Conference noted::bicycle

1021.0. "BMB 1989 Note" by DEBIT::HOLDEN () Tue Feb 28 1989 18:11

 
	 Announcement and Entry Form: BOSTON-MONTREAL-BOSTON 89
 
Summary: The second Boston-Montreal-Boston, a ride fashioned after the
quadrennial Paris-Brest-Paris, will be run on August 10 through 13,
1989.  Starting in the suburbs of Boston, the ride will work its way
through New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, and Quebec to Montreal and
then back to Boston, covering 1200km (750 miles) in 90 hours or less.
Entrants must qualify for the event by riding four brevets ranging from
200km to 600km.  Various forms of support will be available at
checkpoints which will be placed 35 to 65 miles apart.  The event is a
fast and challenging tour in which riders may go at any pace which suits
them, but it is not a race.  Detailed information is given below.
 
Dates:  Start: 4:00am Thursday August 10, 1989.  
	Finish: No later than 10:00pm Sunday August 13, 1989.
 
Qualifiers:
 
Entrants must qualify by riding four "brevets" (rides in which the rider
is mostly self supported) within specified time limits.  The brevets may
be point-to-point, out-and-back, or a single loop.  However, they may
not be multiple laps on a small course.  Riders must maintain a minimum
average speed throughout the brevet, as well as at predetermined
checkpoints placed every 35 to 65 miles.  The four required qualifiers
are listed below (.621 miles/km):
 
	200km	124mi	14hrs
	300km	186mi	20hrs
	400km	248mi	27hrs
	600km	373mi	40hrs
 
In addition, it is recommended, but not required, that entrants ride
an event of 800 to 1000 km prior to the BMB-89.  Sets of the four
required qualifiers are being held in the Boston, Syracuse, and New
York areas on the dates shown below.  Additional qualifying series may
also be available (consult the UMCA newsletter, or contact the
International Randonneurs, 727 N. Salina St, Syracuse, NY 13208).
Events which are not specifically "billed" as brevets or BMB
qualifiers may be used as long as they are not "lap type" courses.
For example, a double century ride may be used in place of the 300km
qualifier as long as it is completed within 20 hrs.  The Washington
Cannonball Run may be used for the 400km, as long as the first 400km
are completed in 27 hrs.  A course such as the midwest RAAM Open
Qualifier may not be used as the 600km qualifier since it consists of
multiple laps on a course.  Note that this event does serve as a good
1000km training ride for riders intending to do the BMB-89.  If you
are unable to attend any of the qualifiers in your area, (or there are
none in your area), you may ride them on your own.  You may be
expected to show ride verification forms (i.e.  signatures from
witnesses along your route).  If you do plan your own course, every
attempt should be made to travel through hilly terrain.  Note that you
don't necessarily have to ride all the qualifiers in the same location
(e.g. you could ride the 200km in Boston, the 300km in NY, the 400km
on your own, and the 600km in Boston), but you must ride them in
order.  You must ride all four qualifiers.  Enclose an SASE when
requesting info by mail.
 
	200	300	400		600
NYC:	May 21	June 3	June 17/18	7/1-2 or 7/8-9 (TBD)	
	Jeff Vogel, 102-10 66th Rd 14E, Forest Hills, NY 11375
	212-265-2500-w, 718-275-6978-h, 212-262-9004-FAX
 
Boston:	May 6	May 20	June 10		June 24-25	
	Charles Lamb, Box 721, Burlington, Ma 01803-5721
	617-354-2887-h (Leave a message with a number where
			a collect call can be taken)
	Info will not be available until April 1, 1989
 
Syracuse:	Dates are currently unknown		
	International Randonneurs, c/o Konski Engineers,
	727 N. Salina St, Syracuse, NY 13208
 
Montreal: (all start at 5am)
	May 21	June 3	June 17		July 1
	Ted Milner, 5732 Trans Island Avenue, 
	Montreal, Quebec H3W 3B2 514-738-7728 (h)
 
Terrain:
 
The terrain of the BMB-89 will be diverse, as is that of the
Paris-Brest-Paris.  Dividing the entire 1200km course into thirds, the
first and last thirds are the hilliest (the highest point of the course
is below 2500'), whereas the northern sections are relatively flat.
Therefore, it's recommended that entrants' training rides prepare
accordingly.  The Boston area qualifiers are designed to give
participants a taste of the BMB.
 
Checkpoints:
 
Checkpoints will be placed every 35 to 70 miles along the course, and
riders must reach them by specified times (consistent with the 90 hour
total time).  At most checkpoints, some or all of the following services
will be provided: food, toilets, showers, sleeping accomodations, and
mechanical support.
 
Crews and Support:
 
Crews are permitted, but not encouraged.  Because of the potential for
congestion on the roads, crew support for riders will be limited to the
checkpoints only.  This also puts riders who are unable to supply a crew
(e.g. those from outside the local area) on an equal footing with those
who can.  During the BMB-88, this system worked quite well, and all the
riders were happy with it.  Note that a bag service will be provided to
allow entrants to have spare clothes and other gear shuttled to
checkpoints.
 
Lighting:
 
Since most riders will find it necessary to ride during the night,
proper lighting is mandatory at all times, even during the daytime.
That is, although lights do not have to be turned on during the daylight
hours, the equipment must be present and in working order at all times.
Halogen bulbs for headlights (visible for 1000 feet) are mandatory, and
multiple headlights are recommended.  A red rear light (visible for 300
feet) is mandatory (belt beacons are not sufficient -- a solid red rear
light is required).  Flashing white strobe lights (obtainable from
boating stores) are recommended.  A red reflector on the rear of the
bike and reflective angle bands (at least 1" high) or pedal reflectors
are required.  There will be no exceptions to these rules.  If you have
questions about this, have them cleared up ahead of time.  Wonder lights
are not sufficient.  Cateye strap on lights are ok if they're fitted
with halogen bulbs.  Carry spare batteries and bulbs.
 
Follow vehicles will not be allowed as a means of lighting.  There will
be no exceptions to this rule.
 
Other:
 
Drafting is permitted.  BMB-89 is not a race.  Fenders are not required.
Detailed cue sheets will be provided.  The course may be marked in areas
where riders will be prone to getting lost, however, it will not be
marked everywhere (it's not necessary).  Here's a sample piece of cue
sheet.  It shows the distance from the last cue, the total distance from
the start, and a landmark and/or instruction.
 
  2.1	177.9	Jct 351 - Stay on 2
  0.1	178.0	Clums Corner T/L
  0.4	178.4	Jct 278 - Stay Left on 2
  2.0	180.4	Eagle Mills T/L
  0.4	180.8	Cross Bridge, bearing left and up the hill at about
		10:30 o'clock onto Pine Woods.  Creek Road (also at this
		intersection) parallels the creek, but don't take that.
		Instead take the 45 degree left up the hill.  Rt 2 goes
		off at about 1:30 o'clock to the right.
  1.0	181.8	Turn left onto Colhamer
 
Since riders may want to arrange for their own sleeping accomodations a
detailed list of lodges will be supplied to entrants.  Unlike last year,
the BMB-89 will be a "ride as much as you want, whenever you want" type
of ride.  That is, you will only be required to meet the minimum speed
specifications throughout the ride.  Helmets are not required but
recommended.
 
Cost:
 
The cost is $100 (US), payable to "Boston-Montreal-Boston '89".  To
enter, fill out the application below and mail with a $25 deposit to the
address below.  The remainder will be due by August 1, 1989.
Applications will be accepted between April 1, 1989 and July 1, 1989.
There is no limit to the number of entrants.  Note that the cost
includes bag drop, cue sheet, t-shirt, and roving patrol.  It may
include some primitive sleeping arrangements at certain checkpoints, but
most likely will not include the cost of food supplied at checkpoints.
Last year, the total cost per person of the food available at all
checkpoints was just under $50.
 
 
Name:	
Address, City, State, Zip, Phone:
 
Time Goal for BMB:	hrs			T-shirt size (s/m/l/xl):
 
I intend qualify using these events (give event name, date and location,
or if not a scheduled event, describe the course you plan on using):
 
200km:
300km:
400km:
600km:
 
				Waiver
		       Boston-Montreal-Boston '89
		       International Randonneurs
				    
In consideration of accepting this entry, I (we) the undersigned,
intending to be legal bound hereby, for myself (ourselves) and my (our)
Heirs, personal representatives, assigns and executors, do hereby
release and forever discharge the International Randonneurs, the Boston
Montreal Boston '89, any of its members, member clubs, sponsors,
administrators, officers, directors, or associations, for any and all
claims, demands, costs, expenses, illnesses, inconveniences, loss of
service actions, forseen or unforseen, arising from any act or occurance
and particularly on account of any and all personal injury, disability,
property damage, loss of any kind that I may sustain or inflict as a
result of training for and participation in any event sanctioned by,
sponsored by, or associated with, the International Randonneurs, the
Boston Montreal Boston '89 or its affiliates, even if said organizations
and/or affiliates are negligent or at fault.
 
I fully understand the nature of the activities I am participating in
and acknowledge the hazards of said activities and voluntarily assume
the risk of injury to my person, property or the person or property of
others.  If an injury should occur to me, I authorize proper treatment.
I understand that even though every effort has been made to use the
safest routes, the routes chosen for these events are not necessarily
the safest ones available.  I promise to obey all applicable federal,
state, and local traffic laws, including, but not limited to, night time
lighting requirements.  I attest that I am physically fit and
sufficiently trained for these events.  I warrant that I am sufficiently
competent at cycling to handle the road conditions and that my bicycle
is in safe operating condition.  I also understand that wearing a helmet
can minimize or prevent head injuries which may occur in a cycling
accident and that the organizers of the above mentioned events encourage
all riders to wear helmets.
 
If the participant is under the age of 18 years, this form must be
signed by his/her parent or guardian.
 
To the best of my knowledge I believe the information below is correct.
 
Signature:					Date:
 
Signature of Parent or Guardian if under 18 years old:
 
Boston-Montreal-Boston '89
Box 721
Burlington, Mass 01803-5721
(enclose an sase if you are requesting more information)
e-mail: odi!cwl@talcott.harvard.edu
 

< Note 1021.0 by DEBIT::HOLDEN >
                               -< BMB 1989 Note >-

    DIRECTIONS TO THE 200KM STARTING POINT:    
    
    OVERVIEW:  There is a small parking lot  next  to  a  pond  right at the
    intersection  of  Rt 30 and 128 (I 95).   If  you  look  at  the  actual
    intersection of Rt 30 and 128, it is right on  the  northwest  corner of
    it.  Getting there is a little harder though.  Note  that  this is right
    near  the  intersection of the Mass Pike and 128.  If you  look  at  the
    Marriott hotel, it is across the pond from it.  If you get lost, this is
    the best landmark in the area.   
    
    FROM  RT  128  HEADED  SOUTH:    Get  off  at  the  Rt 30 exit which  is
    immediately after  the  Mass  Pike exit.  You will do a quick 180 degree
    turn on the  ramp  and be at a light.  Go straight through the light and
    you'll see the entrance to the Mass Pike.  Go straight past the entrance
    and take the next right (there is a sign which says "Feeding and Parking
    Area").  You'll go underneath 128.  Turn right and you're in the parking
    lot.  
    
    FROM RT 128 HEADED NORTH:  Get  off at the Rt 30 exit.  When you finally
    get to Route 30 (I haven't been on  this  exit ramp recently, but I seem
    to recall that it goes on for a while),  you  will  be  at  a stop sign.
    Turn left onto Route 30 west and you will immediately  cross  128.  Just
    after you cross 128, turn right at the sign which says  to  Brandeis and
    the Mass Pike.  Go straight on past the Pike entrance and make the right
    hand  turn  at  the  "Feeding and Parking Area" sign just after it.   Go
    under 128 and turn right into the parking lot.  
    
    FROM  MASS  PIKE  EASTBOUND:  Take the rt 128 exit.  Follow signs for rt
    30.   You will almost get onto 128 North after you loop around the ramp.
    When you get  to  the  rt  30  intersection,  turn left onto rt 30 west.
    Cross over 128, and  turn  right  at  the sign for Brandeis and the Mass
    Pike.  Go past the  Mass  Pike entrance and turn right at the sign which
    says "Feeding and Parking Area".   Go  under 128 and turn right into the
    parking lot.  
    
    FROM MASS PIKE WESTBOUND:  Get off  at  the  128/30  exit.    Bear right
    immediately out of the toll both and follow  signs  for 128 North and Rt
    30.  (When you come out of the toll  booth,  there  are signs for both I
    95, and rt 30.  At that fork, go to  the  right  towards  I 95 North and
    South.  Then, once you have past that, follow signs for  rt  30.  If you
    follow signs for rt 30 immediately out of the toll booth, it  will  take
    you  to  the wrong place.) When you get to the end of the  ramp  at  the
    intersection  with  30, turn left onto 30 west and cross over 128.  Turn
    right at the sign for Brandeis and the Pike.  Go past the Pike exit, and
    turn in at  the "Feeding and Parking Area".  Go under 128 and turn right
    into the parking lot.  
    
    FROM COMMONWEALTH AVE (Rt  30):    After  you  pass the Marriott (a good
    place to stay before hand if you're not local, 617-969-1000), turn right
    onto the entrance ramp for rt  128  north.    Just  after you get on the
    ramp, there is a quick road to  the  right which takes you down into the
    park.
 

    DIRECTIONS TO THE 300KM, AND 600KM STARTING POINTS:
    
    FROM THE MASS PIKE EASTBOUND:  Take Exit 17, and turn right at the first
    light immediately after the exit ramp.  See the  directions "from Centre
    Street".

    FROM THE MASS PIKE WESTBOUND:  Take Exit 17.   Stay  to  the left on the
    ramp  so  that you go straight ahead.  Cross the trolly  tracks  in  the
    middle  of  the  road and put the hotel over the highway on  your  left.
    Just after you pass the hotel, turn left and cross over the pike.   Turn
    right at the first light onto Centre Street.

    FROM  CENTRE  STREET IN NEWTON:  Head up the hill and go through several
    lights.   You'll  come  to  a  big  intersection  which  is Commonwealth
    Ave./Route 30.   There's  a Ski and Tennis Chalet on the far left corner
    there.  Go straight  through  this light.  When you come into the center
    of town (the second light),  turn  left  at Beacon Street.  At the Exxon
    Station on the right, turn right  onto  Langley  Road.  The house is 135
    Langley Road on the right, about a quarter mile past the Exxon station.

    DIRECTIONS TO THE 400KM STARTING POINT:   Take  Route  495  to Rt 111 in
    Boxboro.  Take 111 west for about 1  1/2  to  1  3/4 miles until you see
    Slough Rd on the Left.  Turn left there  and  go 3/4 miles to the end (a
    Stop sign).  Make a HARD left onto E Bare  Hill  Road (it's sort of like
    making  a  soft left and then forking left again immediately).   Go  3/4
    mile on E Bare Hill Rd to #68 on the right.
 

    	Congratulations, looks like you guys made the big 
    time.  The August issue of Bicycling has an article on a 
    *new* bike race, the BMB.  It says last years finishers (12 of
    19 that started) that had done the PBP (Must have been
    Ed Fisher, Charlie and possibly Russ) actually rated the
    North American ride as more difficult.  Way to go guys.
    Keep us posted on this years results.
    
    						Jerry

    
    Nah, I got injured last year and didn't ride seriously after
    early in the season.  Now if 1991 would just get here...
    

    If I hadn't been excrutiatingly bored, and looking for something -
    anything - to read, I never would have grabbed my friend's magazine,
    which he had picked up at the Pontiac dealership.  
    
    Expecting to learn all about the latest technological developments in
    power windows, I instead read two articles about the BMB!  They were
    great - slight digressions into how well the LeMans with the Thule
    bikerack held the Cannondale, but lots of mention and even pix of
    famous people from this file: Ed Fisher, John Ellis, Jim Roth...
    
    The articles are too long for a non-typist like me to handle, but I
    might be able to obtain copies if people are interested.

    I think it's downright scandalous that we haven't heard more about
    BMB '89.  Heck, all I've read is about what Ed Fisher ate!
    
    MATT

    The note about what I ate was from the RAAM Open Midwest.  I haven't
    had time to write anything about BMB '89.  Now let's see, there was
    a ham and cheese grinder, ...
    
    :-)  Got some cue sheets to get done this morning.
    
    ed

    re. -2
    
    	Yes, I'd be interested in reading the article.  But how are we
    going to get to see the pictures?
    						_Jerry
    
    p.s.,
    	I visited my local Pontiac dealer to pick up a copy and he
    said some guy named Eddie in a PACE bicycle shirt came buy the
    other day and cleaned him out....hhmmmmm :^)

    	Well, I received the article. It even has pictures. I have
    	a rough idea what John Lee Ellis and Ed Fisher look like,
    	although I wouldn't want to pick them out of a crowd.
    
    	As near as I can tell, John has a beard and Ed has a moustache.
    	As I said, I wouldn't want to have to pick them out of a
    	crowd.
    
    	Article was interesting, although I could have done without
    	the promo for the Pontiac LeMans.
    
    	Scott