As you can see from the current roster posted below, we have a pretty good turn-out for an early spring event. Please note that there is additional seating at the bakery start controle in a room down the hallway past the bathrooms. There are a number of first-time participants, and I trust that the vetern riders will help welcome the newcomers. I know a couple of you are still sitting on the fence -- if you decide not to clip-in at the start, please drop me a note.
The controle in Water Gap is at another bakery. But right next door, there is the Water Gap Diner if you would like a more substantial sit-down meal. You may get your brevet card signed at either location.
I want to emphasize taking extra care with those RR crossings early on, as noted on the message board and cuesheet -- especially if you find yourself in a large, fast bunch as you approach these hazards. The second one at mile 7.2 will be extremely treacherous, especially if it is wet.
SPOT GPS Trackers will be handed out to a couple of riders at the start. The webpage with links to the trackers is here:
http://parando.org/SPOT_Links.html
... if you have a personal SPOT tracker not listed, please send me a link to your tracking webpage.
And a couple of other important reminders:
- Lighting and reflective gear will be inspected at the start
- Print out a cuesheet for yourself
- Monitor the message board and website for any last minute updates
...And most importantly, be sure to have a **safe ride***!
The current cuesheet is draft 5, dated 3/14/14:
http://parando.org/BlueMtn200k_A_cue.pdf
Hopefully, the rain in the forecast for Saturday morning will hold off until at least the temperatures warm up a bit. The bakery opens at 6AM, so you will be able to top off with coffee and breakfast before the 7AM start. Organizer Don Jagel will be meeting you at the start and sending you off on your way. You should park your car in the big lot off of Church St, which US Health has granted us permission to use.
*** Course notes ***
As noted on the cuesheet, there are a couple of RR crossings early on. The one at mile 7.2 is particularly hazardous, with a bad angle, and will be extra treacherous if wet. Please take extra caution here, especially if you are in a large group.
Don Jagel completed a volunteer pre-ride this past weekend and reports: "...My ride on Saturday started out chilly at about 30F degrees. There were some small ice patches encountered where water had seeped onto the road while riding up along the Delaware River to Phillipsburg. I also ran into some larger ice patches between Wind Gap and Danielsville, particularly near mile 41, with two ice patches completely covering the road and being about 20 feet long. Also, West End Road, starting at mile 41.2, has had some severe asphalt deterioration over the winter, so riders will have to be careful to avoid the soft, muddy portions that are mainly towards the center of the road.
Since we had such a good winter, ski traffic was plentiful while climbing and descending Blue Mountain, and I would expect a number of cars to be present on March 22, as the ski area still has quite a bit of snow. After passing over Blue Mountain, the roads were pretty dry and ice free for the remainder of the day, but that could all change by next weekend. The roads throughout the ride, except for intersections, were relatively gravel free considering the winter we had. Gravel patches can also pop up anywhere at this time of year, so descend steep hills and sharp bends with caution.
Wildlife was plentiful indicating that spring can't be far away. During the ride I saw squirrels, deer, racoons, hawks (in winter plummage), two flocks of turkeys, several large flocks of snow geese, ducks (of course), mergansers, and a blue bird (a sure sign of spring).
All in all, it looks like the route is in very good shape and ready to be ridden. ..."
And as always, be sure to check the website and message board for any last minute updates.
**** Roster as of 3/21 ***
1 Barbara Solis Anderson
2 Ronald Anderson
3 Michael Anderson
4 CJ Arayata
5 Ed Bernasky
6 Gavin Biebuyck
7 Jeffery S Butt
8 Janice Chernekoff
9 Jonathan Clamp
10 Dawn M Engstrom
11 Matthew Farrell
12 William Fischer
13 Nigel Greene
14 Judson L Hand
15 Steve Harding
16 Kenneth E Herbert
17 James P. Holman
18 Donald Jagel
19 Greg Keenan
20 Eric Keller
21 Christopher Anson Knight
22 Robin C Landis
23 Jonathan Levitt
24 Chris Nadovich
25 Christine Newman
26 Michelle Nguyen
27 William Olsen
28 Peter C Phillips
29 Tom Rosenbauer
30 Norman Smeal
31 Christopher C Solarz
32 Bob Torres
33 Gilbert Torres
34 Wade Wegner
Eastern PA RBA
Thanks to all for a very enjoyable ride, especially my ride mates, Jon and Robin.
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