Grand Randonnee 2023

[Spencer Klaassen]

https://coloradobrevets.blogspot.com/2022/12/grand-randonnee-round-up-for-2022.html

[Keith G]

A quick reminder prior to a big year of randonneuring -- and P-B-P!

Take some time this winter to check your bike and its running gear, and order ahead of time if you need specific parts.

The pandemic created a banner year for bicycle and accessory sales; but, combined with international supply chain issues, many outlets have *still* had trouble recovering.  Prior to 2020, when I needed to order last-minute parts ahead of a big ride, I'd simply ride up to the local shop, or jump online, and I'd have what I needed in a couple of days - no problem.

By contrast, this week I finally received a crankset from a major manufacturer that I had ordered back in early June of this year after its arrival date had been pushed back four separate times.  I'm not alone, apparently.  Looking around the internet lately, things like popular tires, shoes, saddles, pedals, derailleurs, bags, helmets, lights, and even some chains are out of stock or on backorder here and there.

This is not a call to panic, nor to over-purchase.  We randonneurs are inventive people, and none of us are strangers to routine maintenance.  None of this is to suggest that we each wouldn't consider transplanting parts in our stable from one bike to another to make it to the start line of a must-finish brevet (been there!), nor that we wouldn't first rebuild any parts that can be.  In a pinch, we make it work.  Let this simply be a reminder to take some time this winter to consider the age of the myriad parts and accessories in your arsenal and plan accordingly.

As winter has us dreaming of long kilometers alongside freshly greened fields this coming Spring, staying ahead on maintenance now can help ensure the only thing you'll have to worry about out on the road this are your legs and nutrition, wherever that road may find you... ...and especially if you have eyes on Paris next August!

Keith Gates  (kG)
RUSA #1445
www.commuterDude.com

Inspiring cyclists since 2002