January 2015 Rider of the Month, JimCremer

Jim is one of about 20 ElliptiGOers around the world trying to qualify for this year’s Paris-Brest-Paris event by completing the series of Brevets de Randonneurs Mondiaux from 200 km to 600 km. Last month, Jim flew to San Diego from Iowa to escape the deep freeze, and rented an 8C from us to complete the Anacapa 200Km event in Ventura, California as part of his PBP qualification process. After that? Jim decided to keep GOing all the way to Phoenix so he could ride in the Winter Classic, where he participated in both days of the event. Over the course of 9 days, the roads saw Jim and his GO ride a total of 547 miles. What a month! Thanks for starting our year off on an inspiring note, Jim, and good luck with the PBP qualifying!

Quick Facts About Jim & His Accomplishments
1. What inspired you to ride in the Anacapa 200km, from San Diego to Phoenix and then in the Winter Classic back to back. And when did you plan the trek?
Winter arrived in Iowa soon after Idai Mikaya’s enthusiasm lured me into doing the 1200k Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) in 2015. Completing 200/300/400/600k timed qualifying rides soon after a long winter seemed daunting, especially given that I’d only ridden over 60 miles once before. So, it seemed a good idea to join experienced GOers Steve Cook and Bill Pinnell, both also doing PBP, for an early 200k in California. It happened to be the weekend before the Winter Classic and it occurred to me “Maybe ride from one to the other? Get away the from deep freeze and get some slow relaxed long-distance training in the beautiful desert … could be fun.” And it was!
Trip summary: Flew to San Diego with just the stuff I’d carry on the bike (and a ratty pair of old jeans I discarded in Calif.). Despite 10 hours of rain, it was great to ride the 200k with Steve and Bill and learn the do’s/don’ts of “brevets.” I’d planned five days for the 381 miles to Phoenix, but got a slow start. My phone was my only navigation tool and after the 200k soaking it often stayed on less than a minute; I wasn’t sure about venturing into more remote areas without a phone. Luckily, it came to life again after drying out in the desert. I arrived in Phoenix on the afternoon sixth day (an “if needed” extra day in the plan), just in time for the start of the Winter Classic activities. The Classic was great – met so many nice people known previously only through Strava! Total ridden in nine days: 547 miles.

2. What kind of prep did you do for this three-part endurance trek or how did your regular training help prepare you to handle the distance?
Nothing special for that ride. I’d ridden 100-150 miles/week from Every Day in May through end of Fall. When winter arrived, I got out as often as possible but was often inside on a trainer.

3. How did you transport clothing, accessories and other items you needed during the 5-day journey?
Two small bags in the bottom GO tray, one with tools/spare tubes, one with a clothes. A small handlebar bar for phone and snacks.A small backpack with laptop for work at night, and a few clothes.

4. What would be your advice to other ElliptiGOers who are looking to attempt endurance treks via the GO?
Leave room for plan changes. I didn’t commit to hotels more than a day or two ahead, and had an extra day built in. Be flexible in your diet (or carry more stuff!); options were limited on this route though most turned out nice and tasty.

5. What are your ElliptiGO-related goals for the next year?
Qualify for and complete the 1200k Paris-Brest-Paris (August). Once PBP qualification is settled, find some other adventurous summer rides (wish more were not quite so far away). Get up Palomar under 1:30 in the GO World Championships??