Ride Procedures
Here is what to expect if you enter one of our brevets. Also, be sure to review our Information and Rules pages.
- REGISTER: Pre-registration is required. Information and instructions will be posted on this website.
- CHECK-IN: Get to the start location early. Check-in begins about 30-45 minutes before the starting time. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the start. Riders will sign in and be issued their control cards and cue sheets. Mingle with other riders, check your bike, and get ready to ride! (The cue sheet and GPS track are usually provided electronically to entrants about a week prior to the event.)
- PRE-RIDE ANNOUNCEMENTS: There will usually be a brief rider meeting five minutes before the start. You should be ready to go.
- START: Rides begin promptly at the scheduled starting time, rain or shine. Don't be late! (The start control closes one hour later.)
- CONTROLS: Stop at each designated control (checkpoint) and have your control card validated as instructed.
There are six types of controls (not all types of controls will be used on all routes):
1. STORE CONTROL: The most-common type of control. Get a receipt and/or have the clerk sign/stamp your card.
2. STAFFED CONTROL: A control run by one or more volunteers. The volunteer will stamp and/or sign your card. Staffed controls will usually have at least some supplies available (such as food and drink), depending on the situation.
3. OPEN CONTROL: Similar to a Store Control, but riders may go to any establishment in the area. For example, riders might be told that they can use any business in a particular shopping center or small town.
4. INFO CONTROL: In some places, you might be asked to answer a question about something at the location (such as, "What year was the monument built?"). Info controls are not timed.
5. POSTCARD CONTROL: You will have been given a stamped postcard to mail from a designated location for this type of control.
6. SECRET CONTROL: A secret control is not indicated on the control card or cue sheet. It is a surprise control somewhere along the route. Secret controls are always staffed. - CONTROL CARD: Keep track of your control card and receipts. Losing them could result in disqualification. (TIP: Keep them in a zip lock baggie to stay dry and together. And bring a pen.)
- END OF THE RIDE: After the ride, sign your card and give it to the organizer for processing, as instructed.
- RIDE ETIQUETTE: Ride in a manner that is safe and reflects well on cyclists and our sport. Obey traffic laws. Be courteous to other road users.
- ABANDONING: If you must quit a ride for any reason, be sure to let the organizer know (there should be a phone number on the control card and/or cue sheet).
- IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY: Call 911 first, then contact the organizer.
- RANDONNESIA: A common malady afflicting randonneurs. No matter how difficult a ride might have been, you will soon forget any suffering and begin to look forward to the next one!