PBP 2015 / Paris - Brest - Paris Audax

battery pack that'll charge a Garmin 5 times or more, weighs nothing and costs less than 20 quid these days.

Any decent ones you know of that are waterproof and will fit in a bento box/bag rather than a bar bag?

Thanks, I'll check out your packing list laterz.

"to people carrying next to nothing (who are supported)"

... to idiots carrying next to nothing (who aren't supported) ;)

http://www.paris-brest-paris.org/en/download/BROCHURE-GB.pdf

Page 44 has the rules.

No requirement for back up lighting systems, just a recommendation (though a pretty good one). I have a luxos and then a shitty little cateye that really wouldn't be great to see with, but is enough to keep me from being stopped from continuing by the marshals etc.

Waterproof no. But a plastic bag solves many issues.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/5200mAh-Compact-Portable-External-Technology/dp/B00P8SY7HQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432421010&sr=8-1&keywords=anker+portable+charger

11 quid and weighs very little. Will charge an 800 about 4-5 times. That's enough for a hippy PBP? 60 hours of running?

Bike inspection takes about 5 seconds, from what I can remember it was just a check of 3 things:-

• Lights (do they look ok and they ask if you have a backup). I didn't even have batteries in mine at the time but mumbled something about "piles" to the French-only speaking volunteer and he was happy with this.
  
• No tri-bars
  
• You had something to comply with the French laws regarding Hi-Viz (the special PBP gilet you could buy from them to comply was excellent, mine is still put to good use). Since I hadn't collected mine yet they were happy seeing the registration page which showed I'd bought one.
  
  

Article 8 here: http://www.paris-brest-paris.org/index2.php?lang=en&cat=randonnee&page=reglement

One of the joys of PBP is that flashing rear LEDs are banned (lights that are capable of flashing aren't banned, you just should not use them in flashing mode only steady mode).

"In 2003, the awards ceremony after Paris-Brest-Paris for the first time ignored the fastest male riders. While these riders had ridden faster than any randonneurs in PBP history, they were penalized two hours for various infractions of the rules. One of the officials, Gilbert Bulté, lists the transgressions: "Pushing officials at a control, urinating in towns, running numerous red lights and stop signs, being illuminated by an illegal support car, refusing to let my car pass, disrespect when I identified myself as an official." Robert Lepertel, the organizer of PBP, wrote in the newsletter of the French Cyclotouring Federation: "Never before have so many spectating cyclists and participants felt so compromised by this disrespect of the rules. The first 12 or 15 [...] have no respect for the organizers, the officials and all who make PBP a celebration of perseverance in the quest to complete this difficult ride. They do not deserve the name randonneur, as they do not know what riding unsupported means." (Cyclotourisme No. 518, 10/2003, p. 34.)"

reglement > http://www.paris-brest-paris.org/index2.php?lang=en&cat=randonnee&page=reglement

That's what I don't get about people racing it with support. It seems to go against audax.

I can imagine being in a bunch after two days without sleep, flashing LEDs would fuck you up :D

Now you're making me think I should stick with batteries. Reckon that Anker will work to recharge an Exposure light?

I think I looked into this and concluded that you need too many standard batteries and the transfer takes too long for that to make sense.
Does the Exposure have a removable battery? If so, taking two lights would allow charging of two batteries (with a third charged as backup) simultaneously at stops (make sure you get the fuck-off-fast charge capable gear).

My Exposure Six pack lasts 24 hours on low, which is easily bright enough for riding on the road. Mine is the original version, I think the later ones last even longer. Surely you won't be out for three nights?

I knew it had a silly long runtime but I didn't know how long. My Mk4 should be fine then.

If it takes me more than two nights I'm quitting and riding home. :)

Just read your kit guide. Some interesting/clever stuff in there - the buff and arm coolers, etc.

I bought a rain jacket for the Mersey three years ago and I've never even used it. I should pack that. I have light arm warmers already but I guess it will depend on the forecasts - I tend to use heavier ones and take them off during the day. My buff is a deep winter one and I don't tend to wear it much anyway. Reflective stuff is going to annoy me - I don't really want to buy hi-viz stuff. What about using reflective tape - would that pass inspection?

It's funny you went from merino to polypro undershirt - I did the opposite. I have long and short sleeve merino undershirts - I'll decide on which closer to the event I guess.

Now I'm worried about all this talk of hotel booking and crap. I've not even thought about getting there or getting back. Pretty sure I'm not going to want to cycle it!

Any suggestions for good hotels near the start/finish?

I was planning on riding straight through - maybe with a powernap if needed. It's really going to depend on how fast I'm moving - if I get into bunches or solo it, if I stop long for food and be a tourist rather than smash it like a race.

I think the Vedettes start Sunday afternoon and faster riders are finishing on Tuesday. That'd give me 4 days recovery before the National 12hr Champs. Um..

Qualifiers done, see you all there.
I'll be one of the full-value riders at the back.

My bad but I am thinking about this now :-/

My inner yob smiled at this; "Pushing officials at a control, urinating in towns, running numerous red lights and stop signs, being illuminated by an illegal support car, refusing to let my car pass, disrespect when I identified myself as an official."

Thank you for that list. Pretty much what I had on qualifiers.

And that's before I start drinking..

Yeah nice list JB. Just a few numpty questions.

What info will I need to hand to be able to register as soon as the clock hits 0001 this Sunday morning?

What consists of approved hi vis? Would they allow the Proviz kit?

What consists of approved hi vis? Would they allow the Proviz kit?

http://www.paris-brest-paris.org/index2.php?lang=en&cat=randonnee&page=reglement

"
According to French traffic law, a high visibility vest MUST be worn when riding at night (safety standard number EN 1150 or EN 471).
"

I'm pretty sure the Proviz stuff is all EN471, their website seems to agree.

The PBP entry fee includes a vest that meets the standards too. Useful if you've just got the Proviz jacket as I wouldn't like to be forced to wear a jacket all night (to comply with the law) if it's too warm.

What info will I need to hand to be able to register as soon as the clock hits 0001 this Sunday morning?

The main things are the ACP brevet numbers from your qualifying rides (you can get these from your results page on the Audax UK website). Pretty sure you don't need all of them yet (if you're still waiting for the one from you 600). You've got until June 23rd to add the final one(s).

Everything else is just your personal info, payment details, and whether you want to buy any of the extras (more bottles, clothing, DVDs, etc).

EN471

Anyone know of any sexy, light, aero, race-oriented stuff that meets this standard?

#notarace

@hippy - just like this

I didn't know your mum was a model.

dhb Flashlight Windproof?

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-flashlight-windproof-gilet/?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&kpid=5360605720&sku=5360605720&ci_src=18615224&ci_sku=5360605720uk