Regulations

Randonneurs USA Rules for Riders will be strictly enforced throughout the brevets. All riders are strongly recommended to familiarize themselves with these by referring to the RUSA web site, using the above link. There are also rules specific to the Flèche-USA.

For convenience, the key points are summarized below:

1. Each rider is considered to be on a private excursion and remains solely responsible for any accidents in which he or she may be involved. All brevets will take place regardless of weather conditions (within reason). No responsibility can be accepted for riders becoming lost or stranded.

2. Riders must wear an ANSI or Snell approved helmet, must obey city, county and state laws and Rules of the Road, and conduct themselves in a manner which will not bring discredit to the event, IR or RUSA.

3. The time allotted for arrival at each control is absolute and measured from the official start time. Any rider leaving the route must re-enter the route from the same place.

4. Personal support vehicles are not permitted on the route under any circumstances and assistance from a support vehicle at any point other than at a control is cause for disqualification. Each rider is responsible for his or her personal and mechanical support, and for the actions of any support crew.

5. The rider is responsible for presenting his or her control card at each control for the official mark, signature and control time. Loss of the card or any irregularity is cause for disqualification.

6. Any type of human powered vehicle is permitted provided it is propelled solely by human muscular effort.

7. At any time between sunset and sunrise, each cycle must have two securely mounted non-blinking lights: a front light with clear lens and a rear light with red lens; and in addition a rear reflector of a least 2” in diameter. Each light must be sufficiently bright to be seen by traffic approaching from the front or rear from a distance of at least 500’ in accordance with applicable state law. A reflective vest, or Sam Browne belt, and ankle bands are required. Pedal and wheel reflectors are recommended. Riders without evidence of adequate lights and reflectors will not be permitted to begin the brevet, and riding without adequate lights and reflectors between sunset and sunrise is cause for disqualification.

8. All riders must submit their machines for inspection by an official before, during and after a brevet as directed. Refusal is cause for disqualification.

9. Inquiries, pleas, disagreements or grievances should be addressed to the IR officials. If the issue is not resolved to the rider’s satisfaction, it may be referred to the Randonneurs USA Board of Directors. A decision by the RUSA Board is final and binding.