The Web Team sends updates to the Board every month, and now these have been posted for you to see. There's lots going on with the website. This is a way to keep up with new features you may like, and issues you may find interesting.
► Web Team Updates to the Board (12/2022 to present) ... linked on the Records page.
Each year current RUSA members can nominate another current RUSA member to be considered for the American Randonneur of the Year award. To nominate someone, you need to submit an explanation of why they should be considered, by Dec. 15th. Once those nominations are received, the *incoming* board (those on the board on January 1st) will discuss, consider and vote on who should get the award.
The person you wish to nominate needs to be a current RUSA member in good standing. The board will only vote on nominations for RUSA members who are not currently on the board during the nomination period or not on the board when it reviews, discusses and votes on the recipient for that year. You can still nominate someone that fits that description, but any nominations for someone on the board at those times will be held over until that person is eligible.
Nominations without supporting statements will not be considered, so take the time to explain why you feel they should be nominated.
For more information on the award, a link to where to send your nomination and supporting statement, and a list of past recipients, please go to this page.
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Randonneurs USA (RUSA) and Audax Club Parisien have historically collected gender data to understand demographics. Over time, it became clear that limiting gender options to Male and Female was insufficient. In 2020, RUSA added a third category to cover non-binary/decline-to-state. Currently, the awards listings on the website and in our quarterly American Randonneur magazine show an F designation for those who have chosen Female. Members can already opt out of having their gender designation appear on awards listings by choosing non-binary/decline-to-state. We intend to make changes to gender data collection in 2025. We want to take this opportunity to get your input. These revisions are as follows:
NOTE: This is a survey, not a vote. If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to us at board@rusa.org or any individual Randonneurs USA board member. Thank you for your time and providing input to this survey. |
RUSA is pleased to announce that John Lee Ellis and Charlie Martin have been elected to serve 3-year terms on the Board of Directors and that Chris Argo has been elected, by acclamation, as RBA Liaison for 2025. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the other candidates who stood for election. A special thanks, also, to Vincent Muoneke, who will be stepping down at the end of the year, and to Rob Hawks, who will be stepping down as RBA Liaison after a number of highly productive years, but will be continuing as Brevet Coordinator chair, on the Membership Committee and as RBA of CA: San Francisco, our largest region. The election results are as follows:
For Regular Board Positions:
| John Lee Ellis | 287 |
| Paul Kramer | 215 |
| Charlie Martin | 402 |
| Pierre Moreels | 172 |
| Number of voters | 614 |
Many thanks to Don Hamilton for managing this election.
The RUSA board election is almost upon us. At 9am Eastern on Nov 1, assuming no glitches, members will receive an email from the election tool that we're using this year to cast their vote for up to two of the five candidates for two open 3-year-term board positions.
The candidates are here: 2025 RUSA Board Candidates
The RBA Liaison position is also open but Chris Argo was the only nominee so he's in by acclamation. Please join me in welcoming Chris to the RUSA Board. The RBAL term is one year. Rob Hawks is already starting to get Chris up to speed.
The RUSA Bylaws never stipulated that there would be an election for the RBAL, only that the RBAs would appoint one of their number. We've traditionally handled that through a vote, even when there was only one candidate. We made some changes to that section of the bylaws to clarify how vacant positions are handled and, in particular, acclamation for the RBAL position.
Don Hamilton will be handling questions that are directed to election@rusa.org. That's the role that Johnny Bertrand has played for a number of years. Like Johnny, Don will triage the questions as appropriate.
Nominations are open from 10/1 through 10/20 for the 2025 RUSA Board. Two regular seats are open, plus RBA Liaison, which is a one-year term. (Only RBAs may nominate for RBA Liaison). Nominations must be received by October 20th, 2024. To nominate a fellow member and/or yourself, email election@rusa.org
► Candidates who have accepted nomination
We encourage individuals of all identities (racial, ethnic, gender, sexuality, ability, size, age, etc.) to apply. Randonneurs USA is seeking members whose experience, expertise, perspective and passion will help us fulfill our mission. We are looking for individuals with experience in the following:
Members of the Board act as representatives of Randonneurs USA (RUSA) and are responsible for ensuring we are executing our mission, being accountable to our membership, and keeping our organization healthy.
Your Board of Directors meets once per month, via Zoom. The monthly/weekly time commitment is variable, based on position and responsibility on special projects/committees. As a guideline, you can expect at least 10-20 hours per month on Board business, including various Board-related projects and tasks, phone calls, a high volume of email discussions, and the scheduled two-hour monthly zoom meeting. A number of Board members also devote substantially more time volunteering for RUSA.
Two positions on the RUSA Board of Directors will become available at the end of 2024. The terms of Charlie Martin and Vincent Muoneke are expiring. Both are eligible for re-election, Charlie is running for an additional term, Vincent will not be running again. Members may nominate up to two current members to run for these two positions. The term limit is three years.
The Regional Brevet Administrator Liaison (RBA-L) position is open. This position is a one year term. Rob Hawks currently holds the position and is not seeking re-election. NOTE: Only Regional Brevet Administrators (RBA's) are eligible to nominate and vote for the RBA Liaison.
All candidates who accept their nomination must submit a statement of qualifications and a photo, which will be posted on our website. Candidates will have the option of conducting a recorded interview facilitated by Randonneurs USA.
If you're interested in running and would like to inquire more, please reach out to any current and/or past board member.
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"8k600" brevets are 600k ACP brevets with at least 8,000 m (26,246 ft.) of climbing. They are a requirement for earning the ACP Randonneur 10,000 award. The Web Team has added features to search for 8k600 events on RUSA calendar, to flag results for these events, and help RBAs and the Brevet Coordinator Committee in setting these up. Calendar events and results for 2023 and 2024 have been updated, so you can play around with these features now. Thanks to Charlie Martin of the Web Team in consultation with Rob Hawks (RBA Liaison and Brevet Coordinator chair). |
Search for 8k600 events:
Rider result:
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Set up a Marketing Committee engaging internally with RBAs and members using surveys and interviews, externally with cycling clubs and organizations, with a broad goal of increasing market awareness, RUSA membership and ridership.
Committee set up, RBA Survey completed, summary results forthcoming
Review and update all rules, procedures and other documentation for organizers and riders, for all types of rides e.g. Brevets and Populaires, Team Events, UAF Audax and Permanents
ACP and RUSA Brevets:
Rules for Riders – brevets and populaires – Complete
Rules for Organizers – brevets and populaires – Nearly Complete
Rules for LRM Riders (1200 km and longer US events) – In Progress
Rules for LRM Organizers (1200 km and longer US events) – In Progress
Team Events:
24-Hr Fleches-USA (ACP sanction) - In Progress
24-Hr Arrow (RUSA sanction) - In Progress
13.5-Hr Dart (RUSA sanction) - In Progress
8-Hr Dart populaire (RUSA sanction) - In Progress
Permanents:
Permanents (200 km and longer) - Not Started Yet
Permanents populaires (100 km -199 km) - Not Started Yet
UAF Audax: fixed-pace group rides regulations - Not Started Yet
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RUSA now has a Marketing Committee. Its mission is to promote the sport of randonneuring and support our Regional Brevet Administrators (RBAs) and their clubs. Members are Phil Fox (chair), Bill Bryant, Nigel Greene, Wei Sun, and Lydia Trott. "The Marketing Committee will focus on elevating our communication strategies and developing outreach initiatives to raise awareness, attract new participants, and strengthen the randonneuring community nationwide. By harnessing the expertise and insights of our members and RBAs, we aim to drive growth and engagement within our community." They can be contacted at marketing@rusa.org. |
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