I've been back from a 3 week vacation in the UK and one thing I
relearned is the variability of the weather in NW Europe.   One thing
has held steady - the weather has been unsettled.  Cool and showery
for the most part.   I don't think it touched 70F the whole time I
was there (NW England, Lake District, Paris, North Wales).  Forecasts
beyond 48 hours were of little value.  I did two rides of 140 and 200
miles while i was there and was wearing 2 layers of wool for most of
the way on each.   I'd pack for every eventuality, and not take too
much notice of the forecast a week ahead.
Ian (contemplating fenders) Flitcroft

    At 09:55 AM 8/7/2007, Jeff Bauer wrote:
>PLMHayes@... wrote:
> > Temps in Paris today are 53/71F and wet compared to 78/98 here in
> > Atlanta. Now I really DO wish I'd signed up for PBP! I hope everyone's
> > about ready.
>
>It's too early to tell, but it appears the long term
>forecast shows the rain to be breaking up in the next
>week or so.  Dry temps in the daytime 68-76F would be
>quite pleasant, compared to our 100F highs today.
>
>Nighttime rain with temps below 50F would be quite
>chilly, especially for those of us acclimated to
>these torrid southeast temperatures this August.
>
>--
>Jeff Bauer
>Nashville, Tennessee
>
>
>
>Community email addresses:
>   Post message: garandon@onelist.com
>   Subscribe:    garandon-subscribe@onelist.com
>   Unsubscribe:  garandon-unsubscribe@onelist.com
>   List owner:   garandon-owner@onelist.com
>
>Shortcut URL to this page:
>   http://www.onelist.com/community/garandon
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

PLMHayes@... wrote:
> Temps in Paris today are 53/71F and wet compared to 78/98 here in
> Atlanta. Now I really DO wish I'd signed up for PBP! I hope everyone's
> about ready.

It's too early to tell, but it appears the long term
forecast shows the rain to be breaking up in the next
week or so.  Dry temps in the daytime 68-76F would be
quite pleasant, compared to our 100F highs today.

Nighttime rain with temps below 50F would be quite
chilly, especially for those of us acclimated to
these torrid southeast temperatures this August.

--
Jeff Bauer
Nashville, Tennessee

Useful PBP info for Paris and Brest:

    http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/city.html?n=195
    http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/city.html?n=335

I notice that some of their high temps are lower than
our lows.

--
Jeff Bauer

Mike,

Sorry we can't join you, but Mary and I will be riding
this tandem on a 400K this weekend as a final checkout
ride
.
However, once you've completed a sub-5 hour century,
it's worth considering a sub-4 hour ride:

    http://www.clarksvillecentury.com/

The Clarksville Sunrise is a week after PBP, so  I'll
be riding it, though not with the lead peloton this year.

--
Jeff Bauer
Nashville, Tennessee

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Wish I were going! Reading this brings back good
memories of my two PBPs. A couple of thoughts:
While "Aqua" is undoubtedly understood through the
Western world as water, the French word is easy to
pronounce: de l'eau (roughly duh low). A few other
French words and phrases are easy to learn and go a
long way.
Resist - I repeat - resist the temptation to go out
too fast. The start is exciting and it's easy to get
caught up in the moment. If possible, start with a
friend and watch each other here. In 2003 I started at
10:00 way too fast, skipped the first stop, which is
not mandatory, and by dawn was exhausted.
Be very careful when stopping along the side of the
road - the place you're about to sit might have been
"watered".
Plan on cold on the way back, when you're exhausted.
An undershirt would be well worth the weight. I prefer
wool, but plastic fibers are ok, too. Take a space
blanket. It can be slept under or ripped and stuffed
under a jersey.
I never had a problem with inspection. Spare bulbs and
batteries can be an issue, so just take a pocketfull
to inspection and leave what you don't need in you
baggage. The bulbs don't have to fit, they just have
to be bulbs.
A great and wonderful adventure, and not one to be
wasted trying to post a good time. No mater how good
you are, you won't be near the top of the leader
board, so just enjoy the ride!

--- Jeff Bauer <jbauer@...> wrote:

> Final thoughts.
>
> For what it's worth.  You've may have already
> discerned from the other PBP ride reports:
>
> 1) PBP is crowded.
> 2) PBP is possibly cold and wet.
>
> The intersection of these two possibilities can make
> for an unpleasant nighttime on-bike/off-bike
> experience.
>
> In 2003, France went through a severe heat wave.
> Temps
> were over 100F and 14,000 Parisians died due to heat
> related illnesses.  IN SPITE OF THIS, the late
> evenings
> and early mornings were pretty chilly.  On the third
> night,
> it dropped into the 40's and riders donned every
> piece
> of clothing they had.  On the way back through
> Loudeac,
> the cafeteria was stuffed with riders crammed into
> every
> nook and cranny trying to stay warm.
>
> When you are acclimated to riding in temps ranging
> from the 70's through the 90's, such a drop in
> temperature feels extreme.  This is not like riding
> in 40F temperatures in March, when you've had all
> winter to acclimate to wearing just a vest and
> arm warmers.
>
> For anyone who's not ridden more than a 600K ...
> by the second night of a long ride your body no
> longer produces the same amount of heat to keep
> you warm.  You'll need more clothing than usual
> to keep you comfortable.  And you can't count on
> places during PBP to stop and warm up.
>
> We were all cold in 2003 and it didn't rain.  If it
> does rain (why is Brittany so green?), expect the
> night riding to be even more challenging if you're
> unprepared.  The Europeans will probably have fewer
> problems as they're used to this climate.  For those
> of us training here in the southern United States,
> we need to be prepared for some slight adjustments.
>
> Bon Route!
>
> --
> Jeff Bauer
> Nashville, Tennessee
>


       D. Bundrick

Indeed Mike, it's posts like these that make me wonder why you aren't?


MW





________________________________________________________________________________\
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From: PLMHayes@...

To: garandon@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2007 6:46 PM

Subject: Re: [garandon] PBP thoughts: Part 4

Jeff,

It's posts like this that make me wish I was going. Good job.

Mike D.


**************************************
Get a sneak peak of the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour

Final thoughts.

For what it's worth.  You've may have already
discerned from the other PBP ride reports:

1) PBP is crowded.
2) PBP is possibly cold and wet.

The intersection of these two possibilities can make
for an unpleasant nighttime on-bike/off-bike experience.

In 2003, France went through a severe heat wave.  Temps
were over 100F and 14,000 Parisians died due to heat
related illnesses.  IN SPITE OF THIS, the late evenings
and early mornings were pretty chilly.  On the third night,
it dropped into the 40's and riders donned every piece
of clothing they had.  On the way back through Loudeac,
the cafeteria was stuffed with riders crammed into every
nook and cranny trying to stay warm.

When you are acclimated to riding in temps ranging
from the 70's through the 90's, such a drop in
temperature feels extreme.  This is not like riding
in 40F temperatures in March, when you've had all
winter to acclimate to wearing just a vest and
arm warmers.

For anyone who's not ridden more than a 600K ...
by the second night of a long ride your body no
longer produces the same amount of heat to keep
you warm.  You'll need more clothing than usual
to keep you comfortable.  And you can't count on
places during PBP to stop and warm up.

We were all cold in 2003 and it didn't rain.  If it
does rain (why is Brittany so green?), expect the
night riding to be even more challenging if you're
unprepared.  The Europeans will probably have fewer
problems as they're used to this climate.  For those
of us training here in the southern United States,
we need to be prepared for some slight adjustments.

Bon Route!

--
Jeff Bauer
Nashville, Tennessee

Bike inspection at PBP can be both serious and absurd.

My recommendation is to request the earliest inspection
time possible.  As the day drags on, the lines can get
backed up and you spend more time waiting for inspection.
Also, if you have any problems during your bike inspection
you'll have time to remedy the situation if you start
early.

There will be two lines.  One for the French riders
and (literally) "Strangers".  In 2003 I was directed
to the French line to speed up the process.  My lack
of French vocabulary and the inspector's lack of English
made for a somewhat comical situation.

Here are some recommendations to pass through your
inspection quickly.

    - Bring your brevet card, laminated bike number
      attached to the bike, and bike inspection form
      (titled: Accuse D'Inscription).

    - Mounted taillight(s): demonstrate steady,
      non-blinking operation.

    - Mounted headlights: demonstrate working condition.
      I had to explain how the Schmidt dynohub worked to
      my inspector in 2003.

    - Brakes:  I don't suppose fixed-gear riders will
      have to argue about the absence of a rear brake.

    - Misc: Depending on the zealotry of the inspector
      and the time of day, they may also check out your
      stem, headset, bolt adjustments, etc.

    - Spare batteries: Even if you use a Schmidt dynohub,
      it will save you time to carry a sack of AA batteries.
      In 2003, I borrowed some from Tom Cayton.

    - Spare bulbs:  3 bulbs - no less(***)  I don't know
      why the magic number is three.  You can argue that two
      LED lights is more effective than one non-LED system
      with three bulbs.  Good luck.  It will save you time
      if you just borrow 3 bulbs from another rider to pass
      inspection (even if they don't fit your light) than
      to argue with a French bureaucrat.

    - Reflective vest/legs: The inspector will mark your
      vest so you can't loan it to someone else and subvert
      the inspection process.  Interestingly, my reflective
      vest was pinched at Loudeac on the inbound leg.
      Fortunately, I never got busted for it's absence,
      since I wore a reflective-appearing yellow rain jacket.

    - Be sure your brevet card is stamped at the completion
      of bike inspection.

Hope you find this useful.  -Jeff Bauer


*** "Then shalt thou count to three, no more, no less.
Three shall be the number thou shalt count, and the number
of the counting shall be three.  Four shalt thou not count,
neither count thou two, excepting that thou then proceed
to three.  Five is right out.  Once the number three,
being the third number, be reached, then lobbest thou
thy Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch towards thy foe, who,
being naughty in my sight, shall snuff it."
    - Monty Python and the Holy Grail

At almost every 1200K, someone shows up missing some
critical gear.  Fortunately (with the exception of your
Passport and bike shoes) most of it can be purchased
in France.  But it's less expensive and time-consuming
to bring your own gear.

Everyone's gear list will vary.  Here's mine.  I find
it useful to print out this list and manually check off
each piece of gear as it's packed.

PBP Checklist

Travel
      ___  Passport, Driver's license, Medical Insurance (+ photocopies)
      ___  Bike Inspection Sheet (Accuse D'inscription)
      ___  Cash (100 euros), ATM, credit cards
      ___  Wristwatch (even if you don't normally wear one
      ___  Brevet card, frame number, route sheet
      ___  Camera

Bike / Bike repair
      ___  Bike Computer (set to kilometers, you imperialist!)
      ___  CO2 cartridges**
      ___  Tire Patches, tire boot
      ___  Toolset: hex wrenches, tire levers, chain tool + spare links
      ___  Leatherman OR Swiss Army Knife
      ___  Chain Lube, grease
      ___  Spare Tubes  (2-3 on bike, 2 per drop bag)
      ___  Patch kit
      ___  FibreFix spoke replacement
      ___  Spare Tire
      ___  Saddle Bag
      ___  Handlebar bag
      ___  Headlights  (fresh batteries)
      ___  Taillights  (fresh batteries)
      ___  Spare bulbs (x3)
      ___  Zip ties, duct tape, electrical tape
      ___  Frame pump

Night Gear
      ___  Petzl headlamp  (fresh batteries)
      ___  Reflective gear:  (vest/belt, leg reflectors)
      ___  Spare baggies, plastic wrap, plastic sacks
      ___  Spare batteries
      ___  Earplugs, eye cover

Fuel / Nutrition / Comfort
      ___  Water bottles
      ___  CamelBak
      ___  Drink Mix  (pre-measured into zip lock bags)
      ___  Gels
      ___  Energy Bars
      ___  Endurolytes
      ___  Caffeine tablets
      ___  Ibuprofen
      ___  Immodium
      ___  Tums
      ___  Butt balm (Lantiseptic, Bag Balm, etc.)
      ___  Sunscreen, lip balm
      ___  Toilet paper
      ___  Emergency space blanket
      ___  Wet wipes

Clothing / Wearables
      ___  Cycling shoes
      ___  Helmet
      ___  Glasses (dark + clear)
      ___  Shorts  (+ spares)
      ___  Knee warmers OR leg warmers OR tights
      ___  Socks
      ___  Gloves
      ___  Glove liners or long-fingered gloves
      ___  Jersey(s)
      ___  Underlayer
      ___  Arm warmers
      ___  Cycling cap OR Beanie OR Lightweight Balaclava
      ___  Vest
      ___  Rain jacket

-----------------------------------------------
Notes:

1. Some people will ride "commando" style with the
80 hour group.  They'll take a spare tube, patch kit,
arm warmers, and a vest.  This list isn't for those
riders.

2. Your CO2 cartridges may get confiscated by TSA, so
bring along a frame pump.  All the CO2 cartridges will
be sold out by the time your get to the ride, so don't
plan on being able to purchase any when you arrive.

--
Jeff Bauer
Nashville, Tennessee

Some thoughts on PBP before the big event.  I'm no
PBP expert, having only ridden the course once, but
for first timers it might be worth presenting some of
differences you'll experience compared to a "normal"
1200K.  Here are some notes I made in reference to
a discussion we had at Bill's orientation earlier
this year.

What makes Paris-Brest-Paris different from any other
kind of randonnee?

1. Roads
     - Slightly rougher surface
     - Some "Pave"
     - Hardly any shake & bake sections
     - Rolling, nothing > 9% grade (but: never flat)

2. Controls
     - French riders do not queue in line
     - Main areas:
       - bike racks
       - card swipe/stamp  (Go HERE first!)
       - cafeteria / cafe

       (The cafe, if available, is mostly for food "to go"
       and doesn't offer the selection of hot, buffet-style
       food at the cafeteria.)

     - Optional areas:
       - Water spigot  (ask for "Aqua")
       - Sleep  (A cot may be available at peak hours)
       - Shower trailer  (Only available at some controls
         such as Loudeac.  Don't expect hot water, bring
         your own towel.)
       - Drop bags area (Loudeac)

3. Markets
     - No 24-hour "Kwik-Marts"
     - Bars are often open past midnight and serve food
     - Roadside offerings: "Aqua" & "Cafe"

4. Everything: A La Carte
     - No freebies, always carry euros

5. Restroom breaks:  Public restrooms are almost
     non-existent and you may have to wait a while
     at the controls.  Bring toilet paper!

6. Sleep breaks
     - At the controls:
       - You may have to wait.
       - Cots were $2 Euros in 2003
       - Bring earplugs  (100+ snorers = high decibels)
     - Out in the open:
       - Daytime: find some shade
       - Nighttime: careful not to use someone's restroom

7. Motorists:
     - Patient, except for trucks (lorries)
     - You may ride side-by-side with bothering anyone
     - Don't yell "Car back!".  It's stupid, unnecessary,
       and assumes everyone around you speaks English.  Not.

8. Road Markings
     - Excellent: bright with reflective tape
     - Cue sheet: Almost useless, but program your bike
       computer to use kilometers anyway.
     - Town-to-town: Although the cue sheet isn't very
       useful, it *is* helpful to know which town you're
       about to enter/leave.  If you get lost, it's easier
       to find your way back.
     - Vandalism: On the last few kilometers in 2003, some
       punks vandalized/removed the route makers.  Fortunately
       the organizers painted the markings so we could find
       our way back to the finish.
     - Outbound vs. inbound: Each direction will have a different
       color marker.  Don't follow the wrong color!  This has
       happened before and caused riders to DNF.

9. Self-sufficient
     - It may rain, temps can drop into the 40's at night.
     - No roving SAG support such as GRR, BMB, etc.
     - There are excellent bike mechanics at the controls,
       however you may have to wait in line for them to
       attend to your needs.

--
Jeff Bauer
Nashville, Tennessee

----- Original Message -----

From: Jeff Sammons

To: HBC Ultra E-Mail ; GARandon E-mail List ; Randon E-Mail

Sent: Monday, July 02, 2007 10:54 AM

Subject: [garandon] New Brevets Scheduled

All:

 

For all those people needing some training rides before PBP, we've added the following brevets to our schedule here in Tennessee:

 

7/28 - 400K - Starts Manchester, TN -  a challenging loop course

                       with 7 climbs of 2 to 4 miles in length

                       travels thru Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama

8/04 - 300K - Starts Brentwood, TN - an easy out-and-back course

                       with 1 climb of 2 miles in length at the turnaround

8/11 - 200K - Starts Murfreesboro, TN - the final ride before we leave for PBP

 

This should allow everyone to taper their training prior to leaving for PBP.

 

More information can be found on our website at: http://www.harpethbikeclub.com/Ultra/default.aspx

 

See you in Paris!

 

Jeff Sammons

Tennessee RBA

RUSA #2846

 

---

Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha!
Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games.

---

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This is for all of you that are going to PBP and have an urge to go
fast.

Remember you can use PBP as a RAAM Qualifier, so if you think you can
even come close you'll need to join the UMCA and send them an email
letting them know you are using PBP as a RAAM Qualification attempt.

You don't have to do RAAM but you get a nice plaque for your wall, a
medal and of course a few extra bragging rights.

On the http://ultracycling.com/events/raam_qualified.php site you can
search for those that are qualified.
As of Dec 2006 the total is 994, GA has 22, NC has 8, SC has 4 Last
year I put together a list from the old info and had a couple more
listed.

With the larger packs it should be easier at PBP than the other 1200
K's, so think about it.

Have a good trip either way!
Tony G

Below is from http://ultracycling.com/events/raamqualifiers.html

> RAAM qualifying races also serve other purposes:
>  • Qualifying solo racers to race in RAAM and receiving the coveted
> invitation to race in RAAM.
>  • Earning the RAAM Qualified plaque, awarded by the UMCA to each
> rider who qualifies.
>  • Earning points in the John Marino Competition to determine the
> ultra racers of the season.
>  • Demonstrating outstanding performance for the  UltraCyclist of
> Distinction award, the highest honor an ultracyclist can earn.
>  • Training to race in RAAM. Relay teams are encouraged to race the
> qualifiers. The most experienced solo and relay team riders usually do
> the best in RAAM.
>
> Other Qualifying Opportunities
>  In addition the UMCA recognizes other opportunities to qualify for
> RAAM:
>
> 4) 1200km randonnées
>  1200km randonnées sanctioned by the Randonneurs Mondiaux (RM) or
> Audax Club Parisien (ACP) are drafting events with time limits, rather
> than non-drafting races. As such, they are neither sanctioned by nor
> supported by the UMCA. However, a 1200K randonnée is a significant
> test of a rider's fitness and a rider may use an RM/ACP-sanctioned
> 1200K to qualify for RAAM under the following conditions:
>  1 	 the rider is a current, annual member of the UMCA, and
>  2 	 the rider informs the UMCA by letter or e-mail before the 1200K
> that the rider intends to use the 1200K to attempt to qualify for
> RAAM, and
>  3  the rider meets the qualifying standard for a division:
> Qualifying Standard
>
>  18-49 years old
> Men under 65 hours
> Women under 70 hours
>  
>  50-59
> Men under 70 hours
> Women under 75 hours
>  
>  60-69
> Men under 75 hours
> Women under 80 hours

Have a good trip either way!
Tony G