Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Where do I start?
I suggest spending some time looking at the RUSA website. Please read the rules for riders.
2. Do I have to be a member of the LBC to participate in these brevets?
No. While we do not require membership in the LBC, we would like it if you joined and participated in more of our rides. We are very proud of our active touring program and encourage you to join us.
3. Do I have to be member of RUSA to participate in these brevets?
4. What type of equipment is required to participate in these brevets?Once again, you do not need to join RUSA, but it is required if you want to receive any of the awards offered by RUSA.
The most important required equipment is your safety equipment. This includes a helmet, reflective vest, reflective ankle bands, and lights (both front and rear). Please do not try to skimp on the reflective gear. The quiet back roads we favor for these rides are very dark. Please see article 10 of the rules for riders.
Riders are also required to carry supplies to perform basic repairs such as fixing a flat tire.5. What kind of bike do I need?
The best bike is the one that you are comfortable riding. There have been riders complete brevets on mountain bikes, fixed gear bikes, racing bikes as well as dedicated randonneuring bicycles. A Finnish man even completed the 2003 edition of PBP on a kickbike!
Multiple things:We try to run the series to be break even. Any excess money is used by the Louisville Bicycle Club in support of its long distance touring group in an effort to recruit more volunteers.
- Event Insurance
- Hotel Rooms to serve as the initial and final control. Riders may shower (please bring your own towel) after the ride and rest as space allows. Please take advantage of this and catch a little sleep if you need it!
- Supplies. Cue sheets, brevet cards, envelopes, postage, etc...
7. What is the course like?
This is the hardest question I routinely get asked. This is very difficult to answer since I have no idea as to what you are used to riding. The routes we use are seldom flat, but neither are they mountainous. Climbs over 1 mile are rare, but there are often many short steep climbs. Routes are selected by a number of criteria which include the availability of suitable controls and the avoidance of higher traffic roads when possible. The current series is listed under the routes tab and there are links to RideWithGPS maps.
8. How should I train?
Ride your bike. Centuries are a great way to get into randonneuring and the LBC has a schedule full of centuries. Back to back centuries are key. The ability to get up and ride a century the day after a tough ride is key to successfully completing the longer brevets. Learn what you can and cannot eat and drink on a ride. Everybody is a little different and while some people excel on sports bars and energy drinks, others do better on real food and water. Keep your stops short - this is the easiest place to gain time on a brevet.