PBP Tips #4 Picking a Start Time

Episode 4 of PBP Tips examines the various time limits for PBP, and offers advice on selecting from the 80- 84- or 90-hour limits.

This episode filmed on the American River Parkway using a Rylo 360 camera. Sorry about a bit of wind noise--it was quite windy when I filmed!

[davidlitt]

Thanks for these, Eric.

In 2007 the 84-hour start had the highest completion rate, by far. so in 2011 I chose it. In 2011 the 84 hour start had a much lower completion rate -- it was entirely weather related in both cases.

But with the 84 hour limit, I felt under the gun most of the way. I think it works out to a 36 hr limit to get to Brest and 48 hours to get back. Instead of 40 hours out and 50 back.

I like feeling like I am ahead of the game and can take a bit of extra rest if and when I want. I am relaxed and can enjoy things more. So chose the 90 hr in 2015 and had a lot more fun. BUT, I was in the first 90 hr start group and went out too fast, and so had no worries about crowds the first few controls. This time, the best I could get was a 7PM start, smack in the middle of the big group. So I am worried I will burn part of the 4 extra outbound hours waiting in lines for food etc. at the controls. I'll try to eat outside the controls more, and bring more in my drop bag (assuming I can sign up with a tour operator just to provide drop bag service).

[josepemota]

Mr Campy thanks a lot for these videos, they are really helpful to go into PBP thinking.

[chapish]

My advice to PBP virgins is *always* to choose the 90 hour group. Yes, I know that logically there are arguments for the 84 hour group but then you miss out on the single biggest appeal of PBP which are the huuuuge crowds lining the route after the départ. And those crowds are there all thru the night, village after village. The 84 hour start bypasses all of that in favor of time efficiency. On the 90 hour start yes you have much more sleep deprivation, yes you have terrible lines at the Controls, yes you miss seeing the French countryside when it's dark on the first night but you GAIN the REAL essence of PBP.

[canica]

just found your channel and love the video of PBP. by the way, you look like inspector Crusue

[Henrywildeberry]

Thanks for explaining the issues with the different start times. Maybe you could comment on the weather. Riding in the day, even though you get to see the beautiful scenery, you will be more exposed to heat. How is the weather in France typically this time of year? How soon do you need to sign up for PBP? Is there any window of opportunity to change your mind before the ride starts? For the record, I'm not doing it, but I am very interested in learning about it.

[newyorkskier]

Great video series. I am 64 and next year I plan to participate in my first PBP (did a 1000 this year, but was only <3000 mt of total climbs compared with the 10000 mt for PBP). I am petrified of climbs. You said they are not steep, but still riding uphill for half the time (you mentioned there are no flats) might be a challenge for first timers who come from flat regions. What are your suggestions/advice for people like us.