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Audax Latvia FAQ | Brevet Rules, Registration & Cycling Tips
Get answers about Audax Latvia events: brevet rules, equipment requirements, registration process, and training tips for long-distance cycling in Latvia.
1. What is Audax LV?
Audax Latvia (also known as Audax LV or ALV) is a long-distance cycling organization in Latvia. It was established in 2023. Audax LV oversees long-distance cycling events and uses a timed checkpoint system to validate and record each successful ride.
2. Can anyone participate in Audax LV events?
Yes, anyone can participate.
3. What does the word “Audax” mean?
It means “bold” in Latin and was first used in the context of endurance sports in the late 19th century.
4. What do the words “Randonnée” and “Randonneur” mean?
“Randonnée” is a French word that translates to “a long bike ride or journey” — it’s not directly translatable, but at Audax LV, we interpret it as a long bike ride. A “Randonneur” is any person who has completed a recognized 200-kilometer bike ride.
5. What does the word “Brevet” or “Brevets” mean?
It means ‘certificate’. It is a card that you receive before the ride, which gets stamped and validated by Audax LV as proof of your ride. This term is also often used to describe the event itself — that is, a certified ride.
6. What is the difference between BRM and LRM?
BRM (Brevets de Randonneurs Mondiaux) events are held worldwide according to the standard rules set by ACP (Audax Club Parisien). Rides are validated and recorded.
They are standard distances with a maximum of 5% over the distance, and each distance has maximum time limits:
200km – 13:30
300km – 20:00
400km – 27:00
600km – 40:00
1000km – 75:00
LRM (Les Randonneurs Mondiaux) events are 1200 km (usually with a 90-hour time limit) or longer. Rides are registered and qualified in the same way as BRM rides.
In short, BRM rides are up to 1000 kilometers, while LRM rides are over 1200 kilometers.
7. How long are the distances for the events?
The classic distances for Audax LV events are 200 km, 300 km, 400 km, and 600 km. Audax LV is closely connected with similar organizations worldwide, particularly in France, and participating in events in other countries will follow the same BRM rules as in Latvia.
8. How is the time determined, and what is a non-stop ride?
The maximum time allowed to complete the ride is measured from the moment you start until you finish. There is no additional time for breaks, meals, rest, sleep, or mechanical issues. This means you need to ride fast enough to create a time buffer, especially in longer events where you may need to rest or even sleep. It’s not as hard as it sounds, as the maximum time limits are quite generous.
9. What are Audax LV events?
These are NOT races.
Participants ride at their own pace, each pushing their endurance limits, with the primary goal of simply “reaching the finish line.” These events are suitable for everyone: recreational riders, tourists, “reborn” cyclists, young and old, men and women. You’ll see all kinds of bicycles — road bikes, tandems, tricycles, recumbents, and sometimes even stranger things… The number of participants varies, but it’s usually around 100. Smaller local events may have only a few riders, while some popular events attract 200 or more participants. Routes typically include some fast main roads (which we try to avoid when planning routes) and many quiet, scenic roads. Many rides are quite hilly, some are very hilly, and even the flatter events usually have one or two challenging climbs. The maximum and minimum time limits are designed to suit everyone, from the best riders to occasional riders with a lot of determination. Each rider carries a “brevet card,” which is stamped at control points and the finish and later returned to the rider as proof of their achievement.
10. What do I gain by participating?
Every BRM ride completed within the time limit is considered an achievement by Audax LV and is recorded in the Audax LV archive. The original brevet card is stamped and numbered by Audax LV and returned to the rider. For BRM rides, records are also kept by Audax Club Parisien (ACP), the world’s oldest long-distance cycling organization. For these events, the card is also stamped and numbered by ACP before being returned.
Audax LV also provides “Super Randonneur” certification. For example, someone who completes 200, 300, 400, and 600 km in one season becomes a “Super Randonneur,” and this elite list is published annually on the Audax LV website and other resources.
11. If I can’t finish the ride for some reason, what happens? Will I be picked up?
Generally, no. Do not expect ‘evacuation’ at these events unless the organizer has stated otherwise. Similarly, you cannot expect to be welcomed at the finish or intermediate controls after the closing time indicated on your brevet card. You must make your own way back to transport or home. If you cannot complete the route, it is recommended to inform the organizer.
12. Can I request extra time for going off-route?
You can try. But you probably won’t succeed!
13. Are mudguards and lights mandatory?
Some events may require mudguards, but this depends on the organizer. It is usually specified in the event description. Lighting is required if you ride from dusk to dawn. Riding without lights during nighttime is prohibited and leads to disqualification (DQ).
For night riding, bicycles must be equipped with front and rear lights firmly attached to the bike. Lights must always be fully functional during nighttime. The rear light must be in steady (not flashing) mode during nighttime. Riders who do not comply with these requirements will not be allowed to start. Lights must be on from dusk to dawn and at any other time when visibility is poor (rain, fog). Everyone must wear reflective vests. Any violation of these riding rules results in immediate disqualification.
14. Are recumbents allowed?
Yes, recumbents are allowed.
15. How do I find out about events?
The Audax LV calendar is available on the website and Facebook page.
16. How do I participate in an Audax LV event?
The easiest way is usually online by finding the event on the website. The participation fee is set by the organizers. When registering, you need to fill out a participant form and make a payment. There is also an option to register on-site before the start, but keep in mind that this will take more time and may be slightly more expensive than registering online.
17. I’ve registered for an event but can’t ride now. Can I get my money back?
A 100% refund (minus payment processing fees) can be obtained by contacting the organizer, but only 50% of the fee is refunded if canceled within 3 days of the event. No refunds are given on the day of the event or after.
18. If I join Audax LV, what do I get for my membership fee?
Audax LV is a non-profit organization, and most of your membership fee goes toward publishing the annual journal.
-Annual journal
-Discounted participation in events
-Inclusion in the Audax LV awards structure
19. How do I join Audax LV?
By filling out the membership application (available on the website), submitting it to the Audax LV board, and, after receiving a positive response, paying the membership fee.
20. What is the best bicycle for Audax LV events?
The truth is, any bike will do. However, make sure it is durable, well-maintained, and checked before any long ride. The most popular bike is a road bike, but you can ride any type, as long as it is human-powered. E-bikes are not allowed.
21. What is the Audax “season”?
Audax LV rides take place on weekends throughout the year, but awards and championship points are accumulated from November 1 to October 31 of the following year. This is the international Audax calendar.
22. Do rides abroad count toward awards and championships?
Yes, if they are BRM or LRM rides. That is, they must appear in the annual calendars published by Audax Club Parisien or Les Randonneurs Mondiaux. If they are completed, you must contact the Audax LV board and inform them; otherwise, they will not appear in the overall count.
23. Why does it take so long to get my brevet card back?
Your card must be carefully checked and validated by Audax LV. First, the event organizer must collect all the cards at the end of the event, sort them in some order, prepare a results sheet and financial report, including payment to ACP for any medals and stamps. Each card is individually checked for missed or skipped controls. It is then assigned a unique Brevet number. If the event is one of those marked as BRM in the calendar, the results are now sent to Audax Club Parisien in France for another validation process. This event chain is quite labor-intensive, but what really slows things down is that one or another link in the chain may be on vacation.
24. How can I organize an event?
You must sign an agreement with the ACP representative in Latvia and Audax LV. You must create and follow your event calendar. Audax LV and the ACP representative ensure the event complies with BRM and LRM rules.
25. Can I use an e-bike?
The use of e-bikes is not allowed. Results are not validated, and no certification is provided.
Audax Latvia (also known as Audax LV or ALV) is a long-distance cycling organization in Latvia. It was established in 2023. Audax LV oversees long-distance cycling events and uses a timed checkpoint system to validate and record each successful ride.
2. Can anyone participate in Audax LV events?
Yes, anyone can participate.
3. What does the word “Audax” mean?
It means “bold” in Latin and was first used in the context of endurance sports in the late 19th century.
4. What do the words “Randonnée” and “Randonneur” mean?
“Randonnée” is a French word that translates to “a long bike ride or journey” — it’s not directly translatable, but at Audax LV, we interpret it as a long bike ride. A “Randonneur” is any person who has completed a recognized 200-kilometer bike ride.
5. What does the word “Brevet” or “Brevets” mean?
It means ‘certificate’. It is a card that you receive before the ride, which gets stamped and validated by Audax LV as proof of your ride. This term is also often used to describe the event itself — that is, a certified ride.
6. What is the difference between BRM and LRM?
BRM (Brevets de Randonneurs Mondiaux) events are held worldwide according to the standard rules set by ACP (Audax Club Parisien). Rides are validated and recorded.
They are standard distances with a maximum of 5% over the distance, and each distance has maximum time limits:
200km – 13:30
300km – 20:00
400km – 27:00
600km – 40:00
1000km – 75:00
LRM (Les Randonneurs Mondiaux) events are 1200 km (usually with a 90-hour time limit) or longer. Rides are registered and qualified in the same way as BRM rides.
In short, BRM rides are up to 1000 kilometers, while LRM rides are over 1200 kilometers.
7. How long are the distances for the events?
The classic distances for Audax LV events are 200 km, 300 km, 400 km, and 600 km. Audax LV is closely connected with similar organizations worldwide, particularly in France, and participating in events in other countries will follow the same BRM rules as in Latvia.
8. How is the time determined, and what is a non-stop ride?
The maximum time allowed to complete the ride is measured from the moment you start until you finish. There is no additional time for breaks, meals, rest, sleep, or mechanical issues. This means you need to ride fast enough to create a time buffer, especially in longer events where you may need to rest or even sleep. It’s not as hard as it sounds, as the maximum time limits are quite generous.
9. What are Audax LV events?
These are NOT races.
Participants ride at their own pace, each pushing their endurance limits, with the primary goal of simply “reaching the finish line.” These events are suitable for everyone: recreational riders, tourists, “reborn” cyclists, young and old, men and women. You’ll see all kinds of bicycles — road bikes, tandems, tricycles, recumbents, and sometimes even stranger things… The number of participants varies, but it’s usually around 100. Smaller local events may have only a few riders, while some popular events attract 200 or more participants. Routes typically include some fast main roads (which we try to avoid when planning routes) and many quiet, scenic roads. Many rides are quite hilly, some are very hilly, and even the flatter events usually have one or two challenging climbs. The maximum and minimum time limits are designed to suit everyone, from the best riders to occasional riders with a lot of determination. Each rider carries a “brevet card,” which is stamped at control points and the finish and later returned to the rider as proof of their achievement.
10. What do I gain by participating?
Every BRM ride completed within the time limit is considered an achievement by Audax LV and is recorded in the Audax LV archive. The original brevet card is stamped and numbered by Audax LV and returned to the rider. For BRM rides, records are also kept by Audax Club Parisien (ACP), the world’s oldest long-distance cycling organization. For these events, the card is also stamped and numbered by ACP before being returned.
Audax LV also provides “Super Randonneur” certification. For example, someone who completes 200, 300, 400, and 600 km in one season becomes a “Super Randonneur,” and this elite list is published annually on the Audax LV website and other resources.
11. If I can’t finish the ride for some reason, what happens? Will I be picked up?
Generally, no. Do not expect ‘evacuation’ at these events unless the organizer has stated otherwise. Similarly, you cannot expect to be welcomed at the finish or intermediate controls after the closing time indicated on your brevet card. You must make your own way back to transport or home. If you cannot complete the route, it is recommended to inform the organizer.
12. Can I request extra time for going off-route?
You can try. But you probably won’t succeed!
13. Are mudguards and lights mandatory?
Some events may require mudguards, but this depends on the organizer. It is usually specified in the event description. Lighting is required if you ride from dusk to dawn. Riding without lights during nighttime is prohibited and leads to disqualification (DQ).
For night riding, bicycles must be equipped with front and rear lights firmly attached to the bike. Lights must always be fully functional during nighttime. The rear light must be in steady (not flashing) mode during nighttime. Riders who do not comply with these requirements will not be allowed to start. Lights must be on from dusk to dawn and at any other time when visibility is poor (rain, fog). Everyone must wear reflective vests. Any violation of these riding rules results in immediate disqualification.
14. Are recumbents allowed?
Yes, recumbents are allowed.
15. How do I find out about events?
The Audax LV calendar is available on the website and Facebook page.
16. How do I participate in an Audax LV event?
The easiest way is usually online by finding the event on the website. The participation fee is set by the organizers. When registering, you need to fill out a participant form and make a payment. There is also an option to register on-site before the start, but keep in mind that this will take more time and may be slightly more expensive than registering online.
17. I’ve registered for an event but can’t ride now. Can I get my money back?
A 100% refund (minus payment processing fees) can be obtained by contacting the organizer, but only 50% of the fee is refunded if canceled within 3 days of the event. No refunds are given on the day of the event or after.
18. If I join Audax LV, what do I get for my membership fee?
Audax LV is a non-profit organization, and most of your membership fee goes toward publishing the annual journal.
-Annual journal
-Discounted participation in events
-Inclusion in the Audax LV awards structure
19. How do I join Audax LV?
By filling out the membership application (available on the website), submitting it to the Audax LV board, and, after receiving a positive response, paying the membership fee.
20. What is the best bicycle for Audax LV events?
The truth is, any bike will do. However, make sure it is durable, well-maintained, and checked before any long ride. The most popular bike is a road bike, but you can ride any type, as long as it is human-powered. E-bikes are not allowed.
21. What is the Audax “season”?
Audax LV rides take place on weekends throughout the year, but awards and championship points are accumulated from November 1 to October 31 of the following year. This is the international Audax calendar.
22. Do rides abroad count toward awards and championships?
Yes, if they are BRM or LRM rides. That is, they must appear in the annual calendars published by Audax Club Parisien or Les Randonneurs Mondiaux. If they are completed, you must contact the Audax LV board and inform them; otherwise, they will not appear in the overall count.
23. Why does it take so long to get my brevet card back?
Your card must be carefully checked and validated by Audax LV. First, the event organizer must collect all the cards at the end of the event, sort them in some order, prepare a results sheet and financial report, including payment to ACP for any medals and stamps. Each card is individually checked for missed or skipped controls. It is then assigned a unique Brevet number. If the event is one of those marked as BRM in the calendar, the results are now sent to Audax Club Parisien in France for another validation process. This event chain is quite labor-intensive, but what really slows things down is that one or another link in the chain may be on vacation.
24. How can I organize an event?
You must sign an agreement with the ACP representative in Latvia and Audax LV. You must create and follow your event calendar. Audax LV and the ACP representative ensure the event complies with BRM and LRM rules.
25. Can I use an e-bike?
The use of e-bikes is not allowed. Results are not validated, and no certification is provided.