December Newsletter
The Middletown-Harrisonburg 200K a.k.a. Polar Express on Dec. 1st completed the DC Randonneurs 2007 brevet season. Once again randonneurs from six different states participated making it a truly a Mid-Atlantic randonneuring event. Fully 50 % of the riders of the last two brevets have came from more than 50 miles from DC. This is very encouraging for one of my major goals of developing a truly regional and more diverse group of randonneurs.
The first few miles of the brevet were basically flat and because I was able to leave “on time” it was fun that the peloton allowed me to set a very moderate pace until we hit the first hill at Cedar Creek. Jim Levitt, Russell Morris and I formed a small group near the back of the pack and rode together until near Harrisonburg. Jim had intended to ride the entire brevet with me, but was way out of his comfort zone riding at my pace and had to move on. I had the pleasure of Russell’s company until the finish when we brought home the lantern rouge at 12:00 hrs. Carol Bell, Chris Gaughan, Bill Olsen, Walter Pettigrew, and Michael Rowny all completed their R-12 requirements with successful finishes. Congratulations to all of them for the discipline and dedication that this achievement entails.
The Mason-Dixon 200K is the next event on Jan. 12th. Mark Vinette designed this route and will serve as Event Coordinator. This Brevet will begin from the Starbucks at 10250 Old Georgetown Rd in Bethesda, Md. This is a new route that hasn’t been used as an official brevet before, although several local randonneurs have rode it as a permanent. I’ve been informed that it is deceptively difficult with more climbing than most of our brevets. So come prepared. The brevet fee will be $10 and be sure that you have renewed your membership or be prepared to do so at the start.
I’ve had several inquiries concerning the Flèche. The Flèche will once again finish at the Marriot Key Bridge. Teams will be allowed to start as early as noon on Thursday, March 20th and as late as 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 22th. More details coming soon. If you would like to form or join a team or let me know and I will try to help.
We are still in search of the Shenandoah 1200K logo. Please spread the word so that we may have the most input possible. There is a $300 cash prize for the winning entry. Submissions should be sent to Steve Ashurst at 4240 Tazewell Terrace Burtonsville, Md 20866 or submitted via e-mail to DCRLogoContest @ dcrand . org. Electronic submissions preferred. Deadline for entry is January 15th.
I would like to thank all the Volunteers that have contributed hundreds of hours, food and travel this past year. We could not provide these brevets at such a minimal cost without them. Please consider volunteering in the coming year. Volunteers are needed for many duties including Event Coordinators, and Control Chiefs and workers for the Shenandoah 1200K.
Happy Holidays and a joyous New Year to everyone.
Matt Settle, RBA