Hi there, Chasing Mailboxes readers, it’s been a while! I hope everyone’s year is shaping up the best that it can. It’s certainly been a time of change for me and I plan to update you on some of that soon. (Surely I am a chrysalis soon to emerge into a butterly? I’ll keep you posted!)
In the meantime, today I’m featuring a conversation with Peter McCurley that Felkerino and I had about our Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) experiences. Peter has spoken with several participants through his PBP Stories and Tips video series.
These discussions are instructive and inspiring for those interested in learning more about both randonneuring and the singular event that is PBP.
During our exchange, Felkerino and I drop the hammer of knowledge on what it’s really like on a tandem in the 84-hour group at PBP, both from the captain’s perspective as well as the stoker’s. Preparation, execution, highs, lows, logistics – we talk about it all!
Our interview with Peter even goes into brief discussion about that other great bicycling tradition, COFFEENEURING, now entering its 15th year, can you believe it?!
In revisiting this video I was reminded that I actually completed PBP three times with Felkerino on tandem, not two as I had led myself to believe. How about that for randonnesia?
It was a real treat to talk with Peter about brevets, PBP, and our approach to PBP as a tandem team. Felkerino and I have shared some supremely special moments on those storied French roads, as well as on our own local roads and long rides leading up to the grand event. And hey, we stuffed it all into less than one hour of listening time!
It’s still a question mark/definite maybe/lol no in response to whether we will ride PBP again. Currently my attention and energy is being pulled in other directions and it’s good to pay attention to that I think.
Still, there’s nothing like PBP and there’s nothing like the feeling of knocking out a Super Randonneur series. And there’s always the option to volunteer! So never say never.
I hope you enjoy the video and please shoot any comments and questions you have Felkerino’s and my way. Be sure to check out Peter’s YouTube channel for more from his PBP Stories and Tips.
Hope you are all well and talk more soon. ABC!
Chasing Mailboxes 