There are several options for creating brevet card masters. It is important to use the correct card master for the event. Each master shows the overall sanctioning body on the top of the front cover. ACP-sanctioned events use the ACP (BRM) card master; RUSA-sanctioned brevets use the RUSA card master, etc.
Brevet Card Masters
Master brevet cards are available in the download area of the web site. Edit the files to reflect the specifics for your event. For example, change the distance, the club name, the date, and the control information. Be sure to select the appropriate brevet card master for the type of event that you are organizing.
Adobe PDFs - There is also a selection of brevet card masters in Adobe Acrobat format in the download area of the web site. These feature fill-in blanks that can be edited for your specific event and region. You may also print a copy on 8.5"x11" size paper and manually fill in the specifics for your event. Use this as your master copy for photocopying. In general, the Word format may work better for you, as you can save the edited card electronically for later use.
Printing Brevet Cards
There are also several options for printing the brevet cards.
For large runs, it is easiest to print or prepare the master copy and to have it duplicated at a local copy shop. The masters should be duplex photocopied (two-sided copies) onto card stock or cover stock rather than plain paper. Cutting the completed copies in two will yield two control cards per sheet. Note that longer events such as 1000km or 1200km may require a different brevet card layout.
Longer Events – There is also a master for events with more controls than will fit on the two-per-sheet portrait format. This is a landscape format that yields one card per sheet. This is mainly intended for 1000km and longer events.
The card stock used for brevet cards should be white or light pastel in color. Dark colors do not photocopy well, are difficult to read in low-light conditions, and signatures and time-stamps may not show up properly. When applying for certain ACP awards, riders must submit copies of the brevet cards. Dark-colored cards are difficult to photocopy for this purpose and may be rejected.
If you edit your master on the computer, you may be able to print directly onto card stock. Not all printers are capable of handling the thicker stock and the cost per page for printing on your home printer may be higher than at your local copy center. However, it may be practical for small runs.
Avery Office Products makes cardstock in the proper size for brevet cards. Product #05315 "Laser Note Cards" is a box containing 30 (8.5"x11") sheets for laser/inkjet printing and 60 matching envelopes. Each sheet is pre-scored for clean separation of the top and bottom halves, yielding two cards per sheet. In addition, each card has a pre-embossed fold line. This is not a particularly cost-effective way of making cards (the product's list price is $21.50, making the cards approximately $0.35 apiece). However, it certainly is convenient for small runs to avoid a trip to the copy center.
Some RBAs print cards and then affix address labels to them for pre-registered entrants. These labels would typically have the name, address, RUSA number, and rider’s club affiliation. The data for such labels can be generated by selecting entries from a spreadsheet or database application. An up-to-date copy of the RUSA Member List (text) may be of use in maintaining your local database of entrants. The Current Year Brevet Results (zip) databases may also be useful for preparing brevet cards or checking the preparation of participants in your event.