Keystone Brevet Co. 200k Course Notes

We’re really excited for the third edition of the Keystone Brevet Co 200k this Saturday, June 14!

The event starts and ends at 1800 North American Street.

• Check-in begins at 6:00 AM

• Rider meeting at 6:50 AM

• Departure begins at 7:00 AM

Please refer to the Event Page for all pertinent details.

After shedding visions of French bureaucratic glory, CJ Arayata and Nick Manta completed a slightly abbreviated but heartily freedom-loving American course inspection.

Two changes to the route are in place due to bridges construction. 

The cue sheet and GPS file have been updated accordingly.

Mile 37.6 After the climb on Skelp Level road turn right onto Springhill Dr to avoid the bridge out ahead.

Mile 71.7 Bear Left Hanover St. and continue down into downtown Pottstown. Do not make the right on Kemp road. 

Mile 75.2 Left Turn onto Park Ave bike path. This two way bike path follows the left hand side of Park ave and provides priority to cyclist at most intersections. The entrance is easy to miss—stay alert!

Note about Perkiomen Trail and SRT - GPS base maps often diverge from the actual trail due so rerouting. Follow trail signage if in doubt!

The reroute through Pottstown provides some additional options for services between Mogantown and the Wawa before getting on the Perkiomen trail.  

***Please make sure you have the most current versions of the cue sheet and ride with GPS file! The can be found here make sure you have cue sheet version 4***

Riders and friends are welcome to hang out at the Sor Ynez patio afterwards for food and drinks. 

See you Saturday!

Actually Jim Thorpe 600K Ride Report

The final event of the 2025 Pennsylvania Super Randonneur (SR) Series is complete! The Actually Jim Thorpe 600K lived up to its name and then some, delivering a memorable ride across Eastern Pennsylvania with actual Jim Thorpe still very much accessible.

Ben and Anton at the start (photo by Pat Gaffney)

Two riders toed the line on 7-8 June: Ben Keenan and Anton Lindberg. They were joined in spirit by the two pre-riders who completed the course earlier in the month. All four riders finished within the time limit, for a 100% finish rate. Congratulations to our quartet of randonneurs who took on this challenging finale.

Into the unknown (photo by Anton Lindberg)

Riders encountered scattered storms, fog, and overcast skies on Day 1—enough to keep things interesting, but far from the kind of storm that makes you rethink your hobbies. The clouds cleared at times to reveal lush June greenery and the golden calm of early summer. Riders reported peaceful sunrises each morning.

Ben Keenan checks in with eBrevet (photo by Anton Lindberg)

Both riders made quick turnarounds at the overnight control, spending only about two hours off the bike, including a short nap. This kind of fast reset after a challenging 400K is no small feat, and their efficient rest paid off—both riders finished before the afternoon rain arrived on Sunday. They did, however, have to contend with an obnoxious headwind out of the east, an unusual wind direction for the region, which made the final 100K more demanding than it ought to have been.

Jim & Him (photo by Anton Lindberg)

This event wouldn’t have happened without the support of a few dedicated volunteers. Pat Gaffney completed a solo pre-ride, then turned around to volunteer at the start, welcoming riders at the hostel on Friday evening and preparing breakfast before seeing them off early Saturday morning.

Chris Nadovich, RBA and anchor of the PA Randonneurs, supported the event at both the Bethlehem control and the finish, providing riders with encouragement and guidance. Joey Doubek greeted riders at Chamounix on Saturday night as they rolled in from a very long day in the saddle.

Thank you to each of these volunteers. Your commitment to this series is what keeps it rolling.

The PA SR Series is something special. Starting in March with an often frigid 200K, each ride climbs in both distance and difficulty—300K in April, 400K in May, and finally the 600K in June. These rides are not just physically demanding—they are soul-stretching, rewarding riders with stunning scenery, unexpected kindnesses and treats, and the camaraderie of shared effort.

This year’s turnout was lower than usual, due to a mix of factors: a tough-weather 300K, a non-PBP year, and a few unlucky scheduling conflicts. We hope to see a resurgence in 2026, and we encourage those interested in longer rides to connect with experienced members of the club—many of whom are more than happy to share tips, strategies, and stories from the road.

Despite the low turnout, spirits were high. With this ride, two riders completed the full 2025 PA SR Series: Pat Gaffney (his eighth!) and Brad Layman (his fifth). Chapeau to both! Each ride tests your limits in different ways, and finishing the series is a meaningful achievement. Whether it’s your first or your eighth, earning an SR badge in Pennsylvania is something to be proud of.

Delaware River from the Belvidere Bridge (photo by Ben Keenan)

Ben Keenan writes:

Thanks Brad, Pat, Joey and Chris for organizing this brevet and Anton for sharing the miles and leading.  That was a hard ride.  I am still limping from a sore knee, but that will pass and the beauty of the ride will stay with me.  Highlights were seeing two successive early June sunrises from the bike (with birdsongs just before first light) and numerous downhills where you could tuck and feel free just letting the bike run.  Special thanks to Pat Gaffney for his culinary advice (cheeseburger deluxe with pickles at the Palmerton Valero and hot dog from Wawa at Ludwig’s Corner at mile 336 are each hereby awarded three Michelin stars!).  

A quick note for anyone still looking to complete their PA SR Award: Anton Lindberg has completed an ACP SR Series and only needs a PA 300K to qualify for the PA SR award (he completed a 300K this spring with the New England Randonneurs). Fortunately, PA Rando has proposed a new 300K for September—pending RUSA approval. Stay tuned here for more details.

And while Ben Keenan did not complete the SR Series this year, he selflessly gave up his 400K ride to volunteer at the event—a true team player and the kind of randonneur we’re lucky to have in the club.

So with that, the 2025 PA Super Randonneur Series wraps. To those who rode, volunteered, supported, or cheered: thank you. We’ll see you out on the road again soon.

Actually, speaking of being on the road again soon, the club will be back this Saturday, 14 June, with the Keystone Brevet Co. 200K. Registration closes at midnight on 11 June.

Brad Layman
Ride Organizer

Actually Jim Thorpe 600K Course Notes ***Update***

Update #1

Pat Gaffney completed a pre-ride of the Actually Jim Thorpe 600K on May 31–June 1. He reports that the course remains in good condition — and yes, Jim Thorpe is still accessible!

Congratulations to Pat for completing the entire 2025 PA Super Randonneur Series as solo pre-rides — a truly commendable achievement, both for the solo riding and for the dedicated volunteering he does for the club. Also notable: this marks Pat’s 8th PA SR Series — an impressive milestone! Thank you, Pat!

The latest route cuesheet is Version 3 and the GPS route was last updated on 2025-05-28 15:29:55 EDT. 

For riders who prefer smaller route files:
Day 1 (245.4mi): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51076578
Day 2 (129.5mi): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51076588

And if you want Day 1 in two shorter sections with the Palmerton control as the split point:
Day 1, Part 1 (126.2mi): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51076592
Day 1, Part 2 (119.2mi): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51076609

Original Post

Alright folks, get ready—this year, we’re actually going to Jim Thorpe! No detours, no reroutes, no “close enough.” The trail and bridge are open, the town is waiting, and the ride is back in its full glory. From quiet country roads to a bustling tourist town, this 600K is equal parts scenic and challenging.

A quiet perch above Jim Thorpe, away from the crowds

The following report is based on my pre-ride on May 24-25. Pat Gaffney is pre-riding this upcoming weekend, so be sure to check this message board again next week. We will add any updates here and post the final route. We will also post the route in shorter sections for riders whose GPS units prefer smaller route files. Take a look at the current route here. The cues are Version 2 and the RWGPS was last updated 2025-05-28 15:29:55 EDT. 

Day One: 245.4 mi, 13,249 ft

The ride begins with a trip through the Philly suburbs and into Bucks County. For the next 100K or so, the route hugs the Delaware River and crosses some of the surrounding hills and creeks that feed into the river. The climb up Sweet Hollow Rd in New Jersey is a highlight - a long, gentle climb with a creek and lush greenery all the way up. There are several good refueling options along the NJ section of the route including Goldberg's Bagels in Milford, the Pilot Travel Center control in Bloomsbury, and Skoogie's Deli in Belvediere (all marked with POIs on RWGPS).

Towards the end of this section, we reach the majestic Delaware Water Gap. There is a one-mile stretch of one-way traffic here that is regulated by a timed traffic light. The timing is optimized for cars, not bicycles. It is possible to encounter oncoming traffic before you reach the end of the one-way section. The road here is only wide enough for one car, so you definitely want to avoid an encounter with oncoming traffic.
Recommendation: Take a moment at the traffic light to take in the scenery of the mountains on each side of the river and gather yourself to be ready to ride all out through the one-mile section. It’s better to sprint through confidently than risk meeting oncoming traffic mid-way. Then reward yourself with a piece of pie or another baked good at the Village Farmer Bakery control.

The next 30 miles follow the valley that runs parallel to the Blue Mountain Ridge. Despite being in a valley, there are several jagged hills here. You'll then reach the Palmerton control which is approximately the halfway point of the first day.

About 8 miles after the Palmerton control, we begin the climb up Penn's Peak, aka Bear Mountain. This climb is approximately 4.5 miles and 1,200 feet of climbing with a respite in the middle. The most challenging aspects of this climb are the limited shoulder space, blind curves, and fast traffic all while trying to get up a long, steep climb. I recommend taking a moment at the beginning and/or middle of the climb to gather yourself in order to tackle the climb with full steam. This is not a road for zig-zag climbing. It would also help to put on your high viz gear, turn on your brightest tail lights, and partner up with another rider. After the climb is a screaming descent into Jim Thorpe, also with fast traffic. Be assertive and claim your space on the road. Be aware that the Jim Thorpe gravesite control is about two-thirds of the way down the mountain on the righthand side of the road.

Then, after spending most of the morning on quiet country lanes, you will be greeted by a town full of tourists. As expected on a holiday weekend, Jim Thorpe was bustling on the day of the pre-ride. The contrast between the quiet roads and the busy downtown is sharp. Riders should use caution and expect pedestrian congestion through town. You might want to walk your bike around the train station due to the crowds. Unless you stop for a meal, your visit to the namesake town will be over before you know it. Once past the train station, the D&L Trail offers instant serenity.

Serenity on the D&L Trail

We take the trail for the next 23 miles and then make our way to Bethlehem for a Wawa control. This is a good opportunity to refuel for the final 100K of the day. Note that there aren't many options for refueling after this Wawa. There is a convenience store about 18 miles later, along the main drag in Quakertown, and a Wawa about 10 miles out from Chamounix (each is marked with a POI on RWGPS). After the Bethlehem control, there is road construction on Main Street in Freemansburg. Ignore the road closure signs - it is passable, but it is a bumpy surface as the road is torn up.

Main Street in Freemansburg - closed but passable

Riders who are familiar with the Saucon Rail Trail will be delighted to see that the section over Preston Lane - which was closed for years and involved an annoying detour around a bunch of soccer fields - has been completed. There are some annoying bollards on this trail at each road intersection and these can break up momentum and rhythm. The return to Philly route will be familiar to anyone who rode our 200, 300, or 400 this spring.

Once you get back to the Chamounix Mansion, you'll be greeted by volunteers who will have a warm dinner ready.

Day Two: 129.5 mi, 7,303 ft

The second day is identical to the Tscheschter Kaundi 200K. Once you get past the Wawa around mile 28 of the second day, the scenery really opens up. There are beautiful roads past horse farms, through forests, and along creeks in Chester County. Then the route briefly visits PA Dutch Country where you'll probably see some horse-and-buggies. The second day is quite easier than the first day in terms of climbing. There are rolling hills throughout, but no big climbs and the final 25 miles are flat along the Schuylkill River Trail as you return to Philadelphia. There is one section of construction on E Doe Run Rd. The new bridge is complete but there are still road closure signs. I found it easy to ride across - it might even be open to traffic by the event weekend.

Parking: In our opinion, the safest place to park your car is the the Hilton/Homewood lot just off of City Avenue. Here is a Google map link.  Price is $13/day. As far as we know, this fenced-in lot is secure and it's a very short, easy bike ride from this parking area to Chamounix.  There are free on-street parking alternatives a short distance away, including along W Ford Rd, that may be reasonably secure because of the residences and businesses nearby.

If you are reading this and are not yet registered: the registration deadline is Saturday, May 31, at midnight!

Brad Layman
Ride Organizer

Four State 400K, TK 200K Ride Reports

The 2025 Pennsylvania Super Randonneur Series continued Saturday May 10, 2025 with riders embarking on both the Four State 400K, which is the third leg of the SR series, and the classic Tscheschter Kaundi 200K. Reports for each ride are below. There are also  numerous photos.

 

Four State 400K

Five riders clipped in (or set foot to platform pedal) at 4:00 a.m. under the dim porchlight of the Chamounix Carriage House and rolled into the silence and darkness of the early morning. Approximately 20 hours later, four of the five reappeared, headlights bobbing one by one over the top of the last hill on Greenland Drive after a journey of more than 250 miles, having traversed four states and more than 16,000 feet of hills over the course of a beautiful but windy May day. As the riders rolled in, they shared the smiles and nods of people that have accomplished a feat that very few have shared (or, for that matter, would probably even think of trying). A succinct summary of the difficulty of the day may have been rendered by the final finisher, who, laying his bike against the wall, quietly observed “I have never been so happy to see a building.”

Along with pre-rider Pat Gaffney, five of six starters completed the third running of the Four State 400K, a finish rate of 83%. The preliminary results from the ride have been posted. Please review them and let me know if anything does not look right. The results will be submitted to RUSA after review and will become official once certified.

The riders’ day began with a southerly jaunt out of Philadelphia, rolling into Delaware and through the hills of the Brandywine Valley on their way into Maryland. A restless wind out of the northwest was present even in the early morning hours when the air tends to be calm and usually allows riders to bank a few miles. After reaching the control in Elkton, the riders turned directly into the 15-plus mile an hour wind for a challenging leg to the Bird-in-Hand/Ronks control. Riders reported the wind was especially difficult in the Amish country where there are few trees to act as a break. The wind took its toll on Bryan Niederberger, who reported feeling exhausted and abandoned at Ronks. Scratching from a ride is always a difficult decision, but is the smart one on a day when you are not feeling it. 

After Ronks, the route turned to the northeast, lessening the effect of the wind. The four remaining riders – Brad Layman, Anton Lindberg, Amy Lippe and Jakub Piven – fell into a pattern that would serve them well until the end, riding steadily and patiently and holding pace over the big climbs on Hammertown and California Roads before Birdsboro and then through the difficult (and constant) hills of the Oley Valley on the way to the Cooperstown Wawa control, where they were greeted by volunteer Chris Nadovich (who also greeted them at the penultimate control at Bloomsbury), and finally over the last big climb of Staats Road before turning south on the homeward leg along the Delaware River and back to Philadelphia. The level of skill in handling the course was especially impressive by Jakub Piven, who was riding his first 400K but showed the resilience and patience of a seasoned veteran. 

Special thanks to volunteers Pat Gaffney and Chris Nadovich for helping to organize and execute this event and to Amy and Anton for helping to clean up on Sunday. 

Jakub Piven writes...

What to say of the ride? It was a spectacularly long day on the bike, with hill after relentless hill. Fueled by equal parts dung fumes in Lancaster County and the sugary elixir of Gatorade, relief finally came when we turned west towards Jersey and away from the brutal headwinds of the morning. Another well-timed infusion of endorphins came with the rolling descent to Milford after climbing Staats Rd. just as the sun was setting behind the hills.

Kudos to the designer of this route [Ed: Brad]  for including ALMOST every foot of elevation possible and providing a bit of relief in the dark, final hours as we rolled back to Philadelphia from the Delaware Valley. And a big thank you to Chris Nadovich for checking in and supporting us in Bloomsbury, NJ, where the final 100km seemed both a piece of cake and the last thing I wanted to do. And, of course, thanks to the riders, prerider, and organizers for making this memorable event happen.

Brad Layman writes...

I had an amazing day on the bike. I love the 400K distance because it means spending nearly every waking moment of the day riding my bike. How can you do better than that? Our group was small, but that worked in our favor—we all crossed paths at each control. I rode with Anton most of the day but still had time to catch up with Amy and Jakub at the stops. The headwinds between Maryland and Lancaster were challenging, but the temperature and humidity were perfect all day.

Thank you to Ben, Chris, and Pat for taking such great care of us. Chris met us at both the Coopersburg and Bloomsbury controls, providing much-needed support. And Ben truly was the hero of the event—I know he would have loved to ride on such a beautiful day, but he volunteered instead, making sure we all had everything we needed. Thank you, Ben!

Amy Lippe writes..

Please share my gratitude for the route and the volunteers!! It was a great, monster-thigh building ride!

 

Tscheschter Kaundi 200K

A few hours after the 400K riders embarked, 23 riders left Chamounix for a day of riding the classic 200K Tscheschter Kaundi route through the scenic roads of Chester County and the Pennsylvania Dutch country. Like the 400K riders, they were blessed with a sunny May day, but also had to contend with brisk winds for much of the route. Several scenic roads were added to the 200 for this edition, including winding descents on Wylie Terrace Road, Greenlawn Road and Baileys Crossroads Road .

Of the 24  who started, 20 finished, a finish rate of 83%. Well done all! The preliminary results from the ride have been posted. Please review them and let me know if anything does not look right. The results will be submitted to RUSA after review and will become official once certified. 

Riders enjoyed pizza and snacks at the finish while recounting their rides.

Two riders completed their first brevets: Mike Wham and Matthew Altea. Chapeau and welcome to randonneuring!

Andrew Miller writes...

An awesome course. The organization was de la plus haute excellence.  

One memory. My buddy and I were going down hill and a 5 inch thick branch was blocking the rode. At fairly high speed we went around opposite sides on the grass and mud. That is something I will always remember. Very cool because we made it.

Joey Doubek writes.... 

Could not have asked for better conditions than yesterday! Thanks so much for staffing, Ben and Pat!  

Sayantan Khan writes...  

Couldn't have picked any better weather for a ride like this. The temperature was perfect all through the day, and so was the sunlight. While it was pretty windy, the initial headwinds did reliably turn into commensurate tailwinds, so I cannot complain on the wind front. I'd also been told by many veterans of the PA rando 200ks that this was their favorite 200k route: I was skeptical for the first hour as we made our way through urban Philly roads, but as soon as we were out of the city, I immediately agreed with them, and my opinion did not change for the rest of the ride.

We rode through beautiful terrain, first through the little valleys formed by the many creeks flowing into the bigger rivers in the area, and then eventually climbed out of the creek valleys into proper rural countryside.

I had been meaning to ride out these rural parts ever since I moved to Philadelphia, and this brevet finally got me out there, which I'm very grateful for.

I also appreciated the choice of climbs on this route: they never felt too cruel, and several of the descents following the climbs were excellent, and a well deserved reward for all the climbing work. I will definitely be revisiting some of these roads again, even if a brevet does not call for them.
Thanks to all the organizers and the route creators.

Mike Wham writes...

That was a wonderful day and I’m glad I signed up. It was challenging but I learned a lot and am excited to try it again! Everyone was so helpful and supportive. Nothing but positive vibes. Couldn’t be more excited to finish my first brevet!

Four State 400 & Tscheschter Kaundi 200 Preride Notes (UPDATE #1 with TK notes)

Update from Ben Keenan who completed a pre-ride of the Tscheschter Kaundi 200:

Friends Meetinghouse Rd

A preride of the Tscheschter Kaundi 200K Brevet was conducted Wednesday, May 7th.  The course is generally in good shape, through there was some construction on the route out of Philadelphia at Whitby Ave. (mile 8.3) and Baily Rd (9.8).  In each case, the construction should be passable, though the road was dug up at Baily Rd, so it is possible riders will need to dismount and walk on the sidewalk to get around it.  The course is beautiful any time of year, but especially so now. I am hopeful everyone will get as nice a day as I had.  For those have ridden the course before, you will notice some revised routing that will make it feel new – a few standouts are the winding descents of Wylie Terrace Road, Greenlawn Road and Baileys Crossroads Road leading down to the Mercer’s Mill Covered Bridge.  

Everyone please make sure you have the latest course update, which is available on the ride website.  It is labeled B2842_R3_TscheschterKaundi200_DoeRunDetour 2025 and was updated at 2025-05-8 10:39:27. Look forward to seeing everyone Saturday! 

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Original Post of Four State 400 Preride Notes:

A preride was conducted on May 2, 2025.  The route, which is the same as last year's was found to be in generally good condition. It is a challenging and scenic ride and since it crosses state lines four times there is a lot of credit for anyone working towards and American Explorer Award.  

There is one slight detour at mile 132, as bridge repair has deemed Weaverland Road impassable. The latest cue sheet is version 2 and the RWGPS file was last modified 2025-05-4 13:47:59 EDT.  RWGPS files and cue sheets can be found HERE.

 Course Notes

While riding through Philadelphia be mindful that  many of the bike lanes and shoulders have debris and glass in them, particularly Greenland Drive (just after crossing the Strawberry Mansion Bridge).  It should be early enough that riders can use the full lane without too much worry of heavy traffic.  

Around mile 8.8 riders will encounter a road closure sign.  There is work being done on the intersection at 56th street, but it is easy to get around.  Shortly after this, at mile 9.1, just after crossing Cobbs Creek Pkwy, there are quite a few potholes on the descent.  Please be careful here.                                                                              

At Mile 80.9 there is a tree down across the gravel road.  The gravel in the area of the tree is somewhat soft so it is probably best to dismount to get around the tree.  At mile 174 there is a large amount of gravel in the turn on to Lehnenberg Road and in the descent a little further down the road.  Please use caution.  

Fleecy Dale Road, mile 210.4, is closed to traffic, however bicycles can navigate through the construction.  This road has been closed to cars for over a year now, so surface conditions are not the best.  Please be mindful of potholes and debris.  

 If, by the time you reach the penultimate control in Bloomsbury, NJ, you have had you fill of convenience store/gas station fare, Casola's Pizza is located at mile 189.4. Just before the last hard climb of the day and about a mile past the control. After checking in at the control you can keep moving and stop at Casola's for a slice or two before making your way to the finish.  

There is a considerable amount of nighttime riding on this brevet.  Please ensure that all of you safety gear (lights (front and rear), reflective vest, reflective ankle bands) are in working order.  Bike and gear inspections will be completed prior to the start.

PA Fleche 2025 Ride Report

Preliminary results for the 2025 PA Randonneurs Flèche are available on the website along with finish line photos.  Barring any issues, results will be submitted to RUSA and ACP soon and will become official eventually. Please check them over and let me know if they seem correct. The homologation process takes time.  Although you may see an ACP certification number in the records before the end of 2025, don't expect your paper certificate from ACP till early 2027. 

Four of six teams completed  their self-designed courses.  There were 25 registered riders. Of those, 21 started and 14 finished (67%).

The finish at Chamounix was staffed by Ben Keenan, along with several other well wishers who were there to cheer the finishers.  CJ Arayata gathered several photos and great videos in this gallery. 

Finish control volunteer Ben Keenan writes.... 

We had a good clear cold April morning as the riders streamed in the final quarter mile stretch to Chamounix, arriving in mostly good spirits , at least considering they’d been riding all night in the cold, wind and rain. Smiles and good humor masked weariness, sore legs and courage (the kind not worn on a sleeve) as the riders turned in soggy cards. A fleche is one of those things nobody tells you how hard it is until after you’ve already found out for yourself (and no longer have anyone else to blame!), but it is also unforgettable. Well done all! Special thanks to the great group that showed up to cheer the riders, some of whom brought excellent cookies, brownies and vegan doughnuts.

Will Sherman (No Pressure) writes...

Team No Pressure returned to a familiar route from New York City to Philadelphia. With one teammate out sick, we pressed on with just three riders. We met at Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan, grabbed breakfast and boarded the Staten Island Ferry. After a quick team photo at Staten Island Borough Hall, we crossed the Goethals Bridge into New Jersey and turned south, facing headwinds toward the Pine Barrens. Rain held off until our first control, a Wawa in New Egypt, followed by intermittent downpours as we rode to another Wawa in Egg Harbor City. The skies cleared up while we ate, and we pedaled onwards, drying off in the sun with all the rain behind us. Our good fortune nearly ended when a crank arm came loose on the Garden State Parkway Bridge. Nobody was carrying the exceptionally-large allen key to reattach it, but a bike repair stand was found a few yards away, and after some wrenching in the dark, we were back on the road. After another Wawa control in Dennisville, we turned back north, still facing headwinds through the quiet Pine Barrens. Our stops were brief, and we were able to take a short nap at a motel before we reached our 22-hour control (a Wawa, of course). The sun was up and shining brightly as we navigated to the Ben Franklin Bridge and through Philadelphia to the finish. Thanks to all volunteers who made this possible and welcomed us in after our surprisingly tough, windy, and wet journey. 

 

Brad Layman (Thunder Gun Express) writes... 

"You better get going—you don't want to miss one second of that ride! It's the best goddamn ride I've ever done in my life!" True to Thunder Gun code, the gang—Ben Swartz, Dan Plechaty, Jakub Piven, and I—kicked off our 24-hour adventure at Chez Ben, cheered on by two extremely friendly cats who clearly understood the gravity of our mission.

Our first stop was Café Layman, where we visited my parents and fueled up before taking on the unknown. Jakub crushed the hills like a true Thunder Gun hero, while Dan enjoyed his final big rando hurrah before leveling up to Dad Mode. Ben battled back from an early bout of dehydration, proving once again that the gang refuses to back down—no brakes, no surrender, no rider left behind!

Mother Nature gave us the full treatment: rain at the start, a tease of sunshine, a legit thunderstorm (Thunder Gun style), then finally clearing skies—but the winds stayed wild all the way to Philly. Overnight, Lancaster County served up tough headwinds, but most of the time we had the wind at our backs.

At around 3 a.m., we stopped at a Turkey Hill, where Ben set an alarm for a quick nap. When it went off, it jolted the whole squad awake like we were under attack from the sewers—we were ready to ride. We nearly thought disaster had struck again when we arrived at our diner control just after dawn and saw the "Closed" sign still hanging. But in true Thunder Gun spirit, we refused to accept defeat—the doors were actually open, and we feasted gloriously on griddle toppers.

Other highlights: we each sampled the world-famous Royal Farms (RoFo) chicken (Thunder Gun approved), inhaled Dragon China Kitchen dinner specials in Delta, PA, and tightened up the paceline to Thundergun it across the Holtwood Bridge without getting passed by a single car.

Finally, we rolled down Main Street Manayunk, which Rando Joey D graciously closed off for our grand arrival. He and Maria T were waiting at Volo Coffee to cheer us towards the finish line, capping off a grimy, glorious Thunder Gun adventure. We Thundergunned the s#*+ out of that ride!

 

[ED: By completing this Flèche, Brad Layman earns the rare and prestigious PA R-5000 award, signifying completion of the PA 200, 300, 400, 6000, 1000, and 1200K+ events.  Only six riders have achieved this honor.  They are: Judson L Hand,  Guy Harris,  Benjamin Keenan, Brad Layman, William Olsen (2), Norman Smeal.  Congratulations Brad and welcome to this exclusive club. ]

Gavin Biebuyck (Coast Cycles) writes...

Surreal - bridges and rivers and canals and ocean and dirt and woods and smoke and chasing shadows

We began in Brooklyn with a flat tire but had that fixed with enough time to grab coffee and stroll onto the open gangway of the Staten Island Ferry.

Meandering across Staten Island from our official start at the ferry terminal and across North Jersey we soon found ourselves at the highest point on our ride.

A surprisingly mediocre coffee shop was respite for the first wave of storms, we carried this luck to the Atlantic where we crossed over to Sandy Hook and were rewarded with one last view of the NYC skyline over 100 miles into our ride.

We pushed south along the Jersey Shore as the sun set, by the time we got to the area of the recent wildfire it was dark and eerie. Smoke rose to our right, we pulled our neck gators over our noses as we passed between burnt sections.

Turning into the West wind, our reward for crossing the pine barrens were two disappointments at Wawas- the first with no bathroom and the second under construction, prompting a slight deviation in our middle of the night waiting game plans.

Finally we made it to Chamounix after a detour through the city center and up the greenbelt. This homestretch may have felt like the longest 25k of the ride.

 

 

Cheng-Hong Li (Tri-State Arrow Express) writes...

We suffered horrendous weather 24-hour straight: strong headwinds, down pouring rains, cold ocean fog, and freezing temperature plus windchill in the early morning hours. But riding at midnight along the quiet roads beside the Delaware River was magical and unforgettable.And, of course, the final 22 hour control at WAWA was the best: with chairs to nap by! We persevered and made it to the finish in time.

 

Four teams made it on time, two didn't, but the two that didn't quite make it on time still showed steel resolve and exemplified the spirit of randonneuring.

Fist Full of Xanax did not qualify for an official finish, as they were late to the finish control by 9 minutes. 

Joe Ray (Fistfull of Xanax) writes of their struggle...

Chris flatted as we entered the Ben Franklin bridge in Camden. He had used his spare tube Saturday as had I. No one else had tube that would fit. So we started pumping and he would ride ask long as it would allow then stop again. We stopped three times then on fourth he said we should go and leave him Bob’s pump. He arrived probably an hour after us, not sure exactly, each pump lasting less than the prior one. We raced like on an urban time trial but the combo of longer-distance from last control than required and stopping for tire put us over. 

 

The other team that wasn't able to complete an official flèche was Team Musette. Their plan was an audacious 500 km trip from Northampton MA to Philly in 24 hours. They almost had it, but some knee trouble in the team caused them to miss the goal by about an hour. Even so, this was an audacious effort, especially given the cold, windy conditions.

 

 

 

Water and Wind 300K Ride Report

There was plenty of water and wind for the Water and Wind 300K, along with near freezing temperatures and up to 3 inches of fresh snow in the mountains. Of 30 registered riders, 12 brave souls clipped in at the start despite these seemingly "impossible" conditions,  seven did most of the ride and five finished.

Yes, a magnificent seven did most of ride. Seemingly undaunted by cold or moisture, they donned eVent and GoreTex and clipped in. True randonneurs.  Rule-9 badasses. There names are: Michael Burns, Nigel Greene, Ben Keenan, Brad Layman, Anton Lindberg, Bryan Niederberger, and Nicolaas van Rhede van der Kloot.

And what an epic ride it was. Proving that there's no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear (and bad attitude), these magnificent seven riders exemplify what randonneuring is all about. Chapeau bas aux grands cyclistes!

 

Unfortunately, badassness and rando spirit only gets you so far. Two of our rando warriors ultimately lost the battle. Both made it about 150 miles, the equivalent of rando spitting distance from the finish, but were forced to withdraw. Anton's digestive problems became a safety hazard and Nigel's machine had a mechanical issue. Nevertheless, both had epic rides. Had their luck been a little different, they would have triumphed along with the others. 

Results of the five day-of finishers, and one volunteer prerider (Pat Gaffney, who had to stop to buy sunblock on the warm sunny day as he checked out the course),  have been posted. Please review the results and let us know if something is not quite right. The results will be submitted to RUSA after review and will become official once certified.  

Thanks to Ron Anderson and Pat Gaffney for running the start, with the help of Nick Asby.  Pat came back to help clean up after the finish, with the assistance of Ben Keenan, Nick VdK, and Anton Lindberg.

Among the magnificent finishers was recently minted randonneur Michael Burns who rode a memorable first 300K and clearly demonstrated that his rando mettle is true and strong. 

Michael Burns writes...

Water and wind and rain and snow! Looking at the conditions leading up to the ride, I told myself that I would pull the plug as soon as I wasn’t having fun. Well, the fun never stopped! I rode my pace, took what the road gave me, and grooved the whole way. I'm fortunate to have the resources and time to spend 17 hours on bike ride!

 Nigel Greene writes...

"Sometimes it snows in April"

The Wind and Water Gap 300k exceeded its name. We had wind and we had water in the form of rain, then sleet, then snow. Add to that, the Pennsylvania climbs; 10%, 12%, even 16%, so many sharp, steep climbs. And the Gaps. My legs got so tired that even the 3% grades required the easiest gear, and the patience, to keep trudging up those climbs.

Nick from Vermont and I were closely matched in pace. We often saw each other at controls and rode together for a bit.

Full rain gear, wet roads, multiple climbs, and a constant headwind made for slow progress. By the time I got to the turnaround in Delaware Gap, it was obvious that this was going to be a full value ride, at best.

Then 40 miles from the end, a mechanical led to a dilemma: do I try to botch together an uncertain solution and spend the next 3+ hours riding in the freezing dark hoping it worked or call it a day. I called it day. 148 miles and over 9000 feet of climbing in a "wintery mix" would just have to do. Overall, a few lessons learned and some Rando rust removed. Another step taken toward LEL.

Here's a picture from the Village Bakery. You can see Nick in the background and the snow on the grass.

 

Brad Layman writes...

The first sign that it was going to be more than just April showers was when the rain turned to sleet in Bucks County. And then as we climbed up Sweet Hollow Rd over Musconetcong Mountain the rain turned to snow. But we were rewarded for dealing with the cold precipitation and headwind from the north when we reached a winter wonderland in the Delaware Water Gap. It was magical scenery from Water Gap to Wind Gap, and lucky for us the pavement was too warm for snow or ice. A lot of great PA winter riding this year had me prepared with gear dialed in for this event. Eventually it stopped raining and a friendly tailwind helped me back to the finish. Two of the three editions of the Water & Wind 300 experienced extreme weather and both were unforgettable. See you at the flèche and 400! Thank you Chris, Pat, Ron, and Nick for taking care of us today. 

Nick vanderKloot writes...

Yes, water there was aplenty in all its forms and the wind made its presence known as well. It was not really a warm day either. But I happily suffer from "early onset randonesia" and just a day later I remember only the many beautiful sights: cherry blossoms contrasting with snow covered ground -like Winter not yet quite ready to give up its podium spot to Spring- ,a white streaked Delaware Water Gap, and many scenic spots along the Delaware river. Of course, I made sure I got my money's worth with more time on the bike than in the car driving down and back from VT (19hrs vs 15hrs :>). It was great riding apace with Nigel for about 150 miles. 

A huge thank you to all the volunteers (Ron, Pat, Nick A, Ben) for a perfect organization and hospitality; not to mention the very warm welcome by Chris at the finish! PA Randonneurs is the best!

Water and Wind 300K PreRide Notes *** UPDATE 1

UPDATE 1 ***

We never liked the traffic on the Rt 115 climb over Wind Gap. RBA emeritus Tom Rosenbauer suggested an alternative and we have updated the RWGPS and Cue data with this new routing. Please be sure you are using cue VERSION 6 with RWGPS data last modified 2025-04-9 21:41:42 EDT. If you are using eBrevet, make sure it has VERSION 6 route data loaded. Latest route data is available here.

Original post. ***

The course was pre-ridden by Pat Gaffney on 29 March. 

The course was found to be in good condition generally. 

 

The descent of Staats Rd at around mile 60 is the first really ripping descent. Enjoy it, but don't outrun your guardian angel. Control your speed.  Be especially alert for the fast left onto Milford Rd, which is easy to miss. There's a wooden bridge immediately at the turn that's hard to see past.  It can be slippery. And bumpy. There can be hidden oncoming traffic. Go slow.

The segment of 611 up into the Water Gap is now open to all traffic. There is only one lane. It has a timed traffic signal that alternates traffic flow. The timing is very short, so don't hesitate, ride through as quickly as possible, and be alert for oncoming traffic.  

Route 115 up and over the Wind Gap after you make the left off of Cherry Valley Rd is very busy and has a narrow shoulder.  Sometimes there's junk on the edge of the road. Stay alert. Stay focused. Be cautious. 

Although not a control, the Wawa at the 200K point in Easton is a good place to stop and fuel up for the final 100K. 

 Bonne route! 

Covered Bridges 200K Ride Report

On Saturday, March 15, The 2025 SR Series kicked off from the Chamounix Carriage House in Philadelphia. Of the 59 who clipped in, 52 finished in good time for an 88% completion rate. Preliminary results have been posted. Please review the results and let us know if something is not quite right. The results will be submitted to RUSA after review and will become official once certified.

This event boasted 13 newly minted randonneurs who completed their first 200K! Nick Asby, Anna Balchunas, Bing Dai, Anthony DiNolfo, Peter Eby, Michael Garrity, Aram Kaplanian, Sayantan Khan, Bill Lugg, Andrew Maloney, Greg Marchand, Tracey Sikora, and Julia Townsend. Well done and WELCOME! Hope to see you at future events. 

First finisher, 17 year old Tibor Barankay, rolled in at an impressive 8hr 26m time, setting a new course record for the Covered Bridges 200K. A truly outstanding feat for such a challenging ride. Congrats, Tibor!

 

In the following hours, dozens of riders arrived back at the hostel in good spirits after a big day. Lanterne rouge, Dan Oh, provided excitement right up to the last minute in an epic finish by sprinting in with barely two minutes to spare before the cutoff time. Fellow riders stuck around for a warm welcome. 

 

Thank you to the volunteers who ensured the event ran smoothly and the riders were well fed! Pat Gaffney, Chris Nadovich, Joe Ray, Kalten Walter and Erik Wright.

Sayantan Khan writes...

I really appreciate the potatoes and sausage at the manned control point. A ride like this needs to be sustained by real food, and the potatoes kept me going for the second half of the course. 

Nigel Greene writes...

Huge thank you to the organizers and volunteers for putting on this memorable event! This was my first time on this route and it was both a challenge and a pleasure. Lots of new roads intersecting with familiar ones coupled with the covered bridges made for a scenic ride. Hot food and coffee at the Tinicum control was just what was needed to make the next section of relentless climbing bearable. Finally, I was happy to see the large turnout! PA Randonneurs has a promising future! 

Amy Lippe writes...

I just want to say thank you to all the organizers and volunteers! It was cold out there, so I was very grateful for the friendly faces and warm food at the Tinicum Control. 

Brad Layman writes..

Thank you, Kate, Erik, Pat, Chris, and Joe! Your support throughout the day was fantastic. To me, the Uhlerstown climb epitomizes this kickoff ride of the PA SR Series—not the longest, but steep enough to push the legs to their limit. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the 300 next month. 

Ben Keenan writes...

Thanks Kate, Erik, Joe, Pat and Chris for another excellent rendition of this ride.  The course looked like winter but felt like spring, which is kind of like having hope as a tailwind. From start to finish, first to last, there were so many excellent riders and rides on the day, it made it really fun to be out there.  Special mention to Tibor Barankay (a ride for the ages) and Daniel Oh (one of the great finishes ever).  Thanks everyone and see you down the road!

Greg Marchand writes...

A beautiful day for my first brevet. Me and Scott H. zoomed to New Hope and I was feeling pretty great. We picked up two or three riders and had a good pace up river road for a while until we hit the first of several challenging hills in upper bucks. At this point I knew I wouldn’t see Scott again until the Tinicum control but was fortunate enough to make a new friend (Nick) who stuck with me until the lunch control. From then on it was a struggle, I won’t lie, the hills are no joke and by control 4 (mile 73-74) the self doubt was really creeping in. Luckily Nick, Bill, and a couple other riders gave me confidence and the feeling of not being alone out there gave me a boost. Control 5 was a welcomed rest and food stop, and also the area I grew up. It was a surreal feeling to ride past the neighborhood I learned to ride a bike in as a kid while pushing towards the 100 mile mark. From then on I was pretty much out of my mind, I was dealing with a frustrating bib issue and a Wahoo that was starting to act a little weird and laggy. At this point me and Nick decided we were finishing no matter what and we’d get each other there regardless of time. We made it to the SRT a little before 7:00 PM and out of nowhere Andy S. and his group zoomed up to us and gave us a wonderful pace line and pulled us Manayunk before breaking off a little. I watched there lights climbing up to Chamounix and saw Nick not far behind me, I knew we’d make it at that point and the emotion really kicked in. Waiting to hand in my card I could barely hold back tears, I get why people do this and I’m all in. Thanks again to all the volunteers and all the riders I met along the way, I can’t wait for more.  

Joey Doubek writes...

The sun came out for all of three minutes. Such a great ride! Thanks again for organizing!

Olivia Walling writes...

I did want to say that I really enjoyed my fellow randos. Everyone was supportive and fun, and I've learned now that the big insulated gloves are necessary for in early spring early start! :)

Covered Bridges 200k Preride Report

The Covered Bridges 200K is back for a fourth edition as the 2025 PA Super Randonneur Series kicks off on Saturday, March 15.

A preride was completed on Saturday, March 1 by Pat Gaffney, Erik Wright and I [Kate Sparacio]. Erik and I rode together, while Pat rode ahead solo. We did not encounter any road closures or issues along the way, and the route was in good shape. The latest RWGPS route and cue sheets can be found HERE (dated 3/10/25) and the cue sheet is version 3. We encourage riders to use the ebrevet app to check in at the controls. Search for "ebrevet" by Chris Nadovich in the app store. Your brevet card will have a code to check into the app at the start. Then, you need to open the app at each control, hit “GPS Update” and check in at each control. You can close the app between controls and keep your phone in airplane mode if you prefer. This is not a tracking app - it just allows you to check and upload the time when you are at a control.

Those familiar with the route will notice that this year’s course features an updated route out of the city. Departing from the Chamounix Carriage House, riders will enjoy a peaceful ride along the Wissahickon Bike Trail followed by several miles of quiet suburban roads through Northwest Philadelphia before meeting back up with the classic route at the north end of Pennypack.

Gentle hills on the way to New Hope will help you warm up before the big climbs come. In New Hope, there is a Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts that open early enough (5:30am) for riders to take advantage of while passing through town & checking into the second control. Don’t stop for too long, as the brunch stop is only 20 miles away.

Leaving New Hope the route follows along the Delaware river and brings riders to the first real hills of the course.

Cabin Run Covered Bridge at mile 51.4

Brunch (including vegan options) will be provided at the Tinicum control by club RBA Chris Nadovich and volunteer Joe Ray.  Be sure to take advantage of the generously provided fuel! Following the control, riders will be on a very long stretch with limited resources and a LOT of climbing between miles 60-90. At the time of the preride, bathrooms were open and available at Tinicum. 

Shortly after brunch you will climb out of the river valley on the notorious Uhlerstown Hill Rd. This is the steepest climb on the route with a grade that reaches over 30%. There is a gate at the bottom that is possible to navigate without dismounting your bike. If you’re not already off your bike due to the oppressive grade at the top of the climb, you will most likely need to dismount anyway to navigate around the final gate. Now halfway through the ride, you only have a few more big hills and scenic descents before the bulk of the climbing is well behind you.

Erik going for a hike up Uhlerstown Road

The last control before the finish is Tabora Farm, where you’ll find all manner of baked goods and treats to fuel up on. An indoor bathroom at Tabora is unmarked and located behind the coffee counter, so you have to ask permission to use it. There are also outdoor bathrooms available around the side of the building.

On the way back into Philly riders will encounter some gently rolling hills and a stretch on the 202 Bike Trail. The most challenging parts of the route are now behind you, but the final miles definitely require patience at frequent traffic lights as you wind through the suburbs back towards the city.

Back at the Carriage House, volunteers and ride buddies will be waiting to welcome you and congratulate you on a big day. Be sure to stick around to wind down and recount your adventure over dinner, provided by the club.

This is a lovely route with no shortage of scenery and dynamic roads to enjoy along the way - have fun out there! Looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday.

Internatioal Women's Day 107K Populaire Ride Report

A chilly, but pleasant, morning greeted the 66 starters this past Saturday for the International Women's Day 107K Populaire.  Temperatures rose to around 50 degrees as riders explored Philadelphia's Fairmount Park and the suburbs to the northwest. 

In all 58 riders and 3 preriders finished the ride in good time for a 92% completion rate.  Congratulations to all the finishers.  Preliminary results have been posted on the website.  Please review and let us know if something is not right.  Results will be submitted to RUSA after review and will become official once certified.  

The large starting field was a good mix of veterans and riders new to the sport.  This ride boasted 16 (!) freshly minted ronadonneurs!  Noah Abbot, Stephen Arrivello, Hala Asraf, David Bacher Hicks, Christopher Costes, Bing Dai, Sayantan Kahn, Bella Kuhl, Andrew Maloney, Peter McLoone, Erik Orvik, Tracey Sikora, Malissa Sullivan, Michelle Sun, Emma Trallon, and Olivia Walling all posted strong finishes.  Well done and congratulations to you all.  

The ride also served as a fundraiser for Little Bellas, a mentorship program that gets your women and girls on bikes. 100% of the proceeds from this ride was donated to Little Bellas. Each rider's entry fee earned them a sweepstakes ticket, which were drawn at the finish. With items donated form members of the community and beyond sweepstakes winners receive prizes that ranged from bike tune-ups and haircuts to art work and acupuncture. In all, through entry fees and sweepstakes ticket sales, we raised over $720.00 for the organization.  Thank you to all who supported.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Ben Keenan writes -

Thanks a million to Pat, Cece, Ello and everyone else for a great day and honoring International Women’s Day.  It was a perfect beginning to a new season.   As Pat said, hope to see everyone down the road! ______________________________________________________________________________________________

 The Pennsylvania Super Randonneur Series starts this weekend with the Covered Bridges 200K starting at the Chamounix Carriage House. Information about all the events in the series can be found on the PA Rando website.

International Women's Day 107K Populaire Preride Notes

Prerides of the International Women's Day 107K Populaire were completed by Pat & Cecily Gaffney and Ello Shertzer.  The latest cue sheet is Version 12 and the RWGPS file was last modified 2025-03-2 19:44:03 EST.  RWGPS file and cue sheet can be found here

The populaire route is a tour of Fairmont Park landmarks, with a loop out to the suburbs, including rural Evansburg State Park and the interesting town of Ambler. You will visit Laurel Hill Cemetary, Strawberry Mansion, and more.

Course Notes 

The course is in good shape with no major issues or rough patches.  Though there are a few things to watch out for:

There is a large metal plate right at the point you will turn onto the Wissahickon bike trail at mile 5.4, please be careful.

The turn at mile 57.4 is tricky. You make a right at the traffic light at Leverington then an immediate left at High St before the bridge. This is what it looks like:

 On the return to Center City and the finish control you will again pass by the Joan of Arc Statue and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  As you round the museum your GPS may tell to stay to the right and head towrads the Spring Garden Street Bridge, as you did at the start.  Don't listen to it.  To go the finish you want to head left around the traffic circle.  Please be mindful of traffic in the circle.

 EBrevet

We encourage riders to use the ebrevet app to check in at the controls. Search for "ebrevet" by Chris Nadovich in the app store. Your brevet card will have a code to check into the app at the start. Then, you need to open the app at each control, hit “GPS Update” and check in at each control. You can close the app between controls and keep your phone in airplane mode if you prefer. This is not a tracking app - it just allows you to check and upload the time when you are at a control.

Finish Control 

The finish control is the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where the Philadelphia Bike Expo will be in full swing.  There will be free & secure bike valet on the ground floor if you would like to go peruse the expo after your ride.  The area near the bike valet is also where the sweepstakes prizes will be drawn and handed out.  Each registered rider will receive a sweepstakes ticket with their brevet card at the start. Prizes will be awarded at 3:45.  Additional information can be found at the event webpage here.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday!

Stillwater 200K Ride Report

It was cold of course -- staying in the 30s all day -- and the strong wind  created extra challenge, but the good news was that the drizzle late Friday was not frozen into black ice when riders clipped in at dawn. It was above freezing, about 38F, at the start. Although the temperature fell all day, when it reached freezing (at around 5PM) the roads were mostly dry and the lanternes rouges arrived safely. During the bulk of the day, the sunshine and beautiful countryside make it all fairly pleasant. 

A good 16 of 17 who clipped in for the brevet finished within the time limit (94%). Congratulations and well done to all. Preliminary results have been posted on the website.  Please review the results and let us know if something is not quite right.  The results will be submitted to RUSA after review and will become official once certified. 

Newly minted randonneurs, Michael Burns and Scott Holjes, had solid finishes --  it's great to see new riders showing up for the Winter brevets. These cats obviously have what it takes to be tough randonneurs. Welcome to our sport!  

On the veteran end of the spectrum, first finisher Jim Vreeland looked strong as he prepares for his fifth  Iditarod Trail Invitational, a 350 mile race in Alaska later this month.  Prerider  Chris Newman and day-of finisher Nigel Greene accumulated early season miles as they train for London Edinburgh London.  Chris Newman was also the finish control volunteer, thanks!

With this 200K finish, Mike Riley completed his very first R-12. I believe the R-12 is one of the more difficult randonneuring awards to achieve, as it requires consistent commitment over a long period. Chapeau Mike and ride on to R-24!

The Stillwater 200K is one of the most popular PA Rando routes. This course has been used for an official 200K brevet sixteen times since 2011. It was invented by Tom Rosenbauer and is one of several brevets exploring the Great Meadow region of NJ, in and around the Lackawanna Cutoff earthworks and bridges.

Mac Vergara writes...

Chris, thank you for organizing yesterday’s brevet, which as an absolutely beautiful route, even in the dead of winter.

---

In March the Pennsylvania randonneuring 2025 season begins in earnest with two great events.

The International Women's Day 107K  Populaire  on March 8th starts at the Joan of Arc stature near the Art Museum and this year has an exciting finish at the Philadelphia Bike Expo.  100% of the entry fees for this event will go towards fundraising for Little Bellas, a mentorship program that gets girls on bikes. 

The Pennsylvania Super Randonneur Series starts March 15th with the Covered Bridges 200K start/finishing at Chamounix. 

Hope to see you all at one or both of these great events.

Hope to New Hope 200K Ride Report

A cold and windy day. But not that cold. It was almost above freezing  at times.  The sun almost came out. And there was no snow. Well, not much snow. So, basically, a nice day by Hope 2 New Hope standards. 

The brevet starts just before dawn. Brrrrr!

Seven out of seven riders, including one prerider, all made it back to the warmth of Frank's Trattoria having bested the gods of winter, for a 100% finish rate.  Congratulations and well done to all. Preliminary results have been posted on the website.  Please review the results and let us know if something is not quite right.  The results will be submitted to RUSA after review and will become official once certified. 

Start volunteer and prerider Bob Dye made sure everyone knew what to expect.  Finish volunteer Nigel Greene welcomed the finishers with warm pizza. 

 

RBA Emeritus Tom Rosenbauer writes...

I was pleased to see that everyone made it to the finish in good time -- chapeau to the audacious randonneurs that persisted in such frigid riding conditions.  And even more impressively, all managed to resist the siren call of stopping as they passed their cars at the halfway point.

 

First finisher (by like 3 hours!) Chris Maglieri had enough extra time to snap some photos. 

 

Hope to New Hope 200K Pre Ride Notes

The course was pre-ridden by Bob Dye on 1 January.  The latest cue sheet is VERSION 1, and the RWGPS file was last modified on 2024-12-31 13:59:20 EST. RWGPS file and cue sheets can be found here. 

Prerider Bob Dye writes...

New Year's Day was a good day for the Hope to New Hope 200k pre-ride. The roads are mostly in great shape with many wide and smooth shoulders.   This is a good route for a winter-time ride although there was no ice or  snow seen anywhere. There was a cause for concern just after mile 84 with two sinkholes in the shoulder. These look like bottomless potholes and  there was no warning near them. Also, high winds had left some debris on the road which hopefully will be gone by Saturday. The restrooms at Bulls Island (miles 79 and 94) were open and heated.

The route passes through the flashing-light intersection of Greenwich St and Main St  twice - first at mile 2.3 and then at 48.5. It's a left turn (north) the first time at the flashing light and a right turn (south) later. This may confuse your GPS. Mine was totally flummoxed and directed me the wrong way (which I ignored) and  then insisted on a U-turn for the next 5-10 miles. Be ready to disobey! 

Start time Saturday is 6AM Saturday.  I'm looking forward to seeing you then.