Ortlieb is offering RUSA members a 15% discount on all products ordered from their website until 12/1/2006. See http://www.rusa.org/Download/OrtliebRUSAoffer.pdf for details.

3M has donated a generous supply of Scotchlite Reflective Adhesive Material, which Randonneurs USA is now offering to its members free of charge. For more information: http://www.rusa.org/Download/rusa-scotchlite.pdf.

As mentioned in the February American Randonneur (which should be in mailboxes shortly), Bill Bryant is pulling off the front of the pace line of volunteers that has ably led Randonneurs USA since its inception in 1998. Randonneurs USA thanks Bill for his tireless service including a strong pull as RUSA President for the past two years. Bill will continue, as always, to devote substantial time and energy to RUSA and to the sport - serving as coordinator for the Fleches USA, administering various RUSA recognitions and awards, being a wise presence on the board, and mentoring many riders and volunteers.

At its January meeting, the Board of Directors chose Mark Thomas to be the next RUSA President. The other officers for 2006 are John Lee Ellis (Vice President), Tim Sullivan (Treasurer), and Terry Zmrhal (Secretary). Together with the rest of the 2006 board (Bill, Don Hamilton, and Tracey Ingle) and the volunteers, they look forward to serving the organization and the sport in 2006.

The Austin, TX brevet organizer Jean-Luc Friang has unexpectedly resigned and his 2006 dates have been cancelled. RUSA is interested in finding a new Austin-area RBA for 2007 and beyond.

The American permanent brevet program continues to grow. Randonneurs USA is proud to announce that our one hundredth route has been added to the list. For more information, go to the permanents page

Randonneurs USA is in mourning for one of our members. Dr. Bob Breedlove died on June 23rd in Colorado while competing in the 2005 Race Across America. In addition to being an accomplished long-distance racer, Bob Breedlove was a veteran randonneur and a finisher of four Paris-Brest-Paris events. A fine guy and fun to be around, he will be sorely missed. Randonneurs USA sends its heartfelt sympathies to Bob's family and friends.

National Public Radio feature on randonneuring.