Any of you guys ride any randonees? I started 2 years ago and am getting pretty amped about this season. The shortest official ride is 200km and they go up to 1200km. There is a minimum and a maximum time allowance but is definately NOT a race. The last person across the line is held in the same regard as the first, or even those that have to abandon.
On April 2 there's a populaire which is open to anyone. There's a 25km, a 50km, and a 100km route. You can ride fast. You can ride slow. Its a good time.
Check out the BC Randonneur website at http://www.randonneurs.bc.ca for rules, photos from past rides, dates of upcoming rides, etc.
I learned the hard way to towel off my bike before the dog. I'd rather have a slightly oily dog than a hairy bike.