A Randonneurs Ontario 600k Brevet: The Great Canada Bicycle Tour!

The Huron Chapter of Randonneurs Ontario organized this 600km/40 hr time limit brevet, which I (and many others) finished just under the time limit (just 30 min to spare). Lots of headwind wind and some chilly rain surprised the group as we expected this to be a ride powered by tailwinds...an "easy" 600km qualifier for PBP. Most finished.
"..the 140th anniversary of an amazing group bicycle tour. Organized by the Chicago Bicycle Club, the Great Canada Bicycle Tour attracted 40 “practiced riders” who set out from Windsor on July 2nd, 1883 to bicycle a 640 km route across Southern Ontario."
Read about it on their blog: blog.randonneu...

[@EzaVinylAddict]

The fact you did this ride in 42 minutes is incredible! Great vlog

[@SeanKeesler]

That would be incredible, alright!

[@AndrewBroadbent-dr8wb]

Great vlog, loved it. Thank you.

[@SeanKeesler]

Glad you liked it!

[@josephlyne8290]

Chapeau sir

[@SeanKeesler]

Thanks! One of the more challenging rides this year.

[@blockprojects]

You've got a playlist of 1883 songs!! Awesome. Great video.

[@SeanKeesler]

I did my best to try to set the tone for the ride. Some imagination was required. ;)

[@bennettshfd2]

Love your videos. I live in Albany and am looking for brevets that I can aim for in the future. I am working on building my miles this summer and want to get on the 200k for my first brevet in the spring.

[@SeanKeesler]

I'm glad to hear you enjoyed them. Well, if you care to ride with the Finger Lakes Rando crowd (small but friendly), you can find us at distancerider.net. I hope to see you!

[@AlanJohnsonSunbird]

I just found this video and your channel by accident. Excellent! This style of riding grabs my interest but I’m not up on the correct equipment. What bike are you riding and what bikes and styles do most of your fellow riders choose? Thank you.

[@SeanKeesler]

On this ride (and most) I ride a Sam Hillborne. It has many features that I like for overnight/long rides. Here's what I like, but others have different preferences. I like to carry more than most, so I have bigger bags. I carry some rain gear and tools. I like to have a couple different choices for layering for changing weather. I like to be prepared, but it comes at a weight cost...and therefore some speed. But, I'm not racing. I've been on rides where riders go out quite stripped of equipment, hoping for the best, but then have to deal with the cold and wet with the same clothes they started with. I use very low gearing. I am pretty honest with myself regarding my power and ability to climb a steep grade after a day of riding. I sit more upright than is typical. I have some lower back issues that this helps with, and it helps my hands not get numb on 600k and above. I use a dynamo for lighting. It gives me confidence that the batteries won't just go belly up. But, I bring a few more lights in the bags, just in case the dynamo lights go out. I've landed on wide-ish (37mm) tires offering more protection than other tires that may give super plush rides. I didn't have a flat at all this year. That's the first year in 3 in which this occurred. If it affected my times, I didn't notice. I liked the peace of mind. I use mudguards unless I have a signed contract with the weather gods.

[@AlanJohnsonSunbird]

@@SeanKeesler this is an excellent overview and I thank you so much. I am going to review each of your points here as I look into my cycling future. Much appreciated and I wish you the very best.

[@stapler40]

Thanks for the video, very inspiring. Is that an Arktel bag on the front? How did you attach it below the handlebars?

[@SeanKeesler]

It isn't. It is a waxed canvas rando-style bag attached to a front rack with a "tombstone." There are straps that go under the rack, as well as around the tombstone. Additionally, two elastic cords from the sides of the bag to the brake hoods give it side-to-side stability (in lieu of a traditional decaleur).