Why, Mark, thankyouverymuch for the great opening to cue in our next topic, SIR May Populaire. The ride will take place in 2 weeks, Saturday May 25th - but with a twist: starting time is 7PM (that's 19:00 in the metric system) which will imply a few hours of night riding.This Populaire will give you an opportunity to (re)hone your night riding mad skillz, check your (lighting) equipment, or try night riding for the first time in a low-key environment, if you're new to that aspect of Randonneuring. Just like last year, (and, er, almost like last month...), the Populaire will start from Snohomish and will take place on the Centennial trail, utilizing the ever popular permanent route number 1354 - an out and back on the trail with a few miles of Hwy 9 before the turn-around. This is an easy route, flat, straight, with pretty much two turns on the whole ride, and not much more than suicidal rabbits and frogs (and, New and Improved for this year, slugs!) to watch for during most of the ride.Here's a preview of what to expect: http://youtu.be/laMrHRq7tWs (15 sec video of last night trial run w/ Annie & Rosemarie.)If you want more info on all that you'll be missing in the dark: http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Parks/Park_Information/Park_Directory/Regional_Parks/Centennial_Trail.htmThis event will start at 19:00 at the trailhead in Snohomish, at the intersection between Maple Ave and Pine Ave (street parking available along Maple Ave.) This is just a heads-up, the ride is not yet published on the SIR website, I'll announce it on this list when it's up and ready for sign-up.You can find the route sheet here:http://permanents.seattlerando.org/2011/12/centennial-trail-run.html. (note that due to the late hour, the start will be towards the trailhead, not at the bakery)As noted by Mark below, please be sure to review (and comply with) Article 10 of the RUSA rules for Brevets concerning lighting and reflective clothing.Mark your calendars, and invite friends and family who might be interested in dipping their toeclips in the Dark Side of Randonneuring.dominique B.
Seattle, WA - USA
Grenoble, France
___/)_____O__/)__/)_2013/5/12 Mark Thomas <ma...@muthomas.net>--We are, once again, in the midst of the part of our rando season where rides can be expected to continue into the night, as it will for all but the super-fast on the 400km brevet this weekend.Please ride safely out there. And of course, please make sure to have good lights and reflective clothing. Failure to do so may jeopardize your safety. It's also cause for disqualification, as provided in the RUSA rules (see below).Article 10
For night riding, vehicles must be equipped with front and rear lights attached firmly to the vehicle. Lights must be turned on at all times during hours of darkness or other low-light conditions (rain, fog, etc.). At least one of the rear lights must be in a steady (rather than flashing) mode. All riders' lights must meet the requirements of local laws. A rider is not permitted to cycle at night or in other low-light conditions without working front and rear lights attached to the vehicle; therefore backup lighting systems and/or spare bulbs are strongly recommended in case the primary system fails and cannot be repaired on the roadside. Each rider, whether riding in a group or alone, must fully comply with this requirement. Everyone must use their lights!
During hours of darkness or other low-light conditions, all riders must wear a reflective vest or some other device that clearly places reflective material on the front and back of the rider. During these times all riders will also wear a reflective ankle band around each ankle. (Due to their unusual seating position, recumbent riders may modify their reflective torso devices to show better from front and rear.) Other reflective devices on clothing, shoes, helmets, and machines are encouraged for increased safety - but they are extra and may not take the place of the minimum items listed above.
Any violation of these night riding rules will result in the immediate disqualification of the rider.
I recommend being familiar with the rest of the rules for riders as well - see http://www.rusa.org/brvreg.htmlThanks,Mark
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And note that this is night riding with very little time spent on roads … it is almost entirely spent on the Centennial Trail, so it is about as safe as possible for those of you leary of night riding. Of course there could be a donkey in the middle of the trail in the middle of the night, so you do still have to pay attention J
Geoff
Watch out for the posts on the trail at night.
Speaking of monthly Populaires and of mountainous courses, here's a reminder that this Saturday is your chance to ride through (half) the night on a pretty much all flat course. Sign-up page is ready for you (thanks, Albert). Kindly try to pre-register (before Thursday) so we can prepare the cards in advance, and have a chance to guesstimate how much hot coffee to bring - http://www.seattlerandonneur.org/.
dominique B.
Seattle, WA - USA
Grenoble, France
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