To View Previous Award Winners
To submit your ballot, please complete the following form, then click on the "Submit" button at the bottom of the page. First, we need to know who you are. (Votes will be only be accepted from club members - if you're not a member, your response will be automatically discarded.) Your name: Your e-mail address: Next, please fill in the following fields with your choice for each award. Beryl Burton Award (Best Female Rider) Awarded to a club rider who is outstanding in one year or over several years, and has... shown interest in the club and has provided support and assistance; helped on rides or helped other riders Your Vote Comment(s) Brenda Wiechers-Maxwell Brenda, say no more! 2025 was another great season for Brenda. Fleche, multiple SR series, Devils Week (the three rides that were run), Granite Anvil solo pre-ride, a RUSA 1000 and 1200. Always a great mentor and role model who is helping to build our club one rider at a time. Who else? Brenda does not ride for her own glorification, she is geneiune love it and enjoy it even when it means sometime really hardship moments. Brenda is showing extraordinary effort through the year, including completing several 1000+ events I first learned about Brenda in November 2024 while reading some of Randonneurs Ontario’s (RO) online content. She struck me as an enigma in the best possible way. What type of person decides to head out on a potentially treacherous winter ride simply to just “fill their cup”? Brenda’s story of adventure and perseverance to offset the demands of her working life resonated with me. It was clear there was something special about her and the energy emanating from the RO community she was part of. On May 3, 2025, during the Hills of Hockley brevet — where riders from several RO chapters converged at the Mill Street Taphouse in Orangeville — I had the privilege of meeting Brenda (and her partner, Tim) for the first time. I felt like I was meeting a celebrity I actually said, “I feel like I should be asking for your autograph!” She smiled, and with a softness that immediately put me at ease, said: “If I can do it, anyone can.” That simple statement reflects something essential and profound about Brenda’s character. It sums up Brenda’s humility, her belief in others, and her refusal to place herself above anyone. Brenda is an outstanding rider and an extraordinary RO leader for many reasons: Ability Brenda is a superb cyclist whose accomplishments speak for themselves. She achieved Super Randonneur status in 2025 while still recovering from an accident. She completed every Devil Week ride, the RUSA Golden Falcon 1200 in March 2025, and pre-rode the RO Granite Anvil 1300 in August 2025. She even qualified for RUSA’s Can-Am Challenge Award having completed two Grand Randonnées in a single calendar year in both the USA and Canada. Interestingly, she also rode the Devil Week 300 and 400 rides with the legendary rando Tiago Varella-Cid — after already finishing the 600 shortly before. Brenda’s resilience and capability are remarkable. Community Brenda fosters a genuine spirit of connection, encouragement, and teamwork — both on and off the bike. She makes it clear that in this club, we look out for one another and no rider is left unsupported. She routinely opens her home to members, helps people connect, turns rides into shared stories, and helps build friendships. Her warmth strengthens the entire RO community. Brenda doesn’t just ride — she lifts people. Coaching & Mentorship Brenda is a natural leader and coach. During this year’s Fort 2 Fort 400 brevet, I watched her guide new riders through the etiquette and mechanics of paceline riding — everything from verbal and non-verbal communication to how to pull and how to keep a group together. She is always gentle, always encouraging. When someone is tired, she’ll nudge them with a cheerful, “Just push off and see how you feel!” Support Brenda consistently goes above and beyond to support club members. Her acts of support throughout the 2025 season were extraordinary. She is often the first to call out “foot down!” whenever someone has a mechanical, a puncture, or simply needs a breather. She drove from Windsor to Toronto to collect riders’ bikes to simplify logistics for and encourage participation in the Fort 2 Fort 400. She went out of her way to drive me home to Toronto on multiple occasions after rides in the Huron chapter. She dot-watched my Fort 2 Fort (Reversed) 400 permanent, sending me encouraging messages — or the occasional, “STOP — YOU ARE GOING THE WRONG WAY!” 😂 When several setbacks delayed my finish and my plan to complete the ride “early” evaporated, Brenda once again offered her unwavering support. She drove her truck and bike to Fort Malden in the middle of the night, parked there, and rode back home in the middle of the night so that when I arrived at the end, I could use her truck instead of riding another 20 km into LaSalle. I was humbled. When I experienced an embarrassing flesh wound on my leg just after the Big Chute 200, Brenda immediately switched into emergency room nurse mode, produced her first-aid kit, and tended to my injury without hesitation. I’m sure if she had a lollipop she would have given me one after medical treatment, but instead she gave me something even more important and symbolic, a copy of “Endless Perfect Circles” by Ian Walker and said: “We give any club member who hurts themself on a brevet a copy of this.” Brenda is truly a gift to humanity. Her selflessness, generosity, and compassion — on the bike and in everyday life — make her an invaluable member of Randonneurs Ontario and a treasured friend. First there's the riding accomplishments: Granite Anvil 1300, Cracker Swap 1000, Golden Falcon 1200...and that's not even counting the 2 full ACP series she rode this year. Beyond that Brenda supports riders on the bike, supports events off the bike, and is such a builder for the sport. Natalia Derbentseva Natalia is a huge asset to our club. She has had excellent performance on brevets. My research indicates that she is currently only missing a 300 brevet in order to complete her SR. She is in second place in the permanent standings. Natalia has also been instrumental in providing route feedback to help us improve our brevets. Hope to keep riding with Natalia in 2026! Authentic cyclist and solid RO contributor. She raised the bar for a group of four losers on A Midsummer Night's Grind 600, and enthusiastically volunteered for Windel Velodrome 200. Abstaining None of the above Coronation Cup (Most Improved Rider) Awarded to a club rider who has at least one previous year riding with the Randonneurs Ontario, and has... shown consistency in appearing and in cycling; demonstrated improvement either in cumulative mileage ridden from previous season, or in brevet finishing times over the previous season Your Vote Comment(s) Christopher Statham Christopher has been riding now for two years with the Toronto Chapter. His biggest accomplishment this year was to attempt his first 300km brevet. It was a hard and hot day and unfortunately it ended with a DNF for Christopher, but there were a lot of lessons learned and he will carry them forward to future years. Karl Caris This is Karl's second season with the club. After a single 200 last year, I guess he thought he'd give it a real go in 2025. 6 200km brevets, 5 200km permanents. He also did a 300 and a 400. Mad respect too because he runs off a paper map and route sheet. What a sophomore season. According to the RO website, Karl first joined the club in 2024. His debut was the Railway City 200 brevet on August 10, 2024 — a solid ride completed in 10:55. This was a respectable start for a new randonneur finding his legs. But then came 2025. It was as if Karl emerged from winter hibernation, looked at his bike, and said, “Alright — let’s do this!” This year, Karl ramped up everything: mileage, intensity, confidence, and overall rando swagger. He rode approximately 3100 km in brevets (9) and permanents (5), including his first-ever 400 km brevet — the Fort to Fort 400 — which he completed with determination and grit. And then there was his Much Ado About Nothing 200, which he ripped through in 8:47, possibly leaving several seasoned riders wondering, “Wait… wasn’t he new last year?” Perhaps the most impressive part in my view was that Karl accomplished all of this without using clipless pedals. In the sport of cycling, where riders tend to obsess over marginal gains, carbon bikes, aero socks, and perfect cleat alignment, Karl shows up with flat pedals as if to say, “Hold my beer.” Karl’s leap from 2024 to 2025 is undeniable. He put in the miles, the sweat, the effort, and the heart. His progression embodies what the Coronation Cup is all about — remarkable improvement, rising confidence, and the unstoppable joy of leveling up. He’s proof that dedication beats equipment and I am pretty excited to see what happens if he ever decides to “clip-in” Marc Deshaies I nominate Marc Deshaies for Most Improved Rider. Marc has been recovering from an injury for a season or two. Those of you who know him also know that’s he’s not the kind of rider to stay down. This season, something shifted and the work paid off. His quiet determination turned into real speed, and suddenly Marc was the rider we were all trying to chase. Somewhere along the line I started calling him the Lavender Blur. He would stop to help a stranded rider, then breeze past the rest of us minutes later as if the headwind did not apply to him. He rode a dozen brevets, each one stronger than the last, and he did it all with the same smile, the same steady encouragement, and the occasional Coltrane tune recommendation. Marc’s improvement is not only in distance or finishing times. It is also in the confidence he earned back, and the generous spirit he never lost. He is the kind of rider who makes the group better simply by being in it. For all of this, Marc Deshaies deserves to be recognized as Most Improved Rider. Mark Allen Has jam in the sandwich as demonstrated in RO capers and LEL (London Floris Edinburgh). Philip de Vries Just read his recap of Granite Anvil, and I'm convinced he is most improved rider. I think his success is because he had a new bike this year. His time frame self built bike. lol. Ride report Sean Keelor I believe Sean improved from completing maximum 300k events previous years, but this year he has done the full SR series and 1300km Granite anvil during 2025 season. Abstaining None of the above Dan Herbert Award Awarded to a member who has in one or more years: benefited the club by mentoring one or more members Your Vote Comment(s) Fred Chagnon Mentorship comes in many forms. It can be coaching, friendship, encouragement, curiosity, or simply the quiet act of paying attention when someone is finding their way. Fred embodies all of these forms, often all at once. Fred was the very first person to welcome me on Slack when I joined Randonneurs Ontario. From that moment on, he consistently checked in — asking how my rides went, what I learned, how I felt, what I might be capable of next, and recommending cycling books that I may want to consider reading. At first, I was almost suspicious: why was this stranger so genuinely interested in my progress? But very quickly it became clear — Fred wasn’t collecting data or keeping score. He simply cared. He celebrated my milestones long before I understood they were milestones. He encouraged me to notice the awards I might qualify for, even when I wasn’t riding with recognition in mind. His excitement for my journey often exceeded my own — which made me wonder whether he saw something in me I hadn’t yet seen in myself. When I was thinking about attempting my first 400, Fred was excited. When I committed to it, he was ecstatic. And he pushed — in the most Fred way possible — for me to go even further: Fred: “So you’re doing a 400 this year. Are you going for the full series then? You can’t just… not finish the series. It’s been a great inaugural season for you.” Me: “Inaugural? I mean, if you survive one season with a smile on your face you might as well keep going, right?” Fred: “You’re coming back. No one shows up, rides an epic first 200, a trace, a bunch more brevets, 100 permanents, and then decides next year… ‘Nah, maybe I’ll try disc golf now.’” That is the kind of mentor Fred is: funny, honest, relentless in his belief in you, and quietly strategic about nudging you toward your potential. When I completed my first 400 — and then my first 600 — he celebrated with me. When I signed up for my first solo Fort to Fort 400 permanent, he encouraged me. And when disaster struck — a broken spoke at 9:30 PM with 150 km still to go — Fred became my lifeline. I called him unsure whether to keep going or quit. Fred calmly shared that he once unknowingly completed a 200 with a broken spoke. That story gave me just enough confidence to continue — with caution, but with hope. His experience, generosity, and steady presence helped carry me to the finish. For a long time, I didn’t think anyone really noticed what I was doing. I was riding for myself: for joy, for fitness, for future adventures. Whether anyone paid attention didn’t matter. But Fred did notice. And because he noticed, I felt seen. Because he believed, I believed more. Because he cared, I felt like what I was doing was something special. You can be sure that Fred routinely celebrates new riders completing their first brevets and truly becoming “Randonneurs” when he sends out his FIRST CALL emails. When you get an email from Fred, you know the care he puts into it is authentic and meaningful. Being part of RO doesn’t appear to be just a hobby for him — it is something much more profound. Fred brings lightness, humour, and heart to every corner of RO. He lifts people up without them even realizing it’s happening. His mentorship is not loud or formal — it’s woven into everyday interactions, kind messages, shared jokes, and perfectly timed encouragement. Fred has been the voice on Slack saying to me, “You can do more. You’re ready. Keep going.” That is mentorship in its purest form. And that’s why Fred deserves the Dan Herbert Award. Fred actively engages with new and potential members through email, text, and in-person conversations—always responding with patience, clarity, and genuine care. He answers questions thoroughly, whether they relate to equipment, route navigation, brevet expectations, or the culture of randonneuring itself. His encouragement has been instrumental in helping many riders feel capable of tackling longer distances and participating more fully in club activities. Fred’s blend of enthusiasm, practical advice, and mentorship strengthens our community. Fred’s contributions foster not only better-prepared riders, but a more supportive and connected club. Italo Bravo Italo has helped bring lots of new members into our club thanks to his connections in the wider Toronto cycling community. There is no question that he is partially responsible for the huge up-tick in Toronto rides in 2025. In addition to being a great mentor and ambassador for our club, Italo's sense of humour is always a welcome addition to any ride. < John Kieffer Whether riding with him in a group, or chatting over a meal during or after a ride, John Kieffer is full of sage advice for riders. I've learned a ton from his stories. Ryan Brown Ryan helped multiple riders join a brevet while he mentors everyone on what is needed and how to approach the ride which includes discussing bike setups, nutrition and even light options. Stanley Zhou Stanley accompanied me, a new member to the club to finish my first 300km on July 5. Without his encouragement and company I would never be able to attempt it myself. His positive attitude and perseverance are always contagious to others. Tiago Varella-Cid Tiago is doing a strong effort not just riding, but building teams out of other club members. That deserves being mentioned. Abstaining None of the above Half Wheel Award Awarded to a club rider, who has consistently forced the pace of the group during brevet rides. Your Vote Comment(s) Brenda Wichers-Maxwell Brenda does this in every brevet while encouraging the group On many riding she stays with slower rides even though she could ride much faster and helps them along with friendly chatter and pulling for many many kilometers. On the Pancake 400 she pulled and help Dragi for 100’s of km. The term “half wheel” is usually pejorative. It describes the rider who edges ahead, forces the pace, and wears down the group. Which is why this award is tricky. To deserve it, a rider has to do something much harder: Lead without leaving people behind. Push the group not for personal gain, but because they know what they can accomplish together. On the Euro Trip 400, Brenda did exactly that. The skies were angry that day. Rain, eighty-kilometre winds blowing through the paceline like an angry toddler toppling their toys. Everyone was struggling. Brenda, always positive and always energetic, spent more time on the front than anyone. I watched her quietly text the sweep at the back of the group, checking on how riders were holding up, then easing the pace up or down to match what the line could sustain. When people faltered, she steadied the group. When they recovered, she lifted them again. Over a long day and night, she held us at a pace I did not think possible, and she did it with calm, care, and grace. Brenda was a half wheel, but in the best sense: the rider who helps the whole group rise. I am proud to nominate Brenda Wiechers for the Half Wheel Award. Nominated because: 1. She did often push the pace (nicely) during multiple rides. Hard enough to challenge the group. Never hard enough to intentionally drop anyone. 2. She lobbied to be nominated for this :) We're on a 600. It's been above 30 all day. I'm over heated, and I'm slow. And I keep reminding Brenda that I can only do about 22. And yet there she is at the front pulling the group faster, and faster, and faster. And I keep falling off. Then I find out she's been texting Tim who's at the back "he can go 27, don't worry". Next level half-wheeling. Eric Shtapler Lakes and Vines 300 on 24 May 2025. Eric led a team of intrepid randonneurs on what might end up being the fastest 300 brevet of their randonneuring careers. 13 hours and 2 minutes! The photos didn't lie--speedy mayhem but with lots and lots of smiles. People were talking to me about this ride for the rest of the summer. Sean Keelor It's hard to image how much energy there is from Sean's slim body. In the Mnjikaning 400 ride, he had brake issue and almost had to abandon this event, but them with a make-shift repair, he still finished the ride. His word was, let's easy on downhill. but he was never easy on uphill!, and the later in the rider, he was even stronger! He basically dragged me all the way for the last 100k in order to finish the ride before midnight. His excuse was trainer road wouldn't count it as a whole ride if not finished at same day! Abstaining None of the above Jim Griffin Rookie of the Year Awarded to a club rider who has joined the Randonneurs Ontario in the year of the award or who rode their first brevet in the year of the award, and who has... shown ability in the year; shown interest in the club and in other club riders Your Vote Comment(s) Anneli Russwurm Anneli can't grab a drink while riding when I was riding with her in June. But that didn't seem troubled her much from finishing her first 200KM(Aldershot-Erie). That afternoon, it did get pretty warm. But she had incredible tenacity to finish it and she was pretty good on hills (secret she lives around Blue Mountain area.. She also did the woman only ride, I don't know if she has learned to drink on bike. But Anneli, you can just have one camel water bladder. Chad Syzmanski Simply an outstanding year for this new rider. On an early brevet, had a mechanical that took perseverance to overcome and was still able to finish (solo). Went on to complete a full SR series, a multitude of permanents. Completed a RUSA 1000. Has clearly "drank the koolaid" Chad is passionate and continues to improve and be resilient Over 5000kms in his first year with the club. That includes almost 3000kms in self-scheduled permanents and a super randonneur series of brevets. Amazing breakout year. Chad is a huge asset to the Toronto Chapter. He completed his SR in his first season with us and has ridden in the Toronto, Huron and Simcoe/Muskoka Chapters. He always smiles and he gets along with everyone. I also should not forget to mention that Chad is currently leading the permanents for most kilometres ridden. I predict a great future in Randonneuring for Chad. Chad’s inaugural season was nothing short of extraordinary. He completed at least 12 Permanents, including a challenging 400 km route on his own, and successfully finished a Super Randonneur series. In total, Chad rode over 5,400 km across Permanents, Populaires, and Brevets, demonstrating impressive commitment, resilience, and determination. Beyond his personal accomplishments, Chad is an amazing ambassador for the club—regularly sharing his experiences, encouraging others to push their limits, and inspiring friends, colleagues, and new riders to take on randonneuring or other physical challenges. Chad’s performance, dedication, and enthusiasm exemplify what it means to be a standout rookie. Glen Quinn He finished his first series this year and is friendly fun individual to hang out with. West McKay-Chagnon Young whippersnapper. Windel Velodrome 200 Abstaining None of the above Mike Barry/Jock Wadley Award (Outstanding Rider) Awarded to a club rider who is outstanding in one year or over several years, and has... shown interest in the club and has provided support and assistance; completed at least the Super Randonneur series in the year of the award; helped on rides or helped other riders; completed the most difficult ride in the year of the award Your Vote Comment(s) Brenda Wiechers-Maxwell 2025 was another great season for Brenda. Fleche, multiple SR series, Devils Week (the three rides that were run), Granite Anvil solo pre-ride, a RUSA 1000 and 1200. Always a great mentor and role model who is helping to build our club one rider at a time. Hands down the most engaged member in our club, on and off the bike. A true ambassador for our club and our sport. Fred Chagnon It never ceases to amaze me that someone built the way Fred is, can complete such challenging rides like the Granite Anvil. Fred shows consistent interest in club events and it seems to me takes part in more events than any other club member. Glen Quinn Glen displayed exceptional leadership, route building skills, and had a ton of fun riding various events in the super rando series this year. He was a joy to ride with and watch ride. Embodies the spirit of randonneurs well. John Cumming John Cumming is a local legend in our sport. Another Super Randonneur year of course, but add to that his completion of the Endless Flats 1000. When he's not riding, John finds other ways to contribute to our club and our sport. He's done great work as the shepherd of our awards and achievements, bringing a much needed club historian and archivist role to our club. He has opened his home as a control on the Off the Rails 200 and greeted riders with a wonderful backyard BBQ and refreshments. And he's very active in our online slack community, injecting that community with interesting stories and safe advice. Mark Allen Mark has helped for years with managing the Toronto Chapter's ride archive, making all the little tweaks and adjustments to keep our routes up to date. It is a job that happens behind the scenes and is often unacknowledged. No more! Mark is generous with his time and thoughtful with his comments and suggestions. He has completed the SR this year with rides in both the Toronto and Huron Chapters. This year he also attempted his first LEL, but had to abandon due to the weather that spoiled everyone's plans in 2025. Mark ticks all the boxes this year. No need to explicate. Scheherazade Haque Scheherazade completed Prettiest Town 300 - and her first 300 brevet - during arguably the hottest Devil Week on record. This is a huge accomplishment and is a testament to her ability to set a goal and then achieve it. Stanley Zhou Stanley has joined the club for only four years but since then he rode consistently in all kinds of weathers every year. He finished all distances from 200km to 1300km and never gave up in any one of them. Highlights are PBP in 2023 and Granite Anvil Randonneurs Ontario in Aug 2025 as well as other 1000Km evnets. Stanley finally made his effort to become the first Chinese to get the Randonneur 10000 award by Audax Club Parisien. Abstaining None of the above Organiser of the Year Awarded to that person who has provided support to the club's riding events in the year of the award or over several years, and who has... demonstrated care for the well-being of the club's riders; consistently taken on the task of organising and supporting club rides Your Vote Comment(s) Brenda Wiechers-Maxwell and Tim O'Callahan Brenda and Tim go out of their way to help everyone with food, accommodation, parking etc. They freely share their home with new randonneurs and members doing a brevet. I saw this first hand doing my first brevet with the Huron chapter. The dynamic planning duo, Tim and Brenda, delivered an unforgettable Fort 2 Fort 400 experience—one that many of us will talk about for years. For several riders, this wasn’t just their first 400-km brevet… it was their first audax-style, point-to-point adventure. The logistics alone could have scared off even the most enthusiastic randonneur, but Tim and Brenda handled every detail with such calm precision that any worries evaporated before we even clipped in. They arranged transport for bikes all the way along the 401 from Toronto to Windsor. They arranged for transportation for those taking the VIA Rail Train from Toronto to Windsor. They opened their home to riders who needed a place to sleep. They offered food and drink to anyone who needed it. They booked the hotels in Fort Erie so the entire group of riders could stay together. They arranged for pizza at the end of the ride so people could briefly chat before getting some sleep after a long ride. At the end of the weekend, they transported riders to transit lines. And then there was the SAG support. They recruited an all-star volunteer crew—David (sadrik) Cole, Brian Wiechers (Brenda’s brother—apologies if the spelling betrays me!), and David Nall—who seemed to magically appear at every control with food, warmth, encouragement, and bottomless patience. Their presence transformed a demanding ride into something that felt almost luxurious. After suffering through many tough, lonely, permanent rides, I can say without exaggeration that the Fort 2 Fort 400 felt like the randonneuring equivalent of an all-inclusive trip to Disneyland. And to top it all off, Tim, on several occasions, rode up ahead to capture video footage of the team riding throughout the day and ensured that the new riders led the pack to the final control point to celebrate their accomplishment and, yet again, capturing it all on video. The care, comfort, and community on this ride was extraordinary. Tim and Brenda’s generosity, thoughtfulness, and leadership in planning and executing this event are second to none. I’m deeply grateful to have experienced it—and I know everyone who participated would say the same. Dave Thompson I have never received such a support as on this year's Granite Anvil. It was just a pleasure ride from one control to another getting encouragements and help from people there, especially Bob and Jean. This year Granite Anvil organization was 'Above and Beyond'. I believe that a lot of other volunteers and club members put their effort into this, but putting Dave here as event holder. Fred Chagnon Great guy who has done a fantastic job of keeping all the Huron rides organized and well run. I nominate Fred Chagnon for Organizer of the Year. Fred is the only person I know who can generate a new route, a new map, and a new event idea before most of us have finished our coffee. My phone has learned to expect his messages. New London based Devil’s Week? Sure. New flèche routes? Of course. A fresh GPX file every time inspiration strikes? Always. What makes this more than entertainment is the intention behind it. Fred builds community. He creates rides that bring people together. He runs programs in London that help new cyclists gain confidence. He welcomes riders who are curious about randonneuring and gives them a place to start. He has recruited more new Randos than anyone I know simply by making the sport feel possible. Fred’s energy supports every part of our riding season. He organizes, encourages, teaches, and keeps the spirit of the club moving forward. For all of this, I am proud to nominate Fred Chagnon for Organizer of the Year. Mark Allen Mark is the new Toronto Chapter VP. He earned this role thanks to the support he gave to previous Toronto VPs and for designing the new Bewdley 300km brevet, thereby returning Bewdley and Rice Lake as an RO destinations which has not happened since the Bewdley Glutbuster 200km was retired several years ago. The Bewdley 300 is a challening route, but reviews are favourable. Hope to see you on it in 2026. The Granite Anvil Team Thanks to Dave, Brenda, Pete, Marcia, Bob, Jean, vytas, Colleen, Tony, and Keith for all the work they put in before and during the Granite Anvil. I'm not kidding when I say these folks worked harder than the riders and probably slept even less. Abstaining None of the above Outstanding Performance on a Brevet Awarded to a club rider who has demonstrated significant fortitude, courage, or generosity on a brevet ride, and who has... demonstrated physical or mental abilities beyond the usual in the conduct of a brevet ride Your Vote Comment(s) Bob Tomsic Extraordinary performance pushing forward on every event he is joining, especially multi-day Brenda Wiechers Maxwell So many outstanding rides, but riding and completing Granite Anvil as a pre-ride, ridden almost entirely solo was a fantastic accomplishment Chad Szymanski I love the story of Chad finishing his first 200. Guy's been waiting all winter to ride with us. Finally gets his chance, and flats on the first 500 meters. Everyone thinks he put. But he waits for crappy tire to open, and throws on a crappy tire, and finishes the brevet all alone with a few mins to spare. Welcome to randonneuring. Fred Chagnon Fred led when it mattered most, he helped us get through a cold 17km section, drafting took the edge off and we all made it to control point thanking him. Lorelei Norman Lorelei’s first attempt at the Fools and Sons 300 km was tragically cut short when she and fellow rider Brenda were struck by a car early in the ride. Lorelei suffered multiple fractured ribs along with serious injuries to her knees, elbow, and nose—injuries that would have understandably ended most riders’ seasons. However, Lorelei’s response to this setback was remarkable. Through dedication to physiotherapy, persistent walking, and gradual but determined progression back on the bike, she rebuilt her strength and endurance. As the season drew to a close, she not only returned to randonneuring to complete two 200 km brevets, but set her sights on something far more audacious: a Fools and Sons 300kms “do-over”! Lorelei confronted the emotional and physical weight of this challenge, with quiet resolve and unwavering courage. Her outstanding performance on this brevet demonstrates remarkable determination and resilience. Lorelei Norman and Brenda Wiechers-Maxwell On May 24, 2025 during the Fools and Sons 300, tragedy struck just 60 km into the ride when both Lorelei and Brenda were hit by a car. Brenda escaped with relatively minor injuries, but Lorelei was seriously hurt. In that moment, both of their seasons could have easily ended — and no one would have questioned it. Both women took the time they needed to recover and gradually moved forward on the road to recovery at their own pace whether it was walking, swimming, running, or biking. On October 25, 2025, the two of them returned to that same route, side by side, and completed the ride together. They went back to the place where everything went wrong, not out of obligation, but out of grit, courage, and an unshakeable belief in each other. Their decision to face that road again — to reclaim it, together — was nothing short of extraordinary. It was a powerful act of resilience, friendship, and unwavering spirit. Lorelei and Brenda didn’t just finish a ride; they rewrote the ending of a story that could have broken them. Their achievement stands as one of the most inspiring performances of the year. Luke Xinhua Maniac. Escape The Grange 200. Manages to encourage poor writing in the club despite his best efforts. Luke is a really great guy that you always are grateful to have on any ride. He is kind, always smiling, and patient. This year, on the Mnjikaning 400, Luke helped another member manage his anxiety at the ride start. Thank you, Luke! Marc Deshaies We both started the Beaver Valley 400. This is one of the harder 400’s the club offers and made it extra challenging this year it was incredibly hot and humid. Marc made it through and finished. Stanley Zhou Being 12 more years senior than me, Stanley never failed to amaze me that he can finish any ride no matter how hard it was, and it was especially so in 2025. The Mid-summer Night Grind 600k, that wasn't an easy ride at all with more than 100k gravel at beginning, and an overnight storm made the gravel even more sketchy. He bike nor his skill might not be the best to handle that, and just 30km in, he had a nasty crash. Mental and physical shock and everything, not to mention a bleeding elbow, but amazingly he recovered very quickly and continued pushed on and finished strong on that tough 600KM. In the Granite Anvil, he rode smart, consistent, and had demoed unbelievable tenacity to add that ride onto his belt, and made him the 1st PR Chinese to have accomplished the R10000 feat according to open records. Abstaining None of the above Special Recognition Award Awarded to a club rider who has completed a cycling event in the year of the award that merits commemoration Your Vote Comment(s) Greg Cooper Greg Cooper finished the Tour Divide in 28d, 12h, 9m. This is a 4,418km ultra endurance mountain biker race from Banff to Antelope Wells NM across the Continental divide. Amazing accomplishment Greg. Michael Charland Michael completed the RUSA Endless Flats 1000. This was his first 1000 brevet. He also wrote a very introspective article that was posted on the RO blog documenting his adventure and what he learned. Stanley Zhou Stanley finished the Granite Anvil Randonneurs Ontario in Aug 2025. This event is a grueling 1300Km with elevation gain of over 12,000m. He was able to pace himself evenly and completed the event as only a handful of participants did. Abstaining None of the above
First, we need to know who you are. (Votes will be only be accepted from club members - if you're not a member, your response will be automatically discarded.) Your name: Your e-mail address: Next, please fill in the following fields with your choice for each award. Beryl Burton Award (Best Female Rider) Awarded to a club rider who is outstanding in one year or over several years, and has... shown interest in the club and has provided support and assistance; helped on rides or helped other riders Your Vote Comment(s) Brenda Wiechers-Maxwell Brenda, say no more! 2025 was another great season for Brenda. Fleche, multiple SR series, Devils Week (the three rides that were run), Granite Anvil solo pre-ride, a RUSA 1000 and 1200. Always a great mentor and role model who is helping to build our club one rider at a time. Who else? Brenda does not ride for her own glorification, she is geneiune love it and enjoy it even when it means sometime really hardship moments. Brenda is showing extraordinary effort through the year, including completing several 1000+ events I first learned about Brenda in November 2024 while reading some of Randonneurs Ontario’s (RO) online content. She struck me as an enigma in the best possible way. What type of person decides to head out on a potentially treacherous winter ride simply to just “fill their cup”? Brenda’s story of adventure and perseverance to offset the demands of her working life resonated with me. It was clear there was something special about her and the energy emanating from the RO community she was part of. On May 3, 2025, during the Hills of Hockley brevet — where riders from several RO chapters converged at the Mill Street Taphouse in Orangeville — I had the privilege of meeting Brenda (and her partner, Tim) for the first time. I felt like I was meeting a celebrity I actually said, “I feel like I should be asking for your autograph!” She smiled, and with a softness that immediately put me at ease, said: “If I can do it, anyone can.” That simple statement reflects something essential and profound about Brenda’s character. It sums up Brenda’s humility, her belief in others, and her refusal to place herself above anyone. Brenda is an outstanding rider and an extraordinary RO leader for many reasons: Ability Brenda is a superb cyclist whose accomplishments speak for themselves. She achieved Super Randonneur status in 2025 while still recovering from an accident. She completed every Devil Week ride, the RUSA Golden Falcon 1200 in March 2025, and pre-rode the RO Granite Anvil 1300 in August 2025. She even qualified for RUSA’s Can-Am Challenge Award having completed two Grand Randonnées in a single calendar year in both the USA and Canada. Interestingly, she also rode the Devil Week 300 and 400 rides with the legendary rando Tiago Varella-Cid — after already finishing the 600 shortly before. Brenda’s resilience and capability are remarkable. Community Brenda fosters a genuine spirit of connection, encouragement, and teamwork — both on and off the bike. She makes it clear that in this club, we look out for one another and no rider is left unsupported. She routinely opens her home to members, helps people connect, turns rides into shared stories, and helps build friendships. Her warmth strengthens the entire RO community. Brenda doesn’t just ride — she lifts people. Coaching & Mentorship Brenda is a natural leader and coach. During this year’s Fort 2 Fort 400 brevet, I watched her guide new riders through the etiquette and mechanics of paceline riding — everything from verbal and non-verbal communication to how to pull and how to keep a group together. She is always gentle, always encouraging. When someone is tired, she’ll nudge them with a cheerful, “Just push off and see how you feel!” Support Brenda consistently goes above and beyond to support club members. Her acts of support throughout the 2025 season were extraordinary. She is often the first to call out “foot down!” whenever someone has a mechanical, a puncture, or simply needs a breather. She drove from Windsor to Toronto to collect riders’ bikes to simplify logistics for and encourage participation in the Fort 2 Fort 400. She went out of her way to drive me home to Toronto on multiple occasions after rides in the Huron chapter. She dot-watched my Fort 2 Fort (Reversed) 400 permanent, sending me encouraging messages — or the occasional, “STOP — YOU ARE GOING THE WRONG WAY!” 😂 When several setbacks delayed my finish and my plan to complete the ride “early” evaporated, Brenda once again offered her unwavering support. She drove her truck and bike to Fort Malden in the middle of the night, parked there, and rode back home in the middle of the night so that when I arrived at the end, I could use her truck instead of riding another 20 km into LaSalle. I was humbled. When I experienced an embarrassing flesh wound on my leg just after the Big Chute 200, Brenda immediately switched into emergency room nurse mode, produced her first-aid kit, and tended to my injury without hesitation. I’m sure if she had a lollipop she would have given me one after medical treatment, but instead she gave me something even more important and symbolic, a copy of “Endless Perfect Circles” by Ian Walker and said: “We give any club member who hurts themself on a brevet a copy of this.” Brenda is truly a gift to humanity. Her selflessness, generosity, and compassion — on the bike and in everyday life — make her an invaluable member of Randonneurs Ontario and a treasured friend. First there's the riding accomplishments: Granite Anvil 1300, Cracker Swap 1000, Golden Falcon 1200...and that's not even counting the 2 full ACP series she rode this year. Beyond that Brenda supports riders on the bike, supports events off the bike, and is such a builder for the sport. Natalia Derbentseva Natalia is a huge asset to our club. She has had excellent performance on brevets. My research indicates that she is currently only missing a 300 brevet in order to complete her SR. She is in second place in the permanent standings. Natalia has also been instrumental in providing route feedback to help us improve our brevets. Hope to keep riding with Natalia in 2026! Authentic cyclist and solid RO contributor. She raised the bar for a group of four losers on A Midsummer Night's Grind 600, and enthusiastically volunteered for Windel Velodrome 200. Abstaining None of the above Coronation Cup (Most Improved Rider) Awarded to a club rider who has at least one previous year riding with the Randonneurs Ontario, and has... shown consistency in appearing and in cycling; demonstrated improvement either in cumulative mileage ridden from previous season, or in brevet finishing times over the previous season Your Vote Comment(s) Christopher Statham Christopher has been riding now for two years with the Toronto Chapter. His biggest accomplishment this year was to attempt his first 300km brevet. It was a hard and hot day and unfortunately it ended with a DNF for Christopher, but there were a lot of lessons learned and he will carry them forward to future years. Karl Caris This is Karl's second season with the club. After a single 200 last year, I guess he thought he'd give it a real go in 2025. 6 200km brevets, 5 200km permanents. He also did a 300 and a 400. Mad respect too because he runs off a paper map and route sheet. What a sophomore season. According to the RO website, Karl first joined the club in 2024. His debut was the Railway City 200 brevet on August 10, 2024 — a solid ride completed in 10:55. This was a respectable start for a new randonneur finding his legs. But then came 2025. It was as if Karl emerged from winter hibernation, looked at his bike, and said, “Alright — let’s do this!” This year, Karl ramped up everything: mileage, intensity, confidence, and overall rando swagger. He rode approximately 3100 km in brevets (9) and permanents (5), including his first-ever 400 km brevet — the Fort to Fort 400 — which he completed with determination and grit. And then there was his Much Ado About Nothing 200, which he ripped through in 8:47, possibly leaving several seasoned riders wondering, “Wait… wasn’t he new last year?” Perhaps the most impressive part in my view was that Karl accomplished all of this without using clipless pedals. In the sport of cycling, where riders tend to obsess over marginal gains, carbon bikes, aero socks, and perfect cleat alignment, Karl shows up with flat pedals as if to say, “Hold my beer.” Karl’s leap from 2024 to 2025 is undeniable. He put in the miles, the sweat, the effort, and the heart. His progression embodies what the Coronation Cup is all about — remarkable improvement, rising confidence, and the unstoppable joy of leveling up. He’s proof that dedication beats equipment and I am pretty excited to see what happens if he ever decides to “clip-in” Marc Deshaies I nominate Marc Deshaies for Most Improved Rider. Marc has been recovering from an injury for a season or two. Those of you who know him also know that’s he’s not the kind of rider to stay down. This season, something shifted and the work paid off. His quiet determination turned into real speed, and suddenly Marc was the rider we were all trying to chase. Somewhere along the line I started calling him the Lavender Blur. He would stop to help a stranded rider, then breeze past the rest of us minutes later as if the headwind did not apply to him. He rode a dozen brevets, each one stronger than the last, and he did it all with the same smile, the same steady encouragement, and the occasional Coltrane tune recommendation. Marc’s improvement is not only in distance or finishing times. It is also in the confidence he earned back, and the generous spirit he never lost. He is the kind of rider who makes the group better simply by being in it. For all of this, Marc Deshaies deserves to be recognized as Most Improved Rider. Mark Allen Has jam in the sandwich as demonstrated in RO capers and LEL (London Floris Edinburgh). Philip de Vries Just read his recap of Granite Anvil, and I'm convinced he is most improved rider. I think his success is because he had a new bike this year. His time frame self built bike. lol. Ride report Sean Keelor I believe Sean improved from completing maximum 300k events previous years, but this year he has done the full SR series and 1300km Granite anvil during 2025 season. Abstaining None of the above Dan Herbert Award Awarded to a member who has in one or more years: benefited the club by mentoring one or more members Your Vote Comment(s) Fred Chagnon Mentorship comes in many forms. It can be coaching, friendship, encouragement, curiosity, or simply the quiet act of paying attention when someone is finding their way. Fred embodies all of these forms, often all at once. Fred was the very first person to welcome me on Slack when I joined Randonneurs Ontario. From that moment on, he consistently checked in — asking how my rides went, what I learned, how I felt, what I might be capable of next, and recommending cycling books that I may want to consider reading. At first, I was almost suspicious: why was this stranger so genuinely interested in my progress? But very quickly it became clear — Fred wasn’t collecting data or keeping score. He simply cared. He celebrated my milestones long before I understood they were milestones. He encouraged me to notice the awards I might qualify for, even when I wasn’t riding with recognition in mind. His excitement for my journey often exceeded my own — which made me wonder whether he saw something in me I hadn’t yet seen in myself. When I was thinking about attempting my first 400, Fred was excited. When I committed to it, he was ecstatic. And he pushed — in the most Fred way possible — for me to go even further: Fred: “So you’re doing a 400 this year. Are you going for the full series then? You can’t just… not finish the series. It’s been a great inaugural season for you.” Me: “Inaugural? I mean, if you survive one season with a smile on your face you might as well keep going, right?” Fred: “You’re coming back. No one shows up, rides an epic first 200, a trace, a bunch more brevets, 100 permanents, and then decides next year… ‘Nah, maybe I’ll try disc golf now.’” That is the kind of mentor Fred is: funny, honest, relentless in his belief in you, and quietly strategic about nudging you toward your potential. When I completed my first 400 — and then my first 600 — he celebrated with me. When I signed up for my first solo Fort to Fort 400 permanent, he encouraged me. And when disaster struck — a broken spoke at 9:30 PM with 150 km still to go — Fred became my lifeline. I called him unsure whether to keep going or quit. Fred calmly shared that he once unknowingly completed a 200 with a broken spoke. That story gave me just enough confidence to continue — with caution, but with hope. His experience, generosity, and steady presence helped carry me to the finish. For a long time, I didn’t think anyone really noticed what I was doing. I was riding for myself: for joy, for fitness, for future adventures. Whether anyone paid attention didn’t matter. But Fred did notice. And because he noticed, I felt seen. Because he believed, I believed more. Because he cared, I felt like what I was doing was something special. You can be sure that Fred routinely celebrates new riders completing their first brevets and truly becoming “Randonneurs” when he sends out his FIRST CALL emails. When you get an email from Fred, you know the care he puts into it is authentic and meaningful. Being part of RO doesn’t appear to be just a hobby for him — it is something much more profound. Fred brings lightness, humour, and heart to every corner of RO. He lifts people up without them even realizing it’s happening. His mentorship is not loud or formal — it’s woven into everyday interactions, kind messages, shared jokes, and perfectly timed encouragement. Fred has been the voice on Slack saying to me, “You can do more. You’re ready. Keep going.” That is mentorship in its purest form. And that’s why Fred deserves the Dan Herbert Award. Fred actively engages with new and potential members through email, text, and in-person conversations—always responding with patience, clarity, and genuine care. He answers questions thoroughly, whether they relate to equipment, route navigation, brevet expectations, or the culture of randonneuring itself. His encouragement has been instrumental in helping many riders feel capable of tackling longer distances and participating more fully in club activities. Fred’s blend of enthusiasm, practical advice, and mentorship strengthens our community. Fred’s contributions foster not only better-prepared riders, but a more supportive and connected club. Italo Bravo Italo has helped bring lots of new members into our club thanks to his connections in the wider Toronto cycling community. There is no question that he is partially responsible for the huge up-tick in Toronto rides in 2025. In addition to being a great mentor and ambassador for our club, Italo's sense of humour is always a welcome addition to any ride. < John Kieffer Whether riding with him in a group, or chatting over a meal during or after a ride, John Kieffer is full of sage advice for riders. I've learned a ton from his stories. Ryan Brown Ryan helped multiple riders join a brevet while he mentors everyone on what is needed and how to approach the ride which includes discussing bike setups, nutrition and even light options. Stanley Zhou Stanley accompanied me, a new member to the club to finish my first 300km on July 5. Without his encouragement and company I would never be able to attempt it myself. His positive attitude and perseverance are always contagious to others. Tiago Varella-Cid Tiago is doing a strong effort not just riding, but building teams out of other club members. That deserves being mentioned. Abstaining None of the above Half Wheel Award Awarded to a club rider, who has consistently forced the pace of the group during brevet rides. Your Vote Comment(s) Brenda Wichers-Maxwell Brenda does this in every brevet while encouraging the group On many riding she stays with slower rides even though she could ride much faster and helps them along with friendly chatter and pulling for many many kilometers. On the Pancake 400 she pulled and help Dragi for 100’s of km. The term “half wheel” is usually pejorative. It describes the rider who edges ahead, forces the pace, and wears down the group. Which is why this award is tricky. To deserve it, a rider has to do something much harder: Lead without leaving people behind. Push the group not for personal gain, but because they know what they can accomplish together. On the Euro Trip 400, Brenda did exactly that. The skies were angry that day. Rain, eighty-kilometre winds blowing through the paceline like an angry toddler toppling their toys. Everyone was struggling. Brenda, always positive and always energetic, spent more time on the front than anyone. I watched her quietly text the sweep at the back of the group, checking on how riders were holding up, then easing the pace up or down to match what the line could sustain. When people faltered, she steadied the group. When they recovered, she lifted them again. Over a long day and night, she held us at a pace I did not think possible, and she did it with calm, care, and grace. Brenda was a half wheel, but in the best sense: the rider who helps the whole group rise. I am proud to nominate Brenda Wiechers for the Half Wheel Award. Nominated because: 1. She did often push the pace (nicely) during multiple rides. Hard enough to challenge the group. Never hard enough to intentionally drop anyone. 2. She lobbied to be nominated for this :) We're on a 600. It's been above 30 all day. I'm over heated, and I'm slow. And I keep reminding Brenda that I can only do about 22. And yet there she is at the front pulling the group faster, and faster, and faster. And I keep falling off. Then I find out she's been texting Tim who's at the back "he can go 27, don't worry". Next level half-wheeling. Eric Shtapler Lakes and Vines 300 on 24 May 2025. Eric led a team of intrepid randonneurs on what might end up being the fastest 300 brevet of their randonneuring careers. 13 hours and 2 minutes! The photos didn't lie--speedy mayhem but with lots and lots of smiles. People were talking to me about this ride for the rest of the summer. Sean Keelor It's hard to image how much energy there is from Sean's slim body. In the Mnjikaning 400 ride, he had brake issue and almost had to abandon this event, but them with a make-shift repair, he still finished the ride. His word was, let's easy on downhill. but he was never easy on uphill!, and the later in the rider, he was even stronger! He basically dragged me all the way for the last 100k in order to finish the ride before midnight. His excuse was trainer road wouldn't count it as a whole ride if not finished at same day! Abstaining None of the above
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Awarded to a club rider who is outstanding in one year or over several years, and has...
Awarded to a club rider who has at least one previous year riding with the Randonneurs Ontario, and has...
Awarded to a member who has in one or more years: benefited the club by mentoring one or more members
Awarded to a club rider, who has consistently forced the pace of the group during brevet rides.
Awarded to a club rider who has joined the Randonneurs Ontario in the year of the award or who rode their first brevet in the year of the award, and who has...
Awarded to that person who has provided support to the club's riding events in the year of the award or over several years, and who has...
Awarded to a club rider who has demonstrated significant fortitude, courage, or generosity on a brevet ride, and who has...
Awarded to a club rider who has completed a cycling event in the year of the award that merits commemoration
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