Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Eric Peterson on March 29, 2010 at 2:51pm

Eric Peterson said:

Link to 200K course (BikeRouteToaster), which claims about 1300' feet of climbing.

Permalink Reply by David Berry on March 29, 2010 at 4:51pm

I got 2500 I think in bikely.com. But who knows how accurate these things really are.

A couple interesting things so far. They first control is at 45 miles. That is a pretty good ways into the ride. I would assume most riders will need to refill both bottles at control #1. Then the next two controls come quickly, at 60 and 74 miles. Probably most will make control #2 just a stop to get their brevet card signed, and then refill again at 74 miles. Stop 4 is at 99 miles, the Carl's Shell in Edgerton, so I would assume most riders will refuel there for the 30 odd miles back home.

I like the fact that the routes are loops. That helps to keep a little interest so we aren't always on the same roads. I am interested to see what the 300 km holds heading out to New Glarus. There will be hills out there.

Permalink Reply by Jim Kreps on April 7, 2010 at 1:52pm

GLR 200K and 300K postings

FYI to all who are courious - yes the first 200K control is 45 miles out, but this is great TRAINING for rides such as Paris-Brest-Paris where the first control is 87 miles out (141KM) ...or... USA's Cascade 1200 (GREAT RIDE) where the first control is 52 miles out ...or... USA's Calif Gold Rush where the first control is an unbelievable 102 miles out (but I think they had a water stop half way).

However, we will linform all riders that there is a mini mart half way between Delavan and Brodhead for those who need to stop ...or...if it becomes a very hot day. It's along ELT Townline Road at the intersection of route 51.

Dont panic, official controls where cards need to be signed for qualification are spaced out, but there will be plently of other opportunities on the 300K, 400K and 600K for other stops. Most distances between controls average between 20 and 35 miles.

Jim
GLR RBA
jimmyk22@aol.com
SAVE $5 and send in your regsiteration for the first 200K ride on May 1st. Go to GLRrando.org to print out an application.

Permalink Reply by Bo on April 14, 2010 at 8:40am

Thanks very much for the info on controls. Having never ridden a brevet, this was always an unknown in my efforts to plan.

Permalink Reply by David Berry on April 14, 2010 at 4:16pm

Welcome to the group Bo and I hope to see you on a brevet soon.

Part of riding a brevet is not just the physical part and other "day of ride" things but the planning for the ride. Most RBA's are pretty good about publishing their route sheets ahead of time so you can get an idea of what you are facing in terms of terrain and distance between controls. For example, if you know it is going to be a long distance between controls or any stores, you want to make sure to top off all of your supplies before heading out on that long stretch.

One question new riders often have is if they can stop at another store that is not a control. The answer is yes. I think the best way to put it is that you can take advantage of any stores or services that are naturally there. I know we go through a couple of towns that we don't have controls in, but if it is a hot day, one may choose to stop to get more or at least colder fluids if need be. Just remember, any time you stop, the clock is still ticking, so most of us prefer to keep our stops as efficient as possible.

The GLR group is really an outstanding group to ride with. Jim Kreps and the other leaders of the group also really do a great job of putting on these events. I remember doing my first brevet and I had some butterflies and wasn't 100% sure what to expect. But you can post any questions you have to this forum, and someone will answer them. Hope to see you out there on May 1.

Bo said:

Thanks very much for the info on controls. Having never ridden a brevet, this was always an unknown in my efforts to plan.

Permalink Reply by Joe on April 16, 2010 at 3:02pm

I'm looking forward to the new routes. Verona was cool and riding part of the Ironman course backwards was neat to see all of the triathletes but highway M was a bit scary for me. Thanks for making up new and fun routes :)

Joe

Permalink Reply by mike w. on May 2, 2010 at 7:00am

So, how was the ride Saturday? Sorry i missed it. From here it looked like a fine day to ride. Hope to out on the next one.

Permalink Reply by Dan Diehn on May 2, 2010 at 2:09pm

I really liked the new route. My take was that the route was a little more challenging than the old 200. The roads had less traffic but seemed to be of lesser surface quality. Overall, seemed like a really positive change.

The weather on Saturday was pretty good. The winds were tough but mostly with cross winds or cross/headwinds instead of a direct headwind. Seemed like everyone was having a good ride and were in pretty good spirits.

Dan

Permalink Reply by Joe on May 2, 2010 at 3:47pm

I missed the first one but can't wait to join you guys in a few weeks :)

Dan Diehn said:

I really liked the new route. My take was that the route was a little more challenging than the old 200. The roads had less traffic but seemed to be of lesser surface quality. Overall, seemed like a really positive change.

The weather on Saturday was pretty good. The winds were tough but mostly with cross winds or cross/headwinds instead of a direct headwind. Seemed like everyone was having a good ride and were in pretty good spirits.

Dan

Permalink Reply by Nine on May 2, 2010 at 5:58pm

mike w. said:

So, how was the ride Saturday? Sorry i missed it. From here it looked like a fine day to ride. Hope to out on the next one.

I put up a ride report and a few pictures on my blog.

• The Kettlemoraine Biker
• Kevin