Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Bite the bullet... I wanna do it!

Okay well after thinking about this for a few weeks I really want to get into doing brevets etc. I have toured a bit, I commute 40+ miles rt 4 days a week and this just seems like the next cool step for some fun. Yeah I want to join your strange group of people that call 90 hours in the saddle fun!

Either way, I don't really know where to start and was wondering if there was a good lead for newbs. I just got an 84 trek 520 that I will build up over the next few months as the randonneuring/light touring rig.

Either way, I understand it is getting to the end of the season, so I have the extra time to try something short 200k? in the fall and to do a good fun build etc.

Any thoughts on sources for getting started? I would think something like that would make a good stickie.

Even if you miss out on the last of the local series for the summer/fall, you can always check your local rando club's website for Permanent routes. :D

For getting started, read up at the RUSA website (http://www.rusa.org). If/when you do join RUSA, you'll get the Handbook, which also has some great beginning infomation.
Searching this forum with your questions is also not a bad start. There are a lot of experienced riders here.

you have a very active club in your area, just start riding 200k's. Once you've done a couple, you can work your way up to longer distances

you have a very active club in your area, just start riding 200k's. Once you've done a couple, you can work your way up to longer distances

+1 Search online for your local randonneuring group. I joined up with the San Diego group and got on their email list. They do a lot of rides all year round, and are more than happy to help newcomers with any questions.

+1 Search online for your local randonneuring group. I joined up with the San Diego group and got on their email list. They do a lot of rides all year round, and are more than happy to help newcomers with any questions.

Gee whiz Cbad, with your avatar with a whip can I get on your list and will you be more than happy to help me with my questions? :love::roflmao2:

...I just got an 84 trek 520 that I will build up over the next few months as the randonneuring/light touring rig.

Welcome!

I ride an '84 520 too... but I bought mine new in late 1983. I just recently finished a major refurb job on the old gal:
http://members.cox.net/netwurkin/loaded%20edit.jpg
The old 520's ride smooth... like your grandpa's old Buick!

Either way, I don't really know where to start and was wondering if there was a good lead for newbs. I just got an 84 trek 520 that I will build up over the next few months as the randonneuring/light touring rig.

Either way, I understand it is getting to the end of the season, so I have the extra time to try something short 200k? in the fall and to do a good fun build etc.

Any thoughts on sources for getting started? I would think something like that would make a good stickie.

See:

http://www.dcrand.org/dcr/

Check the calendar section -- they are putting on some fall 200k's.

Welcome!

I ride an '84 520 too... but I bought mine new in late 1983. I just recently finished a major refurb job on the old gal:

The old 520's ride smooth... like your grandpa's old Buick!

LOL how did you know they had a Buick.

That 520 looks really nice.



thanks to everyone. I am diggin in and learning. Thanks a ton!

Sorry to stray off topic, but that is one very purty Trek you've got up there. Nice job on the refurb.

Gee whiz Cbad, with your avatar with a whip can I get on your list and will you be more than happy to help me with my questions? :love::roflmao2:

I'll be more than happy to let you tow me through my next double century. :p

I'll be more than happy to let you tow me through my next double century. :p

OK!!!! What's your next double?

OK!!!! What's your next double?

I don't know if I'll have time to do another this year, but I want to do the CA Triple Crown next year.

See:

http://www.dcrand.org/dcr/

Check the calendar section -- they are putting on some fall 200k's.
There is also ROMA (http://www.romabrevet.org/Calendar.html).

im also rollin a 1985 trek 520, so you are in good hands.

What's this "end of the season" thing to which you refer?

We (DC Randonneurs) have brevets scheduled every month through December, will possibly schedule in January and February, and will definitely have a full schedule from March forward. The September brevet -- Civil War Tour -- will visit several battlefields (Gettysburg and Antietam at least). There are about a dozen DCR members who are riding R-12's and will definitely be riding in January and February, either on a permanent or brevet. Also, there are training rides that are not associated with DCR but are lead by some of our members--there are typically two century rides every weekend, often with shortcut options. See the "Calendar" page of the DCR website for the upcoming brevets and for the scheduled training rides (www.dcrand.org).

Email for more info. Look forward to meeting you. The Trek 520 should work well as a rando bike.

Best regards,

Nick Bull
President, DC Randonneurs

When I initially joined RUSA they sent a very useful book that will tell you where to start and more. Maybe they still do, or maybe they sell it.

I don't know if I'll have time to do another this year, but I want to do the CA Triple Crown next year.

Keep me updated with your double schedule. I'm on vacation this week, painting a house, and have limited internet.