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.

Yes, it is 2013. It is January, the weather is cold and rain is on the way. I wanted to give a quick note to tell you the 2013 calendar of events has been posted to the St. Louis Randonneuring website.

You will certainly note that for the first time in eight years I am not offering a full ACP Brevet Series. I am offering an abbreviated schedule of several 200 kilometer and two 300 kilometer ACP events. I am offering two 200K events in April and dual 200K/300K events in May. Prices for the rides remains the same as it has been for many years, $10 for a 200K and $15 for 300K events. I certainly appreciate every rider who attends and keeps our sport alive in the greater St. Louis area.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. My contact information is located on my "contact" page on the website.

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.