Randonneuring can be described in many ways. Many randonneurs love to blog about our sport. Just run "randonneuring" through an internet search engine and you will discover a wealth of information, including ride reports from all over the world. A good start is the Randonneurs USA (RUSA) Website.
The following is a summary about riding brevets. Anyone riding needs to know the RUSA Rules for Riders and Montana's bicycle laws.
You don't have to be a member of RUSA to ride the Montana brevets, but RUSA membership is a great bargain. The annual membership fee is only $20 and includes a detailed handbook, a quarterly publication packed with randonneuring stories and information, and an annual results publication listing your results along with every other active RUSA member. Member's results are posted on the RUSA website. Members can also purchase medals for completing a brevet, and there are many other awards available. For more information about membership and awards, go to the RUSA website.
Randonneuring falls somewhere between racing and touring. Randonneuring rides range in length from 100 kilometer populaires to 1200 kilometer and longer Grand Randonnees. A randonneuring event must be completed within a minimum and maximum time window, but no winners are declared. If the timed results of the riders are posted they are listed in alphabetical order and not by order of finisher as in a race. The most common randonneuring event is the brevet (pronounced bruh-vey). The time limits for brevets are as follows: 200k-13.5 hours, 300k-20 hours, 400k-27 hours, 600k-40 hours, 1000k-75 hours, and the 1200k-90 hours. As you can see, the time limits are very generous, but the clock is always running-whether the rider is moving or not. On the longer events, riders typically "bank" time to allow for some sleeping breaks. In general, the completion of a brevet series consiting of a 200k, 300k, 400k, and 600k brevets qualifies a rider for the longer 1000k and 1200k events, including the grand daddy of all organized bicycle rides-the Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) 1200k Grand Randonnee held every four years in France. The next edition of PBP is in 2011. The Montana brevets will be qualfiers towards longer brevets or randonnees, including PBP.
Unlike racing, where riders may be supported by follow cars, randonneuring emphasizes self-sufficiency. Riders are not allowed to receive outside support in between designated checkpoints. Riders must carry all necessary supplies and fuel with them or obtain it along the route. Riders may stop at stores and restaurants along the way. Riders must be capable of making necessary repairs such as fixing a flat. Randonneurs may receive assistance from fellow riders, and they may work together. Drafting fellow riders is perfectly legal.
At the start, the rider is given a brevet card and route sheet. Riders must follow the route exactly-no shortcuts. If a rider discovers that they are off course they must go back to where they got off route to continue. Riders will be required to pass through checkpoints along the route within a specified time window. The checkpoint may be a volunteer manned rest stop (similar to what you would find on an organized century or charity ride), business, town, or simply a landmark where a rider must answer a question on their card to verify they have passed through the location within the time window. The most common checkpoints are stores where riders can restock supplies while obtaining their "proof of passage". Proof of passage at the checkpoints could be a cash register receipt, stamp with signature from a store employee or ride volunteer, or some other means as required by the ride organizer. Organizers can and do set up "secret" checkpoints along the route that are not listed on the route sheet to insure the route is being followed. Failure to stop and obtain the required proof of passage at all checkpoints would result in disqualification.
On the brevets longer than 200k, some of the riding will probably take place before sunrise and/or after sunset. Lights and reflectors will be required for brevets of 300k and longer. At a minimum a rider will be required to have a front head light and rear tail light attached to the bicycle at all times. Spare lights, batteries, and bulbs are recommended. If your lights don't work and it's gotten dark your ride is over. Riders seen not using lights when it's dark will be disqualified. Riders will also be required to wear reflective ankle bands and a refective sash or vest that puts reflective material on the front and back of the rider's torso. Due to their unique riding postion, the reflective requirements may have to be modified for recumbent riders. It probably goes without saying-but helmets are also required for any randonneuring event in the USA.
At the end of the ride, the rider must turn in the brevet card to the organizer. The card will be returned to the rider after it has been properly validated (usually cards are returned to the riders at the end of the season).
A SHORT LIST OF IMPORTANT DETAILS:
You can do this! The distances may seem daunting, but if you just keep moving you'll eventually finish. The high from finishing a brevet is better than any drug!
You don't have to be fast to be a successful randonneur-just persistent and maybe a little stubborn.
The ride will depart on time. The clock starts ticking upon the listed start time whether you are late or not.
There is no SAG wagon. Riders are expected to be self sufficient.
A brevet is not a race-everyone who finishes within the time limit is a winner. Therefore slowing to ride with or stopping to help a fellow rider in difficulty is a great thing to do.
We will strive to not leave anyone stranded, but if you have to abandon it could be a while before you are rescued.
If you do abandon and hitch your own ride, please contact us ASAP so we don't waste time and worry looking for you along the route.
Cell phone reception is spotty at best along much of the routes-plan accordingly and be self sufficient.
Weather in Montana can be unpredictable. Violent thunderstorms can flair up, especially in the afternoon. Carry appropriate gear with you.
It is extremely rare for weather to postpone or cancel a brevet. The ride will start in any weather-except maybe accumulating snow or tornado warnings!
Don't forget your lights and reflective gear for the 300k.
Don't forget your camera-the scenery is magnificent!