April 14 Brevet

Hello riders. It is now just 24 hours before the April 14th brevets. I have been checking the forecasts for the St. Louis area and the weather is going to be a little more challenging than the last brevet. Currently the morning forecast is for temperatures around 58 degrees with a 50% chance of scattered storms. By noon the temps should climb to near 72 degrees, still with chances of scattered storms. By evening the temps should be 77 and yes, still those pesky chances of rain. Winds all day are mostly out of the south growing in intensity later in the day. That should make for a nice tail wind north!

First, if you are riding the 300K, you will need lights (front and rear) as well as reflective gear. Lights for the 200K are optional as the sun will be up before we head out and not set until nearly 7:45PM That said, lights and reflective gear are always a good idea. If you think you may take longer that 12 and a half hours to complete the event, then make sure you DO have your lights and reflective gear.

Second, all riders, 200K and 300K should think about rain gear and visibility in the rain.

Registration will begin in Edwardsville at 6:00AM, closing at 6:45. Please make sure you register during those times. The 200K distance fee is $10, and the 300K event fee is $15. Exact change is much appreciated. See you there.

Calendar Update ** Important **

It was brought to my attention that my April Calendar of Events did not properly list the dates and start times. If you are already looking at events for St. Louis and Springfield MO, please check the Calendar of Events page to make sure the event you want is listed and what the registration and start times are. I apologize for the confusion and any inconvenience this error has caused.

The brevet season is off to a good start

March 31 was the season opener for the St. Louis brevet series. The morning temperature was in the low 50’s with the rising sun and blue skies early on. Not being a fast rider, this RBA took up the rear position (lantern rouge) heading out of the Edwardsville IL parking lot.

16 riders started at 7:00 AM as they headed along the Madison County IL trail. As with most brevets the early pace was quick but riders settled into their rhythm and found other riders to talk and ride with. The group broke into multiple groups. Fast riders itching to put in a fast time were quickly off the trail and heading east towards Pocahontas and Greenville.

While St. Louis brevets have been ridden in temperatures ranging from 14 degrees to over 100 degrees and precipitation which varies from snow, sleet, sprinkles, rain and downpours, today’s event topped out at 76 degrees with no precipitation and a light breeze. You could barely ask for a better day to ride.
Of the 16 riders who started the 200K event, 14 finished, and all finished under ten hours.

Thank you for supporting the St. Louis and Springfield MO events, and I look forward to seeing you on the road again soon.

Calendar of Events for 2012

The Calendar of Events for 2012 has been updated on the website. Ralph will be hosting a 200K in March and a 300K in April in the Springfield Missouri area. For the St. Louis area, we will be hosting two full ACP series (200, 300, 400 & 600K) out of Edwardsville Illinois.

I know winter is creeping up on us, and this morning is was below freezing for the first time, but I suggest everyone take a nice break from cycling then come back and prepare for next season.

Wrap It Up

Yes, I know, there is still one more brevet this weekend. But I am also assuming some of you are wondering where your brevet cards are. I did get an email a week ago from RUSA. They just received a big shipment of brevet stickers. However, RUSA is a little busy with PBP.

I would expect the stickers sometime early September. I will then spend some mind numbing evenings watching tv and applying stickers to all those cards and get them in the mail to you as quick as possible.

Even before the final brevet in St. Louis is ridden, I want to say a thank you to the solo rider who braved a 4-5 inch snow storm to ride and finish, to those who rode in the rain, those who rode through flooded roads after a massive downpour, and finished, to those who rode into headwinds, and a few tailwinds, to those who rode in the heat and humidity in June and July and finished, and to every single person who came out and tried their best and had a good time despite the results.