This randonneuring sounds cool. Is it anything like a Gran Fondo?
There are some Gran Fondo events in USA. It sounds like a mass-start road ride, with a given route, and an event organized with public speakers, maybe charity sponsoring businesses and their samples or products, and a long ride such as 100-200 miles.
http://www.granfondo-world.com/en/granfondo/what-is-gran-fondo
http://www.granfondotexastmco.com/
Houston ride April 1, with live music, and timing devices for each rider for those who want to compete or train.