Randonneurs USA

Seventeen RUSA members were awarded the prestigious R-5000 award in 2005.

The award was created in 1961 by Audax Club Parisien to honor cyclists who completed 5,000 kilometers during a four-year period of events sanctioned by Randonneurs Mondiaux.

To qualify, the successful randonneur must complete a full BRM series (200, 300, 400, 600, and 1000k), a Paris-Brest-Paris, a Flèche Vélocio and additional brevets to bring the total distance up to 5,000 km.

Several clubs had multiple cyclists receiving the award. Six riders came from California's Davis Bike Club, while five belonged to Seattle International Randonneurs and two were from DC Randonneurs.

Jim Gerpheide, a member of San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club, had the longest stretch between his first and last qualifying events — 46 months. He began his quest for the medal in May 2001 and finished in March 2005.

SIR rider Dave Read had the quickest completion of five months. He logged his first qualifying event in March 2003 and his last in August 2003.

The R-5000 award is familiar to three recipients. Amy Rafferty, Mark Behning and Peter McKay each earned their second R-5000 in 2005.