2023 Bartlett Lake 200km Brevet

Ride Report

January 2023

Sunrise on a new brevet season

New year, new brevet season! 2023 is also a Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) year and that usually means a large turnout for the first 200km brevet. The PBP is the longest running organized bike event in the world and runs every four years. 8000 riders from around the world will ride the 2023 edition. It will be the 20th, and completion of a full brevet series (200, 300, 400 and 600km) in 2023 is a requirement for entry.

 

I should not have been surprised that 'only' 14 riders were starting the 200 this year, because a second 200km brevet was on offer in Arizona only two weeks later! Another 20 riders signed up for that one!

Mike Sturgill gives the rider brief

In addition to the 14 riders on the 200km course, four riders were taking on the 100km course. As always it was great to see some of the usual suspects (Tom Altemus, Brian McQuire, and Roger Peskett) at the start and get caught up.  After Mike Sturgill (Regional Brevet Administrator for Arizona) gave the rider brief at 0755 we rolled out at 0800. Mike and Brian had pre-ridden the 100 and noted only a bit of construction on the first 5 miles of the course needed to be navigated; they both were also riding the 200 this morning!

Entering the construction zone

Some pipeline work is happening on Cave Creek road and traffic is pushed into one lane. However, there was no construction activity going on and we were able to ride inside the barricades to enjoy a 'protected' bike lane. My goal for this one was to ride at an even pace all day, and that meant resisting the urge to ride in the group that invariably starts fast. By the time we hit the construction zone, I thought I was lantern rouge (last rider).

Club group in the Legends

Waiting for a light at Scottsdale road, Luciano rode up to my surprise. I thought I was last! After the light turned, he rode off and I was now the lantern rouge! The route continued into the Legends development and I rode into a club group of riders also out enjoying a perfect morning for riding. They were riding in a regroup style, which meant they would string out, then regroup as they continued to ride. The only issue was I was riding at a steady pace, and I would catch them, only to have the faster ones then pass then see them again at the next regroup.

The pavement ends here!

The club group stopped for coffee where Cave Creek Road becomes Seven Springs Road, and thankfully, my game of hare and tortoise was over. The course continues to the end of pavement then U-turns and heads back to the control at Sears Kay and, for the 200km riders, to Bartlett lake.

Great views toward Sears Kay Ruins

The best part of the U-turn format, is you get to see and greet the other riders out in front as they continue on the course.

Rest and refreshments at the Sears Kay control

Charles (North Dakota) and Bill (Tennessee) were riding the 100km and were in the control when I rolled in. After a quick visit, a welcome Mountain Dew (Mike said to save one for Steve, thanks Mike!), some snacks, and a handful of pocket food I was back on my way.

Next stop Bartlett Lake

The route generally descends to the next control at the Bartlett Lake Marina. Winds were favorable and after climbing about 1000 feet to get to the last downhill, I was moving through this section at 40+ mph! The photo above, is from last year's 200, I didn't want to stop in that tailwind! Of course, the lead groups were heading up while I headed down and that would be the last time I would see the leaders.

 

I rolled into the Marina, picked up some food to eat, reload the pockets, and get back on the road. What goes down must go up, and every tailwind becomes a headwind, but the weather was perfect and the climb out was actually quite enjoyable.

Pot is legal in AZ!

With plenty of water in the bottles and food in the pockets, I didn't need to stop in Carefree/ Cave Creek for supplies. I heard that Pot is now legal in AZ, and had to stop at this purveyor, who obviously had embraced the change with gusto! No room in the pockets today for one of these beauties, so I headed on!  

Road to New River

The next official control is in New River. But feeling hungry, I stopped for lunch at a Circle K at Carefree Highway and 7th Street. They had tables out front and a wide selection of snacks and sandwiches. In honor of the PBP, I grabbed a Jambon et Fromage (Ham and Cheese) sandwich, some chips, Mountain Dew and some Gummy Savers for pocket food! OK, the sandwich and food was nothing like the PBP. But for this brevet, my food strategy was to carry only pocket food acquired on the route and not carry carbohydrate drink mix, to mimic my food plan for PBP.

 

New River Control

12 miles later, I rolled into the official control in New River and was surprised to see John and Ann there on a tandem. The last time I saw them, they were in one the lead groups heading toward the lake. Their tandem had a mechanical, and after a long delay, were back on the course. I topped off a bottle and they were already gone!

 

I caught and passed them at the very tricky intersection at Lake Pleasant, and we then made our way through 300 meters of unpaved road under construction. I was looking forward to some company for the last 25 miles of the course, but alas, a staple punctured my rear tire and I stopped to repair it.

 

Balloons over Peoria

I was back on the road in under 10 minutes and into several planned communities of Peoria. The roads are relatively new, all have bike lanes, and while there are many turns to keep track of, there was little traffic and even a few parks with water and restrooms along the way.

Slow pace = Nice sunset!

With a start at 0800 and my slow pace, I was rewarded with a great Arizona sunset. I rolled into the Cortado Coffee Roastery a few minutes before 6 pm to put this one in the books at 9 hours and 53 minutes. John and Ann were in the parking lot and Tom Altemus was there packed up as well. After a quick visit, I threw the bike in the car and headed home.

Debby had homemade soup on the stove, and my food strategy worked during the ride. I was not starving at the end and could generate consistent power to the finish.  I snacked on some pocket food on the way home to an awesome dinner and a great start to the 2023 brevet season!

Next up is the North Valley 100/200/300; something for everyone, come join us!

Steve Atkins

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