An Introduction to Randonneuring

The Challenges

Having no helpful rest stops or SAG vehicles to assist you adds a unique challenge to the ride. Self-sufficiency means you need a game plan and some mechanical knowledge to get you through any pickle.

Phillips said the checkpoints often are at convenience store parking lots, so cyclists frequently dash in and get food and drink to last them for a while. Depending on the distance, it helps to have bike tools that can get you out of a number of jams. Learning how to fix a flat tire is a must.

More: Video: How to Change a Flat Tire

"Even though you're self-sufficient, part of the whole thing with randonneuring is the camaraderie that goes with it," Phillips said. "Other randonneurs are more than willing to help someone if there's an issue. We're not going to ride by someone without saying 'Hey, is everything OK?'"

The brevets—specifically the ones that exceed 300K—offer a new challenge: nighttime riding. There are also concerns like nasty weather that randonneurs grind through.

"We don't condone riding in dangerous weather," Phillips said, "but most everyone in randonneuring has pushed the limits. That's sort of the adventure of it."

More: Cycling in the Wind: Beginner Basics

The Reward

Finish a 200K brevet, and you can officially call yourself a randonneur. If the event you complete is certified by Audax Club Parisien in France (as most are), your result is recorded in Paris alongside all other brevet finishers dating back to 1921.

In addition, any rider who completes a 200K, 300K, 400K and 600K brevet in a single year is considered a "super randonneur" according to Randonneurs USA

The accomplishments are nice. But more than anything, randonneuring is a growing niche for a cyclist in search of just a little extra adventure.

"The idea that you have to overcome obstacles, overcome situations...that's what attracts most of us to it," Phillips said. "To say 'Wow, it was really hot today but we managed to do it,' or 'It was cold but we got through it' or 'It's pouring down rain but we did it.' I think that's what drives and motivates people to do it."

More: 3 Tips to Build Mental Toughness

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About the Author

Ryan Wood

Ryan Wood is an editor for Active.com. He enjoys a good ride and loves participating in endurance events throughout the year. Follow him on Google+.
Ryan Wood is an editor for Active.com. He enjoys a good ride and loves participating in endurance events throughout the year. Follow him on Google+.

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