Berkshire Brevets 2023

Berkshire Brevets

The Berkshire Brevets are a series of randonneur cycling events in Western Massachusetts. If you enjoy century rides and challenging events, you will find randonnueur cycling a rewarding experience. The randonneur season is broken into a series of brevets of 200 km, 300 km, 400 km, and 600 km, a team 24 hr., and a final event of 1200 km. The goal of the randonneur cyclist is to complete all events within time limits. You can expect about 3,000 ft. of climbing for each 100 km. Each brevet is designed to challenge and prepare the long distance cyclists for the next ride in the series and act as a qualifier for  Paris - Brest – Paris (1200 km) and other Grand Randonee  events throughout the world. The purpose of the Berkshire Brevets is to introduce cyclists in Western Massachusetts and Connecticut to the sport of randonneur cycling.  The next Paris - Brest - Paris is in August 2023. Membership to Randonneurs USA ( RUSA) to enter a brevet. The Berkshire Brevets are organized and hosted by  New Horizons Bikes.

Randonneur cycling is long distance (endurance) cycling with minimal or no support. A brevet is not a race, although the ride is timed and some riders will seek a personal best time, the primary goal is simply to finish. The style of riding is characterized by various rules and traditions that date to 1891 in France when the first Paris – Brest – Paris race was held. When one participates in brevet events, one is part of worldwide brotherhood and sisterhood of cyclists, with over 120 years of history and legend. 

For a registration visit

Brevet Support

Brevet riders are intended to be self-sufficient. Basic repair knowledge is necessary. 

Follow vehicles are not allowed.

Brevet checkpoints will vary in level of support. Some will be staffed with refreshments while others will be at convenience stores. Please make a purchase at stores acting as checkpoints as a thank you for use of their facilities. 

If you choose to drop out of an event part way through it is your responsibility to get back to the start location. There is no sweep of the route and in many events support staff are club volunteers living in that checkpoint area and unable to drive a rider back to the start. 

Routes stay the same from year to year.  However small changes are made due to construction or road closures.  The Final cue and GPS file will be sent at the closing of registration.

St. Pat's 100K 2023

Our St. Pat's 100K is our traditional 1st long event of the brevet season. This is the flattest of our routes and you can expect anything from spring-like conditions to mid-winter conditions at this time of year. Our route heads north along the east side of the Connecticut River to South Deerfield and returns along the west side.

RUSA membership is required to ride in brevets.  Please visit RUSA.org to register.

Spring 200K 2023

Our Early Spring 200K is a figure eight loop with the northern half of the ride from Westfield to Sunderland and back and the southern half from Westfield to Simsbury CT and back. The first half of the route is relatively flat while the second half is moderately hilly. Mid point Control is also the start/finish of the ride so its possible to change clothing our abandon if conditions are truly miserable. Weather is the challenge on this ride. We've had years where the start temp was 18 degrees and barely rose above freezing and other years a start in the 40's with upper 50's. Controls are a mix of convenience stores .

RUSA membership is required to ride in brevets.  Please visit RUSA.org to register.

Old Saybrook 300K 2023

From Westfield to Old Saybrook, CT and back. This route is moderately hilly and lollipop shaped with a 100 mile loop connecting the outbound and inbound legs. Controls are a mix of convenience stores and staffed. Our friends from the Eliminator Cycling Team will be  staffing our mid point Control in Old Saybrook with a feast for all riders.

RUSA membership is required to ride in brevets.  Please visit RUSA.org to register.

Shelburne Falls 200K  2023

North along the western side of the Connecticut River Valley to southern Vermont and back. a moderately hilly route. Controls are unsupported.

RUSA membership is required to ride in brevets.  Please visit RUSA.org to register.

Ride cue and Gps will be given when registration closes.

BashBish 300K 2023

If I have to pick a favorite, this is it. A hilly route heading west into the Berkshires then south along the Housatonnic River to Kent Ct. Crosses into Eastern NY before returning.  Route is lollipop shaped. Climbs include Jacob's Ladder (8 miles) both outbound and inbound and Bash Bish Falls (4.5 miles long with 2 short sections of steep, 18% grades. Controls include convenience stores and staffed sites.

RUSA membership is required to ride in brevets.  Please visit RUSA.org to register.

Saratoga 400K 2023

400K's are tough events and this is no exception. An out and back route to Saratoga Springs NY crossing the Berkshires and Taconic Hills. This route is very hilly. Both staffed controls and convenience stores. No bag drop.

RUSA membership is required to ride in brevets.

Petersburg 300K 2023

I enjoy Petersburg pass so much I just had to add this summer brevet which includes Searsburg pass in Vermont as well as Petersburg Pass on the NY / MA border. This route is very hilly. Controls are convenience stores.

RUSA membership is required to ride in brevets.

Petersburg 200K 2023

August 5th

Great River Ride

Now in its 33rd year, this populaire has been picked by Bicycling Magazine as one of the Top 10 Century Rides in the USA. Plenty of hills, great scenery, lots of support, and a super buffet with entertainment at the end. A great way to finish the season. Never been canceled due to weather and we've had years with snow, 12 inches of rain, and cold temps., as well as years of perfect Autumn riding.