tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39975399453417689742024-03-18T21:28:41.187-04:00Pennsylvania Randonneurs Message BoardTom Rosenbauerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10827474529743611587noreply@blogger.comBlogger478125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997539945341768974.post-30590117605021994852024-03-18T19:08:00.007-04:002024-03-18T21:28:09.926-04:00Covered Bridges 200K Pre-Ride Course Notes<div>The Covered Bridges 200K is back for a third edition as the 2024 PA Super Randonneur Series kicks off. We are very excited to have over 70 riders registered for the brevet, making it one of largest events in PA Rando history! We welcome a number of riders who are new to the club and/or riding first brevets. Below is a report compiled after three club volunteers completed a "pre-ride" of the route.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyK5X8jsk_O9IbiTxRWb2laBTLh4J_2mDMjqN8ZA4GZMsHvgmy8mVIXTlIUcnPiLpjvv8RP5MyN_1gpkRrocwW9sE0_5mmphdt26usNdX307_L63SVPveUCvSdWFP4K1cHd8wQXldXQghnw8_vS4fI0NUqmLlAPRMmN9M4vjlsfQgBFLSvGMRd3YOHFM/s3543/IMG_1575.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2833" data-original-width="3543" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyK5X8jsk_O9IbiTxRWb2laBTLh4J_2mDMjqN8ZA4GZMsHvgmy8mVIXTlIUcnPiLpjvv8RP5MyN_1gpkRrocwW9sE0_5mmphdt26usNdX307_L63SVPveUCvSdWFP4K1cHd8wQXldXQghnw8_vS4fI0NUqmLlAPRMmN9M4vjlsfQgBFLSvGMRd3YOHFM/s320/IMG_1575.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Van Sandt Covered Bridge, the first of eight bridges</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><b>George Metzler</b>, <b>Joe Ray</b>, and I [<b>Brad Layman</b>] completed our pre-ride on Saturday 16 March. Joe and I rode together, while George started about an hour earlier and rode solo. We did not encounter any road closures along the route. The <a href="https://parando.org/route/info/426" target="_blank">latest cue sheet is Version 2</a> and the <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45888719" target="_blank">latest RWGPS route</a> was updated on 2024-03-18 12:59:05 EST.</div><div><br /></div><div>The route begins from the Chamounix Carriage House Hostel and follows suburban roads out of the city. On the way to New Hope, gently rolling hills will help riders warm up before the big hills. The second control is any business in the town of New Hope. The New Hope Ferry Market on the righthand side of Main Street has public bathrooms (open at 8am) and a coffee shop (open at 9am). There is also a Starbucks and Dunkin in the center of town (both open at 5:30am). Sadly, the beloved French bakery, C’est La Vie, permanently closed last year. Keep in mind that there is a brunch provided by the club about 20 miles later. Since the pre-riders miss out on the club brunch, we stopped at the Lumberville General Store for a nice breakfast (about 6 miles past New Hope).<br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsirzuldHpZ7keFraAAa8GTOw5feSESf1juWYxUTmASJIm6NQWwD6CQUzMlkju80Uya5U0V2FqbTpYir3FW-03CkM7VMWsRPqszobc6IJsjpSGtvDthE4R-CpGsd0n7b1G-EAOuMkUjQEuGvwebuQmd51_Q7HYu9mSLwnoUL7XIKIFAYL6cHWJI2eqfE/s3066/IMG_1585.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2299" data-original-width="3066" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsirzuldHpZ7keFraAAa8GTOw5feSESf1juWYxUTmASJIm6NQWwD6CQUzMlkju80Uya5U0V2FqbTpYir3FW-03CkM7VMWsRPqszobc6IJsjpSGtvDthE4R-CpGsd0n7b1G-EAOuMkUjQEuGvwebuQmd51_Q7HYu9mSLwnoUL7XIKIFAYL6cHWJI2eqfE/s320/IMG_1585.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe Ray passes the Stover-Myers Mill next to Tohickon Creek</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>After moving on from New Hope, the route follows the Delaware River and reaches the heart of the course, which means hills. The first is Tohickon Hill, followed by a control at Cabin Run Covered Bridge. Enjoy the reward of climbing with some nice descents on beautiful roads like Hollow Horn and Dark Hollow.</div><div><br /></div><div>Riders will later emerge from the hills next to the river again where the club brunch is located in Tinicum Park. <b>Club RBA Chris Nadovich</b> and <b>Joe Ray</b> will be there serving food and drinks (including a vegan option). Unfortunately the park bathrooms are not available at this time of year.</div><div><br /></div><div>From Tinicum Park, riders can see the wall-like ridge at the edge of the river valley. Shortly after brunch, riders will be heading up that ridge on the notorious Uhlerstown Hill Rd. This climb is the steepest of the route, with a gradient that reaches over 30%. There is a gate at the bottom and another at the top. I was able to ride around the first gate without dismounting thanks to someone who did some brush clearing recently. The climb doesn’t pick up for a little bit so it is possible to remount if you walk around the first gate. We all had to dismount for the gate at the top. Riders get a short respite after the climb before it picks up again on Perry Auger Rd. There is a reward of a fun descent on Kintner Hill Rd.<br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbrP25ThwLXQ-aDTXJH16ZkBobe8eVKzHlfldntW65iD9VKQPAjHLwv6wdTIicHeSsmXQj1Ocbp7MZ_N0Bt76Pz6lZeqY-iy1lm1-mz7LW40ptTJPclWLYIzJRDRYWZGlhoPCz3by_6gfqtmv6KZcOMF2i1axeYuH08xvMb5H2l6Ifv5Avdh5DoOt7K0/s4032/IMG_2963.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbrP25ThwLXQ-aDTXJH16ZkBobe8eVKzHlfldntW65iD9VKQPAjHLwv6wdTIicHeSsmXQj1Ocbp7MZ_N0Bt76Pz6lZeqY-iy1lm1-mz7LW40ptTJPclWLYIzJRDRYWZGlhoPCz3by_6gfqtmv6KZcOMF2i1axeYuH08xvMb5H2l6Ifv5Avdh5DoOt7K0/s320/IMG_2963.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gate at the bottom of Uhlerstown Hill</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The next big hills are Ealer Hill Rd and the PAR classic Buckwampum Rd. Another scenic descent on Stifer Valley Rd will lead riders to the control at Knechts Covered Bridge. At this point, the most challenging hills are behind but there are some rollers on the way back to Philly. The last control before the finish is at Tabora Farm, widely known by riders in the Philly region for their baked goods. There is a bathroom at Tabora - it is unmarked and located behind the coffee counter, so you have to ask permission to use it.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYz924AChiL7id2lGOfy2k3AsZsoxe39LnWtgUSpw5ZLNWbQbZqBMVzfQeIpOCxIxBEeGCfMQVBMomPTSvc7IaGueCLlTf-IcLtrnhc39QL6Sg_4lSgTb1ruyiV5uVMRubYl8tE3xcGlP8Fijm-bwWcwc8PagNiaGrzwcrww5t5iZatqccrWWokPAjWko/s3604/IMG_1616.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2026" data-original-width="3604" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYz924AChiL7id2lGOfy2k3AsZsoxe39LnWtgUSpw5ZLNWbQbZqBMVzfQeIpOCxIxBEeGCfMQVBMomPTSvc7IaGueCLlTf-IcLtrnhc39QL6Sg_4lSgTb1ruyiV5uVMRubYl8tE3xcGlP8Fijm-bwWcwc8PagNiaGrzwcrww5t5iZatqccrWWokPAjWko/s320/IMG_1616.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knechts Covered Bridge</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>This is a difficult route due to the steep hills in the middle, particularly between miles 45 and 70. None of them are very long, but they are steep enough to provide a real challenge. It can also be tempting to think the last 50 miles will be an easy coast back to the city. The rolling hills and occasional waits at traffic lights can throw off your rhythm. The waits at the intersections along the 202 trail can be especially frustrating. You will probably have more fun if you don't aim for a personal best finish time on this route. Eat and drink throughout the ride, be prepared with the right gearing including a 1:1 ratio, don’t attack early in the ride, and don’t be ashamed to walk a steep section like Uhlerstown. <b>Approach each covered bridge with caution</b>; they are often at the bottom of hills and the bridge surfaces are uneven, slippery, and some have wide gaps between boards.</div><div><br /></div><div>RUSA rules (<a href="https://rusa.org/pages/rulesForRiders" target="_blank">Article 10</a>) state that riders must use a headlight and taillight in steady mode when riding before sunrise or after sunset, and in conditions of limited visibility. Riders must also have reflective vests and ankle straps. Though we might have plenty of light from morning twilight, the ride officially begins about 25 minutes before sunrise. There is also a possibility that riders will finish after sunset, as well as the possibility of limited visibility if it rains. Therefor all riders will be checked at the start for functioning lights and reflective vests and ankle straps.</div><div><br /></div><div>Riders who choose to use the eBrevet app will be provided with a start code at check-in. Be sure to press the “Update GPS” button in the top left corner of the app before checking-in to each control on the app. This will work even if the phone’s data is turned off. (Read more about the <a href="https://parandonneurs.blogspot.com/2023/06/electronic-proof-of-passage-with-ebrevet.html" target="_blank">eBrevet app here</a>.) Riders who forget to check-in at a control are subject to disqualification. Riders also have the option of using the brevet card to check-in at controls. <b>ALL riders must keep their brevet card with them throughout the ride, whether using the app or card for check-ins.</b></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5j9zSv-fFhY89W6m4NEbITF_rPVSjdOjMqMreHlqiFuOhU1UxwppQY9TtH_LmzTVsWauky_khKjC1X4Ycp_40zTR2f670bMwyjADp5-elM82bqgDh0wq8SaPSDu28syi2-TfEzOQIykkxFaR7HvR1hNTPFqkRjmVeWi9dvDTd1oGyRCH-a5sI78TILpQ/s4032/IMG_6619.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5j9zSv-fFhY89W6m4NEbITF_rPVSjdOjMqMreHlqiFuOhU1UxwppQY9TtH_LmzTVsWauky_khKjC1X4Ycp_40zTR2f670bMwyjADp5-elM82bqgDh0wq8SaPSDu28syi2-TfEzOQIykkxFaR7HvR1hNTPFqkRjmVeWi9dvDTd1oGyRCH-a5sI78TILpQ/s320/IMG_6619.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chamounix Carriage House</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>If you are driving to the event, please be sure to read the parking details on the <a href="https://parando.org/info/event/426">event page</a>. For those coming by train from New York and are staying until Sunday, please note that the earliest train you can take back to New York is leaving Philadelphia 30th Street Station at 9:35am. A new rule exists that you can't take a bike on the train on Sundays arriving in New York between 9-12am. See schedule here: <a href="https://content.njtransit.com/sites/default/files/NEC-WKND-111223.pdf">https://content.njtransit.com/sites/default/files/NEC-WKND-111223.pdf</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Lastly, have fun, ride with friends, make some new ones, enjoy the scenery and treats along the way, and be safe. And plan to stick around afterwards at Chamounix for dinner and to share tales of your adventure.</div><div><br /></div><div>Brad Layman</div><div>Co-organizer</div><div><br /></div><div>Iwan Barankay</div><div>Co-organizer</div><div><br /></div><div>Chris Nadovich</div><div>Regional Brevet Administrator</div>Brad Laymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02622219218687440816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997539945341768974.post-50032291284322368432024-02-04T13:03:00.005-05:002024-02-04T13:32:08.009-05:00Wool Endless Mountains Liberty Bell Jerseys<p>We are now accepting orders for wool Endless Mountains Liberty Bell jerseys<b>.
If you order by 15 April 2024 your jerseys should be available to you
before the Endless Mountains 1234K grand brevet in September.</b>
These jerseys are made by Woolistic and are available in normal weight
wool in Philadelphia Eagles Green. Normal weight wool is the warmest
longest lasting fabric and is available with long or short sleeves.
Graphics are embroidered into these wool fabrics. There is a partial
zipper on the front and pockets on the back. There are men's and women's
sizes from Small to XXXL. <a data-cke-saved-href="https://parando.org/images/Jersey/Woolistic-SIZEchart.gif" href="https://parando.org/images/Jersey/Woolistic-SIZEchart.gif" target="_top">Sizing Chart.</a><br type="_moz" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a data-cke-saved-href="https://parando.org/images/Jersey/EMLB-SSJersey.png" href="https://parando.org/images/Jersey/EMLB-SSJersey.png"><img alt="Short Sleeve EMLB" data-cke-saved-src="https://parando.org/images/Jersey/EMLB-SSJersey.png" src="https://parando.org/images/Jersey/EMLB-SSJersey.png" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; margin: 2px 3px; width: 40%;" /></a> <a data-cke-saved-href="https://parando.org/images/Jersey/EMLB-LSJersey.png" href="https://parando.org/images/Jersey/EMLB-LSJersey.png"><img alt="Long Sleeve EMLB" data-cke-saved-src="https://parando.org/images/Jersey/EMLB-LSJersey.png" src="https://parando.org/images/Jersey/EMLB-LSJersey.png" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; margin: 2px 3px; width: 40%;" /></a></p><p><b>These Event Jerseys are intended ONLY for Endless Mountains Riders and Volunteers</b>.
Ordering is on the honor system. If you believe in your heart that you
will either attempt to ride or really volunteer for the Endless
Mountains Liberty Bell in 2024, then you may purchase one of these
special jerseys. For everyone else, ordinary PA Rando jerseys will be
available later in the year, along with a second order of EMLB jerseys
that will NOT arrive in time for the EMLB event in September. </p><p>Order your jerseys at the <a data-cke-saved-href="https://parando.org/store" href="https://parando.org/store">PA Randonneurs Team Store</a></p><p>Thanks go to George Retseck for making arrangements with Woolistic for this new jersey design.</p>Chris Nadovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13470966197582067054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997539945341768974.post-10287763999366290512024-02-04T10:33:00.005-05:002024-02-04T14:15:42.393-05:00Stillwater 200K Ride Report<p>We were blessed with an excellent February day for the Stillwater 200K. It was cold, and the moderate wind had some "bite", but the full sunshine and beautiful countryside make it all downright pleasant. All 17 of 17 who clipped in for the brevet finished in good time (100%). Congratulations and well done to all. Preliminary results have been
posted on the <a href="https://parando.org/roster/results/425">website</a>.
Please review the results and let us know if something is not quite
right. The results will be submitted to RUSA after review and will
become official once certified. </p><p>The Stillwater 200K is one of the most popular PA Rando routes. This course has been used for an official 200K brevet <b>fifteen times</b> since 2011. It was invented by Tom Rosenbauer and is one of several brevets exploring the Great Meadow region of NJ, in and around the Lackawanna Cutoff earthworks and bridges.</p><p>Newly minted randonneur, <b>Joaquin Padilla</b>, was first finisher pacing in the lead group of riders. Of course, their "speedy" finish times were a full hour and a half slower that the sub-7-hour course record set by <b>Scotty Steingar</b>t in 2019. Two other newly minted randonneurs, "Jean Claude" <b>Van Lam</b> and <b>Tai Ta</b> were nearer the caboose end of the train. Again, these beginners were bested by a veteran as the RBA leveraged some wrong turns and road closures to finish three minutes slower on the pre-ride, nabbing Lanterne Rouge from them. Kidding aside, it's great to see new riders showing up for the Winter brevets. These cats obviously have what it takes to be tough randonneurs. Welcome to our sport <b>Joaquin, Van, and Tai</b>!</p><p>Perhaps the most impressive ride of the day was by <b>Ello Shertzer</b> who looked downright exhausted arriving with <b>Ben Keenan</b> for a sub-10 hour finish on this sneaky-tough course. Chapeau <b>Ello</b>! Solid ride. </p><p><i> Ron Anderson writes....</i></p><p><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto"></span></p><blockquote><p><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto">
I had a flat exactly 1 mile into the brevet. I
pulled to the curb and quickly found a 1¼" decking screw fully embedded
in my rear tire. The temperature was hovering right around freezing and
we hadn't been riding long enough to warm up yet. As I settled to assess
the situation, I watched my 14 club mates ride away up the road
(several of them did ask if I was okay, but I waved them on knowing I
had the tools and experience to get <span></span>myself
back on the road without too much delay.) IF my tire wasn't ruined.
With a screw buried so deeply in the tread it was very possibly game
over for me before my ride really ever got started. As it turned out, I
removed the tire to find a relatively clean puncture with no damage to
the sidewall or rim. I removed the screw, swapped in a fresh tube, (I
always carry 2 spares on brevets,) and carefully placed an old dried out
Park peel-and-stick patch as a boot on the inside of the tire. Pumped
it up with my frame pump (that warmed me up a little <span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od"><img alt="😂" class="xz74otr" height="16" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t6f/2/16/1f602.png" width="16" /></span>)
and voilà, it held air just fine. At this point my hands were frozen
and I was 20 minutes behind my pals, but I remounted and went on to
enjoy a glorious February day on a classic and very scenic PA Rando
route. I even caught up to some riders at the second checkpoint, mile
49, and enjoyed the companionship of <b><span><span class="xt0psk2"><span>George Retseck</span></span></span> </b>and<b> Brian Fitzsimmon</b>s. for the rest of the afternoon - much better than riding solo all day...</span> <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="May be an image of road and text that says "SAIZAN MLL AWLA 126 mi DISTANCE 7,320 ft ELEVATION GAIN 9h 56 MOVING TIME"" class="x1ey2m1c xds687c x5yr21d x10l6tqk x17qophe x13vifvy xh8yej3 xl1xv1r" height="400" src="https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/425460647_7471572342855172_7043455996495447674_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3635dc&_nc_ohc=n4CB3nnihVwAX_BDVYT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDpQmRyNBHqYtJ0N8yHkFtgPsos7VGY5k3FVqrPtCV_Og&oe=65C3F825" width="400" /></p></blockquote><p></p><hr width="62%" /><p>Punxsutawney Phil has predicted Winter will soon end. Thus, we now turn our thoughts to warmer weather and the SR Series events based in Philadelphia. The first SR event, the <a href="https://parando.org/info/event/426">Covered Bridges 200K</a>, starts from Chamounix on one of the first days of Spring: 23 March. Hope to see you there!<br /></p><p><br /></p>Chris Nadovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13470966197582067054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997539945341768974.post-91912691622424006472024-01-28T13:02:00.003-05:002024-01-29T16:01:29.502-05:00Stillwater 200K Brevet Pre-ride Notes<p>The Stillwater 200K Brevet on February 3 is your next opportunity in the Pa Randonneurs’ R-12 schedule. The ride starts from <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/gfxZhVMPQScXeQVk6">Pohatcong Shopping Plaza</a> in Phillipsburg, NJ. Start time is at 7AM. All the information, and an online registration link, are on the the <a href="https://parando.org/info/event/425">event web page</a>. You will find a link to the RWGPS data for the route (last modified 2024-01-28 10:38:22 EST) and links to cue sheets (version 4 is the latest).<br /><br />Park near the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/RtWCpXPYYp1cPToL7">Regal Movie theater</a> at the start, which is also near the finish control, <a href="https://g.page/Franks-ItalianPizza-Phillipsburg?share">Franks Trattoria</a> Italian restaurant, located between the Old Navy and the Regal movie theater in Pohatcong Plaza. Leave the parking spots by the shops to the day patrons; please park at some distance away along Bliss Blvd. <a href="https://parando.org/images/Pohatcong.png">Park as shown in this map.</a> <br /><br />If you need coffee or breakfast, there is a <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/PFkBYWb7gGNmpXK69">Wawa</a> nearby, across from the WalMart. If you are driving in on I-78 from the East (eg from NYC) consider a hearty breakfast at the 24 hour Clinton diner, easy-off-easy-on, about 10 miles to the East. <br /><br />Do not leave your car over by the Wawa or WalMart as we have had some trouble with the "Walmart Parking Lot Blue Light Special Security Team" in the past. </p><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: helvetica;">Joe Ray's Pre-Ride Report </b><br /></div>The pre-ride on Jan 27 was the first good all-day weather day in two weeks. The rain cleared out overnight Friday and the wind stayed fairly light. Temperatures ranged from mid 30s along the Delaware River to Milford to the mid 50s on the return leg around Stillwater. The sun made a brief appearance but otherwise it was overcast all day. In other words it was an ideal day to be out. <div><br />This route is one of my favorites. The scenery along the way is terrific and the roads generally quiet or with a wide shoulder. There are loads of “water features” along the entire course, such as the intermittent waterfalls on River Road heading to Milford which were especially active after the last few weeks, and the ice sculptures formed by water seeping out of the cliff on Martins Creek Belvidere Hwy on full display. If the temperatures this week are not too warm they may be still hanging around, otherwise there may be some broken chunks of ice on the road. <br /><br />The course has five controles, plus the start/finish in Pohatcong Plaza. Every location is open, or in the case of the post office in Milford, the bagel shop next door is open. <br /><br />A winter brevet can often feature loads of branches, leaves and chunks of salt from the most recent storm, but the rain and motor vehicle traffic had cleared all of the sort of hazard away. The only exception was the Pennsylvania stretch between Portland and Riverton where some of the grit was still on the road. Fortunately, there was zero grit and gravel at the bottom of the descent on Riverton Road at the sharp left turn onto Martins Creek Belvedere Highway. <br /><br />The roads themselves were in good shape, with a few lateral cuts for water lines in Milford on York Road soon after departing the controle. The cuts were all filled with dirt and gravel and were not a problem but simply something to be aware of. <br /><br />The stretches between controles do not generally offer much in the way of food stops; however I did make a lunch stop a few miles before the Quik Check controle at AG Pizza on Lake Iliff Road and that kids’-portion chicken parm over spaghetti was the one of best Rando lunches ever. The timing was right since the route is not very hilly at all for the next few miles. <br /><br />There are a few port-a-johns along the way in case anyone needs them. One is on Cemetery Road in Independence about a mile before the controle, across the road from the fire department. During one Stillwater brevet a few years ago several if us had a long chilly wait at the controle to use their bathroom. <br /><br />Hopefully the weather on February 3 will be as good. If so, then riders are in for a treat. </div><div><br /></div><div><b style="font-family: helvetica;">RBA Note</b></div><div>The Lafayette Quik Check is a MERCHANT control. Anyone NOT using the eBrevet app is required to get a receipt here. You can make a small purchase or check your bank balance at the ATM. Mark your card with your arrival time and include the receipt. If you are using the eBrevet app, you don't need a receipt, but I still recommend stopping at the Quik Check if you didn't stop at AG Pizza. The QC has an indoor eating area and excellent soup. </div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy the ride and be careful out there. <br /></div>Joe Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117737112080630193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997539945341768974.post-21828799445088828762024-01-10T18:23:00.001-05:002024-01-10T18:24:07.665-05:00Hope to New Hope 2024 Ride Report<p>What a day for a bike ride! Snow, rain, cold and slush, not to mention an early sunset.</p><p>Nevertheless, the course was completed by an impressive 3 of 6 snowday riders, and 2 pre-riders (on a much nicer day) for an overall 5 of 8 (63%).
Congratulations and well done to all. Preliminary results have been
posted on the <a href="https://parando.org/roster/results/424">website</a>.
Please review the results and let us know if something is not quite
right. The results will be submitted to RUSA after review and will
become official once certified. <br /></p><p>RBA <b>Chris</b> made sure everyone knew what to expect. He also wisely moved the official start up to 6AM for more pre-snow miles. 10 of the registered Randos decided caution is the better part of valor and opted to DNS. That left 6 <strike>foolhardy</strike> courageous warriors hoping to overcome the elements. Riders <b>Patrick Gaffney, Benjamin Keenan </b>and<b> Andreas Prandelli </b>all made it back to the warmth of Frank's Trattoria having bested the gods of winter. <b>Vadim Gritsus, Dale Houck, </b>and<b> George Retseck </b> all made valiant efforts but succumbed to the forces of reason with snow packed fenders and a worsening forecast.</p><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://parando.org/images/andreas_snow_road.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://parando.org/images/andreas_snow_road.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"There were very few cars, so the riding was pleasant."<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Each of our three heroes finished in great spirits. In particular, Andreas seemed positively gleeful he got to go for a long bike ride. It would take much worse to deter him. All three said the final miles were especially treacherous as tire traction abandoned them. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://parando.org/images/andreas_yellow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://parando.org/images/andreas_yellow.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The yellow jersey from that "other" bike ride has nothing over Andreas triumphant in his <i>giallo</i>.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Every rider who registered deserves major kudos, either for the judicious decision to take a pass or to clip in and brave January's wrath.<br /><br /><br /><i>Pat Gaffney writes... </i></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://parando.org/images/pat_finish.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://parando.org/images/pat_finish.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patrick's mustache hardly collected any ice.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><blockquote>Thanks for all your efforts with eh 200 this past Saturday. Chris, for seeing us off earlier than normal and Bob for braving the storm to see us at the finish. The cold was not as bad as I thought it would be, but the snow made the last stretch of 15 miles or so some of the hardest in recent memory. Riding directly into the storm made some pretty mundane roads seem like a real slog. Thanks again, see you down the road.</blockquote><i>Ben Keenan writes...</i><p></p><p></p><blockquote>Thanks Bob and Chris for organizing this ride. The cold and snow in the later miles made for a memorable day. Highlights were seeing a hard frost (rare these days) on the fields outside Hope as day broke and riding under the clouds, feeling the snow in them and wondering when the storm would begin. Special thanks to Bob for staying at the end to make sure all riders got in safely (we all owe you one). Honorable mention to Pat Gaffney for leaving a good set of tracks in the snow. No need for GPS last 15 miles!</blockquote><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://parando.org/images/ben_glasses.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://parando.org/images/ben_glasses.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben Keenan had some eyewear challenges<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />We return to Pohatcong Plaza shopping center again next month for another Winter classic brevet, The <a href="https://parando.org/info/event/425">Stillwater 200K on 3 February.</a>
Please keep an eye on this blog and the PA Rando website for possible
announcements relating to this event. The brevet will be rescheduled if possible or
canceled if there is a realistic chance of black ice or other unsafe
riding conditions. But just a little snow? We ride on!<br /><p></p>Chris Nadovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13470966197582067054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997539945341768974.post-15418746344478411902023-12-30T10:22:00.008-05:002023-12-30T10:35:58.516-05:00Hope to New Hope 2024 Course Notes Pre-ride Report<p>Start yet another year with the same old <b>New</b> Hope 2 New Hope 200K brevet on 6 January 2024 (in no way commemorating the Capitol attack). The ride starts from <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/gfxZhVMPQScXeQVk6" target="_blank">Pohatcong Shopping Plaza</a> in Phillipsburg, NJ. Start time is at 7AM. All the information, and an online
registration link, are on the <a href="https://parando.org/info/event/424">event web page</a>.
You will find a link to the RWGPS data for the route (last modified 2023-01-6 13:14:28 EST) and links to cue sheets (version 1 is the
latest). There have been no changes in the route from last year.<br /></p><p><b>Park the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/RtWCpXPYYp1cPToL7">Regal Movie theater</a> at the start</b>, which is also near the finish control, <a href="https://g.page/Franks-ItalianPizza-Phillipsburg?share">Franks Trattoria</a>
Italian restaurant, located between the Old Navy and the Regal movie
theater in Pohatcong Plaza. Leave the parking spots by the shops to the
day patrons; please park at some distance away along Bliss Blvd. <a href="https://parando.org/images/Pohatcong.png">Park as shown in this map.</a> </p><p>If you need coffee or breakfast, there is a <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/PFkBYWb7gGNmpXK69">Wawa</a>
nearby, across from the WalMart. If you are driving in on I-78 from the
East (eg from NYC) consider a hearty breakfast at the 24 hour Clinton
diner, easy-off-easy-on, about 10 miles to the East. </p><p><b>Do not leave your car over by the Wawa or WalMart</b> as we have had some trouble with the "Walmart Parking Lot Blue Light Special Security Team" in the past. </p><p>A pre-ride was conducted on 29 December by Chris Nadovich and Bob Dye. </p><p>Bob Dye writes...</p><p></p><blockquote><p>The Hope to New Hope Pre-Ride PA Rando Parable.</p><p>When you volunteer to do a pre-ride you can choose the date to ride anytime within a two week window prior to the ride. Chris Nadovich and I chose Friday the 29th based on what the meteorologists were prognosticating - and boy, did we nail it! The temp reached into the fifties with plenty of sunshine and zero precipitation. Not bad for the end of December.</p><p>The Hope to New Hope 200K route is a lopsided figure eight with the start, finish and 47 mile controle in the same approximate location. This way you can have provisions and alternate apparel stashed in your car for a mid-ride re-fresh. It's designed for safe winter riding with many major roads with smooth wide shoulders. The early, northern loop was particularly smooth. Pothole season has not yet begun. The second loop had a few somewhat rugged stretches and some flood debris which should hopefully be gone by the weekend. Nothing too alarming. I'm pleased to report the restrooms at Bull Island (mile 79.1) were open and heated. </p><p>Expect a plethora of perambulating pedestrians in New Hope. You'll probably want to continue walking your bike for a bit after crossing the bridge from Lambertville. </p><p>As Chris will now doubt warn you, you may need to ignore your GPS at the end of Greenwich Road (miles 2.5 & 49.5). It's a left the first time and right the second time. My Garmin yelled at me both times.</p><p>Good luck Saturday and I look forward to seeing your cold and smiling faces at the finish!</p></blockquote><p></p><p></p>Chris Nadovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13470966197582067054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997539945341768974.post-43423558915708257142023-12-19T00:25:00.004-05:002023-12-19T11:02:58.518-05:00PA Randonneurs Holiday Soirée 2023<div>On Saturday, December 16th, 42 registered party-goers celebrated the end of another successful year of Pennsylvania Randonneuring. Organizer extraordinaire Iwan Barankay and his wife Ulli graciously opened their home in Philadelphia where club members and loved ones from near and far exchanged tales of brevets and shared their aspirations for the new year.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZK2MP-FKDNxHrIhFItMtC5Tx_0ADyhyphenhyphenPY5yGAswe9RQ_uuAVLgvVFjYZs0nNbj9ltWblZqf2D1Gmkr8osFILHDJTrKry2gVA5KXA5ngc-GVS81lGrCHmXBCaN7K9YsYC4uYlE8tQ-hdEbr-9EOECMD3pU4lfi9Vg2iKyNJHQl1rE6smaGiyAVxYoztn-/s4080/PXL_20231217_010913541.NIGHT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZK2MP-FKDNxHrIhFItMtC5Tx_0ADyhyphenhyphenPY5yGAswe9RQ_uuAVLgvVFjYZs0nNbj9ltWblZqf2D1Gmkr8osFILHDJTrKry2gVA5KXA5ngc-GVS81lGrCHmXBCaN7K9YsYC4uYlE8tQ-hdEbr-9EOECMD3pU4lfi9Vg2iKyNJHQl1rE6smaGiyAVxYoztn-/s320/PXL_20231217_010913541.NIGHT.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plenty of parking.... for bikes!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgpSZW4ykRo8EgbhfC2JpXIufwJudC9SIz3L077T-bxscSEJeEQF5pFb21ENyk8dNmZF3_Y0MikdFVKx5PmbBUIMwIRozssaHiFs4LjV5FSSYkMNeikOpbGFPvGfQAFZDi_9WzHsHCDgXO6phhNGkegNs_yx8vBfhOW2sEHGwX_oL_oQpYkx54bsPmYmS/s3648/PXL_20231216_191912099.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgpSZW4ykRo8EgbhfC2JpXIufwJudC9SIz3L077T-bxscSEJeEQF5pFb21ENyk8dNmZF3_Y0MikdFVKx5PmbBUIMwIRozssaHiFs4LjV5FSSYkMNeikOpbGFPvGfQAFZDi_9WzHsHCDgXO6phhNGkegNs_yx8vBfhOW2sEHGwX_oL_oQpYkx54bsPmYmS/s320/PXL_20231216_191912099.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fearless organizer Iwan knows how to feed the masses</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLk1DrqHwHTmdTJP5gn_Q8Ons_wTNxZ0OektykdwCZZv4uOox9dBQtBMzcql8SxcTyMcxpZt0XV_BVWEc2eSgit5qR94y_YnuGqFcanufdgqfctk7L65K8WpiK7T1oDUPnWkXunUaXHl_WiRi3lK94mDHjAIkoNCSDjt3Q3sWeGUgx6_dElWDJrzCX75R/s4080/PXL_20231217_012841541.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLk1DrqHwHTmdTJP5gn_Q8Ons_wTNxZ0OektykdwCZZv4uOox9dBQtBMzcql8SxcTyMcxpZt0XV_BVWEc2eSgit5qR94y_YnuGqFcanufdgqfctk7L65K8WpiK7T1oDUPnWkXunUaXHl_WiRi3lK94mDHjAIkoNCSDjt3Q3sWeGUgx6_dElWDJrzCX75R/s320/PXL_20231217_012841541.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you for opening your home Iwan and Ulli!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>RBA emeriti Tom Rosenbauer and Andrew Mead graced us with their presence, told many tales from the storied history of the club, and enjoyed the company of the 'next-generation'. The soirée was a great celebration of the past, present, and future of the club. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MD3TcBC6qNQOLkJWMwVw41lBB0MLjK7IrxsEkuhMX7-R3r7Oe1woGF6fPWQCUlN_XK6Cbmsrh8uXEoX4LgvU4COg5nH8youpc9FOz7Lxrp7myLdfrsjRVhlJkyNyXcSTyI63S-kN9yig1lWNI4v1ryaXicBJIWuUqmLu1LWdiGGeocdVOIazcUtDktRR/s2048/2023-12-16%2020.29.44%20iwan%20pa%20rando%20party%20-%20web.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MD3TcBC6qNQOLkJWMwVw41lBB0MLjK7IrxsEkuhMX7-R3r7Oe1woGF6fPWQCUlN_XK6Cbmsrh8uXEoX4LgvU4COg5nH8youpc9FOz7Lxrp7myLdfrsjRVhlJkyNyXcSTyI63S-kN9yig1lWNI4v1ryaXicBJIWuUqmLu1LWdiGGeocdVOIazcUtDktRR/s320/2023-12-16%2020.29.44%20iwan%20pa%20rando%20party%20-%20web.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew, Tom, CJ, George, and Gilbert</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwPG_QBp81aWuDVMjoEOh9lxiAz4Nv58vtoB8S3CRg0f6ev1kBqywGJxXGMCD_udrzSYp7kcSwn8Scp2AgEM1g0UDCZ8naacdttMlxrn_OFjUu0I95CVfyuR8SJIAVIHaIBmtkssLozDzt5ekn2O6Q4Jy68uRk6_9-E5WkDkaQjKfuMt5HUntFS50yO3W/s2048/2023-12-16%2020.55.03%20iwan%20pa%20rando%20party%20-%20web.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwPG_QBp81aWuDVMjoEOh9lxiAz4Nv58vtoB8S3CRg0f6ev1kBqywGJxXGMCD_udrzSYp7kcSwn8Scp2AgEM1g0UDCZ8naacdttMlxrn_OFjUu0I95CVfyuR8SJIAVIHaIBmtkssLozDzt5ekn2O6Q4Jy68uRk6_9-E5WkDkaQjKfuMt5HUntFS50yO3W/s320/2023-12-16%2020.55.03%20iwan%20pa%20rando%20party%20-%20web.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Philadelphia contingent (& Ben!) rise to the challenge: Brakeless fixed gear PA SR, multiple PA SR awards, and even a first-year PBP ancien in this mix. Is there anything they can't do?</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div><br /></div>There was delicious vegan chili made by the host, a great cheese spread, and lots of desserts, including chocolate-covered cannolis. Of course, it would not be a proper PA Rando event without PayDay bars as well!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1ZarwHpYbstqHdXwDMJt3uYETK9VfhwCD_tAE39CypFBpo8mPri02A9mPC0YoVwZ7IDTbt_3p3pDU-CF6xXQinupa6vol6PAjCYlaWFYypJ60D-mmv_ZtEuwnLmZcGJ3O_z9cZAYN5weOJaYhd_3cGV33Z9ljrQZWTZuJ2IlPBbAuXS8Oo1cfPqesY0G/s2048/2023-12-16%2021.03.49%20iwan%20pa%20rando%20party%20-%20web.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1ZarwHpYbstqHdXwDMJt3uYETK9VfhwCD_tAE39CypFBpo8mPri02A9mPC0YoVwZ7IDTbt_3p3pDU-CF6xXQinupa6vol6PAjCYlaWFYypJ60D-mmv_ZtEuwnLmZcGJ3O_z9cZAYN5weOJaYhd_3cGV33Z9ljrQZWTZuJ2IlPBbAuXS8Oo1cfPqesY0G/s320/2023-12-16%2021.03.49%20iwan%20pa%20rando%20party%20-%20web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1E-Vr5YjrER1Oo7fKrGcOAEwh27cEnpbwgjujfAjG8Yn_tSkebjyBKpwLOb2fZXzisJ_yvVb3y3_64QWYGdGarED2LkcLfIjktsd2hW6gBOSs4OEz4niHmQehLN0QJinVjI0hvbsGdXodiEp4MTN1wUQd1hEQhQtz00YjMRu3e0in8gTMPJkmqrLU82zD/s2048/2023-12-16%2021.22.18%20iwan%20pa%20rando%20party%20-%20web.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1E-Vr5YjrER1Oo7fKrGcOAEwh27cEnpbwgjujfAjG8Yn_tSkebjyBKpwLOb2fZXzisJ_yvVb3y3_64QWYGdGarED2LkcLfIjktsd2hW6gBOSs4OEz4niHmQehLN0QJinVjI0hvbsGdXodiEp4MTN1wUQd1hEQhQtz00YjMRu3e0in8gTMPJkmqrLU82zD/s320/2023-12-16%2021.22.18%20iwan%20pa%20rando%20party%20-%20web.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newly-minted randonneurs Maria Thomson and Ross Perfetti (center). We look forward to seeing what you accomplish in 2024!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTDPfCRej0RsWPey_6i9MkDeILdJH1aubRlLlVcjTaA2ObMrC8X68qXf6dCfh5fyBM9OR8MWJkYKy4cQneR2UZA8ICFR0luHwGdx66U-hCpsomNTlv2-New-gNLs56ae_TA2GVZ_TgnhIyS4DO6YF4lIDypE8O7MCJxKhpVzhwaWPOogrSO_w5lExVur3/s2048/2023-12-16%2021.24.58%20iwan%20pa%20rando%20party%20-%20web.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTDPfCRej0RsWPey_6i9MkDeILdJH1aubRlLlVcjTaA2ObMrC8X68qXf6dCfh5fyBM9OR8MWJkYKy4cQneR2UZA8ICFR0luHwGdx66U-hCpsomNTlv2-New-gNLs56ae_TA2GVZ_TgnhIyS4DO6YF4lIDypE8O7MCJxKhpVzhwaWPOogrSO_w5lExVur3/s320/2023-12-16%2021.24.58%20iwan%20pa%20rando%20party%20-%20web.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The R.E.Load Bags x Coast Cycles PBP Dream Team<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHpv_ejsiThwdVEHj5mxHdtWDuTKNX0caQgUeGN-SPCtyn-lUHGfxX71JqWmV0EiiK8S5ZKpRo1KHjXMS0WH4aS_9LBczh7i0plTkrfAP3yFIL9R4vCJbXHRRSp8XGg_KWHRLdZDXTJbudvnYp_Kk-gjX_sq6bF6qBvosBgKxBP3M9PSDViLlvFIO4-iN/s4080/PXL_20231217_013753526.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHpv_ejsiThwdVEHj5mxHdtWDuTKNX0caQgUeGN-SPCtyn-lUHGfxX71JqWmV0EiiK8S5ZKpRo1KHjXMS0WH4aS_9LBczh7i0plTkrfAP3yFIL9R4vCJbXHRRSp8XGg_KWHRLdZDXTJbudvnYp_Kk-gjX_sq6bF6qBvosBgKxBP3M9PSDViLlvFIO4-iN/s320/PXL_20231217_013753526.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A welcome addition to the ride roster</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>As for 2024 plans, it may come as no surprise that PA Randonneurs are an audacious bunch. Many mentioned various 2024 grand randonnees, international bike tours, and ultra-endurance races along with other forms of two-wheeled entertainment such as mountain biking and gravel cycling. A few brave randonneurs have their eyes set on Endless Mountains Liberty Bell 1234k, a re-imagining of the legendary Endless Mountains 1240k last run in 2013.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FT19nuJuxx6nEWYummhEy5V-zznN7nqkcO1WhgMDLC3vFxo6GP3mtFYkgjFK99atn0p2rR-jEuJkWg1jaCLh33C6HhIdDJ0VllDDik-xJ9M-ZFaZYA5jywQECLcTeG0wwEmfz0gZUp1f8xSOlYyRvZCGBwreUP-UEtPVBnF0shpuTgYccWxxOrhOJ-6e/s4080/PXL_20231217_170329159.LONG_EXPOSURE-01.COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FT19nuJuxx6nEWYummhEy5V-zznN7nqkcO1WhgMDLC3vFxo6GP3mtFYkgjFK99atn0p2rR-jEuJkWg1jaCLh33C6HhIdDJ0VllDDik-xJ9M-ZFaZYA5jywQECLcTeG0wwEmfz0gZUp1f8xSOlYyRvZCGBwreUP-UEtPVBnF0shpuTgYccWxxOrhOJ-6e/s320/PXL_20231217_170329159.LONG_EXPOSURE-01.COVER.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mountains call. Will you answer?</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div>Additionally, a few potential Flèche team captains smartly seized the opportunity to begin their recruiting efforts early, so we hope to see some fresh teams and full rosters come April.<div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOou9mhhx9PLdvCr8l8FjJVYaAXJ8x9N0FK3hdkfeRfGO7LE6f_d13BdqGxOvtvUvEuwpGQspyeaUD2tzmocgJNbE3cr33800DDPfHvVuQW84EoacF3hdwiT3XDABIDCR0-ygVtI8MWk12mMdhl-e0pkoIbIe7qkC3LmlSkjTiM1xc9-HszyBWaJu2o4S/s2048/2023-12-16%2022.10.38%20iwan%20pa%20rando%20party%20-%20web.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOou9mhhx9PLdvCr8l8FjJVYaAXJ8x9N0FK3hdkfeRfGO7LE6f_d13BdqGxOvtvUvEuwpGQspyeaUD2tzmocgJNbE3cr33800DDPfHvVuQW84EoacF3hdwiT3XDABIDCR0-ygVtI8MWk12mMdhl-e0pkoIbIe7qkC3LmlSkjTiM1xc9-HszyBWaJu2o4S/s320/2023-12-16%2022.10.38%20iwan%20pa%20rando%20party%20-%20web.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate and Ello agree: Randonneuring needs more hardstyling and gender diversity!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3bZznndiPPXLVHIpgfCRz981zze65R6ymvsU0oRhhrW1ZqQ-Iy84QWXWB74aIqTe0mPStN6FbJrpkYz7GkIb8JW8XjJJk3WRDb5YY4j-g1Mf31WPK34tCtv0RbrlmFc_oo4arORDUbGZ_RI_ItZJdS5gEBVIaxfPJFOd9cHovfgcV9ImEcojUFtDCuNV/s2048/2023-12-16%2021.59.58%20iwan%20pa%20rando%20party%20-%20web.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3bZznndiPPXLVHIpgfCRz981zze65R6ymvsU0oRhhrW1ZqQ-Iy84QWXWB74aIqTe0mPStN6FbJrpkYz7GkIb8JW8XjJJk3WRDb5YY4j-g1Mf31WPK34tCtv0RbrlmFc_oo4arORDUbGZ_RI_ItZJdS5gEBVIaxfPJFOd9cHovfgcV9ImEcojUFtDCuNV/s320/2023-12-16%2021.59.58%20iwan%20pa%20rando%20party%20-%20web.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brad, Iwan, Ryan, and Gerik</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>More photos are available here, and feel free to drop yours as well: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://photos.app.goo.gl/skefgtc6UyJx85Lz7&source=gmail&ust=1703046139645000&usg=AOvVaw0Ko-JlvPU67l1VlAGKbElo" href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/skefgtc6UyJx85Lz7" jslog="32272; 1:WyIjdGhyZWFkLWY6MTc4NTAwMTEyNjk4NTczODE1MyJd; 4:WyIjbXNnLWY6MTc4NTU0NTg3NzkwNzMwOTkyMCJd" target="_blank">https://photos.app.goo.gl/skefgtc6UyJx85Lz7</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks again to Iwan and Uli, all of those who made and brought delicious food and drink, and everyone who partook in the night's festivities. Regardless of how many events you may have under your belt, we hope that you'll consider joining us for an event in 2024. Most of the event calendar next year has been published, so be sure to check out our website for ride details and registration info.</div></div>seajayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219367943814139912noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997539945341768974.post-28568292985792163352023-12-04T15:10:00.007-05:002023-12-04T20:06:40.219-05:00Hollywood Hotdog 200 Ride Report<p>Preliminary results for the Hollywood Hotdog 200K have been posted to the website. Please review the results and let us know if any corrections are needed. Results will be sent to RUSA and will become final pending RUSA confirmation. Twenty riders, including three pre-ride volunteers clipped in for the final Eastern PA brevet of 2023. All riders made it back in good time for a 100% completion rate!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVx3npLtohOmR8T7jmD2QrNmLw4eEH-pdxlM2jf_DDLLO9vOuSF9pEDvPZdgYV5Ke03RWEmI9AuSn4ZPgPEGAohfqj9zVbDmwafYRrio8OGjHJ98pTy1DTd_fbdzpzYE5Sg7aJH_0BF6YHa1g5dozfUcmcycbnawX7dxGWVhrX7xZYgDoIT-PSMA9CH2uy/s4032/IMG_6501.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVx3npLtohOmR8T7jmD2QrNmLw4eEH-pdxlM2jf_DDLLO9vOuSF9pEDvPZdgYV5Ke03RWEmI9AuSn4ZPgPEGAohfqj9zVbDmwafYRrio8OGjHJ98pTy1DTd_fbdzpzYE5Sg7aJH_0BF6YHa1g5dozfUcmcycbnawX7dxGWVhrX7xZYgDoIT-PSMA9CH2uy/w400-h300/IMG_6501.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Relatively mild, but damp, conditions greeted the riders at the start. As the day progressed the skies cleared and the temperatures climbed up onto the 50's. Not bad for December! While the 8:00 am start provided a very comfortable schedule for the organizer to get to the start, it meant that there was little more night riding than is expected on a 200K. </p><p>The route was a nice way to wrap up the year as it had a little bit of everything; car free trails, suburban meandering, Delaware River crossing, scenic farmland, and of course a major climb. All of the riders seemed to be in good spirits as they came into the finish and satisfied with their rides. Of note Michael Mauel completed his first Eastern PA brevet, congratulations and welcome to the club!</p><p>Some evocative pictures are below and here is a folder with even more: <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/SvxzT5rqvbknUMmo6">https://photos.app.goo.gl/SvxzT5rqvbknUMmo6</a> </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img aria-label="Photo - Portrait - Nov 18, 2023, 6:30:33 PM" class="BiCYpc" data-iml="2171493" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidw3EWVYatWMmuYPSOz1mm_HnKVPwSGk1YqMgaT5IV2ra2K5MMjdMC4VdAKD7bKiMaRUN0_V-OGQZegsrbe3eShSUHC-jPshU7cFGR1EiqQX4rd0XyLhSapuKnjvA3dBYceMNttr_6yP4/w343-h400/?authuser=0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px) rotate(0deg);" width="343" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iwan modeling his new helmet liner<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img aria-label="Photo - Landscape - Dec 2, 2023, 8:32:00 AM" class="BiCYpc" data-iml="2296985" height="328" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ADCreHc9xvOGtoXIKq7vcwvyglDVJ9K9JvEiVK-9o6pYHuuTptrpKPrDtexJs4cvxioFuEGnc-fN-hM3JFvERGbUdWS4bvy7DC_S7rJJxiJPamqRbBgxv-jayd_vvHe3quq1RHolUz_0rxlGaPN1eaAD11wFLw=w400-h328?authuser=0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px) rotate(0deg);" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading out on damp roads. Photo by Matt McClone</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img aria-label="Photo - Portrait - Dec 2, 2023, 4:28:38 PM" class="BiCYpc" data-iml="2423002" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7ItI4vaQ5efbs4w23R7l52lKR935jcfzEbsvnU3reWlMqeMJSvEndp6sJjrqhBU9RGbZHOGutnOkSEAitq-JyzZJhECrOOHtKs6OKWN-zYueyv8bn-Di8skRDEneHQ_rpn8-8QtlHdSZ/w208-h400/?authuser=0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px) rotate(0deg);" width="208" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">piglets at Tabora. Photo by Ello Shertzer<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Ben Keenan writes:</p><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #1f497d;"></span></div></blockquote><blockquote><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #1f497d;">"Thanks a million to Pat,
Iwan and Chris for organizing a great day of riding. It was a worthy
end to a great year, and a good way to clear mind and spirit before the
onslaught of the holidays.
The stretches along the Delaware River were beautiful with the mist
rising off (even if they did allow time for memories better bequeathed
to a handsomely-paid therapist to creep in!). I can also report the
hills from Easton to the Wassergas General Store
have not gotten any easier since the last time I attempted to, uh,
“ride” up them. Thanks to all the riders that shared the miles and
catching up afterwards at the Iron Hill Pub was a great way to end the
day. Hope to see everyone at a ride soon!"</span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Joshua Han writes:</span></span></div><div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span><span face=""Verdana", sans-serif" style="color: #3d85c6;"></span><blockquote><span face=""Verdana", sans-serif" style="color: #3d85c6;">"Strangely
warm December day. Shorts weather though! Foggy at the start and
foggy at the end. No precipitation but wet roads all day. </span><span face=""Verdana", sans-serif" style="color: #3d85c6;">Caught
a puncture in the Southampton area shortly after leaving the
unscheduled stop at the Wawa because someone (will remain unnamed)
forgot their water bottles.
Sealant, well, sealed, and didn't lose much tire pressure at all. </span><span face=""Verdana", sans-serif" style="color: #3d85c6;">Heard
a loud crash in one of the small towns on the Jersey side. Pickup
truck was not paying attention and crashed into the back of a minivan. </span><span face=""Verdana", sans-serif" style="color: #3d85c6;">Lunch at a hot dog stand and traffic-watching at the Free Bridge tells you a lot about humanity (and their lack of patience).</span><span face=""Verdana", sans-serif" style="color: #3d85c6;">A small, delicious cider donut at Tabora Farms (and some free samples) and off to the last checkpoint/finish. </span><span face=""Verdana", sans-serif" style="color: #3d85c6;">Legs were pretty dead towards the end so thankful that the last few miles were downhill. 4.5 hours in the dark!</span><span face=""Verdana", sans-serif" style="color: #3d85c6;"> Thanks again (and so much more for and to the volunteers) for another great day on the bike!"</span></blockquote><span face=""Verdana", sans-serif" style="color: #3d85c6;"></span></span></div></div>
<br /><div class="yj6qo ajU"><div aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Show trimmed content" class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":rx" role="button" tabindex="0"></div><div aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Show trimmed content" class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":rx" role="button" tabindex="0"></div><div aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Show trimmed content" class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":rx" role="button" tabindex="0"></div><div aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Show trimmed content" class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":rx" role="button" tabindex="0"></div><div aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Show trimmed content" class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":rx" role="button" tabindex="0">Ello writes:</div><div aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Show trimmed content" class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":rx" role="button" tabindex="0"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><blockquote>"I had a great time yesterday! I kept thinking about how different the
weather was from last year’s December ride (thank goodness)! I really
enjoyed some of the scenery on this ride, especially in the fog in the
first half. Great route with
some good challenging climbs (*shakes fist at Pat Gaffney Hill and
Lower Saucon*) and spicy fun descents. And the highlight was definitely
the piglets at Tabora. I asked one of the employees what the deal was
with the piglets and she didn’t even know they
were out there, so that was kind of funny. Big thanks to Iwan, Pat, and
Chris!"</blockquote></span></div><div aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Show trimmed content" class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":rx" role="button" tabindex="0"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></div><div aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Show trimmed content" class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":rx" role="button" tabindex="0">Bob Dye writes:</div><div aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Show trimmed content" class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":rx" role="button" tabindex="0"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> <br /></span></div><div aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Show trimmed content" class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":rx" role="button" tabindex="0"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><blockquote>"Thank you to Patrick, Iwan, Chris and any other volunteers/organizers for another well-organized and executed PA brevet.
I’m proud to say we discovered an entirely new
cycling technique by drafting while walking across the bridge to Easton.
I will remember this day for the world’s slowest pace line." </blockquote></span></div><div aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Show trimmed content" class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":rx" role="button" tabindex="0"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></div><div aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Show trimmed content" class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":rx" role="button" tabindex="0">Chris Nadovich writes:</div><div aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Show trimmed content" class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":rx" role="button" tabindex="0"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"></span><blockquote><span style="color: #3d85c6;">"Nigel Greene's "Breakfast in the Burbs" perm transforms nicely into a<br />
proper PA Rando 200K with Gaffney Hill and the Koalburg (Lower Saucon)<br />
climbs added.<br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
It couldn't have been too, too hard given that 100% of the riders<br />
finished. The fact that it was a nice day with no wind and moderate<br />
temperatures in the 50s probably had something to do with that good<br />
result. Also, while I was hanging out at Jimmy's and greeting riders<br />
at the control. I noticed that many of them had one or<br />
more of the signature Hot Dogs. Surely a Jimmy's hot dog is a<br />
rando climbing superfood.<br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
There was a nice rando gathering at the Iron Hill finish, with many<br />
of the early finishers hanging around to cheer the final arrivals. It's<br />
always great to see that.<br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
Thanks to Iwan and Pat for running a great event. See you all next<br />
month at the latest reversion of the New (but somehow always<br />
the same) Hope to New Hope."</span></blockquote><span style="color: #3d85c6;"></span></div><div aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Show trimmed content" class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":rx" role="button" style="text-align: center;" tabindex="0"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>______________________________________________ </div><div aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Show trimmed content" class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":rx" role="button" style="text-align: center;" tabindex="0"><br /></div><div aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Show trimmed content" class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":rx" role="button" style="text-align: left;" tabindex="0">Our next event will be held on January 6, 2024. We return to one of our traditional winter routes starting in Philipsburg, NJ. <a href="https://parando.org/info/event/424" target="_blank">Event information can be found here.</a><br /></div><div aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Show trimmed content" class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":rx" role="button" tabindex="0"></div><div aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Show trimmed content" class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":rx" role="button" tabindex="0"><img class="ajT" src="https://ssl.gstatic.com/ui/v1/icons/mail/images/cleardot.gif" /></div></div><br /><br />Pat Gaffneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242988557527581365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997539945341768974.post-24805566804012605302023-11-22T13:38:00.008-05:002023-12-01T07:10:34.034-05:00Hollywood Hot Dog 200K Brevet pre-ride report *** Update 1<p>Please ensure you know <a href="https://parando.org/info/resources">what to expect</a> have the latest route uploaded to your device (or printed out on cue sheets) and the latest <a href="https://github.com/ctnadovich/ebrevet#readme">eBrevet</a>
data (if using). The latest cue sheet is VERSION 5, and the RWGPS file
was last modified on 2023-11-19 at to12:56:37 EST. RWGPS file and cue
sheets can be found <a href="https://parando.org/route/info/423">here.</a></p><p>*** Update 1 <br /></p><p>A second pre-ride was completed on 30 November by Chris Nadovich. The course was found to be mostly still intact. There was power-line construction on the end of Stony Hill Road (the ETM at mi 26.5) and this road was blocked. Probably they will be done by Saturday, but if not, you can turn left toward the ruins onto Sugan Rd (where the cue says not to go), follow your nose, and this will lead you to a Wawa. Then right, and you'll rejoin the course turning left at the train station. Since New Hope is an open control, this detour to the Wawa would be marginally OK regardless. </p><p>If you don't want a Hot Dog at Jimmy's, the Easton Farmers Market will be in full swing when you cross the Free Bridge into Easton. Mostly to the left of the bridge, they sell various overpriced artisanal refreshments, fresh meat, vegetables, baked goods, and woo woo gifts. You'll also find a bunch of Winter Festival hoopla squarely in front of you on Northampton St to the circle. Follow the course, walking or hesitating as necessary to avoid pedestrians, Jersey barriers, and ice rinks. <br /></p><p>There are a LOT of traffic lights, blinky lights, holiday lights, and busy road crossings through the final 50K of the course. Budget time for standing still waiting for traffic to clear. It will be after sunset for most of you. Light up like a Christmas Tree yourself (tis the season). Wear your reflective gear. And be careful you aren't mistaken for one of the many animated holiday displays.<br /></p><p> *** Original Post <br /></p>A pre-ride was completed by Pat Gaffney and Iwan Barankay (yours truly). <p>This new route starts in Hollywood, PA which is part of Huntington Valley, PA. </p><p>We encourage you to take a SEPTA train to the start, which is about $5 one way. Coming from the city, you buy the ticket at a machine, but going back, you buy it on-board from a "joyful" conductor. </p><p>A few miles into the brevet, you are on the Pennypack Heritage Trail (very hard-packed stone, so no challenge for any tires), where Pat Gaffney used to have fun as a kid with his mountain bike in the forest to the right. But now you are on a shared use trail with rules, so please announce yourself to the many pedestrians on the trail walking their dogs, who are invariably called Trooper, Cooper, Hooper, or Blooper.</p><p>Soon, carried by memories of the sad fate of the Lenni Lenape, you reach the first open control in New Hope. Perhaps find a coffee or a snack to prepare you for the walk across the Delaware immediately following.</p><p>Then comes 15 miles along the flat, featureless river road (aka NJ 29). Please team up with a friend here; or enemy; failing that, prepare music, an audiobook, or a podcast; otherwise, you end up like me, recalling memories I paid my therapist handsomely to forget. </p><p>When you reach Milford, the true PA Randonneur thing to do is to get a bagel at <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/pwS9nGEDh9zfFuup8">Goldberg's</a> right at the corner. Toasted bagels with cream cheese are fast, but fancier stuff with eggs can take a while. </p><p>Super special note. Be extra careful with bridges. Especially the METAL GRID BRIDGES OF DOOM. We emphasized them in the cue sheet: Do not ignore our warnings. Slow down. There is a bridge with such a slippery surface that I had to unlock unique ninja warrior moves so I didn't end up kissing the cold metal grid.</p><p>After Easton, the real climbing begins, so make sure you have gentle gearing on your bike and enough sugar in your thighs. Whatever glucose or self-esteem you have lost in those hills, you can scrumptiously refuel them at the Tabora Farm & Orchard control. Restrooms are open (!), and they have a copy of the US Constitution in there so you can reevaluate how you feel about Shelby County vs Holder (2013).</p><p>From there, it's an easy finish back to Hollywood. </p><p>Please be careful with the swelling evening traffic. Ensure your lights are on and don your safety vest before leaving Tabora -- even when it is still light. </p><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997539945341768974.post-79885016362781862162023-11-13T23:22:00.004-05:002023-11-16T11:22:56.003-05:00Hopewell Furnace 200k Ride Report<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preliminary results for the Hopewell Furnace 200k have been posted to the website. Please review the results and let me know if I need to make any changes. A total of 52 riders clipped in for the ride on Saturday (in addition to two pre-riders) with all but two riders qualifying. For ten of the participants, this was their first brevet—congratulations! Not an easy one to start with.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Although the day started out chilly, the sun came out and the temperatures in the mid-fifties made for a great day of riding with lots of fall foliage and beautiful scenery. First finisher<b> Christopher Maglieri <br /></b>finished the hilly course in an impressive 7 hours and 58 minutes, but somehow still had time to take a few pictures. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIcI0yqwUugI6nKMMhycFG6OME25y6Z4cD9ZCd8Pdib3deiUw7wfOiu9U7RtCpxhf84xO0ZV3n8LLvFAVqKj6X7qKc2WyXNG3GQGtzD-Xjg3BumSyAoSWgLBKi8HHfKuOwBYrjNnTGd_AtVoTFOolDiktR-A1UHo688ctUKN7hl_S8eV8oue5kPNkHU-G1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1380" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIcI0yqwUugI6nKMMhycFG6OME25y6Z4cD9ZCd8Pdib3deiUw7wfOiu9U7RtCpxhf84xO0ZV3n8LLvFAVqKj6X7qKc2WyXNG3GQGtzD-Xjg3BumSyAoSWgLBKi8HHfKuOwBYrjNnTGd_AtVoTFOolDiktR-A1UHo688ctUKN7hl_S8eV8oue5kPNkHU-G1" width="250" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Chris Maglieri</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Volunteers <b>Michael Reali</b> and <b>Sarah Johnson</b> welcomed riders at the finish with vegan chili, for which all of the riders, especially fellow vegan <b>Bob Dye,</b> were very grateful! Additionally, <b>Tom Keenan </b>drove all the way down from Connecticut to volunteer at the penultimate control. Thank you Tom! <b>Iwan Barankay</b> helped at the start before taking part in the event himself, and I need to give a big shoutout to him and <b>Chris Nadovich</b> for letting me organize this ride and telling me what to do.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Brad Layman</b>, the route designer, was also heavily involved in volunteering for the event, and I am very grateful for his expertise and knowledge and showing me the ropes. I got a lot of complements about the route, and it's all Brad's work, so thank him! Brad, Michael, Sarah, and I stayed at the finish past the 13.5 hour cutoff to see <b>Diane Lenertz </b>come through as the lanterne rouge. Chapeau to Diane for sticking it through and finishing in good spirits! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Apparently at some point, someone in a car was throwing construction nails out their window so as to give riders flats. How incredibly rude and inconsiderate. However, I heard that <b>Phil Luong</b> stopped to pick them up. Thank you Phil!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you so much <b>Matt McLoone </b>of Cadence for opening the shop at the start. Matt sent in some great photos! </div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiX6Xbl1uC4SePB3FQ3Y8AFUTK1rB_58dWjkdCBvXM4InOY8GhvEjfZBYGaCZZgz6ud-qg1KlQ5DPWHYfxo2FHb3Z47qw4xyQWfNnS2Z8lnjH2m2n_N9WoYVzi67CYZuc3q2V9IAfhyqeUh5jBCmea2PD-NiMuyv4mrboX5lPhUtAvilz17twLPQmARrGBZ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiX6Xbl1uC4SePB3FQ3Y8AFUTK1rB_58dWjkdCBvXM4InOY8GhvEjfZBYGaCZZgz6ud-qg1KlQ5DPWHYfxo2FHb3Z47qw4xyQWfNnS2Z8lnjH2m2n_N9WoYVzi67CYZuc3q2V9IAfhyqeUh5jBCmea2PD-NiMuyv4mrboX5lPhUtAvilz17twLPQmARrGBZ" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Matt McLoone</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYw6vuGOs27yrpkNlNmzYBTjTRo0_dvJVPIVi1mSQuPAM0L8nJenD0Lo8Ub-59ObrviRPAQdm3RgpdaU4McVcUibP0WWgBemlN-tKX6cK_2v2TFOqe-DZNxhnDlq1l87lYMpozxOn-JoyDuWwpDHHdS2T3v5JOpk0NweKQ8Es4cZudXk-1uGvnLQ-XAHPo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYw6vuGOs27yrpkNlNmzYBTjTRo0_dvJVPIVi1mSQuPAM0L8nJenD0Lo8Ub-59ObrviRPAQdm3RgpdaU4McVcUibP0WWgBemlN-tKX6cK_2v2TFOqe-DZNxhnDlq1l87lYMpozxOn-JoyDuWwpDHHdS2T3v5JOpk0NweKQ8Es4cZudXk-1uGvnLQ-XAHPo" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick Manta in his signature short shorts, photographed by Matt McLoone</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQWliRjZQj9ILkl39f5ubLtFjs9NUwkTCWJSWVqZNHuyC5FmTYfrOUdZ2zqM2A99bQLbV7B0YPbYJ7a1-AXTwHeLV5dP0wlna31TSnS1QksGXEw4jL9I3iKP_5gHOuOCseMBg_qln8izHJKoIbOt3leMkAmYQJPLYyws8O23v8BZcuePfLxFoob5bZ0AbA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQWliRjZQj9ILkl39f5ubLtFjs9NUwkTCWJSWVqZNHuyC5FmTYfrOUdZ2zqM2A99bQLbV7B0YPbYJ7a1-AXTwHeLV5dP0wlna31TSnS1QksGXEw4jL9I3iKP_5gHOuOCseMBg_qln8izHJKoIbOt3leMkAmYQJPLYyws8O23v8BZcuePfLxFoob5bZ0AbA" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Matt McLoone</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Andrew Posmontier says: </div><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"We passed a cow in a field who got really excited and ran alongside us for the length of its pasture and it was so cute." </div></blockquote><p> Well that would've been the highlight of the ride for me!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Michael Povman says:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><blockquote><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Ello, thanks to you and the other volunteers for organizing this fabulous brevet! While challenging, this was one of the most scenic routes I've ever ridden - absolutely beautiful. At times I felt like I was cycling through a gallery of Redfield paintings. A definite top 10.“</span></blockquote><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixVA4AncyYD5D_s7xbKdI7BnYvWm22yS96NOjX7GFDVShHiBbMgCy0QbySG5_B0Vg-Zt5f3eoedLwTX73fLEjTQcBf4ovSHogRqKbE_zQ_78gpDPubhxXwcr9kpWBymkrwDS-lEME-db3t5OsXJ5OXaXHUz9s1c8MEm3UyOSdH5HieLZAsb2xZBq5_MGPN" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixVA4AncyYD5D_s7xbKdI7BnYvWm22yS96NOjX7GFDVShHiBbMgCy0QbySG5_B0Vg-Zt5f3eoedLwTX73fLEjTQcBf4ovSHogRqKbE_zQ_78gpDPubhxXwcr9kpWBymkrwDS-lEME-db3t5OsXJ5OXaXHUz9s1c8MEm3UyOSdH5HieLZAsb2xZBq5_MGPN" width="181" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Michael Povman</td></tr></tbody></table>Ben Keenan says: <p></p><blockquote><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Thank you Ello and volunteers for a wonderful day! It was cold getting to Hennigan’s Market, but that gave way to near perfect conditions, and most of the miles were imbued with the sense I get in late fall sometimes that I am stealing a better day than I could hope for. It was a beautiful road selection, especially through Berks and Chester Counties. Some good hills too; I think I saw some stars on the last hill before the Ludwig’s Corner Wawa. Thanks to everyone that shared the miles!"</span></p></blockquote><p>Oh yes, some of those hills were pretty spicy! Says Gavin Biebuyck:</p><blockquote><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Thanks Ello for organizing and managing 50 freaking riders!!! Great quiet route and good company all day. Those Nantmeal hills hurt!”</span></p></blockquote><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7EgtGRzoQ2PiU-wAc2ka7H9pkM8Ie2KjEblBHHlN5U_2zH_Q3i6PyUI5DDB34eJ_QRngOJ-ravk3o7XQbKal4RmWS0didIWfVjXnjx4avtNp-SX7Aqx5_HznbYIBgDmWM27t9jdPCt5LE9HhK-n5YJqAa5MgrEsBrYeKmfmc0HtiWTUL6elmyS2_55zcH" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7EgtGRzoQ2PiU-wAc2ka7H9pkM8Ie2KjEblBHHlN5U_2zH_Q3i6PyUI5DDB34eJ_QRngOJ-ravk3o7XQbKal4RmWS0didIWfVjXnjx4avtNp-SX7Aqx5_HznbYIBgDmWM27t9jdPCt5LE9HhK-n5YJqAa5MgrEsBrYeKmfmc0HtiWTUL6elmyS2_55zcH" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volunteer Tom Keenan with riders at the Ludwig's Corner Wawa, photo by Gavin Biebuyck</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Mac Vergara, R-48 champion, had this to say: <p></p><blockquote><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank YOU for planning and organizing the brevet! I had so many wonderful experiences. The PA Rando community is vibrant and welcoming, the route was a challenge full of rewarding views, and everyone I met was having a blast out riding with friends in the unbelievably perfect crisp autumn weather. This was my first time riding with PA Rando, and I’m looking forward to the next time I can make it out to one of your brevets!</span></span></p></blockquote><p>Thanks for coming out Mac! We hope to see you at more PA Rando events!</p><p>Pat Gaffney says: </p><p></p><blockquote><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit;">Just a quick thanks to you, Brad, and the rest of the volunteers for a great ride this past Saturday. The course was a good one and it was nice to see so many people turn out for the ride. Sitting around the fire and chatting with everyone as they came in was a great way to end the day. Thanks again. See you next time.</span></blockquote><p></p><p>And Bill Scanga sent in a couple photos: </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjems_MfY648E8Y7Apw_3PJxm-59p3DQ-4dS5gV9Hi0jEtNT8llUlAvkpMYfdB3HbLKOQ1Bt30ZDE9v8TT4EOZR8ytsVkthTIdwFOByoHQOMNqjTEj7mCPE0lJJMPeuRE3Ha3bSnPi53GLKA8awMFLxXf40riZ4FA9_42UhVfxV4J7fBJBaFQgXVXaGimk2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4284" data-original-width="5712" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjems_MfY648E8Y7Apw_3PJxm-59p3DQ-4dS5gV9Hi0jEtNT8llUlAvkpMYfdB3HbLKOQ1Bt30ZDE9v8TT4EOZR8ytsVkthTIdwFOByoHQOMNqjTEj7mCPE0lJJMPeuRE3Ha3bSnPi53GLKA8awMFLxXf40riZ4FA9_42UhVfxV4J7fBJBaFQgXVXaGimk2" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fast fellows, photo by Bill Scanga</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi27BvNH2ytcwnwC78uO35sCAlEvt-G-n1WD9Rkg5IkzhsAtlE_N_RqnapOpg9jOY00EFYGJIS-0P1Y45USRuLa0iNOMqHS4VOnrXpOhBN8XwT88z5bLCW0nsupw5FOgFU0jehSCuYGSvYwR51pyF88I2DdWLVVvlUsXFgS4sA8QXI5T7NathjW6gpDokz3" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4284" data-original-width="5712" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi27BvNH2ytcwnwC78uO35sCAlEvt-G-n1WD9Rkg5IkzhsAtlE_N_RqnapOpg9jOY00EFYGJIS-0P1Y45USRuLa0iNOMqHS4VOnrXpOhBN8XwT88z5bLCW0nsupw5FOgFU0jehSCuYGSvYwR51pyF88I2DdWLVVvlUsXFgS4sA8QXI5T7NathjW6gpDokz3" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill Scanga's photo of a Wawa picnic, a classic PA Rando sight</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Next month's brevet, the Hollywood Hot Dog 200k, will be starting at 8am to accommodate public transit schedules. It starts in the northern suburbs very close to multiple train stations, so it will be easy to get to. I'm planning on going so long as the weather is nothing like the weather on last year's December 200k *shudder*. Be sure to check it out, there's less climbing if that helps to convince you! <a href="https://parando.org/info/event/423">https://parando.org/info/event/423</a> </p><p> </p><p> </p></div><p></p>Ello Shertzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05095024005868065014noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997539945341768974.post-77446720956297054162023-11-07T20:58:00.019-05:002023-11-07T22:36:00.819-05:00Hopewell Furnace 200k Brevet Pre-ride Report<p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px;"><b>Please make sure you have the latest route uploaded to your device (or printed out on cue sheets) and the latest eBrevet data (if using).</b> <b>The latest cue sheet is VERSION 7 and the RWGPS file was last modified 2023-11-7 11:59:17 EST.</b></span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px;"><b> RWGPS file and cue sheets can be found here: <a href="https://parando.org/route/info/394">https://parando.org/route/info/394</a></b></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Please make sure you have the required reflective gear and lights for riding in the dark (which many of you will have to do). You are required to wear a reflective vest and reflective ankle bands when riding in the dark, and you must have front and rear lights. It is recommended that you bring backup lights, especially if you are not running a dynamo. Thanks to daylight savings, you’ll start after sunrise, but if you finish after dark without the proper reflective gear or without sufficient lighting, you will be disqualified. </p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For those of you who are new to randonneuring, I suggest you take a look at the rules and regulations on RUSA's website here: </p><p class="p3" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: black;">Rules for riders: <a href="https://rusa.org/pages/rulesForRiders"><span class="s2">https://rusa.org/pages/rulesForRiders</span></a></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: black;">Reflectivity guide: <a href="https://rusa.org/reflectivity"><span class="s2">https://rusa.org/reflectivity</span></a></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span class="s2" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">If you are using the E-Brevet app, please note that you still need your physical brevet card. You will need to write the finish code and time on the card at the end of the ride. If you don’t write a finish code on your card you will be disqualified. And of course if you’re only using the brevet card (no app) you need to get merchant signatures/answer the info question where applicable, as well as jotting down what time you get to each control. Please grab a receipt at the last control (Ludwig’s Corner Wawa) if you are only using a brevet card.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Course notes</b></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">This route is a new one for PA Randonneurs. Brad Layman created this one and it traces a lot of roads that will be familiar to seasoned PA randos, especially those who did the SR series this year. Brad and I both pre-rode over the weekend and really lucked out with the weather but you’ll have nice weather too.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The first control is a big supermarket. The cue sheet/GPS will have you take a right into the parking lot of the building and when you leave, you will retrace your way back to the road and cross to the other side to ride briefly on a small bike path.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The bridge on the Perkiomen trail was still fenced off when we rode so the latest version of the route goes around it. There’s a wide shoulder on Gravel Pike but just be cautious as cars go pretty fast through there.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">At mile 52.7 you get to descend Oysterdale Rd. As always, don’t ride faster than your guardian angel! This descent is super fun but it does have some twists and turns so don’t go too crazy with it.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The Huff’s Church control is an info control, which means that there is no resupply on-course until the Wawa at mile 71.3. However, we were pleasantly surprised to find a natural spring right on the route at mile 45.8 (on Old Route 100 right before turning right onto Forgedale Rd). If you need water, this is a good place to get it. Otherwise there is a Redners slightly off of the route about a half mile before the spring.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">At mile 64.5, there is a gravel surprise! This gravel road is short, just 0.6mi, and the gravel is the same consistency of the gravel you’ll ride on at the beginning of the ride through Rittenhouse Town up to Wissahickon Avenue. At the end of this road you’ll turn right onto Route 562, which is a little busy, so just be cautious.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBqD6ItzbjjF8q65T_ycNWC8ZmwqA_O6HxIwuRm44ru8iey1AG9niXzL6YrrbTbjg4WikLNh_u0-LOUKNViwncaiN5pX3VLxQRe0CR99_D24pSD3Mu-ZvEEfPeweOAwRb8ezizNAMumj_tAde4txy5bav7BolOxCOE7_bqQjH713Eo3CyCn4nkYOwegrov" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBqD6ItzbjjF8q65T_ycNWC8ZmwqA_O6HxIwuRm44ru8iey1AG9niXzL6YrrbTbjg4WikLNh_u0-LOUKNViwncaiN5pX3VLxQRe0CR99_D24pSD3Mu-ZvEEfPeweOAwRb8ezizNAMumj_tAde4txy5bav7BolOxCOE7_bqQjH713Eo3CyCn4nkYOwegrov" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark Yanagisawa, honorary rando, shreds through the gravel surprise</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The finalized route has the third control at a Wawa, so again make sure you have the updated info. Be cautious as it's a trafficky area. After the Wawa control, you’ll continue south to the river and ride east into Birdsboro. Be careful turning right onto Center Rd (Route 345) and then subsequently turning left onto Main St. Main St can be quite busy so exercise caution as you ride through Birdsboro. After this you’ll take a right onto Shed Rd and start the climb up to French Creek. It’s not steep but it is long, so get in a low gear and just enjoy climbing through the beautiful woods.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">At mile 82.1 you’ll pass the Hopewell Furnace historical site, and if needed there are bathrooms/water at the visitor’s center. Be careful getting onto route 23 at mile 85.9. Luckily you’re only on it for a second but after this comes the hardest climb of the ride (in my opinion) so have fun with that. After the final control (the Ludwig’s Corner Wawa), you get to enjoy what I think is one of the best parts of the route, rolling through Chester Springs and Pickering. Be careful turning onto Route 23 as you enter Valley Forge as this road is busy and has some unfortunate potholes. Then you’ll take a right onto Gulph Road for the final significant climb of the route. Once you reach the memorial arch and turn left onto the trail, watch out for pedestrians as you make your way through the park and down to the Schuylkill. Make sure to give notice when passing and give them plenty of room. It gets real touristy up in here.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPszhsxg83rcvWGSfeE6vAfvSpEOqHeeTIcpilw3IZhopBJ0QasVYu8b8KGxMAlrfA8dNVYTFTIW0Qbro6mkZBZEWmC_bJQKZsb9x-IinTrjFfViQRasZbbbj0l0H4PgiqaRTtsHDIXhrJSsMVPa2xFBgkWCy45t2vaZj_4f5ddU-ukjNKXqYYjvYpP6-t" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPszhsxg83rcvWGSfeE6vAfvSpEOqHeeTIcpilw3IZhopBJ0QasVYu8b8KGxMAlrfA8dNVYTFTIW0Qbro6mkZBZEWmC_bJQKZsb9x-IinTrjFfViQRasZbbbj0l0H4PgiqaRTtsHDIXhrJSsMVPa2xFBgkWCy45t2vaZj_4f5ddU-ukjNKXqYYjvYpP6-t" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dusk in Valley Forge</td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Finally, please be considerate to other trail users on the Schuylkill Trail as you head toward Philly. Give notice when you are about to pass people and please don’t try to induce seizures in anyone coming the opposite way by using flashy lights. Yes, I have strong opinions about this.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">That’s all! See you on Saturday!</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Ello</p>Ello Shertzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05095024005868065014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997539945341768974.post-76961889929066353842023-10-29T14:31:00.007-04:002023-10-29T17:41:15.001-04:00Fall Neo Classic 154/200K Ride Report<p>Preliminary results for the 18th annual Fall Classic <a href="https://parando.org/roster/results/392">200K</a> brevet and <a href="https://parando.org/roster/results/393">154K</a>
populaire have been posted on the website. Please
review the results and inform me of any necessary corrections. The
results will be submitted to RUSA in the coming days and become final
pending RUSA certification. Twelve riders clipped in for the 200K,
and just one started the 154K. All riders in both events finished in good
time for a 100%
completion rate of the very challenging brevet and populaire.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://parando.org/images/AndreasFallLeaves.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://parando.org/images/AndreasFallLeaves.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andreas captures the "non-peak" Fall foliage on the route<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><p> This was the third running of the "Neo" edition classic routes with an Easton
Start/Finish. It was last run in 2021.</p><p>We were graced with unbelievably nice weather for late October. It was
in the mid 60s at the start and might've reached near 80 in the middle
of the day. Usually riders are shivering at the end of this Fall event,
looking for shelter from the cold and a hot bowl of soup. Instead, we
all sat outside comfortably eating burgers at the finish and riders wanted extra salt and
vinegar for their heat exhaustion cramps. <br /></p><p>Although a few people complained the Fall foliage wasn't quite at peak (see photo above), there were
plenty of fallen leaves. Even without the full Fall colors, riders
generally reported that the
Neo-classic was just as scenic as ever. Scenic, of course, is bike rider
code for a steady diet of hills to consume, the climb up Dyer hill just outside Easton being an appetizer for the many hilly entrees ahead. <br /></p><p>Recent PA events have had some mishaps as riders sped ahead of their guardian angels. Thankfully, this time riders were more cautious keeping their speed checked on the many descents. There was only one crash -- a slow motion affair involving <b>Pat and Gavin</b>. I understand that only pride was hurt in the tangle, if that. </p><p>Some of the unique descents on this edition of the neo-classic included a descent of Fiddler's Elbow. Normally we would descend Lommanson's, but that road was obliterated by recent rains. There were also descents of storm damaged Mud Run, and on the 154K a "bonus" descent of Little Martin's Creek Rd, also storm damaged. <br /></p><p><i>Bob Dye writes....</i></p><p></p><blockquote>Toughest 200K I've done. This will make all others seem easy. There were ascents I had trouble walking up. As for descents, I'll be buying brake pads sooner than planned. </blockquote><p></p><p><i>Tom Rosenbauer writes...</i></p><p></p><blockquote>Congratulations on yet another successful event. I enjoyed catching up with many riders I hadn’t seen in a while and also meeting new ones. </blockquote><p></p><p>Tom shares this video documentary <a href="https://youtu.be/QC5HddrJeWg?si=taHqrDE_LiW69BYo">about Columcille</a>. </p><p>Joe Ray writes...</p><p></p><blockquote>This ride lived up to its classic status - I really did enjoy it despite some cramping that kicked in a few miles prior to Wind Gap. Thankfully the bar and grill on Rt 115 had all-you-can-eat salt and that fixed me up for the remainder of the ride.<br />It was a gorgeous day all around - full moon in the clear pre-dawn sky, stunning trees and scenery everywhere, and Goldilocks temperatures helped make a complete package. Having a chance to sit and chat at the finish cookout was great - thanks for sharing your patio with us! It was made even better when Ron Anderson found my “missing“ car.</blockquote><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;" /><p></p><hr width="62%" /> <p>Next month we feature a brand new 200K route out of Cadence Cycles in Manayunk. A big crowd is already signed up. Should be a lot of fun. Come on out and ride your bike to work up a good appetite for holiday feasting. <a href="https://parando.org/info/event/394">Click here for more info</a>.<br /></p><p> </p><p> </p>Chris Nadovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13470966197582067054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997539945341768974.post-32244742826072640442023-10-20T11:32:00.003-04:002023-10-20T11:35:10.624-04:00Fall Neo Classic. 200K/154K Course Notes<p><b>Make sure you have the latest cue sheets, RWGPS, and eBrevet data loaded. There have been significant changes.</b><br /></p><p><i>The latest Cue Sheet for the <b>200 K</b> is VERSION 3, and the latest RWGPS was last modified </i>2023-10-20 10:39:15 EDT<i>. </i></p><p><i>The latest Cue Sheet for the <b>154 K</b> is VERSION 1, and the latest RWGPS was last modified </i>2023-10-20 10:38:15 EDT<i>. </i></p><p><span style="background-color: #3d85c6;">NIGHT RIDING</span> may be required for many people on the 200K. You
must have full reflective gear (vest, ankle bands) and adequate
head/tail lights firmly attached to the bike. Backup lights are strongly
recommended. <i>Riders without adequate lighting and reflectivity will not be allowed to start.</i></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Course Notes <i><br /></i></h2><p></p><p>This course is a <i>classic</i>
for a reason: classic scenery, classic landmarks, and plenty of classic
climbs. Ho boy, are there climbs. I <b>do</b> think this course is the hardest 200K on our schedule. I think this course is also one of the prettiest. So many classic views. I think I could see orange along the crest of the Mt Minsi ridge. Next week I'd
expect a lot more Fall Color. It should be spectacular. </p><p>The 154K is no easy ride either. In fact, if you choose this shorter route you will be treated to some special "bonus climbs" that the 200K riders will not tackle. <br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://parando.org/images/nokview.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://parando.org/images/nokview.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Nokamixon</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><p>There also were a lot of creepy Halloween decorations. Giant skeletons are a thing this year, it seems. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://parando.org/images/skeleton_bike.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="800" height="349" src="https://parando.org/images/skeleton_bike.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please don't ride faster than your guardian angel.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> PA Rando
veterans will be familiar with most of the features in this course. Except in THIS version, we ride them all backwards. The climb up Fox Gap (200K only) is a lot easier this way, as is the Mountain View climb. On the other hand, the Wind Gap (200K) climb is a lot harder -- and annoying with traffic -- in this direction. </p><p>The Shady Ln / Pine Tree Rd "short cut" climb has been removed from the 200K (candidly, I
avoided it on the pre-ride, so now you can too). You can ride it if
you want. It cuts off a little over a mile -- go for it. Follow one of the 154K riders -- I left it in that route.<br /></p><p>With climbs come descents. There are several extended, steep, twisty descents. The biggest of these is the decent off the north side of Fox gap, but there are many others, some of which end in T intersections, some of which have vast sinkholes and collapsed guardrails. PLEASE DO NOT RIDE FASTER THAN YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL. I'm not kidding. There have been some accidents descending on recent PA Rando brevets and I want the trend to stop. STFD! </p><p>I think worst climb, safety wise, is the Wind Gap climb on the 200K. It's not _that_ hard, but there's considerable car traffic. Some of you will climb this in the dark. Oncoming headlights can be blinding. Be aware that the shoulder is limited in spots. Take your time. Stay focused. And if you feel unable to hold your line safely on the shoulder of a dark road, get off the bike and walk -- or just don't ride the 200K event! <br /></p><p>The Columncil and Wind Gap controls (200K) are untimed info controls, so there should be no reason to panic if you find yourself a few minutes past the cutoff at these. After Wind gap the course is mostly downhill. Even totally exhausted, you can easily make up 10-15 minutes on the clock over that segment into the finish -- AMHIK.<br /></p><p>Enjoy the ride, and remember what I said about your guardian angel! <br /></p><p>--</p><p>Chris N<br /><i></i></p><i></i>Chris Nadovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13470966197582067054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997539945341768974.post-47523203956432753592023-09-05T14:07:00.008-04:002023-09-05T17:33:29.595-04:00Rusty Rail 200K Ride Report<p>Foregoing family barbecues and football games, a small group of intrepid cyclists clipped-in on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend to embrace the challenge that is the Rusty Rail 200K. Six of 7 riders (including the prerider) completed the brevet (86%), all of them documenting their passage with the new <a href="https://parandonneurs.blogspot.com/2023/06/electronic-proof-of-passage-with-ebrevet.html">eBrevet App</a>. Congratulations and well done to all. Preliminary results have been
posted on the <a href="https://parando.org/roster/results/403">website</a>.
Please review the results and let us know if something is not quite
right. The results will be submitted to RUSA after review and will
become official once certified. </p><p>Temperatures were cool at the start, allowing the riders to crest the fist two epic climbs: Jacks Mountain, and Ulsh Gap before the heat and humidity set in. Sadly, <b>Gerry Montague</b> sustained injuries after crashing at high speed while descending Ulsh Gap. Fellow rider <b>Brian Fitzsimmons</b> was quickly on the scene to render aid and call EMS. <br /></p><p>The five remaining day-of riders finished in regulation time, and were able to enjoy the fine offerings of the Rusty Rail Brewing Company.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aLv21_V2-PfpPIpoiSFqvecQIAIPK5DNYpa-KDFHk_UZZeQJzUxzhlHW15r8NDa9bvj-AbF23bNkW8iuD92Iao5wqXy2_zeXzEDZCwXaWrCZQQcqxs-3j-GNZjDs70FPeAMfiTzTFav-rcjU5EqBox4OHB-GsbW8LbdVTrMo7U3hHQ7RXkRwyea2G_T1/s4966/DSC_6338.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2980" data-original-width="4966" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aLv21_V2-PfpPIpoiSFqvecQIAIPK5DNYpa-KDFHk_UZZeQJzUxzhlHW15r8NDa9bvj-AbF23bNkW8iuD92Iao5wqXy2_zeXzEDZCwXaWrCZQQcqxs-3j-GNZjDs70FPeAMfiTzTFav-rcjU5EqBox4OHB-GsbW8LbdVTrMo7U3hHQ7RXkRwyea2G_T1/w400-h240/DSC_6338.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start at dawn: how does this eBrevet App work?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCTzpfdffMKEnQUEu5dXT3cfvaqZ0BOwaWURiCm73LKvk5hUNLJF5lvrINairfHKn0lbGG3ELUj0Ph-nEi1NzlLot2HUw5VaXgXXxN26WdrznHcCvYEt9OA8wRqpL_lv9dX5HRcZheTKOMtRtIAEoMHjB0MsDk_DY2CtuHPC_HvVy_u5rq8dot39YMCcQ/s3620/DSC_6340.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3620" data-original-width="2896" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCTzpfdffMKEnQUEu5dXT3cfvaqZ0BOwaWURiCm73LKvk5hUNLJF5lvrINairfHKn0lbGG3ELUj0Ph-nEi1NzlLot2HUw5VaXgXXxN26WdrznHcCvYEt9OA8wRqpL_lv9dX5HRcZheTKOMtRtIAEoMHjB0MsDk_DY2CtuHPC_HvVy_u5rq8dot39YMCcQ/w320-h400/DSC_6340.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryan and Gavin are the first up Jacks Mountain</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZY1WTD0a92wRmAQKnEGslqD5beyEf4U9YxLtzx_qdsRNEt4J5eejVx3oGtgJVlf5qljhI299ayUiay324QB98fIMHJY27T3-EZdV0WV4lTafr5nYL41MyHtTcjjsDSbIZZSC9eCoy40Elf1lLS3kjV4lpEsqnKhxH2MZmUPdxiZFwm1__T-MosekKiSxh/s6048/DSC_6359.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4024" data-original-width="6048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZY1WTD0a92wRmAQKnEGslqD5beyEf4U9YxLtzx_qdsRNEt4J5eejVx3oGtgJVlf5qljhI299ayUiay324QB98fIMHJY27T3-EZdV0WV4lTafr5nYL41MyHtTcjjsDSbIZZSC9eCoy40Elf1lLS3kjV4lpEsqnKhxH2MZmUPdxiZFwm1__T-MosekKiSxh/w400-h266/DSC_6359.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian and Gerry on Jacks</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJGSHAAxR-rCXgGjsL-6neL4dOeoSLP3cymYodAPSk4RyOsh4sP7QWHbErFywOFJFFPfy-neSyGZKXJ_-cj84U6C3RImSaVnjAFIluPtuFdoTDRYOkOfBKAJ58rAUfN1N582ZlE5hipyVJpoQpUSrsCk0Ktz62keOevs0gvDbP3Lofb7y4vcHMfzicILl/s3592/DSC_6361.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3592" data-original-width="2874" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJGSHAAxR-rCXgGjsL-6neL4dOeoSLP3cymYodAPSk4RyOsh4sP7QWHbErFywOFJFFPfy-neSyGZKXJ_-cj84U6C3RImSaVnjAFIluPtuFdoTDRYOkOfBKAJ58rAUfN1N582ZlE5hipyVJpoQpUSrsCk0Ktz62keOevs0gvDbP3Lofb7y4vcHMfzicILl/w320-h400/DSC_6361.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPOvG3NS15HXQowHiHFXVkqbbI8cKHIpi8EvUiRJnz6smEHu6WI8AI51vettSe16QmYMuEN5xFxp3qh5wAjNR9qQpzqIWYGFBSBOQJr93sMLIHASfXtwiyvUDVg51_wzNzHKwziZSMlusXhcemhN8hwVfGZiVsA2003KwcozJMAlGNI8thCqLkdfALzTa/s4416/DSC_6372.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3154" data-original-width="4416" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPOvG3NS15HXQowHiHFXVkqbbI8cKHIpi8EvUiRJnz6smEHu6WI8AI51vettSe16QmYMuEN5xFxp3qh5wAjNR9qQpzqIWYGFBSBOQJr93sMLIHASfXtwiyvUDVg51_wzNzHKwziZSMlusXhcemhN8hwVfGZiVsA2003KwcozJMAlGNI8thCqLkdfALzTa/w400-h286/DSC_6372.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr22vVKSa1T7SnXEKu8VHHNpwAQcMmXctGsGknbWxYvIj_ag6RXNp5h1uLN4eGZvVHzqvPdzc48133_FUTY3AXbxOqChUHIkoj_HOG7BFRpDQDNWFhGerk5-355L_3hEISJQwW-aCP9b5yka7mojxXj5FpdW5uKqZmfNYlkQvmd98NkUyhoh_hgnwXNkFC/s4607/DSC_6379.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3291" data-original-width="4607" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr22vVKSa1T7SnXEKu8VHHNpwAQcMmXctGsGknbWxYvIj_ag6RXNp5h1uLN4eGZvVHzqvPdzc48133_FUTY3AXbxOqChUHIkoj_HOG7BFRpDQDNWFhGerk5-355L_3hEISJQwW-aCP9b5yka7mojxXj5FpdW5uKqZmfNYlkQvmd98NkUyhoh_hgnwXNkFC/w400-h286/DSC_6379.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andreas on Jacks</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPraoe8Zr86B_W7A2441RYT7_sIHoECmSRMsBLy4xqfBFNkagof2374W565j3Qudp3gBMeE8WjZQQS-ZpOFmRskpaHBSlSfsn2m_1g-6SvZhpzpfHZRtLioNWeAwiVcl7VMQPGXwKklIQUIj7PkvSWdeeJEq2MJGByLRXyQlBVIf9u7jbefrfC013UUeYY/s3825/DSC_6385.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3825" data-original-width="3060" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPraoe8Zr86B_W7A2441RYT7_sIHoECmSRMsBLy4xqfBFNkagof2374W565j3Qudp3gBMeE8WjZQQS-ZpOFmRskpaHBSlSfsn2m_1g-6SvZhpzpfHZRtLioNWeAwiVcl7VMQPGXwKklIQUIj7PkvSWdeeJEq2MJGByLRXyQlBVIf9u7jbefrfC013UUeYY/w320-h400/DSC_6385.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris on Jacks</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiIbBNTJY1uYDk9RQIDPLhraNtRNCXNnXzhfjTyWZ-QSuC5O941bSZPvQ3OXQh4mbDtZuAXO5ZEQIW1D9c4MtK4kgJkADMzR6qGLttOcSoi3jZUboUFTdiujdxaANPLtuH1VxgjochmW8whU-zWYJOuUD3ZU_Kj2jL1oKe-SV8SO0FMGmP54EtObFsKD5/s2868/RR%202023%20-%201.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2868" data-original-width="2294" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiIbBNTJY1uYDk9RQIDPLhraNtRNCXNnXzhfjTyWZ-QSuC5O941bSZPvQ3OXQh4mbDtZuAXO5ZEQIW1D9c4MtK4kgJkADMzR6qGLttOcSoi3jZUboUFTdiujdxaANPLtuH1VxgjochmW8whU-zWYJOuUD3ZU_Kj2jL1oKe-SV8SO0FMGmP54EtObFsKD5/w320-h400/RR%202023%20-%201.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gavin on Ulsh Gap</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvsDtawAeUQhx_Z1FJxdwRE1LAW7KU2hhVNPptBe7LfUOJ34-S-koOWCaag6zWRjxcneanyHNu0KAc8qsu3Mc01FhHeYKl86MRHAt-M3JIXoThqVADMgUb3SEK9k4OBCa1Zqcxi73_OmCtWgeElQfF4qUKnbW96lV9SSexGObHfW0B9RkMyaVNyGcmZRR/s2141/DSC_6392%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2141" data-original-width="1713" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvsDtawAeUQhx_Z1FJxdwRE1LAW7KU2hhVNPptBe7LfUOJ34-S-koOWCaag6zWRjxcneanyHNu0KAc8qsu3Mc01FhHeYKl86MRHAt-M3JIXoThqVADMgUb3SEK9k4OBCa1Zqcxi73_OmCtWgeElQfF4qUKnbW96lV9SSexGObHfW0B9RkMyaVNyGcmZRR/w320-h400/DSC_6392%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gavin motoring<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9bUG0tY0EPIwO1ncmaxplKavPup6IvvLEhj0daJiopNM25HQRUuQz1P09Zw4o40ymh-Sc4KDvWcpjJAp_-B_YeXG6teeKwn586wPeRV8tuYlCSLlRek_zy8hZ1o-gQ8c7Cd0XiIW0TriYx80qNV81j4xibggdIqC0yM3BLurojCnOl9hjbYxlhYUSSt2/s4265/RR%202023%20-%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4265" data-original-width="3046" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9bUG0tY0EPIwO1ncmaxplKavPup6IvvLEhj0daJiopNM25HQRUuQz1P09Zw4o40ymh-Sc4KDvWcpjJAp_-B_YeXG6teeKwn586wPeRV8tuYlCSLlRek_zy8hZ1o-gQ8c7Cd0XiIW0TriYx80qNV81j4xibggdIqC0yM3BLurojCnOl9hjbYxlhYUSSt2/w286-h400/RR%202023%20-%202.jpeg" width="286" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryan on Ulsh Gap</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgva_6jbgPImcx7GJBnDzl6NGy_I7oJREhR_mjzqQVSCr0u_Ba77EFhK5nnj4dlpcBjpt_mU4jVXzx-T9ZWX5NEFbGzXnRVRtkKQedO3eAvk3C2lSs0je4roDLKxUPbBkxVtPTuKj4InC8_yzdWl3pNF_HLve2q-2_TCUBQgQKRA0_Bi7juNqPh_yeuNqPF/s3992/RR%202023%20-%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2851" data-original-width="3992" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgva_6jbgPImcx7GJBnDzl6NGy_I7oJREhR_mjzqQVSCr0u_Ba77EFhK5nnj4dlpcBjpt_mU4jVXzx-T9ZWX5NEFbGzXnRVRtkKQedO3eAvk3C2lSs0je4roDLKxUPbBkxVtPTuKj4InC8_yzdWl3pNF_HLve2q-2_TCUBQgQKRA0_Bi7juNqPh_yeuNqPF/w400-h286/RR%202023%20-%203.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian and Gerry on Ulsh Gap, just before...<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMwOeaRKrLT-7Mq8KPdKRDuzpi4vi04-xeUD1Rt0utvHTAnQn_qClyRy9OVdD_IKPxVn5Rh0OGoPePgbl8iGaj6XKUPvl7CR-I1Ds50aTxwgT0XpRW9IdY4_izl0gq9wupJX9MISAARKDWWe-uCWtIJuW8agyK2T17guShO4U6Hnr-jbF2kKW1hQwhNN3/s4963/RR%202023%20-%204.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3545" data-original-width="4963" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMwOeaRKrLT-7Mq8KPdKRDuzpi4vi04-xeUD1Rt0utvHTAnQn_qClyRy9OVdD_IKPxVn5Rh0OGoPePgbl8iGaj6XKUPvl7CR-I1Ds50aTxwgT0XpRW9IdY4_izl0gq9wupJX9MISAARKDWWe-uCWtIJuW8agyK2T17guShO4U6Hnr-jbF2kKW1hQwhNN3/w400-h287/RR%202023%20-%204.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andreas on Ulsh Gap</td></tr></tbody></table><p><i> </i></p><p><i>Here is what Chris Nadovich had to say:</i></p><p></p><blockquote><p>Thank you Steve for yet another chance to tour the beautiful ridge-valley region of Pennsylvania. The climbs are tough, but they are separated by many miles of glorious spinning through the rural countryside. Certainly this is one of PA Rando's classic courses. Thanks for creating the course and organizing the ride on such a perfect day, weather wise. </p><p>It's a shame such a great ride was marred by Gerry's crash -- the second crash on a descent in so many PA events -- makes me wonder about the insufficient speed of our club's guardian angel. I hope other riders take note of this disturbing trend and BE CAREFUL OUT THERE! Please, oh please don't ride faster than our failing angel. The next PA event also has a ton of descending, including a descent of Fiddler's Elbow. Please SLOW THE F DOWN. I promise that there will be plenty of burgers at the finish for even the slowest riders.</p></blockquote><p></p><p><i>And, a note from Gerry:</i></p><p></p><blockquote><p>I wanted to take a minute to thank everyone who took care of me and my family after Saturday's little incident on Ulsh Gap: Chris, Steve, and Brian in particular. I have a long list of injuries, expect to be back on the bike by the end of the month depending on the extent of how many fingers need surgery, definitely two so far. You guys typified why this is a special community.</p><p>Now if anyone knows a really, REALLY good bike mechnic / miracle worker.... </p></blockquote><p>Our thoughts are with you Gerry. We wish you a speedy and complete recovery.</p><p>Thanks to riders Brian and Chris for assisting at the accident scene on Ulsh Gap Rd. And thanks to Chris Nadovich for not dying on this ride so he can continue to fine tune his brilliant eBrevet App that is sure to be the salvation of randonneurs everywhere.</p><p>Join us next month, 28 October in Easton PA for the PA Rando Fall Classic. There is a <a href="https://parando.org/info/event/392">200K</a> brevet and a <a href="https://parando.org/info/event/393">154K</a> populaire. Both courses are among the hilliest in our repertoire. At the finish, if you survive, there will be a Bar-B-Cue at Café Nadovich. Details can be found on the <a href="https://parando.org">PA Rando website</a>. <br /></p><p>--- <br /></p>Steven Schoenfelder<br />Organizer, PAR Rusty Rail 200K<br /><br />iTrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09505396238173231654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997539945341768974.post-24252826384991207132023-08-23T15:46:00.004-04:002023-08-24T15:21:54.780-04:00Rusty Rail 200K Pre-ride Report<p>A pre-ride of the Rusty Rail 200K was conducted by the organizer on 8/22, and lord, did I pick a beautiful day to ride! The route was generally in good shape, but stay tuned as there is a new detour for 2023. After the Milroy control at mile 41, you will spend a fair amount of time on East Back Mountain Rd. Do not let the massive piles of horse dung that litter this lane distract you from the potholes created by metal horseshoes in the middle and the longitudinal gouges cut by the buggy wheels along the sides of the pavement. But do look up once in a while to enjoy the spectacular views. </p><p>It was all rainbows and unicorns, with three of the epic climbs behind me when I hit the mandatory "Road Closed" sign on Miller Road. PenDot did not consult me and decided to replace the bridge over Laurel Run in the midst of this event. In the tradition of PA Randonneuring, I considered both a dangerous creek ford and an illegal closed-bridge crossing, but, it turned out neither were viable options. Thankfully, the construction crew was not present, so I danced across the rebar, barely making it to the other side.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbBS0VCFfdBuiFiN-26CznwFehXXON4iKGAln1mvjRyT5kJjlqXYKkQ8SgHlSEvJYjCm7gggDjTV6ioPuYIOxU0CjPfAJhayB9MGbRO1MQ1IgC1zatH1-wyKo7Zqjsp24pQ6BnXsZtTTu4atfv3vbQMwCrLSsBX0RmlLfpQS_gh9AOdS9YIFa7ixwELU9c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbBS0VCFfdBuiFiN-26CznwFehXXON4iKGAln1mvjRyT5kJjlqXYKkQ8SgHlSEvJYjCm7gggDjTV6ioPuYIOxU0CjPfAJhayB9MGbRO1MQ1IgC1zatH1-wyKo7Zqjsp24pQ6BnXsZtTTu4atfv3vbQMwCrLSsBX0RmlLfpQS_gh9AOdS9YIFa7ixwELU9c" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizWURUI9a9yH6K7SnJCvSJyV5sjxCGwH0EAELWhVkzaeDKgBZNaXga5j804MUBktY--Kr-RVzxQsRreodQtpVlPbsIMuLzSgTU1zhML0Bmal2fDH-gzXG-ll8ubG_FbjaQJ1V9cIrngD9EhJqx5DPlMyCi5ORboAqU_YtFWVCTfgLGeMoxwNdDeqXnssxa" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizWURUI9a9yH6K7SnJCvSJyV5sjxCGwH0EAELWhVkzaeDKgBZNaXga5j804MUBktY--Kr-RVzxQsRreodQtpVlPbsIMuLzSgTU1zhML0Bmal2fDH-gzXG-ll8ubG_FbjaQJ1V9cIrngD9EhJqx5DPlMyCi5ORboAqU_YtFWVCTfgLGeMoxwNdDeqXnssxa" width="320" /></a></div><br />So, the route was modified to eliminate a beautiful but rugged back road segment, reducing route length by one mile and vertical ascent by a few feet. <p></p><p>So..be sure you download the RWGPS route after this is posted in order to have the 2023 detour included. Trust me, you do not want to try to cross this bridge with Look cleats. Cue sheet version 4 (or later) is the proper one.</p><p>After conquering the fourth epic climb that is Tussey Mountain, you are rewarding with a commanding view of Happy Valley from the Jo Hays Vista.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEjYnMIjR-fiN32eNK2Tk0nN_W6u4wmOnl0Q8PkR3Zy5mJkrmnCZV3rVv_Kwsdql4mqfqFw8VbAQrfCRo7pDZGiCOS5V2DnhteNyLQsFmgOBNuRsN0ESllmoJRaSphy6dePLGPnmAWRxjKNc8NXNshimdpGEDWBPioTUWGJQoeyBT6FmVG-1WbxqWkJPN-" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEjYnMIjR-fiN32eNK2Tk0nN_W6u4wmOnl0Q8PkR3Zy5mJkrmnCZV3rVv_Kwsdql4mqfqFw8VbAQrfCRo7pDZGiCOS5V2DnhteNyLQsFmgOBNuRsN0ESllmoJRaSphy6dePLGPnmAWRxjKNc8NXNshimdpGEDWBPioTUWGJQoeyBT6FmVG-1WbxqWkJPN-" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>Entering the Sheetz at Centre Hall (mile 86.7) can be tricky due to high traffic volume in this area, I elected to cross the intersection and turn left into the Sheetz driveway about 60 yards past the traffic light.</p><p>I used the eBrevet app on my iPhone to record my passage. Believe me, this is the ONLY WAY TO GO and eliminates the need to hassle clerks to sign your brevet card or gather receipts. BUT, you need to enter the FINISH CODE provided by the app on your brevet card in ink or blood. During the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon 200k I got all excited about getting the green checkmarks on my app at each controle and neglected to enter the FINISH CODE at the end. OK, the driving rain, wind, and lightning may have been a distraction. But because of this omission I received a SRBAR (Stern RBA Reprimand), which granted, is better than a DQ. So my final recommendation is to load the eBrevet app on your smartphone NOW so you can use it on the ride. AND ENTER THE DAMN FINISH CODE AND SIGN YOUR CARD AT THE END!</p><p>Y'all have a nice ride, hear?!</p><p><br /></p><p>-Steve Schoenfelder, ride organizer and scofflaw</p>iTrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09505396238173231654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997539945341768974.post-72098440821233077582023-08-13T09:58:00.011-04:002023-08-14T09:40:18.854-04:00Pennsylvania Grand Canyon 200k Ride Report<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">The inaugural running of <b><i>The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania</i></b>
brevet was completed by an impressive 10 out of 11 riders (91%). Congratulations and well done to all. Preliminary results have been
posted on the <a href="https://parando.org/roster/results/389">website</a>.
Please review the results and let us know if something is not quite
right. The results will be submitted to RUSA after review and will
become official once certified. <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://parando.org/images/ColtonPointWithBike.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://parando.org/images/ColtonPointWithBike.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Pine Creek from Colton Point<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">Although many PA events utilize “rail trails”,
this was the first PA Randonneurs event that featured extensive sections of unpaved
roads and was run in accordance with the RUSA “Rules for Unpaved Distance”. Riders had to endure a relatively brief but heavy rain
squall early in the ride but were unperturbed by this minor inconvenience and enjoyed
the unpaved climb through Letonia and arrived (although a little soggy) to
enjoy the beautiful view at Colton Point:</p><p class="MsoNormal">After the Colton Point lookout things took an unpleasant
turn. I’m sorry to report that new Randonneur <b>Ken Cappel
</b>suffered a crash while descending the paved road between Colton Point and
Ansonia. Fortunately RBA Chris Nadovich
was nearby and a very helpful off duty nurse was driving past the scene of the
crash and rendered aid to Ken. Ken was
taken by ambulance to a local hospital.
Ken was alert and in relatively good spirits when he was placed in the
ambulance. More information on his
condition will be shared once available.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>[...Ed] At last report Ken was resting comfortably in the hospital. His injuries were "typical" for a bike crash. When I last spoke with him, he was in good spirits. Thanks to <b>Bill Fischer</b> and <b>Jon Clamp</b> for transporting Ken's bicycle (which seemed uninjured). </i><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After briefly stopping at the mid-point control in Ansonia, riders
started to dry out, the sun started to shine and the temperature started to
climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All riders were able to ford Babb
Creek without incident:</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFiPlKDV4pg8SkNdXgk8d_w5eZ_xgBNZuDxWt2INsedhRwletM5iaHQq-vy920jrFSSjlY9xCVz2r7Zxf6ewF8q4FmVoZ1SzB8VOES-5dF3gVzbY3BjKy2VMUY3VuQWWCPqWIkwmEyEauOPrt-DkqnEyksnOUU-KyAbCCTUZEW9fltjV4NrP9TDPe0hkFQ/s2016/BabbCreek.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFiPlKDV4pg8SkNdXgk8d_w5eZ_xgBNZuDxWt2INsedhRwletM5iaHQq-vy920jrFSSjlY9xCVz2r7Zxf6ewF8q4FmVoZ1SzB8VOES-5dF3gVzbY3BjKy2VMUY3VuQWWCPqWIkwmEyEauOPrt-DkqnEyksnOUU-KyAbCCTUZEW9fltjV4NrP9TDPe0hkFQ/s320/BabbCreek.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andreas Prandelli fording Babb Creek</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal">After cooling their feet in Babb Creek riders had to tackle
the most challenging section of the course.
It was repeatedly relayed to the ride organizer (using various adjectives)
that the steep climb on loose gravel along Ritter road was “challenging”.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Fortunately, after the Liberty Control, the course is quite
pleasant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The route to Waterville was designed
by PA Randonneurs founder <b>Tom Rosenbauer</b> for the infamous Endless Mountains 1,200k Grand Randonee.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">First finisher <b>Jon Clamp</b> made it around the course in under
10 hours. Jon was followed by <b>Ello Shertzer</b>, <b>Ron Anderson</b> (in Ron's triumphant return to rando after a long break) and newly minted Randonneur
<b>Matt Gruner</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, about 5 minutes
after Matt and Ron finished an intense thunderstorm rolled through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Steve Schoenfelder</b>, and <b>George Retseck</b> in true Randonneur spirit
simply continued on through the horizontal rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe <b>Andreas
Prandelli</b> was able to seek shelter at the McConnell’s store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>RBA <b>Chris Nadovich</b> (having been delayed by
Ken’s crash) was in the middle of the storm and I suspect had to ride in heavy rain for about the last 3 hours of the event (but finished with a smile). </p><p class="MsoNormal">Although he may have sheltered from the early rain, <b>Andreas Prandelli</b> turned right (North -- back into the Canyon) rather than left (South -- to the finish) as he joined the Pine Creek trail in Waterville. Whoops! This was just about the time the skies opened up and that wrong turn cost Andreas about 20 bonus miles of riding in the soaking rain. Nevertheless, Andreas finished well within the gravel time limit. No extra charge for the rando bath. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Ron Anderson Writes...</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" dir="auto" lang="en"></span></p><blockquote>A great big thank you to <span class="xt0psk2"><span>Chris Nadovich</span></span> and <span class="xt0psk2"><span>Bill Fischer</span></span>
for putting on this ride! I had a wonderful return to randonnering
after a long layoff. This course had it all: 40 miles of unpaved roads, a
control named the Burnin' Barrel Bar and a stream crossing! I simply
couldn't let this opportunity pass me by. It was great reconnecting with
old friends and making a few new ones. A great day out! <a href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMNcTd6NV5qeRe8CZWl1xjrQhQoJDrydot0bzUJnCg3JxphsbMRG155wwvPVxLtVQ?pli=1&key=ODU4ckU3RXNzMndiaW1YYmRFS3NXM1lyWXlEY3R3">Photos here</a>.<br /></blockquote><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Steve Schoenfelder writes...</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><blockquote><p class="MsoNormal">Thanks to event organizer and route designer Bill Fischer and volunteer/RBA Chris Nadovich for an epic ride through the wilds of the Pennsylvania Endless Mountain region. </p><p class="MsoNormal">The day started in the low 60’s and featured scattered showers mingled with puffy clouds hugging the peaks of the canyon on a backdrop of blue sky. The roads progressively narrowed until we entered the forest on rock and dirt. The woods were misty and emerald with ferns, moss, and pines lining the way. There was beauty and pain in the rugged climbs, and chaos in the dramatic descents. I was glad to have a gravel bike equipped with knobbies for this one. Out of fear, I carried way too much water on my back and never feared thirst. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Fording Babb Creek was an experience I will not soon forget. The current was fast and strong, as I grew tired of carrying my bike while focusing on not being swept downstream. The shallows came just in time; I was able to drop my bike and wheel it over the rocky stream bed for the last few meters. <br /></p></blockquote><blockquote><p class="MsoNormal">The hard work is behind you as you roll into the Liberty control at mile 87. After that it is all rainbows and unicorns as you descent back to the canyon formed by Little Pine Creek. Well, there was that rain, and later the walls of wind and water thrown at me by a thunderstorm while navigating the last eleven miles on the Pine Creek Rail Trail. All in all, an epic and transformative event that should become a fixture of the PAR schedule.</p></blockquote><p><i>Chris Nadovich writes...</i></p><p></p><blockquote><p>Thank you so much for creating this route, Bill Fischer. It's simply spectacular. As we rolled up the unpaved Letonia Rd, which seemed to thread its way through every quaint little glen and dell of the upper canyon, George Retseck commented that this was now his "most favorite road". I had to concur -- a road sweeter than Sweet Hollow, for sure. </p><p>The joy was spoiled a little by Ken's misfortune, but I was relieved when I saw that he appeared to have "ordinary" bike crash injuries. Still, he hit his head pretty hard. The helmet probably saved his life. We await final word on the severity of his concussion, but last I spoke with him he seemed OK. </p><p>Fording Babb creek was a hoot. Just an absolute hoot. Fortunately I didn't appreciate the brutal gravel climb that follows the creek and was able to frolic in the water without apprehension, allowing the cool waters to restore my soul, and wash away some of my concern for Ken. </p><p>But then, yeah, about that climb up Hurley Hill, Ritter, and the rest. Yeeesh! I was forced to walk up some of the more squirrely gravel, worrying that I was expending too much energy just keeping the bike aimed up the road. I was jealous of Schoenfelder's knobbies. The climb is doable on 32mm tires, but 42mm's would make that one section almost pleasant. Almost. Still, the rest of the gravel was very smooth and easy to ride on 32's. <br /></p></blockquote><blockquote><p>When you get to the final summit, and the control in Liberty, the remaining 38 miles are pretty much all downhill. There are some spiky rollers near Little Pine SP, but by then the previous 20 miles of coasting through the forest had me completely recovered. I'm unaware of a longer sustained descent in any other PA ride. An absolute joy of a finish. Thanks again, Bill, this route is a keeper. <br /></p></blockquote><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><hr width="62%" /><p class="MsoNormal">We'll stay "upstate" next month for the <a href="https://parando.org/info/event/403">Rusty Rail 200k</a> that start/finishes at the Rusty Rail Brewing company in Mifflinburg. This event is orgainized by Steve Schoenfelder. <br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">And Bonne Route and Bonne Courage to all PA Randonneurs members travelling to Paris Brest Paris!</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><br />Bill Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16669372616405949811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997539945341768974.post-48006181907787706942023-08-07T08:12:00.000-04:002023-08-07T08:12:41.673-04:00Pennsylvania Grand Canyon Course Notes V2<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">On 8/6 a pre-ride of the entire course was completed by Bill
Fischer and Gavin Biebuyck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Temperatures
were fairly pleasant and all the wet roads and mud seen last week were
dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I completed the ride on 32 mm tires and, in spite of the dry
conditions, I would highly recommend wider tires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The loose gravel on Snyder Road (particularly
the descent at ~mile 85) was less than pleasant. Gavin had 48mm tires and was much
happier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Some additional minor cue corrections were made so please
use version 10 of the cue sheet which was updated on 8/7.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Cell phone coverage was more limited than I remembered, the
only place we had any coverage was in Ansonia.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Babb Creek was a little deeper than reported last week, maximum
depth for the fording was about 18” (a rather pleasant experience on a warm
day).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Chris Nadovich has kindly agreed to host the start
control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll be at the Burnin’ Barrel
for the fast riders (see previous notes) and will see everyone at the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See you Saturday!<o:p></o:p></p>Bill Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16669372616405949811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997539945341768974.post-9800985985465636792023-07-29T14:55:00.009-04:002023-08-12T07:02:23.091-04:00Pennsylvania Grand Canyon 200k Course Notes<p>On 7/28 a partial pre-ride of the Northern section of the PA
Grand Canyon course was completed by Bill Fischer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By noon the temperature was hitting 90
degrees so I tucked tail and went home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I wimped out, I was able to ride all
the gravel sections of the course (excluding the Pine Creek Trail).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Widely scattered thunderstorms were reported on
7/27 and sections of the course were muddy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I rode my gravel bike with 38mm (slick) tires which were nice for the
muddy bits and the gravel on Ritter Road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If the weather cooperates, I’ll attempt a complete pre-ride on 8/5 with
my brevet bike and 32mm tires (assuming drier conditions).</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There were no changes to the route but I’ve updated and
corrected some cues so please use Version 5 of the cue sheet and the current
RWGPS route which was updated on 7/29/23.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Other than the Pine Creek Trail, there are 4 significant non-paved
sections:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Cedar Run to Colton Pt (Mile 32-53).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the longest non-paved section and is
a stair step climb with some short descents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This section is better described as hard packed dirt with some short
sections of well packed gravel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
were a few muddy spots at the bottom of the descents. Note after you finish the
climb and take a couple photos at Colton Point Lookout, you’ll climb a little
more and then start a long descent to Ansonia. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This descent is steep and somewhat
twisty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will likely be some
mindless drivers coming uphill so keep to the right and keep your speed in
check.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQJlO_wgpzJuZ2GbxsXEDWtinbZMiBjFB5M8clrnrysJY8E2LFpGfoNo3UNzWkEIex0Rcq8UGxX1l7fWk1TIdblBYgMFsu_ZyUTGQC2Qmi9c2tGLvF7HV8z7lQ0c0qKlGeD9U57l6HWwr1pQJuFp8AzMvR-WK4dH4vQE_6ddddNw5alpxyau3t7iwbtNx/s2016/IMG_6610.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQJlO_wgpzJuZ2GbxsXEDWtinbZMiBjFB5M8clrnrysJY8E2LFpGfoNo3UNzWkEIex0Rcq8UGxX1l7fWk1TIdblBYgMFsu_ZyUTGQC2Qmi9c2tGLvF7HV8z7lQ0c0qKlGeD9U57l6HWwr1pQJuFp8AzMvR-WK4dH4vQE_6ddddNw5alpxyau3t7iwbtNx/s320/IMG_6610.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Ansonia to SR660 (Mile 59-61).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a shaded climb with well packed gravel
leading to a pleasant descent onto paved SR660.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZV6NRPofuyKnR7B5veUo-wvKd4wBUa0FG6TsC48R-3V3FAckF_fi1_4htSaWLkD0vCSqpm2oqqR-cKu1Hv6IO23TqMRxjK3hfHFUhY4loIraHYNbLOWqFMh8kvZwaaFxIVvTcUYJRg6yc3ubUAnn5ywS1PN8a9DlMmMBBs0F-XZD21LZYwJKuhnxiBel/s2016/IMG_6603.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZV6NRPofuyKnR7B5veUo-wvKd4wBUa0FG6TsC48R-3V3FAckF_fi1_4htSaWLkD0vCSqpm2oqqR-cKu1Hv6IO23TqMRxjK3hfHFUhY4loIraHYNbLOWqFMh8kvZwaaFxIVvTcUYJRg6yc3ubUAnn5ywS1PN8a9DlMmMBBs0F-XZD21LZYwJKuhnxiBel/s320/IMG_6603.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Stony Fork to Babb Creek (Mile 68-73) A
beautiful, slightly downhill section with well packed dirt and a few short
muddy sections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of this
section you’ll ford Babb Creek which is currently about 12” deep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bottom consists of smooth round rocks
which are very slippery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s entirely
possibly to walk this bare footed (I’ve done it several times) but it was much
more pleasant tromping through it yesterday in my cycling sandals.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Hurley Hill to Liberty (Mile 76-85) This is the
most technically challenging section and has some moderately loose gravel on
Nauvoo and Ritter Roads with a few gravel descents (don’t go faster than your
guardian angel!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The start location is at the Jersey Shore recreational
parking area off Railroad Street (3 blocks West of Bridge Street).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a Weis grocery store on Allegheny
Street behind the parking area (and up a hill). My GPS recognized the start as 445
Railroad St. Jersey Shore, PA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Controls/Resupply points:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Wolf General Store [Slate Run} Mile 28.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A well-stocked store with excellent made-to-order
breakfast sandwiches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’ve got some
time to spend while they’re making your sandwich, go downstairs and see their
fly fishing department.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re a
faster rider you may want to grab some extra food since you’re next resupply
will not be until mile 65.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Burnin’ Barrel Bar [Ansonia] Mile 57.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a country bar with excellent food
but, sadly doesn’t open until 12:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
faster riders, I’ll be there with water (but not much else).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Stony Fork Country Store [Stony Fork] Mile 65.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a small, Mennonite owned grocery
store (there is also a small store at the Stony Fork Campground at mile 67).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have a sign on the front door requesting
patrons wear long sleeved shirts and trousers but they’ve always been pleasant
to me in my cycling gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe this
is a cash only establishment.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Exxon
[Liberty] Mile 87.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a veritable
oasis with clean bathrooms and hot food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You’ll be pretty tired when you get there so it’s a great place to get
reenergized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are no tables but
they have a lawn area on the East side.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->McConnell’s Country Store [Waterville] Mile 11and
115.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another well stocked general store
with a deli counter. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re extra thirsty
the Waterville Tavern is next door and has a good beer selection (or so I’m
told).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">As noted on the route description
there is very little cell phone coverage on course so don’t plan on staying in
contact with the outside world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll
have coverage at Ansonia, Liberty and maybe Waterville.<o:p></o:p></p>Bill Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16669372616405949811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997539945341768974.post-77681894261878069762023-07-09T13:19:00.009-04:002023-07-13T14:42:49.878-04:00Free Bridge 200K Ride Report<p>The SR Series this year had a lot of rainy weather. That means it wasn't very hot during these difficult PBP qualifiers. Quite the blessing. But the heat always comes eventually, and it finally arrived at the Free Bridge 200. Close to 90F with significant humidity and still some remnants of the smoke haze from fires in Canada, it was a tough day to ride a bike. Add to that the 8000+ feet of climbing on this challenging course, and you had a nice recipe for a soul crushing experience. <br /></p><p>An impressive 26 out of 30 riders (87%) who clipped in day-of had sufficiently crush-resistant souls to complete
the course in good time. Congratulations and well done to all. Preliminary results have been
posted on the <a href="https://parando.org/roster/results/405">website</a>.
Please review the results and let us know if something is not quite
right. The results will be submitted to RUSA after review and will
become official once certified.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://parando.org/images/four-geezers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="676" height="300" src="https://parando.org/images/four-geezers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch Out!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Five riders (<b>Claire Hatkevich, Owen Kobasz, Bryan Niederberger, Ronnie Pacchione, </b>and<b> Ross Perfetti</b>) rode their first 200K. No PA Rando rides are easy, but this was a particularly tough one. Chapeau to you all! Welcome to randonneuring. I promise you that you'll find future 200Ks to be easier. </p><p style="text-align: left;">First finisher <b>Chris Maglieri</b> cracked the 8 hour mark by running (sic) his bike across the Free Bridge at the finish. The bridge operator scowled at him, but Chris broke the invisible finish line tape with a new course record of 7:59. </p>At the other end of the train, lanterne rouge <b>George Metzler</b> needed to do crushed soul roadside repair, but it worked! George wasn't quite smiling at the end, but he finished well within the time limit. No need for him to run across the bridge like Maglieri. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://parando.org/images/metzler-creek.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://parando.org/images/metzler-creek.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;">One of the fun aspects of events that finish at the Free Bridge are the post-event outdoor gathering options of Jimmy's Doggie Stand or the Sand Bar. Whether your choice be a Yuengling or a Milkshake (or both per <b>Steve Schoenfelder</b>) you can enjoy it with your comrades in a picnic atmosphere next to the great forks of the Delaware river. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://parando.org/images/sand-bar-w-groupie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="528" height="300" src="https://parando.org/images/sand-bar-w-groupie.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post ride gathering at the Sand Bar (with rando groupie?)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><i>Ed Bernaski writes... </i></p><p></p><blockquote><p>Thank you for yesterday's Free Bridge 200k, I think the eBrevet is going to be a significant advancement to randonneuring. My highlight of the day was only losing 28 seconds to Chris up Fox Gap after bidding him adieu thanking him for the nice chats and of course not puking at the end of what was an exercise in heat management in the hills. Maybe my Garmin lies but it indicated almost 9400 feet of climbing with temperatures in the low and mid 90's. It was all very bad in a good way. Thanks again.</p></blockquote><p></p><p><i>Iwan Barankay writes...</i></p><p></p><blockquote>Thank you for organizing. The weather was quite okay – at first. Then the heat really got to my head. I brought three strong riders from Philadelphia with me and they showed great skill and resilience to finish out this hilly brevet. The afterparty by the river was also a big success. <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/JZ1p6afo7u3DcYew5">My Photos.</a><br /></blockquote><p></p><p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://parando.org/images/iwas-gassed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://parando.org/images/iwas-gassed.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iwan feelin' it<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p></p><hr width="62%" /><br />Next month PA Randonneurs continues with it's
traditional monthly series of R12 events all of which will be <i>free of charge</i> for PA Rando club members. On deck is the gravelly, climby, ultra amazing <a href="https://parando.org/info/event/389">Grand Canyon of PA 200K</a> that includes a stream ford (which may turn out to be nothing if the drought continues). On deck is the <a href="https://parando.org/info/event/403">Rusty Rail 200K</a>. <br /><br /><br />Chris Nadovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13470966197582067054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997539945341768974.post-66444426747639587512023-06-29T20:22:00.009-04:002023-06-30T15:26:12.053-04:00Free Bridge 200K Course Notes ***UPDATE 2<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://parando.org/images/columbusbike.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://parando.org/images/columbusbike.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columbus statue at the start control<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />A partial pre-ride of the Free Bridge 200K North Loop, was conducted on 29 June<i> Chris Nadovich</i>. </p><p>*** Then a final survey (by car) of the South loop on 30 June. Notes all included below. <br /></p><p></p><p>Unhealthy air quality and the first taste of real Summer heat combined to make it a decidedly unpleasant day for a pre-ride. I only made it fully around the North Loop by bike. After lunch at Jimmy's I rode onto the South, but I couldn't muster the courage for Shire Rd, and completed the South loop using the towpath. <i>(Then I returned on Friday to finish the course review by car.)</i> As a result of these rides/drives, several important corrections were made to
the cues. If you previously downloaded the course, you must update your route data. The latest cue sheet is <i>Version 4,</i> and the latest RWGPS route was modified 2023-06-30 15:10:06 EDT. Both are <a href="https://parando.org/route/info/405">available online</a>. Full information and online registration link on <a href="https://parando.org/info/event/405">the event web site</a>. </p><p></p><blockquote><p>
The bridge may be free, but parking near it isn't.</p>
<p>
A formerly free, but now <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/nkw5QjTuV1faNKui8">pay parking area</a>
($10/day) is the large public lot behind Jimmys Doggie Stand on the NJ
side of the bridge. Don't park next to Jimmy's itself, or adjacent to
the bridge. Go all the way back behind Jimmy's to the big lot by the
boat ramp. Remember your spot number and pay at the machine. There is a
Port-A-Potty here that is reasonably maintained at most times.</p>
<p>
And you can find free parking in NJ about a mile upstream along the
river on the NJ side. You can also park for free at Pohatcong Plaza, as
we do for Hope to New Hope. This is about 4 miles away.</p>
<p>
If you prefer to park in PA by the bridge, these are all pay-to-park spots that require using the <a href="https://www.easton-pa.com/information-technology/pages/parkmobile">ParkMobile parking app</a>.</p>
<p>
Perhaps the simplest parking option in PA is to use one of the municipal parking garages. There are two: the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/yiW3KFJ8SLLTQ7Z68">South Third Street garage</a>, which also requires the <a href="https://www.easton-pa.com/information-technology/pages/parkmobile">ParkMobile app</a>, and the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/AgbDabWzSZvdzBtQ9">Fourth Street Garage</a> you can pay at a kiosk by the elevator or at the exit gate for long-term (hourly) parking on the upper floors. </p>
<p>
If you are willing to ride futher from your parking spot, most of
Easton is unmetered 6th street and beyond. If you're looking for a real
place to have dinner after the ride, and perhaps a pint to go with it, I
highly recommend <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/XwTaauixAe7A6kZP9">Porters Pub</a> at 7th street and Northampton. Parking near there is free.</p></blockquote><p></p><p>Because National Park Drive is closed, the original Northern loop was re-routed over Fox Gap, climbing the mountain from the South -- something I'm not sure we've ever done. If not, I'm not sure why. [Ed: Randi Nerde says we definitely <i>have</i>]. I found the climb to be significantly more pleasant than climbing it from the North. Fox Gap Rd is a very quiet country road with good pavement and interesting scenery. It takes you almost to the top, where it tees into 191 for a last little grunt to the summit and across the AT. </p><p><i>Bill Olsen writes...</i></p><p><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" dir="auto" lang="en"></span></p><blockquote> [A northbound climb of Fox Gap] has been done on several
PA 200 rides (way before all you young whippersnappers took up
Randonneuring) and the consensus was that it was a kinder and gentler
climb from this direction.</blockquote><p></p><p>The decent of 191 on the North side of the mountain is a <i>screamer</i>. Long and steep and twisty. Please be careful with this. I was maintaining 40 mph easily as I feathered the rear brake approaching each curve. Without brakes I'm sure it would've been 50 MPH, maybe 60 MPH! Pavement is good and visibility around the curves isn't terrible, but please don't ride faster than your guardian angel, OK? </p><p>After tagging the control at Delaware Water Gap, you will ride South on 611 through the Gap itself. This stretch of road is still closed. I expect the locals find this closure annoying, but it's a wonderful blessing for cyclists. You need to get your bike over two sets of jersey barriers, and beware of the debris on the road, but otherwise it's a glorious ride. </p><p>Definitely look out for debris on 611, which is extremely sticky -- sticky, as in covered with sticks. I saw two fallen trees, both easy to get around, but given more storms are predicted for the upcoming week, 611 will be stickier yet, I expect. The debris doesn't let up till you approach Portland. </p><p>Below Portland the course uses the Pine Tree Rd short cut, which leads to Shady Lane. The upper part of Shady is a gravel descent. I found the surface to be in excellent shape. You won't go down it as fast as from Fox Gap, but faster than we could go on National Park Drive. </p><p>After returning to River Rd, the route follows our standard Foul Rift routing followed by the climb to Harmony. Turn off autopilot when you reach the Harmony summit, as you'll be turning right for the big descent into Phillipsburg for the midpoint control. The pavement on Marble Hill Rd is less than perfect, so this is a descent you'll need to take caution with. It's steepest at the bottom where the road ends with a stop sign at a T intersection. Brake early. </p><p>After lunch at the Jimmy's control, the route threads through the city of Phillipsburg before it climbs over into Warren Glen and the climb up Ciphers/Shire, which is a decidedly steep and unrelenting climb. The descents that follow this into Milford are steep and twisty and end at a T stop, so be careful.</p><p>After Milford, you cross back into PA for a rolling tour of classic Bucks County cycling roads, all of which appear to be in good shape. </p><p>As the course heads back North through Durham Forge, a bridge out on Stouts Valley Rd forced a re-route onto the steeper but more direct Durham Rd. Sorry. This is the final series of climbs, getting you over South Mountain, with the final summit reached at the end of Cider Press. Be careful on the descent that begins on Gaffney Rd and ends on Berger, which can be a bit trafficy. </p><p>After crossing the bridge over the Lehigh, and our usual short cut through the Children's Home, it's back to the finish at Jimmy's (or the Sand Bar). <br /></p><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://parando.org/images/hazytowers.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="800" height="215" src="https://parando.org/images/hazytowers.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haze masks the cooling towers of the Martin's Creek plant.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><blockquote><p>For this brevet, riders have the option of using Electronic Proof of Passage (EPP) with the eBrevet mobile app. For more information about this option, <a href="https://parandonneurs.blogspot.com/2023/06/electronic-proof-of-passage-with-ebrevet.html">read the blog post here</a>.<br /></p><p></p></blockquote><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Chris Nadovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13470966197582067054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997539945341768974.post-30910078600246194282023-06-21T14:12:00.027-04:002023-10-06T13:07:04.703-04:00The Electronic Brevet Card: eBrevet<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://parando.org/images/eBrevet-256.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="256" height="200" src="https://parando.org/images/eBrevet-256.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p dir="auto">eBrevet is an open-source Android/iOS app that serves as an automated brevet card providing control check-in on a randonneuring brevet or permanent. It maintains some of the "feel" of the traditional paper brevet card
process. The app only needs to be activated at controls and does
not require Internet data service at controls. Using the phone's clock and GPS, the app determines if you are near a control (within 500 meters). If a nearby control is open, you can record your authenticated check-in within the app. When network
access happens to be available, the app will report these control check in times to the PA Rando server, which will be visible in real time on the roster page. When the event is completed successfully, the app can automatically upload results to the PA Rando records, and generates a unique Proof of Passage Certificate that is sharable
on social media.</p>
<p dir="auto">You can find the app on both the <a href="https://www.apple.com/app-store/" rel="nofollow">Apple Store</a> and the <a href="https://play.google.com" rel="nofollow">Google Play Store</a>. Search for "eBrevet" by "CTNadovich". Please make sure you are using the latest version of the app. Control checkins or event downloads will not work if your app is outdated. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://github.com/ctnadovich/ebrevet/blob/main/README.md">Detailed rider instructions for the app are available here. </a><br /></p><p dir="auto">This app does not eliminate your need for a paper brevet card. <br /></p><p dir="auto">You will <i>still need a paper brevet card to start an event</i> because the paper card has the start code required by eBrevet. Make sure you have the latest version of the app and the latest version of the events downloaded into the app. The most common reason a start-code isn't accepted by the app is because either the events cue sheet has changed recently and you need to download the latest event info, or the app is out of date. <br /></p><p dir="auto">Once you use the start code to start your ride with eBrevet, you can use eBrevet exclusively on the ride without needing to get merchant signatures, answer info questions, or take photos. Just ride the bike, and when you get to a control, click the button on eBrevet to check in. Then ride on. <br /></p><p dir="auto">You also <i>still need a paper brevet card to finish an event</i>. At the finish, you must write your time of arrival at the finish control, and the finish code from the app onto the paper card as proof you completed the ride, you also need to sign the card, and return the card to the organizer. </p><p dir="auto">In summary, when using eBrevet you must</p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Obtain the start code from your paper brevet card and use it to start the app</li><li>Open the app at each control and press the Check-In button</li><li>After checking in at the finish, record your finish time and finish code from the app onto your paper brevet card, sign your card, and return the card to the organizer. </li></ol><p> Remember: if you are using the eBrevet app for proof of passage, at the finish of an event the following three things <i><b>must</b> be written on your paper brevet card:</i>
</p><ul><li>
Your finish time.</li><li>
Your signature.</li><li>
The FINISH CODE from the app.</li></ul>
<p>
If you used eBrevet and these three things are not on your brevet
card, you can be disqualified. Also, if you "forget" to check in at a
control the app will always notice. You will NOT get a finish code. The
app will give you a DNQ. <b>You must not skip any control.</b>
If you miss a control, you need to go back and check in (either with
the app, or with traditional signature/receipt). If you skip controls
you could be disqualified. <br /></p><p dir="auto">That is the basic plan, and we really want to stick with it. However, given that cell phones do sometimes fail, and software does sometimes have bugs, prudent riders using eBrevet also write onto their paper brevet card their time of arrival and "control check in codes" from the app at each intermediate control as a paper backup. Writing down your time and these codes isn't required -- it's simply prudent. If you think your phone is about to fail, battery die, or the app is acting wonky, record all check-in codes and be ready switch to old-school brevet card control check-in processes (get merchant initials, receipts, etc...) for the remainder of the event. The RBA will not accept 'my phone died' and a blank card as proof of passage. </p><p dir="auto">Enjoy the blessings of technology in this app,
but keep in mind that <i>this is still randonneuring</i>. Per our traditions, you as a rider must check-in at controls and must provide the required proof of passage for your ride.</p><p dir="auto">Using eBrevet is completely optional for riders at this time. And it will remain optional for most "front country" events so long as I'm RBA. If you want to continue to use traditional brevet card control check-in processes, you still may. </p><p dir="auto">I believe the new option of eBrevet is a fun and satisfying application of technology to our sport. I hope you enjoy it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://parando.org/ebrevet/v19/ScreenShots/finish_sequence.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="800" height="272" src="https://parando.org/ebrevet/v19/ScreenShots/finish_sequence.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p dir="auto"><br /></p>Chris Nadovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13470966197582067054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997539945341768974.post-2744872736843808792023-06-06T18:49:00.019-04:002023-06-06T21:42:57.480-04:00Jim Thorpe 600K (and TK 200) Ride Report<p>The Final event(s) in the 2023 Super Randonneur Series, the Jim Thorpe 600K and TK 200K were held in the Chamounix Mansion rather than the usual Carriage House. This was a welcome upgrade as the Mansion has more bedrooms, more interesting places to hang out that are well separated from the sleeping areas, and somewhat more secure parking options. It also <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/dyzd9ou3m6pnvqVo8">looks pretty</a>.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://parando.org/images/walkway-lights.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://parando.org/images/walkway-lights.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chamounix Mansion was a magical upgrade as Start/Overnight/Finish control.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Of those that clipped in at the front porch of the Mansion for the challenging 600K course, 21 of 24 finished (88%). On the Tscheschter Kaundi 200K, 100% of the riders, 23 of 23, finished in good time. Congratulations and well-done to all! Preliminary results have been posted for the <a href="https://parando.org/roster/results/387">600K</a> and the <a href="https://parando.org/roster/results/399">200K</a>. Please review the results and let me know if they align with your memory. The results will be submitted to RUSA after review and will become official once certified. Given this is a PBP year, results submission will happen very quickly. <br /><br />The weather was decent for a 600K. Certainly there was less issue with rain than the other events in the SR series, which all seemed to be held in monsoon conditions. Everyone was glad that the 90F heat on Friday had vanished by the early Saturday start time. The temperatures were moderate all weekend. Things got pretty nice on Sunday., and it only rained briefly on Saturday -- albeit pretty heavy in places. Unparalleled in their ability to find in the worst weather, <b>Nicole and Soph</b> took shelter in <b>Len Zawodniak</b>'s car during a downpour. <br /><br />Congratulations to our fourteen PA Super Randonneurs for 2023.<br /><br /> Nicole Aptekar<br /> Travis Berry (2)<br /> Tristan Dahn<br /> Cecilie Gaffney (6)<br /> Patrick Gaffney (6)<br /> Benjamin Keenan (2)<br /> Chris Kline<br /> Bryce Lackey<br /> Greg Lang<br /> Brad Layman (3)<br /> Bill Scanga (2)<br /> Ello Shertzer<br /> Ryan J Stanis (3)<br /> Ben Thompson (2)<br /><br />For six of these riders <b>Nicole Aptekar, Tristan Dahn, Chris Kline, Bryce Lackey, Greg Lang, and Ello Shertzer</b> this was their first SR: welcome to Super Randonneuing! Some of these newly minted Super Randonneurs are headed to PBP. With this tough series under your belt, you will have no problem at PBP.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://parando.org/images/elevated-legs.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://parando.org/images/elevated-legs.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recovery position for a randonneur<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Four other riders notched their first 600K, but without other rides needed to complete a 2023 SR.<br /><br /> Andrew Crooks<br /> Jeryl Jamir<br /> Sophia Lofaso<br /> Humberto Sanchez<br /></p><p></p><p></p><p><b>Greg Lang</b> completed his first Pennsylvania SR series, including the 600K brevet, on a fixed gear, joining an elite club of very few riders who have ridden a PA SR series fixed. Greg rode the entire series on a fixie with no brakes. To our knowledge, this is the first time ever <i>that</i> audacious feat has been accomplished.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://parando.org/images/greg-lang.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://parando.org/images/greg-lang.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The man, the gear.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>Pat and Cece Gaffney </b>recorded their <i>sixth</i> PA SR, tying them with <b>Greg Keenan</b> and <b>Guy Harris</b> who have achieved this perfect and amazing number -- but, yeah, you still need <u>three</u> more SRs to equal <b>Bill Olsen</b>'s <i>nine</i> PA SR series completions. <br /><br />Unlike last year when only one lonely rider rode the companion 200K event on Sunday, this year there were 23 riders that clipped in for the 200. By my count, nine of these TK 200K riders were completing their very first brevet. Welcome to randonneuring! I hope you took note of those brave souls riding the 600K by your side -- checking in with them at the South St Bridge and other <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/PngNo1EaRbRBLqKA9">photo controls</a>. Day 1 for you, day 2 for them, 400K already in their legs. Newly minted randonneurs, I ask you: do you see a longer brevet in your future? I think maybe so. Several of the 200K riders rode in from NYC to the start! I saw many strong riders in this batch of newcomers. <br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://parando.org/images/skyline-selfie.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://parando.org/images/skyline-selfie.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The South Street bridge is a perfect spot for a skyline selfie.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Some of the TK 200K riders provided direct camaraderie for 600K riders on their second day. <b>Amanda Jones Layman</b> completed her first 200K brevet as she kept company with her partner <b>Brad Layman</b> who was finishing up his third PA SR series. Ben Swartz from DC rode the 200K along with his brother <b>Noah Swartz</b> who came from California to ride the PA 600K. </p><p>Also riding the 200K was <b>Annie Gibson</b> who completed a 2023 SR with this ACP event along with a PA 300, 400, and NJ 600K. <br /><br />Congratulations to the Super Randonneurs, 600K finishers, 200K finishers, and all the riders attempting all or part of this difficult event series. And a super randonneur thanks to all the volunteers that made it possible.<br /><br /> Ben Keenan (Gear Schlepping and cleanup) <br /> Nicole & Soph (Monday cleanup)<br /> CJ Arayata (Grocery run)<br /> Annie Gibson (Overnight) <br /> Ryan Stannis (Gear schlepping)<br /> Anton Linberg (Diplomatic liason)<br /> Walt Pettigrew (Gear schlepping) <br /> Len Zawodniak (Road angel) </p><p>And of course <b>Iwan Barankay</b> as the tireless event organizer, who took time out from invading other countries to work 50+ hours straight without significant sleep, taking on jobs he wasn't expecting to do, all without complaint, and generally making sure the event ran as smoothly as a German train schedule (and even more importantly, <b>Iwan</b> compiled the finish results so they could be available for PBP registration ASAP). All kidding aside, <b>Iwan</b>, from the bottom of my heart I thank you for your service with this event. Without you, it truly would not have been possible. </p><p>Well done and thanks to all these critical volunteers. Indeed, we couldn't have run the event without them. You may be tired of hearing it said, but vol...<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Like the NPR fund drive that seems to be on the radio constantly. You know, the one we automatically tune out mentally -- selective deafness. Begging for help on rando events is almost like that, it seems. Unfortunately, unlike NPR, PA Rando doesn't have a full time paid staff and sources of funding from the government and special interests. We aren't Grand Fondo. We aren't Bicycling Magazine. Unlike those organizations, if you don't help out, we actually won't be able to continue with the events you love. So, no shit, in total seriousness, if you enjoy the kind of events PA Rando puts on: events in Philly, events that are accessible by public transit, events with low cost lodging options, good food acceptable to troubled, ethically constrained, and famished omnivore stomachs alike, with road angels that appear just when you need them most, then you, YOU, <b><u>YOU</u></b> need to step up as a vol... blah blah, <click!> hey Harold, let's switch to Spotify till the NPR begging ends ... unteer organizer. Organizers are people with good resource management skills, people who can solve problems, who can improvise, adapt, overcome. People who can take criticism and either grow from it or ignore it. These are EXACTLY the qualities most randonneurs posses. There's no instruction manual, but any rando who's had more that 3 hours sleep and who's ridden several PA events should be able to figure out what needs to be done to run an overnight control or a whole event. Be an event organizer, or at least organize an overnight control. Want to design routes, design a route! Take criticism for your design and fix it. Then organize an event that features your route. Wrangle help from other people. If you want these events to continue then you <click!> la, la, la, la... do you like Piña coladas...<br /></span><br />...unteers are essential to these events -- especially people willing to be organizers of an entire event, or of an overnight control. If you are an experienced randonneur who hasn't been an event or overnight organizer (or hasn't lately) please consider giving back to the sport by taking on a significant organizer responsibility for a brevet We have the EM1000K coming up. This will need good volunteers. Is this your turn to help out? <br /><br />We now return to our regularly scheduled ride report.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxRdhUV68mLu1S3ng3OPIDIhTibemimW4vTXOXsP49eIQeDtAa6DxEuAIVWWP3LCpKCZ6_kDoIOTh6fyN46yQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/MFpMmFX45UVosHKGA">Even more photos here.<i><br /></i></a></p><p><i>Ben Keenan writes....</i></p><p></p><blockquote>Thanks Iwan, Chris and all volunteers (Len, Annie, all others and a sizeable bunch of people who pitched in) for putting together the ride over the weekend. It was a another grand adventure! The moments are still sinking in: rolling under tulip poplars in bloom, riding beside tall grass along the back roads, hearing the water running over the rocks along the Lehigh, feeling the stillness just before the sun comes up and it’s just you and the birds and the road. These rides have a way of filling you up at the same time they take everything you’ve got, but I think the filling up part is the one that stays. It’s bittersweet to see the series end. This was a really good group and thanks a million to everyone that shared the miles for your unfailing courage and good humor. Keep riding and hope to see everyone on future rides soon!</blockquote><i>Bill Scanga writes...</i> <p></p><p></p><blockquote><p>Hey I’m feeling that post ride life affirming stuff today and the randonesia is helping me prepare for PBP already. I wanted to thank you all for the hard work you do keeping this group together. What a great group. We couldn't do any of this with out you. I really appreciate what you do and look forward to being a volunteer myself. </p><p>Thank you thank you thank you</p></blockquote><p><i>Brad Layman writes.... </i> </p><p></p><blockquote>Iwan and Chris, thank you for putting on this great event. You both put an incredible amount of effort into this event and series. I am proud to have completed another SR series but sad that it is over. This 600 was a memorable one. I really enjoyed the route and challenging climb up to Penn's Peak. It was special to ride the series with old and new friends. Finishing the 600 and series with Amanda on the Tscheschter Kaundi route, surrounded by friends and in perfect weather has got to be my favorite rando memory. Hope to see everyone again on a ride soon. <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/rQS7iDpKQm9BECaJ7 ">Photos here. </a></blockquote><p><i>Pat and Cece write...</i></p><blockquote>Thank you for organizing the 600 this past weekend. It was a lovely ride. While on paper it didn't seem to be too tough, it really packed a punch. Particularly the climb up to the top of Penn's Peak. Our plan of going straight through went a little arry, but in the end leaving early on the second day worked out for us and gave us some valuable information, like sleeping is good. Many thanks again to you, Annie, Chris, Anton, Ben, Len, and anyone else we are missing who worked so hard to put this event together.</blockquote><p><i>Iwan Barankay writes...</i></p><blockquote>I want to thank all the riders for coming and riding. It would have been so weird if nobody showed up! Seeing you come in at night, feeding you, and getting (kicking?) you out the door again the next morning was a pleasure. Finally seeing you roll in, some in pain, many with smiles, and some with tears of triumph was just epic and a joy to see. It was also great that we had this nice space for you all to hang out for hours after the event to debrief and relax. I hope to see you all again at the next one!<br /><br />Next, I also want to thank all the other volunteers who selflessly stepped in and went above and beyond. Special mention here goes to <b>Chris</b>, our RBA, for a continued vision for the club and its events and for taking a leap of faith by running the SR series entirely from Philadelphia.</blockquote><p> </p><hr width="62%" /><br />The 2023 SR Series now in the books, PA Randonneurs continues with it's traditional monthly series of R12 events all of which will be <i>free of charge</i> for PA Rando club members. On deck are the <a href="https://parando.org/info/event/405">Free Bridge 200K</a> and the gravelly, climby, ultra amazing <a href="https://parando.org/info/event/389">Grand Canyon of PA 200K</a> that includes a stream ford (which may turn out to be nothing if the drought continues). On the horizon is the <a href="https://parando.org/info/event/402">Endless Mountains 1000K</a>.<p></p><br />Chris Nadovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13470966197582067054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997539945341768974.post-87591059089217691752023-05-30T14:20:00.009-04:002023-05-30T15:55:54.196-04:00Jim Thorpe 600K (and TK200) Course Notes<p>The latest cue sheet for the Jim Thorpe 600K is version 7, and the latest RWGPS route was modified 2023-05-30 12:55:20 EDT. Both are <a href="https://parando.org/route/info/387" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">available online</a>. Note that some GPS units may have trouble with the size of a full 600K route. <b>Please download and test-activate the 600K route data before the event to make sure your GPS unit can handle the full route.</b> If not, a RWGPS route for <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43093711">Day 1 of the 600K is available here</a>. <br /></p><p>Day 2 of the 600K is the same as the edition of the Tscheschter Kaundi 200K that we will start at 6:30AM Sunday. The TK route was slightly modified from the route we rode last Fall because Cafe Metzler is unavailable. There is now a postcard control in Christiana. Make sure you have the latest version of the TK cues (Version 3) and the latest RWGPS data (last modified 2023-05-18 12:41:09 EDT). Both are <a href="https://parando.org/route/info/399">available here</a>. <br /></p><p>Full information for the <a href="https://parando.org/info/event/387" rel="nofollow">600K</a>. and <a href="https://parando.org/info/event/399">200K</a> are on the respective event websites. </p><p><b><i>Course Notes</i></b></p><p>Although no full pre-ride of the Jim Thorpe 600K has been conducted, we
believe the course is in good shape. Brad Layman conducted a partial
pre-ride of the Day-1 600K route, verifying the routing over Penn's
Peak, through Jim Thorpe, and back on the D&L. The day-2 600K route
is the same as the TK 200K route we rode late last year. </p><p>Riders of the Jim Thorpe 600K should be aware that the Penn's Peak climb is a difficult, trafficky climb. After you pass Fairyland and begin the climb in earnest up Indian Hill and Maury Rd, you will encounter sections of road with narrow shoulders, very fast traffic, and limited sight distance. On a hot day, hyperthermia is a real possibility on the exposed sections. I have done this climb/descent several times myself and believe it can be completed safely if you take proper care. My recommended strategy for safely reaching the top is to ride in a gear that allows you to climb with your best climbing form. If your form starts to deteriorate, take advantage of the occasional side street or wide shoulder. Stop for a moment as necessary, have some water, collect your wits, regain your best climbing form, and power on up the mountain. This is <b>not</b> a climb for zig-zagging in a paperboy style or honking erratically like some leathery TdF sprinter. You want to channel your inner <span><a href="https://youtu.be/lnX4uaDYyIU">Johan Museeuw</a> and </span>climb smoothly and predictably on the limited shoulder so the drivers in cars going 100 mph can send their text messages while still missing you. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">When you reach the top of the climb, reflect for a moment about how Edward Marshall might have felt when he reach the same spot, having just run about <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc1AhWDCy6Y">65 miles</a> doing his part in the great PA land swindle of 1737. One of his fellow runners, Yates, went blind then soon died. The other runner, Jennings, had serious injuries, lived, but never fully recovered. I don't fault the runners -- just hired hands (who were never paid). Nevertheless the Lenni Lenape felt differently and Marshall's family was killed in retribution a few years later. </p><p style="text-align: left;">These sobering thoughts in mind, prepare for the big decent into Jim Thorpe, PA. <br /></p><p>My recommendation for the descent is to take the lane firmly. Using your best descending form, bomb down the hill at just under the top speed of your Guardian Angel. Again, do not be erratic. Take the lane smoothly and solidly to force passing vehicles to consider your existence. Remember that Jim Thorpe's grave, a control, is on the right, about 2/3 of the way down the mountain. Be ready to stop for this. It's well marked. <br /></p><p>When you reach the bottom of the mountain, you'll cross the Lehigh River and T-left into the town of Jim Thorpe. Here the course turns right before the Molly Mcguire pub, and has a small tour loop of the town with a photo control at the Old Jail. Please be alert for car doors and nutty pedestrians when touring the town. Personally, I recommend the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/bw29bgVrMETBAnHQ8">Marion Hose Bar</a> over Molly McGuire's, particularly because the Hose Bar has good outdoor seating. There is also a bike shop in town, immediately next to MM's. <br /></p><p>After finishing the tour-loop of Jim Thorpe, please walk your bike cautiously through the mess that surrounds the Train Station. Once you are past the tracks, turn right onto the D&L trail, cross the bridge over the Lehigh, and begin riding again. </p><p>The remainder of the course is a generally moderate return to the overnight control. Because there are no timed controls day-2 (other than the finish) almost all riders should be able to finish the 400K first day with enough time to get reasonable sleep and finish the scenic TK 200K on Sunday. </p><p>Bonne route et bon courage! </p><br /><p></p>Chris Nadovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13470966197582067054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997539945341768974.post-29547755820627263102023-05-18T14:53:00.018-04:002023-05-18T17:43:27.793-04:00New Rider 600K FAQ/HOWTO<p>Welcome to the adventure that is a 600. A 600 may be your first multi-day event so this is a step up from all previous events in that the challenge is to reach the overnight and then to get up again to keep on riding. </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://parando.org/images/ditchnap.jpg"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://parando.org/images/ditchnap.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>You know how shorter brevets work from riding the 200, 300, and 400K distances. You've learned about managing your resources, staying hydrated, staying fed (in the face of possible nausea), maintaining in a good core temperature (despite the vicissitudes of weather), how to set up solid, practical lighting and reflectivity, how to gather in groups for many hours of night riding, how to be efficient at controls, how to abuse caffeine, magic gum, and <i>a cappella</i> to battle sleep deprivation, and how to manage psychotic mood swings over a 24 hour stretch of crazy stresses. </p><p>But now the 600K has an overnight. What's that mean? How does that change things?</p><p>It doesn't change anything, really. The amenities at the overnight (paid for by your entry fee) are there for your convenience. Use them. Of course, you can think of the overnight as just another control. You can ride on through, only stopping at the overnight control long enough to have your card signed. </p><p>Nevertheless, <i>most</i> riders will want to take advantage of the conveniences afforded by the overnight control. You aren't required to sleep at the overnight, but <i>most</i> riders will want to sleep there. Also, there will be a bunch of hot food at the overnight, and a volunteer willing to serve it to you. Certainly eat something at the overnight.<br /></p><p><i>Q: Can I book my own hotel and sleep earlier than 400K?</i></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">A: Yes, but sleeping a few hours at the 400K distance of a 600K is a success-oriented strategy. It also works for longer brevets. You should get used to riding 400K the first day. Many will finish the first 400K not long after midnight, which is a good time for most people to sleep. Laying up after only, say, 300K may have you trying to sleep before sunset, which doesn't really work for people. That is the general rule. In many other countries or regions, no support is provided at multi-day events and it is up to the rider to figure out where or how to sleep and it is left up to them to ensure they don't miss the cutoff time for controls. Even so, left to their own devices, riders still seem to choose 400K+ for their first sleep. <br /></p><p><i>Q: But what if I'm REALLY sleepy?</i></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">A: Then STOP and sleep somewhere, dammit! Find a nice bench on a porch, or in a church, a table in a park, a PO lobby, or a heated public bathroom, or city council meeting, or curl up on some soft, dry grass, or do the tripod nod-off seated at a 24 hour diner or convenience store. Grab enough sleep so your head clears and you can continue riding safely. Then get a full sleep at the overnight. Obviously, don't sleep in places that are dangerous or will get you arrested (or worse). But randonneurs do develop a cultivated eye for finding safe spots for a stealth "ditch nap". It's easier than you'd think. <br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;" /></p><p></p><i>Q: When do I have to arrive at the overnight? When can I leave?</i><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">As with any brevet, controls have opening and closing times. You are responsible for ensuring you arrive at control after it opens and before it closes. Open times won't be an issue for most people. But everyone must reach the Chamounix overnight before the cutoff (which for the 600 is at 6:16 AM). This won't be a challenge for you; I predict you will arrive not too long past midnight. How much you sleep or rest at Chamounix is up to you, but if possible, try to get a couple meals, maybe a shower, and at least 3+ hours sleep. That takes about 4 hours if you are efficient. <br /></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">There will be <i>no timed controls on day-2 of the 600K</i>, other than at the finish. This gives a lot of flexibility in sleep scheduling. You still need to complete 600K in under 40 hours, but the lack of timed controls day-2 means that you can sleep past the cutoff time of the overnight control without fear of missing the close time of the next control. You have a whole 200K to make up that lost time. If you can ride a 200K in 10 hours (when tired) then that means you have 3.5 extra hours to play with. Last time we ran the TK 200K route, the slowest rider took just over 12 hours. So I expect that everyone will have at least one bonus hour past the overnight close time. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Tell the staff volunteer at the overnight what your sleep plans are. That volunteer will sanity check your plans and help you get back on the road safely and at a time best to achieve your goals. <br /><br /><br /></p>Chris Nadovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13470966197582067054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997539945341768974.post-36957497346771456022023-05-17T22:32:00.004-04:002023-05-17T22:33:56.200-04:00NEW START LOCATION for The Jim Thorpe 600/200 <p>The Start/Finish, lodging and parking for the Jim Thorpe 600 / TK 200 has moved slightly. It's now at the Chamounix MANSION building -- the building on the right, partway around the islet. It's NOT at the carriage house, where we were previously. The Mansion is a larger, more elegant building with many more amenities that I think riders will really enjoy. Details on the event web pages, including PARKING INSTRUCTIONS have been updated. </p><div dir="auto"><div class="x1iorvi4 x1pi30zi x1l90r2v x1swvt13" data-ad-comet-preview="message" data-ad-preview="message" id=":rn5:"><div class="x78zum5 xdt5ytf xz62fqu x16ldp7u"><div class="xu06os2 x1ok221b"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto"><div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1fey0fg" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fparando.org%2Finfo%2Fevent%2F387%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1_FdeiBztebdITwb2zJAWxMjTzYGpzV1BYzL0dfQ5C02GRS65bkNMFuTw&h=AT0ANmkdThPrbWI78ZGmjS52aVCHKy-YZnUioOr29sk6egct717wACxEGPLdNx8v62Y-2V61V1Cd6dAXdIHz5brGaGg7avO-id6vuOyLBgiQmEnp6EIndbvsw3JUUA8FfRA7X6Q&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT2kXlID3p0q2ATDxIExTBOxg9LhYEJFqCpw0dxTzuYMSyBbwiryLphJx_6WhVTw2CRjKAoJw5ZXGEGmuCvwr3FGTe0B1TbSyvmHEtwT-DsBoGh1L_XX45vFK0jB8l4X0mXT_sVW6-QDox_9Hwz4RlKcpR124JjCXGcKZDs" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://parando.org/info/event/387</a></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1fey0fg" href="https://parando.org/info/event/399?fbclid=IwAR0FmDtfM6CHL2mIxJQeH0bjP2BD-UVM1NMGv1jWjaSaylbgTxn5tyZHBtU" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://parando.org/info/event/399</a></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span> </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://parando.org/images/ChamounixMansion.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="733" height="300" src="https://parando.org/images/ChamounixMansion.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> </span></div></div></span></div></div></div></div>Chris Nadovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13470966197582067054noreply@blogger.com1