Brevets, Bravehearts and Battling uncertainties

Anyone who attempts a brevet ride is often quoted as a braveheart and I have already heard this umpteen times from the supreme randonneur, Krishna Mandava, the cycling impetus of Hyderabad.

The nuts and bolts of a brevet

A typical brevet ride starts from a minimum distance of 200 km to be ridden in 13 and half hours, with certain time-ticking control points that need to be reached between pre-decided window times. Most common brevet distances are 200, 300, 400 and 600 kms with 13 and half, 20, 27 and 40 hours time limit.

It takes a lot to set off on a self-supported long distance bicycle ride that often tests fitness and mechanical skills. Time management and Route navigation are two important subjects for a brevet rider. While the distance vs time ratio of a brevet ride seems to be a comfortable figure for a prepared rider.

The challenges that unfold during a brevet ride can be of great variety, some of which can be occasionally surprising. Having prepared physically, mechanically (the bicycle health), mentally yields 90% success, it is the remaining 10% that decides the reaching to the finishline, within time. A rider has to negotiate through various uncertainties that demand an immediate response, failing at which he would be forced to miss the expected demands of time and distance of the ride, resulting in a DNF. These can range from unexpected weather change, mechanical issues, nutritional and hydration maintenance and sleep deprivation (for longer brevets). A simple mantra for success would be maintaining a good average speed and hydrating properly. This gives the rider a cushion of time for rest and dealing with any mechanical issues. Making sure the bicycle is fit, the clothing is proper (supports in the expected weather forecast) and the exact knowledge about the route are basic needs for making a successful ride.

The paraphernalia

A day before a brevet ride, making a checklist of the things to be carried and stashing them into your bag makes it easy. Categorizing and packing each of them separately as mechanical, nutritional, medical, and the ones that are to be put in pockets(Cue sheet, mobile, nutrition bars, candies, ATM card), helps. All of this should ensure that you know thoroughly what is where when you need them.

At the start point

Before the start, the rider is expected to have comfortable attire suitable for the weather, a good carb-loaded meal and plenty of water. It is a personal choice to select the best food that suits the rider. After getting the bike checked and verifying the luggage, the next important thing is to go through the cue sheet for the details of control points, distances and closing times. Safely securing the ATM card, Cue sheet and cell phone in a plastic pouch is a good idea.

The Ride

Hitting the road and getting steady, navigating through the first few miles, greeting the fellow riders and later pairing up with couple of partners with similar speed proves a good deal. A brevet ride also highlights the camaraderie of the riders. It is not only for help but to remove the monotony of spending long times alone, a chat is always refreshing. It is expected that the rider is self-supported in a randonneuring event, nevertheless situations can be demanding and a helping hand is always a blessing. On an average 15 kmph is considered as the required speed and it includes every activity during the ride viz. rest, snack breaks, riding time, formalities at control points. Since the speed varies from rider to rider, it is expected that a rider who manages to save time, finds a cushion that can be utilized for rest/breakdown. Following this strategy with proper hydration, sleep breaks and replenishing the calories to sustain throughout the ride will take the rider to the finishline. Apart from water, electrolytes are vital during the hot/humid part of the ride where a rider loses lot of salts. Salts with sodium and potassium support proper movement of muscles, lack of which can lead to cramps and eventually an injury. Drink before you are thirsty and eat before you are hungry is a writing on the wall for endurance events that take long hours of activity. This is just as simple as how an automobile is refilled with fuel and coolant. Eating while riding is also a good option to save time.

Battling Uncertainties

Negotiating uncertainties is one of several aspects that a brevet rider needs to battle out.  A rider can face a squally night, windy uphill, a rain-hit stranded line of traffic, incessant traffic stretches in urban areas(barring unpreparedness). All these basically slow down the rider and it is inevitable to respect as well as survive the scare. Choosing to ride through the rain than huddle for cover was one of my experiences. It was a 11 hour ride through rain, covering about near 150 kms in the night during a 400 BRM. A stormy uphill stretch slowing down and then demanding an average of 28 kmph for the next hour after riding 450+ kms was another experience. At such points, any mechanical failure can prove dubious. Another instance was a hot day with headwinds for 100 kms stretch, when we had to crouch onto the handle bar to ride against the winds. Lots of dry salt covering the face demanded more salts and extra hydration. One more example, was getting slower for no reason, which was basically bonking out and not knowing it. The last stretch of a 600 BRM was getting tough and slow, there was neither uphill nor a bad road but the underlying reason was lack of food. I realized I bonked out (though I was not hungry). It was only after eating protein biscuits and a peanut bar everything moved much better.

There can be some situations which can get out of control and preparedness, all we can take is the wisdom from it as training and come back with a better preparation and prayer. A tyre burst, a chain cut, a broken derailleur and any other accident that can abandon a ride can pull down confidence. Resilience and adventurism in some situations can be helpful and appreciated. One should be equipped to escape from known Achilles heels and not panic but find a solution. All in all, the rider should never ignore the element of uncertainties that a brevet ride has in it. Anything from a shuddering halt to a soothing solution is possible in a brevet ride. As said, getting to know from the horse’s mouth gives best lessons and thus a refined approach.

The strenuous effort by a rider is the most appreciated and valued act and not the result. Go out and ride, enjoy the ride and give your best. Rest will follow next!