On November 22, Pat Gaffney and I rolled out for a pre-ride of the Oley Valley & Hopewell Furnace 200K to check conditions and confirm the final route. Although the morning forecast called for steady rain, the weather cleared just as we rolled out, giving us a surprisingly decent start to the day. The RWGPS file (last modified 2025-11-26 09:35:24 EST) and cuesheet (Version 4) can be found here: https://parando.org/route/info/479.
Start & Finish Information
- Start Control: Cadence Cycling (Manayunk) parking lot
Free parking is available. Please use the parking spaces farthest from the storefronts. - Finish Control: Wissahickon Brewing Company
Located about 0.5 miles from the start. - Additional Parking: Riders may also park for free at the Gustine Recreation Center, which is closer to the finish.
Route Notes & Closures
Several road closures from the original route are now fully updated on the current RWGPS file and cuesheet:
- Quarry Road (Harleysville)
- Deep Creek Road (Perkiomenville)
- Saint Peters Road (through the village of St. Peters)
Detours are clear and rideable. In addition, the cuesheet includes multiple safety-related notes: train tracks, steel-grate bridges, gravel, and speed bumps. Riders are strongly encouraged to review these before the start.
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| Pat Gaffney on a half mile section of gravel in Oley Valley. The few gravel and rough pavement sections are noted on RWGPS and the cuesheet. |
Resupply Guidance
The stretch between the Henning’s Market control (Mile 28) and Wawa control (Mile 71) has limited services, so plan accordingly.
- A Redner’s is available slightly off-route near Mile 45.
- A fresh spring water source is marked on both the cuesheet and RWGPS near Mile 46.
- The second half of the route offers multiple Turkey Hills and Wawas with convenient access (and restrooms).
Terrain & Climbing
Many riders may assume that most of the day’s elevation gain comes early, around Oley Valley and the Reading Prong. However, the steepest climbing is concentrated in the second half.
Between Miles 79 and 91, riders should be prepared for a challenging series of consecutive climbs:
- Shed Road
- County Park Road
- Nantmeal Road
Pacing early in the ride will pay dividends later. Save some energy for these three back-to-back efforts.
Lighting & Evening Safety
Sunset on December 6 is approximately 4:35 PM. Most riders will finish after dark, so lights and reflective gear are mandatory.
If you expect your ride to take more than 11 hours, use extra caution between Mile 92 and Mile 108. While much of this section follows quiet roads, there are several short segments on busier roads (each less than a mile long). Traffic moves fast in these areas after dark, particularly between 5 and 7 PM. Be visible, predictable, and alert. The route mostly follows bike trails back to the city after Mile 108.
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| Finish Control: Wissahickon Brewing |
Finish & Social Gathering
After finishing, riders are invited to stay and socialize at Wissahickon Brewing. The brewery offers:
- A wide range of beer and non-alcoholic drinks
- One or two food trucks
- Plenty of indoor seating
- A heated outdoor tent
Please invite friends and family as we turn this finish into a club holiday gathering!
Brad Layman
Event Organizer
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