Hawk's Nest Classic 200K -- Course Notes

 

photo by G. Keenan

Now that summer's heat has arrived, Pocono venues continue to offer the best reprieve.  On  July 18th we head north for our July R-12 brevet with the Classic Hawk's Nest route.  This is the original route that follows the Broadhead Creek up onto the Allegheny Front through Canadensis and Promised Land State Park on its way to the headwaters of the Lackawaxen River.  The start is from the Delaware Water Gap Park-n-Ride near the I-80 exit, and the finish is at the Village Farmer. 

Patrick and Cecilie Gaffney completed a pre-ride of the Hawks Nest Classic Route on 10 July.  They found all roads in serviceable condition and all control locations open. 

 Here are some notes from their preride.

• The shoulder just past Hawks Nest, around mile 79 is in bad shape and there is some rough pavement on the right side of the lane. Riders should take the lane if they can. 
• Mile 91.6 there is a road closed sign. We were able to pass through and, get this, Old Mine Road has been repaved all the way to Jager road! 
• Mile 111.2 the barriers are still on Walpack road but they are easily passable. 
• Mile 112.7 the downhill on the backside of old mine road has some rough pavement and potholes descend with caution. 
• The first few miles of Old Mine just past Millbrook Village are in rough shape. Mike 115.2 is particularly bad. There is a pothole that crosses the entire width of the road and riders will be moving pretty quickly.  

At Eldred, the typical control location is not being used and instead there is an info control at the Hero’s Park in front of the Town Hall.  Pay careful attention to the question and ensure you select an answer based on the correct war.  Peck’s Market is open in Eldred, but if you’d like to stop earlier, the  Hungry Goat in Barryville  has excellent baked goods and will (fairly rapidly) make you a hot breakfast sandwich.

Although there is a big climb up the Allegheny front, peaking at Sky Top, this route is possibly the fastest ride in the PA Rando route library.  Speedier riders may arrive at the Riverside Creamery in Port Jervis before their 12:00 opening time.  Woogie’s Deli is 1 block off route at the corner of King St. & US 209/6. 

Please note that the ride finishes at the Village Farmer and not at the Park-n-ride.

 

Event registration is open on the website through midnight tonight (15 July).  Don't miss your chance to experience this PA Rando classic.