Come ride with SIR!
Randonneuring is self-supported long-distance cycling. It's a great sport for those who love to ride their bikes, explore new roads, and discover what is over the next hill. Our rides are scenic and challenging. Perhaps most enjoyable is the camaraderie among randonneurs. Randonneuring is not a race, but the time limits makes it challenging nonetheless.
Randonneuring is a big tent where every rider finds their challenge. Some aspire to finish within the time limit, others try to set a personal best, and yet others want to go as fast as possible. Some concentrate on the longest distances (1000 km and beyond), others do the day rides (100, 200 and 300 km). All are randonneurs. At Seattle International Randonneurs, each rider is respected. We are all out to have fun!
Randonneuring rides (called populaires or brevets) vary in length between 100 km (62 miles) and 1200 km (750 miles). Riders are given a route sheet and a control card, which they have signed at predetermined points to show that they have completed the course.
Check our calendar for upcoming populaires and brevets and come join us on a ride! We also have a
library of routes available on a
permanent basis.
Becoming a randonneur
What does it take to become a randonneur?
Our 100 km populaires are free and open to everyone. You can ride them on any bike. All we require is a safe bike, a helmet, and adherence to the rules of the road. During winter and on our longer rides, you may ride at least part of the time at night, so we require front and rear lights as well as a reflective vest and ankle bands.
Our 200 km and longer brevets require a small entry fee depending on the distance and services provided. The fee is less for members -- the price difference for one ride covers your annual membership dues, so consider
becoming a member of SIR.
How randonneuring is different from a century, RAMROD or STP?
- There are fewer riders on the road. A typical brevet has between a dozen and 100 participants.
- There are no "aid" stations. Riders are expected to carry what they need, or buy it along the route. Many checkpoints are at stores that sell food and drink. Longer brevets often include an "overnight" stop at a hotel,
where food and beds are provided.
- There is a time limit. It is within the reach of most able-bodied riders, but it does present an added challenge.
Check out the randonneurs!