luckily that did not happen. I pulled into the start/finish, Conoco station. Thirteen hours had transpired since I was last here. Goal accomplished, 2000K more than last year!!! This has been by far my longest 210K yet. By comparison, last week I rode the Platteville Poke-Along 200K in 9 hours. Next year do I hear 5000K calling my name? I should probable get a new pump first.

- KC

A New RUSA Award - the P-12!

2011-01-11T04:58:00.000-08:00

RUSA has a new award: the P-12. Modeled after the alluring and successful R-12, it requires you to ride a sub-200km randonneuring event in each of twelve consecutive months. Rationales for this award include:

a way to interest riders just moving up to the endurance level, whether young or old;
a goal for those living in quite wintry climates;
yet another goal for veteran randonneurs, who may use it to hook more novice riders into the rando experience by cajoling them into riding with them!

Plenty of time to pause and appreciate the roadside attractions last month on the Lyons-Berthoud Bump-Along Permanent Populaire:

Locally, there are three Populaires on the 2011 Colorado Brevets schedule, and a single Permanent Populaire. More Permanent Populaires could be in the wings.

Who comes up with these ideas anyway? In this case, we have RUSA member #7 and former RUSA president Mr. Bryant to thank.

The P-12 -- something to think about?

-jle

RUSA Showers Pass Jacket Offer!

2010-12-31T16:40:00.000-08:00

Snow is in the air, and we may not be seeing liquid precipitation for some time, but ...

For RUSA members only, RUSA is offering a limited-time opportunity to purchase a RUSA-Branded Showers Pass Elite 2.0 or Double Century cycling jacket at a special price.

Here is one of the three colors offered:

Although we luxuriate in an arid climate requiring only infrequent bike cleaning, we do have the occasional joust with downpours, the mountain ones quite chilly, and at remote events we certainly value rando-grade rain attire.

A big thanks to RUSA Board and Oregon Randonneurs member Cecil Reniche-Smith for arranging this. As an Oregonian, she should know good rainwear if anyone does!

-john lee

John Klever Polishes Off His R-12!

2010-12-08T05:26:00.000-08:00

On a WINDY December 2nd, John Klever completed the twelfth and final month toward his RUSA R-12 award.

Here is John at the pre-dawn start of the Kersey Kick 206km Permanent with two-time R-12 awardee Leslie Sutton:

John's January 200k, also a Kersey Kick, was his longest ride ever (I think), and first RUSA ride of any distance. He followed this up not only with a randonnée per month but longer distances - to see how far he would get. "How far" ended up being the Super Randonneur award: 200km, 300km, and 400km and 600km brevets in one season.

John joins this year's other first-time R-12's: Mike Fox, Steve Le Goff, Michelle Grainger, Tammie Nakamura, Irene Takahashi, and Jane Yant. Have a look at the complete list.

Congratulations to John and all this year's R-12's! Will you be next?

-jle

Your Idea for a High Country 1200 Jersey, Logo?

2010-11-24T06:12:00.000-08:00

Do you have a great idea for the Colorado High Country 1200 jersey or logo?

Send me your idea! It can be a design element, a vector file with graphics, whatever gets your idea across. The plan is to offer a jersey and perhaps a pin. Recognition and a possible prize if your idea is used!

DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 15!

-jle

A Record Flock of Super-Randonneurs!

2010-11-15T17:15:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to this year's 28 Super Randonneurs! That's more than in any other year except the Paris-Brest-Paris years of 2007 (30) and 2003 (32) ... where riders had to complete an SR series to qualify.

What earns you this award? Riding a 200k, 300k, 400k, and 600k in a season. The transitions between each distance are a real leap: from part of a day ... to most of a day .. to a day with some night riding ... to (for most folks) back-to-back days with night riding sandwiched in between. But it's all doable!

ROOKIES - Eight SR's were first-timers: Brett Cook, Cathy Cramer, KC Heck, Michael Henderson, John Klever, Mark Lowe, Tammie Nakamura, and Jane Yant. Most of the rookies had not ridden beyond 200km before this year, so this was a fast ramp-up into the unknown.

DOUBLE SR - If that weren't enough, Tammie Nakamura and Cathy Cramer (both rookie SR's) became the first local riders ever to achieve two (2) SR series in one season.

The Audax Club Parisien's Super Randonneur series and award have been tested over time as the classic demonstration of randonneuring prowess. These first-time riders and veterans have demonstrated that you, too, can meet these challenges over even a short range of time (a part of a season!) and then come back and do more.

Have a look at Super Randonneurs going back to 1999 ... and think about what next year might bode for you. You can do it!

-john

Farewell to the Mountains?

2010-11-09T12:03:00.000-08:00

Perhaps you saw Jan Heine's recent "Farewell to the Mountains" post. Jan constructed a multi-day 900km+ end-of-season visit through his favorite mountain areas, just in advance of the coming snows in the Cascades. I enjoyed the evocative narrative and scenes. Surely many of us can relate.

Of course, "farewell" is far from absolute for the hardier among us who simply move to knobbies or cross-bike setups. Or to those of us who enjoy wintersport (alpine or nordic skiing, ski randonnée, or snowshowing) ... or those who mix both!

Meanwhile, we've gotten an extended succession of opportunities to enjoy the high country ... such as the Indian Peaks on the Lefthand Lark 200k:

... or Rocky Flats, the Flatirons, and Longs Peak with a dusting of snow:

... and, oh yes, with winter mountain snows come foothill winds!

Meeker and Longs Peak were brilliant on the Glen Haven Gallivant 200k:

... and still a hint of fall colors in Big Thompson Canyon:

Nice enough to pause for a bite and photo op at the top of Devil's Gulch.

... and nice enough that some of us, such as Ray Rupel on the James Canyon Jaunt, biked from dawn to dusk:

Hope you've enjoyed the balmy weather and the mountain views!

-jle

Boston-Montreal-Boston Permanent in 2011!

2010-10-25T16:43:00.000-07:00

Boston-Montreal-Boston was America's first 1200k. From 1988 through 2006 it attracted many an avid rider, up for the challenge of Mount Terrible, Andover Ridge, and Middlebury Gap. As a three-time finisher, I can attest to the "charm" of the route.

BMB is now offered as the BMB Permanent. So far one rider has completed it (solo!). Next August - about the time BMB was normally held - our friend and BMB veteran Susan Plonsky is planning on riding the Permanent. She invites others to apply to the Permanent Owner (Jennifer Wise, former BMB event director) to ride the Permanent at the same time.

Though permanents can be ridden at any time (at the route owner's discretion) there are advantages to starting with a group. For example, you may find compatible partners to ride with, and group hotel rates can be arranged.

Just after topping Middlebury Gap near sunset on the first day of BMB'06. Here are some accompanying photos.

Susan has created a blog with lots of info about BMB - the historical event and the permanent - and a way for interested riders to sign up and to communicate.

-jle

Colorado High Country 1200 Unveiled!

2010-10-15T17:35:00.000-07:00

After PBP'07, les Randonneurs Mondiaux relaxed the rules so as to allow other 1200k's to be organized in a Paris-Brest-Paris year. For the US, the result is five (yes, 5!) US 1200k's for your delectation next year, one a month from May through September. You can check them out via the RUSA homepage.

Among those, the Colorado High Country 1200 may pique your interest, one of the "adventure" 1200k's (along with Alaska's Big Wild Ride).

More details ... and an interest list you can subscribe to ... will be following soon!

-jle

James Canyon Jaunt 200k - Great First-Ever October Brevet!

2010-10-09T17:01:00.000-07:00

This year's James Canyon Jaunt 200k was our first brevet edging into October ... to take advantage of what can be some very nice weather! So it was on the day in question, coaxing 23 riders out of bed for an early start. (The JJ was actually the first RUSA Colorado Permanent, and a scenic but not harrowing candidate for early October.)

Leaves are a bit past peak in the high country but are just starting to turn on the plains, as you see here near Hygiene:

Kelly Bergkessel, John Mangin, and Jane Yant pause for a photo op while looking for the answer to the info control in front of the Jamestown Mercantile:

After a transit of Masonville and possibility of made-to-order burgers at Sandy's in Loveland, the ride continued its sunny and wind-friendly ways. John Mangin and Peter Hoff were typically happy riders at the finish:

Tim Dodge led his gruppetto in for their ceremonial finish. It's Tim's first ride of this distance since his tumble (and broken clavicle) on the 400k in June. He rode this in good form on his tricked out, custom rando bike, complete with red fenders, red saddle, and de rigueur picnic-hamper sized handlebar bag. Welcome back, Tim!

High-powered cyclists John Flanigan, Tim Dodge, Tom Knoblauch, and Jane Yant share the smiles after a congenial day spent taking it easy on the road:

This brevet was such a success, I've put it on the schedule for next year! Crossed fingers that the weather cooperates as well as it did this time around.

Meanwhile, it's a great incentive, as more than one rider pointed out, to go for the RUSA R-12 Award, as you've already gotten in your October ride!

-jle

Remember to Vote!

2010-10-06T17:40:00.000-07:00

A reminder to vote for the RUSA Board candidates of your choice. The deadline is October 15. You may find out about the candidates and vote by paper ballot from the latest issue of American Randonneur or here online.

As usual, a fine field of candidates, all dedicated to randonneuring and to Randonneurs USA, the organization that has done so much to promote randonneuring in the US and US randonneurs' interest abroad.

Thanks!

-jle

Colorado RBA ... and RUSA RBA Liaison

New American Randonneur Challenge Awardees!

2010-09-29T07:03:00.000-07:00

Irene Takahashi rode her first 1200k in June, the mountainous Cascade 1200. After some relaxation, riding permanents and brevets, she followed this up last week with the Colorado Last Chance 1200k.

Here Irene is looking pleased as a tailwind has come up to waft her to the LC turnaround point at Kensington, KS:

That successful finish means she's now earned the RUSA American Randonneur Challenge award, for finishing two (or more) US 1200k's in a year. Bravo, Irene!

Vernon Smith also achieved the ARC award this year, also via the Cascade and Last Chance. No less an accomplishment, even for the seasoned but still cheery Vernon. Congrats!

Here is Vernon at the Kensington post office on the Last Chance with the other ARC awardee (Paul Foley photo):

-jle

Order Your Super-Randonneur Jersey by October 15!

2010-09-19T14:15:00.000-07:00

Once again, the RUSA Super-Randonneur jersey is available from the RUSA Online Store.

♦ You may order if you've completed a Super-Randonneur series in any year from 1999 to 2010.

♦ Qualifying events must have been on the RUSA calendar, either ACP-sanctioned or not.

♦ The series consists of a 200k, 300k, 400k, and 600k brevet, and you can substitute a distance up to 99km longer than the required distance (e.g., a 450km RUSA brevet for the 400km requirement).

♦ Order deadline is October 15. Delivery by December 31.

Questions? Contact souvenirs@rusa.org.

-jle

Have a look at our SR awardees for 2010!

Texas Labor Day Weekend 600k

2010-09-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

Still needing a ACP 600K brevet to complete my Super Randonneur, I ventured to Texas for the Lone Star Randonneur's (LSR) Labor Day weekend rando fest. One thousand kilometers of rides were on tap, which allowed an enterprising rider to ride four days in a row. I was in Mineral Wells, Texas, for the 600K brevet on Saturday and Sunday, September 4th and 5th. This was my first Texas brevet.
The ride started at 7:00 am, just as the sun was coming up. There were over thirty riders registered. Many were remarking about the mild temperatures. It was around 60F at the start, and would get up to 90F on Saturday. Apparently, Texas had been having a heat wave, and this was the first weekend were temperatures were under 100F for a long time. Mineral Wells is located in the northern part of what is called Texas Hill Country.

We were immediately into long rollers with the occasional short climb. That would be the theme for the day. There were few long flat stretches. Nothing was really steep, but I never felt like I got rolling. Although I was warned about the rough chip seal of the FM roads (farm to market roads), I don't recall having ever ridden on so much chip seal on a ride. The upside was that there was virtually no traffic, and Texas drivers routinely take the oncoming lane when passing. I noticed that the LSR riders generally rode fat tires, and some had pretty thick bar tape. I reduced the pressure in my tires and found that the ride improved considerably. Chip seal aside, the roads go through some incredibly scenic areas of farms, ranches and parks.

Many small towns on the route seem to be suffering from decline. Yet others seemed well kept and prosperous. Glen Rose was absolutely beautiful, with a park like setting along one of the many rivers in this area. Day one (225 miles) ended with a fast run back to Mineral Wells for the overnight.

Day two started just before sunrise. Upon turning south, we headed into a brisk headwind that would be in our face for the next thirty miles. The nice thing about the wind in this part of Texas is, if you have a headwind going out, you will have a tail wind coming back. The wind didn't shift in the afternoon like you expect in Colorado. Sunday had the look of a club ride. Dan Driscoll, LSR RBA, organized about half the 600K riders into a group that rode together for day two. The temperatures were warmer, reaching the mid 90's. On advice of the locals, I rode with a Camelbak both days. The camaraderie of the LSR group made the ride a lot of fun. The sense of esprit de corps started on Friday night with a group dinner at a restaurant next door to the ride motel.

Since the weather in Texas is mild in the winter, LSR has rides very early in the year with ACP brevets starting in January. Next year, LSR is putting on Texas Rando Stampede 1200K on May 11, 2011. They are extremely organized, friendly and have great cue sheets. I rode with riders from Texas, Washington, Arizona and other states. It was a great experience to ride with this group, and ride in a part of the country I would have never experienced without having done this brevet.

Rick Isham, RUSA 5133

ACP Brevet Medals - Volunteer Needed!

2010-09-10T15:49:00.000-07:00

RUSA is looking for someone to help Online Store manager Jennifer Wise in distributing ACP Brevet Medals to those who order them. Greg Olmstead, who has done an excellent job at this task for some years, is stepping down.

If you're looking for a way to "give back" to randonneuring, here's a good opportunity! For details on the duties and how the program works, contact Greg or Jennifer.

Thanks!

-jle

New Perm Route #932

2010-09-08T07:45:00.000-07:00

View from Glenwood Canyon bike path

As a number of you prepare for the epic 1200K Last Chance this is to announce a new ride for your pleasure. This will come in the form of a free route perm called the Rocky Mountain High #932. It is a fun filled point to point route from Grand Junction to Denver and is designed to go from Amtrak stations in Junction to Denver. All told this is 261 miles/ 420km with questionably 14,000 ft of climbing.

Spencer Klaussen of KC has been the inspiration for this ride with his use of Amtrak to get to the ride starts. The days journey puts a rider in GJ around 5 PM just in time to get started.

Using Hwy 6 this parallels I70 the whole distance. At 150 miles the climbing starts at Vail to then goes over Loveland at 202 miles. The Baker trail is now completed from the base of Loveland which keeps one off I70 for that fast descent with the trucks. At this point descending to Denver is great but not without some annoying climbs with dead legs. Finishing up at Union Station was great. We just wish that we had the strength to do this in the 28 hours allowed but we layed up for needed rest in Vail the night before. At this point even without stopping there was no way the two of us could have made it.

Brent and Beth

Last Chance Pre-Riders Hit the Trail!

2010-08-31T06:38:00.000-07:00

At 3am this morning, the four intrepid Last Chance pre-riders hit the trail: Bob Barday, Eric Simmons, Mike Fox, and Susan Plonsky!

Bonne route à tous!

-jle

Rod Geisert Chimes in on the 1000k!

2010-08-25T17:58:00.000-07:00

Rod Geisert has let his impressions germinate for a month ... and his muscles heal, and memories soften ... or maybe harden. You can now read his photo-laced report.

Thanks, Rod, and congrats on finishing a tough, tough ride!

-jle

Irene Takahashi at the Cascade 1200!

2010-08-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

Last June, our friends Tim "Foon" Feldman, Val and Robin Phelps, Vernon Smith, and Irene Takahashi successfully completed Seattle International Randonneurs' Cascade 1200.

You can read Irene's story with photos - quite a tale of overcoming adversity to finish her first 1200k!

-jle

Biggest, Toastiest 1000k Yet!

2010-08-04T17:10:00.000-07:00

This was probably our toastiest 1000k yet, with temps the first day topping out at 102 degrees. The nearest competition would be from Jack Herrick's inaugural 2001 solo 1000k, with similar temps. Jack said he only hoped a thunderstorm would wend its way in his direction.

Rod Geisert from Columbia, Missouri, takes cranial refuge from the heat.

But this time around, unlike Jack's solo ride, misery had company, with a record eleven riders (and an amazing nine finishers!). Yet if you look at the finish line photos below, these folks look pretty cheery!

Dave Meridith, accomplished ultracyclist from Utah, finished in good form:

Meanwhile, Jeff Erickson from Arlington, Virginia is relaxed and refreshed after a good night's sleep ... because he finished the day before! Eric dodged the full impact of the heat by riding through the nights. Pretty sneaky!

And our local ex-triathlete-turned-rando phenom, Ray Rupel, did just fine, thank you, finishing before dawn on the final day.

Steve Le Goff was happy to finish his first 1000k (or is it the cupcake?), egged on here by wife and RAAM-finisher Michelle Grainger whom circumstances prevented from doing this ride.

Todd LeBlanc reflects with Steve at the finish after his first 1000k ... but not his longest randonnée, which would be the Last Chance 1200k last year:

Mark Gunther from San Francisco says it all with his good-natured attitude, which he showed throughout the ride, and the satisfaction of a voluminous brevet card all filled out:

Check out Mark's ride report and Dale Brigham's ride report.

A special thanks to everyone who signed up to do this big ride, persisted through the climbs and endured the heat! Results in the usual spot.

- john lee

Dale Brigham's 1000k Saga!

2010-08-01T06:52:00.000-07:00

Posted by Dale Brigham, Columbia (Missouri) Bike Club, RUSA #0772

Day 1 (250 miles) started at 4 a.m. with the big group (36 in total) of 400, 600, and 1000 km brevet riders screaming along the net elevation loss route segment to the Platteville checkpoint. It was like being in a road race. Fellow Columbia (Missouri) Bike Club rando Rod Geisert and I slowed down after that checkpoint to a more sane rando pace, joining up with a few riders in route to the Niwot checkpoint, and then after that stop, heading west and north to the Lefthand Canyon climb up to Ward. I had forgotten how steep the last few kilometers are at the top of that climb. Ouch! After lunch at the Ward checkpoint, we descended from the Peak-to-Peak Highway down to Lyons, stopped there for ice and fluids, and then headed north and climbed up to the Carter Lake checkpoint and on to Horsetooth Reservoir (I had no idea that there were that many boats and pickups in Colorado). After passing by Horsetooth, we descended eastbound, turned north and went through Ft. Collins, and then made a big clockwise loop through Wellington and Johnstown before arriving back at Louisville at about half past 11 p.m. It was hot (temperatures on the plains exceeded 100 degrees F), it was hard, my legs were jello, but all was well.

Day 2 (204 miles) took us up north and east to Ft. Morgan, with the route noodling around in many directions, followed by a fairly direct route back to Louisville that included a stint along the I-76 shoulder and frontage road. My riding buddy, Rod, had a very bad heat-induced episode that threatened to stop him at Ft. Morgan. Rod courageously got back on the bike and miraculously rallied after we were drenched by a cooling rainstorm that hit us soon after leaving that checkpoint, which doubly helped us by morphing into a nice tailwind. After about 50 miles of up-and-down plains and foothills riding, broken up by a checkpoint stop in Hudson, we hit our home port at the Comfort Inn in Louisville around 1 a.m. Having to moderate my pace at times to stay with Rod left me relatively "fresh" that day. And, I was never really bothered by the heat. To me, the low humidity more than offset the high temperatures. I felt as good as I can hope to after over 450 miles in the saddle in two days.

Day 3 (175 miles) took us up north to U.S. 34 and the Big Thompson Canyon climb up to Estes Park, with our new rando friend Mark Gunther of San Francisco leading the way. We encountered a microburst storm at the base of the canyon, which tried to bring us to a dead halt and/or blow us over the guardrails. Fortunately, we rode through the storm until we passed it by, and then it was simply a long, hard slog up to Estes Park. We had a nice lunch stop there in the Safeway parking lot, waited out a brief mountain shower, and then descended via Devil's Gulch Rd. to Glen Haven, rejoining U.S. 34 at Drake. Descending is nice!

On the descent, Rod broke a spoke on his rear wheel (it was a low-spoke count/high tension wheel -- a broken spoke was potentially catastrophic), so we limped on to Masonville, where we had a checkpoint and a support vehicle waiting. (My wife, Jo, and Rod's wife, Susan, could meet us on the route only at designated checkpoints, which is the standard brevet rule.) Being Dr. Contingency, I had a spare set of wheels (Open Pro rims/Ultegra hubs/32 DT spokes) and a bunch of tools and other spare parts in the car. Mark helped me change out the spare wheel's 9-speed cogset to Rod's 10-speed cogset, along with changing the spare wheel's tire to Rod's (my Conti touring tires were too large for his racing-type frame). Working together, we got Rod's bike ready to go. At this time, Rod was very cooked by the mid-afternoon heat, so I rode with him in survival mode on south and east to the Platteville checkpoint while Mark motored on ahead.

We had a great revitalizing dinner at Platteville (Susan bribed a local restaurant into cooking up eggs, hash browns, sausage patties, and pancakes), and then we forged on into the sunset, heading west and south toward the Niwot checkpoint. There was a minor navigation glitch on the route (cue) sheet, so we had to backtrack, which meant lots of cursing (by me) and spirited riding to Niwot, arriving there a bit after 11 p.m. We had a brief refreshment stop there, and then after another 15 miles of lumpy foothill riding, we hit the finish line at the Comfort Inn just a few minutes before 1 a.m., for a total brevet time of 69 hours for 629 miles. Mark had finished about an hour prior to us. The time limit is 75 hours, so we all had a nice safety cushion. We had celebratory beers and chips out on the Comfort Inn portico, and then we headed off to showers and bed.

Lessons Learned (or Reinforced):

1) Motorists in Colorado are generally very good around cyclists, compared to most places in the U.S., and almost every road has at least a foot-wide ridable shoulder or designated bike lane. Folks in the small towns we had as checkpoints were very nice to us. Colorado is a great place to ride a bike.

2) Reliability and toughness in equipment trumps everything to me. My heavy touring tires (Conti Touring Plus) were reassuring on the debris covered highway shoulders. No flats. The index function on my right (rear derailleur) bar-end shifter went away on the morning of Day 2, so I simply changed it to friction shift mode, meaning no down time or repair needed on the route. (I did make lots of noisy mis-shifts until I relearned how to shift by feel, but it was kind of fun to go to "old school" shifting for a change.) Fenders were nice to have during the rain storms. My wheels (32 DT spokes/Open Pro rims/Ultegra hubs) stayed true despite lots of potholes, expansion strip gaps, and other wheel-eating road features. The Surly Pacer was good to me.

3) My recently added small handlebar bag was a revelation on this ride. I previously carried everything in my jersey pockets, but moving my energy bars, billfold-in-a-bag (ziplock bag with meds, ID, money, first aid, and other stuff), brevet card, rain jacket, and reflective clothing into the handlebar bag freed up my jersey pockets for extra water bottles. I carried at least one, but most often two, 24 oz. bottles filled with ice water or Gatorade in my jersey pockets during the hot portions of the day. Those bottles, in addition to two 24 oz. insulated bottles filled with ice and water and carried on the bottle cages on the frame, meant that I had up to 3 quarts of ice-cold fluids to start every segment. That made a big difference in the mid-day and afternoon heat. As a bonus, an ice-cold bottle in the jersey pocket has a nice cooling effect on the lower back.

4) Full-zip jerseys are a must for making restroom stops more convenient. Unzip and take off jersey, hang jersey on restroom door handle or other handy hook, pull down bib straps, drop shorts, and you are off to the races. More restroom stops means happier GI tract. Which means happier randonneur.

5) Checkpoint support can mean the difference between finishing a brevet or not. If not for the spare wheels in our support car, Rod would likely have had to abandon the brevet. Besides that, having Jo and Susan at the checkpoints saved us time and effort, and guaranteed that we started every segment fed, watered, and ready to ride. Finally, the morale boost of having someone on the route who cares if you make it is tremendous. I realize that many randos feel that having support on the route is just not kosher, but I am simply too much of a weenie on the multi-day (1000 and 1200 km) brevets to eschew it. Call me the world's laziest randonneur -- I don't mind. Chapeau to the unsupported riders who completed the brevet. You are tougher than I am.

6) Lanacane is super for taking the sting out of sitting on the saddle. Apply liberally and frequently when troubles below arise.

7) Making new friends during a brevet is the best part of the sport. Meeting and riding with Mark Gunther of San Francisco and Todd LeBlanc of Colorado was well worth the price of admission.

8) Having a rando buddy is priceless. On this ride, I was able to assist Rod. On other rides, he has assisted me. On all rides, we are mutually supportive. Having a dedicated partner on the ride makes it all better.

9) Rocky Mountain Cycling Club is a great outfit, and John Lee Ellis is a top-notch RBA. I would recommend your brevets to anyone. Thank you for welcoming us to your event.

10) I am very lucky to be married to a supportive, energetic, and resourceful wife, who helps me do these crazy rides. Thank you, Jo!

Shenandoah 1200 - Surprisingly Surmountable!

2010-07-02T17:28:00.000-07:00

With 45,000 to 50,000 feet of climbing, the Shenandoah 1200 promised to be a lot of, well, exertion! (By contrast, Boston-Montreal-Boston and Paris-Brest-Paris claim around 30,000 ft. and the Gold Rush Randonnée clocks in with 26,000, albeit in concentrated form.)

What's more, this year's 42% DNF rate suggests a rough experience. So, would the scenery offset the sweat? I was about to find out!

[Most of these photos, after the first couple, are clickable to enlarge.]

Here is one of the evocative "discomfort-assuaging" vistas on Back Rd.

The folks who do best at the Shenandoah seem to be some mélange of locals, old hands at 1200k's, and just plain tough and indomitable riders. Here, Jim Solanick from Florida, gearing up for his 20th (!) 1200k, waves hello to the folks who made his t-shirt possible: the 1995 Florida qualifying brevets were run by RAAM luminaryVictor Gallo and his wife Gladys, who now live down the road in Boulder.

Woody Graham, my riding pal from South Carolina, has been doing 1200k's since PBP'87, the last rainy year until PBP'07:

Speaking of rain, after a solid day of rain the day before, the ride started clear (which, at 4am, is to say "starry") but muggy ... bringing, not-all-too-surprisingly, dense fog as we headed from Virginia into Pennsylvania. As it burned off, we were treated to atmospheric wooded lanes like this one. A useful scenic distraction on roads like Spruce Run, which "starts out easy ... but ends with a sting" as I was duly warned. Good thing I put on that smaller chainring!

The next leitmotif: Civil War history, as we transited the Gettysburg battlefield National Park and then the NPS Antietam site near Sharpsburg. Calm roads, but replete with impact as you pass through the huge acreage on which these battles took place and reflect on the huge costs they inflicted. Reading a smattering of the many plaques leaves us food for thought:

After a pick-me-up at the Battleview Market in Sharpsburg, we were in store for more ornery climbs over the Catoctin Mountains, zigging and zagging over quiet but sawtooth country lanes.

The big rollers of Middle Road brought us to the big but more extended rollers of Back Road, replete with nice views:

As promised, just after turning onto Back Road, local cyclist and resident Mark Brewer had furnished riders a welcome cache of ice:

Event organizer Matt Settle lives off remote Middle Road, on an even more remote but rustic-looking spur:

As enchanting but hilly Back Road went on and on, it seemed prudent to rehydrate (ha, ha, that means I was parched) at an old-time country store at a crossroads:

And it was scenes like this that uplifted the spirits on this rolling ridge road!

Turning onto VA42 did not dispel the quiet, scenic value of the course, but the hefty rolling nature of the ridge roads attenuated to a more lithely rolling landscape:

In fact, the evening approach into Harrisonburg, the first recommended overnight control, seemed positively docile compared to the foregoing umpteen hours of our ride! I may have even used the aerobars once or twice, at least for show.

Day 2: Henk Bouhuyzen, Paul Donaldson, and I headed off at 3am on a continuation of this mild segment ... with one gnarly interlude over Jennings Gap (but who could really tell, as it was pitch dark?). The shallow descent on Deerfield Valley Road brought us to the Deerfield control at first light:

Here is Henk patiently waiting in the kitchen for Ruby Lee Bryant's made-to-order hefty breakfast:

Controleuse Patsy Lindsay lent a welcome visage not only at Deerfield and Harrisonburg but seemingly everywhere else!

Paul "WGR" Donaldson's orange-motif equipment stands waiting for his Deerfield getaway. "WGR" stands for "World's Greatest Randonneur," Paul's local moniker. Paul finished handily, by the way.

Of the many log cabins we passed in the Blue Ridge foothills, this may have been the most grandiose:

Goshen Pass was one of the scenic highlights. A gorge coupled with mild climbing, it was a cool and refreshing way to spend part of your second morning:

What did the intervening 14 hours, curiously unchronicled by photos, hold:

the shady ten-mile climb up Buffalo Road;

the annoying but tolerable peripherique around Roanoke, bolstered by upbeat remarks from fellow rider Chuck Howes;

a lilting but toasty 15-mile climb up the quiet and panoramic Blue Ridge Parkway;

some rolling miles on US-221;

some inspiring preaching (see below);

rollercoaster country roads and the plummetous descent of Willis Gap Road in the dark;
a warm welcome by the NC contingent in Mt. Airy!

Word was that we would get a gracious welcome from the NC contingent ... and we were not disappointed! Friendly faces and lots of rando-oriented food: cheeseburgers from the grill, beans, macaroni & cheese, and other ingratiating delicacies.

RUSA VP and newsletter editor Mike Dayton gives a warm welcome, resting up for the Central Coast 1000k he would be riding in a fortnight's time:

Alan Johnson has been Raleigh RBA since 1998 and evidences a more-than-decade of wisdom and good nature:

High Point, NC RBA Tony Goodnight on right and John Olmstead bear valued liquid gifts for the dehydrated riders!

Mike posted a series of great reports on his Research Trailer Park blog, including photos of some arrivees.

Day 3: My strategy was to soak up quality sleep like a sponge in air conditioned comfort, and in that I was successful. The climb back up Willis Gap Road was uneventful after the adrenal encounter with unchained dogs ... which I was not surprised to meet after making their acquaintance on last night's descent.

At the top of the gap, the reward was a series of top-of-ridge pastoral roads in early morning light:

... this one with hay bales:

... and this one with that scrappy Top-of-the-Blue-Ridge look:

On a country road descent, I spy the church sign passed the previous evening while creeping uphill at dusk. At that point I'd noted that preaching was offered after 7:30pm on Fridays, and guess what: that was when I was passing! Sure enough, a lady preacher was laying into the congregation. I could hear it plainly from the road. Very affecting to the no-longer-fresh randonneur.

Back at the Floyd control, event director Matt Settle gives a warm welcome in front of the rustic cabin serving as control locale. Also in the background is his bike sans wheels, one of which was cratered by an automotobile encounter the previous evening - fortunately only equipment damage. A thankful situation.

Matt had generously posted these intelligent signs along parts of the route, especially on this segment:

What followed was the plummeting descend down to Roanoke, followed by heat, followed (fortunately!) by a blustery but cooling thunderstorm (in my case fortuitously in sight of the I-581 overpass, a breezy shelter), more rain back through Troutville, and delightful wet but no-longer-low-90's temps to the Buchanan checkpoint.

Jim Solanick pulls off his raingear to reveal an excellent sartorial choice, his Colorado Last Chance 1200 jersey!

In this segment you'd see vehicles like this with "Farm Use" plates - a useful concept, although they also seemed to feel free to roam the open road, too.

What followed, departing the Buchanan control at 4pm, was essentially a 90-mile straight shot down US-11, the old Shenandoah Valley road. After the preceding countless snippets down "Curly Tail Possum Road, turn at brown cow on right," this prolonged stretch was more like, well, the Last Chance.

Lots of woods (and tailwinds, as Matt had predicted) coupled with Americana such as billboards for excursions to dinosaur artifacts ... but at least for much of it, very little traffic. The traffic? It was on parallel I-81 - you could hear it at times. The only cars were local traffic and those intent on dinosaur remains, natural bridges, or thrift shops.

Perhaps in honor of these miles, I later bought a packet of locally-produced Route 11 potato chips next day in Fort Valley:

Day 4: I compromised between an early start and avoiding the heat. It was just getting light as the route climbed up to the ridgeline on South Middle Road:

Across another manicured meadow you can see Massanutten Mountain paralleling our course:

An early morning climb over wooded Edinburg Gap, complete with switchbacks, brought us to the scenic, park-like Fort Valley Road, another highlight!

This final 200 miles has really been a kinder, gentler section of the route, with a succession of charming roads. After Front Royal (where our route meets the end of Skyline Drive), we're heading into the refined horsey country characterized by Middleburg.

The fox-topped gateway to this estate reads "Merry Chase" - presumably not the foxes' sentiment! And fences must have their jumping gaps, of course:

Really a pretty serene finish, and what better than to be greeted at the finish line not only by Matt but my friends Crista Borras and finish line chef-de-contrôle Carol Bell? (Crista "Permanista" Borras is RUSA Permanents Coordinator and has organized her back-to-back century rides most weekends for more than a decade. )

Crista's tandem partner Chuck Wood also gave a much appreciated welcome (Carol Bell photo):

Lots of climbing, and lots of miles on the odometer. Laminated cue sheet holding up pretty well:

In the end the Shenandoah 1200 fulfilled the unspoken promise of "tough but scenic." What more could a randonneur ask?

- john lee

P.S. It seems Colorado sends one delegate per year to the Shenandoah. The first, "blazing heat," year it was Bob Barday. Last year it was Catherine Shenk. You can read Catherine's report (which I avoided perusing while writing the above, but do recall her Mt. Airy burger-and-beans photo).

Coloradoans Finish the Cascade 1200!

2010-06-30T06:19:00.000-07:00

Results just in: all four of our local riding colleagues have finished the Cascade 1200. Congratulations to Bob Bruce, Tim "Foon" Feldman, Vernon Smith, and to Irene Takahashi on her first 1200k!

-jle

P.S. Val and Robin Phelps (pictured below) finished their second Cascade, and send their greetings as RMCC members (now from afar) who would like to be included in this illustrious group.

A Sunny, Summery Cascade 2008!

2010-06-21T12:02:00.001-07:00

In June, 2008, I had the great pleasure to ride the 3rd Cascade 1200. The inaugural 2005 edition had offered some showers and cool climbs through the national forest. But 2006 had been toasty, ironically after a spring too snowy to use the Forest Service road. This edition looked like a repeat of '06. All that raingear and other people's fenders apparently worked to ward off the raindrops.

(Click any of these photos to enlarge, except for some reason the first three.)

Imagine a civilized post-dawn 1200k start - at 6am - what were they thinking?? Ken Bonner (with triangle) ready for more ultra-miles. In the distance, SIR president Mark Thomas snaps photos:

Quiet country roads start out the course. "Volcano Escape Route" signs raise out-of-state eyebrows:

Snowcapped volcanic peaks loom like ice cream cones behind the verdant pastoral hills:

... and just when you think you might need something - such as on the 20-mile climb up White Pass - a SIR Oasis appears around the corner, with casually clad helpful staff ready to hand you a drink, watermelon, or ice sock:

White Pass, the first big climb, rewarded with some cool breezes up top and nice vistas:

Even the painted snowflakes on the ski area sign felt cool and refreshing:

Descending to Clear Lake reveals a scenic setting:

... and a serene lake as evening gathers:

Control official offers the essentials: analgesics and photo-documentation:

Rider still trying to look fresh!

The Naches overnight control is abuzz with staff and riders:

Day 2 starts off with a climb up the Chinook Pass Road to the Lodgepole control, past many a flowering verge:

The descent east progresses from deep woods and cool temps ...

... to more arid, open country ...

... more and more open with fewer and fewer trees ...

... finally giving way to pivot irrigated fields on the broad eastern plains:

But even out here, tall trees offer some shady avenues.

Isabelle Drake is making the most of the open country on the way to Quincy.

Day 3 starts out with some river miles, followed by a climb up to Dry Falls.

... and a snack opportunity complete with SIR coffee and bagels at the Dry Falls rest area.

Next a climb to a high plateau - a sea of wheat dotted with large rust-colored boulders, a soothing landscape that could make one drowsy after the snack at Dry Falls.

It's really wide-open high plateau in which any Last Chance rider would feel at home.

Lone structures evoke the solitude of pioneer times on the vast plains.

We descend across a dry wash with typical western styling ...

... and climb out against the rockface.

In the middle of this prairie, at a simple crossroads (where we remember to turn right) stands the Farmer grange and welcome SIR control, with sandwiches, fruits, and cold drinks in the middle of nowhere!

Time passes. It is now late in the afternoon after what seems the toughest climb of the route: Loup Loup. Stiff grades in the heat of the afternoon. This mild scene at the summit is a welcome punctuation point to a real workout ... complete with a false summit midway up.

Final light falls, graced by clouds once part of a thunderstorm on the valley up to Mazama Ranch.

Day 4 begins with the de rigeuer Mazama rancher breakfast, and then a "late" (6am) departure for most riders, followed by a cool climb to Washington Pass, the highest point on the route, and certainly the most alpine!

The pass itself (where Tom and I decide on a photo op) is reminiscent of the French/Swiss alps:

Washington Pass is higher than Boulder, CO by a few feet, but with lots more wilderness!

A slight dip and short climb brings us to neighboring Rainy Pass, today quite unrainy.

Lots of sublime views at this altitude!

After a prolonged descent on the North Cascade Highway, a succession of scenic, jade-green reservoirs.

Waterfalls along the roadside generate pockets of chilly air to cool the passing cyclist!

And amidst all this sun and just-post-solstice daylight, a snowcave for whatever creature may abide there.

The route becomes calmer, including this flat, shaded stretch right at naptime in the afternoon.

The stream next to the road is running high with runoff and/or rain, a Northwest staple.

And one glimpses views, now from the west, of the range we have crossed, if we can get a peek through all that great foliage lining the roadways.

It's a fine final few miles on wooded country roads which bring us suddenly to the start/finish in Monroe, and cyclists (Tom and I) clearly elated with the experience ... still doing our best to look fresh.

The finish line meal is actually a hearty breakfast the next morning. Erstwhile Colorado randonneurs Val and Robin Phelps seemed pleased with the experience ... or the hearty breakfast ... or maybe both!

And I guess it's now ok to don the event jersey, each curve in that red graph replete with good times and trying ones, but most of all a rewarding experience.

- john lee

A Snowy Accent on the Eve of Summer!

2010-06-08T07:54:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday at 4am I had the pleasure of sending off three dozen avid cyclists on the 400km brevet, then heading off on a shorter foray into the mountains. Dawn promises a fine, sunny day, with some cheerful semilenticular clouds dotting the foothills:

After hefty snows and deep snowpack, the sudden warmth has sent Lefthand Creek and others churning:

At the top of Super-James, a scenic view of the Indian Peaks:

Brainard Lake still has some ice floating on it, and it's still pretty quiet there, as "winter conditions" preclude hiking on the snowpacked trails:

But they've plowed the main road, providing a nice place to lean your bike:

At the base of the Brainard Lake road, whom to encounter but cheery Vernon Smith and Catherine Shenk at the Millsite Inn 400k checkpoint! While taking a break, Vernon was called into service to help the Millsite staff move a pool table.

Most of the way up Lefthand Canyon, Brent and Beth Myers are taking it easy (if that's not a contradiction in terms climbing Lefthand) on their way to a successful 400k finish:

... while KC Heck pauses briefly at one of the new, paved cyclist turnouts in the canyon:

Lots of smiles to go around both in the snowy realms and on the 400k, as attested by Steve Le Goff, Michelle Grainger, and Catherine:

Now that summer is evidently with us, enjoy!

-jle

Tim Dodge: "My Shortest 400k"

2010-06-06T14:05:00.000-07:00

That was me in Lafayette with the flashing lights the morning of the 400k on June 5. Only I wasn't getting a ticket...

25 minutes into the 400k, third position cruising through Lafayette, and I hit a seam in the road without warning. My front wheel felt like it was grabbed from under me, twisting so hard that both hands were yanked off the bars, and I went over the top faster than I thought possible. Just long enough to think, "WTF was that?"

At first I was so shaken up I wasn't sure about injuries. No major blood and the road rash seemed manageable. Then I felt some clicking in my collarbone. Turns out my left shoulder took most of the impact and that click I felt was a broken clavicle. (I smacked my head, too, but there was remarkably little to show on my helmet and I don't seem to be worse for wear.)

An unmarked SUV showed up almost immediately -- which I didn't realize was a police vehicle because the rear flashing lights were outside my field of vision. Still, it sure was nice of them to pick my glasses off the street. At this point I had collected my water bottles, both ejected by the crash, and I was back astride my bike. If you were 20 feet away nothing looked too amiss. I understand how the scene could have looked like a traffic infraction instead of an accident.

Next I saw one, then two, then three police on mountain bikes. What was going on? Before I knew it here came the paramedics and then the fire truck. I couldn't believe all the activity. It turns out the police were out in force to catch a graffiti vandal.

To add to the hoopla, I had to deny care from the paramedics because I wanted to drive myself back down to Denver where a friend of mine was on call in the ER at Porter Hospital. I didn't mention this to the guys on the scene because I figured they wouldn't think it was a very good idea. Besides, it was 4:30 in the morning and I didn't want to call and wake up my wife.

One of the officers was kind enough to drive me and my bike back to the start in his pick-up. He commented that he was not very happy to see cyclists riding 3 abreast through town. I wondered to myself how often anyone is even on the streets of Lafayette at 4:30am. But I didn't say that. Instead I told him club policy is to follow traffic laws and riders who don't are disqualified from the event. This seemed to calm him a little, but he added that bike paths are safer. I decided to keep my mouth shut.

I'm still not sure how I wrestled my bike into the car and pulled my jersey off -- motivation to not cut it off, I suppose. After I got home I noticed the left shoulder was shredded from impact, so my efforts to save the jersey were moot. I haven't had the courage to unload and check my bike yet.

I've heard from a couple of people who felt bad about riding past. My view is that we were 25 minutes into the ride and there was nothing anyone could do for me. Stopping would have made no sense, especially with all the help on the scene. Let's face it, following someone's wheel in the dark has inherent risks. I accepted those risks. Instead, I can truly say that things could have been worse. For starters, I had no head injury and I didn't have to ride back to the start.

After talking with two doctor friends I've been told I'll heal faster if I get the clavicle surgically repaired. I'll know more after I visit with the orthopedic surgeon in the next couple of days, but there's nothing that can be done right away. Apparently I also fractured a rib, but that will take care of itself. At this point I'm just wondering how the pros get back on their bike in 4-6 weeks. The trainer will help, and maybe some PT and ultrasound magic?

So it goes. In the near term I'll be riding vicariously with all of you. Ride reports appreciated!

- Dodger

400k Checkout Ride a Blustery Success!

2010-05-30T07:33:00.000-07:00

The 400k checkout ride proved both useful and adventurous! After taking the dirt road detour on Monarch, I see that the new bridge on Niwot and 55th is open, so that will be nice for the actual event.

A warm upcanyon wind wafted up Lefthand Canyon. A good hint of heat training. At Ward, I find we'll need a new info question, as the old question has not survived the winter. Mild, comfy conditions on the Peak-to-Peak, with a snowy view of Mt. Toll:

An hour short of Wellington, a cold front comes through ... like last Saturday on the 600k! A dozen miles of stiff headwind are rewarded by the sight in Wellington of the flag blowing in what will be our direction:

Part of that mix, however, would be succession of showers, some pea-sized hail, and some lightning (largely confined to the clouds). It turned "refreshingly cool" meaning your rain jacket came in handy for warmth, and ditto for the showercap under the helmet.

Soon enough, the sun peeks through as sprinkles continue on verdent green fields:

... and a fine sunset on 95th St. adds a picturesque wrap-up:

Join us for the "real" 400k next weekend!

-jle

A Windy Time on the "Early" St. Vrain 600k!

2010-05-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

Strong, gusty, toasty SW winds accompanied the 12 starters on this "special," early 600km, a month earlier than our traditional 600k. The winds "enhanced" the climbing workout up St. Vrain Canyon and the hydration requirements even on the Peak-to-Peak Highway, where the traditional resorts had yet to open and riders had to be resourceful finding water. (Cathy Cramer took advantage of Crystal Springs in Allenspark.)

Good thing there was lots of scenery to go around, and at this season the traffic was light , too. Here are Michelle Grainger and JLE looking towards Meeker Peak (Steve Le Goff photo):

The tailwind up to Owl Canyon Road caused many a dour reflection about how much wind fighting there would be after the Wellington turnaround. Then just before 5pm, a cold front blew through, raising dust and tumbleweeds, but lowering temps to air conditioned levels and wafting riders homeward.

The dust and blowing cloud set up a silvery sunset above the mountains:

Steve and Michelle are happy enough with that NNE tailwind however chilly it had become:

The next day started off chilly, in the low 40's, but the mild temps were welcome and the winds generally favorable. That plus burritos at Kersey made for a pleasant second loop. And you could avoid most of the chill entirely if you were like Paul Foley and Vernon Smith and slept in until 6am, after a full night's sleep:

Here's hoping all the finishers had a cheery finish, and that those of you riding the June 19 600k will, too!

-jle

The Painted Turtles Breeze Through the Flèche!

2010-05-17T17:38:00.001-07:00

by Tim Dodge, Captain

I thought I’d take a moment to recap our ride during the last weekend's Fleche. We managed to fill the team with myself as captain, Bob Bruce, Tim Feldman, John Flanigan and Tom Knoblauch. While I’d like to think that our smooth ride was a result of great route planning, the reality is that we were very fortunate with weather, a lack of mechanicals and good team riding.

The Painted Turtles rarin' to be let our of their coffee shop start and be on their way!

Our route took us from central Denver west to Morrison, then up along the foothills past Boulder, Lyons and Ft Collins to Wellington. We headed due east to Nunn, then down through Greeley and out to Keenesburg. Finally we headed west again to Longmont then south to the finish in Louisville.

Tom Knoblauch wins the prize for most suitably attired, in his sea-turtle jersey!

We covered a little less than 250 miles, and we had one flat tire to show for our efforts… I guess the math for our 5-person team works out to one flat in roughly 2,450 tire miles (2 tires per person, right?). There was also a small incident half an hour into the ride when John hit a bump and the bracket holding his light snapped in half. Nothing a little electrical tape couldn’t solve, courtesy of Bob.

Here's the team heading through Red Rocks:

Our worries turned out to be for naught. In years of riding in Colorado none of us had ever experienced tailwinds for a full 24 hours. As we headed south from Nunn, riding easily with two abreast and talking about whatever came to mind, we realized how different it could have been. Instead of cruising conversationally at 25mph we could have been wheel-to-wheel in a paceline grinding out 12mph.

One of the happy benefits of our luck with the weather was ample time to eat. If we had known about the tailwinds ahead of time we probably would have chosen a longer route. But we didn’t, so we ate instead.

Heading towards Boulder we made an unscheduled stop in Louisville for bagels. In Ft Collins we found a Subway. At least one rider couldn’t pass up Burger King in Wellington. In Greeley we sat at Old Chicago’s eating pizza, oblivious in our bike gear to the crowd around us. We took refuge at Love’s truck stop in Hudson as the temperatures dropped early Sunday morning. Then we finished with some coffee at McDonald’s in Longmont before rolling to the finish. (As I write this I realize we sampled some of Colorado’s finest haute cuisine. We also proved that randos can be pretty adamant about keeping the tank full.)

When we pulled through Louisville towards the finish, we saw Beth and Brent Myers sipping coffee. We all had a few minutes to spare before the finish, so we decided to take one more break and pose for a team picture.

What struck all of us was how much fun we had. The camaraderie of riding together for 24 hours was fantastic. We compared notes on lights, nutrition, clothing and other equipment in preparation for some of the longer brevets ahead. John even managed to qualify for an R5000 award that started with PBP in 2007. Then we had the perfect ending as all three Fleche teams came together for a finishing parade – tough to beat a 100% finishing rate!

See everybody soon,
Tim

Spring After All on the Stove Prairie 200k!

2010-05-13T06:19:00.000-07:00

After repeated snows over the past weeks, May 1 bode a very iffy forecast, with a rain and snow-shower mix among the possibilities. A mere week before, this was the scene on the Stove Prairie Saunter 200k Permanent:

A plow had even made a snow wall convenient for bike leaning:

But for the brevet things cleared up and although temps were cool, we had a fair amount of sun. Tom Knoblauch had a good climb up from Poudre Canyon:

After the showery Drake Doubleback 200k two weeks before, many folks came equipped for anything. Eric Simmons topping out on the Stove Prairie summit:

Some of these grades are actually 12% ... but some are steeper!

Towards the base of the descent, a small waterfall offers another hint of spring:

We had a healthy turnout, over 40 riders, especially considering the forecast, and there were a lot of smiles at the finish, having surmounted the Horsetooth and Stove Prairie climbs. This included veteran randonneurs we haven't seen on brevets since PBP'07, such as ... Merle Baranczyk from Salida:

... and Charlie Henderson, giving some tips to Leslie Sutton:

Rounding out the PBP'07 returnees, Gary Koenig may have discovered the fun segments in this climbfest. Judging from the smiles at the finish, a rewarding time for the riders. Thanks for braving the forecast and joining in!

-jle

Tammie Nakamura Rides the AZ 600K!

2010-05-02T13:43:00.000-07:00

The 600K Casa Grande Tombstone brevet [April 24, 2010] featured sunny but breezy weather. We were lucky to miss the big rains and 60-70 mph winds that sometimes occur in the springtime in Arizona. The day started at 5 AM with 28 eager riders pedaling into the rising sun, past the Picacho Peaks State park. The first rolling climb through the Saguaro National Park ascended 1600 ft. The striking feature of this area is the astonishing vistas through the Sonoran desert extending all the way to the horizon.

At mile 75 begins a gradual but persistent 30 mile climb up Mission road through the Tohono O'odham reservation, ending at the Duval mines. The road ruts rattle every tooth and bone in your body. The border patrol buzzes around like angry hornets throughout the area. Passing through border patrol checks, the officers seem amused to see a steady stream of bicyclists out in the middle of nowhere.

The next climb of 16 miles on Sahuarita Road is followed by a steeper 22 mile climb up the Sonoita Hill for a total elevation gain of about 2800 ft. Occasional vineyards appear in scrub grasslands along the rolling descent to Elgin Lodge.

A surprise encounter with a foot long Gila Monster near Sahuarita!

The Grasslands of Sonoita

At the lodge we are warmly greeted by Susan Plonsky and her famous turkey rolls at the door! However, it’s getting dark and the temperatures are dropping rapidly from the 88 degrees in late afternoon to the low 40s. A quick dash down the hill and it’s on to a 70 mile loop in the dark to Tombstone and the mid-ride turn around control. The pitch darkness underscores the remoteness of the area. More border patrol officers are hidden near the top of hills, silently scanning the valley with night vision goggles.

It’s the middle of the night and the titanic forces of drowsiness begin to take hold. No doubt this is a very bad place to take a nap on the side of the road. For that matter, I wondered about riding by myself in the middle of the night so close to the US-Mexico border. I watched another rider weaving in the center of the road- he was sleepy too no doubt. I noted that he had no rear lights and no reflective gear on himself or his bike. The drivers clearly couldn’t see him until they were nearly on top of him and swerved around him in a panic. Good grief! Hope somebody has sharp words with him.

Getting back to the Elgin lodge was the most joyful moment of the day- WARMTH and the most cheerful greeting from Mike Allen who hands me some some desperately needed calories. The lodge was a great stopping point for a quick nap. Riders were very respectful to take off their shoes and talk in a whisper. The sleeping room was large enough to spread out so thunder snorers didn’t wake everybody up. Susan greeted everybody in the morning with a quick breakfast of cereal and coffee and it was back out the door to a very chilly ride.

Arizona RBA Susan Plonsky at the Elgin Lodge. Susan runs a tight ship and provides legendary support of the riders. Thanks Susan!!!

The return trip traced the same outbound route back to Casa Grande. The rolling climb back through the Saguaro NWR at mile 312 was surprisingly onerous- no doubt the 92 degree temps (and still dressed for a cool-weather ride) made for a shock to the system. It was a grand HOORAY to finally arrive back in the Casa Grande Walmart parking lot and to hand my card to Susan. The ride was a grand adventure- just the right amount of challenge, beautiful and unusual views of the desert and really good folks to ride with.

I have no pics of the riders of the 600K, but here are a couple of Irene [Takahashi] toughing the headwinds near the Buenos Aires Natl Wildlife Refuge on the way to Arivaca on the AZ 400K [March 27].

- Tammie Nakamura

KC Pre-Rides the Stove Prairie 200k!

2010-04-28T13:38:00.001-07:00

Kenneth "KC" Heck did the pre-event checkout of our Stove Prairie 200k ... thanks, KC!

With an 8 AM start in late April, you could feel all of the 38 degrees. Heading out and on to the frontage road, I realized that another layer would hopefully stop me from chattering my teeth together. At mile 7.4 I was at the first of two minor navigational challenges. There are no road signs at the junction of Hwy 56(W). If you look to I-25 on your left, you could see the sign for the I-25 traffic. So, heading West on Hwy 56, I came to the last navigation challenge, as I entered Berthoud. Due to some road construction, it is not necessary to make a left on to Old US-287. Just continue straight on Hwy 56, but watch for large potholes, a rough road, and a temporary stop sign.

After heading out of Masonville, the first sustained climb of many more, I finally started to warm up. At the top of the climb, at approximately 37 miles or so, is a hiking trail-head. Restrooms and water could be found by using the water pump. Onward to the infamous Level 5 road (definition - really freaking steep). To my pleasure most of the climb has been re-paved, making it much smoother than last year. I wish I could say the same heading up Hwy 14 in Poudre Canyon. The road is getting rougher each year, but the wonderful view of the swollen river more than made up for that fact.

After leaving Poudre Canyon, the real climb awaited. Fresh snow still on the side of the road, did little to cool me as the climb really makes you work up a sweat.

After the long descent of Stove Prairie ...

... checkpoint #4 at Sandy's was a welcome sight. I recommend the freshly made $1.85 hamburger, it really hit the spot. Back on to the bike and a strong wind out of the south got medieval on me while traveling up Rd. 29. Lucky by that time, the burger started to fully kick in. After carefully navigating through the Berthoud construction area, the last long climb up Rd 1, also called County Line Road, lay in front of me. At the top, a rewarding view of the whole Front Range, lay before me. I was able to see all the way down to Colorado Springs and view Pikes Peak. After a quick ride through Mead the ride came to a finish. Nine hours and forty five minutes of Colorado riding bliss.

-KC