Eau de Hell Week - An Invitation
by Mike Croy

Greetings Randonneurs:

Eau de Hell...
- Pitter-patter of spring rain-drops
- Perfume of spring blossoms
- Phrase uttered frequently by cyclists

The lengthening of days brings upon riders the return of one of North America’s toughest compact brevets series. On Behalf of the Vancouver Island Hell Week Committee I would like to cordially invite all riders to come to the beautiful coastal town of Chemainus B.C. aptly named town of murals, world famous for their murals and performing arts community and test one’s resolve to ride a full compact series in one week.

After a break in 2012 the series of brevets are back in full force with a slight shift in the time of year. Hopefully this shift will encourage more participation from riders and a larger number of hellions to finish this legendary series of tough rides. Riders are welcome to participate in individual brevets if the full series is not an option.

The 200 km Brevet on May 20th will be the traditional "Tour of the Cowichan Valley" as run by Jim Runkel and Phil Lennox.
The 300 Km Brevet on May 21st will be a revisit of the "Coast 2 Coast" to Port Renfrew and back as run by Graham Fishlock.
The 400 km Brevet on May 23rd will be the Hell Week Traditional "Lost But Not Forgotten" as run by Steve Mahovlic and Melissa Haynes.
The 600 km Brevet on May 25th will be the "Ukee Pokey" a new 600 to Ucluelet which will provide ample challenges for riders, fresh legs or not and will be run by V.I Rando masters Stephen and Carol Hinde.

All the brevets will be starting and finishing at the Chemainus Festival Best Western Inn. The festival inn will provide breakfast for all riders who are staying at the hotel or for a nominal charge would provide breakfast to riders otherwise.
Book your rooms for the week at:
http://www.chemainushotel.com/
If you book a room mention that you are riding with the B.C randonneurs and receive a room rate discount.
There is also the Fuller Lake Motel nearby which is a little more budget friendly and can be located at:
http://www.fullerlakemotel.com/
When not riding enjoy a social dinner on your rest days at the Shoe Pub which is directly across the street from the Chemainus Festival Inn and boasts extremely tasty food and malty, effervescent recovery drinks.

As in years past traditions honoree trophies given to riders at the end of the week, both for least accumulated time over four brevets and for the lanterne rouge. Of course there will be the female Hellion category again (Might anyone challenge Cheryl Lynch's lone female finisher status this year?)

All of the brevets will be heavily staffed throughout the events by an enthusiastic group of eager volunteers for the duration of the week to ensure maximum enjoyment. If you would like to join the Hellish fun and earn the bragging rights of becoming a member of the hellion club please pre-register at:
http://www.randonneurs.bc.ca/eau-de-hell-week/brevet-details.html

Jim, Phil, Graham, Steve, Stephen and Myself and the rest of the island crew look forward to seeing you shortly.

Safe riding.

Mike Croy
250-385-2769