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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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
