AMERICAN RANDONNEUR
Volume Twelve Issue #2 May 2009
Message from the President he 2009 brevets are under way and we RBAs and RUSA Officials have enjoyed seeing our old friends and having the Topportunity to meet so many fine new randon- neurs and randonneuses this season. We’re excit- Contents ...... Page ed about the upcoming events as our ridership Welcome New Members ...... 3 continues to grow and our friends, both new and RUSA News ...... 7 old, set new randonneuring goals for themselves. R-12 Awards Announced ...... 8 RUSA SR Jersey Announcement ...... 9 Many thanks go out to those of you who come 10 Dr. C’s Tips on Volunteering ...... well-prepared with high visibility equipment and Photo Gallery ...... 11, 33 excellent primary and backup lighting systems. LOIS SPRINGSTEEN e-Book Review: Ride of Your Life ...... 14 We have riders of all abilities showing care and Permanents Rule Update ...... 15 Repairs: Fixing a Broken Chain ...... 18 respect for their companions and the sport by showing up with proper In the Blogs ...... 19 equipment. We all know that unexpected things can happen on a brevet Ride Calendars ...... 20-21 and those of you who come ready set an excellent example for all of us to Ride Report ...... 22 Ask Bill ...... 26 follow. We’ve seen some great reflective gloves and stunningly bright ankle What We Ride: Franklin Frame ...... 30 bands. Bright ankle bands are especially good because they are moving and Product Reviews ...... 31 reflect on all sides. Reflective gear on your front and back are also RUSA Store ...... 34 Membership Form ...... 35 required. Unfortunately, some riders are causing their RBAs undue concern by RUSA Executive Committee not taking our safety rules seriously enough. Problems we have seen at President ...... Lois Springsteen night on brevets so far this year include: Vice-President ...... Mike Dayton • No sash, reflective vest or Sam Browne belt AT ALL! Treasurer ...... Eric Vigoren • Delaying night-time light-up to conserve batteries. Secretary ...... Edward Robinson • Tiny, poor quality, low visibility LED taillight; or taillight uselessly Board Member ...... Jennifer Wise pointing up at the sky. Board Member ...... Don Hamilton • Sash, reflective vest or San Browne belt worn UNDER other cloth- RBA Liaison ...... John Lee Ellis ing layers—this completely defeats its purpose. Brevet Coordinator ...... Mark Thomas • Reflective triangle hanging off of a hydration backpack—this is a Medals & Awards Coordinator . .John Lee Ellis Membership Office ...... Don Hamilton good start, but it does not place any reflective material on the front or Newsletter Editor ...... Mike Dayton sides of the rider. Permanents Coordinator . . . .Edward Robinson • One ankle band and no vest or sash. Routes Coordinator ...... Scott Brittle • Rear reflection, but nothing on the front of the torso. Rules Committee Chair ...... John Lee Ellis • The rules don’t actually specify this, but your sash or vest only works Souvenir Coordinator ...... Jennifer Wise when worn right-side-out. Team Randonnée Coordinator . . . . .Bill Bryant This lack of preparation is not only extremely disappointing to us as Webmaster ...... Don Bennett organizers, but it causes us serious concerns for your safety out on the open roads. When we don’t follow the safety rules, it not only puts you in RANDONNEURS USA, INC. danger, but it jeopardizes our sport and its organizers. We all know that IS A TAX-EXEMPT 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT CORPORATION some motorists distractedly drive their cars (cell phones, GPSs, DVDs, etc) when they should be paying attention to their driving. During stormy American Randonneur is a publication of Randonneurs USA Inc. weather they may be looking through dirty, wet or foggy windshields. 226 West Avenue Some of them have been using drugs or drinking alcohol. If we are lucky Santa Cruz, CA 95060 enough to be noticed, many drivers think we are idiots. We can certainly Website: www.rusa.org. argue about who the real idiot is, but that won’t make us or the sport we e-mail: [email protected] all love any safer. Phone: 831-227-6266 All rights reserved.© If you’re unhappy with your reflective gear for any reason or haven’t Continued on page 6 American Randonneur
#RUSA Name WelcomesCity State/Country Its# New Name Members!City State/Country 5316 Larry Miles Salem OR 5371 Jorge L Rodriguez San Juan PR 5317 Saralie Liner Santa Monica CA 5372 Javier Colon Felix San Juan PR 5318 Gintautas Budvytis Castro Valley CA 5373 Jorge A Verlazquez Ponce PR 5319 Lisa L Matocha Houston TX 5374 Gilberto Cuevas Ponce PR 5320 Richard Beck Conyers GA 5375 Harry Vargas Bayamon PR 5321 Gary M Lusso San Ramon CA 5376 German Ufret Guaynabo PR 5322 Ryan Lenhardt San Ramon CA 5377 Fernando Quintero San Juan PR 5323 Jim Swarzman Encino CA 5378 Ricky Riefkohl San Juan PR 5324 Michael Bratkowski Studio City CA 5379 Jay Guerra San Juan PR 5325 Steve Frey Seattle WA 5380 Carlos G Orraca Manati PR 5326 Lisa Blount Winter Springs FL 5381 Jose Albertorio Carolina PR 5327 Gene Kartavtsev Forest Hills NY 5382 Ricardo Reina San Juan PR 5328 Cheryl Grubbs Springfield VA 5383 Maria del P Vazquez San Juan PR 5329 Bert R Layne Lexington KY 5384 Ruben Colon San Juan PR 5330 Gene Terhorst Byron Center MI 5385 Jose Rovira Correa Caguas PR 5331 Jacob Garza Mission TX 5386 Richard Prann San Juan PR 5332 David E Holderman Scottsdale AZ 5387 Stephen Gonzalez Guaynabo PR 5333 Gary Peatick Hillsborough NJ 5388 Hendrick Golderos San Juan PR 5334 Len Lindquist Sr Rockton IL 5389 Stephen Hazelton Garland TX 5335 Jay Burkhalter Asheville NC 5390 Mark Borba Chowchilla CA 5336 Pixie Hicks Northport AL 5391 Mathew Palanza East Falmouth MA 5337 Danny Sarine Denton TX 5392 Jack Warman Durham NC 5338 Paula Farmer Folsom CA 5393 Eric Keller Boalsburg PA 5339 Craig Baumbusch Wrightwood CA 5394 John R Whitenack Seattle WA 5340 Carol Livingston Tuscaloosa AL 5395 Chip Peake Rockville MD 5341 Jerome Thomere San Francisco CA 5396 Joe Martin Homer AK 5342 Gregory D Cherman Chula Vista CA 5397 Gregg Erickson Minnetonka MN 5343 Vidas Placiakis Walnut Creek CA 5398 John Doncevic Ambridge PA 5344 Michael S Oehler Durham NC 5399 JoAnne Obata Sacramento CA 5345 Kevin Foust Dana Point CA 5400 Frank Welton Rochester NY 5346 Wiley Gibson Hillsboro OR 5401 Mike Welsh Palatine IL 5347 Roger Swanson Lindale GA 5402 Robert Mortara Flemington NJ 5348 Craig Thompson Southlake TX 5403 Bryan Kortness White Houose TN 5349 Ahi Bennuri Eagan MN 5404 Kevin Calkins Durham NC 5350 Geof Simons Cary NC 5405 Arthur Lien Ellicott City MD 5351 Bruce Hiltunen Quincy MA 5406 Frank A Mileto Millbrook AL 5352 Lisa Perkins East Windsor CT 5407 Cheryl Shakespeare Lees Summit MO 5353 Dottie Smith Woodinville WA 5408 Brian Smith Independence MO 5354 Tommy Lingbloom Bellingham WA 5409 Mark Wiley Wichita KS 5355 Keith Moore Woodinville WA 5410 Keri Caffrey Orlando FL 5356 Kasia Kurek-Moore Woodinville WA 5411 Bill Padgett Anchorage AK 5357 Paul Nethercott Dallas TX 5412 Mark W Pernitz McFarland WI 5358 Brent T Johnson Llincoln NE 5413 Julie Klinger Pottstown PA 5359 Dr James E Skibo Cedar Hill TX 5414 James Prestia Boyertown PA 5360 Wolfgang Klemperer Mercer Island WA 5415 Jeffery William Smith Sonora CA 5361 George Stauffer Williamsport PA 5416 Brad Reber Portland OR 5362 Lawrence R Komp Martinez GA 5417 Michelle Grainger Boulder CO 5363 Terry Shuya Jacksonville FL 5418 Steve LeGoff Boulder CO 5364 Richard Cullison Tijeras NM 5419 Stephen Glowacki Cincinnati OH 5365 William Watts Indianapolis IN 5420 Douglas P Anderson Palin City OH 5366 Travis Hanna Columbus OH 5421 Joe Puskar Albuquerque NM 5367 Tony Cottrell Lewisville NC 5422 Christian Ricco Milwaukee WI 5368 Bruce Thorton St Cloud MN 5423 Brian W Chun Cupertino CA 5369 Joe Martinson Wake Forest NC 5424 Karen Johnson Lake Oswego OR 5370 Russell A Morris Colonial Heights VA 5425 Mike Scalzi Clarksburg MD Continued on next page www.rusa.org 3 American Randonneur
#RUSA Name WelcomesCity State/Country Its# New Name Members!City State/Country
Continued from previous page 5477 Jeff Brammer Midland TX 5426 Edward Mack Freehold NJ 5478 Kelly Brammer Midland TX 5427 Erik Wise Deland FL 5479 Jane A Yant Lafayette CO 5428 Andrew Jacobs Puyallup WA 5480 Boris Levitsky Ornage CA 5429 Michael Johnson Portland OR 5481 Rod Benstead Burlington WI 5430 Bruce Chrisp Vallejo CA 5482 Mark Scott Ottawa ON Canada 5431 Kevin Ireland Lenexa KS 5483 Jesse Steiner Rochester NY 5432 Channon M McDonald Raleigh NC 5484 Teddy Salazar Durham NC 5433 Michael Dixon LeRoy NY 5485 Brian A Lindamood Anchorage AK 5434 Kenneth Michael Poole Hendersonville TN 5486 Rosalie Carlson Portland OR 5435 Paul Spottswood Kenosha WI 5487 Warren Holmes Portland OR 5436 Joshua Horwood Loveland CO 5488 Eugene Thompson Boulder CO 5437 Victor G Cooper Torrance CA 5489 Leslie Holton Pine CO 5438 Dan Curtin Anchorage AK 5490 Andrew Holton Pine CO 5439 Fran Keenan Millersville MD 5491 Tom Gerst Albuquerque NM 5440 Scott Connelly Florence SC 5492 Mindy Preston Madison WI 5441 Jon Prudhom Commerce City CO 5493 Paul D Evans Odessa TX 5442 Ted McDade Rutland MA 5494 Dave Hunter Winston Salem NC 5443 Basil Knox Wilton CA 5495 Joe Schoney St George UT 5444 Madolyn Knox Wilton CA 5496 Heidi von Teitenberg Baltimore MD 5445 Michael Mann Portland OR 5497 Trey Milligan Edmond OK 5446 Dennis Jurgensen Chapel Hill NC 5498 Amy Snyder La Jolla CA 5447 Greg Griffith Denver CO 5499 Brian Sanchez Monroe Twp NJ 5448 Andy Dingsor Durham NC 5500 Rick Dockhorn Lincoln NE 5449 Steven Schoenberger New London CT 5501 Elijah Rose St Paul MN 5450 Kate Marshall Croton on Hudson NY 5502 John Edmonds San Jose CA 5451 Christiane Iwert West Chester PA 5503 George F Ellis Chicago IL 5452 James Bondra Ithaca NY 5504 Curtis R Schmitt Hoboken NJ 5453 Shai Shprung Encino CA 5505 Rachel M Jamison Hoboken NJ 5454 Steve Lange Santa Barbara CA 5506 Barbara Schaeffler Seattle WA 5455 Matthew Ruiter Grand Rapids MI 5507 John Mauro Seattle WA 5456 Chris Nadovich Sellersville PA 5508 David A H Smith Olympia WA 5457 David Thompson Moline IL 5509 Mark Biedrzycki Beaverton OR 5458 Kurt Shetter Avon IN 5510 Adam George Portland OR 5459 Janis Ayers Durham NC 5511 John H Hughart Portland OR 5460 John Foote Troy OH 5512 Sarh Tisdale Hillsboro OR 5461 Cat Cook Midland TX 5513 John Gadbury Waterford WI 5462 Jean Junker Midland TX 5514 Gregg Izzo Boston MA 5463 Jerry Umble New Holland PA 5515 Dwight A Atherton Auburndale MA 5464 Jason Pierce Oakland CA 5516 Charlotte Tolonen Boston MA 5465 Erik Ewald Rockville MD 5517 Steve Anderson Tracy CA 5466 Penelpoe Weinberger Rockville MD 5518 Todd Strobi Brookfield WI 5467 Greg Misicko Arlington MA 5519 Lynn Lashley Raleigh NC 5468 Doug Misicko Arlington MA 5520 Mark Cotovsky Wilmette IL 5469 Jasha Cultreri Midland TX 5521 Dick Nivala Kalamazoo MI 5470 Keith Thorla Portland OR 5522 Robert Owen St George UT 5471 Tammie Nakamura Aurora CO 5523 Kevin Kanzelman Las Vegas NV 5472 Chip Ross Louisville CO 5524 Alan Richer Norwich NY 5473 Melody Chase Plymouth NH 5525 Mark Niedermier Anchorage AK 5474 Anthony P Colasurdo Center Valley PA 5526 Todd Stansbury Rockville MD 5475 Michal Young Eugene OR 5527 Stephen Bugbee Pittsfield MA 5476 Craig Ricco Menomonee Falls WI 5528 Hans Dusink Altona North Victoria, Aust
4 May 2009 American Randonneur ACP Letter on PBP 2011 Qualification The ACP's Jean-Gualbert Faburel (one • Collective: we would like to define For randonneurs, pre-registration of its Vice Presidents) has sent an email to all a quota of participants per country so via the Internet will allow people who of the RM member countries explaining plans you can communicate on this limit and made BRM in 2010 to reserve their par- to limit entries for PBP 2011. RUSA is still you can organize several months before ticipation for Paris-Brest-Paris. Longer studying the implications for our members. PBP. We would like to give places for is the homologated BRM distance and newcomers without disadvantaging the earlier they will be able to pre-register. Hello, former countries, while taking into For example: I would like to inform you that the account the progress of each country. • With a BRM 400 km in 2010, they Board of the Audax Club Parisien • Individual: we would like to may register from 15 April 2011. decided during its last meeting on April encourage people who attend your • With a BRM 300 km in 2010, they 1st, to establish a way of limiting the organizations while avoiding the imposi- may register from 01 May 2011. number of entries for the Paris-Brest- tion of selection criteria far more strin- • With a BRM 200 km in 2010, they Paris 2011 for safety and quality of gent than in previous editions. may register from 15 May 2011. organization reasons. To set the quota per country, it will • By not realizing a BRM in 2010, In 2007, you noticed saturation in be calculated while using the number of they could not register until June 01,
some controls and if the growth entrants in 2007, the limit in 2011 and 2011. between 2003 and 2007 is confirmed in according the evolution of homologa- These dates are still to be defined 2011, it would be impossible to main- tions in the country between 2006 and and will be communicated early 2011. tain good conditions for participation 2010 (see formula). The series of 4 BRM (200, 300, 400 without changing the overall organiza- This method is easy to communi- and 600) homologated in 2011 is still tion of this randonnée. We will work cate and immediately provides figures in required to register for PBP 2011. during the coming months to find a way January 2011. It promotes strong coun- Pre-registration will be conducted to welcome all those who want to par- tries but leaves places for new entrants by individual. Entries may be central- ticipate but if it is not possible, the because the calculation of the quota is ized as some of you did it in 2007. Audax Club Parisien prepares condi- made only for countries which regis- tions for limitation. tered more than 50 people in 2007. Best regards, This limitation should be done at The calculation formula is as fol- Jean-Gualbert Faburel two levels: lows:
President’s Message (continued) found what you like, ask one of your highly visible friends are available at http://www.rusa.org/brvreg.html. where he or she got that cool vest or those brilliant headlights If you have never organized an event, or driven sag on a or taillights. Randonneurs love to talk about equipment. You brevet, you may not be able to fully appreciate the concern we might also try the online RUSA Store feel for your well-being. As riders we go to sleep after a long (http://www.rusa.org/cgi-bin/store_GF.pl); reflective equip- brevet feeling tired, but stoked about our accomplishment and ment is available there at a very modest cost. we dream of reaching that next goal of going faster or farther. Our loved ones often worry most about us being out on As organizers, we go to bed, also tired after a long and reward- the road at night; so it is doubly important that we honor their ing day; we are happy that we are part of this wonderful com- concerns while setting a good community example. Before you munity, eager to help our friends meet their goals. As we close blow through that stop sign or stoplight, remember that follow- our eyes, we also breathe a tremendous sigh of relief that all of ing our local vehicle codes will help us earn the respect that we you were able to arrive safely at the finish and then home to deserve from others who share the roads with us. The last thing your families who love you. We organizers will keep gathering we want to do is penalize or disqualify anyone for not following your emergency phone numbers, but we never, ever want to be our rules; but regrettably, we will do so if we must. If you are in a position of having to use them. in doubt about what is needed, the complete Rules for Riders —Lois Springsteen
6 May 2009 American Randonneur
MORE ULTRA RANDONNEURS ANNOUNCED BY RUSA
BY BILL BRYANT ternity and, incredibly, two more randonneurs have Randonneuring involves earned their second Ultra bicycling impressive distances Randonneur medal. The two RUSA and the standard brevets “repeat offenders” are Texan NEWSNEWS make most riders quake Dan Driscoll and when they learn about our Washingtonian Ken Carter. reached their goal after start- RUSA “straightjacket sport. They usually have a These guys are obviously rid- ing randonneuring in 1994. award”? Or should her hard time wrapping their ers in a hurry and completed Topping the list of the friends in Texas K-Hounds heads around the concept of three or four SR series each other 2008 Ultra Randonneur do some sort of intervention doing a Super Randonneur season since receiving their recipients, however, is one to help her get over this ter- series of 200k, 300k, 400k, first Ultra Randonneur medal Sharon Stevens of Dallas, rible addiction? Seriously, Ms. and 600k brevets in a single only a few years ago. Most of Texas. This leather-bottomed Steven’s sporting accomplish- season—imagine their sur- the others are over-achievers randonneuse only began ran- ment is simply stunning and prise when learning about too and did multiple series donneuring in 2006 and still words can’t convey the sense the hardy folks who do 10 each year, including Dave completed her first SR series of wonder and astonishment SR series! If there is a “life- Read of Tumwater, WA; Peg that year. She obviously likes the award coordinator felt time achievement award” in Winczewski of Tacoma, WA; the sport and did three more while verifying her tally of our sport, perhaps the Ultra and Brenda Barnell of in 2007. Not satisfied, she brevets. Randonneur medal is it. Dallas, TX. Californians Paul then went on a tear during Randonneurs USA sends Three randonneurs and Vlasveld and Tim Sullivan, 2008 and completed six (!) out congratulations to each three randonneuses have on the other hand, paced SR series—making one won- of these eight audacious recently joined this elite fra- themselves sensibly and der if there should be a long-distance riders—Bravo!
Nominations to the Board Nominations for RBA Two positions on the RUSA Board of Directors will become available at the end of the year. Members may nominate two current RUSA members to run for those two positions. The Representative to the General Membership List is available for viewing online at www.rusa.org. Please use this form to submit your nomina- RUSA Board tions. Under RUSA’s Constitution the Regional Brevet Administrators appoint one of the current RBAs to serve as an elected Director on RUSA’s board. The elected RBA may not already Nominee # 1______RUSA # ______be serving on the board. Only RBAs can nominate other RBAs. The term of office for the Director is one year.
The list of current RBAs is available for viewing online at Nominee # 2______RUSA # ______www.rusa.org. Please use this form to submit your nomina- tions for RBA representative on the RUSA Board.
Your Name ______RUSA # ______Nominee ______RUSA # ______
Please send this form to: Please send this form to: Edward Robinson Edward Robinson RUSA Secretary RUSA Secretary 3750 N. Sam Houston Blvd. 3750 N. Sam Houston Blvd. San Benito, TX 78586 San Benito, TX 78586 or e-mail: [email protected] or e-mail: [email protected] All nomination forms must be postmarked by July 1. All nomination forms must be postmarked by July 1. www.rusa.org 7 American Randonneur Latest R-12 Recipients Announced 3230 Peter Hoff Boulder, CO 2813 William Olsen Califon, NJ 3752 Branson Kimball Durham, NC 3132 David Rowe Lake Oswego, OR 4837 Carl S Kidd Jr Boynton Beach, FL 4917 Ian Shopland Olympia, WA 153 John Lee Ellis Louisville, CO 2965 Mary Gersema Washington, DC 3108 Catherine Shenk Boulder, CO 4245 Maile Neel University Park, MD 3737 Rob Welsh Apple Valley, MN 3205 Pamela Wright Fort Worth, TX 64 Mark Thomas Redmond, WA 4858 Joani McLaughlin Ventura, CA 1795 John Kramer White Salmon, WA 4754 Ole Aarup Mikkelsen Seattle, WA 2931 Nicholas Bull Arlington, VA 5004 Vincent Muoneke Federal Way, WA 1338 Wayne Dunlap Austin, TX 2958 John Vincent Rochester, WA 4620 Bob Hess Knoxville, TN 3391 Lara Sullivan Ely, MN 3488 John Shelso Cordova, TN 2846 Jeff Sammons Brentwood, TN 4015 Richard G Carpenter Reading, PA 2796 Christopher Hanson Redondo Beach, CA 4634 Rick Lentz Vineland, NJ 3525 Jerry Phelps Chapel Hill, NC 3097 Thai Nguyen Bothell, WA 3983 Mike Wallace Blue Grass, IA 390 Dan Driscoll Arlington, TX 4806 Joseph Platzner Bellevue, WA 4708 Matthew Farrell Wernersville, PA 2692 Dana A Pacino Aledo, TX
8 May 2009 American Randonneur RUSA Super Randonneur Jersey Design Announced The RUSA board thanks • RUSA ACP-sanctioned RUSA members Dion Dyer, brevets. Bruce Chandler, Robert • RUSA domestic (non- Higdon and Jennifer Wise ACP-sanctioned) brevets. for submitting designs to the • RUSA brevets of odd RUSA Super Randonneur distances count (Example: a jersey contest. 299k brevet will count as a Each design was dis- 200k brevet). tinctly different from the • 1000k brevets and next, and each contained ele- 1200k randonnées do not ments representing the count and cannot be used to achievement of being a replace any missing brevets. Super Randonneur. Members • The jersey must be can view all the entries at ordered through the RUSA http://sr-jersey.rusa.org/. Online Store at www.rusa.org. Design # 1 was chosen • The jersey order must to be the official RUSA SR be placed prior to October jersey with some minor member. brevets (200k, 300k,400k, 31. added details. • You must have com- 600k) . • The jersey will be To order the RUSA SR pleted at least one RUSA • Each brevet must have delivered by December 31. jersey: sanctioned Super been on the RUSA Calendar Questions? Contact us: • You must be a RUSA Randonneur series of four of Events, including: [email protected].
www.rusa.org 9 American Randonneur
Dr. C on the Joys of Volunteering
BY PAUL JOHNSON growth of our sport and our about what they can engage in club. My concern is that the and in this case this person R-you-SA number of volunteers has not was focused more on doing Have you ever stopped to grown with our sports popu- than on talking about doing. ask what the mission of larity. It was a great response. RUSA, or your local In prepping this article I One of the RBA’s, for a Randonneuring club is? This sent an inquiry around to a club that puts on a LOT of from the RUSA Website: few folks to get their brevets down south said point “What is RUSA? thoughts. I asked all the blank that if more people vol- Randonneurs USA (RUSA) is RBAs and a selection of regu- unteered to help out, they a national organization whose lar, run-of-the-mill members, could put on even more goals are to promote randon- some of whom are “habitual events. I think that is proba- neuring in the U.S. and pro- offenders” and a few who are bly true everywhere. Though vide service to American ran- new to the sport and to vol- your club may put on enough donneurs and randonneuses.” making your point without unteering. Here are the ques- events for you, imagine what I considered asking how skewering someone with it. tions I asked: it would be like if you had a you thought RUSA is doing, I’ll be tactful but the point is, 1. Why do you volunteer? choice of several different but if you are reading this I you should do more. 2. How does volunteering events in different locations assume you are a member, so Consider that this organi- for randonneuring events dif- on a given weekend in the the more appropriate ques- zation is run exclusively by fer from your other (if any) summer. Sound over the top? tions is, how are you doing? volunteers. Though the presi- volunteering efforts? Well, let the idea roll around If you are a member, you are dent and board are probably 3. Can you relate a mem- in your noggin and then go RUSA and it is incumbent worthy of huge retention orable event? (keep it short) back to the RUSA mission upon you to do your part to bonuses, we’ve all seen recent- What They Said and ask yourself how more “promote randonneuring in ly how that can backfire, so all The responses varied, opportunities might help pro- the U.S. and provide service to the high powered execs at some were predictable and mote randonneuring (remem- American randonneurs and RUSA get for their good work some were surprising. ber … the goal?) It may seem randonneuses.” is … more work. What do I One predictable answer I preposterous now but I imag- Achieving the Goals mean? Well look at our mem- got was that the person just ine that just 10 years ago the Now you might think bership statistics, the number didn’t have time to respond. founders of RUSA might not that paying your annual dues, of events we put on, the In my work life I often pro- have believed that there would getting out on your bike and number of kilometers ridden vide assistance to start up over 2,300 members in 2009. riding brevets, talking it up year by year, the number of organizations and volunteer How To Get Started with your co-workers over the medals, awards, and other out- groups. There is an old adage The most obvious thing water cooler is enough. By puts and this can only be seen that holds true: If you want you can do for your club is to now I’m sure you can see as more work. In fact, in my to get something done, find a volunteer to help out on a where this is headed. Tact has busy person. Busy people short time as a member I have Continued on next page been described as the art of been just amazed at the often have to make decisions
Attention Members DoDonn’t ’t Fo Forgetrget...... 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.
10 May 2009 American Randonneur
Volunteering (continued) brevet. I recently read a ride ness you know exactly what I have noticed, and others I I refer to as “habitual offend- report that gushed with grati- am talking about, and if you interviewed mentioned that ers.” Every club has a small tude for the help that volun- haven’t, believe me, it is really you get a look at every rider: cadre of folks who show up teers offered at a control on a wonderful to see that such a you get to see how the fast year in and year out to volun- particularly challenging brevet. little gesture can be so warmly fish get it done (I never see teer at events. It’s really not It’s true that we value self suf- received. these people after the start fair for you to just show up to ficiency but who hasn’t rolled If your idea of randon- otherwise) you can see how ride and assume that someone into a control at one time or neuring is just showing up at the mid-packers get around else will always take care of another and been absolutely the start, riding the brevet, the course and your personal the logistics. thankful for a person who and turning your card in, you assistance can encourage a Make it Fun takes the bike and hands you need to rethink your relation- newbie, or even an old hand Volunteering to run a a hot (or cold) beverage, a ship to the sport. You may at the back of the pack to sol- control also offers an oppor- cup-O-noodles, an ice cold take exception to that notion dier on, at least to the next tunity to put your own per- soda, and maybe a beat up but here is an undeniable fact: control when they might oth- sonal stamp on the event. I lawn chair (or a warm pick up If it were not for volunteers, erwise have handed in their once ran a nighttime control cab) to relax and recover in you wouldn’t have any events brevet card. on a late season 1000K for a few minutes? If you’ve to show up for! You will also be taking a taken advantage of this kind- I like doing this myself. I little of the pressure off those Continued on next page PHOTO GALLERY
Photographer| Jason Penney
Perseverance. Jason Penney took this picture of Lynne Fitzsimmons on last year's workers' ride for the Oregon Randonneurs Birkie 200km, just before the turnaround point in Birkenfeld, Oregon. The sign proved popular among the local randonneurs—at least three other cyclists came home with similar shots in their photo sets. www.rusa.org 11 American Randonneur
Volunteering (continued) brevet. The riders had just “But I really volunteer descended off Elk pass in the because of some guys named first snow of the fall; they ‘Once you’ve staffed a control, you will Codfish and Ray who gave me were really cold when they got know almost everything there is to know to a couple of mochas and a into our stop. Mrs. C and I do it again alone. From there it is a quick warm truck to sit in at the bot- had set up a cozy little nest in tom of White Pass on the a campground, and I’d built a slide down the slippery slope to organizing 600K last year. I was cold, big bonfire. The Coleman your own brevet.’ really cold, and I was having camp stove was steaming away thoughts that I might actually with coffee and clam chowder. be in danger. But there in the We had lounge chairs, cuppa distance was a SIR sign with a noodles, sandwiches, chips and “I don’t know enough to put super rando (sorry, no cape little blinky light. It was a big cookies: the whole nine yards. on a brevet.” The list goes on. awarded) or at least you know deal, and it helped me finish The few riders on the event First, just realize that no one how to ride a brevet. If that ride. When I thanked you were thrilled to have the was born knowing it all. you’ve ridden even one brevet later for your help, I think you warmth. It was a real kick for There was a time when you you already know about 90 said something like, ‘think my wife and me. had never ridden a brevet percent of what you need to about supporting some event The Dog Ate My before, right? Shoot, believe it volunteer. The other 10 per- too.’ That, my friend was a Homework or not, there was a time when cent is just details. ‘teachable moment.’” There are a lot of reasons you didn’t even know how to You will not be expected This was totally unexpect- not to volunteer. Most are ride a bicycle. Where would to jump off the cliff all alone. ed and I would like to say based on a lack of informa- you be if your folks had let I guarantee that if you let when I read it the moment tion. “I’ve never done it the “I don’t know how” someone know that you are came rocketing back into my before,” “I don’t have time,” defense stand? Now you’re a willing to help out you will be memory. The truth is Ray and supported to your own per- I stuffed a number of guys in sonal level of comfort. Once that truck to warm them up you’ve staffed a control, you and Joe was just one of the will know almost everything shivering faces with blue lips there is to know to do it again poking out under a helmet alone. From there it is a quick that needed a few moments to slide down the slippery slope get the circulation back in the to organizing your own brevet. fingers and toes to get ready One more brevet organizer to take on Cayuse pass and the means one less event that the home stretch. “regulars” have to gear up for. The take-home message is And you gain instant cred: that these efforts not only help You’ll be one of the “old riders go along their way, but hands!” You’ll be on the short they very likely inspire others list for a ridiculously huge to do the same. The need to retention bonus when the “pay it forward” is strong in stimulus package arrives. our community and your Again, you’ll have all the help effort will make a difference in and guidance needed to assure ways you can’t really imagine. that you don’t fumble the ball. Keep in mind, Paul Probably the best reason I Revere is not remembered for can give you to try this is cap- what he did 9 to 5, but for his tured in this surprise answer I volunteer efforts, and look got from one of the people I what a difference he made in queried. Really, I’m not mak- the world, (Revere Ware ing this up: notwithstanding).
12 May 2009 American Randonneur Book Review The Ride of Your Life an eBook by David Rowe www.roadbikerider.com: $19.95.
REVIEWED BY CHARLES LATHE
In The Ride of Your Life, huge consequences. As a David Rowe writes, “I was marker, David chose the about to turn 50 years old, Seattle Randonneur’s Cascade David’s eBook is about the time and motivation and I wanted to do some- 1200, and completion of that the process of choosing and aspect of training head-on. thing huge to put a marker grand randonnée became achieving cycling goals. As Time management and down.” David’s very big goal. Goals David sees it, goals are goal visualization are the keys Little decisions can have are what David likes, and important, but there are to David’s system. Dr. big consequences and huge devising plans to achieve things that conspire to pre- Charles Hobbs is one of the decisions can’t help but have goals is what David does. vent reaching those goals. In masters of time management order to make goal achieve- and David is a big fan of Dr. ment more probable, David Hobbs. He has taken Dr. tries to ferret out the hazards Hobbs’ theory about time before he starts so they won’t management and developed ambush him the way the man the idea into a system quite with the hammer bonks the specific to long distance bicy- randonneur who neglects to cle riders. eat and drink enough while At the end of The Ride of pedaling through a strenuous Your Life, there are forms to brevet. fill out; forms you will keep We randonneurs under- up-to-date as time passes, and stand that long distance bicy- your goals and challenges are cle rides want a level of fit- met. While reading David’s ness and skill that require 163-page book, you will learn training. We can’t simply roll how to fill the forms out and our bicycles out of the living why each one is important to room, jump on them after a the plan of achieving your long winter’s rest, and expect goals. to enjoy a fast 200K season If you are a rider who opener. That’s not to say that keeps a ride log, monitors some of us don‘t approach heart rate, plans rides with the new season that way, but specific goals in mind or has it is to say that we know that’s been unable to complete an not the way to make it suc- important ride, this book my cessful and enjoyable. be just what you want. It is Training has two drawbacks, well written and peppered however. It requires motiva- with inspiring photographs. tion and it requires time. David’s system is not for David doesn’t tell his readers me. I’m not goal-oriented and how to train, but he tackles Continued on next page
14 May 2009 American Randonneur
Book Review (continued) RULES UPDATE I tried to discover my core val- for the 2009 Raleigh Super ues, without success, some Randonneur series. I’ll spend years ago, but I found David more money on diesel to get RUSA Distance Awards Now an enjoyable man to spend 163 to and from the events. I’ll buy pages with and his six inter- extra food, wear out tires and Include All Permanent Rides views with accomplished riders chains this season, and maybe For those in pursuit of RUSA’s annual Distance Awards, just about justify the book by rent a motel room for a couple note that the club has updated its rules governing qualifying their own merit. The book has of hours during the 600K events. some keen insights as well. event. Effective January 1, 2009, each Permanent ride by a RUSA David explains that goal In that context, I think member will count toward the member’s annual kilometer total, achievement is a photo and $19.95 for David’s eBook is a and thus toward the member’s eligibility for Distance Awards. that the path leading to that reasonable expenditure. I thor- This includes repeat rides of a particular Permanent route. photo is the movie. When oughly enjoyed the book and it Under the former rule, members were entitled to distance David tells us the path to was as much fun to realize I’ve credit only once per year for riding a given Permanent route; achieving your goal, the movie, ridden brevets with David and that restriction has been eliminated. With over 600 routes on is often more satisfying than three of his interviewees as it tap across the country, you certainly don’t have to repeat a the achievement, the photo, was to see some of my rando Permanent more than once per year. we might pause for a moment buddies in the text and photos. If the need arises, however, be assured that your annual dis- and agree that he is right. You can purchase the tance total will reflect your efforts. A couple of days ago, I book at roadbikerider.com for For more information on the annual Distance Awards, visit mailed a $60 registration check $19.95. www.rusa.org/award_rd.html.
www.rusa.org 15 American Randonneur Repairs | Dealing with a Broken Chain BY BYRON MORTON section of chain so you have an inner and outer Breaking your chain on a link plate. Completely brevet may seem like a ride- remove the original link ender, but it doesn't have to pin from the outer link be. With a little preparation plate then insert and press and know-how, chain repair in the HG pin. Snap off can be quick and simple. the guide portion of the Here's what you'll need pin with a pair of pliers. to carry: With modern, narrow chains, it’s not recom- • Chain tool mended to rejoin a chain • Masterlink -or- hg pin by partially removing a for Shimano chains link pin then pressing it • Rubber gloves (recom- back in. However, in a mended) worse case scenario, where • Extra chain links you have a chain tool but (optional) no spare master link (or Shimano replacement pin), When you purchase a you can reuse the original chain, removing the damaged the chain on either side of new chain, it'll typically link pin. links then snap it back the stiff link and flex it back include a master link or spe- With your chain tool, together and press the par- and forth to loosen up the cific pin for joining your stiff link. chain. Chains by Where the chain was Whipperman, KMC, and rejoined with the original pin, Sram use a master link Chain Handling Tips the outer side plates will be (quick link) while Shimano weakened and the pin won't uses a special pin. For over- Tip: For a clean, convenient way to fix a chain on be as securely riveted as it all ease of use, I favor using was originally. If you rejoin a the road, pack a pair of rubber gloves in a film canis- master links over Shimano's chain by reusing a link pin, replacement HG pin. Check ter with a master link and a couple of spare links. it’s suggested you take it very with your local bike shop to easy on the way home and pick up the appropriate Tip: Modern chains are getting thinner and thinner replace your chain as soon as spare master link for your all the time. Some older chain tools may not work possible. chain. well with ultra-narrow modern chains. Double check If you’ve removed a There are two basic ways number of damaged links yours before you need it on the road. in which a chain can fail: from your chain, it’s impor- pin/side plate failure or tant to keep in mind that bent/twisted link. In either Tip: Practice makes perfect. If you’ve never you may no longer be able case, you want to remove the installed a chain before and you’re a bit nervous, ask to use certain gear combina- damaged links so you have your local bike shop if they have any old used chains tions—such as the bigger two inner links that can be you can practice on. cogs on your cassette when rejoined with a master link. you are in the big chain ring. Once you've removed Double check to make sure the damaged links, install the you can shift into all gear master link and snap your press the pin in just far tially removed pin back in. combinations before you chain back together. enough to snap the chain When rejoining a chain accidentally shift into a If you’re rejoining a apart while being careful not like this, the link pin you combo that’s no longer pos- chain with a Shimano HG to completely remove the pressed back in will have a sible and really do some pin, remove the damaged link pin. Disconnect the tendency to be stiff. Grab serious damage.
18 May 2009 American Randonneur
IN THE BLOGS | Randonneurs Online BY ED FELKER ing stuff on, but I was too dumb. The Vernonia control is always well-stocked: in Ed Felker is The spring brevet season is in full a member of the DC 2007 it saved me from the cold. I kept turning swing and a whole new crop of stories Randonneurs and the pedals thinking of the well-stocked and photo sets are popping up on the keeps the long distance Vernonia control.” randonneur blogs. Blogs continue to give cycling community randonneurs the opportunity to share updated through his +++ their experiences and give prospective blog at dailyrandon- riders a sense of the adventure and neur.wordpress.com. Donald Boothby gives us excellent camaraderie we enjoy on these rides. visual imagery on his report of the Let’s not forget the reports from Oregon Three Capes 300K on April 11. permanent rides, either. If you are in the a 200K ride. Second, is the risk to the eyes. It rained and everybody seemed to wear mood for an unfamiliar permanent, One of the official recommendations was for all yellow. See more of his report at his there’s a chance a randonneur has writ- riders to wear goggles. I can’t imagine riding blog, The Boothby Chronicles: ten about it. 200K while wearing an N95 facemask and “Having grown up (or at least gotten Byron Morton and Mike Dayton goggles.” older) on the Oregon Coast for several years, I gave us solid reports on the “John’s have seen the ocean at its best and its worst. I Yanceyville Ramble” 200K permanent +++ found myself quite amused by this house built from Durham, N.C. on March 7. These right on the cliff, wanting to make sure I got a North Carolina guys really seem to enjoy A bit to the south in Portland, it good photo of it before Mother Nature has her themselves when the temperatures hit was back to just plain old rain (what way with it.” the upper 70s in March! See for yourself else!) for Narayan Krishnamoorthy, who at Byron’s +++ Randonneurextra Blog and Mike’s Research Blog Roll | Blogs & Items Listed in Stories Robert Trailer Park Blog. Hendry, a.k.a. Randonneurextra: http://randonneurextra.blogspot.com/ RandoBoy, +++ Research Trailer Park: http://ncrandonneur.blogspot.com/2009/03/yanceyville-ramble-200k-mar-7-2009.html posted a story Alaska Randonneurs: http://alaskarandonneurs.blogspot.com/ of the emer- Weather of a differ- Rando(m) Adventures: http://randodud.blogspot.com/2009/03/orr-birkie-200-thorough-soaking.html gence of ent sort — volcanic The Boothby Chronicles: http://theboothbychronicles.blogspot.com RandoGirl dust — forced Alaska The Adventures of RandoBoy: http://randoboy.blogspot.com/ (spouse Carol RBA Kevin Turinsky to Hendry) during Pennsylvania Randonneuring: http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/ re-arrange the brevet a tandem spin schedule for the Alaska Cycloblogger site: http://www.cycloblogger.info. on April 18 Randonneurs. Think The Daily Randonneur: http://thedailyrandonneur.wordpress.com/chip-adams-massanutten-at-midnight-200k during what he rain is a bummer? Try Dan’s Randanneuring blog: http://randanneuring.blogspot.com/ considers the riding when doctors say greatest perma- it might be unhealthy to nent in the simply breathe the air when you and chronicled the Oregon Randonneurs’ world: his own Green Acres 200K from motorists are kicking up the roadside Birkie 200 on March 28. He found it not Baxter, Tenn. Read more about the day dust. Here’s a passage from his Alaska just wet, but really, really wet. See more at his blog, The Adventures of Randonneurs Blog. Fortunately he only at his Rando(m) Adventures Blog: RandoBoy: had to push them back a month rather “The climb up to Timber was much easier “I have always felt that Green Acres was a than cancel any events: last time around. It was raining heavily by the great permanent for a tandem. It has only “Notwithstanding another volcanic erup- time I reached the clear-cut top, and plunged 5,300 feet of climbing, with much of that on a tion, there are two areas of concern specific to down the other side. We wouldn’t climb for a five-mile stretch as you go onto the plateau. Jeff ash exposure to cyclists. First, is increased lung while. My gloves were soaked through, but I Bauer, who has ridden Green Acres twice ventilation during prolonged vigorous exercise; was warm everyplace else. I should have found in our case for periods exceeding eight hours for an awning and stopped to put the last remain- Continued on page 24 www.rusa.org 19 American Randonneur 2009 ACP Events
Region 200 km 300 km 400 km 600 km 1000 km fleche
CA: Davis 07/09 06/05 07/06
CA: Los Angeles 05/09
CA: San Diego 05/23 05/23
CA: San Francisco 06/13 05/30
CA: Santa Cruz 06/27 05/09
CO: Boulder 05/02 09/19 05/16 08/08 06/06 07/25 06/20 07/25 06/20 07/25 09/09 05/07
GA: Atlanta 05/09 05/23
IA: Cedar Valley 05/09 06/20 07/11
IL: Chicago 05/16 06/06 06/27
KY: Louisville 05/09 06/06
MA: Boston 05/09 05/30 06/20 07/25
MA: Westfield 05/02 09/13 05/30 06/27 05/14
MD: Capital Region 05/02 05/16 05/30 06/13
MN: Rochester 05/02 10/03 05/16 08/08 05/30 08/22 06/13 09/19 07/24
MO: Kansas City 05/09 05/23 06/07
MO: St. Louis 05/16 05/23 06/13 06/27
NC: High Point 06/20 09/19 07/04 08/01 09/05
NC: Raleigh 08/15 05/09 05/30
NJ: NYC and Princeton 09/13 05/09 05/23 06/19
NM: Cedar Crest 05/30 06/27
NY: Saratoga 05/09
NY: Western 05/09 05/23 06/06 06/27
OH: Columbus 09/05 05/30 06/13
OR: Portland 07/11 05/02 07/25 05/09 08/08 05/30 08/29 06/27 08/29
PA: Eastern 05/02 05/16 05/30 06/26
TN: Nashville 05/30
TX: Austin 05/23 05/23
TX: Dallas 08/15 10/03 09/19 10/03
UT: Cedar City 06/20 05/02 05/30
VA: Northern 05/02 05/09 05/23 06/27 10/10
WA: Seattle 07/25 08/08 05/16 08/22 06/13 09/12 07/16 08/20
20 May 2009 American Randonneur 2009 RUSA Events Region 200 km 300 km 400 km 600 km Dart/Arrow Other AK: Anchorage 05/02 05/09 05/17 05/23 07/18 06/06 06/27 (100 km) 06/13 (100 km) 08/01 AR: Little Rock 05/16 (100 km) 05/16 AZ: Casa Grande 05/23 05/24 08/22 05/09 CO: Boulder 08/15 (129 km) 10/11 FL: Central 05/02 06/06 10/03 GA: Atlanta 09/05 05/23 06/20 (100 km) 08/15 IA: Cedar Valley (173 km) 08/29 (105 km) 09/13 IL: Chicago 08/08 (100 km) 08/08 Il: Quad City 05/23 MA: Boston (350 km) 08/15
MA: Westfield 05/10 08/09 09/20 07/27 (150 km) 07/11 (100 km) 10/11 (170 km) 10/11
MO: St. Louis 05/16 05/16 05/23 NC: Raleigh (110 km) 08/15 NM: Cedar Crest 05/16 12/05 08/29 10/24 OH: Columbus 10/17 OR: Portland (200)km) 09/19 PA: Eastern 05/02 06/06 07/04 08/08 09/05 (153 km) 10/24 (204 km) 10/24 PR: Pittsburgh 09/13 PR:San Juan 05/22 TN: Nashville 10/24 11/28 (360 km) 08/22 (250 km) 09/26 TX: Austin 12/05 07/18 08/29 05/30 (317 km) 05/23(411 km) 05/23 (211 km) 06/20 (308 05/23 08/01 08/22 09/19 10/17 09/19 05/23 TX: Dallas 10/03 10/17 km) 06/20 (216 km) 07/18 (100 km) 08/02 (160 km) 11/28 10/17 10/17 11/21 11/14 08/16 TX: Houston 05/02 06/13 07/11 08/08 09/05 10/10 11/07 WA: Seattle (200 km) 09/19 (100 km) 06/27 (110 km) 09/06 2009 RM 1200k Events
Location Date Distance (km) Contact Web Site
VA: Northern 2009/06/11 1200 Matt Settle http://www.geocities.com/shenandoah1200/
CA: Davis 2009/07/06 1200 Dan Shadoan http://www.davisbikeclub.org/goldrush/
CO: Boulder 2009/09/09 1200 John Lee Ellis http://www.rmccrides.com/lastchance.htm
PA: Eastern 2009/09/30 1240 Tom Rosenbauer http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/PA1200K.html
RUSA Expands Online Ordering Of Medals Thanks to the efforts of RUSA’s • American Randonneur Challenge In most cases, your award application hard-working Web volunteers, applica- • RUSA Coast to Coast can be approved automatically and the tions for the following awards are now Online applications for the R5000 and award can be purchased immediately accepted online: Ultra Randonneur awards are in the works. through the online store. • Super Randonneur Go to the RUSA website ‘Awards’ or If you have already submitted a paper • RUSA Distance ‘Online Store’ pages to learn how to apply application for any of these awards, please • R-12 for these awards. do not submit an online application. www.rusa.org 21 American Randonneur 2009 San Francisco 400K Brevet hands. I was happy to see him then redwood forest as we Healdsburg and Cloverdale. BY MASSIMILIANO POLETTO again. climbed the steep pitches of We stopped in Cloverdale This year’s SF 400K was Whites Hill separated our Joy Road. This climb had to remove layers and replenish not an easy ride for me. Russ group once more, Russ and been billed as a killer—“no water bottles before the final Fairles and Aron Mason and I Aaron and I cresting ahead of joy on Joy Road” and so on— push to Hopland. Just north of finished first in 16:29, an unre- the others. The descent to San but we took it easy and Cloverdale, Hwy. 128 heads markable time that attests to Geronimo was short but dra- enjoyed the woods and the northwest towards the ocean, the hilly terrain and the head- matic: where Fairfax had been occasional—but remarkable— flat at first and then via switch- winds on the return leg. clear and sunny, the Lagunitas views. A steep, twisty descent backs up a steep hillside. Temperatures ranged from watershed lay blanketed in brought us to Occidental, and Traffic was light and the air below freezing to the 70s, and freezing fog. The fields were we continued at a fast clip warm and calm. We climbed my digestive system stopped white with frost. We rose through redwood forest down steadily, sometimes in sunshine cooperating about 10 hours briefly above the fog on to the Russian River and the and sometimes in the dappled into the ride. After Aron kind- Dixon Ridge, then dropped first checkpoint (mile 81) in shadow of large scrub oaks. A ly dropped me off at home, I back into sub-freezing condi- Guerneville. There were just rooster crowed nearby, and staggered into the bathroom, tions in Nicasio. My bike com- four of us now, for the views opened up behind us. I vomited liquid Powerbar, and puter reported -1C (30F), Lithuanians had slowed down thought the ride could not get crumpled into a salty heap in while the sun made a pale yel- before Bodega, and Jack had more scenic, but I had not the shower. Not the ideal way low smudge in the fog. After stopped to take off some lay- counted on Mountain House to convince one’s lovely two and a half years in ers before Joy Road. Road. An east-bound fork spouse of the benefits and California, I can still find Jack arrived as we were from Hwy. 128, Mountain joys of long-distance cycling. myself unprepared for the preparing to leave and told us House falls away steeply into The day started like many microclimates here, so I was not to wait. Bob also had the watershed of Cummisky Bay Area mornings, clear and grateful that Russ had brought made equivocal comments Creek, a tributary of the beautiful. The East Bay hills an extra pair of long-fingered about keeping up with us, so Russian River, then traverses a rose black against the orange gloves. The other four caught when he flatted just beyond couple more ridges before and turquoise of dawn, and up with us while I put on the the control point, we decided rejoining the Russian River at Venus hung low above them. gloves, and we rolled on to continue and leave Bob and Hopland. Its pavement is We rolled through Sausalito in together. Jack in each other’s company. rough, just gravel in one place. a fairly large group, but By Chileno Valley the day We made brisk progress on Oaks and laurels hang over- Camino Alto, the day’s first had warmed considerably, and the gentle ups-and-downs head—spectacular, scraggly old climb, whittled our group to I enjoyed the perfect Marin along the river and then north trees covered in lichens and seven riders: Russ, Aron, Jack, countryside: wildflowers, cat- on Westside Rd to Spanish moss that give the Bob (?), two Lithuanians— tle, grassy hills, occasional Healdsburg. place a mysterious Middle- Vidas and Gintautas—and stands of eucalyptus and oak. I was puzzled that the cue Earth feel. We must have been myself. Somewhere we’d Carmody Road, in particular, sheet took us through in peak wildflower season: already lost Greg Beato and made for fine memories, with Healdsburg rather than meadows shimmered blue and David Strong, so we soft-ped- its tinkling herds of cows bypassing the town on scenic orange and white as the breeze aled through Larkspur and being taken out to pasture and West Dry Creek Rd, but for- brushed lupines and poppies Ross and San Anselmo, but to its summit framed by hand- tunately traffic was moderate. and countless other flowers. It no avail. Aron, it turns out, some white boulders. Traffic Rich with vineyards, this part made me happy to be alive and was the man who kindly was minimal, save for an of Sonoma Valley is a cross- thankful for this sport: it is not stopped to help me with a flat unusual number of police cars roads of Northern California obvious that one should be tire on the Davis 400 in 2007. (some of which gave us far long-distance cycling events: able to ride 120 miles before We’d been caught in a freak less than the requisite three the Davis 400, the SF 400 and lunch and still have enough left hailstorm, and he found me feet of clearance). 600, the Santa Rosa 600, and over to admire a butterfly by shivering by the side of the The open grassland of Terrible Two, to name a few, the roadside. road, unable to unseat the tire Marin and southern Sonoma all share stretches of Dry from the rim with my numb County gave way to oak and Creek Road between Continued on page 24
22 May 2009 American Randonneur SF 400K (continued) We arrived in Hopland at weight in our threesome. opposite direction, whether one too many. 2:05 p.m., after covering 134 Somewhere around on brevets or to visit family in Finally we arrived in hilly miles in 8:05. The Indian Geyserville we stopped for a Davis, and it had always Sausalito. San Francisco couple at the Valero mini- nature break and a little food, seemed like a big descent, so I sparkled ahead of us, and the mart could not believe that and I found that I could not was surprised by how gentle Bay Bridge stretched across we’d ridden all the way from eat much. Fortunately, Chalk the climb was. Our pace the water, festooned with San Francisco and were now Hill Road soon provided eight edged higher as we reached brightly lit suspension cables. planning to ride back. “Just miles of relief from the windy the summit, and we raced After 250 miles, we hardly wait: you’ll see many more like flats. down the far side to Nicasio noticed the final climb to the us,” we told them. We stopped once more at Reservoir just as darkness fell. Golden Gate Bridge. The Incredulous or not, they a gas station near Santa Rosa It was cold now: a brief pee sidewalks of the bridge are made me a great rye sandwich to don arm warmers and refill break in Nicasio left me shak- closed at night to try to pre- with pickles and paneer. water bottles, then resumed ing. Aron and I took turns vent suicides, so we had to Our return trip got off to our paceline to Petaluma. setting the pace up Dixon stop at either end to press a a slow start: what the cue Punctuated by big intersec- Ridge and over Whites Hill, buzzer and wait for an opera- sheet lists as East Side Road, tions and subdivision walls, while Russ finally showed tor to open the gates. But road signs indicate as Old these were easily the least sce- signs of fatigue. soon enough we rolled into River Road. (Google Maps nic miles of the ride, but the We were all exhausted the toll plaza, where Mark splits the difference and lists route was fast and direct. We and cold at this point, and the Behning was waiting for us both names.) I remembered arrived at the Petaluma remaining miles passed slowly. with a sign-in sheet and plenty similar problems on the Santa Safeway, checkpoint 3, around In San Anselmo we stopped of food. It was 10:29 p.m. Rosa 600 in 2007, so we even- 6:45 p.m. An SF randonneur to put on every item of cloth- Surprisingly, I was not at all tually found our way, though sat on a bench outside, wait- ing we had, shivering under a hungry, just cold and slightly not before first heading ing for a friend to pick him up streetlight and fussing with nauseous. Aron kindly offered towards Clear Lake. after turning back due to knee zippers while passers-by shot to give me a ride home; we Hwy.. 101 had a broad problems. us questioning glances. Near had the heat on full-blast in shoulder, smooth pavement, The sun hung low above Ross we took a wrong turn on his minivan. and little traffic, but a steady the hills as we climbed out of a road I’ve ridden scores of I arrived home around 11 headwind hampered our Petaluma towards Nicasio. times. On Camino Alto we p.m. and was asleep before progress. I had been climbing Aron struggled a bit on the descended slowly simply 11:30. Breakfast on Sunday well all day, but the wind and ascent, but we kept the pace because going fast would have was three poached eggs, most afternoon sun combined to moderate and stuck together been too cold. I tried to eat of a tub of cottage cheese, sap my strength. I felt that I to be more visible. I had only another Powerbar, but as I whole wheat toast, and lots of was no longer pulling my ever ridden this stretch in the discovered at home, it was fruit. And still I was hungry.
In the Blogs (continued) before with me, had said the same thing, and Cycloblogger site.: ized his best chance to keep the streak he’s done Boston-Montreal-Boston and Paris- “As a turbulence researcher, I must say alive was to complete a permanent Brest-Paris on a tandem with Mary Crawley.” Quakertown, PA was a perfect place to perform between the end of one work day and turbulent measurements in the atmosphere yes- the start of the next. Read his +++ terday. As a randonneur, when you must lean “Massanutten At Midnight 200K” report into the wind to stay on the bike, I would think at my own The Daily Randonneur blog: Back on the East Coast, Tom the conditions were less than ideal for cycling. I used my Mom and Dad’s house to Rosenbauer saw a hardy bunch of ran- However, overcoming the obstacles, including the change into cycling gear and explained my plan donneurs ignore wind, rain and cold to weather, is part of what randonneuring to them. I probably shouldn’t have done that, complete his PA Randonneurs 200K on entails.” but I couldn’t hide the fact that I was using April 4. Read more about it at his site, their house to launch into some cycling cam- where you can link to a number of Chip Adams of the D.C. Randonneurs paign. Needless to say, there was some shock reports. One of the more vivid was gives us a sense of the challenges facing and concern on their part, and admittedly, on posted by Juan Salazar at his R-12 riders. Last November, Chip real- mine....”
24 May 2009 American Randonneur
Ask Bill | Looking Ahead to PBP 2011
Dear Bill, Bill Bryant has been riding brevets the bike for feeding and I’m a new randonneur and since 1983 and is a two-time finisher of sleep, or to simply finish the I’ve recently seen talk on a ran- Paris-Brest-Paris. An organizer of local ride that much sooner. donneur listserv about PBP randonneuring events since 2000 with Remember that some- 2011. I know it’s still two years Lois Springsteen, he is also one of the times riders will get lost, founders of Randonneurs USA. Bill away, but do you have any tips was on the RUSA Board of Directors have a serious equipment that will help me make sure I’m from 1998-2006 and its President problem, suffer an injury, successful at that event? I’ve done 2004-2005. Bill is also the recipient of experience digestive prob- some century rides and one dou- the 2006 American Randonneur award. lems, bonk, whatever. If ble-century. He is currently working on an in-depth one is already at the slow history of Paris-Brest-Paris. end of the field on their Signed, Newcomer in New good days, then these set- England this season and during 2010 ish PBP precisely because backs can be catastrophic so that your 2011 qualifiers they could keep riding since they will eat up time Dear Newcomer, (and PBP itself) are success- despite physical pain, awful in a big way. Or, as can hap- ful. weather, or both. pen during PBP, long peri- First, welcome aboard. Below are some ideas Your region of New ods of wet or windy weath- Take heart in the fact that that I think are useful for England has a good record er can occur and that will many PBP finishers are suc- someone contemplating his of hardy randonneurs and slow everyone down. But if cessful on their first or her first PBP. I have not randonneuses who finish you have a good time cush- attempt, and they often start put them in order of impor- PBP; seek out their counsel ion on all the control clos- out with having done some tance, but think they should and heed their advice, but ing times, then these types centuries and doubles like be considered as general mostly, follow their example of things are not so serious. you. However, offering concepts that you will want during the toughest brevets Bryant’s dictum is “Strong advice about getting ready to expand upon as you gain during the next few years. legs solve a lot of problems for any 1200k event could randonneuring experience Remember, finishing is every- at PBP.” Thus, do what you fill a book, and I think during the next two years. thing at PBP; a faster time can to achieve the goal of Paris-Brest-Paris has a few First and foremost, doesn’t get as much atten- getting faster—lose excess more demands than most remember that we’re all tion as you might expect. If body fat, do intervals during other grand randonnées, such individuals and come to during the ride you need to your training, etc. as dealing with the crowds randonneuring with differ- drop your goal of attaining Simply riding a lot is (which usually wastes time ent athletic talent, available a faster time, so be it. Just needed for building your while in various lines), and time to train, innate ability back off and re-adjust your endurance, but you will the evening start that most to suffer, etc.—but almost pace to something slower want to incorporate speed- entrants take (and will mean anyone can be successful at than what you had planned work into your other train- a slower riding speed for PBP so long as they have an on and get your head back ing rides. This will raise the first 200 kms compared unyielding desire to finish. into the game, albeit at a your cruising speed better to a daytime start.) Also This will be needed in the slower pace. Once the event than doing nothing but lots remember that there is no long months of training as is done, folks invariably ask of long, steady rides. Also, one correct method to pre- much as during PBP itself. if you finished or not, not endeavor to not lose too pare for PBP, as many Without an iron commit- how fast you were. Never much fitness over winter, anciens will tell you. ment to get your name on throw in the towel until you even when weekly hours of Still, I’ll take a stab at the Roll of Honor, then all are officially out of time! cycling will be curtailed; try your question if only to get bets are off. I’ve seen a lot Get as fit as possible— other sports to compensate. you headed in the right of strong riders DNF your goal is to raise your A qualified coach can direction—but it is impor- because “it stopped being overall riding speed. What help you use your weekly tant that you learn from fun” while I’ve seen others you are looking for is hav- your randonneuring events of more modest ability fin- ing the luxury of time off Continued on page 28
26 May 2009 American Randonneur Ask Bill (continued) training hours effectively, or want to limit your climbing PBP.) Northern France can can happen during PBP and you can set up your own effort due to a bike that have unusually high daily try to be ready by practicing program. Either way, try to weighs too much or wiggles temperatures in summer when we ride a long brevet. have some sort of struc- from the way the load is and if one lives in a more Nonetheless, unexpected tured training program dur- being carried. temperate region, then they things do happen to many ing the two years leading up Another thing to con- probably won’t be acclimat- entrants at PBP. It is how to PBP so that you can go sider is limiting the time of ed to long-distance cycling we handle these surprises faster for a given heart rate your stops. Practice making in hot conditions. Similarly, that often makes the differ- compared to where you are short stops on your local riders from flat regions will ence. Keep a cool head now. brevets until it becomes a want to go somewhere to when something happens As you train, don’t neg- habit. I’ve seen a number of do a lot of riding in the you hadn’t anticipated, lect your upper body. PBP new randonneurs who need hills before PBP starts. adjust to the new circum- will wear out all your mus- to develop a (slight) sense As for cycling in pro- stances, and keep moving cles, not just your legs. of urgency when they are longed rain, as many edi- forward as best you can. Work on your back, neck, off the bike during a brevet; tions of PBP have seen, the Flexible thinking is a key to shoulders and arms too. Be this will lead to a faster summers in my region are PBP success (so long as you sure to stretch frequently overall average speed, and quite dry so I use the rainy keep your unflagging desire and be flexible to help ward this in turn, will create more months in late winter and to finish intact.) off the connecting tissue sleep time at PBP. Taking in early spring to work out my Find out what type of injuries that often result the sights and socializing clothing layer choices and gut you have. The long rides from the overuse common during PBP is all well and rain-riding techniques for cause digestive problems for to randonneurs. good, but during a grand ran- PBP. (Nothing beats wool many riders and finding The steep part of the donnée the cruel clock is and fenders, in my opinion.) what type(s) of fuel works learning curve should be always ticking and you want Basically, PBP can impose best for you is important. If during 2009 and 2010; your to save time whenever you some significant climactic you eventually go with some 2011 brevets (especially the can in order to have some challenges during its four type of liquid sports food, 400k and 600k events) “in the bank” for when you days and nights and one remember that it will be should be more of a dress really need it. If you end up needs to be ready for what- impossible to carry enough rehearsal for PBP. Try to having a big time cushion ever comes. Two-time PBP for 1200k without your bike develop your own style of by Brest, then you can slow ancien Mike Dayton adds: weighing a ton. Re-supply- randonneuring during the down on the return to Paris “Follow the daily weather ing these powders from next two years and work out if desired. But time wasted reports for northwest drop bags can help a lot your pacing strategy, along on the outbound leg, once France from home via the (but at this writing I don’t with your clothing layers lost, is very hard to recover. internet. Get a sense of know if the popular drop and lighting equipment. (By It is better to have extra what to expect. Long before bag service from Des Peres the 2010 brevets, for exam- time for unexpected sleep I flew to France, I checked Travel at recent PBPs will ple, you should have already later on, than not enough. the reports, saw how much be offered in 2011 or not.) found a comfortable saddle Being a New cool rain was in the fore- On the other hand, a lot of and shoes.) Englander, one thing you cast, and packed according- randonneurs simply “live You will need an effec- will probably want to do ly, including clip-on fenders. off the land” with food and tive way to carry all your during the summer of 2011 That is the first and only drink they get along the stuff—and that means is go touring for 10 days or time I’ve worn rain pants on route. (Part of the fun at keeping it dry in the rain, two weeks in a hot region a ride—but I finished. A PBP is experiencing the yet easily accessible so you (plus this can keep you in few folks I know who did variety of foods you can don’t have to unpack every- good shape after the 600k not have enough clothes to eat, and the people you will thing to find one item. The brevet is done. Carry a min- stay warm in the rain paid a meet while refueling.) This load should be as light as imal load and use motels big price.” has the advantage of money possible, and it should not for sleeping, not a tent and One more thought and credit cards being “wag” as you climb out of sleeping bag. Your bike about the “dress rehearsal” lighter to carry than pounds the saddle. With the count- shouldn’t weigh much more approach; we want to envi- less hills at PBP, you don’t than what you’d bring for sion all the challenges that Continued on next page
28 May 2009 American Randonneur
Ask Bill (continued) of powdered sports food. During PBP, unintentional If you are not single, have theirs too and you But regular foods can be bike fit changes brought on you need to have a support- should listen to them as slower to digest, and the by imprecise bike assembly ive family environment to well. My better half is five- cafeteria lines can be a real can cause injuries late in the do PBP well. Earning your for-five at PBP and she has drag. (Water faucets are easy ride.) PBP finisher’s medal is helped me with this brief to find, one advantage to As you begin PBP, save essentially a self-centered summary so I think it is powdered sports foods.) So, something for the second pursuit and its lure may not worth considering. In any you need to see how your half of the ride. With all be apparent to others event, best wishes for a digestive tract holds up on the hoopla at the start, the (including many other successful PBP in a few long rides with various types big pacelines heading west cyclists.) Be sure you don’t years’ time. I think all of us of cycling foods, especially from Paris, and the euphor- cause problems with your will tell you that the pro- on 400k and longer. Try to ic release of stress after significant other during the found feeling of satisfac- do as much of your months of preparation, it is next few years as you tion and joy you get cross- research on this vital topic easy to go out too fast. undertake this long journey. ing the finish line is worth before 2011 arrives. Bottom This unwise expenditure of On the other hand, with all the effort that goes into line: you don’t want to energy may come back to them solidly supporting such a crazy dream. Bonne experiment at PBP, nor the haunt you on the return. your quest, it will give you Route! 400k and 600k qualifiers in Start on a thoroughly extra strength. 2011. reliable bicycle that won’t Of course, all the fore- Have a question about ran- Like your fuel, you want let you down. That means going is just one guy’s opin- donneuring? Send it to: to thoroughly dial in your carefully inspecting all parts ion. Other veterans will [email protected]. bike fit long before PBP and the frame and fork for arrives. Along with saddle cracks periodically. Also height and setback, every check all bearings for other dimension of fit roughness or lack of should be optimum for your grease—nothing last forev- PBP effort. The long ride er, especially with randon- will test all of your body, neurs. It is a good idea to and any poor fit issues will replace the chain, gear cas- likely result in some injury. sette, and shifting cables Crank length and “Q” fac- sometime after your 600k is tor; pedal cleat placement; done, but before the last shoe size, width, arch training block in July. You height, and toe box design; don’t want to go to France handlebar width, drop, and with brand-new parts in reach; and stem rise and case there is a product reach will all contribute to defect, or sub-par installa- your overall bike fit. Don’t tion at the bike shop. Put find out the hard way that on new tires just before you your neck or hand muscles pack your bike, then do a give out after 48 hours few shakedown rides once because your handlebars are you get to St. Quentin-en- slightly too far from your Yvelines. (Assuming you go saddle, or too low. (Once directly to the event, that is. you have everything worked Personally, I think that a out, it is a very good idea to week’s tour in Normandy carefully record these vari- and Brittany just before ous measurements so that PBP is a good thing to do when you re-assemble your for a variety of reasons. I bike after the flight to Paris install new tires after the you get everything just right. pre-PBP tour is done.)
www.rusa.org 29 American Randonneur
Franklin Frames | Newark, Ohio WHAT WE http://home.windstream.net/franklinframe/ RI RIDEDE Since my first brevet in 2004 it seems I have been looking for the perfect frame for long dis- tance cycling. By PBP 07 I had found a mid-80s Mercian that fit me very well and is a joy to ride ... but not perfect. Using most of the geometry of the Mercian, I had Franklin Frames of Newark Ohio braze up a new frame last winter. I asked for Reynolds 853OS tubing with 73 degree angles and fairly long chain stays. I also have it set up with fender mounts but decided I would not mount a rack. Because I will mount fend- ers at times and like tires up to 700x32 I had mounts for Paul centerpulls brazed on. After rid- Glenn’s Franklin ing the frame for about 1,000 frame. The paint miles, I’m completely convinced that they are the best brake made scheme has a for randonneuring. The rest of decidely English the build consists of a 2003 feel, down to a Campagnolo Record group. The color that is stem, bars, and seatpost are Nitto. So far a 300km brevet is my very close to longest ride on this frame but I that of the felt like it handles short, out of 1970s Raleigh the saddle rollers and extended climbing much better that any- Professionals. thing I’ve owned before. I’m def- initely excited about a long season of brevets on a bike that may not be perfect, but getting close.
—Glenn Himstedt
30 May 2009 American Randonneur
Product Reviews | Lights, Wool, TV, Bar Tape, Caps
ric that’s not too heavy, issue, but we had a day of record heat (92 not too light. Her F) for our April 25 300K. I decided to stitching is beautiful, wear it under my jersey. I figured if I especially when it’s in a started to heat up, I could strip off the contrasting color. She base layer and stuff it in a jersey pocket. really sweats the details. In fact, I kept it on all day and felt reason- Her caps are so nice, I ably comfortable. feel a little guilty wear- ing them in bad weath- Verdict: This product seems like a er. Even so, they held good choice for the summer rides that up perfectly when I spill over into the night. A vest and arm did. warmers would probably be enough to get Caroline doesn’t do you by as the evening cools off. As always, screen-printing, but she the quality from Joneswares is outstanding. will find whatever fab- ric and color you’re looking for. She sews in wool and other Planet Bike Blaze 1w Little Package materials too. Chapeau, Caroline! Chapeau. Wired Headlight Cycling Caps Reviewer: Jeff Radon [Editor’s note: RUSA also has cycling http://little-package.com/ Various online vendors, local retailers caps available through the RUSA store.] Cotton cap: starting at $17 Price: $28-$44 Wool cap: starting at $32 Reviewer: Branson Kimball Joneswares ‘Dash’ Test period. 4 weeks of commuting Installation. No problem ... plenty What’s not to love about cycling Tank Baselayer of extra wire to experiment with mount- caps? They help keep you warm in the www.joneswares.com ing positions. winter, cool in the summer, shield your 100% Merino Wool eyes from rain or sun. They even help you 150 gr/meter. Beam quality. Okay. A little too dif- look kinda like your favorite Classics spe- Price: $40 for sleeveless; fuse to rely on when traveling unfamiliar cialist! $45 for sleeve version roads. But, on my commutes (over well The only downside for my fondness Reviewer: Mike Dayton known paths) it’s adequate. for them is that most don't fit my plane- toid-sized noggin. To quote Mike Myers Wool? In the summertime? In steamy H2O-proofness. Good so far. I’ve in “So You Want To Marry An Axe- North Carolina? Deb of Joneswares (a ridden in lots o’ rain lately and have not Murderer?”: RUSA advertiser) occasionally sends had any issues with water penetration so “Head! HEAD! My Gahd, that boy has a products to try out. The latest was a very far. melon!” lightweight, sleeveless base layer. So Little Package Cycling Caps to the Bomb-proofness. Not so good... I rescue. Little Package is seamstress Impressions. I found it hard to have found that this lamp will rattle Caroline, and she makes every custom cap believe it’s wool — it felt as thin as poly- itself apart when traveling over bumpy by hand. You simply drop her a note with ester or lycra. Deb says it’s a new roads. Literally, it breaks apart in pieces what you’re looking for, she replies, you fabric being considered for an ultralight (fortunately the wires hold it together send her your measurements and pay- summer base. It should be available in until you can stop and jam the parts ment, and a few weeks later, viola! A little men and women’s versions in May or back in place). I’ve had to super-glue the package arrives with your very own cus- June. bugger together. tom cap. The quality of Caroline’s caps is fan- Use. I hadn’t expected to put it tastic. For mine, she used cotton twill fab- through the paces in time for the May Continued on next page www.rusa.org 31 American Randonneur
Product Reviews (continued) Summary. I would not quite good with some being well and the race list seems bypass the middle man and rely on this lamp for anything covered by former pro more like a “guideline.” It ha soak the tape before I wrap it. but commuting over familiar Magnus Backstedt. If you not bothered me much but So, I dunked it in warm water roads (with a back-up lamp in have only watched a race with somebody may want an iron- until it was completely pene- my saddlebag just in case). I Phil and Paul commentating clad list before they fork over trated, and then I stretched it would not recommend this for you may need some time to 100 bucks. while I wrapped it. Results: rando events and I will not adjust. A great day on the bike very tight seams, full coverage purchase another Blaze. trumps watching somebody (even with 46cm Nitto bars), Quality. If you miss an else ride, but it is good enter- and no slippage at all (and I’ve event the highlights and the tainment on those rainy days. been riding in rain a lot since Cycling TV recorded “as-live” are available A warning for Mac users January). http://www.cycling.tv/ in a few hours. Sometime I — watching live events works Price: $25-$99 have to be a hermit and avoid pretty well with Cycling.tv but Brooks wood and cork Reviewer: Wes Johnson the cycling news site until I there are known issues with bar plugs. They’re crap. Once can watch the race. The on their “as-live” archives, accord- wet, the Elmer’s glue that held Would you pay $99 to demand videos are always ing to one Mac user. them together melted and they watch cycling races for the available so you can watch last basically self destructed (leav- year? I signed up to year’s Paris-Roubaix. The ing two cork heads protruding http://www.cycling.tv/ early downside is you have to use Brooks Leather from my bars). I’ve since this year. I wanted to see more the player they supply. It only replaced them with vintage racing than is currently offered runs in a small window or full- Handlebar Phleuger plugs. in the U.S. After using it for a screen. The full-screen looks few months here is a quick Wrap pretty grainy even using the Various online & local retailers Crash test. Well, I did review. highest of the 3 bit-rates they Price $44-$60 wreck on a recent commute to offer. I wish it had the ability Reviewer: Jeff Radon Reston and landed on the Packages. They have a to resize to make the player right side of the bars. The few tiers for races, offering a slightly larger. They have some Since January, I’ve been tape did not rip like conven- couple different levels, free2view stuff so you can try using Brooks honey-colored tional tape would. Instead, it depending on the size of the out the quality before buying. Leather Bar Wrap on my kind of shredded (leaving the races you want. There are also Quickbeam commuting bike affected side furry). I took a Giro and Vuelta only pack- Overall. The service has (in all kinds of weather while butane lighter to the fur and it ages, if you only want the been good. I haven’t had wearing all types of hand all looks ok now. I do not Grand Tours. Cost is between many issues with slow connec- gear). Here’s my evaluation... intend to replace the wrap... $25 and $99. tivity or playback issues, but it’s fine. there have been a few. Appearance. Very nice! You mean there Races. Normally, I wait until the as- The more the wrap is exposed Summary. For looks, are other races then the Grand live is available to see the start to the elements, the better it can’t beat it. Cost ($60 on Tours and the classics? I’ve and interviews then move fur- looks (just like your Brooks ebay with free shipping). Well, seen most of the week-long ther into the race. I did watch saddle). After four months, that’s a personal decision— stage races and tons of the all 4+ hours of Paris Roubaix mine looks very “experi- hard to justify, for sure. Belgian one-day races so far though... If you like watching enced.” It holds up extremely Anticipated lifespan—I’m sure this year. Most of the races are the coverage on Versus but well to palm wear (no hint of this will last as long as I own shown live and all of them want it more then one time a thinning at all). There is no this bike. Would I buy it without commercials (no week this is a great service. need to treat it or hide it from again? Sure. It matches the more commercials right One thing to watch—some the elements. retro appearance of the before the sprint!!). They have events are highlights only. Installation. Here’s a frameset and the saddle and is shown about 50 races or Depending on the distribution trick.. I had read that some really comfortable. In fact, it stages since January, including rights, like the Tour and users had problems with the becomes a bit sticky when wet a few cyclo-cross and track Versus, some events aren’t live. tape slipping its wrap when it (just the opposite of the syn- events. The commentators are The site doesn’t explain this became wet. My solution— thetic stuff I formerly used).
32 May 2009 American Randonneur PHOTO GALLERY
Photographer| Gino Zahnd
California rider Gino Zahnd uploaded this picture of Todd Teachout to RUSA’s online photo pool. The caption: “Personally, I think this should be used in some upcoming piece of RUSA lit- erature. :-)” Gino, you got your wish! www.rusa.org 33 American Randonneur
Randonneurs USA Member Souvenir Order Form ITEM DESCRIPTION PRICE SIZE QTY TOTAL S & H
RUSA CLASSIC LOGO JERSEY SHORT-SLEEVE TOURING JERSEY: S-M-L-XL-XXL $65.00
LONG-SLEEVE RUSA JERSEY S-M-L-XL-XXL RUSA LONG-SLEEVE JERSEY $75.00
RUSA PBP 2007 JERSEY SHORT SLEEVE JERSEY: Size XXL only $65.00 MENS SIZES: L – XL – XXL $90.00 SHORT SLEEVE WOOL JERSEY WOMENS SIZES: S - M - L MENS SIZES: M – L-- XL – XXL $95.00 LONG SLEEVE WOOL JERSEY WOMENS SIZES: S – M - L RUSA SLEEVELESS WIND VEST RUNS SMALL: S-M-XL-XXL $55.00 RUSA POLO SHIRT WHITE WITH EMBROIDERED LOGO: S-M-L-XL $27.00 RUSA T-SHIRT WHITE SHORT-SLEEVE: S-M-L-XL $12.00 RUSA FLECHE T-SHIRT WHITE SHORT SLEEVE with Black Trim: M-L-XL $12.00 RUSA WATERBOTTLE WHITE 28 OZ WATERBOTTLE $5.00 RUSA CYCLING SHORTS LYCRA BLACK SHORTS: S-M-L-XL $45.00 RUSA LAPEL PIN SINGLE PIN $2.00 RUSA LAPEL PINS 2-9 PINS $1.75 RUSA LAPEL PINS 10 OR MORE PINS $1.25 RUSA REFLECTIVE SASH SAYRE Sash: Yellow: Limit 2 pp $5.00 RUSA REFLECTIVE ANKLE BANDS SAYRE: Yellow Velcro: Sold in pairs: Limit: 2 pr pp $2.00pr REFLECTIVE SCOTCHLITE TAPE 9” Strip of 3M Reflective Adhesive Tape 50¢ RUSA REFLECTIVE YIELD SIGN YELLOW & ORANGE REFLECTIVE TRIANGLE: Limit 2 pp $5.00
RUSA SOCKS SNUG FITTING CYCLING SOCKS: S/M or L/XL $10.00pr
RUSA COTTON CAP WHITE-BLUE-RED CAP WITH RUSA LOGO: S/M or L/XL $16.50
RUSA WOOL CAP WHITE-BLUE-RED CAP WITH RUSA LOGO: S/M or L/XL $27.50
RUSA WOOL CAP w/ EAR-FLAPS WHITE-BLUE-RED CAP WITH RUSA LOGO: S/M or L/XL $31.50
RUSA DUFFEL BAG WHITE LIGHTWEIGHT NYLON WITH RED TRIM $10.00 RUSA CERAMIC MUG WHITE 10oz MUG WITH RUSA LOGO $8.00
PBP 1999 YEARBOOK PBP 1999 STORIES & RESULTS $7.00
RUSA HANDBOOK MEMBER RULES, REGULATIONS & ADVICE $6.00
RUSA LOGO DECAL 3“ x 5” REMOVABLE VINYL COLOR LOGO DECAL $1.00
RUSA TOP TUBE DECAL 5” x 1” REMOVABLE (BLUE & WHITE LETTERING) $0.25
PBP 2007 DECAL 3” x 5” REMOVABLE VINYL COLOR LOGO DECAL $1.00
Number of Items SHIPPING & HANDLING (USA): Subtotal $5.00 for first item. Add $1.00 for each additional item (except decals, strips or under 10 pins) S & H
To order online, visit the RUSA Store at Total www.rusa.org
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34 May 2009 American Randonneur
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