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- Advance registration is required — we cannot accommodate same-day registration.
- Membership: All riders must have current RUSA and SIR memberships (you'll enter your RUSA number during registration). Don't have a RUSA membership? Join here (or renew if your RUSA membership has expired). Allow a few days in advance for RUSA verification.
- Online registration is open until Wednesday, April 22 at 20:00 (Pacific Time)
- Ride cost is $5 paid online at the time of registration.
Welcome to the seventh edition of the Populaire Grande Classique "Route de nuit", AKA "Suicidal frogs" or "Suicidal Slugs" (names of the first few editions, following a couple incidents during the pre-rides. :-)
This Populaire will give you an opportunity to (re)hone your night riding skills, check your (lighting) equipment, or try night riding for the first time in a low-key environment, if you're new to that aspect of Randonneuring. After a lapse last year due to pre-PBP buzzzz, and now in its Seventh Edition, the Populaire will again start from Snohomish and mostly take place on the Centennial trail, utilizing the ever popular RUSA Permanent route number 1354 (RUSA Populaire route 1271) - an out and back on the trail, quick crossing of Arlington, a few miles of Hwy 9 before the turn-around at the (closed) general store at Lake McMurray. This is an easy route, flat, straight, quiet, with pretty much two turns on the whole ride, and not much more than suicidal rabbits and frogs and slugs (oh my!) to watch for during most of the ride (although one buck-naked drunk was spotted on the trail during the last ride, so there's hope for entertainment while on the ride.)
If you want more info on all that you'll be missing in the dark:
http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Parks/Park_Information/Park_Directory/Regional_Parks/Cent
Please be sure to review (and comply with) Article 10 of the RUSA rules for Brevets concerning lighting and reflective clothing. Make sure to have good lights and reflective clothing. Failure to do so may jeopardize your safety. It's also cause for disqualification, as provided in the RUSA rules (see below).
Article 10
For night riding, vehicles must be equipped with front and rear lights attached firmly to the vehicle. Lights must be turned on at all times during hours of darkness or other low-light conditions (rain, fog, etc.). At least one of the rear lights must be in a steady (rather than flashing) mode. All riders' lights must meet the requirements of local laws. A rider is not permitted to cycle at night or in other low-light conditions without working front and rear lights attached to the vehicle; therefore backup lighting systems and/or spare bulbs are strongly recommended in case the primary system fails and cannot be repaired on the roadside. Each rider, whether riding in a group or alone, must fully comply with this requirement. Everyone must use their lights!
During hours of darkness or other low-light conditions, all riders must wear a reflective vest or some other device that clearly places reflective material on the front and back of the rider. During these times all riders will also wear a reflective ankle band around each ankle. (Due to their unusual seating position, recumbent riders may modify their reflective torso devices to show better from front and rear.) Other reflective devices on clothing, shoes, helmets, and machines are encouraged for increased safety - but they are extra and may not take the place of the minimum items listed above.
Any violation of these night riding rules will result in the immediate disqualification of the rider.
I recommend being familiar with the rest of the rules for riders as well, especially if you're discovering the world of randonneuring - see
http://www.rusa.org/brvreg.html
Parking: street parking available along Maple Ave.
Registration/Sign-in: 18:30 at the start.
Start: Feet-up at 19:00 at trailhead in Snohomish, at the intersection between Maple Ave and Pine Ave (street parking available along Maple Ave.)
Finish: Same as start location.
Lighting: Working front and rear lights are required.
Reflective Gear: Vest and ankle bands are required per RUSA rules.
Fenders: Not required but if the weather is inclement you will make more friends if your bicycle has fenders with effective fenders and buddy flaps.
Tools: This is a self-supported ride. You are expected to be able to be self-sufficient in the event you get a flat tire or need to perform a repair on your bicycle.
Route on RwGPS: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3728590 (not final)
Cue Sheet: Print your own cue sheet. (note that due to the late hour, the start will be towards the trailhead, not at the bakery)(not final)
Pre-Ride Report: Available about 5 days before the event.
Results: Official RUSA results postings can be
searched here.