Randonneurs USA Board of Director Minutes

November 13, 2024

1. Call to order: The meeting on November 13, 2024 was called to order at 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, over Zoom. The following members were present. Chris Argo, incoming RBA-L, was also present.
   1. Bill Bryant
   2. Dawn Piech 
   3. Charlie Martin
   4. Rob Hawks
   5. Gardner Duvall
   6. Dave Thompson
   7. Vinny Muoneke
       
2. The minutes of the October Board meeting were approved.
    
3. Prior email votes were confirmed: the removal of the VA: Tidewater RBA; the 2024-2025 renewal of the general liability policy; an update of Rules for Riders, Art. 2.
    
4. The Treasurer submitted a written report for September. Dave confirmed the correctness of revenue and expense entries.
    
5. Gardner reported that the Financial Audit Committee reviewed the October Treasurer Report, without taking action on it.
    
6. There was a preliminary discussion of the forthcoming 2025 RUSA budget. After discussion a motion passed to continue to impose no event fees and a $10 annual fee for permanents in 2025.
    
7. Rob made a brief RBA-L report.
    
8. Rob made a Brevet Coordinator report. This included the ongoing ACP process of finalizing a 2025 international ride calendar which includes ACP events in the U.S. The UAF has not processed the 2024 results submitted by RUSA, which is beyond our control. Greg Merritt is no longer a member of the Audax Committee, and another French speaker on that committee would be desirable.
    
9. Dave reported that he mediated a dispute between an RBA and a member, which resulted in mutual public apologies being exchanged. Further follow-up was discussed.
    
10. There was a discussion about retroactively giving gravel credit for permanents, back to the inception of gravel credit. A technological solution was discussed, including the opportunity for riders to adjust that gravel credit consistent with the ability for current rides, limited by the amount of gravel identified in the approved route. Further action was planned.
     
11. The Website Committee submitted a written report. Charlie also reported on a request from an RBA to publish a technical source of truth for time calculations, along with advance notice of changes to RUSA rules and the website. The RUSA calculator for time limits is being replaced with Jake Klassen’s calculator. Volunteers to tackle a backlog on resolving disputes for the states credited for the American Explorer Award were discussed.
     
12. A motion passed to give finishers of team events credit for the unpaved distance they rode: As of January 1, 2025, unpaved distance will be credited for team events. The amount credited will correspond to the actual unpaved distance ridden by the team. It is up to each team to report this amount if they wish to receive credit. RBAs may verify this value or not as they wish. No extra time will be awarded for unpaved distance ridden on team events.
     
13. There was a discussion about how to enhance the visibility of the RUSA Headquarters’ calendar.
     
14. It was noted that Don Hamilton was administering the ongoing election of Board members, that he is periodically updating the Board about the number of voters, and the absence of problems with the new Election Buddy voting system. Reminders to vote were scheduled by Don.
     
15. There was a discussion about the scheduling of a proposed 2025 grand randonnee, with Rob to seek follow-up information.
     
16. Gardner provided a report about a voluntary Zoom call with RBAs on November 12 to discuss the revision of Rules for Rider Article 2, which imposes on riders the responsibility to have a bike in good working order, including brakes. That means that track bikes, i.e., fixed gear bikes with no brakes, are not permitted in RUSA events. It was explained to RBAs that a single brake, front or rear, complies with this requirement, but that two brakes on all bikes are desirable.
     
17. There was a discussion about how to disseminate the forthcoming gender identification survey to reach all members. It was agreed to send that survey in early December.
     
18. Dawn provided a written report on the results of the survey conducted upon the three-year anniversary of Between Controls. She is considering ways to improve the timing of Between Controls in 2025 with the release of the following year calendar to increase the open rate. Dawn reported that four new volunteers are coming onboard and that one has stepped down.
     
19. There was a discussion about whether and how to institute new 10-year Ultra awards for distances of 1000k, 2000, 3000k, 4000k, and 5000k. There was an agreement for a written motion and an email vote.
     
20. There was a discussion about whether and how to institute a new gravel/unpaved award linked to the Rouleur award. This concept was left for further consideration.
     
21. There was a discussion about the Marketing Committee, including how to analyze the results of a survey of RBAs. It was agreed that the Board needs to work on the mission and goals of the Marketing Committee.
     
22. Gardner gave a brief report on a subpoena served on an RBA in a suit a RUSA rider brought against a driver.
     
23. The next meeting was set for December 10, 2024.
     
24. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:59 Eastern time, without objection.