Does it help your PBP chances to ride an ACP 1000k in 2010?

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Jersey Guy

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Dec 9, 2009, 4:15:54 AM12/9/09
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Hello fellow randonneurs,

Back in April, the ACP issued a letter that is still posted on the
rusa.org website, stating that riders who complete an ACP-sanctioned
400k in 2010, will have priority over in registration over those who
complete an ACP-sanctioned 300k, who in turn will have priority over
ACP-sanctioned 200k finishers, who will have priority over those who
don't complete even an ACP-sanctioned 200k. It sounded to me, though
I'm now not sure, that it didn't matter if you rode longer than 400k,
except to bolster the size of your country quota.

Now, in the Q & A of the November 2009 American Randonneur, it says
that those who complete an ACP-sanctioned 1000k in 2010 get priority
over everybody else. So, while it's a big help for your PBP
registration chances to do a full brevet series (200k, 300k, 400k and
600k) in 2010, doing a 1000k in 2010 is even better.

Was the ACP letter simply confusing (just using 400k as an example,
not an upper limit to getting earlier registration dates) or have the
rules changed?

bullcitybiker

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Dec 9, 2009, 7:16:08 AM12/9/09
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The 6 months between the April post and the November AmR is a lot of
time for a very fluid idea to morph and change. Heck, ACP's still not
really made it very clear. So I'd go with the most current info, in
this case, that inside AmR.

And if I were shooting for PBP11, I'd do a SR series and a 1000K in
2010. Not because it's suggested, but simply because it means more
rides with my friends, the opportunity to ride in some new places, and
to get in even better shape for 2011.

Bonne route!

Branson

joekr...@comcast.net

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Dec 9, 2009, 9:34:27 AM12/9/09
to bullcitybiker, randon

Well said Branson.  Riding an SR series in 2010 makes sense because it's what we do.  A 1000k just adds to the fun.  The ACP and RUSA are doing the best they can to get those who are dedicated randonneurs priority acceptance to PBP.  So all we really have to do is what we do anyway. 

 

Joe Kratovil

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Greg Merritt

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Dec 9, 2009, 10:54:31 AM12/9/09
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I agree with the general spirit of the idea that riding is fabulous,
and the more the merrier.

For most of us, however, riding is only one part of our lives which
include commitments to family, friends, work, and other hobbies in
various combinations. Given that most of us also have limited time
and resources, we have to budget many aspects of our lives.

While I appreciate that this whole new set of rules is still getting
worked out by the volunteers who make all of this happen for the rest
of us, I think it's pretty naive to just suggest that the best
solution for everyone is to simply go out and ride the greatest number
of longest events possible in 2010.

That said, if any reader would like me to change my opinion about
this, simply respond to me directly off-list with your offer to
sponsor me and cover my travel, food, lodging, training, and time off
from work for a full series and a couple of 1,000k/1,200k events for
2010. I'm already pretty good at collecting and submitting receipts,
so the accounting should be a breeze. ;)

-Greg

joekr...@comcast.net

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Dec 9, 2009, 4:14:34 PM12/9/09
to Greg Merritt, randon

I wish you good luck with your sponsorship search.  However, should that not pan out I would expect that the best thing one can do to with limited time and resources is to be sure to ride at least an ACP 400k in 2010.  That will give an edge over entrants who ride shorter brevets, or no brevets next season.  Of course, 2011 will require a full series to qualify.   

 

As I see it the basic logic behind the entry approval process for PBP is the ones who are most dedicated to Randonneuring are the most likely to get in.  I have trouble finding fault with that.

 

Joe K


----- Original Message -----
From: "Greg Merritt" <greg.m...@gmail.com>
To: "randon" <ran...@googlegroups.com>

Steve Rice

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Dec 9, 2009, 4:26:32 PM12/9/09
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Joe wrote:
> As I see it the basic logic behind the entry approval process
> for PBP is the ones who are most dedicated to Randonneuring are
> the most likely to get in.  I have trouble finding fault with
> that.
 
The fault I find with the current process is that the 2010 season starts in 22 days and the process is not defined.  "Ride lots" is a great training plan for Eddy, but it doesn't work so well for people trying to manage work and personal obligations.  As an RBA, I have received a number of comments on this because some of the randonneurs in my region must request vacation for 2010 before the end of 2009. 
 
Steve Rice

Eric Keller

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Dec 9, 2009, 4:40:02 PM12/9/09
to Steve Rice, randon
I thought we were 40 days into the 2010 season, not that it matters to
most of us in the U.S.
Eric Keller

Mike Sturgill

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Dec 9, 2009, 4:59:32 PM12/9/09
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Below is the advice from the RUSA website. It mentions a 1000k and an SR series. It is dated Oct. 28, so has been around for a little while. From what I read, it says to ride an SR series if you can. It also says that riding a 1000k would only increase your odds. So, I think that every one of us should plan based upon our available time, desire, and priorities.

There are full series' available nearly all of 2010, all over the country, so it would seem unnecessary to stress about the Jan 1st date, but perhaps that's just me. I, too, have to schedule vacation. The ACP schedule is set, so everyone should be able to use that calendar to make their specific plans.

From http://www.rusa.org/announce.html
  • What effect does riding more brevets in 2010 have? - The main effect is to help the US country quota, although the magnitude of that effect is hard to predict. We have no indication from the ACP that the pure number of brevets ridden, or total distance, will enhance a given rider's placement within the country quota and we have decided that RUSA (if asked by the ACP to help implement the American quota) will not use a rider's total brevet distance as an entry factor, either. It's not at all clear that there will be more riders than places for them. In fact, history suggests that US rider demand should not greatly exceed supply (the quota). A qualified rider will have an excellent chance to ride PBP in 2011. Any enhancement-oriented riding (e.g., an ACP SR series or 1000k) would only increase those already very good odds.
  • What role will RUSA play in registering US riders and managing the US riding pool? - This is subject to the ACP's evolving plans. We have an excellent relationship with our friends at the ACP and RUSA is committed to advocate for all of our members who qualify to ride PBP, and to insure fairness for all American riders if a quota needs to be imposed.
  • Finally, our advice to those aspiring to do PBP in 2011: Ride an SR series in 2010 if you can, or a part of one. It's good training and will provide a fitness baseline for 2010 upon which you can build on in 2011. Try not to stress out, just do your rides, have fun with them and relax. Or, as the French might say, "Gardez vôtre sang-froid".

Jersey Guy

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Dec 9, 2009, 5:23:46 PM12/9/09
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That's my point. The November AmR seems to say that an ACP 1000k does
help with registration preference. Which is it?

On Dec 9, 4:59 pm, Mike Sturgill <mikesturg...@cox.net> wrote:
> Below is the advice from the RUSA website. It mentions a 1000k and an SR series. It is dated Oct. 28, so has been around for a little while. From what I read, it says to ride an SR series if you can. It also says that riding a 1000k would only increase your odds. So, I think that every one of us should plan based upon our available time, desire, and priorities.
> There are full series' available nearly all of 2010, all over the country, so it would seem unnecessary to stress about the Jan 1st date, but perhaps that's just me. I, too, have to schedule vacation. The ACP schedule is set, so everyone should be able to use that calendar to make their specific plans.
> Fromhttp://www.rusa.org/announce.htmlWhat effect does riding more brevets in 2010 have?- The main effect is to help the US country quota, although the magnitude of that effect is hard to predict. We have no indication from the ACP that the pure number of brevets ridden, or total distance, will enhance a given rider's placement within the country quota and we have decided that RUSA (if asked by the ACP to help implement the American quota) will not use a rider's total brevet distance as an entry factor, either. It's not at all clear that there will be more riders than places for them. In fact, history suggests that US rider demand should not greatly exceed supply (the quota). A qualified rider will have an excellent chance to ride PBP in 2011.Any enhancement-oriented riding (e.g., an ACP SR series or 1000k) would only increase those already very good odds.What role will RUSA play in registering US riders and managing the US riding pool?- This is subject to the ACP's evolving plans. We have an excellent relationship with our friends at the ACP and RUSA is committed to advocate for all of our members who qualify to ride PBP, and to insure fairness for all American riders if a quota needs to be imposed.Finally, our advice to those aspiring to do PBP in 2011:Ride an SR series in 2010 if you can, or a part of one. It's good training and will provide a fitness baseline for 2010 upon which you can build on in 2011. Try not to stress out, just do your rides, have fun with them and relax. Or, as the French might say,"Gardez vôtre sang-froid".

joekr...@comcast.net

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Dec 9, 2009, 7:40:14 PM12/9/09
to Jersey Guy, randon

I think people are looking for a set formula that guarantees acceptance to PBP in 2011.  I don't believe such a formula exists, or will exist in time to react to it.  However, the information circulated to date is adequete for planning purposes.  If you only have time for only one ride then make it a 400k.   If you can manage a 400k and 1000k, then do that.  If you can manage a full series and a 1000k...........do it! 

 

The country cap for US participants is yet to be known as is the number of RUSA members who will want to participate.   All anyone can do is the best they can and hope that it works for them.

 

Joe K 


----- Original Message -----
From: "Jersey Guy" <j...@henryhand.com>
To: "randon" <ran...@googlegroups.com>

Randon Nerd

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Dec 9, 2009, 9:55:30 PM12/9/09
to Eric Keller, Steve Rice, randon
Eric -

I managed to "boost" the participation rate for the AU Audax group
with the 200K I rode there last week. I believe that this shouldn't
hurt the RUSA allocation as I plan to ride considerably more ACP
events here in the US. Looking at the RUSA schedule for next year it
appears that may of the RBAs have heeded Tom's recommendation to
schedule their events as ACP brevets rather than RUSA events. It is
also great to see ALL of the 1000Ks that are on the schedule. The
1000K is such a delightful distance. Once I get beyond the initial
600K it is nice to know that I have AT LEAST 35 more hours to ride the
last 400K. Plenty of time to eat and sleep and still make it in under
75 hours.

Bill
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