Chicago, IL | RUSA Member #12365
My name is Phil Fox, and I’m excited to accept a nomination for a position on the RUSA Board of Directors. I’m from Chicago, where I’ve embarked on an incredible journey in the world of long-distance cycling over the past 15 years. Today, I’m here to share my vision for the future of our organization.
My randonneuring journey began in 2018 when I first learned about Paris-Brest-Paris and began to research how to get qualified. I joined RUSA and completed the inaugural Coulee Challenge 1200K for my first rando event. The following year – I fell in love with our community at the Arizona Brevet Week hosted by Lon Haldeman and Susan Notorangelo. Over that series, I made lifelong friends and mentors; discovering a secret corner of the cycling world where like-minded individuals share a passion for pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons together. That year culminated with my first Charly Miller time at PBP.
Since then, I’ve not only embraced the spirit and rich history of American randonneuring but also actively contributed to its growth. This past year – I collaborated on my first American Randonneur article, authored the first permanent routes out of Chicago (below) and reported on Paris-Brest-Paris for UltraCycling Magazine’s YouTube Channel. I have also been trailblazing new audacious routes and destination events across the Midwest for the 2024 season. Swipe below for a preview of what is to come.
Today, I’m closing in on my first K-Hound, extending my R-12 streak and diligently filling out my American Explorer map riding with different clubs (and new friends) for my Rando Scout award.
My professional background is in market research, marketing strategy, and community engagement. Adding this expertise to the RUSA board would strengthen the connections between our members and elevate the robust foundational programs already in place. Three immediate opportunity areas include:
- Facilitating more dialogue between RUSA and our membership. Engagement surveys can provide much needed context to our participation data and assess how we are doing at both the national and local levels. The intention is to foster more data-driven decisions, agility and transparency in how we serve the diverse needs of our members. Not only will this strengthen the club’s sense of community but more importantly help us better attract, engage and develop the next generation of American randonneurs. [Read more about my research proposal here]
- While randonneuring is about personal challenges, it’s also about the camaraderie and the connections made along the way. A more active social media presence and an expanded RUSA member directory can foster those connections we make on the road. Coordinating our Strava, Zwift, Instagram, Facebook and other web content would drive much needed awareness and excitement between our members, clubs and events.
- In line with the growing trend of gamification in sports and fitness we have the opportunity to refine RUSA’s web presence to promote our wide array of randonneuring awards with digital badges and personalized dashboards. By making these awards more accessible, fun and engaging to track, we can motivate our clubs and members to socialize these celebrated achievements in randonneuring (example below).
“If you want to go fast, then go alone. If you want to go far, let’s go together.” I am committed to bringing fresh perspectives, energy, and a renewed sense of community to RUSA. Let’s embark on this journey together and we can reinvigorate what’s possible in American randonneuring.
As you have questions about my candidacy or thoughts about the future direction of RUSA, I would love to hear from you! Leave a comment, find me on Strava, Facebook, Instagram or Email me directly.
Phil Fox
#12365
Bread And Water 