Q&A -- Our Man Branson

Our riding buddy Branson is crushing it on fixed gear this season. On our recent flèche, Branson spun his way at 35 mph down Mount Mitchell and tackled a 3,000 foot climb from Rosman to the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Respect!

 Off the bike, Branson is a devoted dad and the creative talent behind the NC Randonneurs logo. In an e-mail Q&A, Branson said he's planning PBP on a fixed gear. Read on to find out how he trains and who inspires him.

1. Why fixed this season? What is the appeal for you?

Why fixed? Guess I fell under the same spell so many others have- it's simply a lot of fun! So quiet, so responsive, so efficient. That direct connection to the bike is a great feeling. It's like I'm part of the bike instead of being perched upon one.

 2. When did you first ride a fixed gear?

Fall of 2008. I bought a 1983 Trek IS 400 touring frame and converted it to a fixed-gear/singlespeed for commuting. Survived a few crashes around the neighborhood before tentatively taking to the streets. Pretty soon I didn't want to ride anything else. In February 2009 I rode my first fixed brevet- Tony Goodnight's Harrisburg-Laurinburg-Harrisburg 300K.

3. Your form this season is fantastic, with the successful completion of a mountainous flèche and strong finishes on several brevets. Describe your training regimen this year...

Maybe commuting with a little boy in a trailer is the next big thing! He loves it too so it's a win all around. Other than that, I've just really upped the intensity of my rides- fewer, shorter, harder efforts.

4. Your goal is to do an SR series and PBP on fixed?

Yes. PBP has been the goal all along but I'm still not sure I can have fun riding it fixed. Until our flèche a couple of weekends ago I had never ridden more than 300K fixed. If the NCBC 600K feels good and I stay healthy, then it's on to PBP.

5. Your gearing?

Currently I'm riding 45x14 with a 45x16 on the flip side. I'm going up to a 46 for our NCBC 600K and if it works it'll stay there for PBP.

6. Which is tougher -- up or down?

For me- down is tougher! It's just very tricky to get the keister up out of the saddle to stretch when the bike's headed downhill and legs are thrashing.

7. Who do you draw inspiration from?

My wife and son, my parents, Jerry Branson Kimball, Adrian Hands, Charly Miller, Spencer Klaassen, Emily O'Brien, Jake Kassen, Kevin Kaiser.

5 Questions with.. Raleigh RBA Alan Johnson

Everybody knows Alan. Locally, regionally, nationally- rarely will you meet someone that hasn't ridden with Al. In addition to being the Raleigh NC Regional Brevet Administrator for several years, he's been riding brevets and local centuries long before that. But how well do we know him, especially newer riders? Hopefully, this next installment of "5 Questions with.." will reveal something about this beer-brewing, Super Randonneur you didn't know before.

1- Let's begin with an easy one.. how did you get started riding brevets?

I started riding bicycles in 1980 to commute the five miles to work and then started riding 20 miles by myself on weekends. I joined NCBC in the fall and started doing the club rides. The first club ride turned out to be 75 miles. The next weekend I rode the fall century and met another rider with a patch from a triple century. I thought the century was a challenge and could not imagine doing 300 miles. Four years later I would do twice that distance and have fun doing it.

I rode my first 200K in 1983 and helped out with the other brevets that first year. Jim and Kathie Mulligan where the first RBAs for North Carolina and after PBP, they held a party for the riders and volunteers. I was intrigued by the rider's stories that first year and decided that randonneuring was for me. In 1984 I rode my first SR Series including a 1000K from Murphy to Manteo. Back then the brevets mostly followed North Carolina Bike Routes 1 and 2 with minor changes as needed. Jim and Kathie would make up route books with hand-drawn maps and typed cue sheets. There were no computers or internet to help out then.

We were still learning how to ride brevets and what to eat and carry to make it through. The available lighting systems were minimal so we often cobbled them together with Radio Shack parts, heavy six volt lantern batteries and bike lights. It wasn't uncommon for the lights to fail and we tried to stay together to share the light we did have.

There were six of us on the first 1000K leaving Murphy. Three riders had full support crews with them including one woman using it as a training ride for RAMM. We separated going through the mountains and one rider dropped out after the first 100 miles. I caught up with Gilbert Anderson, Steve Knight and another rider near Marion. Steve and I stopped in Hickory but found out that a convention had all the hotel rooms filled. We finally stopped at a Howard Johnson's where the night clerk offered us a roll away bed in the store room for a few hours sleep. We spent the second night at my house and left early for Manteo finally rolling in to the finish 65 hours after leaving Murphy. Four of us completed the 1000K and Steve and I were the only ones to finish unsupported.

After finishing the 1000K, I knew I could do PBP and it was only a matter of time until circumstances would allow me to do it.

2- Since you brought up PBP, when did you ride it, and what about it is drawing you back for 2011?

I rode PBP with about nine other local riders in 1991, which was also

the centennial year. That was the first year in which the financing,

training and time came together to allow me to go. I had two goals when I went.

The first was to finish and the other was to have fun doing it. I completed

both goals. The best thing for me was the people cheering us along the way.

Some people would have places set up to give us food and only want to know

where we came from in return. There were times when I would get depressed

during the ride but would then think about the next control coming up and the

people who would be there and I would perk back up. Coming into the

control at Villaines la Juhel, the street was packed with spectators cheering

the riders. As I approached the crowd parted and allowed me to ride through

like you see in the mountain stages of the Tour de France.

My goal is to go back next year if everything works out for me.

3- Long-time randonneurs from neighboring states have told me they remember coming to Raleigh to ride brevets in the 1980s, with riders numbering in the dozens. Do you think randonneuring in North Carolina is growing, or is it on a plateau?

I think randonneuring is growing in North Carolina. In the 80's we were one of the few places on the east coast to organize brevets and we drew randonneurs from New England to Florida. Often the majority of riders were from out of state. As the popularity of brevets increased, the number of RBA's in other states increased and there were fewer riders from out of state. In the 90's and early 2000's there would often be ten or less riders on our brevets but now we see 30 to 40 riders on all distances and have many more brevets listed. There are currently over 100 randonneurs in North Carolina belonging to RUSA. High Point RBA Tony Goodnight has been a big help with bringing in more riders with all of his rides in the western part of the state and has helped to complement the rides I put on here, as well as providing more variety to the rides available. There is a lot of enthusiasm shown by the randonneurs, involvement from RBA Tony and RUSA VP and newsletter editor Mike Dayton, all the North Carolina permanent owners and of course, the volunteers who help out on the brevets.

4- What did it feel like to complete another Super Randonneur series this year, your first since a car/bike accident several years ago.

It was great to finally do it after all this time. I have done the 200K and 300K brevets several times but had to quit on the 400K brevets the two or three times I've tried since the accident. This year I was finally able to finish the 400K but was ready to quit several times on the 600K pre-ride. Fortunately Mike, Jerry, Joel and Carol (from DC Randonneurs) kept encouraging me on and helped me finish. I was planning to buy the medals this year but Mike and Jerry surprised me with them at the 600K start the next weekend. This is what makes randonneuring great.

5- Last question: randonneur or not, famous or not, alive or not.. if there's just one cyclist you could ride a brevet with- who would it be and why?

Of course, Lance (Armstrong) is an obvious choice since his comeback from cancer is an inspiration to everyone. Reading his book helped encourage me in my recovery from the accident eight years ago. It would also be fun to ride with Charles Terront and compare the changes in cycling from the first PBP to now. It is hard though to beat the group I rode the 600K with this year and the encouragement they gave me to continue on and finish.

NC Randonneur Jerseys!

As seen on local, national and international brevets -- our local rando club is reordering the NC Randonneurs jersey, designed by our very own Branson and worn and admired by randonneurs worldwide. There may be minor changes in the design, it will have the same logo and motto (ride / eat / sleep).



Price? A mere $75. Interested? Please e-mail with contact info and sizing to mdayton1@ gmail.com.

Jersey cut: You'll have a choice of Pro-Fit (slimmer) or Relaxed Fit.

Deadline: May 17.

Payment: $75 through Paypal or check once the order is placed.

At the Start of the NCBC Morrisville 300K

Scenes from the sidelines at the start of the NCBC Morrisville 300K. Thanks to RBA Alan and volunteers Andy and Bob. There was a fantastic turnout. Here are a few reports from elsewhere, 1- from a rider, 2- another rider, 3- another rider, 4- one more rider, 5- really one more rider, 6- from one volunteer and 7- from another volunteer. Congratulations to all!

Variety Six-Pack: Tar Heel 200 Permanent, October 4, 2009

The variety six-pack? There they are—Tarheel riders this past Sunday at the turn-around contrôle in Tar Heel, NC—(from left to right) John, Andy, Dean, Gary, Janis, and Maria.

Why the grin on my face? The photographer was an absolute hoot. The impromptu team photo was snapped by a lady who was apparently taken by our brightly clad group hanging out in Tar Heel. Spotting the camera in my hand, she volunteered to take our group picture. She “barked” feigned orders for us to hurry and get lined up so that she could be on her way and attend to the rest of her pressing obligations. Later, “Miss Congeniality” bade us farewell and wished for us a safe journey.

Mid-week last week, the only thing I knew for certain was that I was going to ride my Permanent come Sunday. The only question was whether anyone else would be able to come out and play. A couple of regular riding buddies had other commitments. Although riding Permanents, like fly fishing, ranks high on my list of enjoyable solo activities, if given a choice, unlike fly fishing, I’d rather ride with others.

Sometimes organizing a ride can be as spontaneous as falling into a game of pick-up basketball. The main ingredient of course is someone itching to play. The weather was also a co-conspirator Sunday and, for some, the hunt for the R-12 Award. Additionally, by signing up for a 2010 RUSA membership in October, two new riders were benefitting from a free RUSA membership for the remaining three months of 2009.

In response to my mid-week call to ride, I became more excited with each inquiry. In truth, I was expecting perhaps one other rider besides myself.

Well before the 7 AM start, one could find five vehicles in close proximity all parked on E Church St behind Burger King and in front of Subway’s in Benson. Riders introduced themselves as most had never ridden together. Then we were off. One rider has provided a great account of the ride located here with a wonderful storyline. My account, which follows, is more of a picture scrapbook.

Morning sunrise as we head toward Dunn. Soon we will be waking. The only creatures awake at this time of the morning are crowing roosters and barking dogs.



Gary, Janis, and Maria on a cotton morning.


Gary, Janis, Maria, Andy, and John near Godwin, NC.

Anatomy of a randonneur. Work gloves and work shoes, Andy gets the blue-collar, lunch-pail award. Talk about looking at old problems in new ways, I’m stealing his idea of attaching a small saddlebag up front, and writing an article about it. Don’t tell him!

Andy again, this time at the Stedman contrôle. Since joining RUSA earlier this year, Andy’s ridden a Permanent every month. I finally got to ride with him. What a sense of humor! Looking forward to many more rides with him and reading his ride accounts.

Super Randonneur Gary is certainly a friend of local cycling and cyclists as an officer of the North Carolina Bicycle Club (NCBC). Which reminds me: the NCBC is hosting its Fall Rally and Picnic Lunch this coming Sunday. I’ve enjoyed Gary’s company on several rides and conversations on a variety of subjects. His mild-manner demeanor belies an intense determination. I’m still mad at him though for beating me in our “sprint” to the Cumberland County line sign on the way back from Tar Heel. I guess my end of the conversation just before the incident just wasn’t engaging enough.

One intrepid lady, can you believe Janis used to commute while in Charlotte? With her plaid skirt, she’s set a new standard for randonneuring wardrobe. Since joining RUSA, Janis has a string of seven consecutive months of riding Permanents!

One of RUSA’s newest members, here’s John. Although he just received his RUSA number, John rode Alan’s 200km Anniversary brevet in August. I’m indebted to him for alerting me to a slight wobble in my rear Gatorskin tire that I thought I might have corrected by remounting it 180 degrees. Look for John on more brevets. Chasing each other, he and Gary were the first to reach the penultimate contrôle.

Maria won the coolest jersey award with her Old Kentucky Home Tour jersey. The Tar Heel 200 Permanent marked her longest one-day ride. Congratulations, Maria! I enjoyed our conversation on science education and the mention of Cincinnati chili. I’m sure she has an informed opinion or two about Xavier, Cincinnati, and Kentucky basketball. By the way, a lot of thought went into the urban background configuration for this shot in order to bring out the green, silver, and skyness of the jersey.

Break time under a Spanish-moss covered tree near Tar Heel, NC.

John impressing us with his tube changing talent at the penultimate control in Erwin. When John applied the CO2 cartridge, we noticed a coat of ice forming on the valve stem. The obvious question is: Why? When our inquiring minds turned to Maria the physics teacher for an answer, without batting an eye, she responded that it was an application of the ideal gas law: pV = nRT. Any more questions, people?

I’m thinking that if there were enough interest (meaning Alan served enough home brew) we could have a bicycle-related science seminar at one of our monthly NCBC meetings. Byron could bring some water snakes, I could bring some woolly worms, and Maria could take bicycle physics questions from the audience like why a moving bicycle doesn’t tip over. Heck, even this guy might show up at the seminar.

Haven’t I seen him somewhere before? On a RUSA or NCBC ride?

Cotton crop on Old Fair Ground Rd after clearing Dunn.

Cotton sunset.

I had a fun time and was glad that I got to meet and ride with each of the riders. Ya’ll made my day!

Speaking of fun times, looking forward, you’ll not want to miss Mike D’s Showdown in Black Creek Permanent on October 17th, which coincides once again with the annual Festival in Black Creek, NC. Bug him for ride details. Here is Mike’s hilarious account of last year’s ride.

Let’s ride, soon!

New NC Randonneurs Website

You've seen the jerseys, now visit the Website...

The NC Randonneurs have seen explosive growth in the past few years, thanks to the efforts of lots of folks -- RBAs Al Johnson and Tony Goodnight, former RBA Richard Lawrence, the leaders at NCBC, and an active corps of volunteers that I won't name for fear of leaving someone off, and of course all of the riders who show up month after month. To help pull things together, Branson Kimball has just launched a new Website at www.ncrandonneurs.com. The preliminary site has local news and info about upcoming rides -- including this weekend's anniversary celebration. Come on out. Thanks, Mr. B.

Weekend club ride

I'm a big fan of club rides. Besides the good company, they keep me in shape and motivated in the space between brevets and permanents. In my opinion, there is no better physical training for the long rides than relatively short back-to-back training days at red line pace. The short rides don't teach me anything about how my back or butt will feel after 250 miles in the saddle. Instead, they make me a faster rider, and on brevets, speed can be a good thing. You don't have to be particularly fast to successfully complete any brevet -- but it doesn't hurt. Faster times on the course mean more rest, more time off the bike, more time to eat, more time to deal with mechanical issues.

On Saturday, I rode with the North Raleigh Gyros, a sociable and disciplined group that takes its training seriously. The A group typically holds a 19-20 mph pace over distances of 50-100 miles, with an average ride of around 65 miles. The Gyros are everything that is good about a club. They have several strong leaders, including Tony, Bert and the other Mike D, who leads the Sunday tourist rides. The Gyros ride every Saturday, weather permitting. They have a dozen routes that keep things interesting. There's always a lot of chatter while we're rolling. The Gyros put an emphasis on biking skills, like paceline etiquette, and they also exercise a no-drop policy, keeping everyone together until the last 10 miles or so, when the horses begin the inevitable gallop back to the barn.

Saturday's ride was fairly typical, except for the turnout. A 62 miler started with a small crowd of 12, owing to the threat of wet roads and rain. Usually we'd have twice that many. We slipped out during the brief window of opportunity between two vicious storm fronts. An hour into the ride the roads had dried. It was a hilly route, and four riders who weren't up to the pace peeled off early. That left eight of us working together to keep the pace above 19 through the hilly finish. I mostly rode in the dining car, in the protection of the group's slip stream, as Kyle and Rick and Steve and Randy stepped up with several big pulls. It was a fine day to test the early season fitness, and there were lots of thanks and congrats in the parking lot at the end. We all felt we'd had an exceptionally fine team effort as we turned toward home.

Sunday was a club ride of a different stripe. The North Carolina Bike Club held its spring rally, starting at 9 a.m. from a park in Apex. NCBC holds several big group rides throughout the year, but for the most part its constituent member clubs, including the N.C. Randonneurs, do their own thing. NCBC is lucky to have several strong leaders as well, including David, Scott, and Gary and Sara (our randonneuring buddies).

Sunday's weather was very promising on the sunshine front, but the wind was already howling when 95 starters rolled out of the parking lot. Three distances were offered -- 20, 40 and 60 miles. I chose the 40. As a goal I try to get in 100 miles a weekend this time of year. Here's a picture of Jerry and Sara at the start.



I'd plan to do a leisurely ride, but instead I bridged up to the front group. I suspected I'd fallen in with a racing crowd since there were two or three riders dressed in full kits. My suspicions proved to be correct as we hammered along at 22, 23, 24 mph into a stiff headwind. My heart rate was pegged for the first hour and I recorded an average of just over 20 mph.

Thankfully, four of us split off onto the 40-mile route, and I quickly recovered when the pace slackened. We turned and put the wind at our backs for the 20 miles home. I got a chance to chat up David, who hosts the annual Raven Rock Ramble. Leading our little peleton was Marcie, who made cycling look effortless, and Ashley, the local Shimano rep whose bike was equipped with the new electronic shifters. That is smooth stuff and very quiet, but at $4,800 a bit out of my price range.

We finished up just after 11 a.m. with a 19.6 pace, said our thanks and goodbyes and packed up for home. Another fun weekend on the bikes.

NCBC riders on TV

Keep an eye open for this spot on your TV. Keen observers will notice local randonneurs Lisa R and Sridhar S, with Sridhar sporting his spiffy NCBC jersey. Thanks to both for riding back and forth countless times, saying the same lines over and over. And oh yeah- you'll only catch it here and on WTVD ABC 11.