Randonneur
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A randonneur is a long-distance cyclist, especially one who participates in randonneuring events. A randonneur enters a randonneuring event known as a randonnée or brevet - an organised long-distance, non-competitive bicycle ride. The word randonneur originated from French for a male long-distance cyclist. In French a female long-distance cyclist is a randonneuse.[1]
Randonneurs are typically very experienced, middle-aged cyclists. [2] Common event distances are 200 kilometres (120 mi), 300 kilometres (190 mi), 400 kilometres (250 mi), 600 kilometres (370 mi), and 1,200 kilometres (750 mi).
The largest, oldest, and best known randonneuring event is Paris–Brest–Paris, a 1,200 kilometres (750 mi) ride held once every four years by Audax Club Parisien.[1]
Famous randonneurs
A famous name of cyclotouring and randonneuring is Velocio, whose real name was Paul de Vivie.[3]
References
- ^ a b Wise, Jennifer, ed. (2009). Randonneurs USA Members Handbook. Santa Cruz, CA, USA: Randonneurs USA. p. 10. ISBN 0900424621.
- ^ "Randonneur USA Member Demographics". Randonneurs USA web site. Randonneurs USA. August 24, 2010. Retrieved August 25, 2010.
- ^ Durry, J (1976). Wadley, JB (ed.). The Guinness Guide to BICYCLING. Enfield, Middlesex, England: Guinness Superlatives LTD. p. 91.