Ep.1 :: PARIS | BREST | PARIS :: Tips for Ultra Long Distance Cycling

Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) is a long-distance cycling event. It was originally a 1,200 km (750 mi) bicycle race from Paris to Brest and back to Paris in 1891. The last time it was run as a race was 1951.
In these episodic videos I share with you my tips, advice and questions that you must ask of yourself before undertaking an ultra. At the time of recording Paris Brest Paris 2023 is less than a month away and the focus of this series is preparing you for the big event that is PBP. However, there are also invaluable words of wisdom for anyone wanting to take part in ultra distance events and indeed races.
www.paris-bres...
Time limits : There are three groups of riders:
The vedettes ("stars") are elite riders and have a time limit of 80 hours, although some will complete the ride considerably faster. The vedettes are first to depart on the Sunday afternoon.
The touristes are the largest group and have a time limit of 90 hours, departing in waves on the Sunday evening.
The randonneurs are a smaller group and have a time limit of 84 hours (representing the minimum average speed of 14.3km/h). This group departs early on the Monday morning.
Winners
Although the History of PBP website mentions that PBP started as a race, according to the official PBP website "the organizers strongly feel that PBP is not a race".
This is an extremely important aspect of randonneuring, where "riders aim to complete the course within specified time limits, and receive equal recognition regardless of their finishing order." So there is no actual "winner," but a "first finisher."
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[@BikepackingAdventures]

Paris Brest Paris 2019 vlog : th-cam.com/video/Xi15dkJ6ld4/w-d-xo.html

[@alienaudaxer9827]

Due to a massive gaps in my training I didn't expect to complete the SR series this year. So I've kind if accidentally qualified for PBP. I'll just prep my gear as best as possible, try and soak up as much of the atmosphere as I can, and work my way through the kilometres. Maybe I get lucky and complete it!

[@the-portuguese-guy]

I'm not in race mode, but I remember I made this route on past and I assure all, it's very difficult, it's like a carrousel, up and down all the time.

[@BikepackingAdventures]

Indeed its a bit of a rollercoaster, a few steep gradients, but certainly not like riding at home (for me) in the UK - much more rolling. For me my weak point is faffing too much and I really need to practise eating substantial food on the move.

[@the-portuguese-guy]

@@BikepackingAdventures Yeah, mostly similar that type off terrain I find here on Ireland, it's not big mountains but after 100k you start feeling the fatigue, the Spanish people said this type off terrain is " rompe piernas' = Broken legs.

[@englishcyclist]

Can't wait for your ride, ultimate mental endurance and time management. I've tried mental distance markers but then fell short and lost faith, tried time markers and same again. The best rides for me have always been about enjoying the ride out, keeping the mind active with things to look at and do is always a good combo! but then I am not doing the PBP !! which is a test for each rider to actually complete it, clearly you are looking to best your previous ride from 2019 so is it a race? well it's Lake Vs Lake and I'd put money on 2023 Lake pulling it off stick to what you do best when it comes to these ultra events. Does the Garmin GPS have a shadow rider Vs feature?

[@BikepackingAdventures]

Thanks Tom, yeah how do I turn the fucking thing off lol? It has a virtual partner thingymajic similar I guess. As for performance, yes I am going to take everything I have learnt since the last PBP and ride over a shorter space of time. In 2019 I was in the 84h group, this time 80h; it would be nice to end up somewhere between 68-75 hours. I just really need to work on my faff time - and also since 2019 I haven't done much riding continuously through the night. On PBP that really isn't an option for me on the start leg, I need to get to Brest as soon as I can and then think about meaningful sleep. So I am probably gonna take 2 shorts sleep on the way out and try and eat as much as I can possibly can on the bike. Thankfully, the overall elevation is nowhere near as steep and should be less zapping than my other ultras. And finally in 2019 I was riding with a universal mech hanger after breaking a hanger on route - the mechanics at the start had to use the limiter screws to confine the drivetrain to a few number of gears so yeah that was somewhat of a distraction at times!