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The qualifiers for BMB are nearly upon us. The following has all the
information that you'll need. Note that if you're planning on riding any of
these, you should notify me (phone or write) at least 48 hours in advance so
that I can run off enough copies of the route sheets and have a control card
printed up. Calling my home or work number and leaving a message is
sufficient. Do not assume that because you have recieved this you don't need
to call. If you have already indicated on your BMB application that you'll be
riding any of these qualifiers, then you don't need to notify me.
What: 200km, 300km, 400km, 600km, 800km Boston-Montreal-Boston qualifiers and
International Randonneur Brevet Series.
When: Saturday May 7, 5:00am, Saturday May 21, 4:00am, Saturday June 11,
4:00am, Saturday June 25, 4:00am, and Friday July 15, 4:00pm. Arrive at least
20 minutes before the start time listed for sign in and briefing.
Where: All of the qualifiers start in the same place, except the 200km.
Directions are given below.
Lighting: It's the same old story, and no matter how many times I tell it,
there's always someone who doesn't hear it. The rule is, "you must be lit up
like a Christmas tree" during night riding. That means at least the following:
o red rear light with at least a 1 inch lens, continuous beam (not blinking),
visible for 300 feet
o write front light, continuous beam, visible for 1000 feet
o ankle bands, at least 1 inch wide, one on each leg. "Bike-a-lite" yellow
bands are preferred.
Wonder lights are not good enough. If that's all you have, you won't ride.
Halogen bulbs are desirable. I've found that the Union system works quite
well on the front, and the Cateye works well on the rear. Belt beacons aren't
good enough. They aren't visible for a long distance. You're welcome to use
them, but you must have the three items listed above. Strobe lights like the
ones that they strap to life jackets are highly desirable. They attract a lot
of attention and are visible for quite a distance. I want you to attract a
lot of attention during any night riding.
Note that I won't require lighting for the 200km since it will be during
daylight hours.
Cost: $1.00/100km. UMCA membership is not required, but I'll validate any
UMCA NPC forms. International Randonneur membership is not required unless
you want the medals for the 200, 300, 400, and/or 600. Membership is $12/yr
(you can join at any of the qualifiers), and the medals were $3 a piece last
year. I don't know if the price has gone up this year. They're nice medals,
so consider getting them.
Support Vehicles: Follow vehicles aren't allowed. I prefer to not have
support vehicles on the 200 and 300. For the 400, 600, and 800, BMB rules
will apply so that support crews can only meet you at designated places along
the route.
Waivers: You will be asked to sign a waiver at the briefing.
Route: During the briefing, I will hand out a detailed route description. I
expect it to be between two and four pages long, so you might want to bring
some sort of plastic bag or other protection for it. You will also receive
control card which you will need to carry for the whole ride. Again,
protection for this card is advisable.
Food: You should bring whatever you think you need as dictated by how much
you want to buy along the way. Beware that there will probably not be many
stores open on a Sunday morning before 7am, so you should be ready to go at
least 2 hrs on your own. Same for water. During the second half of the ride
there will be plenty of stores on the route, and I doubt that you will ever
have to go more than 10 miles before getting to one.
Broom Wagon: I will try to arrange for a broom wagon to sweep the course and
pick up dead riders. Don't bet on there being much in the way of supplies or
parts available. There may be a minimal amount of water and snacks in the
broom wagon. It is there strictly for emergencies.
Sleeping arrangements at the start: If you're just looking for a floor to
sleep on before the ride, we can find something for you. Give me a call and
I'll set something up.
Ultra Energy: Russ Holden has arranged to sell Ultra Energy at $4.25 per
packet. If you wish to buy some of this at the ride, notify me by (some-date),
or call Russ directly at 617-646-5103 (h) or 603-881-0176 (w).
Directions to the 200km starting point:
Overview: There is a small parking lot next to a pond right at the
intersection of Rt 30 and 128 (I 95). If you look at the actual intersection
of Rt 30 and 128, it is right on the northwest corner of it. Getting there is
a little harder though. Note that this is right near the intersection of the
Mass Pike and 128. If you look at the Marriott hotel, it is across the pond
from it. If you get lost, this is the best landmark in the area.
From Rt 128 headed South: Get off at the Rt 30 exit which is immediately after
the Mass Pike exit. You will do a quick 180 degree turn on the ramp and be at
a light. Go straight through the light and you'll see the entrance to the
Mass Pike. Go straight past the entrance and take the next right (there is a
sign which says "Feeding and Parking Area"). You'll go underneath 128. Turn
right and you're in the parking lot.
From Rt 128 headed North: Get off at the Rt 30 exit. When you finally get to
Route 30 (I haven't been on this exit ramp recently, but I seem to recall that
it goes on for a while), you will be at a stop sign. Turn left onto Route 30
west and you will immediately cross 128. Just after you cross 128, turn right
at the sign which says to Brandeis and the Mass Pike. Go straight on past the
Pike entrance and make the right hand turn at the "Feeding and Parking Area"
sign just after it. Go under 128 and turn right into the parking lot.
From Mass Pike Eastbound: Take the rt 128 exit. Follow signs for rt 30. You
will almost get onto 128 North after you loop around the ramp. When you get
to the rt 30 intersection, turn left onto rt 30 west. Cross over 128, and
turn right at the sign for Brandeis and the Mass Pike. Go past the Mass Pike
entrance and turn right at the sign which says "Feeding and Parking Area". Go
under 128 and turn right into the parking lot.
From Mass Pike Westbound: Get off at the 128/30 exit. Bear right immediately
out of the toll both and follow signs for 128 North and Rt 30. (When you come
out of the toll booth, there are signs for both I 95, and rt 30. At that fork,
go to the right towards I 95 North and South. Then, once you have past that,
follow signs for rt 30. If you follow signs for rt 30 immediately out of the
toll booth, it will take you to the wrong place.) When you get to the end of
the ramp at the intersection with 30, turn left onto 30 west and cross over
128. Turn right at the sign for Brandeis and the Pike. Go past the Pike exit,
and turn in at the "Feeding and Parking Area". Go under 128 and turn right
into the parking lot.
From Commonwealth Ave (Rt 30): After you pass the Marriott, turn right onto
the entrance ramp for rt 128 north. Just after you get on the ramp, there is
a quick road to the right which takes you down into the park.
Directions to the 300km, 400km, 600km, and 800km starting points:
From the Mass Pike Eastbound:
Take Exit 17, and turn right at the first light immediately after the
exit ramp. See the directions "from Centre Street".
From the Mass Pike Westbound:
Take Exit 17. Stay to the left on the ramp so that you go straight
ahead. Cross the trolly tracks in the middle of the road and put the
hotel over the highway on your left. Just after you pass the hotel,
turn left and cross over the pike. Turn right at the first light onto
Centre Street.
From Centre Street in Newton:
Head up the hill and go through several lights. You'll come to a big
intersection which is Commonwealth Ave./Route 30. There's a Ski and
Tennis Chalet on the far left corner there. Go straight through this
light. When you come into the center of town (is it the second light?),
turn left at Beacon Street. At the Exxon Station on the right, turn
right onto Langley Road. The house is 135 Langley Road on the right.
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