The Aims of the OCD
To encourage riding in mountains. To offer a challenge to long-distance riders, and to those who do not enjoy timed events but who enjoy cyclo-climbing and descending mountain passes.

Riders record the metric height above sea level of each col or mountain top climbed. The claimable figure is the actual height, regardless of the height from which the climb started, but there must be at least 100m of ascent between the previous col or starting point.

The awards work on an honour system, so there's no need to provide a proof of passage. The following total metres climbed qualify for awards:

• 100,000m - Officer Award
• 200,000m - Commander Award
• 500,000m - Honourable Award
• 1,000,000m - Venerable Award

OCD Claims

• Claims are simply an accumulation of the metric heights of each col or mountain top climbed with a bicycle or similar machine.  The claimable figure is the actual height at each location, in metres above sea level - regardless of the height the climb started from.
• A col (or pass) is defined as having higher ground to both sides, and drainage to a different river ahead and behind. See to the right for a classic example.
• A mountain top must be a summit, like Mont Ventoux, not just a high point like Alpe d’Huez.
• There is no minimum time for climbing any col.
• It is permissible to carry the machine, for example over snow or boulder fields, but the machine must reach the col or summit.
• The descent may retrace the ascent.
• A col may be claimed only if there is at least 100m ascent since the previous col or starting point.
• Cols under 300m are not normally claimed, though cols over 200m on islands are acceptable, climbed from sea level.
• A member may claim any individual col (or summit) only once in one riding day.
• A member may claim any individual col (or summit) no more than five times in a year.
• Claims are on the honour system, with no evidence required.  
• Claims for col points should be submitted annually, by January 1st, and a list will be published in the Arrivée following.
• Claim Form is here

Honours
Recognition in the form of a certificate is sent to a member on attaining the grades:

• Officer with 100,000m.
• Commander with 200,000m.
• Honourable with 500,000m.
• Venerable with 1,000,000 metres, 10 members at present.
  (Currently there are two members with over 2,000,000m.)

Guides
There are a number of guides available, paper copies for many countries (not updated) and on a website for
the Alps and Pyrenees. Contact the OCD delegate for further information.

OCD Delegate
Rod Dalitz.  You can contact Rod via the Contact Us page, or make a claim using the Claim Form.

OCD Identification

There are 50mm OCD cloth badges costing £10, and 20mm OCD metal lapel pins costing £5. Please contact the OCD delegate for details.