Hello Randos!

 

This info may be found on the web at: https://www.azbrevet.com/assets/downloads/NorthValley-LM-Notes_2-4-2023.htm

Here are some last-minute notes about Saturday's rides. Please read them so that you come prepared. 

  1. First: This is THE best place to be this Feb 4th! What a treat Mother Nature has given us. Let’s all enjoy this beautiful “winter” weather in the Valley of the Sun.
  2. NOTE: If you have downloaded the cue sheets and/or the RWGPS files before Wed - DOWNLOAD AGAIN. Some changes have been made based upon the pre-ride. You should refresh your browser to get the latest.
  3. No major issues were found on the courses. Steve Atkins has written up his pre-ride report and may be found HERE. There is some construction about 4 miles after the start. You should be able to ride to the right of the barricades for most of it. If you do need to cross into the travel lane, use extreme caution. The traffic should be light at that time of the morning.
  4. All 3 courses are starting concurrently and will be riding together for the first 63 miles. The 123k riders make their split at mile 63. 200k & 300k riders will continue straight at this point and will split after lunch, at mile 102.5.
  5. Parking at the Start: Please park beside and/or behind Cortado Coffee to leave the limited parking spaces out front for the businesses' patrons. Unfortunately, Cortado Coffee doesn't open until 7, so it's unlikely that you'll be able to try their coffee. But, Starbucks is on the SW corner of this intersection and is open at 5:30. If you're looking for a caffeine hit prior to the ride, this is a good option.
  6. Support on the rides: My son, Jason, will be supporting this one. This is his first time doing this, so be nice to him, please! He is giving up his entire day to bring us water and goodies.
    1. I will be at the start to check you in, say hello and send you on your way. I will also be riding, so be ready to roll at 6:50.
    2. There will be support at the New River Control (mile 46) to check you in and to distribute water and snacks. YOU MUST STOP AND CHECK-IN AT THIS CONTROL! This is a convenience store which has restrooms. Depending on arrival times, Jason may have to leave before the last riders get there. If you don't see him, treat it like the INFO control designated on the Brevet card and cue sheet.
    3. Lunch: YOU MUST STOP AND CHECK-IN AT THIS CONTROL! My plan is to provide you with lunch at mile 102 in Fountain Hills. Jason will be at Fountain Hills Bikes. It will be on the left JUST as you enter Fountain Hills. Please let me know if you have any dietary preferences. I'll do my best to accommodate.
  7. Mesa Marathon: The Mesa Marathon is being held on Saturday. They start at the Usery Pass summit and are on our 300k route for roughly their first 8 miles. Signs there say that Usery Pass Rd will be closed until 2 pm. My calls to them have gone unanswered. I’ve done the math and the fastest riders could *possibly* get there by 2 pm, but it’s highly unlikely.
    1. Here’s the math: If you average 19 mph on-bike and stop at the controls for ~25 minutes total, you will arrive at Usery Pass Rd at 2 pm. If you average 18 mph and have zero stop time, you will also arrive at 2 pm. If you’re averaging more than 19 mph – Good for you! You may have to wait at the bottom of the climb for the road to open. Or, enjoy your lunch a bit longer!
  8. Start Time:  07:00. Please be there early enough to get your bike and yourself together so that everyone can start on time. I will give any last minute instructions at about 06:55. Also, please check in with me so that I can check you off my list.
  9. You must bring your own documents.  GPS files and cue sheets are linked at www.azbrevet.com, and the control cards are linked below.
  10. 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

Proof of passage for RUSA credit for a completed ride can be achieved three ways. It is your choice of which method you choose. Again, Details here: www.azbrevet.com/EPP.html

  1. Electronic proof of passage (EPP), by submitting a public track of your ride that shows the time it began and ended. NOTE: GPS devices can, and do, fail. If YOU choose this as your only method of verification, YOU also accept the responsibility that if something goes wrong, you will not get credit for the ride. Plan accordingly.
  2. Digital photographs taken on your phone or digital camera at each control, submitted via email after the ride. The Controls where you see me don't require any additional verification from you. I will have a roster and record your time of arrival. That's all that you need to do.
  3. A traditional control card with receipts from commercial controls and answers at information controls, submitted by email of the scanned information after the ride (no photos of the receipts and card - too hard to read).  When the Control says "OPEN" that means that any establishment in the vicinity may be used as the control. All Info Control questions will be found on the Brevet cards. The control card can only be obtained by printing it in advance of the ride from these links:
    1. 123k: Brevet card HERE
    2. 200k: Brevet card HERE
    3. 300k: Brevet card HERE
  4. 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, because results for all riders will only be sent to RUSA after all results are received.

 

Let me know if you have any questions.
-Mike