RUSA's Perm Audit committee Thank You

[Dan Driscoll]

Dear RUSA Members,

Thanks A Million!

This note is to extend a sincere thank-you to all RUSA members who ride Permanents—and especially to those who have been randomly selected for review by the RUSA Permanents Audit Committee.

Without exception, the members whose Permanent rides have been audited have been a pleasure to work with. Riders consistently provide their proof of passage promptly and willingly, and in many cases, we even receive a “Thank You” in return for the volunteer work that helps keep the Permanents program strong, credible, and viable. This kind of cooperation and goodwill speaks volumes about the character of our Rando community.

A Little History

Back in what now feels like the Dark Ages, I was serving on the RUSA Board when we approved the original Permanents program in 2003 and rolled it out in 2004. It was truly a game changer for RUSA.

At that time, each Permanent route had a dedicated owner who was responsible for collecting waivers, issuing brevet cards and cue sheets, checking proof of passage, and entering rider results. Much of this was handled by traditional snail mail, meaning riders often had to plan weeks in advance—and results were anything but immediate.

Fast Forward to Today

The new Permanents program is dramatically streamlined. Now, a rider can wake up, decide to ride, sign an online waiver, complete the ride, and enter their own results the same day. Simple, efficient, and rider friendly.

At my first Board meeting of my second RUSA Board term in 2021, retiring Board member Lois Springsteen strongly recommended that Permanent rides be randomly audited. I agreed and took on the task of building what became the RUSA Permanents Audit Committee.

Randonneuring has never existed without checks and accountability. There should never be a zero chance that a Permanent ride is verified. For brevets, that responsibility lies with the local RBA. Historically, for Permanents, verification was done by the route owner. 

Today, that responsibility rests with the Permanents Audit Committee.

What the Committee Does—and Does Not Do

The Permanents Audit Committee does not change rider results. Our role is to check a small random sampling of Permanent rides to verify that:

• The required distance was completed within the allowed time.
• All controls were met in the correct sequence.
• The waiver was signed prior to the start of the ride.

If something falls short of the requirements, we work with the rider to mentor them and help ensure future adherence to RUSA rules. This approach strengthens the program while supporting riders—not policing them.

As a bonus, the work is genuinely enjoyable. We get to see who’s riding which routes, and many proofs of passage include photos and ride reports that are a pleasure to review.

With Gratitude

Please join me in thanking the members of the RUSA Permanents Audit Committee for the 2026 season. Going into our sixth year of operation, we have seen remarkably little turnover. Committee members have been reliable, professional, and take real pride in helping to keep RUSA and its Permanents program accountable and respected.

The 2026 RUSA Permanent Audit Committee:

• Jerry Austin — Procedures Coordinator
• Dan Driscoll — Committee founder
• Malcolm Fraser - 3rd year
• Jack Nicholson - 5th year
• Michael Povman - 3rd year
• Tibor Tamas — current Chairman
• Mark Wolf - 5th year 

Thank you again to our riders and to these dedicated volunteers who quietly and consistently help to keep RUSA strong.

 

With appreciation,

Dan Driscoll 

 

[Charlie Martin]

Indeed, thank you to the perm audit committee. Proof of passage is fundamental to randonneuring, and without this committee, permanents would have lost all concept of that. RUSA has a bit of a learning curve, so I'm glad we have a team helping members navigate that. Thanks for all you do.

- Charlie

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[Pam Wright]

My thanks too to Dan and a great committee.  As one of the original members of this group, it was wonderful to talk/visit with RUSA members I would have never encountered!  Bonus was being able to play a small piece of the big wheel of RUSA.  

Dan, thanks for your leadership then, and now, and for always being receptive to new ways of engaging others...volunteers, riders, advertisers, officials and those of us you cajole into thinking this radical hobby is "normal!"  

Pamela Wright

3205

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[Andrea Matney]

Dear Dan and the Audit Committee,

Thank you for the Permanents program and everything else you and the committee do to make our sport so accessible. Your hard work is greatly appreciated!

Andréa

RUSA 2620

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[B M]

Having ridden many permanents, lately, I was lucky to be one of those riders that was audited.  I can testify that it was a learning experience for both the auditor and myself as we had to navigate the fun of RWGPS privacy zones.  Thankfully the auditor was extremely patient and together we learned how to handle that challenge, just like all the rando challenges we face when planning, riding, and recording our rides.
Thank you Perm Audit Committee for what you do.
Brian McGuire
7406

[sha...@gmail.com]

Hi Dan and the Audit Committee,

 

I created a whole entire system just to keep track of my Permanent rides (967 since August 2, 2020!) so I can instantly provide proof-of-passage information on demand, and my only complaint is that I don’t get to use it very often! 😁

 

Seriously, though, the entire Permanents program is such a well-oiled machine, and you guys are amazing!

 

• Shaun

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[Bill Gobie]

Don't audit me,

Don't audit thee,

Audit Shaun Ivory!

Bill

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