October 400k

RUSA is restarting rides up to 225km on July 1st while following local ordinances concerning COVID-19. Unfortunately it's too hot right now in SoCal to consider long brevets so I have offered to host the first and last loops of my Triple Loop 600k as a 400k in October. The tentative date is 10/10/20 which has a nice ring to it. In addition our RBA, Kerin, is hoping to offer some 200k brevets before then.

These two loops stay within 25 miles of the coast so the temperatures should remain nice for the entire ride. The first loop is the classic Four Rivers 200k which is flat and fast. The second loop is a variant of the triple loop third loop (that we haven't been able to ride yet). It is a little hillier but still has less than 4000' of climbing. Total climbing is about 5,500' so it's very accessible.

They both start and end at the Extended Stay America in Yorba Linda.

For anyone that is interested - here is the text of the draft plan that Kerin is submitting to RUSA for reopening.

This is a draft of the plan for how PCH Randonneurs will run brevets once RUSA-sanctioned activity is permitted.  All rules and procedures are subject to change based on the state of the coronavirus pandemic, RUSA directives, and government directives.  As we try this out on our first few brevets I'm sure we will come up with changes and other ideas for improving the safety of our rides.

OBJECTIVES:  All policies and procedures are crafted to:

•Follow RUSA guidelines and restrictions.

•Comply with all California state-level and relevant county-level restrictions and orders.

•Minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19 to riders, ride organizers and volunteers.

•Minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19 in the communities we ride through.

BREVETS:

1.  Registration will be limited to 20 riders maximum.  Registration must be done in advance through our website and it will close out after the 20 rider limit is reached.
2. At least for now, rides will be open only to current PCH Randonneurs members.  This is to discourage riders from traveling in from afar.
3. Riders will be advised on the website that they need to sign both the standard RUSA waiver and the RUSA Covid waiver. (more about handling paperwork below).
4. Brevets will be 225 km or less in length (current RUSA limit).
5. Start times will be staggered.  Once they are registered, riders will be directed to a Google Doc where they can choose one of three twenty minute starting windows.  For example, for a brevet that nominally starts at 7:00, the riders could choose to start between 7:00 and 7:20, between 7:20 and 7:40, or between 7:40 and 8:00.  The number of riders allowed in each starting window will be limited.
6. "Show and go" starts will be allowed.  A rider just needs to check in with the ride organizer anytime during his starting window, and then he can begin.  Pre-ride meetings should be avoided if at all possible.  The ride organizer can communicate most information in advance through email.
7. To minimize stops in stores and businesses, electronic proof of passage (EPP) is not only allowed, it is encouraged.  We will be flexible in the types of EPP we accept.  A rider can take a time-stamped photo of herself or her bike in front of the controls, or she can submit a Strava or RWGPS track.  
8. Alas, no post-ride food or gatherings will be featured on our brevets.

PAPERWORK:

1.  As much as possible, we will try to avoid passing paper back and forth between riders and the ride organizer.
2. There are two waivers that each rider must sign and submit- the standard release of liability waiver and the COVID waiver.  Each rider can access their own personalized copy of the standard waiver on the website once they have registered.  There will also be a link to the COVID waiver.
3.  PCH Randonneurs needs the in-ink, hard copy of both waivers before the ride.  The rider should bring both signed waivers to the ride start, where there will be a box to drop them into.
4. The ride organizer needs to be able to look over the waivers in advance to make sure everything is ok, so each rider must also send an electronic scan of both signed waivers to the ride organizer at least 24 hours before the start of the ride.  Note: this is in addition to the requirement that the hard copy of both waivers be submitted at the ride start.
5. The files for the brevet card and the route sheet will be provided to each rider in advance, either on the website or via email.

The rider will be responsible for printing their own brevet card and route sheet and bringing them to the ride.

6. When a rider completes the ride, they should immediately text the ride organizer with their finish time.  This is not official proof of completion, but it will help the organizer keep track of the riders.
7. Within 24 hours of completing the ride, each rider must complete their brevet card with the intermediate control times, the finish time, and their signature.  The rider will scan the brevet card and submit this scan, along with any EPP documentation such as photos and/or ride tracks, to the ride organizer via email or text.

EXPECTATIONS FOR RIDER BEHAVIOR:

1. First and foremost- if you are feeling sick or have any symptoms, DO NOT show up for a ride.  PCH Randonneurs will refund your registration fee.
2.  Each rider must bring a face mask or other face covering.  Masks must be worn at these times:

1. Before the start of the ride and at controls, whenever riders are gathering and interacting with each other and the ride organizer.
2. Anytime the rider goes into a business or public restroom.
3. Anytime on the ride when at least 6 feet of distance can't be maintained.  For example, riding down the busy main street of a town where there are lots of bikes and pedestrians, or on a busy Class 1 bike path.

3.  Each rider is encouraged to bring a small container of hand sanitizer to carry on the road.
4.  Social distancing must be maintained at all times.  You should only ride closely with someone from your own household- pacelines and pack riding are not smart behavior during a pandemic.  A good rule of thumb is to maintain at least 6 feet of space when still, and at least 10 or 15 feet while moving.  
5. Do not assume that another rider wants to ride near you.  If you would like to ride with another rider, first ask them explicitly about their comfort level and work out a spacing distance that you both are comfortable with.  
6. Carpooling to the start, except with members of your own household, is not advised.
7. Have a back-up plan in case you have a major mechanical out on the road and you can't finish.  It is not reasonable to expect the ride organizer to pick you up in their car-  plan on calling a family member or Uber.
8. Riders are encouraged to bring their own food and carry extra water to minimize the number of stops they have to make.