Brevet starts and finishes at Ronkonkoma LIRR train station. This ride will take the rider down to the South fork, crossing over Shelter Island to Greenport, and returning on steadily rolling terrain along the North Fork.
Ride Report
Steve writes in American Randonneur:
“While threat of morning rain kept away seven preregistered riders, the ride began with a field of a dozen riders, including three RUSA members. A gentle tailwind assisted our traverse east, past our house-sized Long Island duck mascot in Flanders and on to the Hamptons (yes, you can hob-knob with the trendiest on our brevet), guiding the riders to the first staffed contrôle at mile 52, with the welcome sight of Goldberg’s Deli & Breadzilla.
Here, with the field already starting to spread out, the riders have loads of options in terms of refueling on a variety of delectable food and baked goods, especially at Breadzilla. Astonishingly, first in were two local racers from Triangle/Multi-Club Cyclists, Bill Makky and Russell Raymundo. I was thrilled to see Bill back on his bike and in good form after being badly injured when struck by a car while cycling on the day after Christmas.
Soon, the other riders trickled in, with the NYCC group arriving en masse, shepherded by their leader, Neile, bringing up the rear on his Bacchetta recumbent. Most riders did not dally. Instead, they stuffed their food in their bag or back pocket and proceeded ten miles up the road to the south ferry stop, where once onboard, they would indulge themselves. But before they could finish their sandwiches or get too comfortable, the ferry landed at Shelter Island and they were off again for a few lazy miles across the island before boarding the north ferry to Greenport.
Here is where the rubber met the road. As the group turned west from Greenport, prevailing winds pushed gently (thankfully, on this day) against their progress. At mile 97, the riders were happy to see me again with my van full of goodies at the second staffed contrôle, the Bolla Market in Calverton. The riders quickly refueled. Fortified by succulent watermelon, salty snacks, and energy drinks, they pushed on under threatening skies toward the finish. They were promptly greeted by a steady supply of rollers, with 3 or 4 of the best pitches that mostly flat Long Island has to offer, before falling into a roller coaster fast run to the finish in Ronkonkoma.
At the end of the day, the rain never came and eleven of twelve riders finished, including Bill and Russell first in, Mle Davis for her first-ever brevet, as well as seasoned ancien, Bob O. (3-time PBPer). Special thanks to Dan A. (2-time PBPer) and Erica J. for joining me on the pre-ride a couple of weeks earlier. With that, the 2017 edition of the Ronkonkoma 200K is in the books! Join us next year!”
Event Details
Daylight
Leader
Add to Calendar
Riders
Brevet starts and finishes at Ronkonkoma LIRR train station. This ride will take the rider down to the South fork, crossing over Shelter Island to Greenport, and returning on steadily rolling terrain along the North Fork.
Ride Report
Steve writes in American Randonneur:
“While threat of morning rain kept away seven preregistered riders, the ride began with a field of a dozen riders, including three RUSA members. A gentle tailwind assisted our traverse east, past our house-sized Long Island duck mascot in Flanders and on to the Hamptons (yes, you can hob-knob with the trendiest on our brevet), guiding the riders to the first staffed contrôle at mile 52, with the welcome sight of Goldberg’s Deli & Breadzilla.
Here, with the field already starting to spread out, the riders have loads of options in terms of refueling on a variety of delectable food and baked goods, especially at Breadzilla. Astonishingly, first in were two local racers from Triangle/Multi-Club Cyclists, Bill Makky and Russell Raymundo. I was thrilled to see Bill back on his bike and in good form after being badly injured when struck by a car while cycling on the day after Christmas.
Soon, the other riders trickled in, with the NYCC group arriving en masse, shepherded by their leader, Neile, bringing up the rear on his Bacchetta recumbent. Most riders did not dally. Instead, they stuffed their food in their bag or back pocket and proceeded ten miles up the road to the south ferry stop, where once onboard, they would indulge themselves. But before they could finish their sandwiches or get too comfortable, the ferry landed at Shelter Island and they were off again for a few lazy miles across the island before boarding the north ferry to Greenport.
Here is where the rubber met the road. As the group turned west from Greenport, prevailing winds pushed gently (thankfully, on this day) against their progress. At mile 97, the riders were happy to see me again with my van full of goodies at the second staffed contrôle, the Bolla Market in Calverton. The riders quickly refueled. Fortified by succulent watermelon, salty snacks, and energy drinks, they pushed on under threatening skies toward the finish. They were promptly greeted by a steady supply of rollers, with 3 or 4 of the best pitches that mostly flat Long Island has to offer, before falling into a roller coaster fast run to the finish in Ronkonkoma.
At the end of the day, the rain never came and eleven of twelve riders finished, including Bill and Russell first in, Mle Davis for her first-ever brevet, as well as seasoned ancien, Bob O. (3-time PBPer). Special thanks to Dan A. (2-time PBPer) and Erica J. for joining me on the pre-ride a couple of weeks earlier. With that, the 2017 edition of the Ronkonkoma 200K is in the books! Join us next year!”