Long Distance Cycling - RAAM qualifier as 1200km brevet

I'm interested in qualifying for RAAM through a 1200km brevet. Does anyone know if the Vancouver Island "Eau de Hell" week is such a brevet? Or is it strictly 1200km in 90 hours? In which case, does anyone know of any events in BC or close to me (Victoria, BC) that would qualify? Perhaps in Seattle....

The Eau de Hell will not qualify you for RAAM. In order to use a brevet, it must be a full 1200km, you must state your intentions to use it as a qualifier beforehand, and you must finish in the required time (varies by age, but much less than the full 90 hours). The closest one to you will be the Cascade 1200 in Seattle ( http://www.cascade1200.com/ ). The full qualifing requirements are on http://www.ultracycling.com/events/raamqualifiers.html

The RAAM organisers are also open to requests from riders who did not compete in a recognized qualifier, but believe they have equivalent results.

Thanks very much wandering wheel.

To qualify for RAAM solo (http://www.ultracycling.com/events/raamqualifiers.html) using a 1200 km randonneee you need to finish within the following time limits:

18-49 years old

Males: under 65 hours
Females: under 70 hours
50-59 years old

Males: under 70 hours
Females: under 75 hours
60-69 years old

Males: under 75 hours
Females: under 80 hours

The Cascade 1200 (http://www.cascade1200.com/) is a beautiful ride, but it may not be your best choice. If I remember correctly, that randonnee is organized in a way that will make it pretty much an unsupported ride if you try to do it in 65 hours or less. (Most of the riders do it in 4 days, with night stops in specific locations). Some of the areas covered will have absolutely no services during the night (or even during the day in some areas) other than what is provided by the organizers at specific times. But if you are bringing a support crew to meet you at the controls, this may not be an issue. It may also be harder to use as a RAAM qualifier because of the several mountain passes that are on the course. It can be done, but it may not be the easiest option as a RAAM qualifier.

Another beautiful 1200 km randonnee in your corner of the world is the Rocky Mountain 1200 (http://www.randonneurs.bc.ca/rocky/rm1200.html), which is also rich in mountain passes.

A good place to check for RAAM qualifiers is on the UMCA website http://www.ultracycling.com/ You can search by date and location.
Just qualified myself in September at the ADK540 - hoping to get a crew and sponsorship together for RAAM 2010.
Good luck!

Thanks everyone. Good info on the Cascade Classic. I feel I can make the time limit, but you never know. If I want to do RAAM, and I definitely do, I'll need to complete a 1200. Rocky Mountain almost seems more appealing, given the fact I wouldn't have to go international. Lots to think about.