Reset your computers, make sure your cars are locked and you are free to ride.  Those, or similar words will be spoken as we kick off our first 200K tomorrow, Saturday March 29^th at 7 AM. The forecast has settled down in a day in the low 50’s with 10-15 mph winds out of the north.  If this pans out, the ride south in the morning will be glorious!  The return trip back north to Edwardsville is where you will need your strength and patience.

As a reminder, lights and reflective gear are optional (but recommended)  with a 7:30(ish) twilight.  If you think there is ANY possibility you may be on the road longer, PLEASE bring front and rear lights. I have already mounted mine for the season, they don’t weigh much and I rather be safe than sorry.  and be on the safe. I hope to you see during registration between 6:00 AM and 6:45 AM.  The ride will start at 7:00 AM. 

Our first event of 2014 is now just a few days away.  In case the date has slipped your mind, it is Saturday March 29. Registration opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 6:45 AM. In order to ride, you MUST arrive and register during these times. We will have a brief pre-ride meeting to discuss the route, rules and answer any questions around 6:55 AM.  The ride starts promptly at 7:00 AM.

I have posted the 2014 waiver on our site.  To save time Saturday morning, you can open the waiver online, fill it out, print it and bring it with you.

The weather forecast for Saturday (currently) is for temperatures to reach upper 50's to 60 degrees with mostly sunny skies.  I am HOPEFUL with the forecast that we will have great weather.  Feel free to obsess over the weather just like I do.

While lights and reflective gear are optional, Illinois State laws require lights and reflective gear be worn after dark.  Plan ahead and think about your fitness level for this time of year.  A front and rear light do not weigh much, why not just put them on before the ride.

I look forward to see you Saturday.

2014 Season is Less Than 90 Days Away

I was talking with my friend Dennis this last weekend and he reminded me that the first brevet of 2014 is March 29th.  That is less than 90 days away!  I think it was a reminder that 1) I needed to post the Calendar of Events for 2014 to the website and 2) it is time to set up some goals for this year.

After taking 2013 off and only offering a few 200K and 300K events, the 2014 season will host a full series (200, 300, 400 and 600K) of ACP events.  My Calendar of Events is up to date as of this posting.  I hope you will check out the calendar and join me and other riders from the mid-west for some or all of these events.

I have kept the ride prices the same for the last four or five years.  This year the 200K remains at just $10 per rider.  The 300K and 400K events remain at $15 per rider.  I did raise the 600K event from $20 to $25 per rider.