Vinny, buddy of mine and of randos near and far, gives us a lovely glimpse into his year of nine 1200K grandes randonnées. He once told me that his favorite ride is “the next one,” but you know he loves them all. It will take you much less time to read this than to ride one, so click through and start dreaming…
I had the honor and pleaseure of joining Vinny on one of his nine: the Last Chance 1200K in Colorado and Kansas. Click the second photo (or here) to see some other images from that trip.
"The Hollywood image of a randonneur is rakish, muscular, and self-deprecating. I am so tired of this stereotype. In point of fact, it’s simply not true. We’re not so much ‘rakish’ as ‘boyishly good-looking.’ Except for the randonneusses, each of whom is a vision." – Jeff Tilden, report on PBP 2007
After a year with many wonderful rides — from adventures with friends, to a summer spent as an instructor for the Community Cycling Center’s Bike Camp, to a full season of randonneuring — four rides stand out. These were personally challenging events which took me into beautiful and remote places where I rode both alone, at times, and with the incomparable and supportive company of friends and fellow randonneurs.
Post inspired by Jan Heine. See his Rides to Remember here.
Rando Theo 