PEOPLE OF THE VALLEY
wILLIAMS TAKES ON
PARIS-BREST-PARIS
Andy Williams riding the Coulee Challenge 1200k during August of 2022.
August 24, 2023
Words/Photos by Branden Nall
Andy Williams of Eau Claire has finished the Paris-Brest-Paris 1200 (1230 actually) kilometer Randonneur cycling event that happens once every 4 years.
What is Randonneuring? Long distance, unsupported cycling. Generally, a cyclist that completes specific and approved routes by stopping at designated checkpoints before completing the route in the allotted amount of time.
PBP, as the cycling world calls it, is a 764.28 mile bike ride across France that sits atop many cyclist's bucket list. If the ride itself doesn't seem challenging enough, the road to get there is not for the faint of heart - or lungs....or, legs.....or, your mind.
There are a few small pieces to add to this puzzle before you can even toe the start line for PBP. A Randonneur cyclist must complete with a qualifying time at least one of each 200k, 300k, 400k and 600k events by mid June of the same year PBP takes place.
Then after you complete those requirements, you register. When you register, you know you get 90 hours to complete the route and stop at all the check points. That is like asking someone from Eau Claire - to ride to Washington DC in 90 hours.
Congratulations, Andy!
out and active to pro-tour
Eau Claire - Words and photos by Branden Nall
LOCAL DISC GOLFER EVOLVES FROM JUST A WALK DOWN THE FAIRWAY TO TAKING ON THE BEST IN THE WORLD, GROWING THE SPORT.
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magic at run for the lights
CHIPPEWA FALLS - Words/Photos: Branden Nall
Every November the Chippewa Falls Parks and Recreation Department holds, “Run For The Lights”. A 5K run that supports the famous Irvine Park Christmas Village and its massive display of holiday lights – which can possibly be seen from space.
“You can’t be a slacker if you want to reach your goals!” -Lydia Fish