BRM's Cycling A Guide to Audax Randonneuring :Brevets De Randonneur Mondiaux (BRMs)

BRM stands for Brevets de Randonneurs Mondiaux, which translates to Brevet of the World Randonneurs in English. It is a system of long-distance cycling events organized under the rules of the Audax Club Parisien (ACP), the organization that governs official randonneering events.

A BRM is a type of brevet, a non-competitive, time-limited event where participants aim to ride a specific distance (such as 200 km, 300 km, 400 km, 600 km, and 1,000 km) within a set time limit. Key Details about BRM Events:

1. Distance and Time Limits: BRM events are typically held over various distances,

such as:

200 km (13.5 hours)

300 km (20 hours)

400 km (27 hours)

600 km (40 hours)

1,000 km (75 hours,)

while a 1,200 km LRM allows up to 90 hours.

2. Non-Competitive: Unlike traditional races, BRM events are not races but endurance rides. The emphasis is on completing the distance within the allotted time limit, not on being the fastest. Riders may ride at their own pace and are encouraged to enjoy the journey, including breaks for food, rest, and socializing at checkpoints.

3. Self-Sufficiency: Riders are expected to be self-supported. This means carrying their own food, water, tools, and any necessary gear. Support along the route is generally limited to official checkpoints where riders can get their brevet card stamped and refuel. Riders must manage their own pace, navigation, and logistics. Depending on the event, route maps or GPS files are often provided, but participants are responsible for following the course.

4. Brevet Card and Control Points: During a BRM, participants receive a brevet card at the start of the event. At various control points (also known as "checkpoints"), they must have their brevet card stamped to prove they’ve passed through that location. The card serves as proof that the rider has completed the course within the time frame and met all requirements of the event.

5. Global Randonneering Events: While BRM events are governed by the Audax Club Parisien (ACP), randonneering is a global activity, and BRMs are held all over the world. These events follow ACP rules, and completing a BRM earns riders a brevet certificate, which is a badge of achievement in the randonneering community.

6. Brevet Series and Paris-Brest-Paris: To qualify for the prestigious Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP), one of the most famous randonneering events in the world, cyclists must complete a series of qualifying brevets in specific distances (200 km, 300 km, 400 km, and 600 km) within a certain time frame, typically leading up to the event year. For instance, to participate in PBP, riders need to complete at least a 200 km BRM and progressively longer brevets before the event.

7. Randonneering Community: While BRM events are challenging, they are also about camaraderie, adventure, and endurance. Riders often form bonds as they meet at checkpoints, share stories, and support one another through the event. Randonneering is not about competing for a podium finish but about personal growth, achieving goals, and experiencing the joy of cycling long distances in diverse landscapes.

Thanks for watching... Please do Comment... Share & Subscribe..!!!

Follow on instagram - https://instagram.com/soloriderz2020?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Follow on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070265951908&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
All right, so today we're diving deep, deep

(00:04):
into the world of BRM cycling.
Oh, exciting.
It is.
Have you ever pictured yourself on a bike?
But not for speed.
You're not racing.
You're just covering hundreds of kilometers
just for the challenge and just for the journey.
Sounds pretty intense.
It does sound intense, right?
So BRM stands for Breves de Renauners Mondiou.

(00:26):
Basically, it's like these long distance cycling events.
They're governed by the Audax Club Parisian.
Gotcha.
But we're not just talking like a weekend ride.
Right.
These are some serious distances.
We're talking like 200 kilometers.
600 kilometers.
Oh my god.
And they even have one that's 1,200 kilometers.
What?

(00:47):
Yeah.
It's called the Paris Breast Paris.
Holy moly.
That's intense.
So what's fascinating about BRM to me
is it's not actually about being the fastest.
It's more about just pushing your own personal limits
So like 200 kilometer BRM, you have 13 and 1
and experiencing the joy of just cycling long distances.
Yeah.
That's really cool.
And they have these crazy time limits.

(01:08):
Oh, yeah.
1
1
90 hours.
Can you imagine the logistics of that?

(01:28):
I mean the planning that goes into that is just it's mind-boggling to me.
It's like yeah, it's not just like the physical endurance, you know to do that.
It's also like the mental game.
Yeah, for sure.
And it's like one thing I find interesting too is like they the whole self-sufficiency aspect of it.
Oh, yeah, so the riders they have to like carry everything they need on their bikes.

(01:49):
Oh, wow.
So like their food their water well tools repair kits.
Yeah, I mean it's they're like like mini survivalists out there like little little mobile survival survival workshops going on.
That's amazing.
It really embodies the spirit of randon nearing right?
It's all about self-reliance and and resourcefulness.

(02:10):
Yeah, you know like you're not just out there pedaling you're navigating your problem-solving.
You're kind of becoming one with your bike out there.
Yeah, I've heard like stories about people who like they've had to fix a flat tire and like the pitch black.
Wow, you know, and they've only got what they brought with them.
So, I mean that's that level of like preparedness is is pretty incredible.

(02:32):
Absolutely.
So with all these like distances and time limits, you know, how do riders even prove that they've like actually completed these journeys, right?
Well, that's where the brevet card comes in.
Okay, it's basically like it's like your passport to the randon nearing world and at each checkpoint along the route you get it stamped.
Oh cool.
And that proves that you completed that section within the time limit and that you follow the rules.

(02:57):
Oh, okay.
That makes sense.
So it's like a physical reminder like almost like a badge of honor.
Yes, exactly.
Earn through sweat and and determination.
Yeah, exactly.
Speaking of like legendary challenges, let's talk about the Paris Brest Paris.
It's like the pinnacle of randonneur.
It is the Paris Brest Paris or pbp as it's known is a 1200 kilometer ride.

(03:18):
Wow, that takes place every four years and it really is like the Holy Grail for a lot of randonneurs.
Yeah, but here's the thing.
You can't just like decide one day.
Hey, I'm going to do pdp right to qualify.
You actually have to complete a series of shorter brms in the preceding years.
Yeah, so we're talking 200 300 400 and 600 kilometers all within specific time frames.

(03:41):
Wow, so it's like a serious commitment then.
It is it's a big commitment.
It's almost like having a second job right with the amount of training and preparation that goes into it.
I mean what kind of sacrifices do people make?
Yeah, like what kind of sacrifices do riders make to get ready for something as big as the pbp?
Yeah, well, it definitely requires dedication.
You know riders will often adjust their lifestyles.

(04:02):
They'll incorporate pretty rigorous training schedules.
They meticulously plan their nutrition and you know invest in all the right gear.
I mean it really becomes a central part of their lives and many people find that you know having that level of commitment actually brings,
you know a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Yeah to their lives.
That's amazing.

(04:23):
It's incredible to think about like just the mental fortitude it takes to even like attempt something like that.
Yeah, you know, but pbp it's not just about like individual achievement is it?
No, absolutely not.
One of the most beautiful things about randonneuring is the camaraderie.
Oh really?
Yeah, you know, these are individuals who truly understand the challenges the joys and the sheer grit like the mental and physical

(04:48):
grit it takes to actually complete these rides. They support each other at checkpoints.
They exchange stories. They offer words of encouragement when things get tough.
That's cool.
So it's it's like it's almost like a shared experience like beyond just the cycling itself.
Absolutely.
It's like human connection and like going for striving for this common goal together.
Precisely.

(05:09):
Yeah, it's about you know realizing that even in these incredibly demanding endeavors that you're not alone.
And that sense of shared purpose and support is really what makes randonneuring so special.
Yeah, that's really cool. And that's actually what we're going to unpack next.
Okay, we're going to delve even deeper into this world of brm.
We're going to look at you know more about the community, you know, the mental and physical challenges.

(05:32):
Yeah, and even some of the personal stories that make this, you know, such a unique and inspiring pursuit.
Can't wait.
Stay tuned.
It's interesting to think about what actually draws people to this whole world of brm.
Yeah, is it the physical challenge?
Is it the mental toughness or maybe it's like the allure of exploring all these new places or could it even be something like deeper?

(05:58):
Yeah, I think it's definitely there's something like deeper to it, right?
It's almost like like a pilgrimage like a journey of self-discovery,
but it also connects you to like this wider community of like like-minded souls.
That's a beautiful way to put it.
It's not just about racking up the miles, right?
It's about pushing your boundaries.
It's about discovering what you're truly capable of.

(06:21):
And it's all done on a bicycle, which is pretty amazing when you think about it.
It's like this this simple machine.
It becomes like a vehicle for for exploration for self-discover and even like for human connection.
It is remarkable and the best part is it's it's accessible to almost anyone.
You don't need like fancy equipment or specialized training to to participate in a brm.

(06:45):
Yeah, exactly. All you really need is is a bike a sense of adventure and the willingness to to push yourself, you know,
it's like a like a reminder that adventure it doesn't have to be like this grand expedition, right?
You know, it can be found right in our own backyards.
Yeah, sometimes the most profound adventures are the ones that we embark on within ourselves.
You know, the journeys that challenge our perceptions push us to our limits and help us grow as individuals.

(07:11):
You know, I was reading about like the types of bikes at a random Norse like apparently they like they lean towards like sturdy reliable bikes.
Like, you know, that prioritize like comfort and durability over speed, which makes sense when you think about the distances, right?
It does. Yeah, they often offer steel frames, which are known for their comfort on those long rides

(07:34):
and their ability to absorb vibrations. Plus they need to be able to carry all that gear we talked about earlier.
So you'll see them with racks and panniers lights all very carefully selected to make sure that they can handle any challenge the road throws their way.
Yeah. And there's like a whole like philosophy around training for these events.
It's not just about hammering out miles. It's about building a strong base.

(07:55):
It's about like listening to your body and incorporating like long slow rides to prepare for those like, you know, grueling hours in the saddle.
You're right. Yeah, it's more about consistency and endurance rather than pure speed.
A lot of Rendonours, they follow this principle of of gradually increasing their mileage and incorporating those back to back long rides to really simulate the demands of a BRM event.

(08:19):
Yeah, it makes you wonder like if there's something about the rhythm of cycling, like the the steady cadence of the pedals that allows for this, like this kind of introspection.
Perhaps it's like that meditative quality of the movement, you know, that steady rhythm helps us like disconnect from all the noise of daily life and just tune into our thoughts and feelings.

(08:39):
It's almost as if like the bicycle becomes an extension of of ourselves, carrying us not just across, you know, distances, but also inwards towards a deeper understanding of who we are.
Yeah. And as we pedal along, you know, mile after mile, hour after hour, something shifts within us.
You know, we we shed layers of self-doubt.
We we confront our our limitations and we we emerge stronger and more resilient than we ever thought possible.

(09:07):
I think that's that's at the heart of Rendonouring's appeal.
It's about proving to yourself that you're you're capable of more than you thought.
Yeah. And through it all, we're surrounded by this amazing community of fellow Rendonours.
Yeah, it's like this shared experience of pushing boundaries, both physical and mental.
And speaking of pushing boundaries, we've got a special treat for our listeners today.

(09:27):
Oh, yeah. We managed to snag an interview with a with a Rendonour who's completed the Paris Brest Paris not once, but five times.
Five times. That's incredible.
I know. I can't wait to hear their experiences and insights into this legendary event.
Let's hear what they had to say about the PDP and and what it's taught them about themselves and the world.

(09:47):
So we've talked about all the ins and outs of BRM cycling from the gear to the crazy distances and the like the amazing sense of community.
But now I think it's time to to actually hear from someone who's who's lived this experience.
Yeah, for sure. We have with us today a five time finisher of the legendary
Paris Brest Paris, a true veteran of Rendonouring. Welcome to the deep dive.

(10:11):
It's an honor to have you here. You know, your experience is truly inspiring.
And I'm sure our listeners are just like eager to hear about your your journey in the world of BRM.
So let's just start at the beginning. Like what what drew you to Rendonouring in the first place?
Was there like a particular moment or event that that kind of sparked your interest?
Five time PDP finisher.

(10:33):
You know, it all started with with a with a simple desire to challenge myself.
I'd always I'd always enjoyed cycling, but you know, I never really considered myself like a serious cyclist.
And then one day I stumbled upon this article about a local 200 K BRM event and something about the distance,
you know, the self-sufficiency aspect and the idea of like really pushing my limits.
It just kind of clicked with me. So I signed up not really knowing what I was getting myself into.

(10:55):
And that first 200 K. How was that experience for you?
I imagine it was quite a leap from from your like usual cycling routine.
Five time PDP finisher.
Yeah, it definitely was a baptism by fire.
I remember feeling overwhelmed at times, especially during those long stretches through the night.
But you know, there was also this incredible sense of accomplishment.
Like with each checkpoint I reached, like each kilometer I ticked off and and the camaraderie among the other riders was just amazing.

(11:19):
You know, they were so supportive. They were like offering encouragement and sharing tips along the way.
It was it was really special.
You mentioned those those long stretches through the night.
What's it like, you know, mentally and physically to to be out there on the road in the darkness pushing your limits like that?
Five time PDP finisher.
It's a it's a very unique experience. That's for sure.

(11:41):
You know, your your senses are heightened. The world just feels different in the dark.
You know, you're relying on your bike lights to illuminate the path ahead.
And there's this like the sense of solitude and introspection that's that's kind of hard to describe.
Almost meditative, you know, chance to really connect with with yourself and the rhythm of the ride.
So from that first 200 K, you eventually made your way to the Paris Brest Paris and not just once but five times.

(12:05):
I mean, what what keeps you coming back to this to this monumental event?
Five time PDP finisher. It's it's hard to put into words the allure of PDP.
I think it's the history, the challenge, the camaraderie, you know, on a global scale.
You have riders from all over the world united by this this shared passion for for endurance cycling.
The atmosphere is electric, especially at the start and finish lines and the route itself is stunning.

(12:29):
You know, it takes you through the French countryside, past these historic landmarks and charming villages.
It's an experience that that stays with you long after you cross the finish line.
Five times is an incredible feat. What what advice would you give to to someone considering their first PDP?
What are like the key things to focus on during those years of preparation?

(12:49):
Five time PDP finisher. Well, first and foremost, listen to your body.
Don't push yourself too hard too soon.
Build up your mileage gradually and make sure you're comfortable spending like, you know, long hours in the saddle.
Nutrition is also crucial, especially during those those long rides.
So experiment with different foods and find what works best for you.
And don't neglect the mental aspect. You know, visualize yourself completing the ride.

(13:12):
Break it down into smaller, more manageable goals.
And most importantly, enjoy the journey.
You know, the years leading up to PDP are are just as important as the event itself.
That's fantastic advice. And, you know, for listeners who might be feeling, you know, inspired,
but also a little hesitant to to take that first step, what would you say to them?
Five time PDP finisher. I'd say don't be afraid to to start small, you know, sign up for a local 200K.

(13:38):
Experience the joy of randonneering firsthand.
You you might be surprised at what you're capable of.
Randonneering is more than just a physical challenge.
It's a journey of self-discovery. You know, it's a chance to connect with an
amazing community in a way to to experience the world from a different perspective.
That's a beautiful sentiment. It's about pushing your boundaries, both physical and mental,

(14:00):
and coming out stronger on the other side.
Well, a huge thank you to our to our five time PDP finisher for for sharing your incredible insights
and and inspiring us all with with your story.
Yeah, it's been a privilege to hear about your your experiences.
Your passion for randonneering is is truly infectious.
And I have a feeling we've got a few listeners out there who are who are already searching for BRM events in their area.

(14:20):
So as we as we wrap up this deep dive into the world of BRM cycling, we we leave you with this.
What's your next adventure going to be? Whether it's a local 200K or the epic Paris Brest Paris.
Remember that that the journey starts with a single pedal stroke.
And who knows, maybe you'll discover that the greatest journey of all is is the one that takes you within.
Until next time, keep exploring, keep pushing your boundaries and keep the spirit of randonneering alive.