What's a Permanent?

A Permanent is a long distance cycling route that is "permanently available". Similar to when you do a California Double Century and get California Triple Crown credit, you will get Randonneurs USA (RUSA) credit for doing a Permanent. Most Randonneurs use this credit to achieve the R-12 award. The R-12 award requires you to complete a ride of at least 200 kilometers for twelve consecutive months. In order to earn credit you do have to be a RUSA member; a nominal fee and a simple application takes care of that. Once the R-12 is earned, your name will be posted on the RUSA website as well as here as a finisher. With this high honor you will earn the respect of your fellow cyclists and will be able to obtain coffee at McDonalds for about $1.50 or so. Therefore if you need a reason that is more motivating than "I need to exercise to lose weight or get in better health", tell your friends that you are going to achieve the R-12. This will help you to put down the Bon Bons and get your sorry buttoff the couch for the whole year. For more information on Permanents follow the RUSA link.

More about Permanents on RUSA's website.

Permanents