I asked the famous Artificial Intelligence ChatGPT the question below about the upcoming ultra distance LRM 1200 km brevets in this season (the Summer of year 2023).

I have to admit that this is a very specific question from a very specific topic.

For all of you who don't know what a LRM brevet means: The LRM brevet is a ultra distance bicycle marathon with a distance at least of 1200+ km in a self-supported and non-competitive way.

Look what an answer I got from ChatGPT AI to this very specific topic!?!...

I AM IMPRESSED!!!

I live in Bulgaria, and I was analyzing the LRM brevet calendar in the countries near by.

My question to ChatGPT AI was:

For a period of 45 days there are 5 ultra distance brevets available:

1. on 25 of May is brevet 1000 km with 8175 m of elevation in Bulgaria

2. on 10 of June is brevet 1200 km with 15500 m of elevation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

3. on 21 June is brevet 1400 with 16200 m of elevation in Croatia

4. on 24 June is brevet 1200 km with 12200 m elevation on Slovenia

5. on 8 July is brevet 1200 km with 13500 m elevation SVS in Bulgaria

I'm not the fastest bicycle climber, I have finished successfully only 2 brevets 1000 km and just one brevet 1400 km.

What is your advise on which of all this 5 long distance brevets to go if I'm absolutely sure that I want to go on the last one in Bulgaria, and also on some of the other brevets which you think it's good idea for me to go?

Hello, this is Bing.

I'm glad you are interested in ultra distance brevets.

They are a type of cycling event that involves riding long distances (usually over 1000 km) in a self-supported and non-competitive way¹.

They require a lot of physical and mental endurance, as well as good planning and preparation.

Based on your message, you have already completed some brevets of 1000 km and 1400 km, which is impressive.

However, the five brevets that you listed are all very challenging, especially because they have a lot of elevation gain and are close together in time.

If you are absolutely sure that you want to go on the last one in Bulgaria (SVS), which is 1200 km with 13500 m elevation, then you need to be careful not to overdo it on the other ones.

My advice is to choose one or two more brevets that suit your goals, fitness level and schedule, and use them as training rides for the SVS.

You should also do some shorter but more intense rides during the week to improve your speed and efficiency⁵.

You don't need to use a structured training plan, but you should aim to ride about 500-1500 km per month in the six months before the SVS⁶.

You should also do some multi-day training rides to simulate the conditions of the brevet and test your equipment, nutrition and recovery².

Here are some factors to consider when choosing which brevets to go on:

 - The distance: The longer the brevet, the more time and energy you will need to complete it.

You should choose a distance that matches your current ability and confidence.

If you have only done one 1400 km brevet before, then doing another one in Croatia might be too much.

A 1000 km or 1200 km brevet might be more manageable.

 - The elevation: The more elevation gain, the harder the brevet will be.

You should choose a brevet that has a similar or slightly higher elevation than the SVS, so that you can get used to climbing and descending.

The brevet in Bosnia and Herzegovina has the most elevation (15500 m), followed by Croatia (16200 m), Slovenia (12200 m), Bulgaria (8175 m) and SVS (13500 m).

 - The location: The location of the brevet will affect your travel time, cost and logistics.

You should choose a brevet that is easy to get to and from, preferably by bike or public transport.

You should also consider the weather, road conditions and scenery of the location.

The brevets in Bulgaria are probably the most convenient for you, followed by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Slovenia.

 - The date: The date of the brevet will affect your training schedule and recovery time.

You should choose a brevet that gives you enough time to train before and rest after.

You should also avoid doing two long brevets in a row or too close together.

The brevets are spaced out from May to July, with about two weeks between each one.

Based on these factors, I would suggest that you go on either the 1000 km brevet in Bulgaria on May 25th or the 1200 km brevet in Slovenia on June 24th, in addition to the SVS on July 8th.

These two brevets have moderate distances and elevations, are relatively close to your location and give you enough time to train and recover.

They will also help you prepare for the SVS by exposing you to different terrains and climates.

Of course, this is just my opinion based on general information.

You should also listen to your body, consult with your doctor and coach if you have one, and do what feels right for you.

I hope this helps you make a decision and I wish you all the best for your ultra distance brevets!

Source: Conversation with Bing, 4/2/2023(1)

Randonneuring – Davis Bike Club. Accessed 4/2/2023.

(2) Training Plans for Bikepacking Races – Ride Far. Accessed 4/2/2023.