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Thursday, January 27, 2011
New PBP info...and some old.
2011 Paris Brest Paris, here we come!
Randonneur division...
The Audax Club Parisien has sent this note with a variety of new things for PBP'11. Some of these have been on their PBP website for some time, but some are new and have yet to appear there. Here is their message verbatim. Some interesting tidbits!
New in 2011
In 2011, veterans of the Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur will discover many new features that should make their ride even more pleasant.
Bike Check and Brevet Card Collection - As in previous editions, the bike check will make sure that your bike is in accordance with the rules and enable you to fix last-minute problems. After the bike check, you will pick up your brevet card as well as the various ordered items (jersey, reflective vest, meals, etc.).
In 2011 we will accomodate those who start at 5:00 a.m. by setting up bike check and brevet card collection for them alone on Sunday morning. This way, they can avoid spending two nights there before the start. All other riders will have their bike check on the day before, Saturday, August 20.
Pre-ride Party - The Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur is a great opportunity to celebrate and to have a good time all together. That's why we invite you to meet on Saturday evening for a party which will end with fireworks around the 'Gymnase des Droits de I'Homme'.
Charity - Since 1991, the Audax Club Parisien donates a part of the Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur revenues to charity. This year we chose to help the 'Institut Curie' to fund cancer research. We invite you to join us with your own contribution. You will find several links to the 'Institut Curie' on our website.
Earlier Starting Times - The first riders will start Sunday, August 21 at 4:00 p.m. The last ones are expected to leave around 8:00 p.m. This should enable you to ride further before your first overnight stop on Monday evening. We hope that this will avoid further overcrowding at the Loudeac control.
Free Starting Times - In addition to the traditional group starts, we will offer free starting times on Sunday evening from 09h00 to 10h00 p.m. and on Monday morning from 5:30 to 8:00 a.m.
No crowds, no stress, you will simply validate your brevet card and cross the starting line, and the randonnee begins. But beware, we can only allow small groups of less than 20 people to start at once, and if there is too much demand we might have to impose restrictions. Of course, you will immediately be riding in the flow of traffic and we urge you to be vigilant from the very beginning.
Simplified Registration - In 2011, the registration process is simplified. We only offer online registration on the PBP website (http://www.paris-brest-paris.org/) with integrated payment. You don't have to send any documents by mail.
Rider Tracking - No more long lines at the controls to validate both brevet card and magnetic badge! We will still use the brevet card to document that you went through the various controls, but your passage will be automatically recorded with a magnetic chip that you carry across a mat on the floor. At the end of your ride, you can keep the chip as memory.
Sleeping Option at Saint Nicolas du Pelem - Starting earlier than in previous editions, you may ride further than Loudeac for your first sleep stop ... if you consider sleeping at all! But the need to sleep can show up all of a sudden. Saint-Nicolas-du-Pelem should allow you to tackle this stage without worries. Located midway between Loudeac and Carhaix, it will offer you an ideal sleeping opportunity if you hesitate to ride all the way to the next control. In addition to many sleeping mats, you will find: showers - restrooms - cold and hot snacks (breakfast) - and a bike mechanic.
Arrival at Brest City Centre - Previous PBP finishers will tell you how strange it is to look forward to Brest for many hours and finally see only a few corners of the city. In 2011, we will make you discover a little more of Brest's assets by inviting you to ride along the port and in the city centre. We would like your arrival in Brest to become one of the greatest memories of your randonnee.
PBP 2011 'High Visibility' Reflective Vest - Since 2007, French law has changed and all riders must wear a high visibility vest during hours of darkness or other low-light conditions. Long before it became compulsory in France, the ACP mandated the wearing of a reflective sash when riding at night. In 2011 , all reflective vests must comply with the safety norm no. EN471. At registration, you can purchase a reflective vest, to ensure that you comply with French traffic law. This vest will be marked with the PBP Randonneur 2011 logo.
Yup, I am still planing to get my SR series done and get into PBP. The road to Paris has been a rocky one. I'm not there yet, but...... here I come for a good try, anyway! # posted by Michelle Grainger @ 8:36 PM 1 Comments
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Lost that window of...
I've been riding my trainer 4-5 times a week for the last couple of weeks. I've figured out how to pull the small TV from the bedroom into the doorway and watch various shows in the office (also my workout room). Certain training days just keep the watts at 155-160 and keeping the HR moderately low. Other days keeping it a very easy pedal day with the watts around 125 or so. Need to bump up the time to 2 hours/day for at least 3 of the days.
I'm also trying to keep my avg cadence at 84 and above. I'm kind of a masher, so that's not always the easiest thing to do when my legs are tired. Remember-I have a lot of the last 8 months off of the bike from all of my surgeries and the cancer. It's a slow come-back.
I'm also starting to be consistent in the gym with my rehab and strengthening exercises. That's not going as well but is as important because it will help build back my foundation. Ahhhhh... so much to do, so little time to cram it in.
The first 200 KM will be here before I know it and I want to be ready. First the 200, then the 300 and before I know it I'll have the SR done and send in the paperwork for PBP. But first, I gotta get on that trainer! # posted by Michelle Grainger @ 1:52 PM 0 Comments
Friday, January 14, 2011
Well well well....Happy New year! It has been a very long time since I have been here. So very sorry but I have been busy challenging myself and getting better. It has been a very long road after being hit.2011 should be a year for many to inspire for being kinder, better, and more challenged. I am still aiming for PBP and think it is a very good possibility, but will take a lot to get there. It will take more training and strengthening than I have had to do -well, ever. Yes, a challenge.
I want to inspire you to work really hard at your goals. Not only your 2011 goals but your life long goals.
We can do this challenge together. We WILL do this together.
It takes a community of people-good people, to go through life. Find your support groups, your friends, your challenge buddies.
Be well. Let's get started!
Michelle # posted by Michelle Grainger @ 7:17 PM 0 Comments
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