Eric --
in NC, starting at 0400 would add 1.5+ hours to riding in the dark, because civil twilight never gets earlier than (approx) 0535 in the Raleigh area. Starting at 0400 would also add 2-hours of legally required lights, etc., because official sunrise here is never earlier than 0558. So, while starting at 0400 might minimize riding in the dark for some in some locations, starting at 0400 here would maximize the riding time in the dark.
Alan once told me that his two favorite things about being the RBA are, in order:
- seeing people when / as they finish,
- seeing people as they check in before the rides
Alan's traditional-brevet-season rides (and also the August picnic rides) all start 1/4 mile from his house. He and his wife Dorothy handle the check-in, etc.. However, I can assure you that if (and sometimes when) there is a large number of people that need to be processed, quite a number of people will pitch in on a moment's notice without being asked.
AND, here is the kicker, all of Alan's traditional-brevet-season rides finish at Alan's house.
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Anyway, Eric, you will know that the above is addressed "to" you, not "at" you.
Try to make it to Alan's 400 brevet next year and experience the course where Adrian Hands sharpened his rando teeth (after 1998, anyway). The 400 is the most exquisite of Alan's routes, and by riding it, you will also have experienced Alan's 200 & 300 courses.