New England Randonneurs

Course check from this weekend is complete – the route is incredible – stringing together the nicest (and scenic, with climbing) N/S paved roads in central Vermont. Parts of the route are remote, with towns interspersed at regular intervals. Bring good lighting and a backup if you will be riding through the night – there is a good possibility that you may see moose inbound on Rt. 100.

Note that the last 85 miles will have limited services for late finishers. All convenience stores inbound on VT Rt. 100 close at 10pm – so please plan accordingly. The last control at Ludlow is a 24h gas station / convenience store and you may find other options open as you pass through town. (I can vouch for the taco place across the road – it was the dinner stop on my ’09 Fleche.)

Final cue should be done by Wednesday. Registered riders can email for the cue – mike (dot) beganyi (at) gmail (dot) com.

*Note the the VT rides are self supported with minimal NERds volunteers on course. I’ll be on course Saturday morning at the start and first control, and then see riders at the finish. Emergency telephone information will be on the cue sheet and the brevet card.

Our VT 400k route has been certified by RUSA. This route is a scenic tour around much of our great state – taking in the Green Mountains, a slice of the Connecticut River valley, long portions on both Rt 12a and Rt. 100, and quaint small towns like Saxton’s River, Putney, Grafton, and Rochester, VT.

Our halfway stop will be at the famed West Hill Shop in Putney, VT. Some good friends run the place – and they have let me know that in addition to our humble little event passing through town they are running their annual Tour of the Valleys ride. It is also their 40th Anniversary – they will be hosting a party that will start at 3pm, just about right for mid pack randonneurs to arrive and enjoy a festive refueling. They are serving as a stocked control – so they can take care of the go-fast guys and gals too.

The preliminary course can be seen here. Official cue sheets will be verified and finalized in the next two weeks, and will be sent to registered riders upon request.

This ride starts in Waterbury, VT. Accommodations for our out of town guests can be made at a number of local B&Bs or Inns, but the Best Western Waterbury is less than a 1/4 mile from the start.

On April 21st at 7pm NER is holding an informal meeting to discuss Paris-Brest-Paris, 1200k events, and randonneuring in general. If you’re thinking about going to PBP or other 1200k events in 2011, this is your chance to have all your questions answered: training, transportation, eating, sleeping, etc. If you’ve ridden PBP before, come and help answer questions or just reminisce about the event. Even if you have little interest in PBP, come hang out with your fellow Randonneurs.

The meeting is open to the public and is free. No pre-reg required, just show up! Snacks and drinks provided.

Date & Time: April 21st @ 7pm.
Location:
55 Old Bedford Road, Lincoln, MA (Google Map)
Directional Note: This is the office building immediately outside Hanscom Field.
Meeting will be held in the building’s café.

Special thanks to John McClellan for making the meeting space available.