On 7/28 a partial pre-ride of the Northern section of the PA Grand Canyon course was completed by Bill Fischer. By noon the temperature was hitting 90 degrees so I tucked tail and went home. Before I wimped out, I was able to ride all the gravel sections of the course (excluding the Pine Creek Trail). Widely scattered thunderstorms were reported on 7/27 and sections of the course were muddy. I rode my gravel bike with 38mm (slick) tires which were nice for the muddy bits and the gravel on Ritter Road. If the weather cooperates, I’ll attempt a complete pre-ride on 8/5 with my brevet bike and 32mm tires (assuming drier conditions).
There were no changes to the route but I’ve updated and
corrected some cues so please use Version 5 of the cue sheet and the current
RWGPS route which was updated on 7/29/23.
Other than the Pine Creek Trail, there are 4 significant non-paved
sections:
1.
Cedar Run to Colton Pt (Mile 32-53). This is the longest non-paved section and is
a stair step climb with some short descents.
This section is better described as hard packed dirt with some short
sections of well packed gravel. There
were a few muddy spots at the bottom of the descents. Note after you finish the
climb and take a couple photos at Colton Point Lookout, you’ll climb a little
more and then start a long descent to Ansonia. This descent is steep and somewhat
twisty. There will likely be some
mindless drivers coming uphill so keep to the right and keep your speed in
check.
2.
Ansonia to SR660 (Mile 59-61). This is a shaded climb with well packed gravel
leading to a pleasant descent onto paved SR660.
3.
Stony Fork to Babb Creek (Mile 68-73) A
beautiful, slightly downhill section with well packed dirt and a few short
muddy sections. At the end of this
section you’ll ford Babb Creek which is currently about 12” deep. The bottom consists of smooth round rocks
which are very slippery. It’s entirely
possibly to walk this bare footed (I’ve done it several times) but it was much
more pleasant tromping through it yesterday in my cycling sandals.
4.
Hurley Hill to Liberty (Mile 76-85) This is the
most technically challenging section and has some moderately loose gravel on
Nauvoo and Ritter Roads with a few gravel descents (don’t go faster than your
guardian angel!).
The start location is at the Jersey Shore recreational
parking area off Railroad Street (3 blocks West of Bridge Street). There is a Weis grocery store on Allegheny
Street behind the parking area (and up a hill). My GPS recognized the start as 445
Railroad St. Jersey Shore, PA.
Controls/Resupply points:
1.
Wolf General Store [Slate Run} Mile 28. A well-stocked store with excellent made-to-order
breakfast sandwiches. If you’ve got some
time to spend while they’re making your sandwich, go downstairs and see their
fly fishing department. If you’re a
faster rider you may want to grab some extra food since you’re next resupply
will not be until mile 65.
2.
Burnin’ Barrel Bar [Ansonia] Mile 57. This is a country bar with excellent food
but, sadly doesn’t open until 12:00. For
faster riders, I’ll be there with water (but not much else).
3.
Stony Fork Country Store [Stony Fork] Mile 65. This is a small, Mennonite owned grocery
store (there is also a small store at the Stony Fork Campground at mile 67). They have a sign on the front door requesting
patrons wear long sleeved shirts and trousers but they’ve always been pleasant
to me in my cycling gear. I believe this
is a cash only establishment.
4.
Exxon
[Liberty] Mile 87. This is a veritable
oasis with clean bathrooms and hot food.
You’ll be pretty tired when you get there so it’s a great place to get
reenergized. There are no tables but
they have a lawn area on the East side.
5.
McConnell’s Country Store [Waterville] Mile 11and
115. Another well stocked general store
with a deli counter. If you’re extra thirsty
the Waterville Tavern is next door and has a good beer selection (or so I’m
told).
As noted on the route description
there is very little cell phone coverage on course so don’t plan on staying in
contact with the outside world. You’ll
have coverage at Ansonia, Liberty and maybe Waterville.
