AMERICAN RANDONNEUR

Volume Eleven Issue #3 August 2008

Message from the President appy Birthday! August marks 10 years since the founding of Randonneurs USA. My, how it's Hgrown! In 2008 we will have more than 200 ACP Contents ...... Page Welcome New Members ...... 3 brevets—200km, 300km, 400km, 600km, and RUSA News ...... 4 Permanents News ...... 7 1000km—all over the country. More than 200 RUSA Profile: Dave Jordan ...... 10 RUSA brevets and populaires will complement Shenandoah 1200K ...... 12 MARK THOMAS Cascade 1240K ...... 18 the ACP calendar. More than a dozen ACP Ride Calendars ...... 24-25 flèche events were scheduled along with a handful of RUSA darts. More Ask Bill ...... 26 In The Blogs ...... 27 than 100 riders have already challenged extraordinary heat to participate Supernova E3 vs. Schmidt Edelux ...... 28 in Grand Randonnées of 1200km or more held in Virginia and Election Ballot & Candidates ...... 30-32 RBAs: Unique Rides ...... 33 Washington. Another Grand Randonnée is planned later in the year in Super Randonneur Application ...... 35 Colorado. RUSA Store ...... 36-38 Membership Form ...... 39 This year, we have 450 permanent routes that offer additional ran- donneuring opportunities outside the calendar. Our permanents coordi- RUSA Executive Committee nator, Ed Robinson, has a great report in these pages. President ...... Mark Thomas Vice-President ...... Lois Springsteen A few months ago, we issued member number 5000, marking Treasurer ...... Eric Vigoren another milestone for the organization. In great numbers, members Secretary ...... Mike Dayton take advantage of our rides, with over 5000 event finishes recorded Board Member ...... Jennifer Wise Board Member ...... Don Hamilton already this season. Our riders continue to rack up the awards created RBA Liaison ...... Susan France to recognize randonneur accomplishments, like the four new Ultra- Brevet Coordinator ...... Lois Springsteen Randonneur recipients featured in this issue. Medals & Awards Coordinator . .John Lee Ellis In an even more important indicator of current and future health Membership Office ...... Don Hamilton Newsletter Editor ...... Mike Dayton for RUSA, members are volunteering all over the country. As always, I Permanents Coordinator . . . .Edward Robinson encourage each and every one of RUSA's members to join its volun- Routes Coordinator ...... Scott Brittle teer ranks. Volunteers make the national organization work and our Rules Committee Chair ...... Tim Sullivan RUSA Awards Coordinator . . . . .Mark Thomas volunteer RBAs could always use help in administering their local rides. Souvenir Coordinator ...... Jennifer Wise Many, many RUSA members have been contributing to the materi- Team Randonnée Coordinator . . . . .Bill Bryant als written about randonneuring, in the RUSA and local newsletters, Webmaster ...... Don Bennett but also in postings all over the internet. My RSS reader keeps me cur- RANDONNEURS USA, INC. rent on at least a dozen local newsgroups and over three dozen individ- IS A TAX-EXEMPT 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT CORPORATION ual blogs written by randonneurs. Please see Ed Felker's article in this American Randonneur is a publication of newsletter for a recap of some of this great material. Randonneurs USA Inc. I can't wait to see what the next 10 years will bring! 13543 160th Ave NE Redmond, WA 98052 Website: www.rusa.org. —Mark Thomas e-mail: [email protected] Phone: 206-612-4700 Fax: 425-702-8881 All rights reserved.© American Randonneur

#RUSA Name WelcomesCity State/Country Its# New Name Members!City State/Country 4974 Robert S Dillon Warren VT 5022 Joel Hadfield Leavenworth KS 4975 Rene Mortara Flemington NJ 5023 John L Hogan Windsor VA 4976 Lisa Wishard Albuquerque NM 5024 Peter Lyddon Littleton CO 4977 Gary Gorman Denver CO 5025 David P Groat Littleton CO 4978 Duke Yetter Spokane WA 5026 Brian Hoppe Plantation FL 4979 J E 'Skip' Redman San Diego CA 5027 John Robinson Seattle WA 4980 J Richard Willett Liberty MO 5028 Charles Mills Irving TX 4981 Gregg Gusta Clayton NC 5029 J Mark Ashlock College Station TX 4982 Mark Hastings Double Oak TX 5030 Brian Wallace New Paltz NY 4983 Christopher Scott Cincinnati OH 5031 Kelly Galey Dallas TX 4984 Stanton S. Miller Gaithersburg MD 5032 Reza Baniahmad Valencia CA 4985 Kenneth C Priddy Naperville FL 5033 Rick Jacobson Reseda CA 4986 Lynn Monsanto San Francisco CA 5034 Mark P Hardwick Midland TX 4987 Craig A. Schilling Northbrook IL 5035 David Kimball Highland UT 4988 Guy Kevin Townsend Princeton NJ 5036 Scott Duffus Owatonna MN 4989 James J Brink McKees Rocks PA 5037 Kathryn Duffus Owatonna MN 4990 Ruth Ellen Yoder Portland OR 5038 Paul Ripka Merrimack NH 4991 Chelsie Hayden Portland OR 5039 Ed Ting Amherst NH 4992 Jack Keefe Londonderry NH 5040 Emmanuel Nono Edison NJ 4993 Kevin Casey Titusville NJ 5041 Jonathan Riggle Las Cruces NM 4994 Andrew Stark Bradenton FL 5042 Paul Grant Davis CA 4995 Scott Vogeler Littleton CO 5043 Debbie La'O Ventura CA 4996 Kevin Storer Pittsburgh PA 5044 Michael Beauregard Los Angeles CA 4997 J Richard Soderberg Minneapolis MN 5045 Tiffany Fish Rochester MN 4998 Arun Tahiliani Jacksonville FL 5046 Hannah Klaassen Saint Joseph MO 4999 Laura Bonhomme Irmo SC 5047 Erik Carlson Saint Joseph MO 5000 David Cunningham Middletown RI 5048 Travis M Sittard Santa Monica CA 5001 Lora Kirchoff Plymouth MN 5049 Barry N Meade Hopkinsville KY 5002 Alan Woods Porland OR 5050 Jason M Rock Tallahassee FL 5003 Kenneth Condray Lynnwood WA 5051 Richard Miller Maplewood MN 5004 Vincent Muoneke Federal Way WA 5052 Richard L Clarke Thousand Oaks CA 5005 Shawn Graybeal Green Bay WI 5053 Bobby Emmett Jr Dallas TX 5006 David R Lewalski Gainesville FL 5054 Todd Jeffries Lomita CA 5007 Dylan Hettinger Denver CO 5055 Erik Stokien Santa Monica CA 5008 Jeff Long-McGie Apple Valley MN 5056 Barry G Katz Plantation FL 5009 Lisa Dust Richfield MN 5057 Robert Donald Nolte Woodbury CT 5010 Jason Glenn Brooklyn NY 5058 Rico Casares Tampa FL 5011 Richard Crocker Monument CO 5059 Steve Barlow Rowlett TX 5012 Judson Boisvert Westwood MA 5060 John P Appel Apopka FL 5013 Richard C Felton Sarnia ON, CAN 5061 Michael Appel Apopka FL 5014 Robert Horner Powell OH 5062 Noah Dunker Lenexa KS 5015 Colin Reuter Somerville MA 5063 Jake McLaughlin Hanover NH 5016 Francisco Gutierrez Middletown RI 5064 Jason Brown Lenena KS 5017 Marianna Riggs Houston TX 5065 Brian Bagby Alton IL 5018 Stephen Ward Bagwell Madison WI 5066 Steve Smart SanDiego CA 5019 Angela Catania Bagwell Madison WI 5067 John Potis Oakland CA 5020 Alan Turnquist Madison WI 5068 Linda Kasper Tucson AZ 5021 Linnea Koons Somerville MA 5069 Sarah Whitmore Chapel Hill NC

Attention Members DoDonn ’t ’t F Foorgetrget...... The RUSA newsletter is mailed via third class mail to the address on file of all current mem- ...To renew your RUSA bers. It is critical that you inform the mem- bership office of any change of address, so membership! that your newsletter will reach you in a Memberships run from January timely fashion. Please send notification of through December. Use the change of address to: Don Hamilton at convenient form in the inside [email protected]. back cover or download the form at www.RUSA.org. www.rusa.org 3 American Randonneur

New Ultra Randonneur Recipients Named BY BILL BRYANT Four more names have laureates, and, incredibly, RUSA been added to Roll of Honor Seattle’s Ron Himschoot has for RUSA’s Ultra Randonneur earned his second Ultra NEWSNEWS award during the first half of Randonneur medal! After com- 2008. This prestigious medal is pleting his initial string of 10 earned by completing 10 Super SR series in 2002 to earn Randonneur series of four RUSA’s first Ultra Randonneur brevets (200k-300k-400k-600k) medal, Ron continued his usual RUSA By The Numbers.... for a minimum distance of pattern of riding multiple As RUSA celebrates its 10th anniversary, here are some 15,000 kilometers. Some ran- brevet series in the busy Pacific numbers to contemplate. donneurs take 10 or more Northwest randonneuring • Active members (as of Aug.. 1)...... 2,151 years to accomplish this feat, scene each season. He has now • Regions...... 49 while others ride multiple SR completed his SR series #11-20 • Brevets (2007)...... 10,810 series in a single season, some- to also become our 18th Ultra • Events (2008)...... 434 times as many as three. Randonneur. • Permanent routes...... 450+ Ohio RBA Bob Waddell, Randonneurs USA con- Gary Gottlieb of Texas, and gratulates all four of these Thanks to all of the riders and volunteers for making our Californian Ken Knutson have hardy, iron-bottomed riders. first decade such a rousing success. all become Ultra Randonneur Bravo, gentlemen!

4 August 2008 American Randonneur

RUSA Awards 10 R-12 Medals

138 Nicholas Bull (2) Arlington, VA Ten more R-12 medals longer randonneuring event have just been awarded, for 12 consecutive months. 139 Branson Kimball Durham, NC bringing to 147 the number The counting sequence can that have been earned since begin in any month but 140 Dan Driscoll (4) Arlington, TX the R-12 program’s incep- must continue uninterrupt- 141 Mark Lane El Campo, TX tion. ed for another 11 months. The latest list includes Events that count 142 Dana Pacino (F)(2) Aledo, TX includes a four-time hon- toward the R-12 Award oree — Dan Driscoll of include RUSA and ACP- 143 Ray Torrey (2) Flower Mound, TX Texas. Several other recipi- sanctioned brevets and 24- 144 William Beck (2) Woodbine, MD ents have collected multiple hour team events, as well as medals, including Nick RUSA permanents of 200K 145 Dennis Cook (2) College Station, TX Bull, Dana Pacino, Ray or longer. Torrey, Bill Beck and The R-12 program is 146 Scott Brittle Sunnyvale, CA Dennis Cook. administered by Oregon 147 Jeff Elmer Allen, TX The R-12 Award is rider Albert Lutz and John earned by riding a 200K or Kramer of Washington. (F) = Female; (#) = # of R-12 medals earned

6 August 2008 American Randonneur Permanents News

BY EDWARD ROBINSON | PERMANENTS COORDINATOR

Bravo! For those of you who back-to-back days. In the for RUSA members who live haven’t yet taken the oppor- meantime, David Thompson, in the northern latitudes, A Record tunity to ride a Permanent with the assistance of Geoff there’s no need to let the route, visit the Permanents Swarts, established a series of U.S.-Canadian border throw of Growth page at the RUSA website, six free routes that skirt the up a roadblock when it In March 2004, a hand- where you can search for a southern coast of Lake comes to route planning. ful of RUSA members set route near you — there’s Superior, with the final route Doubtless there are scenic, out to complete the club’s probably one close by, along terminating on the lake’s challenging roads in nearby very first Permanent ride. By with a route owner who eastern shore in Wawa, areas of the Canadian year’s end, individual mem- would be pleased to hear Ontario, Canada. David and provinces that would make bers had accomplished 90 from someone interested in Geoff also recently rode excellent additions to new such rides, with program giving his or her route a try. those routes, for a total of routes. founder Robert Fry reporting 1265K. The two continued In other news, Jeremy a grand total of 19,191 kilo- News their ride, completing a cir- meters ridden. The program
Four RUSA members cuit of Lake Superior. Again, Continued on next page gained momentum the fol- have logged Permanent rides congratulations are in order lowing year, when riders of 600K or longer this year. for these four. Contact John Noret has taken over routes completed 282 Permanent Congratulations to Tom or David if you are interest- in the San Angelo, Texas, rides covering some 58,293 Knoblauch, who in May ed in more information area that belonged to former kilometers. The number of completed the Topeka- about their respective routes RBA Dennis Cook, whose routes expanded in kind, cul- Denver free route organized (contact information for work required that he relo- minating in a roster of 107 by Spencer Klaassen, for a both can be found at the cate to College Station, available courses as the pro- total of 869K. Likewise to RUSA website, where John Texas. Dennis already has gram reached the end of Ed Felker, Mary Gersema, and David are listed among established his first new 2005. and David Lippke, who in the club’s Permanent route route in College Station, and Fast forward to 2008: June rode Lynn Kristianson’s owners). he has plans for more. Pam Participation in the newly-approved Double Many areas in the U.S. Wright has picked up a north Permanents program has Middletown 600K in remain untapped as locales Texas route from former skyrocketed over the past Virginia. Those rides are the for Permanent routes, but route owner Ronnie Bryant. two years, encouraged in no longest Permanent rides yet this hasn’t stopped the pro- It’s great to see members tak- small part by the sought-after for 2008. gram’s expansion from ing on routes that might oth- R-12 Award. The charts on Speaking of long rides, spilling across our border to erwise be abandoned, an page 8 put the numbers in two members have each the north. RUSA is pleased issue that’s sure to arise more perspective. The final two recently established a series to announce that members often as the Permanents pro- columns on each chart of shorter routes that, when now can submit applications gram matures. reflect that mid-year partici- ridden one after the other, for Permanent routes that pation in 2008 is ahead of offer the opportunity for extend into Canada. (For By the Numbers even last year’s pace, exceed- rando-style touring over dis- insurance reasons, any route Randonneurs like to talk ing 2007’s year-to-date totals tances exceeding 1200K. with a Canadian segment numbers — distances, times, by over 220 rides and 46,000 John Kramer has a series of must begin within the United velocities, temperatures, km. six 200K routes that link States. And, as always, a weights, and the list goes on. To those of you riding together to form an Oregon route owner should live rea- With that in mind, here’s a Permanents, and to the route loop of 1239K. John and sonably near his or her brief look at the Permanents organizers who keep them Rick Blacker recently rode routes.) As noted above, one program, by the numbers, as on tap for all of us to enjoy: each of those routes on such route already exists. So, it stands in mid-2008. www.rusa.org 7 American Randonneur Permanents (continued) Randonnee, at 1224K. The accompanying map New Permanent Route Owners gives an overview of the RUSA is pleased to welcome its newest Permanent route owners for 2008. The year number of routes available in has seen a substantial influx of new faces among Permanents volunteers: each state. Ritaann Becker...... Havana, FL Ray Ogilvie ...... North Plains, OR Riders. RUSA’s mem- Crista Borras...... Washington, DC Joanne Petithory ...... Union City, CA bership has been similarly vigorous in tackling the club’s Wayne Dunlap ...... Austin, TX Jim Powers...... Boise, ID Permanent routes in 2008. Ian Flitcroft ...... Williamson, GA Thomas Russell...... Alamo, CA Randy Graves ...... Santa Barbara, CA Over 800 rides have been John Shelso ...... Cordova, TN Charles Jenkins ...... Denison, TX completed as of the first Elmar Stefke...... Berkeley, CA week of July, for an impres- Jason Karp ...... Belgrade, MT sive total of 163,177 kilome- Lynn Kristianson...... Arlington, VA Lara Sullivan...... Ely, MN ters ridden. As noted, that Joel Lawrence...... High Point, NC George Swain ...... West Park, NY level of participation is well Aaron Little ...... Campbell, CA David Thompson ...... Ontario, Canada ahead of last year’s, and it Jeremy Noret ...... San Angelo, TX Pam Wright ...... Arlington, TX has yet to show any signs of slowing. Looking Ahead Routes. The growth in routes, several are located in owner David Thompson). A glance at the accompa- the number of new routes states that previously had no Montana saw its second nying map reveals several has been vigorous. Ninety Permanent routes available route added, thanks to new areas where no Permanent new routes have been added for RUSA members to ride: route owner Jason Karp. routes exist, as well as areas to the Permanents roster Arkansas (2 new routes The longest RUSA where only a small number since January 1, bringing the established by Texan George Permanent available remains of routes have been estab- total to 448 active Evans), Georgia (a route Spencer Klassen’s Pony lished. Thus there are plenty Permanents at the time of established by new route Express, a free route of 2979 of regions ripe for expan- this writing. It’s difficult to owner Ian Flitcroft), and kilometers between St. sion, and I hope members in predict with any certainty, but Minnesota (3 routes, one Joseph, MO, and Sacramento, or near those areas will devel- we may broach 500 routes by courtesy of new route owner CA. The longest RUSA non- op new routes to fill those year’s end. Lara Sullivan, the others free route on the roster is Among the year’s new organized by new route Paul Layton’s Grand Canyon
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8 August 2008 American Randonneur Permanents (continued) voids. In addition, Robert Fry devel- oped and promoted the concept of capi- tal-to-capital routes, the notion being that state capitol build- ings might be linked in a web of Permanent routes spanning the nation. That remains a superb idea, and I hope RUSA mem- bers who live in or near their state capi- tals will come forward to establish routes linking with their neighboring capital cities. A few such routes already are in place, but many more remain to be developed.

Personal Note It has been a great pleas- ure meeting and working with RUSA members from across the country since tak- ing on the role of Permanents Coordinator in January. My only frustration has been my inability to go and ride the many routes that I get to review on paper. I see so many intriguing place names along the paths of these routes, and so many remarkable landscapes through which the routes are laid. None of us, certainly, will have the time or oppor- tunity to ride them all. For my part, I hope to ride many, and I hope that we might meet somewhere on the road, and say hello. Until then, safe riding.

www.rusa.org 9 American Randonneur

10th Anniversary Flashback | Dave Jordan - Right Hand Man — BY JENNIFER WISE— with term limits, elected every year as an ooking back to 1998, in cele- in rotation so that there official and bration of the 10th would be continuity and processed the final Anniversary of Randonneurs no odd vacancies. Details results. He was sit- USA, I can’t help but remember the were discussed and revi- ting on my right at L sions were made. that pivotal 1995 outstanding work that Dave Jordan did for our organization in its Language was tweaked. Randonneurs infancy. Dave was at the August 16 Paragraphs were edited. Mondiaux meeting 1998 meeting, where RUSA was Dave was patient, knowl- in France just after born and played an important role edgeable and assertive PBP. (see August in the busy and demanding years about constructing this 2007 AR.) He was that followed. document to be a solid my right-hand man The first thing Dave did was take base for RUSA’s future. through RUSA’s the job of RUSA Treasurer. What’s a The fourth thing formative years, treasurer without a treasury? Dave Dave did was to focus always dependable, asked everyone at the table for start-up immediately on member needs for the helpful and levelheaded. money, and collected $1,000 instantly. fast approaching PBP. Americans need- Dave has a joy for the outdoors, and Dave was off to open a bank account. ed an improved bag drop program at is a really good bike rider. He loves to This was not a simple task, because PBP. Negotiations with the previous race his “Seven” bike and ride his moun- RUSA was not just any little bike club. bag-drop host resulted in establishing a tain bike through America’s national RUSA was to be a national sanctioning working partnership, enabling us to parks. He would rather be mountain bik- organization with a non-profit corpo- offer RUSA members two bag drop ing in Moab, than anywhere else, despite rate status and the need to send foreign locations at the 1999 PBP. Dave suffering a nasty crash there several currency wire transfers to France on a worked the Villaines La Juhel bag drop years ago that resulted in a broken hip. regular basis. location at PBP 1999 and again in 2003 Dave bounced back a year later, racing The second thing Dave did was and again in 2007. and touring with renewed optimistic tackle the corporate papers, setting up RUSA members in New England enthusiasm. He decided to move on, the non-profit status of the organiza- know Dave as the RBA who hosted the traveling the country in his customized tion, and talking with the IRS. This was Boston Brevet Series from 1993 motorhome “Mozilla,” spending the a particularly painstakingly slow process through 2003. Dave set up the BBS winters in Tucson or San Diego and the and at times both frustrating and annoy- website in 1996 and was one of the first summers in New England. He parked ing. Dave remained unflappable and RBAs to post dates, registration infor- his motorhome at the BMB start/finish determined to get RUSA going in the mation and results to a website. Dave line every year, so the BMB finish-line right direction. worked full time at a well-known staff could avail themselves of its com- The third thing Dave did was vol- Boston computer company, back then. fort for a nap, a fresh cup of coffee, or unteer to write the RUSA Constitution He is a spreadsheet whiz with an innate a Red Sox game. These days you’ll find and Bylaws. Drawing from his experi- ability to speak/write HTML, maintain Dave working and riding at the PAC ence in drawing up the Constitution websites, construct relational databases Tour training camps and trips, exploring and Bylaws for the Charles River and analyze intricate spreadsheets, all the world with other long-distance tour- Wheelmen, in Boston, Massachusetts, while on his mobile phone. (He created ing cyclists. and working with Rick Leblanc, the and hosted the BMB website, then Dave is a smart guy, a good friend RUSA legal advisor, Dave wrote the taught me how to host it myself.) and a really good Samaritan. He has the first draft. The board met in telecon- Dave has a practical and economic humor to laugh off the things that just ference several times to review the approach to everything, while being don’t make sense, and the compassion details, paying close attention to enormously generous with his time. He to understand the frailties of the human Johnny Bertrand’s interpretation of the volunteered to work the Pan-Mass condition. He has the heartiest laugh ACP guidelines. Dave revised the arti- Challenge, crewed for two RAAM com- you’ll ever hear. If you get the chance to cles and resubmitted them. RUSA was petitors, did support at PBP, worked meet or ride with RUSA member # 4, to be a democratic organization with a RAAM Headquarters and has worked thank him for his service, have a chat board of directors and elected officers the Boston-Montreal-Boston 1200k and a good laugh.

10 August 2008 American Randonneur BBllaazziinngg SSaaddddlleess SShheennaannddooaahh RRiiddeerrss FFeeeell tthhee HHeeaatt iinn IInnaauugguurraall EEvveenntt Photo by Bill Beck Ed Johns climbing Route 7 to Snickersville Gap

—BY TIM SULLIVAN— the last 2 days with one due check-in was handled by f you enjoy descending lenge comes not from the to a mechanical failure where Bones, Pat Horchoff who on nice downhills then course, but instead from the the rear wheel would not came up from New Orleans the inaugural weather. The Shenandoah turn. There were experienced to assist on the ride, Greg ShenandoahI 1200 is the ran- 1200 was no exception. A randonneurs who were not Conderacci and Andrea donee for you. Of course the record-breaking heat wave able to cope with the heat. Matney. downside to the descents is hit the area with tempera- The weather even affect- The ride started at 4:00 that there is an equal amount tures in the high 90s during ed the bike check in and reg- a.m. on Thursday, which of climbing. The altimeter the day. It impacted everyone istration on Wednesday enabled everyone to ride out on my bike (which is normal- and accounted for the DNF evening after the area was of Leesburg without any ly on the high side) registered rate: 30 finishers out of the under a tornado watch and a traffic. In the village of 50,030 feet of climbing at 56 who started. Twenty-three storm went through in the Waterford, approximately 8 the finish showing that west- of the riders who DNFed early afternoon knocking miles from the start, we had ern Virginia is not flat and it did so by Christianburg down trees. Matt Settle, the to go around some downed is a challenging course. (which by the way did not RBA who organized the ride, power lines but everyone However, as it seems live up to its name since it had to go around a detour seemed to manage that fine. with most 1200 KM was hotter than hell there). and was delayed in arriving at randonées, the biggest chal- There were only 3 DNFs on Leesburg. In his absence the
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12 August 2008 American Randonneur Shenandoah 1200K | Blazing Saddles Going through Virginia and was at the aptly named water and food, and cool gentle. entering Maryland the group Battlefield Market. By then it down. Matt had published a The controle there was a I was in was moving at a nice was starting to warm up so list of stores along the more Virginia Fire station manned pace over rolling terrain. The the timing was perfect with rural sections of the route, by Pat Horchoff, Michael first steep climb of the day many riders taking advantage which was good to know in and most importantly Ruby in Maryland was on Spruce of the fact that the store sold advance. I was able to Lee Bryant. When entering it Run Road as we went over milkshakes. At each of the plan where I could get water the room was smoky, which Catoctin Mountain at around unmanned controles the and food along the route. was alarming since it was a mile 42. That broke up the stores or restaurants were We arrived at the cont- fire station. However there group but we were rewarded great about stamping the role in Harrisonburg, a dor- was also the smell of bacon with a great downhill on a controle cards. It seemed that mitory at Eastern Mennonite in the air. At 1:00 a.m. it was well paved highway (MD 77) they were used to it from University, at around 10:00 a smell better than the best through a park area with gen- prior brevets. p.m. or so. I had planned on French perfume. It turns out tle S-curves. My favorite type After that we entered just having dinner there and that Ruby Lee is a great cook of downhill! West Virginia and rode on to continuing onto Deerfield, who specializes in catering to After Thurston we con- the next controle at where I had one of my drop the culinary needs of ran- tinued north to the first con- Winchester, Virginia. That bags, and sleeping there for a donneurs. After having a trole at Gettysburg. Bill Beck was an unmanned controle at few hours. However it shower and changing into and Missie and Carl a Sheetz gas station. seemed that a majority of the fresh clothes I had a BLT Wakefield staffed the cont- Someone in marketing needs riders planned on stopping at sandwich with a homemade role, better to guard the to work on that name. The Harrisonburg. The dormitory pasta salad. Matt had 10 cots water jugs from Boston- only thing remarkable for me worked great. There were there to sleep on but only a Montreal-Boston. Shortly at that section was a flat tire plenty of beds for those who few were occupied when I after the controle we turned about one-half mile from the wanted to sleep. The cont- arrived. I did not miss the into the Gettysburg controle, caused by my rim role staff consisted of opportunity to take one over Battlefield Memorial Park. It strip exposing the rim by the Bones, Josie and Maggie for the next 2 1/2 hours. was my first time there and valve hole. Jim had a band Smith, Jim Logan and Matt I awoke to a breakfast of the route took us through aid that we tried to use to McHale. There was a kitchen biscuits and gravy and pota- the area of Round Top and cover the exposed rim. But area upstairs where dinner toes. I declined Ruby Lee’s Little Round Top. It was very when I tried to put more air was served, including lasagna. offer of eggs but since I was interesting with all the monu- in the tire at the gas station it It brought back memories of in the South I figure I need- ments to the different regi- blew again. Luckily the sta- Middlebury, VT and BMB. ed to have the biscuits and ments. The road was quiet tion had duct tape and three After a fine dinner I gravy. and it was a great place to strips of it worked in combi- continued on with 2 other The route out of ride. Matt deserves a lot of nation with the band aid to riders who were both doing Deerfield was nice. Riding credit for using that as part protect the tube for the rest their first 1200—Judith through the hills with Bruce of the route. It was one of of the ride. Longley from Florida and Taylor in the early morning my favorite sections. After we left Winchester Martin Laudie from Quebec. hours was peaceful. Traffic After Gettysburg I start- the day was heating up and It was a nice evening to ride; was minimal and the climb- ed riding with Jim Koening we started riding on Back all the evenings were. ing in that section was not from Cincinnati. Jim and I Road, marked by a section of Throughout the ride it never that steep. We also met up then joined up with Bruce continuous rollers with steep got cold and I never had to with Judith and Martin. We Taylor, another Southern climbs on each. The rollers use leg warmers or a jacket. were rewarded with another Californian. We essentially were steeper that those at One of the roads to great downhill through stayed together until the PBP. This was an area that Deerfield was called Jennings Douthat State Park that Harrisonburg controle that took a toll on many riders as Gap Road. I am leery of eventually led us to the town evening. We headed back to we passed people lying on roads that have the word of Clifton Forge and the Maryland and right before the edge of the road trying Mountain or Gap in them controle at the Bullpen the next controle we went to cool off. Once we got off since it generally means some Restaurant. It was just start- through the Antietam battle- Back Road there was a store stiff climbing ahead. But the field memorial. The rest stop where we were able to get climb to Deerfield was fairly
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14 August 2008 American Randonneur Shenandoah 1200K | Blazing Saddles ing to get warm when we short but steep sections. It were now going to be head- Waffle House so I had break- arrived there. For me it was helped that it was getting ing north made it very relax- fast there and met 3 riders one of those times where it dark and the temperature was ing. I personally enjoyed see- who had DNFed, including was getting hot enough to dropping. Once again I ing Mike Dayton again and Jim Koegel, who I had rid- affect your appetite. stopped at a store that was renewing our friendship. den with on Thursday, and The route out of Clifton midway between controles. The cabins at Fancy Gap Henk from Ontario, who I Forge was the most difficult Normally I do not need to also served as a sleep spot remember from other 1200 part of the ride. From see- stop between controles. but I had chosen to have my brevets. The heat had gotten ing the route profile that However the heat during this drop bag delivered to to both of them. Matt had published before ride made it necessary, not Hillsville. So I had to leave After Christianburg the the ride I knew that there only for buying fluids, but the hospitality of Fancy Gap route got easier since the was climbing ahead. I just also to just cool down and and descend back to climbs were less steep. The thought it was one summit rest. Hillsville. I left Fancy Gap course still was not flat but it instead of the 3 that were I stopped at Hillsville with another Ohio rider, Tim became a route with more ahead of us, with the last 2 long enough to get some Carroll. It felt good not only rollers rather than one with being short but steeper than food before doing the final to be turning north but also outright climbs. We followed the previous one. So mentally climb to Fancy Gap. Jim to be descending. I stopped some river valleys from the first two were false sum- Levitt was manning the cont- at the controle at the Christianburg before entering mits. The final climb on role with Claire Zecher Comfort Inn at Hillsville onto US 11 just south of Jamison Mountain Road was whose enthusiasm was equal where Matt had 2 rooms, one Buchanan, which was the very steep for (I recall) over a to her ability to make sure for the controle itself and next controle at a mile. After that climb Bruce that we had plenty of food the other for showers and Exxon/Burger King. The Taylor and I stopped at an and liquids. Claire also made sleeping. When I arrived only local bank temperature read- IGA supermarket on the sure she took lots of photos one of the beds was being ing was 100 degrees. At one route. It was around noon to record the ride. used in the adjacent room so point there were about 10 and once again the day was The next controle was I took a quick shower and riders in the restaurant all warming up. It was too hot only 13 miles away at Fancy got on top of the other bed trying to cool down. Bruce to eat all the food that I Gap on the Blue Ridge for 2 1/2 hours. Tim Carroll Taylor and I left together and bought but maybe I was just Parkway. The location was a continued on riding to after 10 miles or so, and saving room for the ham- group of cabins with the Christianburg. Along the way before we reached Natural burger I was going be eating rider check in at a lower por- he got tired and stopped for Bridges. I suggested that if at Fancy Gap. tion of the area. After check- a few minutes along the side we found a motel we should The rest of the route to ing in with Annette Kamm of the road. A driver must share a room, get out of the Christianburg was gentler as and Susan Auburn the riders have seen him lying down heat and sleep for 1 1/2 we were following a river val- were trucked up to the food and contacted the local res- hours and get back on the ley until about 5 miles or so area manned by several cue squad since the police road by 6:30 pm.. We then to the controle where some members of the North and fire went out looking for came upon the Relax Inn short steep sections once Carolina Bicycle Club: a downed rider. They located where we had to try to again brought out evil words. Branson Kimball, Jerry Tim after he had resumed explain to the hotel manager Matt Settle was manning the Phelps, Chris Kamm, Byron riding. why 2 middle-aged men controle when we arrived Morton, Paul Smith and I woke up hungry wanted a room for just 2 and he informed us that the Mike Dayton. Mike had the despite the hamburger and hours. Sometimes randon- area had a record high tem- barbecue cooking hamburg- beans from Fancy Gap and neuring can cause others to perature that day of 94 ers that at the moment were took my time getting ready look at you strangely. degrees. tastier than a Double-Double for the days riding with two After a short nap we The climbing from from In ‘N Out. It was a nice PB & J sandwiches made by were back on the road and Christianburg to Hillsville evening on the Parkway so Claire Zecher. The return to were able to stop in was not as bad but it was still everyone was sitting outside. Christianburg was easier with Lexington for a quick snack challenging. The main part of The NCBC volunteers more descending. The cont- before continuing on US 11. the climb was at a steady friendly atmosphere together role, now manned by Scott grade followed by a few with the knowledge that we McCullough, was next to a
Continued on next page www.rusa.org 15 American Randonneur Shenandoah 1200K | Blazing Saddles

The only time I considered The controle was then being the Blue Ridge, which we did refresh myself and allow me the traffic on that highway to staffed by Bones, Jeff at Snicker’s Gap. Normally it to complete the ride enjoy- be bad was right before the Magnuson, Bob Sheldon and would not be a tough climb ably. town of Fairfield. We were Jim Lehman. but at 1:00 p.m. it was diffi- Tim Carroll and I fin- riding at around 9:00 p.m. That left 115 miles on cult with the heat. My bike ished at 3:00 p.m. in 83 hours. and there were more drivers the last day. We left temperature (not sure how The volunteers on the on the road with little shoul- Harrisonburg on Highway 42 reliable that is) showed a ride were all terrific. Despite der. I must say that through- which once again meant gen- temp of 118.9. After the each of them being tired out the ride I was surprised tle grades. Tim Carroll start- climb, you turned off the from their own lack of sleep by the courtesy of the ed riding with Bruce and me. highway, descending quickly they sought to ensure that Virginia drivers. Since the He was good company with into the village of Bluemont each riders needs were met. sight lines on the roads were new topics to discuss. We where the little general store Matt Settle did a great job in not that great due to the ter- arrived at the controle in had ice cream with a shaded organizing this inaugural rain, the drivers would wait Middletown, a Super 8 Motel porch in the front. A wel- event. John Lee Ellis should behind us before proceeding. manned by the Crista Borras come stop, and I highly rec- also be recognized for provid- However, I later learned that and Chuck Wood. They had ommend the Banana ing Matt with advice and his Kelly Smith had someone just arrived, so after checking Pudding ice cream. We own wisdom and experience throw a bottle at him and in we went to a nearby gas stopped perhaps too long in organizing a 1200 KM Judith about 20 miles from station/deli for a final meal because when I got back to brevet. the finish. before the last leg. riding my legs started saying There was food and bev- After stopping for a late The first half of the last bad things. We stopped at a erages at the finish with peo- dinner at an Arby’s in leg went fine. The only climb 7-11 store for a nature break ple staying to welcome the Staunton. I arrived at the in that part was through a and more water. Jack riders who were still finishing Harrisonburg controle at wooded area so it was not Holmgren from California and discussing their adven- around 1:00 a.m. The tem- too hot. We then went along was driving the course and tures during the ride. The perature was still 75—nice the Shenandoah River where saw our bikes and stopped to main topic of course was the riding weather. There was it is fairly wide and people deliver socks filled with ice, a stifling heat and how it made still some lasagna left and I were out enjoying the river. pure delight. Once placed on a challenging course even was able to sleep for 2 hours. But we still had to climb over the neck it was enough to more so.

Shenandoah 1200K Results Michael Anderson...... 89:50 George Hiscox...... 78:36 William Olsen ...... 87:39 Steve Atkins...... 79:49 John Holmgren...... DNF Lindley Osborne ...... 85:58 Robert Barday...... DNF Chuck Howes...... DNF Curtis Palmer...... 84:33 Timothy Bol...... 79:38 Mark Jilka...... DNF Jon Pasch...... 78:45 Henk Bouhuyzen...... DNF James Johns ...... 86:19 Guy Quesnel ...... DNF Richard Carpenter ...... 75:22 James Koegel ...... DNF Paul Rozelle ...... 87:15 Tim Carroll ...... 83:00 Joe Kratovil ...... DNF Henrik Schroeder ...... 85:16 Wayne Cernak ...... DNF Ted Lapinski ...... 67:05 Bill Schwarz ...... DNF William Cisek...... 87:39 Tim Laseter ...... DNF Paul Shapiro ...... DNF Dan Clinkinbeard ...... 85:58 Martin Laudie ...... DNF Mark Sheehan...... DNF Greg Conderacci ...... 87:15 Jonathan Levitt...... DNF John Shelso...... 87:02 Phil Creel ...... DNF Judith Longley ...... 82:02 Kelly Smith ...... 82:02 Thomas Dembinski ...... DNF Michael Lutz ...... 84:33 Jim Solanick ...... 79:38 Edward Dodd ...... DNF Andrea Matney ...... 87:15 Tim Sullivan ...... 83:00 Paul Donaldson ...... 85:58 George Metzler ...... DNF Bruce Taylor...... 83:25 Art Fuoco ...... DNF Christopher Michels ...... DNF James Tolbert ...... DNF Dan Fuoco ...... DNF Larry Midura ...... 85:16 Alejandro Torres...... DNF David Goodwin ...... 89:17 David Nakai ...... 85:21 Shawn Tyrrell ...... DNF Geoffrey Hastings...... 89:17 Marcello Napolitano ...... DNF

16 August 2008 American Randonneur Photo by Don Boothby

CascadeOde to the SIR Oasis |1240K By John Lee Ellis ender-clad bikes— “Wetter than 1987?” (ACP scenery, the event support, including folks who live near sprinkled through the answer: yes) As the land- and the stamina of the riders, the easternmost controls assembled peloton— scape simmered and broiled the Cascade was again a chal- such as Quincy, spiritually functioned like that umbrella on the Cascade, some of lenging and rewarding event. one step away from Fyou pack just in case: prophy- those same riders were won- Support? What Support! - Nebraska, who come out to lactically warding off the dering, “Hotter than 2006?” The Cascade is superbly sup- lend a hand. merest hint of clouds and (apparently not, but quite ported—around 50 volun- Since the Cascade is a showers from this year’s toasty enough, thank you). teers for a field of 68 riders stage-oriented loop, you see Cascade. Instead of rain And as what has become the this year—and on certain and get to know a number of jackets, riders were breaking two-out-of-three norm for stretches their help was “very volunteers as they travel with out the SPF 50 sunscreen, the Cascade, the event had meaningful”—SIR Oases you from one overnight stop and volunteers were breaking had to be rerouted because midway up long, hot pass to the next. Who knows? A out the ice socks and water- of excess snow in the west climbs and on 40-50 mile polite and winning impres- melons. Those of us without (and some road construc- stretches with no services in sion early on might get you fenders were naturally grate- tion), while extra ice needed 100-degree heat on the an extra portion of rancher ful for others’ fender amulet. to be rustled up for the east- plains. SIR draws not only chili and maybe an extra Ten months before, PBP ern plains. from a broad volunteer base, showering towel. riders had been asking And yet such was the but a broadly-based one, The Daylight 1200?—

18 August 2008 American Randonneur Cascade 1240: Ice Socks and Glacial Valleys

The Cascade 1200 FAQ than you might have expect- that’s not necessarily a bad felt the blast furnace gusts and insisted you have lights ed, White Pass late in the day thing - the landscape knew they were in for some- mounted the entire ride, even was the gateway to the (hot- throughout was evocative thing, as they could spy “that if you intended to ride only ter) east. and the terrain challenging. climb” on the opposite side of in daylight. That was certain- Day 2 from Naches to The Climbs—Fixie aci- the valley. Many a rider spent ly possible on the Cascade. I Quincy began with an echo fionado Jake Kassen fin- extra minutes cooling off at spent perhaps a cumulative of mountain greenery, and ished PBP’07 on fixed gear the Vernita rest stop. I pro- hour in darkness over the then moved out into the dry but brought his multigeared crastinated long enough in fact course of the event. The heat of ever more sparsely (and fendered) bike for the for a cloud to drift over and norm was not far from that. populated plains. Big winds Cascade. Hmmm … why reduce the heat quotient on “Battery management” (for from evening mountain might that be? The climbs “that climb” to “not too bad.” those of us using batteries) storms made the final stretch on the Cascade were extend- Loup Loup Pass faded to a non-issue. Then over otherwise delightful ed and sometimes tough but (4,020’)—The hottest, there’s Del Sharffenberg Beverly Burke Road into not mean or ornery. (The toughest pass of this year’s (Oregon) who dispensed Quincy an adventure. ornery aspect was the heat.) route, starting with a sharp with dimness altogether: Day 3 continued the White Pass (4,500’)— climb out of the Malott con- you’d see him in casual eastern plains theme, but Softened up by said heat, trol at the hottest part of the clothes as you were wolfing with the interesting geology many riders started the 20- day. Like an ever-receding down your pre-dawn break- of glacially shaped Lenore mile climb from Packwood fast, and again similarly Lake and others in its chain, late afternoon. The shadows
Continued on page 22 attired when you pulled in at Dry Falls, and huge mono- were on the wrong side of the end of the stage. liths deposited by cataclysmic the road, but enticing but welcome mirage, Joe and Somewhere in between, he’d floods now standing tall in a nonetheless. Don’s Jesse Llona were perched passed most of the field. sea of wheat. Boothby’s SIR Oasis a bit towards the summit with While it was light (somewhat) Day 4 after a delightful climb over halfway up with water- their SIR Oasis. A bit later, by 4:45am, the event started to the event’s high point at melon and cool drinks to riders such as LSR K- at a civilized 6am. And at Washington Pass descended remind riders what hydration Hounds Val and Robin the final overnight at past sea green reservoirs to meant. The ski area at the Phelps caught the only rain Mazama Ranch, when riders the lush, rural landscape of summit with its painted-on of the event, a chilling thun- put in wake-up calls for their the starting day, with some snowflakes lent a cool derstorm towards evening. customary 3:30 to 4:30am timber industry, and finished impression, even if the temps (And Val asserts that the times, they were admonished on quiet country roads. And were still not arctic. black eye he showed up with that the ranch breakfast was the finish was downhill - per- Chinook Pass Rd.— at the finish was not the result going to be served at 5am, fect! Day 2 began with a 44 mile of marital squabbles.) and no use getting ready to As you might expect, climb up to the Lodgepole Washington Pass ride before then. A wise pol- Ken Bonner eschewed the campground on the way to (5,477’) + Rainy Pass icy. stages, riding straight through Chinook Pass. Possibly the (4,855’)—The most scenic The Stages—The stage (with support). That meant most pleasant climb of the climb, and a spectacular wel- orientation (of 224, 206, 180, he was well-rested in time to ride, with mild temps. Mark come back into the green and 162 miles) made it easy greet the other finishers! Thomas and company domain on the west slope as to link up with other riders at Perhaps because of the heat, offered fresh-brewed coffee the start of Day 4. Fortified the start of each day - the the event felt like an overture at the campground, enhanc- by the Mazama Ranch ranch- typical rider would be click- of lush green amid volcanic ing a good mood on the er breakfast, a cool, refresh- ing in the pedals between peaks, followed by extended descent. ing climb to dramatic rock 3:30 and 5am (days 2 and 3), middle segments on the arid “Yes, That Climb”—In formations at the summit. so it was easy to find some eastern plains, finished off by some ways tougher to face Belying its name, Rainy Pass comaraderie. a lush finale reprise at the was the ½ mile climb out of a couple miles further on was Day 1 from Monroe to end. The middle movements the Columbia River valley just as clear and sunny. Naches featured lush green predominate in my memory under late afternoon furnace The 1000k Easy Ride?—A farmland and small towns. and seem like the chief sub- conditions on Day 2. Riders close-knit contingent of nine As things heated up more ject matter of the ride, but flying down into this valley 1000k riders mainly bunched

www.rusa.org 19 American Randonneur

Cascade (continued)

together, polishing off their ern plains, complete with to try something new. The Randonneur 5000 require- small flying insects stuck in Cascade is different from ment. Their reward for your sunscreen. BMB and PBP and the Last doing a “mere 1000k” was A succession of crops— Chance (although the east- 12 extra miles on the third alfalfa, wheat, peach groves, ern segment shares more day (at the base of the Loup and hops (who but a than you’d expect with the Loup climb) and finishing Bavarian like Lothar Last Chance). off with a 260km Permanent Hennighausen would rec- My Colorado experience on the final day. (That was ognize hop cultivation?) on was a plus in terms of solar everyone’s final stage, but the those eastern plains. And radiation, dryness, wide-hori- 1000k riders got an extra for the agriculturally chal- zons terrain, l-o-n-g climbs, card in a new color, pink, no lenged, signposted crops as and altitude (I live at the alti- extra charge.) Isabelle you headed into the Quincy tude of Washington Pass). Drake had done PBP almost overnight stop. But the Cascade was scintil- on a whim, and after the San Popping and snapping tar latingly different, too. I liked Diego flèche this spring had on backroads in the after- the stage concept. The geol- her R-5000 in the bag. Carol noon heat. ogy was intriguing. And the Bell and Maile Neel from Snowy Mt. Rainier SIR support and event the DC area, and Chris looming over a green land- organization are magnets Hanson could tell similar scape like a vanilla ice cream enough to return. tales. A dramatic way to fin- cone. Then, too, there’s the ish off your R-5000. The lonely, evocative prospect of riding the orig- Vignettes—A wall of Farmer control, a grange inal route one day “as writ- sauna-like moisture hitting hall in an ocean of wheat. ten” without snow detours. you as you pass irrigated Will You Come Put this one on your list!
crops on the “dry heat” east- Back?—I rode this event Continued on next page Photo by Mark Thomas

Riders Tom Knoblauch and Brad Tanner approach the Dry Falls secret control.

22 August 2008 American Randonneur Cascade (continued) Photo by Don Boothby Cascade rider Urs Koenig grabs a little shade at an SIR Oasis.

2008 Cascade Results 1240km Results Grabiak, Larry...... 89:22 Ryan, Jim ...... 83:08 Grant, Peter...... 90:05 Scharffenberg, Del ...... 82:46 Adler, Audrey ...... 90:56 Hamilton, Ryan...... 82:31 Shopland, Ian...... DNF Aoyama, Eiji ...... 88:50 Haynes, Martin ...... 90:04 Simmons, Eric...... DNF Applewhaite, John...... DNF Hennighausen, Lothar...... 90:04 Smith, James ...... DNF Barill, Tracy...... 83:55 Hofstede, Jeffery...... DNF Stroethoff, Karel ...... DNF Beebe, Ward...... 87:00 Honda, Nicole...... 91:40 Stum, Richard ...... DNF Berube, Thomas ...... DNF Huffman, Sam ...... DNF Swarts, Geoff...... 85:33 Blauer, Anthony ...... 88:50 Knoblauch, Tom...... 85:16 Tanner, Brad ...... 81:51 Bonner, Ken...... 64:41 Koen, Bob ...... DNF White, Charles...... 83:55 Boxer, Daniel ...... 87:44 Koenig, Urs...... 81:11 Wolfe, Michael...... 81:51 Butt, Clyde ...... DNF Larson, Lesli ...... 91:14 Chang, Jennifer...... DNF McHale, Mike ...... DNF 1000K Results Chase, Barry ...... 86:24 Mikkelsen, Ole...... 85:40 Coldwell, Charles ...... 84:09 Moore, Barry ...... DNF Bell, Carol...... 63:52 Devereux, Drew ...... DNF Moore, Peter ...... DNF Dougherty, Patricia ...... 71:25 Dulieu, Michelle ...... 92:20 Morse, Josh...... 92:20 Drake, Isabelle ...... 63:28 Ellis, John Lee...... 85:16 Olsen, Mark ...... 89:18 Frink, Spencer...... DNF Fingert, John ...... DNF Olsen, William ...... 89:18 Hanson, Chris...... 63:52 Fleck, Chester ...... 79:15 Phelps, Robin ...... 86:41 Houck, Timothy...... 63:20 Fox, Mike...... 89:18 Phelps, Val ...... 86:41 Kassen, Jonathan...... 63:58 Fritzinger, Micah ...... 82:27 Read, Dave ...... 88:20 Neel, Maile ...... 68:02 Gilbert, Anthony...... 91:40 Rice, Steve ...... 90:04 Sturgill, Michael...... DNF Goursolle, Kitty ...... 91:14 Roehrig, Mark...... 88:20 www.rusa.org 23 American Randonneur 2008 ACP Events Region 200 km 300 km 400 km 600 km 1000 km flèche CA: Santa Cruz 17-Aug CO: Boulder 20-Sep 09-Aug 10-Sep FL: Central 16-Aug LA: New Orleans 20-Sep NC: Raleigh 16-Aug NE: Omaha 20-Sep NJ: NYC and Princeton 14-Sep 10-Aug NY: Central 16-Aug NY: Saratoga 21-Sep 11-Oct 08-Aug 10-Aug NY: Western 7-Jun OH: Columbus 30-Aug OR: Portland 02-Aug 23-Aug 20-Sep PA: Eastern 1-Aug WA: Seattle 09-Aug 23-Aug 13-Sep 21-Aug Event Legend Type Code Description

Events of 1200km or more which are sanctioned by Randonneurs Mondiaux (RM). This category RM randonnée RM includes Paris-Brest-Paris. Brevets of 200km, 300km, 400km, 600km, or 1000km, sanctioned by the Audax Club Parisien (ACP). In Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) years, ACP-sanctioned brevets act as PBP qualifiers. French brevet medals ACP brevet ACPB are available for these events. ACP brevets may be used to qualify for other awards such as the Super Randonneur and Randonneur 5000 medals. A 24-hour team ride patterned on the rules of the Flèche Velocio. Traditionally held at Easter, teams of ACP flèche ACPF 3-5 cycles strive to cover a distance of at least 360km. One of these events is required to qualify for the Randonneur 5000 award.

A domestically-sanctioned ride of any distance from 100km to 199km, run in a similar manner to a RUSA populaire RUSAP brevet. Credit is given toward RUSA medals only. Populaires may not be used as PBP qualifiers.

A domestically-sanctioned brevet of any distance from 200km to 1199km. Credit is given toward RUSA RUSA brevet RUSAB medals only. Domestically-sanctioned brevets may not be used as PBP qualifiers.

A domestically-sanctioned team ride run in the same manner as a flèche. The minimum-length arrow RUSA arrow RUSAF is 360km in 24 hours; however, arrows may be longer and may be held at any time of year. Credit is given toward RUSA medals only.

RUSA dart RUSAF A “short arrow”: minimum of 180km in 12 hours. Credit is given toward RUSA medals only.

An established route of 200km or more that may be ridden by prior arrangement with the organizer. RUSA permanent RUSAT Credit is given toward RUSA medals only and a given route may only be counted once in any calen- dar year. Permanents may not be used as PBP qualifiers.

RUSA permanent RUSAT A permanent of any distance from 100km to 199km. populaire

24 August 2008 American Randonneur 2008 RUSA-Sanctioned Events Region Distance & Date AR: Little Rock (100 km) 10/25 (200 km) 10/25 (300 km) 10/25 AZ: Casa Grande (200 km) 8/16, 11/01, 11/15 CA: Los Angeles (200 km) 08/16 CA: San Diego (200 km) 08/16, 09/20 CA: San Francisco (200 km) 08/17, 10/04 CO: Boulder (200 km) 08/16 (200 km) 09/13 (129 km) 10/05 GA: Atlanta (200 km) 09/06 IA: Cedar Valley (206 km) 08/16 IL: Chicago (200 km) 08/16 LA: New Orleans (180 km) 08/16 (200 km) 11/15 MA: Boston (350 km) 08/16 MA: Westfield (100 km) 08/23 (186 km) 08/23 (100 km) 10/12 (170 km) 10/12 MD: Capital Region (200 km) 08/16 MO: Kansas City (200 km) 08/16 (200 km) 09/20 MO: St. Louis (200 km) 08/16 NE: Jackson (200 km) 08/16 NJ: NYC and Princeton (191 km) 10/12 NM: Cedar Crest (300 km) 10/25 (200 km) 12/06

OH: Columbus (200 km) 08/16, 10/18 OR: Portland (200 km) 08/16 (100 km) 11/01 (112 km) 11/22 PA: Eastern (150 km) 10/18 (200 km) 10/18 TN: Nashville (360 km) 08/16 (600 km) 09/13 (250 km) 09/27 (200 km) 10/18 (100 km) 11/29 (200 km) 11/29 TX: Amarillo (200 km) 09/06 (300 km) 09/06 (200 km) 09/07 TX: Austin (200 km) 08/17, 9/13, 10/25, 12/06

(200 km) 08/02 (300 km) 08/02 (200 km) 08/16 (200 km) 08/17 (200 km) 08/30 (300 km) 08/30 (200 km) 09/20 (300 TX: Dallas km) 09/20 (400 km) 09/20 (200 km) 10/11 (300 km) 10/11 (400 km) 10/11 (600 km) 10/11 (200 km) 11/22 (300 km) 11/22

TX: Houston (200 km) 08/16 (300 km) 09/13 VA: Northern (200 km) 08/15, 08/16, 08/17, 09/06, 11/01,12/06 (1000 km) 10/11 WA: Seattle (200 km) 08/16 (110 km) 09/07 2008 U.S. 1200K

Location Type Date Distance Contact Web Site

CO: Boulder RM randonnée 9/10 1200K John Lee Ellis http://www.rmccrides.com/lastchance.htm www.rusa.org 25 American Randonneur Ask Bill | A Look at RUSA’s Rules Hello Bill, ple, then many of us would Bill Bryant has been riding brevets I’m new to randonneuring and since 1983 and is a two-time finisher of all find our brevet event entry saw something at a local brevet that Paris-Brest-Paris. An organizer of local fees and yearly RUSA dues to I found confusing. While waiting randonneuring events since 2000 with be a good bit higher. One of for the start, I observed a couple of Lois Springsteen, he is also one of the the good things about ran- riders changing the start time on founders of Randonneurs USA. Bill donneuring is, in my opinion, their brevet cards and getting ready was on the RUSA Board of Directors that it remains a fairly low from 1998-2006 and its President to take off. I asked them about this 2004-2005. Bill is also the recipient of cost form of organized and they said they were ready and the 2006 American Randonneur cycling and this helps us in didn’t want to wait for the start; award. He is currently working on an the long run. Still, if you want they would just adjust the opening in-depth history of Paris-Brest-Paris. some type of ranking award and closing times on the subsequent more than the fraternal type controls to reflect their early start. each season, but often rather different in terms of award, then I suppose They said an extra 15 minutes of Randonneurs USA sees it of their athletic talent and rid- RUSA’s award program is daylight in the morning on quiet another way. First, our sport ing speed—but they are also bound to disappoint you. roads would be better than doing is supposed to be “noncom- fairly equal in terms of the However, our friends at the more riding in the dark later on. I petitive long distance cycling.” willpower they bring to finish Ultra-Marathon Cycling don’t know what happened to them The RUSA founders took each event. In this sense earn- Association organize a yearly after that, but are we allowed to do that seriously, and not just for ing a Super Randonneur, mileage competition that you this? the rides themselves but for Randonneur-5000, R-12, might like; many RUSA mem- Wow, that is a serious the awards too. Virtually all Ultra-Randonneur, or RUSA bers participate in various no-no! The event organizer our awards can be earned by Distance medal makes one a UMCA events and award pro- sets the departure time and any number of participants member of a fraternity of grams. Check it out at: all riders must leave when he who fulfill the requisite dis- determined riders and this is http://www.ultracycling.com/ or she gives the signal to tances, just like earning a consistent with the idea that depart, or up to one hour medal if you finish the brevet anyone who completes a Hi Bill, after that. But one cannot successfully, or the Super brevet within the time A randonneuring friend and I have leave early for any reason. Randonneur medal for doing allowance is considered to be a friendly wager we hope you can Anyone changing a brevet a series of four brevets in a equal to his or her fellow fin- settle. He says Paris-Brest-Paris is card as you describe should single season. The RUSA ishers. It is for this reason the oldest cycling event still held on expect to be disqualified, and Board thinks this approach that American brevet results a regular basis. I think there is at I assume these riders were will encourage more riders to are published alphabetically, least one older event, judging by once they turned in their participate in randonneuring and not by arrival time. And what I infer from the RUSA web- cards at the end of the ride. than just those who think finally, there is a more practi- site. It says PBP is the oldest event they might win a singular cal reason most folks will still held “on the open road.” I sus- Dear Bill, award that is earned by doing probably not have considered. pect there must be something else. My local club keeps track of the most kilometers, or being Our yearly insurance fees for Can you settle the matter? the distances we ride each season the fastest, or climbing the being a touring-oriented There is a track race in and awards a trophy to the rider most hills, etc. Remember, if organization are considerably Australia and a short hill- who accumulates the most miles rid- you seek out a “winner,” then lower than if we organized climb race in England that den on club rides. But I’ve noticed by definition you need to racing events. RUSA offers have both been held more-or- RUSA doesn’t do this in its vari- have a lot of “losers” or low-cost event insurance that less annually since the late ous awards. Why not? I would “also-rans” and that is not in is used by a large number of 1880s. Thus, they pre-date the think it would be swell to hold a keeping with our ethos of the Regional Brevet first PBP in 1891 by a few nationwide competition of this sort. camaraderie. Thus, each year Administrators around the years and you win the bet. Yes, some randonneuring you’ll see many randonneurs nation. If American randon- clubs around the world do and randonneuses of all abili- neuring was more competi- Have a question about indeed try to proclaim one of ties earn various RUSA tive, with finishing lists organ- randonneuring? Send it to: its riders to be atop the heap awards; the recipients are ized by arrival time for exam- [email protected].

26 August 2008 American Randonneur

IN THE BLOGS | Randonneurs Online

BY ED FELKER Mountain Road. Bob Brudvik tumbled Ed Felker is right over the hood when the driver American Randonneurs have been a member of the DC broadsided him. Fortunately Bob was very busy this year with brevets, flèch- Randonneurs and not seriously hurt and the group man- es and two 1200K randonnees com- keeps the long distance aged to stop the driver from leaving pleted before July 4th. As randonneur- cycling community the scene. Read the entire story at: ing continues to grow in the United updated through his rusa64.blogspot.com. States, so do the number of blogs blog at dailyrandon- devoted to our beloved sport. These neur.wordpress.com. +++ days randonneurs can easily create their own blogs and give us a front Back on the East Coast, Eastern row seat to their cycling adventures. Cascade 1200K has also generated Pennsylvania RBA Tom Rosenbauer compelling blog posts. Host club has been staging some terrific brevets +++ Seattle International Randonneurs this year leading up to his 1000K in kept us updated throughout the ride early August. Rookie randonneur and Starting off with the grueling via the official C1200 blog at seat- recumbent rider Dan Blumenfeld of Shenandoah 1200K, Kelly Smith has tlerando.org/C1200, and the blog has Pittsburgh has been showing up and written what I consider the definitive also posted a report from finisher making it look easy. Dan has written account of the ride, during which he Charles Coldwell titled “The Prodigal about his rides at his ranDanneuring dug deep into the proverbial “suitcase Son Returns.” blog at: of courage” to persevere through randanneuring.blogspot.com. searing Virginia heat and unrelenting +++ hills. Fortunately Kelly gave me his +++ funny and gripping story to put up on Geoff Swarts wrote about his suc- my blog, The Daily Randonneur, and cessful and dramatic C1200 at his Finally, how many of us celebrate it’s worth a read. See his story, titled Green Hornet Randoing blog. Learn their wedding anniversary riding a “The Idiot’s Guide to the Shenandoah everything you ever wanted to know 400K on a tandem? Ron Anderson 1200,” at: dailyrandon- about ice socks at greenhornetrando- posted a touching account of his and neur.wordpress.com. ing.blogspot.com. Meanwhile, C1200 his wife Barbara’s fifth anniversary at volunteer David Rowe writes about Tom’s 400K. See their story at Ron’s +++ the heat during the randonée and the Double Super Secret Tandem Rando Mike Dayton gave us the other impressive generosity of fellow volun- Society blog at: side of the ride through posts docu- teer Ralph Nussbaum at his doublesupersecrettandemrandosoci- menting the S1200 control at Fancy readytoride.biz blog. ety.blogspot.com. Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway. He brought a group of North Carolina +++ Thanks everybody for sharing Randonneurs up to man the overnight A gripping account of another your stories. I’m sure we’ll see new stop there. See his account and photos kind was posted by RUSA President blogs and interesting blog posts soon at his Research Trailer Park blog at: Mark Thomas at his Mark’s Rando from the Rocky Mountain 1200K, Last ncrandonneur.blogspot.com. Notes blog. A group out for the Chance, and the RUSA 10-year Seattle Crystal Mountain Climb per- anniversary rides, among all the other +++ manent encountered a driver careening brevets still to come. Keep on rid- uphill who swerved right into their ing...and writing! Coming at the end of June, the lane as they descended the twisty Mud —WWW.RUSA.ORG— www.rusa.org 27 American Randonneur Product Review | Supernova E3 vs. Schmidt Edelux We could not have picked excellent light in front of the Edelux has a more yellowish a better night for the Bike wheel and good visibility hue than the Supernova and Light Shoot-Out. along the edge of the road. It has a beam pattern reminis- July 4, an evening tradi- also did an impressive job of cent of the trapezoidal shape tionally filled with fireworks lighting up street signs. of the E6 but considerably and fireflies, presented the My initial impression: the wider. perfect opportunity to test the Supernova’s LED was a step Some randonneurs have firepower of two new LED up from the beloved Schmidt complained about a dark spot lights made for the Schmidt E6, which uses a yellow-hued that the Edelux leaves just in dynohub. halogen bulb. front of the bike. Branson The route: a 200-mile, But how would the also pointed out that weak- point-to-point overnight jaunt Supernova stack up against ness. In areas where potholes from the state Capitol in Schmidt’s Edelux? As luck are plentiful, that might pose Raleigh, NC to the Capitol would have it, riding buddy a drawback. Even so, in my grounds in downtown Branson Kimball got an opinion the Edelux’s superior Richmond, Va. Edelux just in time for our brightness more than makes The lights up for testing July 4 permanent. The head- up for that perceived flaw. have been a source of ongo- to-head match-up was on. Meantime, the Supernova ing debate on many listservs, We left downtown – or at least my model – is including Randon. Raleigh at 6 p.m. and headed not without its own flaws. • In one corner: the north through the rolling hills When the light is used upside Supernova E3, a cylinder- of several neighborhoods down (and that’s possible shaped light in a sleek alu- before popping out on Bike since the beam is symmetri- minum housing. The vital sta- Route 1. We would follow the cal), water can leak into the tistics: a 100,000-hour LED bike route for the majority of housing. Supernova’s engi- lifespan, full brightness at our journey. neers have assured owners only 5 mph, and a built-in Branson had been run- that moisture will not damage stand light for roadside visibil- ning his light ever since we’d the light’s electronics. At last ity. departed. It was visible on the report they were working on a • In the other corner: the road even in the daylight. This fix. Schmidt Edelux. A true light- did not bode well for the Okay, bottom line time. weight at 85 grams, the Supernova’s chances—and my Both of these new LED Edelux is shaped like a kettle suspicion was correct. lights mark a technological drum and also housed in alu- About 40 miles up the advance from the very fine minum. It too has a stand- road, conditions were finally E6 lights that randonneurs light, powers up at low speeds dark enough to evaluate our have been using for years. and features a sensor setting lights side-by-side. The Both go a long way toward that can automatically turn the results: The Supernova was making night riding safer and light on at dusk. superior to the battery-operat- more pleasurable. But for my The lights are within a ed LED lights of riding part- money, the Edelux is the way few dollars of each other, ners Jerry Phelps and Paul to go. It’s lighter, it’s brighter although neither is cheap. Pavlides. But the Supernova – and it’s watertight. Expect to plunk down $200 literally paled in comparison or more for either one. to Branson’s Edelux. Time —Mike Dayton Since the Edelux was not and time again, his light over- available until June of this whelmed mine. In fact, it was year, I ordered a Supernova in so much brighter that I found the spring and put it to an myself relying on his beam – early season test. The light even when he was behind me threw a hot white pear-shaped in the pace line. pattern on the road, providing Some observations: the

28 August 2008 American Randonneur RUSA Board Member Candidates BBILLILL BBRYANTRYANT

Along with the satisfying sport- 2006 ing achievement from finishing a • Representative at Randonneurs brevet, the people drawn to ran- Mondiaux meetings 1999-2007 donneuring make one’s participa- • Member RUSA Rules tion—whether as a rider or as an Committee; primary Rules revision(s) organizer—very rewarding too. Our writer sport has been good to me and I’d • Coordinator for Team like to give something back to Randonnée Events RUSA and its members. I would • Membership Co-Coordinator Gold Rush Randonnée; GRR con- like to continue to build upon the 1998-2000 trol co-captain 2001 & 2005 successes we made during its first • Principle author RUSA • RBA with Lois Springsteen decade, and I can do that by serv- Handbook; numerous RUSA website for Santa Cruz Randonneurs; pre- ing on the Board of Directors pages; numerous randonneuring articles sented 29 brevets, one Flèches-USA again. I have a strong record of for American Randonneur; Newsletter event, and six permanent routes contributing to RUSA over the Editorial Committee member; PBP since 2004; co-organizer with Lois years and with your vote I can carry 2003 Yearbook Co-Editor; assistant edi- of four Davis Bike Club brevets on with that effort. tor PBP 1999 Yearbook •Rider: 50+ brevet & flèche • Member of RUSA Founders’ • Creator of La Société Charly participations; PBP finisher in 1983 Group, 1998 Miller, R-12, and Ultra-Randonneur & 1999 • RUSA Board Member 1998 Awards • Recipient of the 2006 to 2006; RUSA President 2004- • Organizing Committee 2001 American Randonneur award

EERICRIC VVIGORENIGOREN

This has been an enjoyable year, activities help the organization func- and I consider myself fortunate to tion more smoothly. One major have been an integral part of the change is that RUSA now earns RUSA leadership. I was excited to interest on its reserve funds. The key be elected to fill the remaining year to RUSA’s success is the commit- of an empty position on the RUSA ment of its volunteers. I am proud board. As RUSA treasurer, I have and happy to be such a volunteer, worked closely with others to con- and I hope you’ll allow me to con- tinue to automate and simplify tinue to serve on the RUSA board some of RUSA’s accounting proce- as treasurer. Thank you! dures. These behind-the-scenes

30 August 2008 American Randonneur RUSA Board Member Candidates

EEDWARDDWARD RROBINSONOBINSON

Since riding my first brevet in Regional Brevet Administrator and 2003, I’ve been privileged to com- a Permanent route owner. I’ve plete 59 randonneuring events, served, as well, on the Editorial including five brevet series, a flèche, Advisory Board to the American the Lone Star 1000K, numerous Randonneur. All these activities have Permanents, and PBP 2007. I’m allowed me to give back to the proud to have earned the R-5000 sport that I cherish. Award and two R-12 Awards along It’s an honor to be nominated the way. to a position on RUSA’s Board. I’d I’ve been equally privileged to like to receive your vote so that I be involved with Randonneurs USA might further serve randonneuring off the saddle. Currently I serve on in the U.S. at the Board level, work- the club’s Executive Committee as ing in particular to expand RUSA’s Permanents Coordinator. I also membership while enhancing the work to promote randonneuring in services that we enjoy throughout south Texas, where I’m both a the year.

RBA Liaison Candidate

JJOHNOHN LLEEEE EELLISLLIS

I have been an endurance ways to entice new randonneurs, and cyclist since the 1980s and more challenges to keep veterans Colorado RBA since 1998, when motivated – from spring populaires RUSA was formed. It’s been an to mountain 300k’s to the windiest honor to work as a RUSA volunteer 1200k around. It’s service to mem- and Board member, too. I’m proud bers that keeps us busy, and is the of how the Colorado Brevets, like greatest reward. It’s what we’re here other series, has mirrored the for. I would be pleased to be of RUSA’s evolution – offering more service to the RBA community, too. Photo by Cathi Read

www.rusa.org 31 American Randonneur RUSA Board Member Candidates It is time again for our annual elections. These RUSA members have been nominated for positions on the RUSA Board. The general board members serve three-year terms, while the RBA Liaison, nom- inated by the RBAs, serves a one-year term. (Remember, only RBAs can vote for the RBA Liaison position.) Read on to learn more about each nominee, then use the Election Form on this page to cast your votes. RUSA depends on our volunteers to provide its leadership and operations, and in turn these good folks depend on your vote. If you’d like to vote online, check’s RUSA’s Website at www.rusa.org.

Three positions RUSAon the RUSA Board Election of Directors are on theBallot ballot. Members may vote for TWO candidates from nominees listed below. The third position is for RBAs only. Check the box to cast your vote.
Candidate #1: Bill Bryant
Candidate #2: Edward Robinson
Candidate #3: Eric Vigoren

Your Name:______RUSA #: ______

This section is to be filled out by RBAs only.
Candidate: John Lee Ellis

Your Name:______RUSA #: ______

Please send this form to: Mike Dayton RUSA Secretary 2266 The Circle Raleigh, NC 27608

All ballots are due to the RUSA secretary by October 15.

32 August 2008 American Randonneur A Look at Our Unique Routes Arizona RBA Susan Plonsky recently polled fellow RBAs about character- istics that make their routes special. Here’s what they told her.

Landmark Brevets Roebling’s Delaware the Continental Divide Mississippi River: Iowa 400 Aqueduct: Eastern PA 600 twice: Grand Loop 300 km km & 600 km. km, 1000 km (Colorado) • There are lighthouses (Texas Brownsville 200, • Passing three volca- Three Capes 300 in Oregon, National Park • The lowest brevet: the noes: Seattle Randonneurs. Santa Cruz Randonneurs in Palm Desert 400 km (San Brevets Diego) which descends to • And passing through California), covered bridges (Covered Bridges 400 km in 220 feet below sea level. one of the largest lava flows • Zion & Bryce Oregon), and in the U.S.: El Malpais 300 ghost towns National Parks (Utah). (Black Mountain Side 200 • Also crossing the km (New Mexico). km in New Mexico). Continental Divide twice: • Grand Canyon & El Malpais 300 km (New • The only series to ride Saguaro National Parks Mexico). past ALL of the • Traveling the oldest California (Arizona). named in the continuously-used road in surf breaks the U.S.; Old Mine Road: • Crossing the Beach Boys song Surfin’ Eastern PA 300 km, 400 km, Brevets Featuring Appalachian Trail 4 times Safari: Pacific Coast Highway 600 km, 1000 km. and riding on it for 1 mile: Randonneurs. Natural Wonders Eastern PA 300 km.. • Riding across the old- • Highest brevet in • Crossing the est suspension bridge: North America, and crossing Brevets Featuring Food

• The final control of the Verboort Sausage Populaire (Oregon) is the annual Sausage and Sauerkraut Festival in Verboort, Oregon. (Vegetarians, please pack a lunch.)

• The most caffeinated brevet is the Coffee Cup Classic 300 km (Colorado) Most controls are Starbucks or other coffee shops. Powered by this energizing elixir, riders cross the Continental Divide at Loveland Pass (11,990 ft.) both outbound and on the way back.

• The chile capital of the world is on the Radium Surf’s up! Foster Nagaoka and Janeene Nagaoka enjoy the seashore scenery during on a brevet by hosted the Pacific Coast Highway Randonneurs. Photo by Greg Jones.
Continued on next page www.rusa.org 33 American Randonneur

Unique Routes (continued)

Springs 200 km brevet (New and 400 km travel through Leominster for those Pink zone between the America Mexico). Concord. The battle there Flamingo lawn ornaments. we know and a rich, ancient was the initial conflict of the culture we have yet to Revolutionary War. explore, subtropical crop- Brevets & Other The Boston 300 km Getting Your lands, and the windy, wide Sports travels through Uxbridge, Money’s Worth open spaces typical of the home of the first woman south Texas coastal plains. Two brevets are tied for • The Baseball Brevet soldier who in 1782 dis- Pretty reasonable bang for (Central New York) starts guised herself as a man to the Most Bang for the the peso, all on the southern- near the Town of Peterboro, join General Washington’s Buck. They are: Texas 200 most brevet route in the con- NY, where the second pro- Continental Army. (Brownsville) and the Three tinental U.S. fessional women’s baseball Capes 300 km (Oregon). • Three Capes 300— game was played, and then • New England history Variety is the draw on this heads east to Cooperstown, isn’t just about wars. The • Texas 200—In the brevet. Over the course of NY, home of the Baseball Boston 600 km travels course of a mere 200 km, 300 kilometers, riders travel Hall of Fame. through Leominster, birth- one can experience palm through acres of vineyards trees and coastal estuaries, place of Johnny Appleseed, and a coastal rain forest, • The Boston 300 km and also one of the earliest heavy industry alongside past acres of sand dunes shares some of its route with centers for the development ocean-going vessels and oil- and over a few mountain drilling platforms, the Texas- the Boston Marathon. of the American plastics passes (low passes, but industry. You can thank Mexican border—a transition passes nonetheless). Roadside attractions A Ride Through include historic lighthouses, History friendly llamas and, for the gamblers, a casino! • Civil War history is evident on the brevets of the Middle Atlantic states. The Lastly, the Zen Lost River 200 km hosted by Brevet ROMA in Virginia visits the battlefields at Cedar Creek • Sometimes you don’t and Fishers Hill. DC need to see something Randonneur brevets travel extraordinary to have an through the battlefields at extraordinary brevet expe- Gettysburg, Antietam and rience. This is from Harpers Ferry. Farther north, Houston Randonneurs: the Berkshire 600 and “The road to Boston 600 pass by Fayetteville is quiet and Bennington Battle pretty, and when we get Monument in Bennington, there, Orsak’s Cafe is Vermont. waiting with sandwiches and homemade desserts. • Civil War monuments The best thing, though, is aside, there is no region of the people along the the country with more histo- way—waving to us from ry than New England. RBA front porches or tractors, Tracey Ingle puts it this way, asking where we’re riding “You can’t spit without hit- to this time, stopping to ting a historic something-or- Andrew Black and John Henry Maurice on Oregon’s Covered offer help when we are other.” The Boston 200 km Bridges 400 km brevet. fixing flats.”

34 August 2008