The following schedule has been approved by Randonneurs USA (RUSA) for the 2009 calendar year. I am offering two full Audax Club Parisien (ACP) series along with additional RUSA certified brevets. There are plenty of opportunities for you to complete your goals in 2009. Please check the ride certification next to each event listed below.

New for 2009 are two additional ACP sanctioned events in Springfield, MO on this calendar. Click on any of the Springfield links to open a new window for those rides.

It is important to remember that SAG support is not offered on these brevets. If you can not finish an event, you need to find your own way back to the start/finish.

You do not need to be a member of RUSA to ride any brevet. Membership in RUSA does have its benefits. RUSA members are eligible for various awards, including finisher's medals for each ACP event completed, additional mileage awards and the very informative RUSA magazine. Membership forms are available on the RUSA website, and I have them available at registration for anyone wishing to join. A current membership with RUSA is required prior to your first event if you plan on ordering a finisher's medal as well as riding some 1,200K events.

RUSA members who are interested in purchasing RUSA finisher's medals, should indicate their preference on the registration form, and/or brevet card prior to turning it in at the end of the ride. Once the results have been approved by RUSA, you will be able to order your medal online at the RUSA Store.

All events have their own challenges. You need to be self sufficient, which means you will need to take care of your own needs, food and water, changing flat tires and other roadside repairs. SAG support is NOT offered on these rides. If you can not finish the ride, you need to find your own way back to the start.

Due to the change in Daylight Savings time, along with earlier starting times, lights (front and rear) along with reflective gear (reflective sash or vest and reflective bands around each ankle) will be required on the 200, 300, 400 and 600K events with start date begining in April. See RUSA's Rules for Riders for complete requirements.

Each event incorporates bicycle paths (rails to trails conversions) on some sections. While the in/out section of Edwardsville is paved, a section on the 600K is crushed limestone. At night, there is no lighting of any kind on these trails, you must have good quality lights in order to ride safe. Plan your equipment accordingly.

IMPORTANT NOTES
HOTEL INFORMATION - EDWARDSVILLE
Additionally, for those interested in a hotel near the start/finish, there is a Comfort Inn located near I-270 and IL 157, about five miles away. Their phone number is (618) 656-4900 or 1 (877) 424 6423, or you can check their website for rates and availability. Make sure you are well rested before you drive.

There is also a hotel just two miles from the start, Country Hearth Inn (618-656-7829)

There is also a small motel (The Innkeeper Motel) in Hamel IL about eight miles north on US-55 and exit 30. Their phone number is (618) 633-2111.

HOTEL INFORMATION - 600K - VIENNA IL
Due to a 24 hour cancellation policy imposed by the hotel, I have not made any group room reservations. As of June 8 there are plenty of room available at the Limited Inn in Vienna.

In an effort to reduce the expenses involved in every rider making their own reservations, I am offering to book shared rooms (4 people per room) with two double beds for a cost of $20 per person. This does NOT guarantee you a bed to yourself or the bathroom to yourself, but I do guarantee floor space, to sleep for the few hours before riding the last 150 or so miles back to Edwardsville.

On the day of registration, indicate on your registration form that you want to share a room, pay the additional $20 per person and I will make hotel accommodations the morning of the ride and have the rooms guaranteed.

You are free to make your own accommodations at the Limited Inn in Vienna if you wish your privacy or already have someone to share a room with. If you have any questions about this "share room" please give me a call or email me. My contact information is available on the contact page of this website.

For safety reasons, the 600 KM brevet will be run in stages. An overnight is HIGHLY recommended in Vienna, IL at approximately the 213 mile point. If you are planning on riding this event, you should book your own rooms at the Limited Inn (formerly the Ramada Inn) 618-658-6300 or use the shared rooms as noted above. Room rates around $65 plus tax. I am not holding any block rooms at this time. An overnight in Vienna will require all riders to begin day two, no later than 3:00 AM in order to stay ahead of the check point cut off times.

BAG DROP
A bag drop is planned for both 600K events at the Limited Inn in Vienna. This will allow the transport of one small bag per rider. The cost of the bag drop is $10 to help defray the cost of gas. Each bag must have your name on it. Make sure you are well rested before and after your ride, so you can drive home safely. For additional information on lighting requirements, see the RUSA Rules For Riders, specifically Article 6, as well as the Illinois State Laws regarding cycling after dark.