The Details

Preregistration
Start Times
Lighting
Fenders
Cue Sheets
Food
Directions to Start
Broom Wagon
Overnight on the 600k
Support Vehicles
Facilities at the Start
Accommodations near the Start
2002 Boston-Montreal-Boston Qualification
2003 Paris-Brest-Paris Qualification

Preregistration

Preregistration is strongly suggested and there's a $5 per event surcharge for day-of-event registration. If you can't preregister, send mail or call us (508-877-1045, before 9pm) to check on late registration. Also, feel free to send mail with questions, concerns, etc.

Start Times

Please ensure that you arrive at least 30 minutes before the designated starting time to allow for check-in, equipment check, and pre-ride briefing.

Lighting

Lights are required for all rides except the 200k. The general rule is that "you must be lit up like a Christmas tree" during night riding. That means at least the following:

• Continuous (non-blinking) red rear light with at least a 1 inch lens, visible for at least 300 feet. The new non-blinking Vistalites are adequate if they're solidly mounted to the bike. Note that continuous rear lights are required by Massachusetts law - blinking lights of various kinds are a recommended accessory.
• White front light, continuous beam, visible for 1000 feet and capable of lighting your way in a heavy rain storm. Minimum requirement is a Union-style halogen system, but good systems are now available from vendors such as NightRider, NightSun, TurboCat, Vistalite, etc.
• Reflective ankle bands, at least 1 inch wide, one for each leg.

The small clip on headlights (CatEye halogen, etc.) are fine as backups, but they're not sufficient for serious night riding. Belt beacons aren't good enough - they're not visible from a long distance.

Please go beyond the minimums! We suggest lots of reflective strips (SideLights, etc.) on the frame, wheels, pedals, helmet, etc. Reflective vests and triangles are great. The new VistaLite Xenon strobe lights may be helpful.

Fenders

Fenders are not required.

Cue Sheets

Detailed cue sheets will be supplied at the start of each event. Cue sheets are generally between two and four 8½ x 11 pages. You should bring some sort of plastic bag or other protection for the cue sheets as we can't supply additional cue sheets.

Note that we try to have preliminary cue sheets available for the next ride available at the end of each ride. (We should have 300k cue sheets available at the end of the 200k, etc.) These are definitely preliminary and subject to change, but they should give you a pretty good idea of what the route will be like. We've also got preliminary cue sheets on the web site, but these, too, are subject to change.

Also note that the 200k is fully arrowed. A cue sheet will be provided, but shouldn't be needed unless you get lost.

Food

Most checkpoints (except the first, battery-only, checkpoint on the 400k) are stocked with a variety of fairly standard (boring?) cycling fare - bananas, PB&J, cookies, and water. One full meal is provided at the end of the first day on the 600k.

Directions to Start

The start is in the Civil Air Terminal parking lot at Hanscom Field in Bedford, MA.

From Rt. 128 (I-95) take exit 30B, Rt. 2A West. (Do NOT take the exit for Rts. 4 & 225 which says "Hanscom Field" - you'll end up at the Air Force entrance and they likely won't know what you're talking about!) Take 2A west for approximately 1½ miles until you come to a blinking yellow light. Turn right onto the Hanscom Field access road and follow signs for the Civil Air Terminal - bear left at the fork. The start area is in the first large parking lot on the left, well away from the terminal itself.

Broom Wagon

Though support staff will attempt to respond in emergencies, you should not expect to be picked up by our vehicles. Support crews have strict schedules which do not allow them to go out to search for stranded riders. If you are unable to ride the distance or if you doubt your abilities, don't start.

Overnight on the 600k

We will have floor space (at least) available for sleeping at Bullard Farm (about 230 miles) during the 600k. If you want to spend the night with us, bring a sleeping bag to the start and we'll take it to the checkpoint for you.

Support Vehicles

Follow vehicles are not allowed on any of the rides.

Support vehicles are discouraged for the 200k and the 300k. For the 400k and the 600k, support vehicles may meet riders anywhere after the first checkpoint, but must not interfere with traffic in any way. Interference with normal traffic flow is grounds for rider disqualification.

Facilities at the Start

The civil air terminal at Hanscom Field has toilet facilities. In past years it's been open from 5:00 am to midnight and has been available for the start of the 200k and 400k events and for most finishers.

Accommodations near the Start

• Lexington Sheraton, Rt. 128 & Rt. 2A, 727 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA; 781-862-8700 (2 miles from start)
• Ramada Inn, Rt. 128 & Rt. 4/225, 340 Great Road, Bedford, MA; 781-275-6700 (4 miles from start)
• Suisse Chalet, Rt. 128 & Winter St., 385 Winter St., Waltham, MA; 781-890-2800 (4 miles from start)
• Days Inn, Rt. 128 & Middlesex Turnpike, 30 Wheeler Rd., Burlington, MA; 781-272-8800 (7 miles from start)
• Numerous other motels in the vicinity of Rt. 128 and Hanscom Field

2002 Boston-Montreal-Boston Qualification

BMB is scheduled for August 22-25, 2002 -- 1200k, 750 miles, 90 hour limit. Qualification requirements are determined by Jennifer Wise, BMB director, 10 Bliss Mine Road, Middletown, RI 02842; (401) 847-1715, but generally include completing the four brevets (200k, 300k, 400k, and 600k) within the standard time limits. Please contact Jennifer for additional qualification / registration details.

2003 Paris-Brest-Paris Qualification

The next PBP is scheduled for the summer of 2003. Qualification requirements are determined by Audax Club Parisien (ACP) and are expected to include successful completion of the four brevets (200k, 300k, 400k, and 600k), in order, in 2003. More information will be available next year.

Back to Boston Brevet Series
Last Updated: 11-Jan-2002, by Dave Jordan