The Arizona brevets are a series of timed, long distance cycling events throughout Arizona. Brevets (pronounced brah-VAY) are not races, although riders may seek to improve their personal best times. For many, the goal is simply to finish and to go farther than they have before. The series is made up of the 4 traditional brevets:

• 200 km = 125 miles, 13.5 hour limit
• 300 km = 185 miles, 20 hours
• 400 km = 250 miles, 27 hours
• 600 km = 375 miles, 40 hours

Here’s how it works: Riders are provided with RWGPS maps and cue sheets showing the route. Riders must follow the route exactly and get to each checkpoints along the route. If you should get off course, you must return to the route where you got off track. Anyone taking shortcuts from the official route will not get official credit for the ride. There is no penalty for detours such as unforeseen road construction, flooding, or traffic accidents. Riders must pass through each checkpoint and then provide proof of their passage at the end of the ride. There are a number of ways that riders can submit their verifications. They are described under the Ride Verification tab on this web. Riders’ results are posted on the RUSA website once the verifications have been submitted to the Regional Brevet Administrator (RBA). Members are entitled to buy handsome brevet medals if they finish successfully. They may be purchased at the RUSA on-line store. The rides are held rain or shine. The weather could change a great deal before reaching the finish.

Here are other ways in which brevets are different from club rides:

Timed: Brevets are not races, but riders must reach the end on time so as not to be disqualified. Riders can stop and rest any time, but the clock is always running. The overall minimum pace on brevets is about 15 kph (9.25 mph); the maximum is 33 kph (20.5 mph).

Sanctioned: The Arizona brevets are sanctioned by Randonneurs USA (RUSA) and Audax Club Parisian (ACP) in France. They can be used as qualifiers for 1200 kilometer events such as may be found by searching on RUSA’s website. Riders on our events are required to be members of Randonneurs USA (RUSA) due to our group’s insurance requirements.

Night riding: Because of the length of many of the rides, you might have to ride in darkness. Proper lighting is essential and required by law. (More on lighting.)

Self reliance and determination: Brevet riders are expected to be self-sufficient and tenacious. They should be able to repair their bike, read a map, and deal with bad weather. Having said that, we’re not going to leave you stranded. We do not have the resources to sag, but we will do what we can to get you back to your car, or help you call someone for a ride.

Integrity: It is not practical to have event officials everywhere. Brevet riders are on their honor to follow the rules.

Helping others: Friendly camaraderie, not competition, is the hallmark of randonneuring.

Now it’s up to you! Come out and join us on our rides. You may surprise yourself with what you can accomplish with the right riding partners and guidance.