Paris Brest Paris (PBP) 2023

I've just registered too. 5:15pm tandem start.

If you're staying in the same hotel either side of the ride they'll be fine with you leaving a bag there - I stayed in an Ibis Budget and when I checked out to leave for PBP I asked to leave a bag while I was gone and they obliged.

In 2019 there was a staffed bag drop at the start/finish with bags tagged by rider number. I imagine it'll be the same this year.

Thanks for replies all, one less thing to worry about.
I've started watching PBP prep vids to get training motivation/panic. These RUSA ones are pretty good:
https://youtu.be/8mOpy6A215A

And will probably watch some of Campyonlyguy's PBP tips series from 2019.
I was set on 74gi which I've been happy with for years, but changed to 72gi recently which has totally messed with my certainty of what to use. Did a 100km ride yesterday with 1500m of climbing and can't imagine doing double that for 4 days (elevation). Was the Chilterns though. Looking forward to my 200 at the end of March to see where I'm at.

Don't get too hung up on the elevation though, 1500m in 100km is hilly enough for Altitude Audax points, (15m/km). PBP is 10m/km, so 1000m for 100km.

I asked ChatGPT if PBP is fixed friendly. It said: "In fact, participants in PBP are required to use bicycles with multiple gears."

I pressed on this, rephrasing my question whether bicycles with multiple gears are required. The response was that "According to the official rules of the event: All bicycles used in Paris-Brest-Paris must be traditional derailleur geared bicycles with a minimum of 3 chainrings and 8 sprockets on the rear wheel."

AI struggling with the French rules! Or are there some curve ball rules this year? Triples only

Retro MTB with a basket actually sounds like a mega way to do PBP!

I don't think I'd be any slower but definitely much more comfortable

Maybe I should stick some slicks on the '92 Kona Cinder Cone... 🤔

There was a fella on a fat bike last time...

There were a couple of fat bikes. None of them finished.

So I have 3 qualifiers completed now plus the ACP homologation numbers. Am I just being stupid, probably, but where do you enter these?

Log into the website, there are two links BRM and PBP, click on the PBP link, then select sign up now.

Weirdly, the validated rides are listed above where you put them in, just enter the number and it pulls through the rest.

That's the exactly the kind of idiot proof step by step guidance I need! Thanks, worked

No worries, had my own battle of wits with it earlier!!

That’s Mrs Legs and myself booked in for the 90h to start at 7pm on the Sunday. Exciting!

Does anyone know if fixed gear bikes are required to have a front and rear brake? Or will I be fine with just a disc brake up front?

In the olden days (2011...) one brake was fine. Current rules just say your bike has to meet French regulations, so whatever that is should be ok.

Got lucky and happened to be off the bike on my 400k when they released the places for timeslot changes on Saturday.

Originally I'd only managed to get in the 84 hour, but now got 90 hour with 19:30 start.

I definitely saw at least one fixed with just front brake, this:

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Is anyone at a loose end for travel to and accomodation near the start?

I've got a 2-bed apartment booked in Rambouillet for the Friday and Saturday night that I'd be more than happy to split with someone, also currently thinking I'll drive over on Friday evening, Eurotunnel across, I have space for a +1.

No space on the return leg though as I plan to stick around in France for a bit after PBP.

Shout if interested!

I might take you up on this, also sticking around in France afterwards and only just turning my attention to the logistics of the whole shebang… will PM.

People getting excited yet??
Couple weeks of covid means I'm now very well rested I guess.
Initial indications are it's going to be very warm, and maybe even a tailwind both ways. Even nights are warm with forecast saying things like 20 overnight minimum for Fougeres, feeling like 24. Know it gets much colder in the valleys, but looks like main thing is going to be the heat this year.

This will probably come back to bite me but I'll say it anyway, I generally tend to be ok in the heat (unless it goes 35+ in which case ☠️) so I feel alright about how the forecast is shaping up, will slow things down though but should make for some really nice night riding. It would be an absolute result if there's no rain and wind is de minimis.

Yes, I'm not too bothered personally about the forecast heat, but I think my stoker might not take too well to it. It's hard enough to get him to drink enough as it is without a heatwave.

I heard reports of some UK audaxers struggling at 28-30 degrees this summer, so a few people might find it hard, especially if they don't have experience of riding in heat.

My benchmark for when it gets unpleasant is when it goes above body temperature, and that looks possible. Warm nights will be a joy though!