The Rules

Governing Body

The national governing body for events run by DC Randonneurs is Randonneurs USA. Randonneurs USA publishes rules for the following types of events:

  • Brevets: Group rides organized by the club.
  • Team Events: Rides from 120 - 360 kilometers in length and 8 - 24 hours in duration designed and ridden by a team but approved and organized by DC Randonneurs.

Randonneurs USA also publishes rules for permanents. While this region possesses a particular wealth of permanents, those rides are organized by Randonneurs USA without the direct involvement of DC Randonneurs.

Randonneurs USA publishes rules for ride organizers. Anyone organizing an event for DC Randonneurs, or volunteering to assist the ride organizer, must know and observe these rules.

Control opening and closing times vary with the type and length of an event. Riders and organizers can use the Time Calculators on the RUSA site to determine when a particular control opens and closes.

The Basics

Before the Ride

In order to register for our events, you must be a member of Randonneurs USA and DC Randonneurs. If you are not a member of Randonneurs USA, go here to get started. If you are not a member of DC Randonneurs, you can join when you register for your first ride on this site.

During the Ride

Riders undertaking any ride organized by DC Randonneurs must observe the rules published by Randonneurs USA and referenced above. In addition, riders must observe state and local traffic laws, including the basics, like coming to a halt at stop signs and red lights. The jurisdictions we ride through include:

  • The District of Columbia—See Title 50 of the District Code, with special reference to Chapters 16 and 22.
  • Maryland—See Title 21 of the Maryland Code, with special reference to Subtitle 12.
  • Pennsylvania—See Pennsylvania Vehicle Code (Title 75), with special reference to Chapter 35.
  • Virginia—See Title 46.2 of the Virginia Code, with special reference to Chapter 8, Regulation of Traffic
  • West Virginia—See West Virginia Code Chapter 17C, with special reference to Article 11, Operation of Bicycles and Play Vehicles

Article 10 of the Randonneurs USA Rules for Riders addresses lighting and visibility requirements for rides that take place outside daylight hours or in low visibility. In addition, Randonneurs USA has a Visibility Guide that clarifies what garments satisfy the visibility requirements of Article 10 and answers frequently asked questions about reflective gear and other aids to nighttime visibility.

Observing the RUSA rules and guidelines, not to mention state and local laws, is necessary for your own health and safety, and for leaving a good impression on those you encounter in the course of our rides. But obeying the rules alone is not sufficient. As a rider, you must also stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. If you feel drowsy, stop and find somewhere to rest or sleep. If you are confused about the route or where you are on it, don't be afraid to pull over to the side of the road and figure it out. If you find yourself in serious trouble, call 911 first and then call the ride organizer.

Finally, keep your cue sheet and brevet card in a safe place, or places, and be sure to collect the proof of participation (initials, receipts, answers to questions) they require.

At the End of the Ride

Finish Controls will normally be staffed by an organizer or volunteer who is a member of DC Randonneurs. If that is the case, you will sign your completed brevet card and submit it, along with receipts or any other corroborating evidence, to the organizer for review and submission to the club's Regional Brevet Administrator for validation and processing.

If you are unable to find an organizer or volunteer at the finish, find someone there who can initial your brevet card and supply a finish time. If that is not possible, take a typestamped photo of yourself at the finish and initial the entry for the final control on your brevet card yourself. In either case, keep the brevet card and evidence of participation until you can submit them directly to the Regional Brevet Administrator.