A post on the Ultra Marathon Cycling Association board.
It seems to be August 12th. So maybe the Mille Miglia isn't the longest Audax.
Date: Sun, Jul 6 2008 11:01 am
From: "Ken Bonner"
Longer than any RAAM Qualifier, tougher than most double or triple
centuries! The Ultimate Island Explorer (UIE) 2000k brevet organized by Ken
Bonner on behalf of the British Columbia Randonneurs Cycling Club is a
scenic (lakes, mountains, rivers, forests; seaside and tourist towns) and
challenging cycling experience for the tough elite cycling racer, triathlete
or 1000+ km experienced rando-cyclist. 65,000 feet of climbing with only 4
climbs that are in the 1000ft/300m -1400ft/425m elevation range - the rest
of the route is what is euphemistically called 'undulating'
Temperatures are moderate with normal day time highs up to 85F/29C and night
time lows down to 50F/10C. Although a sunny time of the year, rain showers
can be expected. Wildlife sighting of black/brown bears and deer are common
(lots of deer at dawn and dusk in suburban Victoria).
The entire route is on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, land of the totem
and Coast Salish nation (North American Aboriginal Games take place during
the week of August 3), outdoor recreation and Canadian National elite sports
training centre.
The UIE 2000 takes place on paved roads, some with a low traffic count, and
some with considerable tourist traffic. It also includes territory followed
by other Vancouver Island brevets, such as the Tsunami 300; Highway to Hell
400; Backroad 400; Northward Ho! 600; Tofino 600; Hare & Tortoise 1000 and
VanIsle 1200.
True to its randonneur roots, this longish brevet has little support. The
first 350k is an out and back from the capital city of Victoria which
permits riders to use their motels for support at the end of the day. For a
separate bag-drop fee of CAN$190, participants' can have a drop-bag
transported to/from each of two control hotels -- each of the control
hotels will be accessible 3 times. For the 1st hotel (Quality Inn) in
Parksville access is at 670k; 1025k and 1825k; for the 2nd hotel (Coast
Discovery Inn) in Campbell River access is at 1140k; 1325k; and 1720k. A
small number of rooms are being held at the Quality Inn at the rate of
CAN$109/day plus taxes; and at the Coast Discovery Inn at the rate of
CAN$110/day plus taxes.
Personal Support Teams: As per normal randonneur rides, personal support is
only permitted at control locations.
Safety: Bicycle in excellent condition; B.C. traffic law requires bright
lights attached to the bike front and back and an approved cycling helmet;
highly recommended are extra back-up lights; reflective vests/sash, wrist
and ankle bands; large reflective triangle. Look like a moving Christmas
Tree!!!
Fees: Mandatory membership in the BC Randonneurs Cycling Club -- CAN$20;
Brevet Fee - CAN$15; Drop-bag fee - CAN$190. Total = CAN$225
Start/Finish is in Victoria, British Columbia. There are direct flights to
Victoria International Airport from San Francisco and other North American
cities; also Victoria is a short flight from Vancouver International Airport
or a scenic 1 1/2 hour ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia. The Hydrofoil
passenger ferry from Seattle will also transport a limited number of
passengers' bicycles.
If you plan to participate, or have questions, please contact Ken Bonner by
email -- see BC Randonneur Vancouver Island Schedule for email address
Vancouver Island Schedule I look forward to seeing you on the ride!
Ken Bonner
