Tag: Randonneurs

Nat’s 3rd year providing SAG at a Flèche
Sat with Nat

Nat’s 3rd year providing SAG at a Flèche

natalieh (she/her)2 Comments

If all goes well by the time this post publishes, I will be driving from Orangeville to Schomberg . I have been awake since yesterday at 5 am. So tired.

A map showing the route from London to Coburg with 435 km distance and 2,888 meters of elevation.

I’m supporting my friends’ team Chamois & Shenanigans for the 24 hour Flèche event.

A green team badge shows 5 cyclists and an SUV labeled SAG WAGON.

It’s my third time providing Support And Gear (SAG) for this event. It is a rare team event in a sport, Randonneuring, that is usually about individual efforts and self sufficiency.

There are strict rules about the support I can provide. Only at controls, pre-set resupply points, can I provide food, mechanical and first aid.

I adore this group of athletes that I lovingly call “fools”. Fred, Jim, Marc, Michel and Mike appreciate the support and recognize how I contribute to the team’s success.

I also see my role as Social Media Strategist. I document and post their progress. This reassures loved ones that everything is going well. I refer to these posts as “proof of life”. Sometimes I am too focused on a quick turnaround and forget to take pictures. Oops!

I’m thrilled that this year there is also an all women’s team, Flèche Fatales. Brenda, Jessica, Lorelei and Natalia are receiving SAG from Corina and Maria.

The team badge for Flèche Fatales shows 4 cyclists bracketed by 2 cars.

The best part of the event is all teams arriving at the destination from a variety of starting points and routes. It’s really lovely to see old friends, enjoy great food and celebrate everyone’s accomplishments.

Volunteering is crucial to amateur athletics. If you get the chance, definitely help out events in your area. The athletes are so appreciative.

4 bicycles lined up against the exterior wall of a McDonalds before 6 am.
Sat with Nat

Nat, Railway City and…you? Want to try Randonneuring?

natalieh (she/her)

On Saturday August 9 I’m volunteering to support riders on The Railway City 100 km Populaire and 200 km Brevet in St Thomas, Ontario.

The ride starts at 8am and is designed to have you back at the Railway City Brewery for lunch. If you are continuing on to complete the 200 km distance you head westerly and are back for dinner. It’s a great route with supported controls at 50 km and 150km. The butterfly shape means you are never further than 25 km from support. That feels nice.

I am a big fan of volunteering to support sporting events. Volunteers make the wheels go round!

From the Club Board, Chapter representatives and even people in Paris, France help ensure randonneuring events happen.

Routes are carefully designed and scheduled to allow folks to meet criteria for medals, qualify for Paris-Breast-Paris (PBP) and get all the distances in.

Clockwise from the top Fred, Marc, Natalie and Michel smile at the camera outside of Railway City Brewery the morning of the 2023 brevet.

Last year I rode the 100 km distance. It was the furthest I had ridden in many years.

Natalie and Michel smile at the camera after a successful populaire ride that included a little detour and a big serving of headwind.

The route is relatively flat and easy to navigate. It’s a great introduction to other riders and the sport in general.

So to pay forward the support I got I chose to volunteer again this year. I’d love to see you there!

You get a free trial ride without paying for a membership. You can find the routes, other details and the registration link here: Huron Chapter Rides

So…are you Rando curious? Come on out! I’ll be at the controls with snacks, sodas and a smile.