Originally Posted by
chewybrian
It sounds a bit complicated. The 2500k rule is a bit unfair, depending on when they announced it. Did you know about it before the 2009 year began? If you did not ride in 2009, you might be needing 2 full series and beyond next year to assure a spot, right?
The 2009 season is over, and what a person rode in 2009 doesn't matter. 2010 started on November 1st, so everything ridden from then on, over 200K, counts. When they say 2009/2010, they mean November 1, 2009 to October 31, 2010.
I believe that November 1st season start is global .... at least that's how it was in Canada too.
So far we've done one 100K ride ... which doesn't count for anything except Australia's Noveau Randonneur award.
Originally Posted by
chewybrian
And yes, it would be awful to work so hard and never even get a shot. I think they should work out a qualifying system that is very difficult, and take everyone who meets it. Then, everyone who did not meet it can take their chances with the remaining spots. That way, if they said, say, three series and a 1200, you could take on that challenge, knowing you are in if you complete it. It's fair and simple, and would acheive the rationing without the confusion.
Personally, I don't think it should be
that hard. Three series and a 1200K in one year would be almost impossible in parts of Canada ... we just don't have that much summer to do that much riding.
In Manitoba and Alberta, where I've done most of my Randonneuring, we can't start brevets until April at the earliest, and the last couple years, we've had to cancel our April brevets in Alberta because of the quantity of snow on the ground right up to the end of April. Then it often starts getting cold and snowy in September (although this year appears to be an exception).
I figure it should simply be a first-come-first-serve situation. If you do a 400K in the 2010 season, you can apply on April 15th ... the first 5000 applications processed on April 15th are in. If only 3000 people apply on April 15, then there are 2000 spots open for those who did a 300K and who apply on May 1 ... etc. That way if you're keen to do the ride, you just have to do a 400K in 2010, then the series in 2011, and chances are, you're in.
The thing is ... there weren't that many riders over the 5000 limit in 2007 ... (What was it? About 5200?) ... and I figure these rules will scare off a few so there may be no issue at all with getting in.