Overview
This is a system to generate the control times used in Randonneurs USA (RUSA) and ACP Brevets. Start in 2025, Control and Total Event times are now the same for brevets, perms, and LRM (1200k+) events. Intermediate control times are advisory only but are a helpful reference for riders to know they are maintaining a pace for a successful finish.
How to Use
At minimum all you need is the distance of a route or event to see the offical min/max times. All distances assume miles and feet but will convert from kilometers if the distance entered is followed by "k" (for distance) or "m" (for elevation). For ACP events, use ACP metric distance such as "200k", "400km", etc.
Additional time for Unpaved Sections (aka Gravel or Dirt)
Enter in the distance of the unpaved section which is reflected on the approved RUSA route to be used. The closing time of the finish is extended by 1 minute for every 1 km of unpaved distance.
Warning: ACP sanctioned events do not allow additional time so this option should not be used when the event is sanctioned by ACP in addition to RUSA, even if the route is not fully paved. For LRM events, discuss with the LRM President before increasing the time limit.
Additional time for routes with extensive climbing
LRM now allows organizers to extend the total time limit by 5% for every whole meter of climbing per kilometer of distance above 11m/km. For example, an event with 12.5m/km of elevation gain will allow for a 5% time increase. An event with 15m/km will extend the time by 20%. This extension is not applicable for non-LRM RUSA events such as perms, sub-1200ks, etc.
Enter the total elevation gain for the event in meters or feet and the calculator will determine the extension.
When using this option, the intermediate control times are extended based on the total event time. For example, a 1200k with 15,000m of climbing extends the finish closing time by 5% or 4h 30m more than the standard 90h. If there was a control at 600k into the event, the control closing time would be 47h 15m after the start, half of the total event time, instead of the standard 40h at that distance. These times are advisory only.
Things to Remember
- The finish control uses the event distance. In most cases the actual route is slightly longer than the scheduled event. Make sure the finish control lists the correct ending distance for the route but the closing times of the event. Riders do not receive extra time for routes which exceed the "advertised" distance.
- Distance are truncated for time calculation! If a control is at 55.9 miles, the times produced as if the control was at mile 55.0. [Ed note: I support changing this rule. Give riders the extra time!]
- This system won't check RUSA rules. For example, you can't use a 230km route for an ACP 200k event.
Notes about Calculations
- The rules for these times can be found on the RUSA site.
- For the first 60km of routes, the closing time of controls in this section is extended to provide a "catch-up" opportunity for riders who might have started up to an hour late. This is not only advisory.
- For events that are 200-202k and 400-404k, riders receive a 10 and 20 minute respective "bonus" to the finish closing time. Based only on speed the closing time for a 200k should be 13h 20m but ACP tries to simplify the math by rounding to 13h 30m.
- There are other esoteric rules regarding control times. If in doubt, ask the RBA Liaison or the RUSA Board.
Bugs? Questions?
Please contact me at me@jkassen.org!
