Randoneurring, what the heck is it?

June 20, 2007 on 8:49 pm | In Road |

Are you ready for a new kind of challenge on the bike? Are you interested in riding long distances on seldom traveled roads, being self-supported, riding in any kind of weather, and challenging yourself like you never have before? Well randonneuring just may be what you are looking for!

Randonneurs USA, or RUSA, defines randonneuring as “long-distance unsupported endurance cycling. This style of riding is non-competitive in nature, and self-sufficiency is paramount. When riders participate in randonneuring events, they are part of a long tradition that goes back to the beginning of the sport of cycling in France and Italy. Friendly camaraderie, not competition, is the hallmark of randonneuring.”

These types of rides are called brevets and range from 100K to 1200K in length. These rides are not races. Results are sorted by name and the first finisher gets the same prize as the last - pride in completing a personal challenge to the best of your ability!

The core of randonneuring lies in the self-sufficiency of the participants. Fueling properly, being prepared for all types of weather, and riding a comfortable, well-fitting bike are keys to completing the long distances. BioWheels employees collectively have completed many brevets, toured across this great county & Europe, and completed many 24-hour mtb races. We know how to ‘go long’. Come chat with us any time!

BioWheels’ Front End Manager, Kris Kjellquist, is currently working to become a regional brevet administrator for Asheville, NC. RUSA sanctioned 200K & 300K ride routes are being scouted for the summer of 2007. There are also several brevet series a short drive from Western NC. Check the RUSA web site, www.rusa.org, for rides in Spartanburg, SC, Raleigh, and Highpoint, NC. Don’t forget the biggest brevet in the world - the 1200K Paris-Brest-Paris is happening in 2007 and won’t happen again until 2011. Some BioWheels customers have already booked thier hotel rooms!!!

So you’re interested, and now you are thinking, “what should I do next?” The MOST important thing you can do is check out RUSA’s web site and become a member. Read everything you can about randonneuring and brevets, and stay in shape over the winter. Come in to BioWheels and talk to Kris or email krisk@biowheels.com and let him know you’re interested.