Re: [Randon] 3 favorite brevet courses?
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Peter Noris
May 16, 2008, 11:09:47 AM5/16/08
to Jan Heine, ran...@googlegroups.com
Rocky MountainCycling Club 400K - I've never hurt so much in such wonderful conditions.
On 5/16/08, Jan Heine <hei...@earthlink.net> wrote:
I'd like to hear about fellow randonneurs' 3 favorite brevet courses.
Not that my budget of time, money and environmental impact allows
much travel to distant brevets, but I like to dream about riding in
the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, climbing passes in Colorado, riding
along lakes in upstate NY or Minnesota, or seeing the wildflowers in
the Texas Hillcountry.
Here are my favorite courses:
SIR "3-volcano" 300 km: A magnificent course on almost empty roads,
skirting the volcanos of Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens, with Mt.
Rainier in the distance. The 10+ km of gravel road over Babyshoe Pass
are a nice bonus.
Cascade 1200: Even though this brevet is 1200 km long, there isn't
much time to get bored, as the scenery varies so much. The course
includes almost every landscape of Washington State, from temperate
forests via alpine meadows to semi-desert, plus fields and apple
orchards. You pass the volcanos of Mt. Rainier or Mt. St. Helens
(depending on snow situation), ride along the majestic Columbia
River, climb over and through the huge basalt fields of the Columbia
Plateau, and finally skirt the Canadian border in the beautiful
Methow Valley, before crossing the Cascades again. If you can time
the last bit so you ride at night with a full moon, you will have an
experience you will never forget.
SIR "Mtn. 100 km (Un-)Populaire": It's almost all in the suburbs of
Seattle, but many of the roads are quiet and scenic. Most of all, the
course has a nice rhythm of hills that increase in intensity until
the crescendo of the finale on Mount Olympus Drive. It reminds me of
a Beethoven symphony that way. I like this one so much that I do it
frequently during the season.
By the way, for those visiting the Northwest, the route sheets are
available online at www.seattlerandonneurs.org
How about your favorite brevet courses?
Jan Heine
Editor
Bicycle Quarterly
140 Lakeside Ave #C
Seattle WA 98122
www.bikequarterly.com
--
Peter
"Seeing the U.S.A. one brevet at a time"
13 regions and Canada - more to come!
321-794-0500 cell - 352-275-5888 home - Skype me at Peter.F.Noris
Dave Cramer
May 16, 2008, 11:10:20 AM5/16/08
to randon
The Westfield (Massachusetts) 600k is my favorite brevet course. Larry
Midura wrote a description years ago
(http://newhorizonsbikes.com/page.cfm?pageID=232).
Midura wrote a description years ago
(http://newhorizonsbikes.com/page.cfm?pageID=232).
Dave
Cary Way
May 16, 2008, 3:10:21 PM5/16/08
to Jan Heine, ran...@googlegroups.com
My 3 favorite brevets are:
Murfreesboro, TN
> Date: Fri, 16 May 2008 09:02:15 -0700
> To: ran...@googlegroups.com
> From: hei...@earthlink.net
> Subject: [Randon] 3 favorite brevet courses?
- Original GA 600k route that climbed both Burnt Mt. and Fort Mt. on both the out and return legs of the route. Tour de Georgia climbs both of these mountains. The route went all the way into TN before re-entering GA and then riding to Rome for the turn around point. Very scenic but with lots of climbing.
- Spartanburg 400k that climbed Caesar's Head and then had 12 mile climb up to the Blue Ridge parkway before descending 9 miles to the turn around point to reclimb it all again on the inbound leg. Again very scenic but tough with lots of climbing.
- Cascade 1200k- as previously stated this ride has it all. In 2005 we had temps from 37 to 91, with wind, rain, sun. The Seattle group provides the best support I have ever experienced on a ride.
Murfreesboro, TN
> Date: Fri, 16 May 2008 09:02:15 -0700
> To: ran...@googlegroups.com
> From: hei...@earthlink.net
> Subject: [Randon] 3 favorite brevet courses?
Charles Coldwell
May 16, 2008, 4:45:58 PM5/16/08
to Cary Way, randon
On May 16, 2008, at 3:10 PM, Cary Way wrote:
>
> Cascade 1200k- as previously stated this ride has it all. In 2005
> we had temps from 37 to 91, with wind, rain, sun. The Seattle group
> provides the best support I have ever experienced on a ride.
I did the Cascade 1200 in 2006, and I agree, the support was superb.
I also liked the style of having overnight controls. I think that
makes it easier to support a loop route: the volunteers only have to
cover one section at a time since the riders regroup every night.
Also, with the long days around the summer solstice at high
latitudes, you get 16+ hours of daylight every day. It is possible
to do the whole thing in daylight and see all that beautiful
scenery. As was previously stated, the best part is the last day on
the North Cascades Highway over Washington and Rainy passes.
Chip
--
Charles M. Coldwell, W1CMC
"Turn on, log in, tune out"
Somerville, Massachusetts, New England (FN42kj)
GPG ID: 852E052F
GPG FPR: 77E5 2B51 4907 F08A 7E92 DE80 AFA9 9A8F 852E 052F
Jim Bronson
May 16, 2008, 5:53:16 PM5/16/08
to Jan Heine, ran...@googlegroups.com
- Jewett 300K, Italy, TX
Ride fast enough and you'll get to Dixie's Little Stop in Mt Calm, TX
by closing time for a home cooked meal topped off by pie to die for.
You'll need to make 151 miles by 7pm, so on an 8am start, in 11 hours.
It's easily doable if you chop-chop at the controls, even if you're a
slow rider.
Ride fast enough and you'll get to Dixie's Little Stop in Mt Calm, TX
by closing time for a home cooked meal topped off by pie to die for.
You'll need to make 151 miles by 7pm, so on an 8am start, in 11 hours.
It's easily doable if you chop-chop at the controls, even if you're a
slow rider.
- Portland to Glacier 1000K
Lush Western Oregon, Mt Hood, the Columbia Gorge, barren Eastern
Washington, forever farmland on the Columbia Plateau, the Palouse
Country, Idaho, the Coeur d'alenes rail-to-trail, Dobson Pass,
Thompson Pass, the Clark Fork, Flathead lake and finally Whitefish.
Enough said! Challenging ride with great beauty.
- Brunes Mill Backroads 200K, Brookshire, TX
My favorite 200K. The ride into Fayetteville is a real treat.
And of course there is lunch at Orsak's in Fayetteville. Get the
chicken sandwich.
--
I'm doing the Houston-Austin MS150 in 2008. I'll be riding 175 miles
by bicycle! Please consider supporting me in this worthy cause at my
e-donate link: http://www.ms150.org/edon.cfm?id=220459
The Wolff Den
May 16, 2008, 8:56:40 PM5/16/08
to ran...@googlegroups.com
Jim, It's reassuring to hear that others rate rides by the food available along the way too.
Most of my "training" routes have a favorite restaurant at the turnaround point.
MW
Jacksonville, Fla / Team Diurnal
PBP - 2007, 2003
Cascade - 2005
BMB - 2000, 2002
http://bicipeople.us/mwolff/profile/
> Ride fast enough and you'll get to Dixie's Little Stop in Mt Calm, TX
> by closing time for a home cooked meal topped off by pie to die for.
> And of course there is lunch at Orsak's in Fayetteville. Get the
> chicken sandwich.
Charles Lathe
May 17, 2008, 3:22:03 AM5/17/08
to randon
I'll have to second the Three Volcano 300K Brevet. That one really
was special.
The Three Capes 300K Brevet in Oregon is a great course. There is one
road, it's the one you turn left onto as you leave the ocean, and it
is about as perfect a bicycle road as I can imagine. I wish I could
remember the name of that road, but everyone who's done that brevet
knows which one I mean.
A big tie for third: the Covered Bridges 400K in Oregon, the Seattle
600K that finished on the other side of the Sound last June and where
Kay's Korner was a pleasant surprise, the Seattle 600K that started
and ended in Olympia the year before where Eric and volunteers had a
tarp set up on a late night quiet stretch of road and provided us with
chairs and soup until we had to be shooed away, and the Kerr Lake
Permanent that starts in Durham NC, goes north into Virginina, and
back to Durham.
I'm hoping for a good ride in three hours as we'll start the
Morrisville 400K with good weather this morning and the possibility
that this evening a tailwind will build and blow us home.
Chuck Lathe
Franklinville, NC
cohobicycles.com
was special.
The Three Capes 300K Brevet in Oregon is a great course. There is one
road, it's the one you turn left onto as you leave the ocean, and it
is about as perfect a bicycle road as I can imagine. I wish I could
remember the name of that road, but everyone who's done that brevet
knows which one I mean.
A big tie for third: the Covered Bridges 400K in Oregon, the Seattle
600K that finished on the other side of the Sound last June and where
Kay's Korner was a pleasant surprise, the Seattle 600K that started
and ended in Olympia the year before where Eric and volunteers had a
tarp set up on a late night quiet stretch of road and provided us with
chairs and soup until we had to be shooed away, and the Kerr Lake
Permanent that starts in Durham NC, goes north into Virginina, and
back to Durham.
I'm hoping for a good ride in three hours as we'll start the
Morrisville 400K with good weather this morning and the possibility
that this evening a tailwind will build and blow us home.
Chuck Lathe
Franklinville, NC
cohobicycles.com
jake Kassen
May 18, 2008, 7:21:58 PM5/18/08
to Jan Heine, ran...@googlegroups.com
Jan Heine wrote:
> I'd like to hear about fellow randonneurs' 3 favorite brevet courses.
> Not that my budget of time, money and environmental impact allows
> I'd like to hear about fellow randonneurs' 3 favorite brevet courses.
> Not that my budget of time, money and environmental impact allows
Emily and I rode the Westfield (Berkshire) 300k this weekend on the
suggestion of many seasoned Randonneurs. I've got to say I was blown
away by how beautiful this ride was. If you got only one chance to see
New England, this would be the ride to do. For us the ride started in
less then ideal conditions -- mainly us sleeping the small rental car as
the motel was booked and then starting at 3am in the cold, pouring rain.
But when the sun came out it was gorgeous. Lush green farms, picturesque
Connecticut hills, fun twisty roads, and sparse traffic for nearly the
full 300k. I didn't take any pictures but it's just as well as they
wouldn't do this route justice.
The Boston 300k and Boston 600k are also some of the rides we enjoy a lot.
Jake
William Beck
May 19, 2008, 7:28:50 AM5/19/08
to randon
This weekend was my second time riding the ROMA 600K through the
Shenandoah Valley, and I think it has to have the most gorgeous
scenery of any brevet route that I know. There are picture-postcard-
perfect views of rolling hills and mountains almost from start to
finish, and those views become absolutely stunning when the lighting
is right. The roads are mostly small, with low traffic, and plenty of
curious cows watching you go by. Of course, you have to climb up and
down all of those beautiful hills and mountains, but it is worth it.
Bill Beck
Woodbine, MD
DC Randonneurs
On May 16, 12:02 pm, Jan Heine <hein...@earthlink.net> wrote:
> I'd like to hear about fellow randonneurs' 3 favorite brevet courses.
> Not that my budget of time, money and environmental impact allows
Shenandoah Valley, and I think it has to have the most gorgeous
scenery of any brevet route that I know. There are picture-postcard-
perfect views of rolling hills and mountains almost from start to
finish, and those views become absolutely stunning when the lighting
is right. The roads are mostly small, with low traffic, and plenty of
curious cows watching you go by. Of course, you have to climb up and
down all of those beautiful hills and mountains, but it is worth it.
Bill Beck
Woodbine, MD
DC Randonneurs
On May 16, 12:02 pm, Jan Heine <hein...@earthlink.net> wrote:
> I'd like to hear about fellow randonneurs' 3 favorite brevet courses.
> Not that my budget of time, money and environmental impact allows
WMdeR
May 19, 2008, 4:01:13 PM5/19/08
to randon
Dear All,
I am a Colorado rider, and haven't had the good fortune to ride the
other recommended routes here, but I do enjoy our routes on the Front
Range.
If one includes permanents, my three favorite brevet rides are:
RMCC 400K. It is a climber's route for the first half, and a
rouleur's dream for the second half. I have a ball until around 300K,
when a rider is completely at the mercy of the plains winds....
http://www.rmccrides.com/brevet20070602map.pdf
RMCC Peak-to-Peak 300K. The first half, an early morning climb to the
Peak to Peak Highway and on to Estes Park, is just outstanding. In
August, the second half, the Tour de Power (Plants, Fort St. Vrain and
the Valmont Generating Station) out on the plains is a hot, tough
slog, but last year we ran this as part of our second spring series.
It was a revelation. I injured myself, ending my 2007 PBP hopes, but
it was a gorgeous spring route. I'm lobbying to have it reinstated to
the spring schedule.
Permanent No. 200, the Red Dirt Randonnée Borderlands Cruise. (I'm the
owner of this route). It is a 200K intended to challenge the
experienced randonneur, and explores a corner of the Front Range most
people never see. I recommend the reverse option in the summertime,
when there is substantial recreational traffic on the paved road to
Red Feather Lakes. Stealing shamelessly from my information on:
http://www.rmccrides.com/brevetpermanents.htm
This scenic and challenging 200K route prominently features the remote
beauty and rugged terrain of the Virginia Dale area northwest of Fort
Collins, Colorado. Begin downtown at The Bean Cycle and head north
through Irrigation Lake Country, with a jaunt around Deadman Butte to
The Forks at Livermore, where world-renown cinnamon rolls await. Once
adequately fueled, begin the extended climb into the Laramie Mountains
to the Red Feather Lakes, swoop across the Prairie Divide, then dash
up to the Wyoming Border and return to the Forks. Finally steal around
Horsethief Pass via Owl Canyon and head back into town for a much-
deserved coffee and treat at The Bean Cycle (144 North College Avenue,
Fort Collins, CO 80521).
Please come prepared for extreme weather, 68mi of upaved (dirt) roads,
and moderately hilly to slightly mountainous terrain. The ride
organizer recommends taking extra supplies and using 28mm or wider
section tires. Maximum elevation is around 8,300 ft at Red Feather
Lakes, with about 40mi of riding above 7,000 ft. Total climbing is
around 9,500 ft.
All three are a joy. Close runners-up include the first 300K or so of
the 600K route (the second loop is fast and scenic in the early
spring), and our Black Forest 300K.
Best Regards,
Will
William M. deRosset
RUSA 2401
I am a Colorado rider, and haven't had the good fortune to ride the
other recommended routes here, but I do enjoy our routes on the Front
Range.
If one includes permanents, my three favorite brevet rides are:
RMCC 400K. It is a climber's route for the first half, and a
rouleur's dream for the second half. I have a ball until around 300K,
when a rider is completely at the mercy of the plains winds....
http://www.rmccrides.com/brevet20070602map.pdf
RMCC Peak-to-Peak 300K. The first half, an early morning climb to the
Peak to Peak Highway and on to Estes Park, is just outstanding. In
August, the second half, the Tour de Power (Plants, Fort St. Vrain and
the Valmont Generating Station) out on the plains is a hot, tough
slog, but last year we ran this as part of our second spring series.
It was a revelation. I injured myself, ending my 2007 PBP hopes, but
it was a gorgeous spring route. I'm lobbying to have it reinstated to
the spring schedule.
Permanent No. 200, the Red Dirt Randonnée Borderlands Cruise. (I'm the
owner of this route). It is a 200K intended to challenge the
experienced randonneur, and explores a corner of the Front Range most
people never see. I recommend the reverse option in the summertime,
when there is substantial recreational traffic on the paved road to
Red Feather Lakes. Stealing shamelessly from my information on:
http://www.rmccrides.com/brevetpermanents.htm
This scenic and challenging 200K route prominently features the remote
beauty and rugged terrain of the Virginia Dale area northwest of Fort
Collins, Colorado. Begin downtown at The Bean Cycle and head north
through Irrigation Lake Country, with a jaunt around Deadman Butte to
The Forks at Livermore, where world-renown cinnamon rolls await. Once
adequately fueled, begin the extended climb into the Laramie Mountains
to the Red Feather Lakes, swoop across the Prairie Divide, then dash
up to the Wyoming Border and return to the Forks. Finally steal around
Horsethief Pass via Owl Canyon and head back into town for a much-
deserved coffee and treat at The Bean Cycle (144 North College Avenue,
Fort Collins, CO 80521).
Please come prepared for extreme weather, 68mi of upaved (dirt) roads,
and moderately hilly to slightly mountainous terrain. The ride
organizer recommends taking extra supplies and using 28mm or wider
section tires. Maximum elevation is around 8,300 ft at Red Feather
Lakes, with about 40mi of riding above 7,000 ft. Total climbing is
around 9,500 ft.
All three are a joy. Close runners-up include the first 300K or so of
the 600K route (the second loop is fast and scenic in the early
spring), and our Black Forest 300K.
Best Regards,
Will
William M. deRosset
RUSA 2401
Lynne Fitz
May 19, 2008, 4:03:07 PM5/19/08
to randon
The road as you turn left when you leave the ocean on the Three Capes
is Little Nestucca River Rd. Best kept secret ever. Gentle climb,
amazing green scenery, fabulous pavement.
I rode TO the coast on Saturday, back on Sunday. The Sunday pics are
the Three Capes route back from the coast.
Pics here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnefitz/sets/72157605131191854/
is Little Nestucca River Rd. Best kept secret ever. Gentle climb,
amazing green scenery, fabulous pavement.
I rode TO the coast on Saturday, back on Sunday. The Sunday pics are
the Three Capes route back from the coast.
Pics here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnefitz/sets/72157605131191854/
Keith Cardoza
May 20, 2008, 9:31:38 AM5/20/08
to randon
For lack of experience, I will limit myself to my single favorite
brevet course.
D2R2 (Deerfield Dirt Road Randonnee):
Having not ventured outside the Berkshire Brevet Series of western
Mass, I have little to compare routes against. However, at only
186km, the D2R2 Retro Randonnee out of the Westfield, MA brevets is a
ride of epic proportions. In a short 186km, it manages to cram in
around 12,000 feet of climbing, while riding the lightest traveled
dirt roads of the Berkshire range in western MA. I still get
goosebumps thinking about this beautiful ride, it's just that good.
The D2R2 passed over traditional steep and short Western New England
climbs which will make you drool (including one 27% grade). Not to
mention, you get to enjoy scenery that 99% of the population will
never see, since the majority of the ride is on quiet dirt roads, cow
paths, jeep track, and hidden roads that are no longer on the map.
D2R2 is simply a must do, even if it is a populaire. You can find
more information at: http://www.newhorizonsbikes.com/page.cfm?pageID=347
Keith "I tipped over on the 27%" Cardoza
Northeastern University Cycling
Boston, MA
brevet course.
D2R2 (Deerfield Dirt Road Randonnee):
Having not ventured outside the Berkshire Brevet Series of western
Mass, I have little to compare routes against. However, at only
186km, the D2R2 Retro Randonnee out of the Westfield, MA brevets is a
ride of epic proportions. In a short 186km, it manages to cram in
around 12,000 feet of climbing, while riding the lightest traveled
dirt roads of the Berkshire range in western MA. I still get
goosebumps thinking about this beautiful ride, it's just that good.
The D2R2 passed over traditional steep and short Western New England
climbs which will make you drool (including one 27% grade). Not to
mention, you get to enjoy scenery that 99% of the population will
never see, since the majority of the ride is on quiet dirt roads, cow
paths, jeep track, and hidden roads that are no longer on the map.
D2R2 is simply a must do, even if it is a populaire. You can find
more information at: http://www.newhorizonsbikes.com/page.cfm?pageID=347
Keith "I tipped over on the 27%" Cardoza
Northeastern University Cycling
Boston, MA
mail...@gmail.com
May 20, 2008, 11:38:23 AM5/20/08
to randon
I have been thinking about Jan's question for the last week and have
been unable to come up with an easy answer. In the DC area we have
the great fortune to have two most excellent oute designers: Lynn
Kristianson and Crista Borras. Every ride they put together is the
most beautiful, challenging torturefest you could ever hope to ride.
The Shenandoah 600 mentioned previously by Bill Beck is a perfect
example of a Lynn K special. They find the most beautiful, little-
traveled nooks and crannies so that each ride is an adventure. You
look forward to the delightful surprises that you will encounter
around the next bend as you are gasping for breath and hoping the
lactic acid will not burn holes in your legs. Descending into a
shaded valley with a fast flowing creek lined with dogwoods and ferns
on a warm spring day; climbing over Wolf Gap with redbuds blooming all
along the way and stopping to fill water bottles at a road side
spring; cruising through beautiful farm country that amazingly still
exists so close to the urban jungle that is DC. Being a complete west
coast snob, they have put an end to my naive prejudice that there are
no mountains to speak of in the east.
When I first started riding their rides I didn't notice the details
because I was focused on surviving. I have come to realize the care
and thought that goes into their routes. The rhythm is perfect; about
the time you get complacent riding along a particular road, you have a
well timed turn to keep you alert and focused. The routes are always
safe and perfectly cued so if you go off course it is something you
did... like, um, riding past a turn while telling a fabulous story
about some bike adventure... And there is always a great local-color
place to eat where riders can meet up along the route and relax and
refuel allowing us slower riders get to see the faster riders en
route.
This year I have had the great pleasure of riding Tom Rosenbauer's
brevets in eastern Pennsylvania. Tom is cut from the same route
designing cloth as Crista and Lynn. His routes are absolutely
stunning and deceptively challenging. Winding through the PA and New
Jersey back roads, passing through farm filled valleys with old stone
houses and barns I try to just enjoy the views of the forest blanketed
mountains rather than thinking that yes, indeed, we have to get over
that ridge (and the next one, and the next one). The Weisel Youth
hostel at which many of his rides start and finish makes for a great
rando clubhouse where riders can hang out in comfort before and eat
the wonderful meals he provides. Tom also puts on the best secret
controles in the world.
So I think the answer to the question of which brevet is my
favorite... It is the one I am on.
Maile Neel
been unable to come up with an easy answer. In the DC area we have
the great fortune to have two most excellent oute designers: Lynn
Kristianson and Crista Borras. Every ride they put together is the
most beautiful, challenging torturefest you could ever hope to ride.
The Shenandoah 600 mentioned previously by Bill Beck is a perfect
example of a Lynn K special. They find the most beautiful, little-
traveled nooks and crannies so that each ride is an adventure. You
look forward to the delightful surprises that you will encounter
around the next bend as you are gasping for breath and hoping the
lactic acid will not burn holes in your legs. Descending into a
shaded valley with a fast flowing creek lined with dogwoods and ferns
on a warm spring day; climbing over Wolf Gap with redbuds blooming all
along the way and stopping to fill water bottles at a road side
spring; cruising through beautiful farm country that amazingly still
exists so close to the urban jungle that is DC. Being a complete west
coast snob, they have put an end to my naive prejudice that there are
no mountains to speak of in the east.
When I first started riding their rides I didn't notice the details
because I was focused on surviving. I have come to realize the care
and thought that goes into their routes. The rhythm is perfect; about
the time you get complacent riding along a particular road, you have a
well timed turn to keep you alert and focused. The routes are always
safe and perfectly cued so if you go off course it is something you
did... like, um, riding past a turn while telling a fabulous story
about some bike adventure... And there is always a great local-color
place to eat where riders can meet up along the route and relax and
refuel allowing us slower riders get to see the faster riders en
route.
This year I have had the great pleasure of riding Tom Rosenbauer's
brevets in eastern Pennsylvania. Tom is cut from the same route
designing cloth as Crista and Lynn. His routes are absolutely
stunning and deceptively challenging. Winding through the PA and New
Jersey back roads, passing through farm filled valleys with old stone
houses and barns I try to just enjoy the views of the forest blanketed
mountains rather than thinking that yes, indeed, we have to get over
that ridge (and the next one, and the next one). The Weisel Youth
hostel at which many of his rides start and finish makes for a great
rando clubhouse where riders can hang out in comfort before and eat
the wonderful meals he provides. Tom also puts on the best secret
controles in the world.
So I think the answer to the question of which brevet is my
favorite... It is the one I am on.
Maile Neel
BryanG
May 21, 2008, 12:54:23 AM5/21/08
to randon
I Like Maile's answer best!
In my limited experience:
1) Casa Grande, AZ 300 km brevet- a beautiful ride through the Sonoran
desert. Some urban riding but still beautiful for most of the course.
Some infatuation for this course must be because it was my first
"ultra" distance ride. I have ridden it 5 times and still love it!
2) Grand Canyon 600 km Brevet- Holy Cow, what a beautiful ride! I'm
slow so we got to the rim of the canyon right at sunset, a beautiful
sight. But as we rode along the south rim in the moonlight it was even
more spectacular! The AZ RBA is always good about scheduling rides
during full or near-full moons. I hope that this brevet is offered in
the future, it is tough but worth the effort. A 1200 km Randonee built
around this course would be a draw I'm sure!
3) LaBella Rani 200 km brevet Italy, TX- A very nice ride on mostly
lightly traveled roads. Wild flowers galore in spring. Includes the
famous "Dixie's Little Stop" referred to by Jim Bronson, but on the
200 km route you can take your time and enjoy the country hospitality.
In my limited experience:
1) Casa Grande, AZ 300 km brevet- a beautiful ride through the Sonoran
desert. Some urban riding but still beautiful for most of the course.
Some infatuation for this course must be because it was my first
"ultra" distance ride. I have ridden it 5 times and still love it!
2) Grand Canyon 600 km Brevet- Holy Cow, what a beautiful ride! I'm
slow so we got to the rim of the canyon right at sunset, a beautiful
sight. But as we rode along the south rim in the moonlight it was even
more spectacular! The AZ RBA is always good about scheduling rides
during full or near-full moons. I hope that this brevet is offered in
the future, it is tough but worth the effort. A 1200 km Randonee built
around this course would be a draw I'm sure!
3) LaBella Rani 200 km brevet Italy, TX- A very nice ride on mostly
lightly traveled roads. Wild flowers galore in spring. Includes the
famous "Dixie's Little Stop" referred to by Jim Bronson, but on the
200 km route you can take your time and enjoy the country hospitality.
cris.co...@gmail.com
May 21, 2008, 9:42:07 AM5/21/08
to randon
On May 20, 9:31 am, Keith Cardoza <cardoz...@gmail.com> wrote:
> For lack of experience, I will limit myself to my single favorite
> brevet course.
>
> D2R2 (Deerfield Dirt Road Randonnee):
> Having not ventured outside the Berkshire Brevet Series of western
> Mass, I have little to compare routes against. However, at only
> 186km, the D2R2 Retro Randonnee out of the Westfield, MA brevets is a
> ride of epic proportions.
I'd just like to chime in with my agreement here. I've only ridden in
> For lack of experience, I will limit myself to my single favorite
> brevet course.
>
> D2R2 (Deerfield Dirt Road Randonnee):
> Having not ventured outside the Berkshire Brevet Series of western
> Mass, I have little to compare routes against. However, at only
> 186km, the D2R2 Retro Randonnee out of the Westfield, MA brevets is a
> ride of epic proportions.
France and New England, but I think the most special route that we
have here is the Deerfield. It's an extremely challenging course both
in terms of terrain, resource management and that oft-ignored
component of brevet riding -- navigation. When I rode it in 2006, I
wound up getting lost twice, and was an hour overdue for the first
controle. The controle itself was still open and well stocked,
though, and the volunteers had told us that at the official closing
time, less than half of the field had actually made it in because so
many of us had gotten lost.
Oh, but what a course to be lost in. Living somewhere as densely
populated as the East Coast, it's easy to forget that such desolate
and sublime places still exist less than a hundred miles from the big
cities. I DNF'ed D2R2 when I first tried it, as getting lost
compounded with scant services and inadequate supplies eventually
dashed my hopes, but I don't look on that memory with bitterness or
regret. If anything, even with the 27% wall and the plethora of +10%
kneebusters, I want to go back and finish just to see the rest of what
I missed.
William Beck
May 21, 2008, 10:27:29 AM5/21/08
to randon
I really love the 600K route through the Shenandoah that I described
in my earlier post, but proper credit should have been given to Lynn
Kristianson, who designed the route for DC Randonneurs and also
organized the first rides on it. The route is now available for both
DCR and ROMA (which ran this year's ride). Such amazing routes don't
happen by accident!
Bill Beck
> > Seattle WA 98122www.bikequarterly.com- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
in my earlier post, but proper credit should have been given to Lynn
Kristianson, who designed the route for DC Randonneurs and also
organized the first rides on it. The route is now available for both
DCR and ROMA (which ran this year's ride). Such amazing routes don't
happen by accident!
Bill Beck
>
> - Show quoted text -
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