What Makes Paris-Brest-Paris Different
By Jeff Bauer
July 15, 2007
Some thoughts on PBP before the big event. I'm no PBP expert, having only ridden the course once, but for first timers it might be worth presenting some of the differences you'll experience compared to a "normal" 1200K. Here are some notes I made in reference to a discussion we had at an orientation earlier this year.
What makes Paris-Brest-Paris different from any other kind of randonnee?
Roads:
-Slightly rougher surface
-Some "Pave"
-Hardly any shake & bake sections
-Rolling, nothing > 9% grade (but: never flat)
Controls:
-French riders do not queue in line
-Main areas:
--Bike racks
--Card swipe/stamp (Go HERE first!)
--Cafeteria / café
(The cafe, if available, is mostly for food "to go" and doesn't offer the selection of hot, buffet-style food at the cafeteria.)
-Optional areas:
--Water spigot (ask for "Aqua")
--Sleep (A cot may not be available at peak hours)
--Drop Bag area (Loudeac)
--Shower trailer
(Showers are only available at some controls such as Loudeac. Don't expect hot water, and bring your own towel.)
Markets: -
-No 24-hour "Kwik-Marts"
-Bars are often open past midnight and serve food
-Roadside offerings: "Aqua" & "Cafe"
Everything:
-A La Carte
-No freebies, always carry euros
Restroom breaks:
-Public restrooms are almost non-existent and you may have to wait a while at the controls.
-Bring toilet paper!
Sleep breaks:
-At the controls:
--You may have to wait.
--Cots were €2 (Euros) in 2003
--Bring earplugs (100+ snorers = high decibels)
-Out in the open:
--Daytime - find some shade
--Nighttime - careful not to use someone's restroom
Motorists:
-Patient, except for trucks (lorries)
-You may ride side-by-side without bothering anyone
-Don't yell "Car back!”
(It's stupid, unnecessary, and assumes everyone around you speaks English. Not.)
Road Markings:
-Excellent: bright with reflective tape
-Cue sheet: Almost useless, but program your bike computer to use kilometers anyway.
-Town-to-town: Although the cue sheet isn't very useful, it *is* helpful to know which town you're about to enter/leave. If you get lost, it's easier to find your way back.
-Vandalism: On the last few kilometers in 2003, some punks vandalized/removed the route makers. Fortunately the organizers painted the markings so we could find our way back to the finish.
-Outbound vs. inbound: Each direction will have a different color marker. Don't follow the wrong color! This has happened before and caused riders to DNF.
Self-sufficient:
-It may rain; temps can drop into the 40's at night.
-No roving SAG support such as GRR, BMB, etc.
-There are excellent bike mechanics at the controls; however you may have to wait in line for them to attend to your needs.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
PBP Checklist
PBP Checklist
By Jeff Bauer
July 15, 2007
At almost every 1200K, someone shows up missing some critical gear. Fortunately (with the exception of your Passport and bike shoes) most of it can be purchased in France. But it's less expensive and time-consuming to bring your own gear.
Everyone's gear list will vary. Here's mine. I find it useful to print out this list and manually check off each piece of gear as it's packed.
PBP Checklist
Travel
___ Passport, Driver's License, Medical Insurance (+ photocopies)
___ Bike Inspection Sheet (Accuse D'inscription)
___ Cash (100 euros), ATM, credit cards
___ Wristwatch (even if you don't normally wear one)
___ Brevet card, frame number, route sheet
___ Camera
Bike / Bike repair
___ Bike Computer (set to kilometers, you imperialist!)
___ CO2 cartridges**
___ Tire Patches, tire boot
___ Toolset: hex wrenches, tire levers, chain tool + spare links
___ Leatherman OR Swiss Army Knife
___ Chain Lube, grease
___ Spare Tubes (2-3 on bike, 2 per drop bag)
___ Patch kit
___ FibreFix spoke replacement
___ Spare Tire
___ Saddle Bag
___ Handlebar bag
___ Headlights (fresh batteries)
___ Taillights (fresh batteries)
___ Spare bulbs (x3)
___ Zip ties, duct tape, electrical tape
___ Frame pump
Night Gear:
___ Petzl headlamp (fresh batteries)
___ Reflective gear: (vest/belt, leg reflectors)
___ Spare baggies, plastic wrap, plastic sacks
___ Spare batteries
___ Earplugs, eye cover
Fuel / Nutrition / Comfort:
___ Water bottles
___ CamelBak
___ Drink Mix (pre-measured into zip lock bags)
___ Gels
___ Energy Bars
___ Endurolytes
___ Caffeine tablets
___ Ibuprofen
___ Immodium
___ Tums
___ Butt balm (Lantiseptic, Bag Balm, etc.)
___ Sunscreen, lip balm
___ Toilet paper
___ Emergency space blanket
___ Wet wipes
Clothing / Wearables:
___ Cycling Shoes
___ Helmet
___ Glasses (dark + clear)
___ Shorts (+ spares)
___ Knee Warmers OR leg warmers OR tights
___ Socks
___ Gloves
___ Glove Liners or long-fingered gloves
___ Jersey(s)
___ Underlayer
___ Arm Warmers
___ Cycling Cap OR Beanie OR Lightweight Balaclava
___ Wind Vest
___ Rain Jacket
Notes:
1. Some people will ride "commando" style with the 80 hour group. They'll take a spare tube, patch kit, arm warmers, and a vest. This list isn't for those riders.
2. Your CO2 cartridges may get confiscated by TSA, so bring along a frame pump. All the CO2 cartridges will be sold out by the time your get to the ride, so don't plan on being able to purchase any when you arrive.
By Jeff Bauer
July 15, 2007
At almost every 1200K, someone shows up missing some critical gear. Fortunately (with the exception of your Passport and bike shoes) most of it can be purchased in France. But it's less expensive and time-consuming to bring your own gear.
Everyone's gear list will vary. Here's mine. I find it useful to print out this list and manually check off each piece of gear as it's packed.
PBP Checklist
Travel
___ Passport, Driver's License, Medical Insurance (+ photocopies)
___ Bike Inspection Sheet (Accuse D'inscription)
___ Cash (100 euros), ATM, credit cards
___ Wristwatch (even if you don't normally wear one)
___ Brevet card, frame number, route sheet
___ Camera
Bike / Bike repair
___ Bike Computer (set to kilometers, you imperialist!)
___ CO2 cartridges**
___ Tire Patches, tire boot
___ Toolset: hex wrenches, tire levers, chain tool + spare links
___ Leatherman OR Swiss Army Knife
___ Chain Lube, grease
___ Spare Tubes (2-3 on bike, 2 per drop bag)
___ Patch kit
___ FibreFix spoke replacement
___ Spare Tire
___ Saddle Bag
___ Handlebar bag
___ Headlights (fresh batteries)
___ Taillights (fresh batteries)
___ Spare bulbs (x3)
___ Zip ties, duct tape, electrical tape
___ Frame pump
Night Gear:
___ Petzl headlamp (fresh batteries)
___ Reflective gear: (vest/belt, leg reflectors)
___ Spare baggies, plastic wrap, plastic sacks
___ Spare batteries
___ Earplugs, eye cover
Fuel / Nutrition / Comfort:
___ Water bottles
___ CamelBak
___ Drink Mix (pre-measured into zip lock bags)
___ Gels
___ Energy Bars
___ Endurolytes
___ Caffeine tablets
___ Ibuprofen
___ Immodium
___ Tums
___ Butt balm (Lantiseptic, Bag Balm, etc.)
___ Sunscreen, lip balm
___ Toilet paper
___ Emergency space blanket
___ Wet wipes
Clothing / Wearables:
___ Cycling Shoes
___ Helmet
___ Glasses (dark + clear)
___ Shorts (+ spares)
___ Knee Warmers OR leg warmers OR tights
___ Socks
___ Gloves
___ Glove Liners or long-fingered gloves
___ Jersey(s)
___ Underlayer
___ Arm Warmers
___ Cycling Cap OR Beanie OR Lightweight Balaclava
___ Wind Vest
___ Rain Jacket
Notes:
1. Some people will ride "commando" style with the 80 hour group. They'll take a spare tube, patch kit, arm warmers, and a vest. This list isn't for those riders.
2. Your CO2 cartridges may get confiscated by TSA, so bring along a frame pump. All the CO2 cartridges will be sold out by the time your get to the ride, so don't plan on being able to purchase any when you arrive.
PBP Bike Inspection
PBP Bike Inspection
By Jeff Bauer
July 15, 2007
Bike inspection at PBP can be both serious and absurd.
My recommendation is to request the earliest inspection time possible. As the day drags on, the lines can get backed up and you spend more time waiting for inspection. Also, if you have any problems during your bike inspection you'll have time to remedy the situation if you start early.
There will be two lines. One for the French riders and one (literally) for "Strangers". In 2003 I was directed to the French line to speed up the process. My lack of the French vocabulary and the inspector's lack of English made for a somewhat comical situation.
Here are some recommendations to pass through your inspection quickly.
-Bring your brevet card, laminated bike number attached to the bike, and bike inspection form (titled: Accuse D'Inscription).
-Mounted taillight(s): demonstrate steady, non-blinking operation.
-Mounted headlights: demonstrate working condition. I had to explain how the Schmidt dynohub worked to my inspector in 2003.
-Brakes: I don't suppose fixed-gear riders will have to argue about the absence of a rear brake.
-Misc: Depending on the zealotry of the inspector and the time of day, they may also check out your stem, headset, bolt adjustments, etc.
-Spare batteries: Even if you use a Schmidt dynohub, it will save you time to carry a sack of AA batteries. In 2003, I borrowed some from another Tennessee Randonneur.
-Spare bulbs: 3 bulbs - no less(***) I don't know why the magic number is three. You can argue that two LED lights are more effective than one non-LED system with three bulbs. Good luck. It will save you time if you just borrow 3 bulbs from another rider to pass inspection (even if they don't fit your light) than to argue with a French bureaucrat.
-Reflective vest/legs: The inspector will mark your vest so you can't loan it to someone else and subvert the inspection process. Interestingly, my reflective vest was pinched at Loudeac on the inbound leg. Fortunately, I never got busted for it's absence, since I wore a reflective-appearing yellow rain jacket.
-Be sure your brevet card is stamped at the completion of bike inspection.
Hope you find this useful.
*** "Then shalt thou count to three, no more, no less. Three shall be the number thou shalt count, and the number of the counting shall be three. Four shalt thou not count, neither count thou two, excepting that thou then proceed to three. Five is right out. Once the number three, being the third number, be reached, then lobbest thou thy Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch towards thy foe, who, being naughty in my sight, shall snuff it."
-Monty Python and the Holy Grail
By Jeff Bauer
July 15, 2007
Bike inspection at PBP can be both serious and absurd.
My recommendation is to request the earliest inspection time possible. As the day drags on, the lines can get backed up and you spend more time waiting for inspection. Also, if you have any problems during your bike inspection you'll have time to remedy the situation if you start early.
There will be two lines. One for the French riders and one (literally) for "Strangers". In 2003 I was directed to the French line to speed up the process. My lack of the French vocabulary and the inspector's lack of English made for a somewhat comical situation.
Here are some recommendations to pass through your inspection quickly.
-Bring your brevet card, laminated bike number attached to the bike, and bike inspection form (titled: Accuse D'Inscription).
-Mounted taillight(s): demonstrate steady, non-blinking operation.
-Mounted headlights: demonstrate working condition. I had to explain how the Schmidt dynohub worked to my inspector in 2003.
-Brakes: I don't suppose fixed-gear riders will have to argue about the absence of a rear brake.
-Misc: Depending on the zealotry of the inspector and the time of day, they may also check out your stem, headset, bolt adjustments, etc.
-Spare batteries: Even if you use a Schmidt dynohub, it will save you time to carry a sack of AA batteries. In 2003, I borrowed some from another Tennessee Randonneur.
-Spare bulbs: 3 bulbs - no less(***) I don't know why the magic number is three. You can argue that two LED lights are more effective than one non-LED system with three bulbs. Good luck. It will save you time if you just borrow 3 bulbs from another rider to pass inspection (even if they don't fit your light) than to argue with a French bureaucrat.
-Reflective vest/legs: The inspector will mark your vest so you can't loan it to someone else and subvert the inspection process. Interestingly, my reflective vest was pinched at Loudeac on the inbound leg. Fortunately, I never got busted for it's absence, since I wore a reflective-appearing yellow rain jacket.
-Be sure your brevet card is stamped at the completion of bike inspection.
Hope you find this useful.
*** "Then shalt thou count to three, no more, no less. Three shall be the number thou shalt count, and the number of the counting shall be three. Four shalt thou not count, neither count thou two, excepting that thou then proceed to three. Five is right out. Once the number three, being the third number, be reached, then lobbest thou thy Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch towards thy foe, who, being naughty in my sight, shall snuff it."
-Monty Python and the Holy Grail
PBP Drop Bags
PBP Drop Bags
By Jeff Bauer
July 15, 2007
FWIW, here's what I'm planning to carry in my PBP drop bags:
I usually have a couple pairs of shorts and jerseys, spare gloves and socks. As was mentioned earlier, the most important thing if you are wet/cold is dry clothes. Add whatever under/over layers you think you might need -- e.g. if you've been riding all night in the rain, swapping out a pair of dry tights may be nice.
Along with dry clothes, it's probably worth having a couple of spare tubes, spare tire (if you aren't carrying one on your bike), sunscreen, gels, energy bars, drink mix. You'll have plenty of *real* food at the controls, but not much to carry with you between controls. I was unable to find anything like Powerbars, Gatorade, etc., even before the ride.
Spare batteries, backup taillights, LED lights are handy to stow in a drop bag if you're bringing along spares. For me, it's easier just to replace the taillight, rather than fiddle with putting in a fresh set of batteries, though I carry along a spare set on the bike. If you're using CO2, spare cartridges go in the bag.
I usually have a couple of plastic trash bags in each drop bag. These are for dirty clothes, or as an emergency outer layer.
If I'm using water bottles, I may have fresh (clean) water bottles in the drop bag, to reduce the chance of bacteria growth.
By Jeff Bauer
July 15, 2007
FWIW, here's what I'm planning to carry in my PBP drop bags:
I usually have a couple pairs of shorts and jerseys, spare gloves and socks. As was mentioned earlier, the most important thing if you are wet/cold is dry clothes. Add whatever under/over layers you think you might need -- e.g. if you've been riding all night in the rain, swapping out a pair of dry tights may be nice.
Along with dry clothes, it's probably worth having a couple of spare tubes, spare tire (if you aren't carrying one on your bike), sunscreen, gels, energy bars, drink mix. You'll have plenty of *real* food at the controls, but not much to carry with you between controls. I was unable to find anything like Powerbars, Gatorade, etc., even before the ride.
Spare batteries, backup taillights, LED lights are handy to stow in a drop bag if you're bringing along spares. For me, it's easier just to replace the taillight, rather than fiddle with putting in a fresh set of batteries, though I carry along a spare set on the bike. If you're using CO2, spare cartridges go in the bag.
I usually have a couple of plastic trash bags in each drop bag. These are for dirty clothes, or as an emergency outer layer.
If I'm using water bottles, I may have fresh (clean) water bottles in the drop bag, to reduce the chance of bacteria growth.
PBP Final Thoughts
PBP Final Thoughts
By Jeff Bauer
July 15, 2007
Final thoughts.
For what it's worth. You've may have already discerned from the other PBP ride reports:
1) PBP is crowded.
2) PBP is possibly cold and wet.
The intersection of these two possibilities can make for an unpleasant nighttime on-bike/off-bike experience.
In 2003, France went through a severe heat wave. Temps were over 100F and 14,000 Parisians died due to heat related illnesses. IN SPITE OF THIS, the late evenings and early mornings were pretty chilly. On the third night, it dropped into the 40's and riders donned every piece of clothing they had. On the way back through Loudeac, the cafeteria was stuffed with riders crammed into every nook and cranny trying to stay warm.
When you are acclimated to riding in temps ranging from the 70's through the 90's, such a drop in temperature feels extreme. This is not like riding in 40F temperatures in March, when you've had all winter to acclimate to wearing just a vest and arm warmers.
For anyone who's not ridden more than a 600K ...by the second night of a long ride your body no longer produces the same amount of heat to keep you warm. You'll need more clothing than usual to keep you comfortable. And you can't count on places during PBP to stop and warm up.
We were all cold in 2003 and it didn't rain. If it does rain (why is Brittany so green?), expect the night riding to be even more challenging if you're unprepared. The Europeans will probably have fewer problems as they're used to this climate. For those of us training here in the southern United States, we need to be prepared for some slight adjustments.
Bon Route!
By Jeff Bauer
July 15, 2007
Final thoughts.
For what it's worth. You've may have already discerned from the other PBP ride reports:
1) PBP is crowded.
2) PBP is possibly cold and wet.
The intersection of these two possibilities can make for an unpleasant nighttime on-bike/off-bike experience.
In 2003, France went through a severe heat wave. Temps were over 100F and 14,000 Parisians died due to heat related illnesses. IN SPITE OF THIS, the late evenings and early mornings were pretty chilly. On the third night, it dropped into the 40's and riders donned every piece of clothing they had. On the way back through Loudeac, the cafeteria was stuffed with riders crammed into every nook and cranny trying to stay warm.
When you are acclimated to riding in temps ranging from the 70's through the 90's, such a drop in temperature feels extreme. This is not like riding in 40F temperatures in March, when you've had all winter to acclimate to wearing just a vest and arm warmers.
For anyone who's not ridden more than a 600K ...by the second night of a long ride your body no longer produces the same amount of heat to keep you warm. You'll need more clothing than usual to keep you comfortable. And you can't count on places during PBP to stop and warm up.
We were all cold in 2003 and it didn't rain. If it does rain (why is Brittany so green?), expect the night riding to be even more challenging if you're unprepared. The Europeans will probably have fewer problems as they're used to this climate. For those of us training here in the southern United States, we need to be prepared for some slight adjustments.
Bon Route!
PBP Memories
PBP Memories
By Dave Bundrick
July 15, 2007
Wish I were going! Reading Jeff Bauer's posts brings back good memories of my two PBPs.
A couple of thoughts:
While "Aqua" is undoubtedly understood throughout the Western world as water, the French word is easy to pronounce: de l'eau (roughly duh low). A few other French words and phrases are easy to learn and go along way.
Resist - I repeat - resist the temptation to go out too fast. The start is exciting and it's easy to get caught up in the moment. If possible, start with a friend and watch each other here. In 2003 I started at 10:00, went out way too fast, skipped the first stop, which is not mandatory, and by dawn was exhausted.
Be very careful when stopping along the side of the road - the place you're about to sit might have been "watered".
Plan on cold on the way back, when you're exhausted. An undershirt would be well worth the weight. I prefer wool, but plastic fibers are ok, too. Take a space blanket. It can be slept under or ripped and stuffed under a jersey.
I never had a problem with inspection. Spare bulbs and batteries can be an issue, so just take a pocket full to inspection and leave what you don't need in your baggage. The bulbs don't have to fit, they just have to be bulbs.
A great and wonderful adventure, and not one to be wasted trying to post a good time. No mater how good you are, you won't be near the top of the leader board, so just enjoy the ride!
By Dave Bundrick
July 15, 2007
Wish I were going! Reading Jeff Bauer's posts brings back good memories of my two PBPs.
A couple of thoughts:
While "Aqua" is undoubtedly understood throughout the Western world as water, the French word is easy to pronounce: de l'eau (roughly duh low). A few other French words and phrases are easy to learn and go along way.
Resist - I repeat - resist the temptation to go out too fast. The start is exciting and it's easy to get caught up in the moment. If possible, start with a friend and watch each other here. In 2003 I started at 10:00, went out way too fast, skipped the first stop, which is not mandatory, and by dawn was exhausted.
Be very careful when stopping along the side of the road - the place you're about to sit might have been "watered".
Plan on cold on the way back, when you're exhausted. An undershirt would be well worth the weight. I prefer wool, but plastic fibers are ok, too. Take a space blanket. It can be slept under or ripped and stuffed under a jersey.
I never had a problem with inspection. Spare bulbs and batteries can be an issue, so just take a pocket full to inspection and leave what you don't need in your baggage. The bulbs don't have to fit, they just have to be bulbs.
A great and wonderful adventure, and not one to be wasted trying to post a good time. No mater how good you are, you won't be near the top of the leader board, so just enjoy the ride!
