Randonneuring Basics:

Photo: Maindru

Randonneuring Basics is a series of articles in Bicycle Quarterly on techniques for long-distance riding. Here you find advice on how to train, how to ride a long ride, how to make your bike faster, and why it is important to enjoy the scenery. The advice is not only for those interested in riding Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP), but also for century, event and ultramarathon riders and bicycle tourists.

The authors of this series are experienced long-distance cyclists, who have completed several PBP and other ultramarathon events. Their advice is based on their experience on the road.

Also read our classic article "What Makes a Good Randonneur Bike" from our Spring 2003 issue (pdf format).

Articles in this series:

Planning and Packing (Vol. 4, No. 3): What to bring on a long-distance ride: Clothing, food and more. How to visualize your event and determine a schedule to be successful.

Enjoying the Scenery (Vol. 4, No. 4): Taking an interest in the landscape you traverse on your rides not only heightens the enjoyment, but also helps you complete your ride.

How to Make Your Bike Faster (Vol. 5, No. 1): What is more important: Light weight, aerodynamics or rolling resistance? We look at all these factors for different riders, based on actual measurements, with surprising results. Read how you can take 2-10 hours off your PBP time by making simple changes to your bike.

Training for Long-Distance Events (Vol. 5, No. 2): We tell you not just how to train, but also how to fit training for a long-distance event into your busy schedule.

Training Tools from Stopwatches to Coaches (Vol. 5, No. 2): What heart rate monitors, power measuring tools and more can do for you and wether you need them.

Efficient Cycling (Vol. 5, No. 3): How to carry more speed over rolling terrain and more tips on going faster with the same effort.

The Futility of Downhill Pedaling (Vol. 5, No. 3): Why pedaling above certain speeds does not make you faster.

Riding in Groups (Vol. 5, No. 4): How to do an efficient paceline, how to optimize a group's speed in crosswinds, pacelining etiquette and more.

Planning Paris-Brest-Paris (Vol. 5, No. 4): Plan your ride so you won't have to wait in line at controls and more advice to make PBP a success.

A Survey of the Equipment in Paris-Brest-Paris 2007 (Vol. 6, No. 2): What worked, what didn't and what riders would like to change.

Testing Your Bike's Aerodynamics (Vol. 7, No. 1): A simple way to assess equipment and positions on the road.

Avoiding the Bonk (Vol. 7, No. 3): Nutrition for Long-Distance Riding.

Choosing a Builder for your Next Bike (Vol. 7, No. 4): How to make sure your dream bike turns out exactly as you anticipate. Avoid the pitfalls that can lead to disappointments.

Click here to subscribe to Bicycle Quarterly!

"Money Back" guarantee: If you subscribe to Bicycle Quarterly and don't like the magazine, let us know, and we will gladly refund the unused portion of your subscription.