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Welcome to the New Mexico Brevet
Series. We are an affiliate of Randonneurs USA which is a relatively new organization and style of long distance riding
in the US that emphasizes completion and comraderie rather than competition. The origins of randonneuring
are over one hundred old from France and this year is a Paris-Brest-Paris year, the culminating event held once every four
years. In '08 our brevet series will be ACP santioned events, except the 300k Truth or Consequence, and the 200k
Radium Springs are RUSA sanctioned only, as they are in the fall and thus 'out of season'. A brevet series consists
of a 200k, 300k, 400k, 600k. Then there is the long brevet, the 1000k, and the 1200k randonnée, which we hope to host
in the future. We are pleased to offer some challenging rides in predominately mountainous terrain around
the state of New Mexico. This year we will again have the 200k - Manzano Mountain Air - Albuquerque, the same
300k - El Malpais - Grants, a new 400k Sacramento Mountain Sacrifice - Ruidoso, and another new event the 600k - El Sangre
de Cristo - Taos. We will also be adding some permanents during the year, so stayed tuned and check back as new routes
are approved.
The pace of the faster riders in the shorter events will resemble a century race, and
while randonneuring emphasizes self-sufficiency, friendly camaraderie is the most common, sensible, and safest style
in the longer events for the majority of riders. As our rides are in fairly remote country, the sense of adventure
and personal accomplishment will be enhanced. Brevets have time limits and checkpoints, but are basically unsupported.
Checkpoints will either be at establishments that have food and water available for purchase or with an NM Brevet
volunteer providing water, some food, or a minimal drop bag. Riders carry a certificate (the brevet) which is signed
at the designated Checkpoints on the route sheet. In some cases a pre-ride issued postcard is dropped at a Post
Office at a turnaround point and then there can be unannounced Checkpoints as well, especially in more complicated routes.
RUSA membership is not required to ride in
these events, however to qualify for awards and certifications available, as noted in the RUSA website, does
require being registered. Membership applications will be available at the start of events. Brevets are held rain
or shine so be prepared with proper clothing and equipment to complete the route. Most of our rides are at altitudes
where weather events are more likely. To quote a special friend's mother - "There is no such thing as bad weather,
only improper clothing". Preparation and preventative bike maintainance are key to success. Personal support vehicles
are strongly discouraged and while not forbidden in the rules, they may only be met at checkpoints or the rider
will be disqualified.
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What's New?
We have added a 400k and a 600k! The 400k,
'Sacramento Mountain Sacrifice', starts and ends in Ruidoso and travels nearly every paved road in the Sacramento
Mountains. As much as I wanted to include the big climb to Ski Apache, it's just narrow and dangerous. This route
has enough vertical for most riders without it, but it is beautiful up there. The 600k, 'El Sangre de Cristo', winds you through the heart of the Sangre de Cristo Mountians
of northern New Mexico, a unique part of the state and country as whole. Strong riders will love this route as it climbs,
often along rivers, as it climbs, and climbs, but it also has places where you can fly and catch up against the cut off times.
this route has several options for sleeping and refueling. See the 'Route' page for more details. Also new for '08, our spring series is Audax Club Parisien (ACP), the
founding body of randonneuring, while the fall series is 'out of season' and therefor RUSA sanctioed only. Come join us and streeetch your horizons.
Contact Us
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