Cue Sheet

Thanks to John "Eagle Eye" Jost, St. Louis RBA, we've made some minor corrections to the cue sheet. (As always, the revision date is in the page footer.) Thanks, John!

-jle

GPS Files for Last Chance Route!

Thanks to Viktoriya Shundrovskaya, we now have a GPS file for the Last Chance route. (Thanks to Mark Thomas for producing the GPX version.)

Questions on how to use this? I can't help you there, as dead reckoning and a sextant are my navigational aids on the Last Chance. But hopefully you will find it useful. Thanks again, Viktoriya!

-jle

Revised Lighting Requirements

The lighting requirements have been revised slightly. In the past, the requirement has been lighting that satisfies the RUSA Rules for Riders and applicable state laws. The new additional requirements:

• Two independent headlight units and two independent taillight units mounted on the bike are required.


• Two headlights or taillights powered by the same dynamo or batteries do not constitute independent units.


• Helmet-mounted lights are fine, but they do not count toward the requirement.

This is the norm for most if not all 1200k riders anyway, so it will probably not mean a change from your current setup.

Some examples and details:

• Independent headlights could be two battery-powered units, or a dynamo-powered light and a battery-powered unit, for example.


• Independent taillights could likewise be two battery-powered units or a dynamo-powered taillight and a battery-powered light. The same dynamo can power both a headlight and a taillight.

The goals here are safety and resilience, of course. With today's technology, bright enough lightweight, inexpensive battery-powered LED lights are available, and provide valuable redundancy.

Any questions, feel free to ask.

-jle

2009 Map and Cue Sheet Posted

The map and cue sheet for 2009 are now posted. Today I corrected a few of the control times on the cue sheet, so if you have a previous version, you may want to get the update.

The controls and route remain the same as 2008, except that a stretch near the finish (miles 733.6 to 744) has been moved to quieter back roads. Not a big deal; just more pleasant. This change is also detailed on the map.

A rider has asked if there is a GPS file available for this route. If you wish to supply one, I will be glad to post it.

-jle

Jerseys and Vests - Order Now!

A reminder to put in your order for Last Chance vests or jerseys if you want one. Those who have them like them, both because they're nice items and a good souvenir of their ride!

We want everyone who'd like a vest or jersey to get one, but won't be able to order if there's not enough demand. We currently have not reached Voler's minimum order quantity.

To order a vest or jersey, print out a Last Chance application, fill in your name and jersey info, and send it to us with a check.

Thanks!
-jle

Welcome 2009 Riders!

A big welcome to our 2009 riders, both those returning and first-timers! Please keep an eye on this blog for updates on route, lodging, and rider info, and for pre-event procedures as the ride nears. It is important to check this blog regularly - or better yet subscribe to it - as this is our conduit to you for announcements.

Sunrise on Last Chance 2008 - Catherine Shenk photo

While the event is in progress, we aim to provide rider stories, course conditions, and the like. You can look back through the 2008 posts for our running commentary of the 2008 ride. You may wish to give this link to friends and family following your progress.

For now, we hope your preparation is coming along nicely, and we look forward to seeing you in a month!

-jle

Last Chance Planning Sheet now available!

The Last Chance 2009 rider planning spreadsheet has now been posted. (Thanks to Tim Feldman for producing this.) It is based on the 2008 route - currently, we don't anticipate major changes.You fill in your expected pace between each contrôle and the amount of time you're budgeting at each contrôle. The sheet calculates ETA's at each contrôle and at the finish. It also alerts you when you're near or past a contrôle closing time. It's a great tool for:

• planning and visualizing your progress through the event,
• considering multiple scenarios,
• coming up with fallback strategies

So have a look and start planning!

-jle