Kitt Peak Brevets Last Minute Notes

Hello riders! It looks like you’ll have a sunny, but chilly ride on Saturday. Depending upon which forecasting service you believe, you could have net headwinds or net tailwinds. Who are we kidding?!?!? We’re cyclists, we know it’ll be headwinds, right?

I have pre ridden the 300k and the 600k. Since the 400k is identical to the first 400k of the 600, I can tell you about that as well. The routes are really nice! Wildflowers are in bloom on the stretch to/from Sells. If you’ve never climbed Kitt Peak, I suggest that you settle into a comfortable pace and keep it there. It’s early in the ride and you could easily blow yourself up if you try to set a PR. It’s 12 miles of consistent 6% incline and climbs 3600’ to the summit at 6900’. I can also tell you that the descent will be COLD. Make sure you have some clothes/layers that you can put on. Even with long finger gloves, my hands went numb both times I descended it. It also looks like Saturday night will be chilly. The descent off of Helmet Peak will be late at night and it’s always cold up there. Plan accordingly.

After Kitt Peak, 300k riders will stay at lower elevations and will finish sooner, so the evening chill will be less of a factor.

1.      IF YOU DOWNLOADED THE CUE SHEET, RWGPS OR BREVET CARD BEFORE YOU RCVD THIS EMAIL, DOWNLOAD AGAIN – BOTH DISTANCES! I have updated the cue sheets and maps. You may need to refresh your browser to see the latest.

  1. Support on the rides: Thom Hartwick will be supporting the rides. You can expect him to be at the following locations. All riders will go thru the first 3 locations.
    1. Mile 34: 3 Points. Water, bananas, snacks
    2. Mile 62: Kitt Peak Visitor’s Center. Lunch – Water, Soda, sandwiches, snacks
    3. Mile 132: 3 Points, see support note. Water, soda, snacks + more
      1. Support note at mile 132: Thom’s priority will be to get to Arivaca for the 400k riders. The store in Arivaca closes at 7pm. So, he will need to leave 3 Points to get to Arivaca 1:30 after the first riders depart for Arivaca.
    4. Mile 177: Arivaca Mercantile. Water, soda, snacks, other food TBD

3.      Start Times:  05:00. Please be there early enough to get your bike and yourself together so that everyone can start on time. We will give any last-minute instructions at about 04:55. Also, please check in with us at the Starbucks so that we know who is out on the course.

  1. Lights & Reflective gear. All riders will be required to have headlights and taillights mounted to their bicycle and in use during all low-light situations. Helmet lamps are good as backups, but not allowed as your only light. Reflective vests and reflective ankle bands are also required and must be worn to start the events. Remember, be seen, be safe!
  2. You must bring your own documents.  GPS files and cue sheets are linked at www.azbrevet.com, and the control cards are linked below.
  3. Every rider should be prepared to collect and submit proof of passage for this brevet.  The current protocol is detailed here.  www.azbrevet.com/EPP.html  Please read and understand this info! If you have questions, ask BEFORE you start your ride.
  4. All Control information will be found on the Brevet cards. The cards can only be obtained by printing them in advance of the ride from these links. Note that a recent RUSA change now makes all Intermediate controls untimed. Yippee! I have left the reference closing times on the cards so that riders are able to gauge their progress against the Final control closing time, which is still required. Riders still need to execute the control instructions, but the timing is not important.
    1. 300k: Brevet card HERE
    2. 400k: Brevet card HERE
  1. Proof of passage must be submitted to the organizer @ mikesturgill@cox.net  All proof of passage must be emailed within 48 hours of ride completion. The results for all riders will only be sent to RUSA after all results are received.
  2. If you are running late or can’t make it to the start, please text Thom (818.720.0866) so that he knows whether you plan to ride or not.
  3. If you abandon the ride at any point, please text Thom (818.720.0866) to let him know. Please don’t go AWOL and leave Thom somewhere waiting for you. He’s giving up his entire day to support us, please be courteous.

 

Let me know if you have any questions.
-Mike