Information
There is a lot of information about randonneuring available online at www.rusa.org and other websites. YouTube is also a good source. We recommend that you learn as much as you can before riding. If you are new to the sport, at a minimum be sure to read this page, the Rules page, and our Ride Procedures.
Here are some of the main things to know:
Here are some of the main things to know:
- Randonneurs USA (RUSA) is designated by Audax Club Parisien (ACP) in France — the official governing body for randonneuring worldwide — to oversee the sport in the US. RUSA works with dozens of cycling clubs across the country, and each area is managed by a Regional Brevet Administrator (RBA).
- Membership in RUSA is required to participate in our events. There are many benefits to being a member. You can learn more about joining RUSA at https://www.rusa.org/pages/memberservices.
- Brevets are official scheduled rides. They are typically 200, 300, 400, 600, 1000, or 1200 kilometers, each with a specific time limit.
- A less formal name for a brevet is randonnée. A randonnée of 1200km or more is a grande randonnée.
- The preeminent grande randonnée is France's Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP), which was first run in 1891 and is now held every four years.
- Brevets can be sanctioned by either RUSA or Audax Club Parisien (ACP).
- Brevets are open to any current member of RUSA. To participate in a brevet, a rider must complete a registration form, sign a waiver of liability, and pay any required registration fee (set by the event organizer).
- Brevets are non-competitive. Results are published alphabetically, not by arrival time. Being first is not the goal; completing the ride is. Everyone who finishes within the allotted time period is considered a winner.
- Events are held "rain or shine," and sometimes at night.
- Registered riders will usually be given a control card and a cue sheet. The card must be validated at each control (checkpoint) according to instructions to prove they have covered the route successfully. The cue sheet gives turn-by-turn instructions for following the route. For most events, a link to an online RidewithGPS map will also be provided.
- Camaraderie is the hallmark of randonneuring. Helping one's fellow riders complete a ride is encouraged and exemplifies the ethos of the sport.
- Randonneurs need to be self-sufficient and tenacious. Although camaraderie is encouraged, riders must be prepared to ride alone at times. This means being able to find their way and deal with any mechanical issues they might have, such as flats. They must carry sufficient tools and supplies, such as food, drink, spare tubes, and tools, as well as be prepared for changes in the weather.
- There is no SAG. In case of a serious breakdown, we will help you if we can, but riders should assume that they will have to get back by themselves. In the event of a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
- Participation in our events is by pre-registration only. We do not accept "day of" entries.
- Most brevets require an entry fee. These fees cover insurance and other expenses, and will depend on the length of the brevet and what is being provided. Fees are kept as low as possible. Brevets are not money-making activities, per se, and anyone working an event is a volunteer.
- No entry fee refunds are issued. If you notify us before the registration deadline that you are unable to attend, we will apply your entry fee toward a future South Florida Randonneurs event. Otherwise, refunds are not given for "no shows," bad luck, or late cancellations.
- Brevets use 24-hour military time.
- Permanents (as opposed to brevets) are RUSA rides that are always available. You must also be a RUSA member to ride a permanent. A permanent may be ridden alone or with a group. They are not scheduled events and may be ridden at a time of the rider's choosing, although you still must register and pay a small fee. They can be any distance of 200km+ (100-199km for a permanent populaire). You can learn more about permanents and how to ride them at https://www.rusa.org/pages/permanents.
- Volunteers are always needed and welcomed. Volunteering makes events possible. It's also fun! Contact the RBA for more information.