We’re changing the course (see it here) for this year’s Brevet New World. We like the old course quite a bit, but it felt like time for something new. If you’re planning to ride the Brevet this year, I’ve included as many helpful tips as I can think to include below. I’ve also used as many food metaphors as possible.

A long course has to be proofread, and I set out to do so at 7am on a Monday. It was just over 30 degrees when I left, with an expected high of 65. I applied sunscreen a few times and wore sun-sleeves, but the new course seems to have more exposure than the old (or maybe I just can’t remember, or maybe I’m just getting old and fragile) and by the day’s end I was dehydrated, sunburned, chapped, baked, fried, and broiled. Drink plenty of purple drink!

The first 30 miles are pretty tough. It was a struggle for me to finish those miles and contemplate that I still had nearly a full century to go. Don’t despair! It gets easier after that. Eat a mustard packet or whatever and remember you have all day to ride your bike.

New for this year: registration is closing on Thursday, April 24th at midnight. I have to order catering for the finish line on Friday, and last year we had so many late registrations that we nearly ran out of food. No one wants this.

Technically, you must finish a brevet in 13.5 hours. This course is pretty tough, so we’ve extended that to 15 hours (or 10pm).

There are a few more on-street miles on the new course. I don’t like on-street miles, but how can you have any pudding if you don’t eat your meat? Watch out for texting drivers and take it easy and don’t get pancaked. Don’t forget: this isn’t a race. Look both ways when the light turns green. Here are a few places to be extra careful:

Mile 8.5: Simms. I’m sorry.
Mile 14: I got on the sidewalk because it’s wide and there are never any pedestrians in places like this.
Mile 56: Crossing Diagonal Highway. I stayed on Monarch. The road was technically closed, but it was safe to cross (no light). You can use Monarch (unless they’ve since dug a huge hole in the road) and we won’t DQ you, or you can go north to Niwot Road, where there’s a light (the official route).
Mile 64.5. There’s a bike path on the west side of the road. Piece o’ cake.
Mile 72. Arapahoe Road. At least it’s downhill.
Mile 108. There may be a detour here. Just follow the orange fencing/signs. Watch out for a Weiner dog with an attitude.

A Non-Comprehensive List of Refueling Opportunities

Mile 31. Shell.
Mile 57.5. Niwot.
Mile 73. Conoco.
Mile 82.5. Louisville (a few blocks north of the course).
Mile 86.5. Lafayette (a few locks north of the course).
Mile 98.5. Broomfield Marketplace.

That’s it. All you have to do is have fun. If you decide to bail mid-ride, please call the shop and let us know. Now, please enjoy some photos and I’ll see you on the 26th.