You must update your Ohio Randonneurs membership for 2023 before you register for any events. Go to "Club" tab under logo > Update/Renew Membership and follow the instructions. Further details here.
You must be a member of Randonneurs USA (RUSA) to participate in our rides, join here.
Next up on the docket for Ohio to close out the year is our 8k600k in Zanesville on the 23rd. This challenging ride is a critical step toward the ACP10000 award and will prove that Ohio is not flat. Registration will remain open until the 22nd at noon. I should be at the hotel around 5 for bike checks, or if you need to, around 4:30 am on Saturday to check off gear.
https://or.ohiorandonneurs.org/stats/calendar/events/Into-the-Wilds-600k-9960
There will be a group gathering for dinner at the old market house(https://adornettos.com/the-old-market-house-inn) around 6:00 on Friday. Please let me know if you can make it.
I am excited to see y'all out there!
Josh
Next on the schedule this season is the 100th year anniversary ride of the very first 400k ACP brevet.
I semi selfishly put this ride on the calendar, wanting a flatter 400k and an option in our state to collect the special medal available for finishers. I will not have them to hand out at the finish. Please indicate if you would like one during or after the ride and I’ll get it out to you.
The route was used in 2021 during our regular ACP season. It is easily sequestered into 3 varying sections. The first 30ish miles leaving Oxford, Ohio is quite hilly and steep on rural roads leading to the bike trail near Miamisburg. The second section is a long winding false flat stretch across the Great Miami River bike trail, and the middle section features open country roads with a few surprise uphills leading to Bellefontaine.
Make sure to leave some legs for the final 30 miles, and perhaps consider starting out stronger. The 4pm start means you will need to cover 52 miles to be completely out of downtown Dayton, preferably by sundown. You will then need your best lights on the bike trail.
I did some riding this weekend on the Great Miami Bike trail and noticed two construction sites in Piqua. We can bypass both using this detour. Simply hop on County Road 25A into Piqua, which has a big shoulder and eventually a bike lane. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43545239
Registration will remain open until the night before the event. Remember this is an afternoon start! Much of this ride will take place in the dark
-Alex
Fellow Randos,
I’m excited to announce a new RBA for the Ohio/Columbus region of RUSA, Joshua Haley!
Josh has been one of the more active Randos at our brevets and permanents here in Ohio since relocating to our region. He has brought Randos from other states to join on our rides, has been a huge media component, and a bright face of positivity despite some immense challenges our region has faced. I have full confidence in his ability and commitment to the sport, and I am very excited about what’s to come with the program. It may be ironic, but also very fitting that the tradition of Florida Randos relocating to, and volunteering for, Ohio’s program continues on.
Josh joined the sport in 2016 down in the Central Florida region and has been a prolific trinket chaser with a RUSA cup, 6 R12's and counting, a K-hound, a few Fleche's and he just rounded out his 10th SR series here in Ohio. He joined Ohio Randonneurs in 2021 when he relocated to the Canton area with his wife and two young sons. While Josh's 'Florida' shows when it's hot and flat, he's become at home in the hills and can tolerate the cold and will often be spotted on the course with gas station pizza. He's currently keeping in shape for his second PBP this coming August. While not doing crazy distances, he enjoys the 'coffeenneuring' series in fall, and towing his boys in a trailer to the local park or coffee shop.
Josh will continue the SR series that Ohio has run since its founding, as well as the popular Fleche Velocio. I'm hearing rumors of a Rouleur series and Dart next year, as well as rumblings of a 1000k in a few years, so stay tuned!
In addition to Josh’s leadership, we have “revamped,” our volunteer team to further define and collectively agree upon the state and future of the region. We will see the continued technical knowledge of Jonathan Karpick on display, the topographic expertise and flèche hosting from David Buzzee, and volunteer commitments from myself, Toshiyuki Nemoto, Hugh Walsh, Lynn Clark, and others.
Josh is currently in his “RBA training period,” in which myself and others will be guiding him as he evaluates and submits results for events, and adapts to the roles and routines, culminating in the conclusion of my servitorship for the region at our 100k populaire in September. This will allow us to continue our full SR series and flèche traditions next year.
We conclude our regular SR series this weekend, as the riders take on the 600k Saturday. Route and registration are finalized on our website and RUSA approved.
The first day of this ride meanders through many of the same areas of the 400/300, using different roads and some different controls. It is the hilliest per mile of any event we’ve put on this year, minus the 200k.
The second day follows some of the flat 300 route. if the winds are in the riders’ favor, it should hopefully provide some relief after a full season of incredible climbing.
The ride will be run from the host hotel at the Baymont Inn in Lancaster. I have a room there Saturday and Sunday, in case anyone needs an emergency rest or shower. I will be in the area all weekend, seeing the beginning and end of both days. We have volunteers on the course for most of day 1, and emergency sag is available overnight.
There will be a mandatory lights and reflective kit inspection. You have the option of meeting Lynn Clark at the hotel lobby Friday at 8pm, or the day of the ride 4-4:45am Saturday.
There may be a post ride party in the lobby Sunday night…
Details and registration (which closes Thursday night!): here
-Alex B
Ohio RBA
This Saturday, we begin taking on longer distances [ed: 300k isn't long?] and overnight rides as we step into the 400k ACP Brevet from Lancaster, Ohio. This route begins at the Baymont Inn, though there are a few hotels in the area to choose from . I hope you have your booking in already!
The route is hilly, "immodestly" as described by Buzzee. Plan for a long day of ups and downs. We will have full course coverage with volunteers. Registration closes at midnight Thursday night. Expect a few route tweaks/clarifications on Monday, and then we'll mark route, cue sheet, and brevet card as final.
Register here if you haven't yet done so!
-Alex B
Reminder: Flèche team registrations due by 4/22 to Buzzee (and each individual on each team should register through this site).
This coming Saturday, we are hosting 2x ACP 300ks, offering another hilly PBP prep route, and one flat route.
Both routes begin from the IHOP parking lot in Lancaster, OH. It is a 24 hour parking lot. There are several hotels and businesses in the area.
The flat route visits several trail systems and country roads south west of Columbus.
The hilly route makes a big loop around Hocking state forest and through Wayne national forest.
Registration closes Thursday 4/20 at midnight. We will have volunteers on course and at the start and finish.
Route links on webpage are finalized.
We are about coming up on our first dual ACP brevets of the season, next Saturday, April 8. We have a challenging hilly route, and a flatter route to give you any option to match your fitness. Although both routes are ACP certified and will count the same for qualifying, PBP hopefuls should consider completing as many of our hilly routes this year as possible, to help make your attempt successful.
Our admin team is particularly excited about the hilly route. It includes a dip down to Manchester, then which includes the renowned Chicken Hollow, Suck Run and Big Run. Big Run is a pretty connection between Georgetown and Higgensport. For the flat route, the section between miles 45 and 85 provide interest often not found on flat routes, especially Achterman Road, and a relaxing section on the Little Miami Bike Path.
Both routes begin and end out of Seaman, Ohio from the parking lot of the Quality Inn, at 7am. There are restaurants nearby for breakfast. Website links are finalized.
Registration will close at midnight next Thursday.
Volunteers will be on course, and at the start and finish.
Registration pages: hilly and flat
Keep your eye on the photos page for your contributions over the year.
Please do upload any photos you'd like to share here.
It’s not too late to register for the 2023 Ohio Randonneur flèche. Many randonneurs have compiled ride credit for the prestigious R-5000 recognition but still need to complete a flèche. Overall rules are at https://rusa.org/pages/teamrando.
As in other years, the ride starts the first Saturday morning in May at 07:00 at the location of your choice. Three to five bicycles per team, ride 360 km (224 miles) and arrive at 07:00 Sunday. The rides end at the condo of David Buzzee where we provide a welcoming hot breakfast, showers and a relaxed environment for telling tales.
More details on the registration page.
On Saturday, I pre-rode the route for our 3/18 ACP 200k.
We have featured this route several times during my run as RBA. Not much has changed, but please note the starting location has moved from the Ramada to Xenia bike hub station. There is plenty of parking at the bike station, and a porta pottie. You will find me at the start and finish at the shelter in the middle of the parking lot. The restroom facility is closed for the season.
If you are seeking accommodation, I recommend the Hampton Inn on Progress Drive. The Ramada is now closed, and the other hotel/motel options in town are not great to say the least.
You will begin heading north on the Little Miami Scenic bike trail through downtown Xenia to Yellow Springs. Please use caution when crossing the road at the intersections through Xenia. You will have bike specific cross walks and a well marked route through the street, but that doesn’t mean cars will follow the law. Just past the police station, the trail switches from the left to the right side of the road and will you have to cross diagonally. Please follow the traffic crosswalks and do not illegally cut through the intersection.
After a long false flat to Yellow Springs on the trail, you will exit left and then right to begin heading north on rolling hill roads. You will have a series of small climbs culminating at the top of the valley crossing I70.
From here the route begins bending west and north. There are some punchy rollers and scenic views as you meander through North Hampton and then the small town of Thackery. This region houses several high dollar business and entertainment personalities, if you are lucky, as I was, you may see a private helicopter or jet flying by on your way to St. Paris.
The first control in St Paris is a Marathon on your right. Note that it is nearly 40 miles from the start. It has a restroom. There are a few other restaurants in the area if you want to grab a bigger meal on your way back. I may or may not be present at this control on your way out, depending on the dispersion of rider pace. I will not be there on the way back.
After St Paris, you’ll begin climbing up and down until reaching Kiser Lake. This is my favorite section of the ride, which culminates in a long descent into the lake valley, then a climb up and out of it. The route differs ever so slightly after this point, so please ensure you are using this year’s version!
The route changes terrain on the other side of Kiser Lake especially after passing through the small Amish/Mennonite town of DeGraff. From here on, you may share the road with horses and buggies on your way to Russell’s Point. The Amish/Mennonite community in this area is much smaller than those on the central/eastern portion of Ohio, but is still numerous enough to see and feel their presence.
In the middle of the route, you will spend a brief moment on 235 (about 5 miles total) where the shoulder narrows and traffic picks up as you enter Russell’s Point. Please use extra caution here.
The Marathon at Russell’s Point is a full service station with a restroom. Unfortunately the personnel here have historically been unkind to cyclists gathering in their parking lot. Please use the facility as necessary only after making a purchase, and perhaps consider a shorter stop. There will be no volunteers present at the turn around. There are several other small stores and restaurants in the area should you choose something else.
After that, you turn around and do it all over again!
This route is designed to be easier than our upcoming PBP prep series, but still features a few half mile climbs and some rollers peppered throughout the ride. The total climbing is estimated at about 3,500 feet. Strava recorded 3,800ft for me, and RWGPS said 4,400ft.
Your performance will most likely be dictated by the wind direction. Typical trade winds come in from the SW, meaning mostly headwinds and some tailwinds on the left turns heading back, but they were switched for me, which led to a faster finish.
We’ve had terrible luck with weather when hosting this route, so let’s hope Mother Nature gets it right this time!
-Alex B
You’ve no doubt already dusted off your trainer, are putting work in the gym, and making selections for your main 2023 rides like PBP… Right?!
We hope you’ve left some room on your calendar for Ohio Randonneuring!
Take a look at our 2023 ACP schedule. This year, we’ve got something for everyone. Our early season rides will each have alternate “flat” and “PBP training routes.” PBP riders may have the option of pre riding one or more of the routes to give themselves more chances to qualify. (As protocol, we will still expect you to volunteer in some way throughout the season if you choose to preride.) Please contact Alex directly if this interests you.
Routes are being reviewed currently, and some of them are available to view on this website already. Our first event begins in Xenia, but we will be visiting southern central/western Ohio this year in search of hills and empty roads.
Later in the year, we are planning to host an SR600k (9/23) and possibly a dart. I need to hear from you if you’d like to ride the dart, nothing is set in stone yet! Other RUSA brevets may be scheduled periodically throughout the year.
Lastly, as previously promised, this will be my last year as your RBA. Applications are open for acceptance now to find a proper replacement. The earlier you get in, the better chance you have for proper preparation and successful continuation of the program in Ohio! Please contact me if interested in this, or any other volunteering opportunities.
Now get back to your base!
For Paris-Brest-Paris aspirants, keep an eye on paris-brest-paris.org Pre-registration starts on 1/14 for those with a 1,000 km or more ACP or RM certified ride in 2022.
Other pre-registration dates based on longest certified ride in 2022:
RUSA events will be announced later in the season. Plans for a fall 100k and possibly a few additional 200ks are in the works.
There was talk in the region about running an SR600k. The current plan is to schedule the SR600 in the fall after PBP. 600km with 8,000+m of climing in 40 hours or less. Will be wild.
This permits us to go mostly paperless.
If electing to use electronic proof of passage, you will need to upload your ride to a publicly available site (e.g., strava, ridewithgps). Please ensure your ride is set to 'public' or similar availability.
After the ride, you will get an email with a link to a page where you should fill in your finish time and provide a link to your uploaded ride (e.g., https://www.strava.com/activities/1234 or https://ridewithgps.com/trips/1234). Please do so as soon as you can so that final results may be submitted to RUSA.
You can even leave public comments on the ride from that same form.
In anticipation of potential GPS file corruption, it is recommended that you use a secondary (or even tertiary) documentation such as timestamped photos at each control and/or a completed brevet card.