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Category Archives: PBP Preparation
Getting Your Bike Ready for Randonneuring
A number of readers have asked about randonneuring, and more specifically, about which bike is best to get started with randonneuring. I recommend that you gradually ease into long-distance riding, and also incrementally change your equipment as you gain more … Continue reading
Posted in PBP Preparation, Rides
31 Comments
Winter Projects
At this time of year, we plan our rides for the summer. There are so many places we want to explore! We pore over roads and look at event calendars. And we think about changes to our bikes. Some of … Continue reading
Posted in Components, Our Bikes, PBP Preparation
16 Comments
Doping in Randonneuring?
With the recent news that Lance Armstrong effectively admitted to a large-scale doping conspiracy on his teams, the issue of doping has been front and center in the cycling news. A few readers have asked whether doping exists in randonneuring, … Continue reading
Posted in PBP Preparation, Rides
34 Comments
PBP: The Movie
Last week, Sur la Route de l’Extreme by Sandrine Lopez and Philip Dupuis was shown on French TV. It’s a well-done documentary of this year’s PBP, with beautiful shots showing the variety of randonneurs who participate, from the fastest to … Continue reading
Posted in PBP Preparation
20 Comments
Report from Paris-Brest-Paris
I enjoy returning to Paris to ride the Paris-Brest-Paris event. Paris is a place steeped in cyclotouring history. Several of us met in front of Notre Dame to ride to the start for the bike check; this is where the … Continue reading
Posted in PBP Preparation
23 Comments
PBP Preparation: Quality Time Off the Bike
Many people think that the difference between a fast ride and a slow one is a superhuman power output. While some riders ride somewhat faster than others, especially on hills, the main factor affecting the time to complete a ride … Continue reading
Posted in PBP Preparation
2 Comments
PBP Preparation: Mavic Reflective Vest
In my quest for a suitable reflective vest that meets the PBP regulations, that is comfortable to wear, and that doesn’t take much space in my handlebar bag, I now have bought a Mavic reflective vest. How does it compare … Continue reading
Posted in PBP Preparation
11 Comments
Bicycle Quarterly Get-Together at PBP
Following Paris-Brest-Paris 2011, Bicycle Quarterly readers (and others) are invited to an informal get-together at the historic start and finish of the famous 1200 km ride. On Friday, 26 August 2011, starting at 11 a.m., we plan to meet at … Continue reading
Posted in PBP Preparation
5 Comments
PBP Training: Recovery
In the past, we’ve discussed hill intervals and how they make you stronger. They’ve certainly worked for me this spring, as I achieved one of my big goals this year: I completed my Cyclos Montagnards R60 Honors. You get faster … Continue reading
Posted in PBP Preparation
4 Comments
PBP Training: Hill Intervals
Whether you are training for Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP), a century ride or racing, speed is an essential part of a successful event. Simply put, the faster you are able to ride, the more enjoyable (and less stressful) your ride will be. … Continue reading
Posted in PBP Preparation, Rides
20 Comments
PBP Preparation: Flèche Vélocio
By March, the distance/base mile phase of my training is over. It is time to work on speed and strength. This transition is hard every year. I remember how strong I felt when I climbed mountain passes last September, and … Continue reading
Posted in PBP Preparation, Rides
8 Comments
A February Ride
Last week, we went on a “training ride” into the hills northeast of Seattle. We met at 7:30 and rode to Snohomish (above). The valley of the Skykomish River was filled with cold fog, so a stop at our favorite … Continue reading
Posted in PBP Preparation, Rides
3 Comments
PBP Preparation: Planning Your Trip To France
If you are planning to ride Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) this August, you probably have started training already. We are adding some hills to our “base miles” now as the brevet season approaches. Now also is the time to plan the trip. … Continue reading
Posted in PBP Preparation
12 Comments
Preparing the 2011 Cycling Season
Happy New Year! After my December rest period, it’s time to start training for the 2011 cycling season. Whether you race and prepare for a specific event, whether you plan to ride your first double century or brevet series, or … Continue reading
Posted in PBP Preparation, Uncategorized
16 Comments
PBP 2011: “We Hope to Accommodate All Riders”
Many randonneurs are planning to ride in Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP), the famous 765-mile ride in 2011. The next edition of PBP will bring some changes to deal with the large number of participants. PBP is organized by the Audax-Club Parisien (ACP), … Continue reading
Posted in PBP Preparation, Uncategorized
1 Comment
Preparing for 2011 and PBP
At this time of year, we reflect on the cycling season that just has ended, and make plans for the next season. For me, the highlight of 2011 will be Paris-Brest-Paris. The famous 765-mile ride still is 9 months in … Continue reading
Posted in PBP Preparation, Rides
8 Comments
Farewell to the Mountains
Autumn is a melancholy time. In Seattle, it is hardly noticeable, as the weather gradually gets cooler and wetter. But in the Cascade Mountains, the change of the seasons is swift and spectacular: Cold nights turn deciduous foliage into bright … Continue reading
Posted in PBP Preparation, Rides
9 Comments
