About Hudson Valley Randonneurs

Hudson Valley Randonneurs is a newly chartered club of Randonneurs USA (RUSA), serving long-distance cyclists throughout New York's Hudson Valley. We organize brevets — timed, long-distance rides — through the river valleys, farmland, and climbs of Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, and the surrounding counties. We welcome riders of every experience level, from first-timers curious about the sport to veteran Paris-Brest-Paris anciens.

What is Randonneuring?

Randonneuring is long-distance, self-supported cycling, ridden over fixed routes called brevets — typically 200, 300, 400, 600, and 1000+ kilometers — within set time limits. Riders check in at ‘controls’ along the route. Unlike racing, randonneuring is non-competitive. There are no podiums. The goal is to complete the distance, at your own pace, sometimes in the dark, before the time limit.

What is RUSA?

Randonneurs USA is the national organization that certifies and governs long-distance cycling events in the United States. RUSA doesn't run rides directly; it works through a network of regional clubs, each led by a Regional Brevet Administrator (RBA) who organizes and certifies events in their area. RUSA membership is required to participate in any Hudson Valley Randonneur events.

Riding the Hudson Valley

Our terrain ranges from rolling river-valley roads to sustained climbs into the Catskills and Shawangunks, offering riders a unique riding experience. We have access to hundreds of miles of gravel rail trails and carriage roads that are closed to cars. In addition to traditional road brevets, our region offers trail mix and gravel-only events. Brevets are typically scheduled from April to October to work around Northeastern winter conditions.