Ride Report – Northern Pancake 200k

The first brevet of the season took me to northern Minneapolis on May 3^rd for a nearly flat 200k with 30 other randonneurs.  The temperatures were ideal for riding (50s°F), but a shifting wind made for some challenging sections.  Finishing in just over nine hours on my Specialized Roubaix was not unsurprising given the lack of time I’ve had in the saddle so far this year.  Needless to say, this was a ride of ‘base miles’.

(Riding together prior to the second control)

Still, I enjoyed connecting with a few riders from last year’s Munger Bungo, and even managed to meet a couple folks due to some unfortunate circumstances (helped one rider switch out tubes following a double puncture within the first 15 miles, and then stopped following an unfortunate crash by another rider also early in the brevet).

(Refueling at the Princeton, MN SuperAmerica – Control #3)

I expect to return at least once this year to participate in another brevet organized by the Minnesota Randonneurs.  They do a great job with planning and communication (now with a Facebook page).  I’m fortunate they are within a seven hour drive of Bismarck.

(First 2014 brevet in the rear view mirror)