Frequently Asked Questions
What is a brevet?
Brevets are long distance self supported events including distances of 200, 300, 400, 600, 1,000 and 1,200 kilometers. This of course
raises the next question. So how long is that? First, a kilometer is 0.62 miles. This translates to a 200 kilometer brevet being approximately
125 miles. A 300 kilometer brevet is around 186 miles. A 400 kilometer brevet is around 250 miles, and a 600 kilometer brevet is around 375
miles long.
Each event has two time limits. The first is the fastest time in which an event can be completed. The second is the maximum time
an event can be riden. These range from 13.5 hours for a 125 mile/200 kilometer event to 40 hours for a 375 mile/600 kilometer event. This translates to
approximately 20.5 mph for the fastest time and just under 10 mph for the slowest. Our events are as close to the minimum distance as is
realistic. Events can not be shorter than the official distance, and I try to keep those bonus miles as low as possible.
As mentioned above, brevets are self supported. This means each rider needs be be responsbile for their own needs and be able to handle
any flat tires and roadside repairs.
Where do the Edwardsville series begin and end?
The Edwardsville events all start at the intersection of N 2nd St and College St in Edwardsville. There is a commuter parking lot at that
intersection and parking has been safe for many years. You can find a map of this location by clicking
here.
Where can I get more information about the Springfield MO rides?
Check out the Springfield area brevets website for start times and locations.
Where can I get more information about the Marion IL rides?
Check out the Marion area brevets website for start times and locations.
Do you charge for brevets, if so, why?
It takes a lot of time and effort to organize these rides. It takes time and money to drive each route, usually several times to ensure
the roads are suitable for riding, that bridges that were there last year, or last month are still there, that the county highway department
has not just dumped tons of gravel on the route. A portion of your entry fee helps to offset the cost of gas, printing of maps, cue-sheets,
brevet cards, mailings, and of course, hosting and maintaining this website. Your entry fee also covers the cost of liability insurance I
must maintain for each rider and each ride. I don't get rich doing this, and the cost is less than you would spend for a club ride of equal
distance.
Is there cell phone coverage on the routes?
Mostly. Our routes are not on main highways. Rather we travel the farm roads of rural Missouri and Illinois. Cell phone coverage can be
spotty depending on your cell phone provider. Make sure you have a fully charged cell phone before the start should you need assistance.
What is the elevation gain for the events... AKA ... How much climbing is there?
I ran the St. Louis / Edwardsville series through MapMyRide's website. The 200K route has around 1,000 feet of climbing. The 300K route
has around 1,800 feet. The 400K has around 2,500 feet and the 600K has around 4,000 feet. Our series is one of the flattest series in the
country. All of our climbs are short and nothing over four to five percent. No leg busters.
All this being said, what we lack in hills we more than make up for in wind. It is not uncommon to have strong winds from one or more directions
during a ride. You may face a headwind on the way out, and on the way back. In 2009 we had many events with nasty 20+ mph winds from the south.
It was along slog south, but had nice tailwinds heading back north.
Night Riding?
Yes we have night riding. Most of it occurs ... well ... at night ... Okay... Front and rear lights must be attached to your bicycle and be in working order
before you can start any ride. Depending on which event you are entering, we may begin before sunrise and lights
(front and rear) along with reflective gear (ankle bands and reflective sash/belt) are required. Also longer events such as the 300K, 400K and 600K
events can finish well after dark and again, lights and reflective gear are required.
If you do not have working lights attached and appropriate
reflective gear, you will not be allowed to start the event. Lights and reflective gear are required to be worn/turned on anytime lighting or
weather conditions deem. Failure to have lights turned on and reflective gear on after dark, or when weather deems it necessary is grounds for disqualification. Please refer to the
Rules For Riders for complete rules.
Do you offer SAG on your rides?
Short answer... Nope. Longer answer... Brevets are long distance self supported events. As the volunteer pool is very limited, and the RBA
also likes to ride his bicycle, you need to be able to handle flat tires and any mechanical emergencies you encounter along
the route. If you need to abandon an event, you need to find your own way back to the start. The
Rules For Riders do not allow personal support along the route. You can, however,
if you feel you really need SAG, have someone meet you at, and only at, official checkpoints. Any personal support outside of official checkpoints is against the rules and riders will
be disqualified. Carry a fully charged cell phone, and dial someone who loves you if you can't finish. If you really want SAG support, let me
know when you would like to volunteer.
What rules do I need to follow?
All rules listed on RUSA's website, Rules For Riders need to be followed along with
state laws for bicycles. In Illinois, bicyles can ride two abreast as long as you are not interferring with the normal flow of traffic. Ride
single file when there is oncoming traffic. Ride to the right. Bicycles must use lights and reflective gear as noted. If after reading the
Rules For Riders, you have a question, email me and I
would be happy to answer your question.
What do I do with my brevet card?
At the beginning of the ride you will be provided your brevet card. Make sure you put your name and address on the brevet card so it can be
returned to you at the end of the season with your certified sticker attached. A brevet card is your ride passport. At each checkpoint along
the route you will have your brevet card signed and have the date/time of passage logged. At the final checkpoint you will enter your finish
date/time and sign both the brevet card and final check-in sheet. Leave the brevet card in the plastic bin when you finish.
What should I wear?
Dress for weather variations. It can be very cold in the morning and warm up later. It can be downright cold all day long or be hot and humid. Since
the events go rain or shine, and sometimes snow showers, sleet and or rain have occured, dress in layers and have some protection against sun, rain,
snow, wind, etc. I am not a weather man, so pick your favorite television station or website and watch the weather. Dress in layers at a minimum.
As mentioned before, you MUST wear reflective ankle bands and either a reflective sash or vest, and have working front and rear lights mounted to
your bicycle for night riding. Helmets are required at all times.
Do I have to carry everything with me?
You must be self sufficient. You can either carry all your food, water and clothing with you, or purchase what you need along the way.
At least for the St. Louis series you do not pass any bicycle shops, so carry a tube or two or three, a pump that you know works, and
any tools you may need. If you do flat, please do not just dump your old tube alongside the road. Either carry it out with you or put
it in the trash. Along the same lines, if you use those Gu packets or food bars, don't litter. Your actions reflect on all riders.
We pass through small towns with quickie marts every 30-40 miles. You can buy additional food and water along the way, so carry your
wallet and money with you.
What do I do in an emergency, or if I can't finish an event?
Again, brevets are for self suficient riders only. In case of a medical emergency, dial 911
immediately, then call the phone number on the
top of your brevet card or route sheet to let the ride organizer know.
If you are just too pooped to pedal, take a break, eat, drink, rest and reassess your condition. If you decide to abandon the ride, you
need to find your own way back to the ride start. Call the cell phone number listed on the top of your brevet card or route sheet and leave a message
indicating you have abandoned. When you get back to the start/finish, drop your brevet card off at the finish location.