Populaires: Try it out!
New to the sport? Populaires are shorter, introductory rides—typically 100 km or less—designed to let new riders experience randonneur cycling in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Popular events in BC include:
- Maple Leaf Populaire (Vancouver)
- Victoria Populaire
- Cowichan Populaire
- Cherry Blossom 100 (Vancouver)
Populaires are a great way to get a taste of the challenge, scenery, and camaraderie that define the randonneur experience.
Brevets: the core of randonneur cycling
Randonneur rides, officially called brevets or randonnées, are long-distance cycling events where riders follow a set route within specific time limits, verified at control points along the way. These rides are self-supported—you carry what you need, handle mechanical issues yourself, and rely on food and rest stops at designated controls.
The standard brevet series includes:
- 200 km
- 300 km
- 400 km
- 600 km
Riders are encouraged to complete these in order, progressing through the distances as they build experience and endurance.
Ultra-Distance Brevets
For those seeking greater challenges, BC Randonneurs also hosts ultra-distance brevets of 1000 km and 1200 km, attracting seasoned riders from around the world.
In 2024, the VanIsle 1200, a route based on Vancouver Island’s End-to-End 1000 km, was a great success.
Paris-Brest-Paris
The most prestigious ride in randonneuring, Paris-Brest-Paris, is a 1200 km brevet, organized by the Audax Club Parisien every four years. It draws thousands of riders from around the world to ride from Paris to the Atlantic coast and back within a time limit of 90 hours.
To qualify for PBP, riders must complete a full brevet series (200, 300, 400, and 600 km) in the same calendar year.
Flèche Pacifique: team distance challenge
The Flèche Pacifique is a 24-hour team event where groups of 3–5 bikes design their own routes (minimum 360 km) and aim to ride as far as possible in the allotted time. Teams must coordinate, strategize, and stay together—it’s a unique test of endurance and teamwork. Routes converge at a common meeting point and all teams gather on Sunday morning for bunch.
Trace Pacifique: team event
Held in conjunction with the Flèche Pacifique, the Trace Pacifique is a team event where groups of 2–6 bikes design their own routes (minimum 201 km, maximum 359 km). As with the Flèche, routes finish at a common meeting point and teams attend brunch on Sunday. A ride and a social all in one!
Hell Week Series
For riders eager to challenge themselves intensively, Hell Week events compress a full brevet series into a single week. For example, Vancouver Island Hell Week features a 200, 300, 400, and 600 km ride over seven days—a true test of mental and physical stamina.
Permanents: ride anytime
Introduced in 2008, permanents are official randonneur routes that can be ridden anywhere, anytime. While not recognized by ACP, they follow the same rules as brevets and are a great way to stay active in the off-season or ride on your own schedule. Routes must be at least 200 km in length and can be completed anywhere in the world.