200K Brevet - March 27, 2010

Wow! What a great event. 23 riders (22 men, 1 woman) toed the line for our first 200K (125 mile) event of the year in Edwardsville IL. Morning temperatures were in the mid to upper 30’s with afternoon temperatures getting into the mid-50’s.

The story of the day was not the temperatures, but the wind. I have said it over and over again, ‘what we lack in hills we more than make up for in wind’. This was true once again as we headed east for 30 miles into a cross headwind then south for another 47 miles into Okawville (our turn around point).

Being the first event of the season, my legs were burning and screaming as I pulled into Okawville, mile 78 and I was so thankful that I am healthy enough to be able to have sore legs from a ride. Just imagine what you would give for a day of headwinds and sore legs if you were no longer healthy enough to ride.

What we had been fighting all day should have become our friend. Should have, but… didn’t happen. That SSE wind became an easterly wind. This change still was nice heading out of Okawville and back into New Baden. The northern leg back to Marine IL was cross winds, but the final 11 miles heading west along Fruit Road was sheer bliss with a strong tailwind. After 115 miles, I was cruising along at 20+ mph, and I heard other riders saying they had stretches up to 28 mph there.

April 10 is the next date on the brevet calendar, and we will be holding two events, a 200K and a 300K. Registration is 5:00AM to 5:45AM with a ride start time of 6:00AM. Front and rear lights, along with reflective vest/belt and reflective ankle bands are required. I look forward to seeing you there.

Springfield MO Brevet March 20th Postponed

Due to forecasted ice for Saturday's brevet (March 20) in Springfield MO, the 200K brevet has been rescheduled to next weekend (March 27) at the same time and location. We are sorry to have to change the schedule, but rider safety is paramount!

So... we will have two events on Saturday March 27, one in Springfield MO, and the other out of Edwardsville IL.

Route Updates

Wow, can you believe it? This year's first brevet is THIS weekend (March 20) in Springfield, MO. I just heard from Ralph and he has updated the route a little due to road construction. Check out his site for information by clicking here.

Next, the first brevet for the St. Louis area is just over a week away. You should note that the route has changed a little here as well. I have posted updated 'Web Route Sheets' to my site for your reference. The change is minor. After the Breese IL checkpoint, you still turn south on Germantown road, followed by a right turn on Breese Rd. The change is here. You will now turn south on Drive Inn Rd, not Linden Grove. This change was made since we have had several issues of flooding on Highline Rd near Route 8 (Albers Rd). This new route is a little flatter, and hopefully less prone to flooding.

If you have not done it yet, check out your tires, your patch kit and tire pump. Make sure everything is in working order. Lights are not required for this 200K, but lights and reflective gear are required starting on the April 10th events.

I look forward to seeing all the riders. Here is to a great, and safe season.