Joseph Ray, RUSA #10408

Bernardsville, NJ

I feel very lucky to have found randonneuring. It was an accidental right-place, right-time thing in 2014, and I was hooked right away. I suspect my story is similar to many others'. Whether riding brevets and permanents across the country or volunteering at the finish line to hear fellow riders' stories, I am continually reminded of how vibrant our community is.

While some worry about the potential for a decline, I see growth. I especially see growth where clubs host brevets and populaires closer to where riders are and where we get lots of energy and enthusiasm as a result, and also when we adopt rules and technologies that make all our lives simpler, and that make our organizations more approachable to current and future members. Much of this is incremental change—evolution, not revolution. As an example, I’ve experienced firsthand how website and rule updates benefited everyone. While riding perms across the US last year I never once had to contact a route owner days before to register to ride or afterward to submit my results to them. Thankfully new perm rules arrived as I was starting to submit perms myself. I am sure there is more we can do to further simplify the non-riding aspect of our sport.

The rides should be challenging; the administration less so.

I believe Randonneurs USA has a bright future, and I want to help foster it.

If elected to serve, I aim to:

1. Ensure we continue to meet existing and new riders where they are
2. Refine our practices so first-timers keep coming back for more
3. Continue to work toward our mission statement, following our values, organizational objectives and strategic plan

I would be honored to serve you on the RUSA Board.

View Joe's interview with Emily

Questions? Contact Joe at hoorays@me.com