VIDEO: Rando UL Series for Paris Brest Paris
Hi, Kyle here! So this year I decided to try randonneuring. And in a few days, I will be starting Paris Brest Paris (PBP 2023), a self-supported 1200km ride across France, with a 90 hour time limit. This is one of the oldest euro-centric cycling events in history. It was first run in 1891 and now happens every four years. It’s like the olympics of obscure cycling sub-genres, where unknown amateur athletes hail from every country to test the limits of sleep deprivation and calorie consumption. Participation requires completion of four qualifier events - 200k, 300k, 400k, and 600k rides, within the same year.
In celebration of my participation, we are launching the Rando UL Series - available now! The bag line is made from ULTRA 400X fabric - a super strong, ultralight fabric that’s similar to dyneema. We picked the slightly reflective white color for those extended periods of night riding. If you know rando, you know high vis is key to fitting in! These bags have been tested and refined through the qualifiers this year, and we’re super stoked on the final versions.
Check out the video above for a full break down of my bike and gear!
The star of our new line is the heavily modified Drawcord Handlebar Bag. A take on a classic, but with all the extra features. More details can be found on the DHB - Rando UL page. To complete the kit, we also made matching Half Frame Bags, Mini Saddlebags, and Rolltop Saddlebags.
As far as the bike goes, so many people contributed to making it what it is - it’s truly a culmination of our community coming together. I have the biggest heart eyes and tears for all the people who’ve shown so much love just because I’m doing a silly bike ride. My bike was stolen earlier this year but luckily Max from Space Age Bags saw it and chased a person down Mission street until he got it back. Thank you Max! More thanks goes out to Rick from Hunter Cycles for building the frame and sponsoring our little cyclocross team way back when. Also Travis from Paul Components for getting me the stem and brakes. Rie from SimWorks for the cables, handlebars, and tires. David from Sinewave for the rush delivery of the new, yet to be released, Beacon 2 light (this thing rocks)! Fergus from Ritchey for the fork and for being the kindest ripper of a ride buddy anyone could ever ask for. Trystan for entertaining my crazy idea of bonding a dynamo wire tube and light mount to the fork. Brian for the safety themed paint job of said fork. Matt from Ornot for the life-saving endurance butt pads. Box Dog Bikes for the continued randonerd parts and knowledge. Jimmy from Fabrica De Rosas for the final bike prep and the amazing portrait photos below. Rob from SFR for organizing all the qualifiers and his unwithering support for all PBP riders. Dani for the coaching and nutrition advice. Monica for picking me up with pizza and beer after that very cold, very wet 300k. Todd from Black Cat for making me a bed and breakfast in his home after my 400k, even though I was too tired to shower when I got there. Alex and Nikki for picking me up from that one 600k I bailed on cause my knee hurt. Jim for gettting work all in order so I can do this. And lastly, the lovely Bree for the million kisses, arnica rubs, and late night phone calls in the middle of nowhere. I’m sure I’ve missed some people but that’s it for now. I have to start packing.
The ride starts on August 20th and you can follow along on instagram for live updates!