RANDONNEURS USA
RULES FOR RIDERS
Introduction
Randonneurs USA's RULES FOR RIDERS are adapted
from the Audax Club Parisien's (“ACP”) Réglement de
Brevets de Randonneurs Mondiaux (“BRM”). Some
portions of these regulations apply only in the U.S. Newer
editions supercede older ones. These rules apply to all BRM
events held in the United States of America, as well as other
brevets sanctioned by Randonneurs USA (“RUSA”).
In 1921 the Audax Club Parisien created a series of
self-paced rides (200, 300, 400, 600, and 1000 KM) for
individual riders (Note 1). In 1931 the ACP created the Paris-
Brest-Paris Randonneurs. These events were called the
Brevets de Randonneurs Français. These rides have since
become international in scope, becoming the Brevets de
Randonneurs Européens in 1976 and the Brevets de
Randonneurs Mondiaux in 1983. Since 1975, a series of 200,
300, 400, and 600 KM brevets has been required to qualify
for Paris-Brest-Paris, thus assuring that riders are well
prepared for this difficult event.
Anyone organizing BRM or RUSA events must also
comply with the rules set out in an ACP supplement called
RULES FOR ORGANIZERS as well as RUSA’s RBA
PROCEDURES to insure full compliance with these rules.
Rules For Riders
Article 1
Only the Audax Club Parisien has sanctioning authority for
BRM events. The ACP registers all BRM brevets. Each
brevet receives a verification number. These are assigned
chronologically based on time of receipt. The ACP has
registered these brevets since their inception in 1921. Only
Randonneurs USA is authorized by ACP to organize BRM
events in the United States.
Only Randonneurs USA has sanctioning authority for
RUSA domestic events.
Article 2
These brevets are open to any amateur cyclist regardless of
his or her cycling affiliations. Any rider under the age of 18
must have consent of his or her parent or legal guardian. Any
form of human-powered vehicle is acceptable. The only
stipulation is that the vehicle must be powered solely by the
rider.
Article 3
To participate in a brevet a rider must complete a registration
form, sign a waiver of liability, and pay the registration fee
set by the event organizer.
Article 4
When taking part in a brevet, the rider accepts and consents
to the possible publication of their name, time result, and
photograph by the organizer.
Article 5
During the event, each rider is considered to be on a personal
ride. The rider must ride in accordance with all applicable
traffic codes, obey all traffic signals, and use bike paths when
required by law. When riding all riders must wear an
approved helmet. The ACP, RUSA, and other organizers
cannot and do not accept responsibility for any accidents that
may occur during the course of a brevet.
Article 6
Each rider must be self sufficient. No personal follow cars
or support of any kind are permitted on the course.
Personal support is only allowed at checkpoints. Any
violation of this requirement will result in immediate
disqualification.
All riders are required to conduct themselves in a
civil manner and abide by all applicable vehicle codes, laws,
and regulations. All riders are required to respect local
customs with regards to decorum.
Article 7
At the start, each rider will receive a brevet card and a cue
sheet indicating the route and the location of the checkpoints.
Every rider must stop at each checkpoint to have his or her
card verified. Organizers may also include unannounced
checkpoints along the route. This assures that everyone will
stay on the prescribed route. If a rider leaves the route, he or
she must return to the route at the same point prior to
continuing, i.e., no shortcuts or detours from the route,
unless specified by the organizer.
Article 8
Organizers may have checkpoints at establishments with no
member of the organizing staff present. At these checkpoints
riders must get their brevet card verified at the local
establishment that the organizer specifies as a checkpoint,
such as a grocery store or gas station. Checkpoint information
to be noted on the brevet card includes the time and the date
of passage (for brevets that extend beyond 24 hours).
For unmanned checkpoints where no means of
getting verification is available (arrival in the middle of the
night for example), the rider may either (1) mail in a postcard
with the checkpoint information (time, date, full name of the
rider, and the rider's club affiliation) to the brevet organizer;
or (2) write into their brevet card identifying information
from a predetermined landmark or sign at the checkpoint also
noting the time and the date of passage. When the rider mails
a postcard, the rider should mark his brevet card in the space
provided for the checkpoint: PC, with the time and date the
postcard was sent. The organizer has the discretion to
determine which option is to be allowed for a given
checkpoint.
Missing checkpoint verification, missing checkpoint
times, or loss of the brevet card (regardless of how far into
the ride a rider is) will result in disqualification. Each rider is
responsible for seeing that his or her brevet card is properly
completed at each checkpoint.
Article 9
Overall time limits vary for each brevet according to the
distance. These are: (in hours and minutes, HH:MM) 13:30
for 200 KM, 20:00 for 300 KM, 27:00 for 400 KM, 40:00 for
600 KM, and 75:00 for 1000 KM. Additionally, riders must
arrive at each checkpoint between the opening and closing
time for the checkpoint. These times are noted on the brevet
card with the information for the checkpoints.
If a rider arrives at a checkpoint after it has closed
and the ride organizer is satisfied that the rider's lateness is
