The Berkshire Brevets are a series of randonneur cycling events in Western Massachusetts. If you enjoy century rides and challenging events, you will find randonnueur cycling a rewarding experience. The randonneur season is broken into a series of brevets of 200 km, 300 km, 400 km, and 600 km, a team 24 hr., and a final event of 1200 km. The goal of the randonneur cyclist is to complete all events within time limits. You can expect about 3,000 ft. of climbing for each 100 km. Each brevet is designed to challenge and prepare the long distance cyclists for the next ride in the series and act as a qualifier for Paris - Brest – Paris (1200 km) and other 1200 Km events throughout the world. The purpose of the Berkshire Brevets is to introduce cyclists in Western Massachusetts and Connecticut to the sport of randonneur cycling. The next Paris - Brest - Paris is in August 2011.
The Berkshire Brevets are organized and hosted by the Northeast Sport Cyclists Bicycle Club and New Horizons Sports.
Randonneur cycling is long distance (endurance) cycling with minimal or no support. A brevet is not a race, although the ride is timed and some riders will seek a personal best time, the primary goal is simply to finish. The style of riding is characterized by various rules and traditions that date to 1891 in France when the first Paris – Brest – Paris race was held. When one participates in brevet events, one is part of worldwide brotherhood of cyclists, with over 117 years of history and legend.
For a registration form click here, or register online.
Brevet Support
Follow vehicles are not allowed. Brevet checkpoints will vary in level of support. Some will be staffed with refreshments while others will be at convenience stores. None will have support between checkpoints so basic repair knowledge is necessary.
Moonlight Century Rusa 150K Populaire
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| Moonlight Populaire |
Saturday, July 11 |
150km (94 miles) |
Westfield, MA 6:30 PM |
RUSA |
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$15.00 |
Take a pleasant evening tour under the full moon from Westfield to Shelburne Falls and back.This will be a different route from our Shelburne falls 200K. Lights are required as well as a relective vest and reflective ankle bands. Not a Full Moon but waning gibbous with 84% illumination. Moonrise will be at 10:32 PM.
Petersburg 300K
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| Petersburg 300K |
Sept. 13 |
300 km (190 miles) |
Westfield, MA 5:00 AM |
ACP/RUSA |
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20 hrs. |
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$25.00 |
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I enjoy Petersburg pass so much I just had to add this summer brevet which includes Searsburg pass in Vermont as well as Petersburg Pass on the NY / MA border.
Great River Ride
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| Great River Ride |
Sunday, October 11 |
100km, 170km |
Westfield, MA 7:00 AM |
RUSA |
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6hrs 20 min / 12 hrs |
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$40.00 |
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by Sept. 30 |
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Now in its 20th year, this populaire has been picked by Bicycling Magazine as one of the Top 10 Century Rides in the USA. Plenty of hills, great scenery, lots of support, and a super buffet with entertainment at the end. A great way to finish the season. Never been canceled due to weather and we've had years with snow, 12 inches of rain, and cold temps., as well as years of perfect Autumn riding.
