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Rapha Randonnées 2013

Historic routes, breathtaking scenery and classic riding.

Inspired by the classic ‘brevets’ of Europe, Rapha Randonnées are exclusive point-to-point journeys that combine the same kind of exploratory riding but without the hassles of more traditional touring.

Run over six days averaging 130km of mountainous riding each day through Europe’s greatest terrain, groups of twelve randonneurs follow carefully designed routes. Each route is fully supported with transportation, experienced guides, mechanics and all inclusive accommodation and cuisine.

Each Randonnée features:

• Groups of twelve riders
• Exemplary service and support from experienced Rapha staff
• A unique Rapha Randonnee Sportwool jersey
• Souvenir photo book, brevet card and ride patches
• Private room provided to each solo traveller, no single supplement

"There were so many highs - reaching every summit was a real thrill and by day three I'd say the climbing became enjoyable too. All in all the whole week was a high and the level of service was also superb."
– Murray Hardie, Rapha Randonneur 2010

The culture and history of each region, camaraderie with your fellow ‘randonneurs’ and very challenging terrain makes for the ultimate escape. Each randonneur will receive a Randonnée Jersey with an exclusive embroidered 'brevet badge', a photo book and brevet card to commemorate the journey.

[Randonnée: a type of organised bicycle touring, typically covering between 100 to 1,200 km.]

• Find out more about the Randonnée Alps 2013 »
• Find out more about the Randonnée Dolomites 2013 »
• Find out more about the Randonnée Pyrenees 2013 »

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Why ride a Randonnée?

_{by Simon Mottram, founder and CEO of Rapha.}

Every season, road riders can choose from numerous riding trips: Training camps, cycling tours, the Etape and Gran Fondos, all offering the chance to ride on smooth European tarmac, in great scenery. So why choose a Rapha Randonnée?

The unique appeal of Randonnées is all down to the structure that gives them their name. Unlike most training camps or cycling holidays, the Randonnées are point-to-point adventures where each day presents a new goal, eighty to a hundred miles away. Reaching that goal takes endurance, teamwork and application and each day takes you on new roads, often along the routes of racing history. Reaching your destination each day is certainly satisfying but it's the rhythm of the Randonnée that makes it most fulfilling.

I have planned and led trips like these for my friends for ten years and the thing I look forward to most is the constant rhythm of the ride, day after day for a week.

The pattern of fuelling, riding, fuelling, arriving, celebrating, sleeping and fuelling again puts all focus on riding and the company of your fellow riders. The stresses and pressures of normal life fade away and priorities are changed for the better. It's a simple existence and a powerful counterpoint to our sedentary lives.

With the excellent service and support offered on the Rapha Randonnées, you can enjoy this cleansing and uplifting adventure to the full, without worrying about food, accommodation or mechanical problems. The Etape and Gran Fondos are great challenges, but the roads are busy and the ride is over in a day. Training camps are great for fitness, but not for the thrill of pure road riding.

For me, a Randonnée is the best week of the year and I'm already looking forward to joining another Rapha Randonnée.