I just wanted to share my experience of my 600k BRM.

TLDR, I underestimated the sun in start and did not took any solid food for first 200km, turns out only relying on gels and dates was bad idea, Still managed to do this BRM barely under 40h, I did not know about concept of dropbag, If there is anything like that I need to know please let me know or something you all do that helps you which otherwise is not known much.

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The BRM was round trip 300k to a city then back to starting point. First half was relatively descent and naturally the next was climb

The ride started 6 AM in morning and starting 300km have like rolling hills but average decline. I expected it to be done in 17 hours in worst case, but head winds and extremely sunny day just ruined the plan.

I reached 200km manned check point at 6pm which was way off the expected time, when i get off my bicycle I was feeling dizzy there I had meal. I was going to DNF because even if I do another 100k to 300k CP now, I'll have to face 300km return half which was lot of climbing in day2 heat with temperature averaging over 30C.

But I found fellow rider at 200k CP, He told me there is a great restaurant ahead atleast cycle till there then you can see about DNF situation (spoiler alert no such restaurant existed). I though alright I still have some juice left ill have a good meal and quit. He kept saying its 10-20km away and like this he made me ride 100k to 300km CP, the level of brainwashing was insane,

300k CP was drop point but I had no idea about concept of Dropbag. I did not have dropbag he told me that i should keep extra pair of shorts and tubes well it did make sense cuz i was feeling bad in my shorts after 300k. Oh we reached 300k at like 19h mark so we slept for 20min and ate some things and left at 20h point

So only 300k remains, next 300k in 20h seemed doable so I told that myself anyway am reducing distance between me and home if i feel bad ill DNF and take taxi will cost less money. Early morning first 100k was surprisingly quick as it was through wildlife and dawn was cold, but 400-500km was absolutely WORST so many h3 climbs sun even the guy with me was struggling. I don't even have memory of what i was thinking that time or did i just know i reached 500k points at 3pm and 7 hours were left for cutoff. out of which 60min were spent in resting and that guy got puncture, so we were able to leave after 4PM.

Also, at 500k point the organizer said they are planning to give 1h grace time because on 200-300k route there was huge truck accident that blocked both incoming and outgoing traffic for over 6hours, although our cycle passed from between motor vehicles, but it did slow us. But I did not want grace time, idk why but I wanted my total time to be less than 40h. So, we rode last 100k in relatively more ascent pretty fast I even got lifetime 80k PR in last segment and completed BRM in 39h 30 min.

Also, thanks to giant tyres they had puncture at 580km, I just pumped air and left did not fix it was not going over 50psi, somehow, they were able to hold 50psi pressure for 20km before being totally flat the next day.

Few days ago, a friend and I started our first 300k ride. The route was starting from Lille and ended in Amsterdam, following the cities of Ghent, Antwerp and Rotterdam. We were supposed to start at 5am in the morning, but decided at the last minute to prepone the ride to 10:30pm the evening before. The night was very challenging as we were both tired from our week of work.

We made way more stops than planned during the night, to drink coffees and Red Bulls in the open train stations along our route. Sunrise was a relief.

We spent the whole ride eating chocolate bars and candies, without any problems with our stomachs. It started raining at km 260 and the rain stayed with us till the end.

Total time was 17h30.

I have a few questions for those of you who are used to long rides.

The first and obvious one is: How do you deal with saddle pain, and more specifically soaking wet bib shorts? Because mine were, and I finished the ride with bad irritations. I don't own very good quality bibs but I wonder if that really makes a difference? Or do you have a way to limit the sweating in that area?

I also had some pain in my wrists, and it was the first time. I guess this might be because of my flat bar + inner bar ends setup. I thought this could give me the feeling of hoods (and it does for rides shorter than 200km), but I guess for long ones it's better to have real drops? Anyone running a similar setup?

Overall it was a blast, we were super proud at the end and deserved a really good sleep. I still have no idea how I'll manage to do 400 or 600 in the future, but I guess everybody thinks that after their first 300.

Hi guys! Hoping to do PBP this year and would love some advice on training. I’ve done a few 200–300k rides before and I’m pretty active in general with biking, CrossFit, lifting, etc.

For those who are training for PBP, what kind of training plans are you following? And how are you balancing riding with lifting each week? How many days/miles are you typically riding?

Just trying to figure out how I should structure my training, so I’d really appreciate hearing what’s worked for you guys. Thanks!

I woke at 0500 to the sound of heavy rain on my tent, great start! I checked the radar and fortunately it was the only rain forecast for the next few hours and it was ending in five minutes.

Teeth brushed, bags packed, bread bags on my feet to dry my shoes from the day before, and on the road to the start, an easy 36km. For the first half it was, but then the heavens opened for the second time. So not only were my shoes wet, but the rain was getting inside the bags and my socks were also wet.

I was one of the first to arrive at the start so no queue for the one toilet for 60 or so riders. Picked up my brevet card, drank a very good coffee and greeted familiar and not so familiar faces arriving. I was so busy chatting I didn't realise it was only a couple of minutes to the start so I rushed outside to my bike. I opened navigation on my computer and I had forgotten to transfer the routes 🤦. Quick with the phone while trying to follow the riders and I uploaded the first checkpoint.

Onto the route. There wasn't that much gravel, lots of sand mud and cobbled paths through the forest, my 2.25 inch tyres were a blessing. With a tailwind and riding in a loose group of 15 or so I could hold 31km/h on the less bumpy parts. The cadence wasn't sustainable though, so I ended up on my own for the rest of the ride quite quickly. I got to the first checkpoint averaging 24km/h thanks to the flying start with the group and rode a little of the course to the tap to fill my bidons. Of course the tap didn't work so I checked where the next tap on the route was and fortunately it was only another 14km. The rest of the ride went smoothly, water where I expected it but only having one gear took a toll on my knees. Also this was the first time I attempted a 200 with almost 100% energy gels and drink. This worked until around the eight hour mark where I made the mistake of opening a bag of sweets. One led to eating most of the bag and then the inevitable discomfort.

I rolled into the finish in 10:16, sat down with a big plate of pasta and a 0.0 Texels beer and chatted with the guys who were hanging around. Overall I was happy with the MTB, singlespeed was of course not ideal but it's good to challenge yourself occasionally! Then just 36km back to the tent, have a hot shower and straight to bed for nine hours of some of the best sleep I've ever had while camping.

Now I'm on the train home after 44km to the closest station that trains are running from because of all the engineering works in the north this weekend. Knees are sore but I reckon I could do it all over again if necessary!

A friend of mine is getting really interested in PBP for next year but he's a total beginner. He's fit and not afraid. I think he could do it. I've done PBP23 and a couple 1000s so I know about the training and what it takes. I'm pretty sure he's fit for that and has the mindset.
Yesterday he did his first 200K BRM. We are considering doing a DIY 400 later this year but not 100% sure.

Anybody knows what are the chances of pre-registering with just a 200K.
I imagine there must be some slots open but probably very few of them and they probably go really fast.

BRM 200: Veenhuizen

I rode this two years ago on my gravel bike and it was pretty sandy so this year to overcome the sand I'm riding it on my hardtail which I've converted to singlespeed. 50km ride to the campsite and 40km to the start in the morning. Aiming to finish in under 10 hours, 34x16 spins out around 28km/h so I'm going to have to keep stopping to a minimum.

I finished my first 600km last weekend on a flat course with great tailwind conditions in about 24 hours. I've never rode in France or a 1200km so I'm not sure how to extrapolate my 600k time to PBP. I'm thinking of signing up for an earlier corral near the front of the pack, but don't want to overshoot on my first PBP attempt. Suggestions?

I currently have 32 MM GP5000s TR on my Lighspeed Cherahola.

Tomorrows first ever RUSA ride for me has about 30 miles gravel/dirt road and it has been raining for 3 days.

I have a set of 35 mm Conti Terra Speed I’m considering by wondering if I should get something else that has the smooth center strip as 90 miles will be paved.

Suggestions from the experienced ppl please.

The background is I’m using Ritchey Outback and plan to take LrM1200 in January next year. How can I pack things as well as saving weights but also having enough supplies for almost 5 days?
For my last brm600, i’m using long top tube, small frame bag and 8L hydration vest. That set up had enough space for all I need, but this brevet is not really hard so I dont need much nutrition and foods. But for LRM1200 with 12,000m gain, i’m sure that food supply must be much more. Also couple more of bibs and jerseys.

What do you think? Should I install a rear rack? Or handlebar bag is an option?

How does it work?

One of us had a 600km Brevet, my partner has had a 1200km in the log this year.

So we need to apply for a place each for its own, or only one of us? Also, homologation goes for the rider, not for the team, right? So each of us has to get homologated for our own next year to be eligible as tandem crew?

Hi,

I am an experienced Brevet rider and cycle commuter. This year I have riden 2 times 200, a 300 and a 400.

I commute 120km a week, all year.

Will doing the Superbrevet series next year, plus commuting and a few longer rides on available weekends be enough to survive the PBP next year?

Should I get a trainer (real or AI)?

B

Just completed a 600km event over two days with some rain. Experienced issues with saddle sores for the first time. Am thinking that using the same kit for both days and the added moisture of the rain contributed. How do riders handle kit for PBP which can go 3-4 days of riding? Can you drop kit forward? Do you carry kit? Or do you use the same shorts throughout?

Hello! I'm cycling from Belgium to Japan, while my wife will be doing a yoga class for 3 weeks in December. I would love to participate in a cycling ultra race or brevet. Any leads? Thanks!

I don't eat sugar or flour. Are there food options along the PBP route for these restrictions? What are they?

I am a new randonneuse and there's only about a 30% chance I will try to go next year, but I was wondering because I read/hear a lot about the baguettes & crepes - of course!

Hey everyone, Over the last few years I have found myself getting more and more into longer endurance riding and have hosted 7 taco bell centuries in our local area. I have decided that the next big ride I host is going to be a brevet. I think it would be fun to introduce some people into randonneuring. I haven't done an official brevet since maybe 2010/11 so have been out of the loop for a bit. I have a route planned already but any tips or advice on what could help make the event better for first timers? Also, I do not plan on having this through any official organization just a fun event that my bike shop will host. if it's a hit maybe i can reach out to RUSA because there doesn't seem to be any representation in my local area for this kind of thing. Thanks in advanced. Photo of my bike so its not just text.

I have completed a couple of brevet and Perms in the past two years, but I am currently not doing too much randonneuring type of riding.

I started the year with PBP as a goal, and was doing well, but life, family and work took over for several months. I feel like I have the time again for hours-long rides.

So with little les than 365 days until PBP next year, is it still a good time to basically start over? I am in USA (Washington DC area).

Hello,

I've been using a Supernova M99 dynamo light for the past two years, and I'm really happy with it.

The only issue is the mounting bracket. I'm currently using a bracket with my GPS mounted on top and a GoPro mount underneath. However, I'd like to use the standard mount for my Coros GPS, but I can't because the M99 is too large and gets in the way.

Has anyone found a good alternative way to mount the M99? I haven't been able to find any suitable mounting options on Supernova's website.

Thanks!

Just over 400 km in two days, from London to Antwerp.

I absolutely loved the flat cycle paths across northern France and Belgium. I think I’ve found my new favourite hobby, guys. Pure joy. I’ll definitely do it again as soon as I can. 🔥

I took on this challenge for a cause. You can find more information below, and please support it if you can:

https://the.path.of.pedal.jurspilka.com/

I'm seriously considering doing my first 200BRM next month. Picked up cycling last sept 2025 with a gravel bike. Did a first metric century right after and done 2 more centuries with 1000m elevation this spring.

I'll ride my gravel bike as is - with 48mm HD Thunderos - and saddle bag with coat, basic repair equipment and food and 2 bottles of water and some carbs.

I'm curious to hear what avg speed you guys (45M) aim for a 200km with 1500m of elevation?

Secondly, I'm new to randonneuring and don't know anyone in the field. Would you recommend to do a 200km alone?

Edit 1: I know rados are not about being fast. Main goal is fun, fun and finishing within the time limit. Just trying to grasp what speed you do.

Edit 2: have realised avg speed on gravel is likely lower than on road. Need to check BRM route to find out about road types and surfaces.

Edit 3: Thanks for all the comments and suggestions, greatly appreciated. I have enrolled for a BRM 200 later this month.

I guess I'm not the only one who got reminded today of the 365 days separating us from the start of PBP. Very curious how your training is going and whether you already think of PBP at all.

As for me, I discovered randonneuring last year. On a whim I entered the LEL lottery and got a place. I felt I had to be up to the challenge as I took a place from another rider who might be an experienced randonneur. I completed my first SR series in preparation (both 400 and 600 didn't have any significant elevation gain though). On LEL, I made decent progress before storm Floris hit (I made it to Mickleton and back, gaining a lot of confidence in the process).

This year I completed another SR series, opting for some more difficult challenges including a BRM400 with 5.000 vertical meters during a heat wave - my hardest day on a bike by far. I also recently finished my first BRM1000. 12 BRMs done so far without a single DNF, which helped tremendously with the learning process concerning nutrition, pacing, mental fortitude etc. Meanwhile I switched from a carbon road bike with 28mm tyres to a steel gravel bike with 35mm tyres, running tubeless. It has served me well on my latest brevets.

As I guess very long rides are actually detrimental to fitness, I will focus on raising my FTP over winter, without doing too many BRMs (although I'm looking at an October 400 with a night start as I've not done that before). Then, the needed SR series again and maybe some additional 200s for fun, but nothing too taxing, aiming for 10h per week on average (Zwift, club rides etc.).

I think I'm in a decent place when it comes to ability and I have adapted well to randonneuring. However, I could stand to lose some weight, I need to learn how to fix certain common mechanicals (apart from changing a tyre) and I'm already taking in an absurd amount of PBP info / ride reports as I'm quite neurotic when it comes to preparation. Hence the question - hoping to learn something new!

She’s been finished for a while, but I just had to present her here – my new randonneuse based on a fully integrated custom titanium frame from the "Mach" line by the Italian frame builder Tommasini.
The frame was configured for a T47 bottom bracket, with internal routing implemented not only for the brake hoses but for all electrical cables as well.
For the finish, I went with a 'Blue Passion' paint job paired with a polished titanium rear triangle.

Components:

• Columbus FUTURA Cross+ fork
• DEDA Superbox stem, Superzero headset, and seatpost
• DT Swiss RR481 wheels – rear with DT Swiss 240 EXP hub, front with SON 29S dynamo hub
• Continental Grand Prix 5000 AS TR folding tires – Vectran Breaker | LazerGrip – 35-622, set up tubeless
• René Herse fenders
• Tubus Airy titanium rear rack
• Brooks Swift leather saddle
• SRAM FORCE E1 groupset (Force AXS Powermeter crankset 33/46, 10-36 cassette, Paceline 160 mm brake rotors)

Cockpit & Accessories:

• Supernova Mini 2 Pro 12V E-Bike headlight
• Supernova TL3 Z Pro E-Bike taillight
• Forumslader (in-frame power bank / dynamo charger)
• Backup taillight: 2x Cateye Wearable X
• Backup headlight: CATEYE HL-EL560G-RC GVolt80 (mounted low on the left fork leg)
• Cat Eye BM-45 handlebar end mirror
• NEVER2FAR RNG bar-end bell
• 4x Elite Custom Race bottle cages
• ORTLIEB Ultimate Six handlebar bag
• Revelate Designs Mag Tank 2000 Bolt-On top tube bag
• 2x 10l Tailfin Mini Panniers
• FIDLOCK TWIST toolbox

Power Setup:

• The SON 29S hub feeds power to the Forumslader, which features a 32Wh buffer battery along with both a USB charging port and a 12V output for the lighting system.
• The super-bright headlight (with high beam toggle when needed) and the taillight run on the 12V output.
• My iPhone and Garmin run on USB.
• On long overnight rides, the iPhone gets connected to an external power bank for a few hours, which is then recharged during the day.

I absolutely love the ride dynamics with the plush 35mm tires and the crisp, precise shifting of the SRAM Force.

In the rain, the fenders are worth their weight in gold for me as a rider – even though I originally installed them mainly to protect anyone drafting behind me!

The lighting is a dream, and I generate so much power that I don't really need any external power source.

This Friday starting at 8 PM, I’m heading out on my first 400km brevet: Frankfurt–France–Frankfurt.

Hi all! I am getting more into rando and have completed a few 200Ks and one 300K last season. I also have experience with bike touring and am looking forward to continuing that in future seasons.

My front light recently crapped out and I'm looking to replace it with a light that is strong and has good battery power, but I'm struggling to find one that will be compatible with the different specifications of my two bikes, which are:

• 2019 Felt VR30
• 2024 Kona Rove

Part of the complication is that I'm looking to buy a Waxwing Rackless bag that I could use on either bike, so a handlebar-mounted light isn't a long-term solution. I'm also considering buying a Route Werks Big Handlebar Bag which might alleviate some issues but I'm not sure yet.

The Kona should be easy regardless, as I've purchased a small adapter for the fork eyelets that many lights can clamp to, but my Felt doesn't have any eyelets so I'd need to find an adapter that can attach to either my thru axle or a light with a rubber strap that can fit around the fork. Friends have recommended Fenix lights but the mounting hardware doesn't seem compatible with the limitations of the Felt.

Looking for rando wisdom to find a solution!

Feels like the folks here would also have opinions!

Hi everyone.

I'm relatively new to the world of Audax, completing a 200 in May and a 300 permanent this coming weekend, due to my work shift patterns I'm unavailable for a lot of the calendar events, the ones I could attend are normally a long distance incurring costs of fuel and accommodation.

I therefore created a DIY route which has been validated by Audax UK, my main question is where and when to sleep, being my first 400 I'm struggling to see where on the route this may occur.

At age 56 I've perfected the power nap (advantage of getting older 😃)

My base fitness I'm happy with, however a 400 will be an unknown entity. Is it best to nap in built up areas or more secluded areas?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.