The general guideline when designing a brevet route is to include approximately 5,000 feet of climbing per 200km (or 4000 feet per 100 miles). Some regions offer switchbacks up a mountain; others offer miles of riding straight up the mountain.  PBP has constant rolling hills, but no mountains. Hills add character to your event. However, too many hills can be overly discouraging. The rider’s objective is to finish. Do not make the route too hilly (or otherwise strenuous); make it doable.

Many riders like to see a route profile.  This will help them with planning their rides. So, if possible make route profiles available on your website or with the cue sheet.

Elevation Challenges and Control Time Windows

There may be cases where, because of the elevation gain or descent to an intermediate control, the standard opening/closing times are unduly restrictive. In these cases, a control without opening and closing times may be permitted even if it’s staffed or at an establishment. This requires the approval of the Route Coordinator - please explain the circumstances with your route submittal. Of course, the total time allowed for the full brevet remains unaffected.

Intermediate Control Time Windows and Longer Randonnées

Riders are required to pass through timed intermediate controls within their opening time window.  The Rules for Riders and Rules for Organizers clearly specify under what (limited) conditions a rider may get credit for a ride after missing an intermediate control cutoff.

A caveat about longer events: control cutoffs slacken beyond 600km: controls within the first 600km reflect a minimum pace of 40 hours per 600k; beyond 600km, riders are allowed more time per km (e.g., 50 hours for the second 600km of a 1200km randonnée).  Please emphasize these constraints to riders on your longer events: it is not acceptable – except for the reasons detailed in the Rules for Riders – for a rider to miss intermediate cutoffs, even if he/she finishes within the overall time limit.

[11/2013]