Houston Randonneurs

Announcement Archive

6/6/08	Mike Butler will be hosting the 200K on June 14. It starts at 5:00 AM, so lights and reflective gear will be needed. Registration will be from 4:15-4:45. We will ride the Brunes Mill route from Brookshire to Fayetteville. Make sure to bring plenty of fluids. Please contact me or Mike if you plan to ride, even tentatively, so there will be enough cards for everyone.
5/4/08	As announced earlier, the route for the 200K scheduled for Saturday, May 10, will start at Brookshire. It is an out and back to Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park. Registration will be from 6:15-6:45, and the ride will start promptly at 7 AM. This ride will be unsupported. Please help me get a head count by letting me know if you plan to ride.
4/20/08	Please note that the route for the May 10 brevet has been changed. Start will be at Brookshire. Details on the schedule page.
4/16/08	Thanks to Ken Jessett for offering to host a 300K on 9/13.  Start will be at Fulshear at 7:00.  Details will be on the schedule page as soon as it is approved by RUSA.
4/16/08	Our ACP brevet schedule is now complete for 2008, although we will have more RUSA brevets. RUSA members who completed an ACP brevet can buy a medal for the corresponding distance. This year ACP has a new design for the 2008-2011 PBP cycle. I will not be handling medals this year, but they will be available on the RUSA website soon. Pictures are also on the RUSA website. I urge everyone who qualifies to buy one - they are a great memento of meeting a difficult challenge.
3/30/08	Some notes for the 600K next weekend: · The cue sheet has been updated and the latest version is available on the Schedule page. There are changes from last year. Please remember that only the copies handed out at the start are official. · There will be food at Iola (mile 107). A $5 cash support fee is payable at the start. A small drop bag will be accepted and available there, but it must be picked up at Brookshire Saturday night. There will be no support on the second part. · No postcards will be needed, but fast straight-through riders may have trouble getting services between Columbus and Weimar (60 miles). · Registration will be Friday night from 6ish-9 (we may be at the pizza place but will have materials there) and Saturday morning from 4:15-5. I’ll try to get the usual corner room, but look for a Houston Randonneurs sign in the window.
3/18/08	Ken Jessett will be hosting the 200K brevet at 7:30 AM on March 29. Start location is at the Sealy City Park, and registration will be from 6:45-7:15. Look for Ken across Main Street from the northeast corner of the park. Directions are on the schedule page. This ride will be unsupported. It’s a great route that we haven’t used for brevets, although many have ridden it as a perm. Come on out!
3/4/08	Mike and Kate Butler will be hosting the 400K this Saturday. The ride starts at 5:00 AM, and registration will be from 4:15-5:00. The Butlers will spend the day at Cistern (mile 100 and 160), and will take a small drop bag for any rider who cares to use one. The bags will be available in the Executive Inn lobby after the ride. There will be a $5 support fee for all riders, payable in cash at the start.
3/4/08	A 200K has been added to the schedule for March 29. Ken Jessett will be hosting this ride, which will start at 7:30 in Sealy. More information to come.
2/17/08	The 200K and 300K that were canceled yesterday have been rescheduled for Saturday, March 1, same start time and location.  The results will be submitted with the date originally scheduled (Feb 16), so anyone working on an R-12 might want to take that into account.
2/10/08	Ann Stiles will be hosting the 200/300 this weekend. Registration is from 6:15 - 7 AM, and start time is 7:00 in Brookshire. Directions are on the schedule page of the website. Please email me if you are coming so we can get a head count.
1/20/08	We’ve got more brevets this weekend: a 200K and 300K hosted by Mark and Nova Lane. Nova will be at the control in Flatonia (mile 107) with snacks, and will take a small drop bag for anyone who wants one. There will be no support for the 200. SAG fee will be $5 cash for the 300, no fee for the 200. Please note that due to deteriorating road conditions, this route has changed. A tentative cue sheet has been posted, but remember that only the one handed out at the start is official. Thanks to Mark for some extensive scouting to improve this route.
1/1/08	Happy New Year to the Houston cycling community! Our first ride of 2008 is this Saturday, January 5, starting at 7:30 AM. New and renewing members who haven’t already sent their applications for this year can bring them to the start. We will also accept RUSA applications. Registration will be from 6:30-7:15. Please note that there will be no official support for this ride. Because of the short daylight at this time of year, I strongly suggest that everyone bring lights and reflective gear. Remember that per RUSA regulations, they are required when riding after dark or in poor lighting conditions. I’m assured that the weather will be absolutely perfect, with tailwinds in both directions. I hope to see a big turnout!
12/27/07	Please note that your RBA is moving. The new address, effective Jan 1, is: 4418 Kingfisher Houston, TX 77035 If you’ve already sent your application to the old address, it will be forwarded.
12/24/07	Quick reminder about the ride this weekend. Start time is 7:30, and registration will be from 7:00 - 7:30. Right now the weather forecast looks good. Bring your friends!
12/24/07	Thanks to Jim Bronson for setting up our new message board on Google. The link has been updated to point to it. You can still get to the old board at http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/HoustonRandonneurs/.
11/24/07	Please note that the start time for the populaire on Dec. 15 is being changed to 8:00 AM. Registration will be from 7:15-7:45 at Beason Park in Columbus. Bring your friends!
11/11/07	Registration for the populaire this Saturday will be from 6:15-6:45. The ride starts at 7:00. It is a nice scenic out and back from Bellville to Independence. I hope to see you there!
11/5/07	Saturday turned out great for riding, and we had an excellent turnout. Thanks to Ken Jessett for hosting and arranging the nice tailwind on the return. Remember the 115K populaire on the 17th, starting in Bellville. Non-members are welcome, so bring friends. If you are bringing a group, please email me with a rough idea of how many so I'll be sure to bring enough cards.
10/23/07	November 3 is our next brevet, hosted by Ken Jessett. We will ride from Fulshear to Fayetteville and back. Start time is 8:00 AM at theFulshear Park and Ride. Registration will be from 7:15-7:45, so make sure you get there early. Since sunset will be around 6:30, I strongly advise everyone to bring lights and reflective gear. Even if you would normally have no problem finishing by then, mechanical or physical issues can always come up, and it’s not that much extra to carry.
9/23/07	Thanks to Ed Jones and Marlyn Martinez for hosting this ride. We had decent weather and a good turnout for a fast course. Lots of smiles all around. Our next brevet is a 200K on November 3, hosted by Ken Jessett.
9/14/07	I’ve added three new populaires to the schedule for November and December. Like the one we did last year, they will be open to non-members for a $5 fee, so bring all your friends. Please mark your calendar for December 29. That’s when the last pop will be held, in conjunction with our end of year lunch at Las Flores Mexican restaurant. Details to follow.
9/8/07	Ed Jones and Marlyn “Spunky” Martinez are hosting our next rides, a 200K and 300K on September. These will use new routes heading south from Fulshear to El Campo, and beyond for 300K riders. Tentative cue sheets are posted on the schedule, and more details will follow. Also, we have added a 200K on November 3, to be hosted by Ken Jessett. It will be the old favorite Fulshear-Fayetteville route.
7/2/07	Our last brevet of the summer is scheduled for this Saturday, July 7. Ride start is 18:00, so bring your night gear. Registration will be from 17:15-17:45, so make sure to get there early. There will be a 200K and a 300K. Because of store hours, they will be going in opposite directions, so make sure you are riding with someone on the same route. 300K riders: please be aware that you may have a stretch of about 45 miles without services. Bob Riggs is hosting these brevets. Please note that there will be no SAG available. As always, we will not leave anyone stranded, but you may have a long wait for help.
5/31/07	The routes for next weekend are going to have to change due to construction on US-90 west of Columbus. The new routes have been posted on the Schedule page. The start will be moved to Brookshire. Registration will be from 6:00-6:45. 300K riders will need to show working front and rear lights and reflective gear to get a card. Matt Zerafa is hosting these brevets. Please note that there will be no SAG available.
5/13/07	Please put this on your schedule if at all possible. A ride of silence (http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php) will take place on Wednesday, May 16, in Columbus, TX, to honor Stan Oldak and other riders who have been injured and killed by motor vehicles. As many of you already know, Stan was a member of Houston Randonneurs from New York City who was struck from behind and killed by a hit-and-run driver near Columbus last weekend as he neared the finish of his first 400 km ride. Reba Galbraith of Houston Randonneurs and Marcia Becker and Loretta Crosby of Acme Cycling have worked very hard to put this together and to get media coverage. We are hoping to help raise awareness of cyclists on the road. With any luck maybe someone will come forth with information about the accident as well. The ride will start at 7 PM, tentatively in the town square, with a route of about 9 miles. More details will follow. Check http://www.acmebikes.com/ for maps and more information.
5/13/07	This is a quick note to let everyone know that I will begin accepting orders for medals earned in 2007. If you are a RUSA member and successfully completed a 200 km, 300 km, 400 km, or 600 km brevet organized by Houston Randonneurs this year, you are eligible to purchase one medal for each brevet completed. Cost is $10 each. I have a number of medals on hand, and will send them out as orders are received. I will order more from RUSA as needed on June 1. Any orders received after that may be hard to fill due to limited stock, so please get your orders in ASAP. To order, please send a note indicating which medals you want and a check (payable to Houston Randonneurs) to: Houston Randonneurs c/o Bob Riggs 8902 Concho Houston, TX 77036 I will follow up by email to everyone who qualified for a medal to make sure this message gets out. If you have any questions, please send me an email directly.
5/7/07	It is with great sadness that I must announce the passing of Stan Oldak. Stan had traveled from New York City to ride in the 400K brevet this past weekend. He was riding near Columbus, TX, on Saturday night when he was struck from behind by a truck and killed. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family.
5/1/07	We will not have drop bags for the brevet this weekend, so please plan accordingly. However, Mike Bronson will be in Cistern from 9:30-2:00 with sandwiches and drinks. SAG fee will be $5 cash.
4/26/07	A few notes for the 400/600 next weekend: Starting time has changed to 5 AM. I've spoken to the folks at the Executive Inn, and we should be able to leave a coffee can at the front desk for riders to leave brevet cards at the finish. Details at the start. Marianna and I will be at the Exec Friday night for early registration from 7:30-9:00 PM. Saturday morning registration will be from 4:00-5:00. Anyone expecting to ride the 600 straight through should bring a couple of postcards for Bellville during the second leg. Address them to Bob Riggs, 8902 Concho, Houston, TX 77036. Write down the time you went by and the names of all riders arriving together. The post office is at N Miller and E Palm, about a block off-route. There are probably mailboxes in the town square as well. Services should be no problem on the 400 and on the first leg of the 600. However, be prepared to go a long way on the second leg without services. Newman's in Bellville opens at 4 AM, but don't expect anything to be open at Burton (mile 277), and the store in Independence (mile 297) opens at 8 AM on Sunday. I hope to see a lot of smiling faces out there! Any questions, let me know.
4/23/07	RUSA has approved some new dates for us. We will have a 200/300 on June 9 and another 200/300 on July 7. Time and route are to be determined. Matt Zerafa has offered to host the first one in June. We are working out details on scheduling and route. If you want to host the July ride, let me know ASAP.
4/15/07	Saturday was a lot of fun. Lots of wind and rolling hills provided a nice challenge. Surprisingly chilly for mid-April! Congratulations to all the finishers.
4/7/07	We have a RUSA 200K brevet coming up on April 14 at 7:00 AM. Start will be in Bellville – see the schedule page for details. There will be no support on this ride. A few notes: Please arrive early to register and receive your card. Registration will start at 6:15 and close at 6:45. Please come by and sign in as soon as you arrive. Late arrivals will not get a card, because there will be no one there to give them one. If you aren’t a member yet, please send your membership form and fee ASAP. This brevet is run under RUSA and not ACP, so it cannot be used as a PBP or Super Randonneur qualifier. There is a bridge under construction on FM-1371 approaching the first control. It is nearing completion, but was still closed to car traffic last weekend. However, it was easily passable by bike. I will hand out instructions for an alternate route at the start in case it is completely blocked, which is extremely unlikely. The turnaround control in Burton was a store, but it is under new management which seems pretty unreliable, so I’ve changed it to be an information control. It would be a good idea not to count on being able to get supplies there. There are other services in town, but they may be hard to find. I suggest stopping at the store in Independence outbound, even though it isn’t a control on that part. I look forward to seeing everyone out there!
4/3/07	Last weekend has to go down as one of the best brevet weekends ever. Sure, starting with a torrential downpour wasn’t exactly auspicious, but when the low point of the ride is during the first hour, it’s hard to complain. Of course, the 200K riders, who started 2.5 hours later, missed all the excitement. Where to start? The wildflowers and the spring sunshine made the scenery look like a Van Gogh painting, especially after several hours on the bike. The flooded road and detour and stranded animals were more surrealistic. And who would have though it would turn into a triathlon, sort of, with riders having to wade through the low water crossing on Kulow Road? Even our canine buddy seemed strangely subdued. How about Daniel Rudge smiling and waving as he flashes past, 150 miles ahead of almost everyone else? How about John Grunzke zipping along at his normal ungodly pace, then slowing to chat with mere mortals for a while before continuing? How about that fantastic group of Lone Stars who just seem to liven up everything everywhere they go? The best part of the ride was our fantastic volunteers: Sandy Sharp, John Stiles, Marianna Riggs, Sonia Riggs, and Mike Bronson. Each ride it seems like they are going for a new record! We are really lucky to have such a great group of folks ready to keep us going, or to pick us up if we can’t. Too many riders to mention had personal milestones this weekend: first brevet, longest ride, first series completed, first PBP qualification, etc. Special mention goes to Daniel Sanchez and Reba Galbraith, both new randonneurs, who completed the dreaded 300K - 600K jump together! Now they just need a 400K to complete the series. Thanks and congratulations to all for making this weekend really memorable!
3/23/07	A few notes about next weekend's brevets: 1. There will be a check for reflective gear at the start. Please bring your vest/belt and ankle bands to the registration table. You will need to show it to get a card. 2. There will be support for 300k, 400k, and 600k riders. There is a $5 support fee for 300k riders and $10 for 400k and 600k riders. Please bring exact cash. There will be no support at controls and no fee for 200k riders. 3. We will accept small drop bags, to be accessible at the Carlos control. Size limits are 10 x 20”, same as for PBP. No, we aren't going to measure them, but oversized (or overweight) bags will not be accepted. We don't want to injure our volunteers!
3/22/07	The brevet cues for March 31 have been updated on the Schedule page. However, please remember that only the ones handed out at the ride start are official.
3/17/07	If you are planning to ride the 200 on March 31, please note that the start is being pushed back to 7:30 AM. I hate to do this on such short notice, but with the early shift to Daylight Savings Time, sunrise will be at 7:13. This should allow riders to start without lights. However, please remember that you never know what can happen. We strongly recommend that everyone bring lights and reflective gear just in case.
3/5/07	After the last few brevets, especially the one on Saturday, it seems like some explanations are in order: 1. Reflective gear is required at night. This means a reflective vest or sash plus reflective ankle bands at a minimum. 2. Headlights and taillights must be turned on at night. Just having them mounted on your bike is not sufficient. 3. Personal support is discouraged, and absolutely illegal outside of controls. 4. If you go off course, you must return to the place where you left the course and continue. Even doing extra miles is considered cheating if you don't do the entire course. I keep hearing reports of stuff like this on the rides. If you aren't sure of the rules, just ask. If you see someone going off course or riding with lights off, remind them. We're all in this together, and need a spirit of camaraderie to help each other get through the rides. The last thing I want to have to do is disqualify anyone. Please try to respect the rules and your fellow riders.
3/5/07	Wow, what a day! Windy all day and cold at night. What more could a randonneur/randonneuse ask for? I hope everyone had at least as much fun as I did. Congratulations to all the finishers. I don't have exact numbers, but I think there were about 8-10 each on the 200 and 300 and 31 on the 400! I'm sure glad Ann made extra cards. We had a huge turnout from the Lone Star group in the Dallas area. What a great bunch of folks! Lots of others came from far away as well. Finally, and most important, a big round of applause to all of our volunteers. Ann and John Stiles did a fantastic job organizing the whole thing (it's going to be a tough act to follow), and Sandy Sharp and Marianna Riggs sure helped us keep going with their snacks and smiles in Cistern. Remember, March 31 is our 600. Many of us hope to finish PBP qualification then, but there will be 200, 300 and 400K brevets that day in case you are still working on it or just want to come out and ride. I'll put a poll out so we can get an idea of how many to expect. Marianna and I will be at the Executive Inn Friday and Saturday night, and we hope to see you there.
2/27/07	Ann has asked me to announce that there will be a $5 support fee for the 300K and 400K rides this weekend (no fee and no support for the 200K). You can leave a small drop bag at the start and it will be available at Cistern, which is at mile 100 on both routes and mile 160 on the 400K route. Please remember to fill out the back of your card and sign it at the end. If you have an emergency or abandon, please call 713-817-0904.
2/20/07	Jeff Boone has agreed to give a maintenance class for Houston Randonneurs members this Monday evening, February 26, at 6:30 PM.  It will be held at Boone's Cycles (http://www.danielboonecycles.com/), located at 5318 Crawford near the Medical Center.  The class will be aimed at randonneurs and will focus on roadside repairs (broken spoke, broken cable) and preventive maintenance.   Please email Bob Riggs if you plan to come so we can get a rough head count.
2/16/07	First, belated congratulations to all the finishers on Saturday. It was cold, but at least it didn’t rain. Thanks to Fran Guilfoyle for her great job organizing the ride. Second, we have some changes for the next brevet on March 3. I don’t want anyone to get bored with the Brunes Mill 200K route (it’s still my favorite), so we’ll switch it to the Columbus-Chappell Hill route. Start time will remain 7:00 AM. As for the 300K and 400K, we will have a new start time of 5:00 AM. This will give people a chance to get finished a little earlier. The routes will remain the same, although please note that I’ve made a very minor safety change on the way into Columbus. The start for all riders will be at the Executive Inn. Ann tells me she will have a room, and registration will be held there. There will be support for the 300 and 400 riders (not for 200 riders), and there will also be a bag drop in Cistern.
1/29/07	I would like to schedule some RUSA brevets over the remainder of the year. Please note that these brevets would not count toward PBP qualification. Below is a tentative schedule, depending on availability of volunteers: April 14 - 200/300 June 9 - 200/300 (night?) July 14 - 200/300 (night?) August 4 - 200 (night?) If you would like to help out by running one, please let me know. We need six weeks advance notice to schedule these with RUSA. If you want to know what's involved, check the Guidelines for Organizers posted here.
1/28/07	Congratulations to everyone who came out yesterday. Ten riders started and finished the 200K to Fayetteville and nineteen started and finished the 300K to Flatonia/Hallettsville. Several of our friends from Lone Star Randonneurs came down to enjoy a balmy day on the Gulf Coast: Dan Driscoll, Brad Flickner, Mark Metcalfe, Rani Freeman, Clay Wilson, Pat Nolan, Jorge Ruiz, and Michael Schmit. Also, John Grunzke came down from Arkansas, Charles Breer from Minnesota, Peter Luce from New Orleans, and Arturo Ortiz came back for another brevet all the way from Mexico City. Jim Bronson and Edward Robinson also came back from long distance. A big round of applause to Mike and Kate Butler for doing a great job organizing the rides! Hope to see you all out in a couple of weeks for our next 200/300.
1/21/06	Thanks to Mike Butler for taking charge of the brevets next weekend. Please note that there have been some minor changes to the 300K route for safety reasons. The new route has been posted here. Message from Mike: The forecast 10 minutes ago for the 27th was 59/45 degF with zero precipitation!!! Let's keep our fingers crossed. I will be running this Brevet to give Bob a break (Bob is planning to ride the 300K this weekend!!!!). The start is at 7.30am from Royal Primary School in Brookshire. Bob tells me to expect 30 plus riders, which means registration will take some time and parking may be a squeeze, so come early. I plan to be there at 6.30am and should be ready to do registration by 6.45am. Most of you are familiar with the Royal Primary School starting location, but for newcomers be aware that there is no restroom. According to the survey many of you plan to do the 300K. You are free to change your choice prior to registration, but once you sign up and receive your card you cannot switch. The 300K group will have about 5+ hours of riding in the dark on Saturday evening. Make sure you have the required reflective clothing items and good lights with fresh batteries. Cheers, Mike.
1/7/06	Great ride yesterday! Congratulations to all who came out. The weather and numerous flats slowed us down, but it was great to see smiling faces at the finish. A number of riders took the first step toward qualifying for Paris. Remember, the next brevet is Jan. 27. There will be a 200k and 300k both starting at 7:30 AM in Brookshire.
12/10/06	Special Announcement: End of season party at noon, Saturday December 30, Las Flores Mexican Restaurant in Fulshear (directions). All volunteers, members, spouses/significant others are invited. Details – Separate checks. We will have a room in the back. Please RSVP to Bob Riggs by 12/27 so we can tell them how many to expect.
12/5/06	Dan Driscoll has an excellent post on the LSR message board about the importance of getting your RUSA membership in early. The rules are that RUSA membership must be current when results for a brevet are submitted to be able to use that brevet for PBP qualifying. To simplify things at the start and to spread out the paperwork load, we prefer that you send in your membership early. RUSA especially appreciates this, because they get hundreds of applications. However, for the first brevet only, we will accept HR applications and RUSA applications. If you are going to wait and submit these at the first ride, please be kind and have the applications and checks filled out beforehand. There will be an "express line" for people who are up to date and just need to sign the waiver and pick up the card/cue sheet. HR membership is $25, payable in cash or by check made out to Houston Randonneurs. If you are bringing cash, please bring the exact amount. RUSA membership is $20, payable by check made out to RUSA. We will collect any RUSA applications and checks received at that ride and mail them off right after the start. Results must be submitted within two weeks of the ride. We will wait until any RUSA applications received at the start are processed. Please contact me if you have any questions.
11/29/06	Welcome to all our new members, and welcome back to our renewals. A quick reminder before the holiday season starts driving us all crazy – please take pity and get your 2007 HR and RUSA applications in early! The membership list is up to date. Please check over your information and let me know if you see any mistakes.
11/19/06	Great weather yesterday for our last brevet of the year. Congratulations to all sixteen riders. We started in the early-morning chill and everyone finished before dark, with lots of fast times. New member Jerry Phelps brought his single-speed from North Carolina and made it all look easy. Only seven weeks left till the 2007 season!
11/9/06	Because of construction on FM-1155 between Chappell Hill and Washington, the route for next week’s 200K brevet has been changed. I have posted the tentative cue sheet on the schedule page. It is basically the same as the 200K from Labor Day weekend in reverse order, although the control in Columbus has been changed. Remember, cue sheets posted on the web are for information purposes only and not necessarily final. Only the sheets handed out at the start are official.
10/8/06	RUSA has approved our ACP schedule for 2007. We will have fourteen brevets on six dates. Thanks to Mike Butler, Fran Guilfoyle, and Ann Stiles for volunteering. I have posted the schedule with tentative information. Please note that other than dates, anything is subject to change.
9/24/06	A few quick announcements about next month’s 200/300/400: The start time for the 400 only will be pushed back to 5:00 AM (200 km and 300 km riders will still start at 7:30). This is to give riders a chance to finish the Jeddo Rd. stretch during daylight hours. The store in Cistern (roughly mile 100 and mile 160) is open from 11AM – 1AM, so plan accordingly. Marianna will be handling registration for the 7:30 start. 300 km riders will have to show that they have the proper reflective and lighting gear before receiving their cards and cue sheets. 200 km riders are strongly advised to bring them as well, since we will only have a little over 11 hours of daylight. The 300 km and 400 km routes posted on the website have changed slightly around La Grange, so please get the new version if you’ve already downloaded them.
8/9/06	I'm working on getting medals ordered. If you are a RUSA member and finished one of the ACP brevets (January-June only), you are eligible to purchase a medal. There is a different medal for each distance: 200, 300, 400, 600. I sent email out to everyone who I think paid for one. If you didn't hear from me and expected to get one, please let me know ASAP. If you qualified for a medal and didn't pay for it, you can still get it. Just send me a check payable to Houston Randonneurs ($10 each).
8/6/06	Congratulations to all who finished the 200K yesterday. Despite the heat, there were twelve starters and twelve finishers, although no speed records were in danger. By the way, regardless of Hollywood rumors, it is NOT true that Kevin Smith is filming Clerks 200K about sweaty randonneurs hanging out in rural convenience stores. Thanks to Fran Guilfoyle for organizing everything and getting us on our way. Also welcome to two new members out for their first brevet: Kenny Frazier and Jason Vincent. Remember, our next brevet is September 2. There will be a 200K and a 300K starting at the same time. Riders must pick one before starting and cannot change. Also, it will be a night ride starting at 6:00 PM.
7/18/06	Because of the heat, it's been decided to move the start time for the 200K on 8/5 to 5 AM. I hope this is not inconvenient for anyone. We will have to start with lights and reflective gear, but it should make the ride more bearable.
7/10/06	Saturday was big fun with lots of new faces. Thanks to Ed Jones for organizing it and herding the crowd up and down FM-359. We started in Fulshear, took a quick spin up to Hempstead and back, and were back by lunchtime, before the sun really got going. Welcome to new members Ken Reid, Robert Swindoll, and David Zukoff, as well as not-so-new member Ken Jessett, who finally came out for a ride! We also had several guests who can’t wait for the next 200: Tom Forbes, Karen Nelson, Debbie Nutt, and Michelle Pinker.
6/22/06	Good news! We’ve got a 110K (70 mile) populaire approved for Saturday, July 8. This ride only, membership is not required. Non-members can ride for $5, and no charge for members. Bring your friends, your family, anyone who thinks he or she might like to give the sport a try. Ed Jones is running the show. Start will be at the Fulshear Park & Ride Lot at 7 AM. The route will run out to Hempstead and back, mostly along FM-359. No SAG, no support. This is randonneuring as God intended it. Well, OK, maybe not entirely - there won’t be any hills to speak of or blinding snowstorms or packs of rabid wolves, either.
6/4/06	Very tough ride yesterday, with the heat and cue sheet mixups (sorry about that, folks!). Congratulations to the nine finishers, especially bent riders Eric Bittner and Matt Zerafa, who were enjoying their first brevet, and John Groweg, who was back after a long layoff. Special thanks to Ann and John Stiles for organizing the ride and Sandy for supporting us in Hallettsville. John and Sandy were also a very welcome sight to a few stranded riders. We are really spoiled to have such great people helping out! That's the last of our ACP brevets for the year. We have two RUSA 200K brevets scheduled for the fall, and may add more if there is interest.
5/31/06	This Saturday, June 3, is our last ACP brevet of the year. Ann and John Stiles are in charge. The ride starts at 6:00 AM in Brookshire at the Executive Inn, heads west through Sealy and Columbus, and makes a loop through Flatonia, Hallettsville, and Schulenburg. Sandy will be in Hallettsville, at mile 105, with drop bags and support. SAG fee will be $10 cash at the start.
5/18/06	The results from the 600K have been submitted to RUSA and posted on the HR website.
5/15/06	Despite the heat and wind, especially the wind on the last 200, five riders finished the first HR 600 last weekend. Mike Butler, Ed Jones, John Monnig, and Fran Guilfoyle completed their longest rides, and Mike, Ed, and John all qualified for the Super Randonneur award by riding a full series this year. Fran just needs a 300 to join the club. Brannon Oates also got his second series for 2006. Congratulations to all of these tough people - it was not an ideal weekend for biking, to say the least! They deserve a very big hand. Thanks to our great volunteers for helping make this possible. Marianna handled registration and coordination; Sonia drove her little green Beetle all over the route to make sure riders were well-supported; and Sandy made sandwiches on the return through Navasota and used her SUV (with Marianna) to rescue wilted riders. Our last ACP brevet for the year is at 6:00 AM on June 3, at the Executive Inn in Brookshire. Ann Stiles will be in charge, and Sandy has kindly volunteered to help again. We hope to get a big turnout!
5/7/06	Notes for 600K next weekend: Route: The cue sheet has been updated on the website, but please be aware that even that is subject to change. The official one will be the one handed out at the start. Headcount: 8 people have said they expect to ride (not counting DanL). If you are even tentatively planning to be there, please let me know. SAG: We expect to have support similar to the 400K last month, with a bag drop at Navasota (both directions) and Normangee. However, if the lead riders are far ahead of the last group, they may miss the support car on the return through Navasota, because priority will be given to making sure everyone can get access to their bags in Normangee. We do not expect to have any support on the Fayetteville leg. Fee will be $20 cash per rider. By popular demand, yes, we will have bananas! Motel: Don’t forget to make reservations if you want a room. The number for the Executive Inn is (281) 934-3122.
4/2/06	Great ride yesterday! Thanks very much to all who came out, and especially to our wonderful volunteers: Sonia and Carmen, who drove all over the route with drop bags and food and drink for the riders; Sandy, who met us in Navasota on the way back with delicious sandwiches; Ann, who drove the route at the end to make sure everyone was OK and the drop bags were at the finish in time; and most of all Marianna, who got up at 3 AM to register riders, spent the day coordinating everything, and stayed up till the last group came in. It would have been much tougher without those smiling faces offering help all through the ride! Seasoned riders Gary Gottlieb and Brenda Barnell came down from Dallas to join us, and several riders finished their longest ride: Mike Butler, Edward Jones, John Monnig, and Bob Riggs. Remember, our next brevet is 600K on May 13 at the Executive Inn in Brookshire!
3/29/06	400K riders, please be aware that the last control in Bellville may be closed when you arrive. As an alternative, please be sure to bring an ATM card and/or postcard (addressed to me). If using the ATM, just get a receipt. If using the postcard method, just write the arrival time when you get to town and drop it in a mailbox in Bellville so it’s postmarked from there.
3/26/06	The updated cue sheet for Saturday’s 400K has been posted. The route is essentially unchanged, but some of the controls have been moved. Marianna and I will be staying at the Executive Inn Friday night. I have requested a room on the first floor facing FM-359. Look for a Houston Randonneurs sign and meet us there to register between 3-3:30 AM. We will have volunteers working the controls in Navasota (outbound and inbound) and Normangee. SAG fee will be $10 in cash – exact amount will be appreciated! Finally, bag drop will be available – please keep them small. Riders will have access to the bags in Navasota on the outbound leg and at the turnaround in Normangee. We can’t guarantee they will be available in Navasota on the return, though, so please plan accordingly.
3/10/06	The first Houston Randonneurs 400K brevet is scheduled for Saturday, April 1^st. The start will be at the Executive Inn in Brookshire at 4 AM, with a time limit of 27 hours. Call 1-281-934-3122 for reservations. We have volunteers to help at most of the controls, but it would be helpful if we could get a head count. Please send an email to elantier@hotmail.com if you intend to ride so we know how much food to buy. Riders will be able to send a small bag ahead to the turnaround in Normangee.
2/27/06	IMPORTANT NOTE: Sorry for any inconvenience, but there has been a slight change in the start location for Saturday. We will meet in front of Royal Primary School, 7th and Cooper, Brookshire. Ride still starts at 7 AM. DIRECTIONS: I-10 west to FM-359 exit. Turn right onto FM-359 and go down three blocks to 7th street. Turn left, and the school will be a couple of blocks down on the left. Park on the street. NOTE: This is a residential neighborhood, and people may be sleeping. Please be considerate and keep the noise to a minimum. We want to be welcome to return! SAG: The fee will be $4 cash money. Please bring the exact amount. Sonia Riggs will be your hostess.
2/19/06	Twelve hardy souls braved the nastiest weather we’ve seen all winter to roll out of the Executive Inn at 6 AM yesterday for the first 300K brevet of the year. Thanks to Monica Lundeen for running SAG and Mark and Ruby Wooldridge for helping out at the finish, and especially to Dan and Marcee Lundeen for organizing the ride. Remember, only two weeks to the next brevet. It’s another 200K, this time from Brookshire to Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park and back.
1/31/06	The 300K on February 18^th will start at the Executive Inn in Brookshire (see Brevet Schedule for details). They have set aside a few single and double rooms for us for the nights before and after the ride. If you are interested in staying there, please call 1-281-934-3122 for a reservation.
1/15/06	Congratulations to all who participated in the first brevet for 2006! We had a great turnout and perfect cycling weather. A big round of applause to our volunteers: Jeff Boone came out to the start and helped us get organized, Marianna Riggs handled registration at the start and helped collect cards at the finish, and especially John Groweg, who spent his day helping at the start, running the control in Fayetteville, patrolling the course, and collecting cards at the finish. We couldn’t have pulled this off without their help! Note: I’ve posted tentative results here. Please check to make sure the time and RUSA number listed are correct – it will be very difficult to fix later on. I need to get these results submitted to RUSA within 10 days. Please send me an email ASAP if you find a goof! Also, please let me know if you’ve submitted your RUSA application and don’t have a number yet – I’ll mark you as pending.
1/12/06	A few last-minute notes for those planning to ride on Saturday: Make sure you have your helmet! If you haven’t already sent in your registration, it will be much easier for you (and us!) if you print out a copy of the registration form, fill it out, and bring it with you with a check or exact cash in the amount of $25. Remember to bring $2 cash for the SAG fee. Make sure you know your RUSA number – you’ll need to write it on the brevet card. If you aren’t already a RUSA member, you can still get credit for this ride if you send in your application now. We’ll mark your number pending. We leave promptly at 7:00, so try to be there by 6:30 to get checked in. I look forward to seeing you out there!
1/10/06	John Groweg can’t ride, but has volunteered to spend his Saturday helping with registration at the start, running the control in Fayetteville, and providing emergency SAG. There will be a $2 fee for all riders to help cover costs for gas and food for riders. Please be kind and bring exact cash!
1/8/06	Remember, the deadline for RUSA distance awards applications is January 15.
1/4/06	I have been in discussions with the RUSA board, and despite the sudden change in RBA, they are going to let us proceed for the year. However, the following rides will be canceled: 200K/300K on April 1 Fleche on April 15 200K on May 13 Also, in order to conform with RUSA policy for a new RBA and to make sure all standards are maintained, we will have the good fortune to be assisted by Dan Driscoll of Lone Star Randonneurs and Mark Thomas of the Seattle International Randonneurs. Dan has also agreed to be titular RBA for the 400K and 600K brevets.