Revised 2009 Brevet Schedule

April Fools Day is tomorrow, but this ash isn't a joke. 

Due to the persistent, residual ash on the brevet courses, and the related health concerns, this season's brevet schedule has been revised.

Since last Thursday, I’ve received numerous e-mails from riders voicing their concerns about volcanic ash on the roads. Initially it was difficult finding a definitive answer regarding ash exposure, as most of the advice from local and federal agencies only addresses exposure typical to a residential cleanup scenario, not an all-day athletic event. However, after discussing the situation with several physicians, other cyclists, state health officials, RUSA officials, as well as hearing from an occupational medicine physician, I believe it's prudent to let this stuff settle down for a month.

Notwithstanding another volcanic eruption, there are two areas of concern specific to ash exposure to cyclists. First, is increased lung ventilation during prolonged vigorous exercise; in our case for periods exceeding eight hours for a 200K ride. Second, is the risk to the eyes. One of the official recommendations was for all riders to wear goggles. I can’t imagine riding 200K while wearing an N95 facemask and goggles.

While the real-time air quality readings, according to state officials, in the areas of our rides are currently not showing any immediate problematic levels, state officials confirmed that they are not taking into account the ash and dust that street-level, long-distance cyclists are exposed to by 1) stirring the ash up themselves when riding on the sides of the roads where ash accumulates with gravel, dust and other debris, 2) cars and trucks passing cyclists and kicking up clouds of ash dust that riders ride directly into, or 3) simply by winds on the course.

The good news is that we still have a big variety of new rides available. I haven't canceled any rides from the schedule. I've just moved them around and pushed them together, trying to be as accommodating as possible while minimizing conflicts with other events on the calendar.

Please see the new, revised, ash-free ride schedule HERE.

Homer 200K Date Change Due to Volcanic Eruption

It's funny that some people still think it's winter here in Alaska. Not the hardy riders chomping at the bit to christen the inaugural End-of-the-Road 200K brevet in Homer though. Sure, at this time of year, and at this latitude, we Alaskans expect a bit of snow, ice, wind, cold, etc.; key ingredients for character building. (Lord knows, we need some character.) And while we knew Redoubt has been grumbling for some time now, frankly I didn't think it would come to this. Remember my post about "Randonneurs for Global Warming?" I really didn't mean it! Honest!!

Well, thank goodness there's a free weekend before the Kenai Peninsula 200K.

It's official, folks. The End-of-the-Road 200K will now be on 4/4/09. Granted, molten lava isn't flowing down Northernlights Blvd. quite yet. But, there's just too much ash in the air between Anchorage and Homer to put this ride on. I've been receiving a steady stream e-mails and photos from the Homer contingent describing and showing every speck of ash hitting the ground there. Those guys are on top of it! They've been on the beat letting me know the volcano's every burp as they're shoveling themselves out. I have photos from the Spit to the hills, and all stops in between. Rumor has it that if the ashfall lightens up enough to see though, they're going to hold their own version of the Homer 200K: 35 consecutive laps between Two Sisters and the Salty Dawg. I'm hoping that after the second beer at the Dawg, they get some sense and stop early. That ash can be really destructive to bike chains and cassettes.

So, go hit the trainer. Go tweak your steed a bit more. You just gained an extra week. Maybe it's a sign...

Hey, by-the-way, it was really great to see a bunch of you at BP's Cycling Fair today. There was a great turn out of Anchorage's broad spectrum of cycling interests accounted for. Huge thanks go to John Ingold for setting the whole thing up, and inviting the Alaska Randonneurs. I hope they do it again next year!

AK Rando Rides to the End-of-the-Road

We're droppin' anchor in Homer next weekend folks, merely one week after SIR's 200K opener. I just can't resist those soft ocean breezes down there this time of year, when we're still surrounded by snow here in Anchorage.

Our intrepid Homer-based randonneurs pre-rode most of the 200K course last weekend and report that, "It's all doable, even without studs." How's that for optimism? Pat, Joe, and Derek all went beyond the call of duty to keep me abreast of the course conditions, and they did an excellent job, with photos and all! I'm really grateful for their support. Its stuff like that that makes randonneuring work up here.

So, expect some ice on some of the road shoulders (it's still March in Alaska), but for the most part, nothing you can't ride around.

Looming large, though, isn't the question of "To stud, or not to stud?" (By-the-way, I recommend you wear 'em if you got 'em!) Rather, it's Mt. Redoubt. Currently the winds are favorable, blowing ash to the north and leaving Homer ash free. We're keeping a close eye on the situation, and will let you know if anything changes.

Before you show up to the start of the inaugural End-of-the-Road 200K brevet, next Saturday, at Two Sisters in Homer, be sure to review the ride details, the rider expectations, and the regulations. It's important stuff, and you've got to know it if you're going to ride any of the brevets.

Also, this is a great ride to test bags, lights, food, gear, etc. out on before you get on those longer rides. Take advantage of it.

Shoot me an e-mail if you have any questions.

See you at the beach!