A huge thank you to everyone who helped pre-ride the new routes for our September 19 events. Pat and Cecilie Gaffney joined me (Brad Layman) on the Oxford Odyssey 200K, Alexa Ringer and Sean Martin tackled the Lancaster Loop 300K, and Peter Eby took on the Hex Country 400K over Labor Day weekend. Their feedback, cue corrections, and observations were invaluable and have already led to a number of improvements.
The pre-rides also featured a couple of significant milestones. Alexa Ringer completed her first Super Randonneur Series by finishing the 300K, and Peter Eby completed his first-ever 400K. Either accomplishment is impressive on its own. Doing so while helping scout a brand-new route for the club makes it even more meaningful. Congratulations to both, chapeau, and thank you for helping make these events possible for our members!
The 400K cuesheet (Version 2) and RWGPS route (Last Modified 2026-09-9 18:35:25 EDT) can be found HERE.
The 300K cuesheet (Version 2) and RWGPS route (Last Modified 2026-09-9 18:24:13 EDT) can be found HERE.
The 200K cuesheet (Version 2) and RWGPS route (Last Modified 2026-09-9 08:27:23 EDT) can be found HERE.
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| Pre-riders at the Cochranville Turkey Hill Control at Mile 55. From left to right: Brad Layman, Sean Martin, Alexa Ringer, Pat Gaffney, Cece Gaffney, and Peter Eby |
General Notes
Each event starts and finishes at the Chamounix Carriage House in West Fairmount Park. The 400K starts at 4:00 AM, the 300K starts at 5:00 AM, and the 200K starts at 7:00 AM. The club will provide a light breakfast at the start and a dinner at the finish. Volunteers will be on hand one hour before each start for check-in and breakfast set-up. Restrooms are available in the Carriage House. Please see the event webpages for tips on parking since we do not recommend parking at Chamounix during the event.
This has been a particularly tough year for road surface conditions. A long winter left many roads with cracks, potholes, and rough pavement, and many rural roads have since been chip sealed, leaving loose gravel in numerous places. In addition, late-summer thunderstorms have washed debris onto roadways, so expect to encounter gravel, sticks, and other material on the shoulders and occasionally in the travel lane. Be prepared for gravel in turns and intersections. There are also several active construction zones which are passable by bike and noted in the cues.
Riders should also be aware that many roads in Amish Country, particularly in Lancaster County and parts of Chester County, have ruts worn into the pavement near the edge of the road by horse-drawn carriages. These ruts can make it difficult to ride close to the shoulder, so be prepared to adjust your line when necessary.
Before the ride, take a few minutes to review the cue sheet for your route, available on the Map & Cues tab of each event webpage. Pay particular attention to the "Danger" cues, which highlight tricky intersections, busy roads, railroad crossings, and other areas requiring extra caution. It is helpful to be familiar with these locations before the event.
Riders, especially those on the 300K & 400K, should be prepared for riding in the dark. Lights, a reflective vest, and reflective ankle straps will be inspected at the start. It also helps to partner up with other riders for the nighttime riding, particularly on the trails.
Miles 0-55 (All Riders)
All three routes share the opening 55 miles. There is a construction zone about two miles in, on Parkside Ave and 53rd St. After leaving Philadelphia, the route quickly transitions into quiet suburban roads before joining the Chester Valley Trail for a traffic-free stretch.
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| Be prepared with lights for the Twin Tunnels. Noted in the cues and marked with an icon on the map (mile 32) |
Around mile 32, riders will pass through the Twin Tunnels near Downingtown. These tunnels are very dark, so be prepared to turn on bright lights before entering. Fortunately, the pavement through the tunnels is smooth and in good condition.
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| Peter Eby rides on Runnymede Rd, a few miles before the routes split at mile 55. |
The three routes remain together until the Cochranville Turkey Hill control at mile 55.
Miles 55-125 (200K)
At the Cochranville Turkey Hill control, the Oxford Odyssey 200K turns southwest toward Oxford while the 300K and 400K continue farther west.
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| Pat & Cece Gaffney |
This section of the 200K features beautiful countryside riding through southern Chester County before crossing into northern Delaware. The final 20 miles become noticeably more urban. Traffic increases, the hills remain relentless, and a series of traffic signals and stop signs interrupts your rhythm. Be patient, go with the flow, and expect frequent stops as you make your way back into Philadelphia.
The 200K is the shortest option of the day, but it is packed with climbing. Don't be fooled by the lack of major climbs. The Oxford Odyssey is relentlessly rolling, with frequent short, steep climbs throughout the route. The short but steep climbs in the last 20 miles were especially challenging.
Miles 55-139 (300K & 400K)
After leaving the Conchranville Turkey Hill control, the 300K and 400K continue through some of the most scenic farmland in Chester and Lancaster Counties. Expect quiet roads, short sections of busy roads, rolling terrain, Amish farms, and excellent rural riding.
One important note about the Warwick Park control: restrooms are available, but there is no drinking fountain (although there is running water in the restroom sinks). The Warwick Park control is located between two Turkey Hill controls, with approximately 45 miles between the Turkey Hill in Ronks and the next Turkey Hill in Gibraltar. Be sure to plan your food and water accordingly.
You have two options: carry enough food and water to make it between controls, or plan to stop at one of the businesses along the route. There is a barbecue restaurant directly on the Warwick-Ephrata Rail Trail, and downtown Ephrata, at the end of the trail, has both a coffee shop, pizza shop, and an ice cream parlor that make convenient resupply stops (marked with icons on the RWGPS map)
Miles 139-186 (300K)
At mile 140, the Lancaster Loop turns east toward Philadelphia while the Hex Country 400K continues north for its final 100+ miles.
The final portion of the 300K continues through the Schuylkill Valley before returning toward Philadelphia. Although fatigue may be setting in by this point, navigation is generally straightforward and services remain readily available. The route follows the SRT for 24 miles from Spring City to Manayunk.
Miles 139-250 (400K)
There is a 40-mile stretch between the Gibraltar Turkey Hill control and Coopersburg Wawa control, so be sure to have enough food and water for that stretch. The Wawa controls in the last 75 miles of the route (Coopersburg, Perkasie, and Collegeville) are each open 24 hours.
The final 40 miles are primarily trail-based. We return to the city via the Perkiomen Trail (The Perk) and the Schuylkill River Trail (SRT).
One thing to be aware of is that the mapped route does not always perfectly represent the trail alignment. This can occasionally create confusion, particularly at night or for riders who are unfamiliar with the trails. The Perk deserves the most attention. It includes several gravel sections, numerous turns, and multiple road crossings. Riders use The Perk from approximately mile 211 to mile 227, with a brief departure from the trail for the Collegeville Wawa control before rejoining it. It is also recommended that riders bring an extra light in case repairs are needed along the trail in the dark.
The SRT is generally easier to navigate, consisting primarily of long, straight sections with fewer navigation decisions. Even so, continue paying attention to your navigation as you make your way back toward the finish.
Most importantly, have fun and be safe.
Brad Layman
RBA, Pennsylvania Randonneurs
