Randonneuring is more like rallying than racing. Randonneuring originally meant long-distance walking, and has evolved to mean long-distance paced cycling. Medals can be purchased by all riders completing a ride within the designated time limit - whether they arrive first or last, ride alone or work with others. Riders compete against time, distance, and the elements rather than fellow riders. The goal of randonneuring is to promote individual health and achievement in a non-competitive athletic environment.

Official rides or Brevets are over preset routes and distances, and must be completed within designated time limits with check-ins at control points. Pace can vary and group riding is encouraged. Riders must be prepared and equipped to brave any weather - rain, heat, or snow - day or night!

Whether you are a touring, recreational, racing, commuting, or triathlete cyclist, randonneuring offers a meaningful and satisfying challenge.

Prior to the Day of the Brevet

Prepare your Bicycle!

Check for:
a) Functioning, powerful, reliable lighting system, front and rear, affixed to the bicycle
b) Red rear reflector and reflective tape visible from rear on rear forks/fender and/or seat stays and/or rear rack
c) White reflective material on front forks.

Prepare your Equipment!

Note: Sag wagons are not provided by Randonneurs Ontario!

Check for:
a) Reflective safety vest.
b) Reflective safety material for some moving part of body (e.g. ankle, knee, foot).
c) Spare lights and/or batteries for lighting system(s).
d) Water bottles.
e) Spare Parts: spare tubes, spare folding tire, spokes, chain links, seatpost bolt, brake cables (front and rear), gear cables (front and rear), bungee cord, etc.
f) Road Repair Tools: Patch kit, pump, flashlight (with fresh batteries), chain rivet remover, spoke key, 6" adjustable spanner, Allen keys (sizes needed), screwdriver(s), chain lubricant, any special tools you may require for non-standard equipment.

Prepare Personal Supplies!

Check for:
a) Clothing for expected weather conditions (includes sunglasses, sunblock, spare jerseys, rain gear, etc.).
b) Food and Water
c) Helmet - the club requires each rider to wear one
d) Personal Identification and Health Card.
e) Money.
f) Medical supplies as appropriate.
g) Someone to pick you up if you have problems along the route (Remember! No sag wagons will be provided!).

Pre-Register for the Brevet!

Pre-registration with the organiser by e-mail or RWGPS Event page is required.

Verify with the organizer that you have qualified at the previous distance, e.g. 300km Brevet requires completion of a 200km Brevet, (unless you have previously completed a brevet series in one year)

Chapters are offering Permanents and anticipate that we will be offering a full schedule of Brevets for the 2021 season. However, this will be determined in accordance with local health authorities and following Ontario Cycling Guidelines.

Completed ride proof of passage can be submitted to each ride organizer through photo controls or electronic route tracking. In addition, the following rules are in place:

• Do NOT participate in any group activities if you or any of the other group participants: A. Exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms including: fever, cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chills or muscle aches, sore throat or difficulty swallowing, runny, stuffy or congested nose (not related to seasonal allergies or other known causes), lost sense of taste or smell, extreme tiredness, or any other symptoms as identified by health experts and the Ontario Government or have been in contact with someone who is a confirmed or presumptive case of COVID-19 within the last 14 days.
• Consider not participating in group activities (club/team) if you are considered vulnerable or at higher risk (elderly individuals, immunocompromised persons, individuals suffering from health problems including, but not limited to asthma, chronic bronchitis and other lung diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.)
• Practice safe physical distancing by maintaining at least 2 metres (6 feet) distance between yourself and any other individual outside your “bubble” prior, during, and after your sanctioned activity
• Make sure you have enough snacks/liquid with you to ensure you don’t have to stop along your ride or use a tap/water fountain
• Do not share food or equipment (including water bottles) to prevent transmission of viruses and bacteria
• Clean ALL your equipment prior to heading out including wiping down your handlebars, glasses or protective lenses, and ensuring you have a clean water bottle
• Consider wearing an appropriate mask during lower intensity training/riding, making sure the mask covers both the mouth and nose
• Consider wearing gloves
• Confirm your bike is in good working order and that you are aware of the basic bike maintenance necessities, and are equipped with the appropriate tools prior to an activity
• Consider bringing a fully charged cell phone with you in case of emergencies
• Let your Emergency Contact know the route/time frame of your activity
• Do not loiter after your activity
• If at any point you start displaying signs of COVID-19, members should:
  • Contact Telehealth Ontario and follow all instructions as provided
  • Contact the club to notify them of any symptoms or pending/confirmed test results
• Registration for rides will be done two weeks before event
• Permanents and Brevets are limited to the OC event maximum per calendar date
• Ride starts will be staggered
• Before and after riders must maintain a distance of 2 metres and wear masks
• During the ride there will be no draughting and a safe riding distance maintainedDuring the ride there will be no draughting and a safe riding distance maintained

Riders must follow the guidelines of the local health and civil authorities during their rides.