Now that we've listed our 2010 calendar of brevets, some new questions have come in about PBP'11 qualifying, pre-registration, and RUSA's plans. Here's what we know now:

• What effect does riding more brevets in 2010 have? - The main effect is to help the US country quota, although the magnitude of that effect is hard to predict. We have no indication from the ACP that the pure number of brevets ridden, or total distance, will enhance a given rider's placement within the country quota and we have decided that RUSA (if asked by the ACP to help implement the American quota) will not use a rider's total brevet distance as an entry factor, either. It's not at all clear that there will be more riders than places for them. In fact, history suggests that US rider demand should not greatly exceed supply (the quota). A qualified rider will have an excellent chance to ride PBP in 2011. Any enhancement-oriented riding (e.g., an ACP SR series or 1000k) would only increase those already very good odds.
• What role will RUSA play in registering US riders and managing the US riding pool? - This is subject to the ACP's evolving plans. We have an excellent relationship with our friends at the ACP and RUSA is committed to advocate for all of our members who qualify to ride PBP, and to insure fairness for all American riders if a quota needs to be imposed.
• Finally, our advice to those aspiring to do PBP in 2011: Ride an SR series in 2010 if you can, or a part of one. It's good training and will provide a fitness baseline for 2010 upon which you can build on in 2011. Try not to stress out, just do your rides, have fun with them and relax. Or, as the French might say, "Gardez vôtre sang-froid".