brevets anyone?

[Fredwina]

Well, the next running of pBP is 2011, so maybe he'll get, I plan on being in Guyancort cleberating an age that ends in "0: in 2011, too(I'm not not going to tell the other digit)
Brevets are a lot more like tours than the typical "training ride" . Maybe that's why I like them.
You do have to be willing to ride at night (duh!), but I woundn't worry about time in the saddle so much, as I really can't fit much riding in typical weekday
One good thing is that you can build into it. i.e., the expiernce in the 200K helps out with the 300K, etc.
Lights : I use a CygoLite MityCross 300 and a Black diamond headlamp and two Planet bike Superflashes for the backl. I also ride a Bacchetta Strada Recumbent, so take that with a grain of salt
You may also be aware that us 'mericans have to ride full series both years to qualify for 2011 quotas, not sure if that applies in Canada(I noticed that you put RVA as your location, but are planning on riding the Ontario, Canada(I live next to the "other" Ontario, CA) series
I'd give the 200K a whirl and see if you like it. You've got time to prepare(our 200K is this saturday)

[wnyrider]

... I also ride a Bacchetta Strada Recumbent, so take that with a grain of salt...

Okay, one recumbent mentioned... I am curious as to what other bikes the rest of you are riding for all those hours and hours (and more hours!) of saddle time?

I deleted most of my post after I realized how rude I may have unintentionally been to applegum. Sorry for the interruption. I guess when I read your post and saw that you were going to be somewhat close to my location it motivated me. I admire your planning ahead in preparation.

[maillotpois]

Okay, one recumbent mentioned... I am curious as to what other bikes the rest of you are riding for all those hours and hours (and more hours!) of saddle time?

I have an Eddy Merckx Team SC scandium frame, race style. Probably the only scandium frame Merckx to do a 600k since most people are on steel or other retro type bikes....



I also have a Colnago outfitted with the Schmidt hub, but the most that one has done is a 400k:

[Pedal Wench]

I've used a carbon Bianchi for some 24-hour stuff and a few 300K brevets, and a carbon/ti Colnago for some too. I have a full ti Colnago that did an intown/urban 24-hour race - it was quite comfortable.

[Fredwina]

From experience, you'll see a wide variety.
Steel touring relaxed bikes are popular, but I've dne most of my brevet on a Cannndale CAAD 7 frame. I've also got a Roubiax for hiller rides.
PS I pulled A DNS on the 200K I was having some issue with muscle cramps over the weekend, and I've lost my inner randonuese

[Pedal Wench]

From experience, you'll see a wide variety.
Steel touring relaxed bikes are popular, but I've dne most of my brevet on a Cannndale CAAD 7 frame. I've also got a Roubiax for hiller rides.
PS I pulled A DNS on the 200K I was having some issue with muscle cramps over the weekend, and I've lost my inner randonuese

Good job on listening to that inner randoneusse! She always knows best!

[Jaclyn]

My partner and I are hoping to qualify for PRP in 2011. We will be doing the Ohio series which is reasonably close to Toronto. You can get more information from the Ohio Randonneurs website at http://www.ohiorand.org/

A great ride for becoming comfortable riding at night is the National 24 Hour Challenge in June in Michigan. It is an UMCA cup event. http://n24hc.org/ The night loop is a 7 mile rectangle (all right turns) with a sheriff at each corner. This is its 28th year so the community knows the cyclists will be on the road all night. And with 350 or so cyclists, you are never alone on the road in the dark. It's a very well organized, fun event.

We ride our 2005 steel Co-Motion Primera Co-Pilot tandem which is heavy but comfortable.