Monday, May 5, 2025

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.

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