So 150kms a day as an average brings you in on the final 8th day. I dont think iv done that much in 8 days ever sounds like so much funpain (in same word). even as a bike courier I only clocked about 600k a week. I think the Surly crosscheck with 42c semi and about 5000 songs on the ipod should do it. Would like to think I could do about 200-250k for a couple of the days at an average 25kph touring pace.

Domesticles wrote:CX bikes are perhaps as close as you can get nowadays to what was once known as a Touring Bike, but I'd have thought that the handles were a tad too steep and the chainstays a smidgen too short. Then again, I haven't ridden a modern CX bike so I dunno, but I am under the impression they are designed for cyclo-cross racing.

This is my old light touring setup.
Throw some cross tyres on and you're good to go

Domesticles wrote:Also, notwithstanding the fact that it's likely to be blazing hot much of the time, prospective entrants might be interested to have a look over the equipment survey of Randonneur USA Paris-Brest-Paris participants. The 07 PBP was exceptionally cold and wet. Mudguards help keep you warmer and drier, and when you've just gone into your second sunset (often a problem psychologically) and you're soaked through, you need all the help you can get.

So if it's likely to be "blazing hot much of the time" what good will mudguards do?

Keep you more dry when it's not?

> So if it's likely to be "blazing hot much of the time" what good will mudguards do?

And they'll keep dust off you to some extent, which of course turns to mud when it does rain.

Also, mudguards mean that whoever is drafting you doesn't get a faceful of whatever is coming off your back tyre, which could increase your popularity en route. They used to be compulsory for the PBP but in recent years no more - dunno why.

:editted:.. SIMON et al,

that bit from Upper Matakitaki to Springs Junction, is there no way of getting through the back hills, ie Rappahannock Saddle, or do Maruia Saddle to burnbrae, but turn off HSA65 on Rappahannock Rd and go through to Lake Daniels? that would make that part of the course way more interesting...

and has anybody ever considered or tried to do Craigieburn Rd, through to the Broken River-Avoca to just before Chasm Stream and have some sort of arangement with NZ (Kiwi?)Rail (timetabling/permission to be on tracks within specific times to run gauntlet) to get from Chasm Creek to Staircase, back onto the 4wd track out the Waimak Gorge??? too dodgy i spose, as trying to out-guess trains = not a good idea... shame... would be well more interesting than Porters...

We're trying to keep the organisation to a minimum - ideally no private property so that anyone can do it a month before or after. Looks like we might have one bit of private property, but that's better than two or three.

OnTrack are not so keen on rail trails (until the train tracks have been pulled up).

totally understandable...

What a facinating idea. Would love to be involved but don't really know if I have the legs for it even if I could get time off.
Will no doubt be an amazing experience for those involved.

Hmm maybe I'm writing this off to early... Its been playing on my mind a bit.

Melissa, this thread link was posted to the Australian Audax mailing list. You may get some internationals - myself and a friend included. Booking tickets now

- Joel

Cheers Sifter, sounds like a sensible change.

Could I ask what exactly does no outside assistance involve? In patrticular does it extend to accomodation?

Hi Nick

The no outside assistance rule is trying to create a level playing field. WRT accommodation, you can stay anywhere that everyone else can stay. If you were thinking of staying at a friend's house, that would give you an advantage over the rest of the riders, UNLESS your friend agreed to open their doors to the entire brevet field (which would have to be arranged beforehand so that all riders could plan their ride accordingly). Effectively it would have to be a neutral support station.

Clear as mud?

BTW, there's a few photos up on the brevet blog now.

Cheers
Simon

Cheers Simon, was thinking commercial accomodation which I interpret from the above as being fine.