Salt Lake Randonneurs

Another overview map of most Perms in central Utah (JPG). Click on the “Interactive Map” link to the right above to see more details.

Interactive Map of U.S. Permanent Routes

Introduction

A Permanent is a long distance cycling route that is “permanently available,” so you can ride it any time, not just on one specific date. It is essentially a “brevet” that you ride on your own schedule, rather than on an pre-appointed date. All of these routes are certified by Randonneurs USA (RUSA). They are “owned and managed” by private members of the the national club. Most are about 200km (125 miles) in length, and unlike a century or double-century ride, there is no support. Like brevets, routes can start and finish in the same location, but they can also run point-to-point, and can be any distance of 200km or more (125 miles+). Most of my Permanents are loop style routes. Permanents are only open to RUSA members. They can be ridden alone or with a group (all members of a group should be members). Permanent rides in the US are validated by RUSA and do not count toward any international ACP awards or as a qualifier for a 1200km Grand Randonnée (except with special permission). A Permanent can count toward your yearly RUSA Distance Award totals or the R-12 award. The R-12 award is an excellent year-round goal (it requires you ride at least one Permanent or brevet, 200K or longer, each month for 12 consecutive months).

A Permanent Populaire is merely a shorter Permanent between 100km to 199 km in length. Riding one of these rides each month will qualify you for the RUSA P-12 award.

See this page for information on brevets, which are very similar to Permanents, except they are “organized group rides” held on specific dates.
See this page on RUSA site for more information on Permanents.

Steps for Riding a Permanent (RUSA Members Only)

Because Permanents are managed or ”owned” by private members, you most contact that member individually and request a date which you would like to make your rider. If approved, the member will forward to you a cue sheet and brevet card. Upon completion of the ride, you must return the card, along with any receipts you obtained along the way, to the route owner. He/she will then submit the results to the RUSA website and certification.

Brevet Card Tips

The purpose of a brevet card is to record your times or answer questions for informational controls as a means of “proof of passage.” In Europe, where randonneuring started, it is (or was) common for most stores to have rubber stamps. Randonneurs usually had their brevet cards stamped and had the clerk write in the time. In the U.S. however, receipts with a time imprint, are the more common proof of passage. My (Richard Stum) preferred method is that you get a receipt with the time & date indicated. Also acceptable is a stamp or signature by a store clerk with the time notated IF you are unable to obtain a receipt. Obtaining both a receipt and a signature are not needed, as long as you don’t lose your receipt!

Here’s what I typically do on brevets and Permanents: upon arrival at a control, I first write in my arrival time using 24-hour military time inside my brevet card. I then make a purchase and obtain a store receipt. If there is no time indicated on it I have the clerk write in on the receipt and initial it. (The problem with having the clerk writing the time on the brevet card is that they never use 24-hour time.) I then write the checkpoint number on the top of the receipt. I then place both of them in a vinyl pouch enclosed in the zippered pocket inside my Top Tube Brevet bag.
Note that for information checkpoints there is no “in and out” times, so it is NOT necessary to write in your time.

Please note that a lost brevet card will result in disqualification! Avoid using your jersey pocket for storage of your card — place in a secure bicycle bag or zippered clothing pocket.

Mount Nebo & Mona Reservoir (Land O’ Goshen & Nebo routes)