Southwest Missouri Randonneuring

News

April 13, 2010
The 300K brevet route has been changed to accomodate two closed roads. A new que sheet and maps are on the Brevet page.

March 19, 2010
The 200K brevet scheduled for March 20 has been postponed until Saturday, March 27, because the forecast has changed from snow to ice pellets. Thunderstorms are also in the forecast.

The brevet will still be ACP sanctioned and will be treated as if it were held on March 20. The start time is still 7:00, with registration from 6:00 to 6:45.

March 17, 2010
I was hoping to avoid the need for lights and reflective gear, but the predicted rain and overcast skies at the start will probably require lights and reflective gear. Here is the RUSA requirement:

Article 10

For night riding, vehicles must be equipped with front and rear lights attached firmly to the vehicle. Lights must be turned on at all times during hours of darkness or other low-light conditions (rain, fog, etc.). At least one of the rear lights must be in a steady (rather than flashing) mode. All riders' lights must meet the requirements of local laws. A rider is not permitted to cycle at night or in other low-light conditions without working front and rear lights attached to the vehicle; therefore backup lighting systems and/or spare bulbs are strongly recommended in case the primary system fails and cannot be repaired on the roadside. Each rider, whether riding in a group or alone, must fully comply with this requirement. Everyone must use their lights!

During hours of darkness or other low-light conditions, all riders must wear a reflective vest, sash, Sam Browne belt, or some other device that clearly places reflective material on the front and back of the rider. During these times all riders will also wear a reflective ankle band around each ankle. (Due to their unusual seating position, recumbent riders may modify their reflective torso devices to show better from front and rear.) Other reflective devices on clothing, shoes, helmets, and machines are encouraged for increased safety - but they are extra and may not take the place of the minimum items listed above.

Any violation of these night riding rules will result in the immediate disqualification of the rider.

March 16, 2010
I had to revise the 200K Brevet route that is scheduled for March 20, 2010. The County is replacing a major culvert on FR 156. The route is now about 0.1 miles longer. The 300K Brevet scheduled for April 17 will probably also have to be re-routed. There is a new que sheet and map for the 200K on the Brevet page.

January 22, 2010
A new Permanent has been approved by RUSA. The Precious Moments 202K starts in Carthage with the turnaround in Willard. There is an intermediate control in Miller. There is about 8,000 feet of climbing.

December 27, 2009
A new Permanent Populaire has been approved by RUSA. The Marshfield Mash 112K starts at the Kum & Go across from Sam's on East Sunshine, heads southeast to Rogersville and then northeast to Marshfield. It is an out-and-back.

October 28, 2009
The Southwest Missouri brevets will again be run through the St. Louis region for 2010. The 200K brevet is on March 20, 2010 and the 300K on April 17, 2010. Both brevets will start in Springfield and follow the same routes as last year. Both events are sanctioned by Audax Club Parisien (ACP).

April 15, 2009
There is now a detailed map on the Brevet page for the 300K brevet on April 18. I will not provide copies at the ride, so if you want one, you need to download it and print it.

April 12, 2009
The 300K brevet is on April 18. A new que and map for the 300K brevet are now on the brevet page. I had to modify the route because of construction in Webb City and a bridge is being replaced north of Aurora.

April 5, 2009
Nine riders started and completed the 200K brevet on March 29. The ride report is here: Ralph's Ozark Bike BLOG. A map for the start location of the 300K brevet is now on the brevet page.

January 2, 2009
Cliff Jacobs, a PBP veteran, and I will be making a presentation on randonneuring at the monthly Springbike Bicycle Club meeting on January 12. The meeting is at Primas Mexican Grill in Chesterfield Village and starts at 7:00PM. In addition to general information about randonneuring, I will have sample maps, que sheets and brevet cards for the 200K and 300K brevets that will be held in Springfield in late March and mid-April. Cliff will talk about his experiences at PBP and will show slides. I will also talk about the Fleche team I am organizing for a 24-hour ride on Easter weekend. You must be a member of Randonneurs USA to participate in the Fleche. Hope to see you at the meeting.

December 1, 2008
Spencer Klaassen was the first to ride the To Err is Humansville 205K Permanent on November 28. He enclosed the following note when he sent in his card for validation: A challenging & pretty ride. Very low traffic. I am glad to have 28mm tires as the chip seal was pretty rough. Lots of dogs & a pissed off rooster.

September 8, 2008
It appears the Southwest Missouri brevets will be run through the St. Louis region for 2009. The tentative schedule for the 200K brevet is on March 29, 2009 and the 300K on April 18, 2009. Both brevets will start in Springfield.

August 2, 2008
I am applying later this month to hold a 200K brevet in Springfield on November 1, 2008.