Regulations

The regulations that apply to the brevets organised by Randonneurs Netherlands are based on the Rules of Brevets Randonneur Mondiaux c.q. Les Randonneur Mondiaux Regulations 2023. These are leading, this page provides a practical summary.

Conditions

You are at least 18 years old and, in your own estimation, physically and mentally capable of riding the brevet. You are personally responsible for your safety and for getting back home, even in case of breakdown or other mishap. The organiser and Randonneurs Nederland cannot be held responsible, under any circumstances, for accidents that occur during the brevet.

A brevet is not a race. It is ridden on public roads between regular traffic. You have to abide by the applicable traffic rules and your bike must comply with the requirements set by law. As an example: flashing lights are forbidden (and heavily irritating for the person cycling behind you).

The entry fee paid will in no case be refunded, unless otherwise stated on the entry page of the relevant brevet.

Safety

If you are travelling between sunset and sunrise you are required to wear a reflective vest or reflective bands. You don't have to wear this during the daytime but it is recommended.

Wearing a helmet is not compulsory but we strongly recommend it. You sometimes ride in a group and also because of the distance (fatigue!) the chance of a "stupid" fall (forgetting to click out at a traffic light...) is a bit higher than normal and wearing a helmet can mean the difference between a headache and a concussion.

Your bike, especially the brakes and lights, should be fully checked and in working order before you leave. Note: flashing lights are banned in many countries (and severely irritating to the person cycling behind you in all of them).

Allowed bicycles and other machinery

Any vehicle propelled solely by muscle power, and permitted on public roads, may be used for a brevet. Racing bikes, Bromptons, elliptigos, recumbents, tandems, velomobile: all are welcome. Not welcome are vehicles with an (auxiliary) motor such as e-bikes and pedelecs.

Route and controls

You should follow the specified route unless (temporary) circumstances make this impossible. In case you need to deviate from the route (to visit a bike shop, stay overnight, etc.) you should return to the point where you left the route before continuing.

At the start you will receive a brevet card with the checkpoints listed on it. Proof of passage must be kept from each checkpoint. Examples of proof include a stamp in your brevet card, receipt of a consumption or order, photo of place name board etc.

In addition, the organiser may include one or more secret controls which are not mentioned in the brevet card but have the same status as the regular controls.

In the absence of proof of passage of one (or more) of the controls, your brevet will not be homologated (status "did not finish" - DNF).

Time limits

The time allowed for each brevet depends on the nominal distance:

200km

13 hours 30 minutes

300km

20 hours

400km

27 hours

600km

40 hours

1000km

75 hours

A brevet can deviate up to 5% from the nominal distance, for any extra distance you receive no extra time! In special cases, e.g. if you assist in an accident, the organiser may grant you extra time; make sure you make a note of how much time you lose.

The time allowed is the total time (i.e. not only the time "in the saddle") and is calculated from the official start time. The official start time still applies if, in consultation with the organiser, you start later.