BRM (Brevets Randonneurs Mondiaux ) freestyle competitive events target was 200 kms in 13.5 hours , self-support ride. We were a total of 8 participants (3 tandem, 2 Solo) ( Sanket and Arham on Tandem 1) (Sachin and Niket on Tandem 2) (Sandeep and Divyanshu on Tandem 3 ) Rachit and Raju were solo cyclists. Prior to the BRM, we had a small briefing. We informed the team to go through rules & regulations. It was a self-support ride and helmets, reflectors, jackets, front and rear lights were mandatory. Failing to meet any of these requirements will lead to immediate disqualification. It’s important to carry batteries. USB power bank, some snacks like boiled eggs, parathas with some vegetables, carry electrzol. Since it’s a night BRM you may carry coffee, Red Bull, et cetera. Keeping in mind the idea of a self-support ride, you are allowed to take help from fellow riders but not from a support vehicle. Support vehicles can help you just at specific check points. Important to carry spare tube in case of puncture. Our strategy was to save energy and yet maintain consistency, avoiding taking too many breaks. And keep ourselves hydrated. Everybody was riding according to their endurance.
We started near BU Bhandari showroom near office. There was a copy of a waiver form signed by each participant and we were given our rider number. Post that, our safety check was done. Ride through Katraj Tunnel to first check point where we had to get our cards punched by the staff. We are allowed to take support or eat and continue the ride. We continued towards Lonvala. Sanket and Arham were in the lead, followed by the others. Vaishak came till Katraj to click pictures. We were served biscuits, ice tea, bananas, kheer at different points. Some riders stopped for tea. Raju had a light issue. Sandeep helped a fellow rider (Tamana) with her tyre puncture who might join us for M2K 2019.
I could save time by 30 mins by getting route guidance. Divyanshu has an idea for the same which we will implement for the next BRM. We also need someone if there is a technical failure. There is a different kind of speed breaker on the old highway and on the way to Katraj Tunnel, which are these small strips on the road. Sandeep and Divyanshu lost control of the tandem but everybody was safe throughout the BRM. Post the ride everybody was extremely exhausted, especially those riding tandems. Next BRM is 300 kms. Everybody won a medal for the 200km. Good ride overall. We need more captains for our stokers.