Brevet #1 (2011): T minus 1 week.

I can't believe it's finally here. After much anticipation, I'll ride in my first brevet of the 2011 season on Sunday, July 31 and I couldn't have chosen a more fitting ride. The NYC 200K is an oldie but a goody. It's also one of my favorite events since the route is outstanding and marks the first brevet I ever rode in 2007. I was instantly hooked on randonneuring after riding the NYC200K and went on to ride a full SR series that season, but did not attempt PBP. Instead, I put off that goal until 2011. As luck would have it, I'll have wait yet another four years for that glory. In 2015, I'll be 50 years old and I honestly can't think of a better way to celebrate a personal half century.

The NYC200K starts at the George Washington Bridge bus terminal in upper Manhattan and snakes its way through the Palisades and Bear Mountain to Harriman State Park and back. Coincidentally, the route passes right by the main entrance to the Helen Hayes Hospital so I plan to stop in to see who's working on my old floor that might remember my wheelchair-bound self. It sure would be a thrill to find a few familiar faces.

I feel strong on the bike and have a much greater sense of confidence for the distance after last week's successful 104-mile ride. The event should be great fun. Many of the participants will be heading off to Paris in a few weeks so the anticipation and excitement should be palpable. There's still plenty of room for additional riders. Care to join us? Rollout is 7:00 am. Registration can be completed on-line at this link, by mail or in person on Sunday morning.