It's Party Time!

The NC Randonneurs are gearing up for our year-end party. Details below from Branson. It should be a great day on the bikes, followed by an evening party to celebrate our season. We'll have some very special guests in attendance. All are welcome -- please join us.

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We've got a fun day and evening planned for this Saturday! It's supposed to be awesome weather for riding. Speaking of routes, cue sheets and maps will be coming to you very soon. Also, if you're coming and haven't yet registered, please do so.

Things will kick off in the morning at 07:01 sharp with the 211K permanent, launching from the front door of Natty Greene's Pub & Brewing Co, 345 South Elm Street, Greensboro NC 27401. Though the start will be synced with the official sunrise time of 07:01, please do not jeopardize your safety or your ride by not having reflective gear and lights. We will only have 10 hours and 8 minutes of daylight on Saturday, so please be prepared.

The 100K permanent populaire will be a delayed start at 11:01am. Both rides will feature rolling and hilly terrain, and with fall colors just past their peak, both routes will be spectacular. Rides will be $15 for RUSA members, new members joining at the start will be charged $35. [A reminder that RUSA rules stipulate all riders lining up for a permanent or permanent populaire must be RUSA members. We will have membership applications at the start, but your start may be delayed. Please consider joining before Saturday.]

For those significant others and family members not riding, downtown Greensboro has lots of shopping and arts & entertainment. Four Seasons Town Centre is very close, and don't forget High Point's furniture stores galore is a short drive away.

After the rides, we'll get the party started at The Loft at Natty Greene's at 5:00pm. We'll have hors d'oeuvres for everyone, but those wanting more substantial fare can order off the menu and pay separately. Our hosts will have several Natty Greene beers on tap which you're welcome to run up a tab of your own. There will be a program starting at 7:00pm, featuring very special guests Mark Thomas of Seattle International Randonneurs/RUSA, Pierce Gafgen RUSA #009, and Jennifer Wise RUSA #001, a PBP primer by Jerry Phelps, and the annual NC Randonneur Awards! To defray the Loft rental and catering costs, there will be a cover charge for adults of $15 each. Children under 27 are free.

After a great day of riding and a night of socializing and tall tales, downtown Greensboro's historic Biltmore Hotel is offering us charming and affordable rooms within stumbling distance of Natty Green's, just one block away.

Roof-rack-friendly free parking is available on South Elm Street 1/2 block north and west of Natty Greene's.