We are sad to learn of Don Gramling’s recent passing and our hearts ache for his family’s sudden loss, and ours. Don became a randonneur in 2013 and quickly accumulated a pile of awards, medals, and significant accomplishments including a K-Hound and completion of PBP ’15 and other 1200Ks. Don’s completion of Paris-Brest-Paris was legendary and involved being up against the time cut-off, failed neck muscles, a broken crank arm, and a Frenchman whose grace and empathy rivaled Don’s. In my 15 years of randonneuring and four PBPs, I have never seen someone more deserving of the honor of ancien as Don.

But the thing that set Don apart as a special person, friend, and riding companion was his good and gracious nature, positive attitude, and infectious smile. No matter how lousy the weather, long the miles, or weary the riders, Don was always present to appreciate the moment and make it a good time and great adventure. Don was ever-present to enjoy post-ride food, beverages, and tales of past exploits and future shenanigans. Don volunteered for all four days of the 2016 Cracker Swamp 1200K and greeted everyone — riders and other volunteers alike — with “What can I do to help?” Don’s selflessness and helpfulness were inexhaustible. Don will be greatly missed. Chapeau, good friend, as you ride on to the next adventure.

All–

If you’re at the hotel tonight, I’ll be in the lobby from 6pm to 7pm and can get you checked in. It’ll save some time tomorrow.

The ride starts at 7am SHARP, which means you need to get there early to futz with gear, check in, and tend to anything else.  Also, there are a few preride announcements. Be ready to roll on time.

Night gear/lights/reflective stuff is not required, but it’s not a bad idea, either. Same with a rain jacket.

Really looking forward to this ride!

-Paul

1. Good news and bad news. The bad news is that there was a major adjustment to the route and cue sheet due to the Fort Desoto Triathlon being held at the exact time we’d be down there. Although the park and the roads would be open to cycle traffic (they are closed to motor vehicles until 9am), we’re not going to interfere with anyone’s race. So Fort Desoto is out, which sucks because it’s gorgeous and great cycling. The good news is, of course, that we realized this now rather than on Saturday morning.

2. The new cue sheet is here and on the Events page. The changes are these:

• We need to make up 15 kilometers that are cut from the route, so we’re going to do that by taking a lap around Brightwaters right at the start and then visit Coquina Key at the finish. This makes up the necessary distance on roads that are frequently traveled by cyclists here. It’s not Fort Desoto, but it’ll do. The distance is the same as are the number of controls.
• The new route adds a control at the Brightwaters roundabout, adds a control at the T-intersection in Fort Desoto, and deletes the two controls in the Fort Desoto roundabouts. It also moves the last control from Alcazar & County Club to Coquina Key (Lewis & Beach).
• Please study the new cue sheet carefully. If you want a visual representation of the two changes, the first one adds this to the original route and the second, at the end, adds this. Eliminated from the original route is the lap around Fort Desoto.
• Please contact me with questions. We’ll also go over all this in the preride announcements.

3. Still plenty of time to register; please spread the word to those who might be interested in joining us!

All–

(1) The final cue sheet is posted here and on the Events page for the ride. The changes were indicating the ride start at Pancho’s Villa and that the finish is at the City Park.

(2) The workers’ ride was yesterday and the route checked out well. There are some new holes on Emerson, especially out-bound. Bayhead continues to deteriorate. And the detour at Cortez & Jasmine is still there. Be thankful that you’re doing this at night; the route was an absolute suffer fest in the heat, humidity, and wind!

(3) Please let me know if you’re registered and not coming, or if you don’t see your name on the list on the Events page.

(4) For those interested, I’ll be at Pancho’s at 7pm for dinner. Please join me if you can, but regardless arrive early enough to check in, sign the waiver, get your brevet card, and receive instructions on how the info controls will be handled and to start promptly at 8pm.

(5) Holler with questions and see y’all Friday!

Paul

Paris-Brest-Paris 2019 is right around the corner! For those thinking about attending, here is some crucial information:

I hope everyone is excited about the 100K tomorrow out of San Antonio; I know I am, and I’m looking forward to riding with all of you. If you’re not yet signed up, there’s still time. At present, we have 18 participants. Come join the fun by checking out the registration info on the events page for the ride. Similarly, if you’ve signed up but can’t make it, please let me know that, too.

The route is the same as in prior years and the cue sheet is on the events page. Thanks to Dan S checking out the route, who reports that some of the patchwork on Bayhead is coming apart (expect a rough ride in places) and that there is still roadwork at Cortez. Otherwise, it’s the same old, same old. See ya tomorrow.

All–

Hope you’re excited for the 600K this weekend! I rode in on Tues/Weds, and it’s a nice route. The weather looks dry for the most part, albeit a bit windy. Here is the latest on the proceedings this weekend:

1. I updated the cue sheet with a few minor changes that I noticed on the route regarding road signage and road conditions (much improved over prior years, especially in Clay County). There were no substantive changes to the route — it’s the same roads as the version that was posted on 4/16.

2. There is one major change to the info on the old cue sheet, which is that the Pack-a-Sack in Silver Springs now closes at 9:55pm (seriously, not 10pm!) instead of 11pm, which is what it had been for years. This means that if you are riding a pace where you will complete the first 400K in more than about 20 hours, you need to be thinking seriously about stopping in Salt Springs before those stores close at 11pm to ensure that you have sufficient food/water to ride the last 51 miles back to Tavares. If the Pack-a-Sack is closed for you, then there is NOTHING on route in that last 51 miles for services. Prepare for this!

3. Related to #2, it is possible to arrive in Salt Springs after 11pm — when everything there is closed — and to still finish the route on time. This would be a 400K time of approximately 23 hours. If you think that there is any possibility that you might be on that pace, you need to make sure that you leave Interlachen (78 miles to go) sufficiently supplied to ride all the way back to Tavares. Over the years, a few people have been in this position and they finished successfully because they were prepared for it. The short version is, keep an eye on your pace and your projected ETA in Tavares and make sure that you have sufficient supplies to make it back!

4. There was an error on the Events page indicating that the second day was the Swamp Rat. Oops. It’s not. The second day is down to Polk City and back. Sorry about that and thanks to Terry S. for pointing out the error!

5. Per usual, we’ll have food for you at the overnight (pulled pork!), but — also per usual — you will be totally on your own on the route. Please make sure that your bike and body are in tip-top condition and if you DNF, … remember that I’ll never leave anyone out there, but it may be many, many hours before I am able to do so and that your best plan of action is, by far, to call for a friend/significant other to help get you back to the start/finish.

6. Early check-in and bike check in the lobby from 6pm-7pm Friday. See you there!

-Paul

All–

(1) The final cue sheet is posted to the Events page and is also here.

(2) The first 136 miles of the route checked out fine. The construction coming into Wildwood is now concluded. There’s a road-kill cow on CR 702 East of Center Hill (seriously; yuck). Unfortunately, I crashed at mile 136 and that was the end of the preride. I’m fine and you’ll see me Saturday — the ride is a “go” — but as for the rest of the route…. I expect it’s good and if for some crazy reason you come upon something…. use good judgment, be careful, and if things get too weird, give me a call and we’ll get it figured out. I don’t expect any of that. Looks like a brilliant day for a ride and these are all roads that are well-known and frequently ridden.

(3) I’ll have heavy-snacks/light lunch for all of you at Green Mountain. Ziti and accompaniments for dinner at the finish. Expect to be otherwise on your own during the ride itself.

(4) Please look at the registered riders list and let me know if you don’t see your name and think you should, or if you see your name and are not riding.

See you Friday night/Saturday AM.

Paul