Why do I have to pay for your rides?
It takes a lot of time and effort to organize these rides. It takes time and money to drive each route to ensure the roads are suitable for riding, that bridges that were there last year are still there, that the county roads department has not dumped tons of gravel on the route. A portion of your entry fee helps to offset my printing of maps, brevet cards, mailings, software for creating maps and web pages, and any food/snacks at the start of the ride as well as ever increasing gasoline expenses. A portion of the fee covers the liability insurance I MUST maintain for each ride.

Ride Pirates:
Please if you want to ride without paying, please ride somewhere else. If I catch you, I may just take your picture and post it here for all to see.

What about maps for the routes?
Route sheets will be provided to entrants at time of registration. Maps include turn by turn directions (marked in miles) and shows where there are quickie marts along the route where you can purchase additional food and or water. Directions also include an overview map of the entire route. I have done my best to ensure all directions are accurate. If there is a discrepancy, please refer to the inset and overview maps for clarification, and please report any errors to me so I can update the maps. Brevet routes are NOT marked on the road. There are too many cycling clubs in the area that paint the roads and would add to the confusion. Refer to the printed directions and maps.

Do you offer SAG Support?
Brevet riders must be self sufficient. We do NOT offer SAG service. If for some reason you need to quit the ride, you must find your own way back to the ride start. Even if you do not finish, please turn in your brevet card at the Edwardsville Police station and sign the final check-in sheet.

What is required for riding after dark?
After sunset, and before sunrise on any ride, you MUST have proper lighting. In short you MUST have at least one front light and one rear light (in steady mode) plus reflective ankle bands on each leg, and a reflective vest, Sam Browne belt or similar. Refer to the Regulations page for more information.

Do I need lights on all brevets?
I do not require lights on either the 200Km brevets. However, with cut off times that extend past sunset, slower riders may be out after the sun goes down. If there is ANY possibility (think rain, flat tires, wind, etc.) you could be out past sunset for these shorter rides, bring your lights and reflective gear. Riding after sundown, without proper lighting will result in disqualification.

On the 300, 400 and 600 KM brevets lights and reflective gear are required.

What do I do with my brevet card?
First, don't lose it. Losing it or failing to turn it in at the end of the ride will result in disqualification. Second, keep it dry, place it in a zip lock bag so the rain and sweat don't destroy it. Next, make sure your brevet card is signed at each and every checkpoint. Missing a checkpoint signature will result in disqualification. Lastly, all brevets finish at the Edwardsville Police station where there will be a plastic bin. Fill out the back of your card completely, including your signature and place the card in the bin.

What should I wear?
Weather changes a lot in this part of the country. It can be downright cold in the morning and beautiful in the afternoon. It can be nice in the morning and get windy and rain later. Dress in layers, and be prepared for whatever the weather brings.

What should I carry on a brevet?
As brevets are self sufficient rides, you should be able to change a flat, or two, or three. So bring your tire levers, a spare tube or two, a patch kit and don't forget to bring your pump. It's a REAL good idea to make sure your pump is in working order BEFORE you need it. Bring a few allen wrenches that fit your bike as you may need to adjust your handlebars, saddle or derailueur. You should also have enough food, water, electrolytes to finish the ride. We pass though small towns every 20-30 miles or so. If you see a quickie mart, stop and top off your food and water supply. If you don't carry everything you need, and you plan on stopping along the way to purchase food and water, don't forget money! It's always a good idea to carry a cell phone with a fully charged battery... just in case. .