Lou and all,
You know what, that seems to be the reaction I'm getting. Also getting a lot of support from people in general and more so from those who have r idden and most especially from those planning to ride in 2007. I have di pped my toe in a new segment in our cycling community. I didn't even kno w there was a brevet series here in San Diego, but hot damn!, there is. The San Diego Long Riders. Found out yesterday while talking with Chuck Slesinger that they a division of my old San Diego Bicycle Club. Have ma de a deal to begin motor pacing at the velodrome once a week to keep up my legspeed.
I will ride as much as I can and do my best effort. If I don't make it a t least I will be well aquainted with the bicycles I'm building, meet a lot of new people, see a LOT of countryside, and ride a whole bunch. I r eally don't see any harm in that.
But to answer your question, Lou. YES, I'm crazy. You were expecting som ething else??
Brian Baylis La Mesa, CA Got a randonnuer bug up my butt. Only way to kill it is to sit on the sa ddle long enough to smother it.
Snipped: "I read Brian Baylis's recent diatribe about doing P-B-P or similar rides. I don't know whether to laugh or cry.......Brian, have you lost your mind?
Lou Deeter, Orlando FL"
++++++
On our local club rides, the classic look has given way to carbon, but I
regularly see vintage bikes on the brevets like Brian mentions. The fact is, many of the bikes we love make excellent randonneuring bikes, as do the KOF bikes by Weigle and Heron and Rivendell and others. Their geometry is comfortable on the long haul, fenders and lights and bags are easily mounted, and they can accommodate slightly wider tires.
For riders interested in putting their vintage bikes through the paces o
n a
400K or 600K, check out http://www.rusa.org http://www.rusa.org/
quarterly newsletter features vintage or KOF bikes from time to time. Ja n Heine did an article on his PBP 2003 experience aboard a Herse tandem an d the latest issue has a photo feature on a Mercian.
On the last PBP, I rode my Silk Hope that is pictured on Dale's website
but
with a different set-up.
http://www.classicrendezvous.com/
Mike Dayton
Editor, American Randonneur
Raleigh, NC