Food & Hospitality

PA Randonneurs generally keeps shorter events simple and self-supported, while offering more substantial hospitality for longer rides or special occasions. The goal is not to replace commercial controls, but to welcome riders before and after the event and provide support where it adds the most value.

Before deciding to provide food, consider the event distance, available volunteers, budget, and logistics. A well-organized simple meal is often better than an overly ambitious menu that creates unnecessary work for volunteers.

When to Provide Food

Typical PA Randonneurs practice:

• 200K: No food provided by the club. Riders are generally expected to purchase food at commercial controls. (The March 200K of the SR Series and Fall Classic in October are typically the only 200Ks that provide food (light breakfast at start / dinner at finish))
• 300K–400K: Consider offering a light breakfast before the start and a meal or substantial snacks at the finish.
• 600K and longer: Food often becomes an important part of the event, particularly at overnight controls and the finish.

Every event is different. Organizers should choose the level of support that matches the event's goals and available resources.

Planning the Menu

Good brevet food should be:

• Quick to serve
• Easy to eat
• Familiar to most riders
• Easy to prepare and clean up
• Available over several hours if riders finish at different times

Popular options include:

Breakfast

• Bagels/muffins/croissants
• Cream cheese
• Peanut butter
• Bananas
• Yogurt
• Coffee
• Juice
• Water

Finish

• Pizza
• Sandwiches
• Soup or chili (cool weather)
• Pasta
• Fruit
• Cookies or brownies
• Chips
• Soft drinks
• Water
• Recovery drinks

Dietary Considerations

It's common for brevet fields to include riders with a variety of dietary preferences and restrictions. Organizers should expect that some riders will be vegetarian or vegan and plan accordingly.

A good rule of thumb is to ensure there are always a few substantial vegetarian and vegan options available alongside the standard menu. This doesn't require preparing an entirely separate meal. Simple additions such as fruit, bagels, peanut butter, hummus, vegetable soup, vegan chili, or cheese-free pizza can accommodate many riders with minimal extra effort.

If offering pizza, consider ordering at least one vegetarian pizza. For larger events, especially 600Ks, it's also worthwhile to ask about dietary restrictions during registration or in a pre-event email if meals are being provided.

Grocery Planning

Purchase food as close to the event as practical.

Remember to account for these other types of items. Check with the RBA before purchasing, the club often has leftovers from previous events.

• Ice
• Cups
• Plates
• Bowls
• Napkins
• Paper towels
• Utensils
• Serving utensils
• Trash bags
• Dish soap
• Cleaning supplies

If volunteers are preparing food, confirm responsibilities ahead of time.

Food Safety

• Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
• Use coolers and ice when appropriate.
• Label foods containing common allergens when possible.
• Discard food that has been sitting out too long.
• Encourage good hand hygiene during food preparation.

Hospitality

Food is only one part of hospitality.

Small details often leave the strongest impression:

• Greet riders as they arrive.
• Offer congratulations to every finisher.
• Make water and drinks easy to find.
• Keep the finish area welcoming and the food hot, especially for the last riders.
• Provide chairs whenever possible.
• Avoid packing everything away immediately after the first finishers arrive.

A rider who finishes near the time limit should feel just as welcome as the first rider back.

Lessons Learned

• Simpler menus are usually easier for volunteers and just as appreciated by riders.
• Purchase slightly more drinks than you think you'll need, especially during hot weather.
• Food served promptly is usually appreciated more than elaborate meals that require long preparation.
• When in doubt, prioritize good coffee, cold drinks, and a comfortable place for riders to sit and socialize after the ride.