Calling all randos...

[Susan Otcenas]

Attempting my 1st 600K brevet next weekend.

Advice??

TIA,

Susan

[Bike Chick]

Wow, Susan, good luck! There is a man in our bike club that is a rando....I admire what he has done. It's truly an outstanding accomplishment and takes a special type of person to be in the saddle that long.

[GLC1968]

and takes a special type of person to be in the saddle that long.

Yes, a crazy one!

[Susan Otcenas]

Wow, Susan, good luck! .... It's truly an outstanding accomplishment and takes a special type of person to be in the saddle that long.

Thanks for the well wishes!

I've discovered that I have a talent for being in the saddle for a long time. I'm not the speediest person out there, but I've learned what level I can exert myself at that allows me to just keep going and going. I did a 300K a few weeks ago and felt GREAT when I was done. No saddle issues, no real aches or pains. My neck was a little stiff, but that was about it.

But 600K seems like a whole 'nother ballgame. Would love to hear from others who've successfully gone the distance!

[salsabike]

Susan, maillotpois did a 600 a few years ago and has a wonderful race report on it. It may even be on TE, but for sure she'll respond to a PM about it. I know that because before my husband's first 600 last summer, I asked if she had any tips, and she did---they're right in the race report.

[Susan Otcenas]

Salsa - Thanks for the suggestion. I sent her a PM.

[Tri Girl]

no advice, but HOLY MOLY!!!! I'm so impressed. I can't wait to hear all about it!!! Promise you'll write a report and share it with us?

[Pedal Wench]

Think my first reponse got lost...

I'm one of the crazy randos!

Tips: EAT! You'll need a steady supply of calories, and since you're at controls anyway, why not grab some potato chips?
Be prepared for the chill of night. After being sweaty all day and getting tired, you'll be colder at night than you think you'll be.
LIGHTS! Bring every light you have! Nothing worse than not being able to see, especially on a descent. And try to find someone to ride with at night. Safety in numbers, plus the lights combine to make it easier for everyone to see.

Edit: and bring a helmet light too - I like being able to see what's rustling in the brush next to the road. And, have an easy way to read the cue sheet, and backup if you're using a computer.

[Pedal Wench]

I've discovered that I have a talent for being in the saddle for a long time. I'm not the speediest person out there, but I've learned what level I can exert myself at that allows me to just keep going and going.

That's me too. Ideally suited for it - can't go fast to save my life, but have a long, long, long ride - sign me up! I should do a report on my first fleche - I think we ate more than we rode!

[jobob]

That's me too. Ideally suited for it - can't go fast to save my life, but have a long, long, long ride - sign me up! I should do a report on my first fleche - I think we ate more than we rode!

Likewize. I plan to start riding brevets again once I have this Death Ride foolishness behind me. Assuming I ever want to get on a bike ever again.

[Trekhawk]

no advice, but holy moly!!!! I'm so impressed. I can't wait to hear all about it!!! Promise you'll write a report and share it with us?

What tri girl said. I am looking forward to hearing all about it.

[Catrin]

Yes, do let us know how things go! I am interested in eventually trying this. I am not interested in racing, but would like to try my hand at a brevet when I have enough experience to do so.

[sundial]

Susan, no tips to give but I do wish you a great ride and I will be looking forward to your report.

[tulip]

Once again, Susan, you are an inspiration to us all. Can't wait to read the ride report.

I have Paris-Brest-Paris on my someday list, but really, I'd prefer to just tour there and stop and sleep and explore the villages! Night riding is not high on my list.

[Pedal Wench]

Another thread reminded me of this. I use aerobars on brevets, for a variety of reasons. Besides the opportunity to give my hands/wrists a break, and slightly for their obvious aero advantage, I use the bars to hold my cue sheet. I laminate it, punch holes and use cable tie loops to hang it over the aerobars - flipping pages at controls. It's also great to have to hang things from. Lights, batteries, and spare armwarmers-legwarmers. I'm not the most aero thing rolling down the road like that, but I've got everything I need.