Saint Louis Randonneuring

Calendar of Events

The following schedule has been approved by Randonneurs USA (RUSA) for the 2010 calendar year. I am offering two full Audax Club Parisien (ACP) series along with additional ACP certified brevets. All events for 2010 are ACP certified brevets and count towards solidifying your registration position for the 2011 edition of Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP).

My advice for riders planning on qualifying for the 2011 edition of Paris Brest Paris, is to read the RUSA Announcements page for the most up to date information. In the mean time, get on your bike, and come out for as many brevets in 2010, and 2011 as you can. Just remember to keep your priorities in perspective. Riding is great, but not more important than family. Take care of what is most important, then ride.

Ralph Rognstad is hosting two ACP sanctioned events in Springfield, MO and Miles Stoneman is hosting two ACP sanctioned events in the Marion IL area. Click on any of the Springfield or Marion links to open a new window for those rides.

It is important to remember that SAG support is not offered on these brevets. If you can not finish an event, you need to find your own way back to the start/finish.

Note: * Due to the change in Daylight Savings time, along with earlier starting times, lights (front and rear) along with reflective gear (reflective sash or vest and reflective bands around each ankle) will be required on the 200, 300, 400 and 600K events with start date begining in April. See RUSA's Rules for Riders for complete requirements.

You do not need to be a member of RUSA to ride any brevet. Membership in RUSA does have its benefits. RUSA members are eligible for various awards, including finisher's medals for each ACP event completed, additional mileage awards and the very informative RUSA magazine. Membership forms are available on the RUSA website, and I have them available at registration for anyone wishing to join. A current membership with RUSA is required prior to your first event if you plan on ordering a finisher's medal as well as riding some 1,200K events.

RUSA members who are interested in purchasing RUSA finisher's medals will be able to order your medal online at the RUSA Store once results have been processed (usually six to eight weeks after the event).

All events have their own challenges. You need to be self sufficient, which means you will need to take care of your own needs, food and water, changing flat tires and other roadside repairs. SAG support is NOT offered on these rides. If you can not finish the ride, you need to find your own way back to the start.

Each event incorporates bicycle paths (rails to trails conversions) on some sections. While the in/out section of Edwardsville is paved, a section on the 600K is crushed limestone. At night, there is no lighting of any kind on these trails, you must have good quality lights in order to ride safe. Plan your equipment accordingly.

OTHER IMPORTANT NOTES
Make sure you are well rested before you drive home after any event. It does you and the people around you no good if you are unsafe. Take whatever time is needed to make sure you can safely drive home.

HOTEL INFORMATION - EDWARDSVILLE
Riders interested in a hotel near the start/finish, there is a Comfort Inn about five miles south of the ride start. Their phone number is (618) 656-4900 or 1 (877) 424 6423, or you can check their website for rates and availability.

There is also a hotel just two miles from the start, The Country Hearth Their prices are NOT cheap, but it is close.

There is also a small motel (The Innkeeper Motel) in Hamel IL about eight miles north on US-55 and exit 30. Their phone number is (618) 633-2111. It is definately nothing fancy, but is keeps more money in your pocket.

HOTEL INFORMATION - 600K - VIENNA IL
Due to a 24 hour cancellation policy imposed by the hotel, I do not make any group reservations at the hotel. I encourage you to make your own accommodations at the Limited Inn in Vienna. If you wish to share a room/expenses with another rider, I would be happy to share your email address and/or phone number with any other rider wanting the same. If you have any questions about other hotels/motels near Vienna check your favorite sites.

For safety reasons, the 600 KM brevet will be run in stages. An overnight is HIGHLY recommended in Vienna, IL at approximately the 213 mile point. If you are planning on riding this event, you should book your own rooms at the Limited Inn online or by calling 618-658-6300. Room rates around $65 plus tax. I am not holding any block rooms at this time. An overnight in Vienna will require all riders to begin day two, no later than 3:00 AM in order to stay ahead of the check point cut off times.

BAG DROP A bag drop is planned for both 600K events at the Limited Inn in Vienna. This will allow the transport of one small bag per rider. The cost of the bag drop is $10 to help defray the cost of gas. Each bag must have your name on it. Make sure you are well rested before and after your ride, so you can drive home safely. For additional information on lighting requirements, see the RUSA Rules For Riders, specifically Article 10, as well as the Illinois State Laws regarding cycling after dark. For rides hosted in the Springfield MO area, riders must follow the Missouri State Laws pertaining to bicyles.