Silver Spring 200k Preliminary Results and Report

Preliminary results for the Silver Spring 200k have been posted at:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/PA200k_Results120421.pdf
... please let me know of any corrections or other issues.  Results will be submitted to RUSA shortly, and become final, pending RUSA/ACP approval.

I've been looking forward to this event ever since I started working with organizer Andrew Mead on this new route (which he proposed late last year). I must say, the route exceeded my expectations, and is truly a great addition to the Eastern PA series.

-Tom Rosenbauer, RBA

 ****** Andrew's ride report ******
The inagural running of the Silver Spring 200 was a grand success with 27 riders participating. All 22 riders who clipped in for Saturday's running finished within the time limit.  Four of the five volunteer pre-riders finished the week before for a 96% overall event completion rate.  All riders managed to stay dry during the event in spite of a weather forecast that quite obviously befuddled meterologists all week.  The afternoon thunderstorms held off until shortly after the last riders were comfortably chowing down at Cafe Metzler.

The new brevet route proved to offer a riding challenge consistent with other PA 200ks, at least based on ride time.  As predicted, the second leg with its continuous string of ascents and descents between the Susquehanna and the bluffs above challenged riders.  A well-placed controle with a deli near the end of this nightmarish stretch recharged riders and allowed them to enjoy the second half of the route.  There were only a few instances of bonus miles reported toward the finish, so the efforts of two separate pre-rides must have been worthwhile.  Oddly, riders sailed through the areas of the cue that most concerned me before the event and managd to find extra mileage in places I never imagined.  Look for a few tweaks in the route next time.

Riders with an interest in the new RUSA American Explorer award bagged two states with our venture south into Maryland.

Congratulations to first finisher Don Jagel who sped around the course in 8:58, nearly an hour ahead of the next finishers.  Special recognition must be offered to Paul Scearce who completed this decidely fixie UN-friendly route on his fixed-gear bike well within the time limit.  Of note, Scott Franzen and Ralph Miller completed their first brevet. The tandem teams of Ron & Barb Anderson and Chuck Wood & Crista Borras (from neighboring DC Randonneurs) also managed strong finishes.

Thanks to volunteer preriders, Bill Blank, George Metzler, Bill Slabonik, and Keith Spangler.  Keith also manned the  Mt Joy controle. Additional thanks to George Metzler and the Cafe Metzler.  His suggestion to move the finish to his house as we first started planning this event proved to be quite popular as riders could sit and relax after finishing without worrying about a finish controle closing time.  

Don Jagel writes: "...Thank you for putting together the Silver Spring 200K.  The roads and scenery provided a good sampling of everything the area has to offer.  A nice rolling start followed by a fresh cinnamon scone, then a mix of winding ups and downs, and finishing up by weaving through the convoluted maze roads that led to the wonderful, and too short, downhill of George's driveway.


At the bottom Douts Hill Road my chain started jumping gears.  Thinking that the derailleur cable I had replaced two days before had stretch, and settled into place, I twisted the barrel adjuster on my derailleur, and continued on up the hill.  The jumping of the chain was worse, so I thought that I had maybe twisted it the wrong way, so I gave it another twist or two.  By the time I got to the top of the hill it was even worse, so it was time to give it a good inspection.  It seems that one of the side plates on my chain had snapped and was sticking off the side of the chain.  How it did not completely jamb into my drive train and self destruct I don't know.  After a quick fix, I was on my way again.    


Many thanks to you, Keith, and George for making it come off without a hitch.  The spread that George laid out at the finish was  really the cherry on top of a wonderful day.  The weather was pretty darn nice too ..."

Larry Brenize writes: "...Ever have one of those rando riding days when you say to yourself this could be a long day. That is how my day started yesterday. I seemed to be in between groups and after the initial break away I rode by myself for most of the 30 some miles until the 2nd control @ Capello Confections Bakery.  I was somewhat cooked already as I dressed way too warm. But thankfully, Dan Aaron showed me how to roll my jacket and tie it around my waist. It's here that I started riding with Dan and Susan Rodetis, and we ended up on the rest of the ride together ... I personally have to thank both of them for helping me finish the ride. Dan had a GPS so all I had to do was concentrate on my riding and not worry too much on the cue sheet. We finished at 6:45 gassed and cooked, and I'm guessing,  like a lot of other riders were too.

To organizer Andrew(aka Gunther): great ride thanks for all your hard work. Unless you have set up a ride which I haven't and guessing alot others yesterday riding haven't you have no clue on how much work it takes. The only bone I have to pick with you is you must have missed the cattle crossing around 30-40 miles into the ride which caused a massive amount of road apples poop which just happened to get on my race bike. LOL Again great job thanks.

To George Metzler: thanks for the great food after the ride.
  
Larry's Ride STATS
- Total time 11 hrs. 45 minutes
- avereage speed 12.92 mph
- max speed 45.51 not faster than my Guardian Angel thank goodness
- trip climb 9334 ft.
- Way too much fun riding with some old rando buddies and some new ones ..."

Doug Haluza writes: "...This brevet was a wonderful change of scenery. Thanks to course architect Andrew Mead for introducing us to the Conowingo Reservior area--a truly wicked, godforsaken place for a cyclist. Those of you who fought the headwind to the finish will be happy to know that bringing up the rear brought us a 25mph tail wind from the outflow ahead of the rain, which kept us from getting wet...."

Susan Rodetis writes: "...I am grateful for, plus remain highly impressed with the amount and quality of cycling prep work and hospitality goes into your events...I have planned, organized, and run events[with the NYC cycling club], and I know what it takes to get all the pieces together...Just wish I could rein in the weather like y'all managed to!    ..."

-Andrew Mead, Organizer

Fleche Preliminary Results and Ride Report

Preliminary results have been posted at:

http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/PA_Fleche_Results120413.pdf

...Please let me know of any corrections or additional notes you may have.

Finally, some decent weather for a Saturday morning start -- we were certainly way overdue! And for only the second time (out of 5 years) a 100% finish rate for all teams and participants -- Congratulations to everyone for being a part of that success. Of note, Christine Newman and Mike Lutz have completed their R-5000; and Larry Midura completed his RUSA Cup  -- Well Done! And as noted in the results, several riders have completed multiple PA Fleches.  Of note, the following have completed all 5 editions of the PA Fleche:

-Walt Pettigrew

-Dawn Engstrom

-Rick Lentz

-Bill Olsen

Guy Harris probably would have 5 finishes also, if not for that 2010 Icelandic volcano that stranded him in the U.K. Bill Fischer also has completed 4 PA Fleches with 3 different teams. 

Thanks to all the Team Captains for a great job in putting together their routes and leading their teams safely to Quakertown.  Special thanks also, to Walt Pettigrew for helping out at the finish with the clean-up.

Nigel Greene has posted an eloquent ride report here:

http://eprider.blogspot.com/2012/04/good-weather-good-travels-one-account.html#more

... along with a lot of great pictures here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/58781331@N07/sets/72157629824711621/

Larry Midura writes: "...

It was nice to see you again after the Fleche on Sunday - and many thanks for connecting me with Cumberland Cruisers (Walt, Rick, Dawn & Bill) - as our ride together was a blast - had a wonderful experience both on and off the road - the Cumberland Cruisers are a great group of cyclists.  Walt's fleche route was fantastic - it is exciting to ride on new roads as were the roads of southern New Jersey - and the weather could not have been better....

"

Susan Rodetis writes: "...Thanx so much for a wonderful event and a great welcome and support at the finish ..."

Patrick Chin-Hong (of Sins of the Fleche) writes: "...Thanks again for hosting. Was wonderful finally meeting you. Had a great ride! ...This was also Susan's longest distance ever, and with five PBPs under our team's belts (two for Dan, and one each for Steve, Paul and me, she was in good hands! No longer are the four of us fleche-lings....And if any of you other teams left your controles with deflated tyres, re-wired headlamps, missing derailleurs or well-greased handlebars, or found at the end of the ride a few extra pounds of lead weights in your bags, we hope you enjoyed crossing paths with us Sinners: Dan (Lust), Susan (Wrath), Paul (Sloth), Steve (Pride), Patrick (Gluttony) ..."
Patrick's photo album is at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/84651613@N00/sets/72157629826474659/show/

If you have any ride reports or on-line photo albums to share, please forward the links to me and I'll post them to the message board. 

-Tom Rosenbauer

Eastern PA RBA

Silver Spring 200k

**** Update #2 (4/18) ****
The cuesheet has been updated to draft 5, dated 4/18/12, with the following changes:
-The mileage at mile 50.7 in draft 4 was off slightly; it has been corrected to 50.4.
-Additional spotting cues were added at mile 50.4
-"+QBL" was added to the instruction at mile 50.4, indicating that after the "TR", you should bear left to follow the bend in the main road.

Ivan Umble will be at the Dutchway Restaurant (Rt. 41, Christiana) around 6am for those wishing to have a good breakfast before the brevet.  It's less than 5 minutes from there to the starting location which happens to coincide with the final couple of miles of the brevet course.  George and I will be at the start by 6:15 waiting to get you checked in and ready to roll. 

- Andrew Mead, Organizer
**** Update #1 (4/17) ****
Two volunteer pre-rides occurred last week and the cuesheet has been updated to draft 4 dated 4/15/12.  Please make sure that you print the latest cue sheet as there are many small corrections and a new, slightly shorter, and way more scenic run into the finish.

Other observations:
1.  Controle 2 is at a small bakery.  For those needing to replenish supplies with something different, there is a Landhope Farms C-store at mile 28.3 just before the controle and a Royal Farms C-store at mile 37.7 in Conowingo.  Do not pass Conowingo with low supplies.
2.  Watch your time carefully until you reach the 3rd controle in Mt. Nebo.
3.  Remember Tom's rule about descending faster than your guardian angel.  Gravel abounds and usually where it is most disruptive for skinney tires.  That being said, the descent at mile 79 features fresh asphalt:  let 'er rip.
4.  An "Easy to Miss"  (***) notation on the cue sheet is to be heeded.

It is a great route that I'm sure you will enjoy.

-Andrew Mead, Organizer

****  Rider Roster (as of April 19)  ****

1 Daniel Aaron
2 Barbara Solis Anderson
3 Ronald Anderson
4 Helmet Bauer
5 Clair Beiler
6 Gavin Biebuyck
7 Bill Blank
8 Crista Borras
9 Larry E Brenize
10 Ed Dodd
11 Dawn M Engstrom
12 Matthew Farrell
13 Scott Franzen
14 Doug Haluza
15 Steve Harding
16 Donald Jagel
17 Eric Keller
18 Christopher Anson Knight
19 Andrew D Mead
20 George Metzler
21 Ralph Miller
22 Walter J Pettigrew
23 Susan Rodetis
24 Tom Rosenbauer
25 Paul D Scearce
26 William M Slabonik
27 Keith A Spangler
28 Gilbert Torres
29 Ivan M Umble
30 Chuck Wood


**** Original Post ****
Compliments of route designer, Andrew Mead, the inaugural edition of the Silver Spring 200k will be held on Saturday April 21.  Starting out near Atglen, PA, the Silver Spring 200k promises a day of discovery as you ride through rural Lancaster County. The route winds south though the Octoraro watershed, meandering for a while by the bucolic Octoraro Creek, eventually entering Maryland on the way to Port Deposit along the Susquehanna River.

The route heads upstream from Port Deposit where you will be treated to a rare stretch of “River Road” that is generally level. Enjoy it while you can, for once you spy the Conowingo Dam, the challenges begin.  The route continues northwesterly for the length of the Conowingo Reservoir. A watchful eye will be rewarded with a few great vistas of the lake. The route is peppered with several drops from the high bluff back to the lake, usually with a few tricky turns on the descents, and naturally a climb back to the top of the bluff each time.  As you pass the upper reservoir of the Muddy Run Pumped Storage Facility be mindful that you are now 400 feet above the Conowingo Reservior. It will seem like much more since you'll have gained that 400 feet many times over. A quick turn onto a River Road that is anything but flat and then a challenging climb up the aptly named Douts Hill Rd will bring riders to the next controle at the Mount Nebo General Store. Enjoy the deli.

Upon departing Mt. Nebo, the route visits Safe Harbor. Instead of the usual climb towards Highville that several of you covered in January or the up to Conestoga as is usual for a Spring Forward brevet, we’ll follow the Conestoga River to Rock Hill.  This is the easiest way out of Safe Harbor for a bicycle.   Your legs will thank you as we move north along the west side of Millersville and Lancaster on our way to the next controle in Salunga. This section also offers a few of those “perfect” cycling roads, so enjoy.

The route heads east from Salunga through Lititz to the penultimate contole in Akron. PA Dutch 200 veterans will recognize a few roads, but follow your cue as there are a few twists added to keep it interesting. From Akron it’s a straight shot back to the finish in Atglen along gently rolling farm roads.  A special treat awaits you at the finish: George Metzler will be cooking up some delicious BBQ.

Addition details are posted on the event website:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/R12ClubApr1.html

Drop me or Andrew a note if you plan to join us.  And as always, be sure to check back on the website and message board for updates -- the cuesheet will be updated in the next day or so, with changes from volunteer pre-ride.




-Tom Rosenbauer, RBA
-Andrew Mead, Organizer

Fleche

Team packets have been mailed out to all the captains, with the following items:
1) Brevet cards with rider information labels attached
2) Brevet card master
3) Postcards with address labels
4) Fleche Rules
5) Safety Instructions
The packets were mailed out on April 7th, so they should be arriving early next week.  Captains should contact me if the packet doesn't arrive by Wednesday.

Please double check that the brevet card controle and rider information is accurate.  You may make any corrections directly on the card.  If you need to make additional brevet cards, a master is provided to make copies on card stock.  Please also be sure to double check your team roster status and start time on the PA Randonneurs website:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/FlecheRegs.pdf
... all missing waivers and pending registrations need to be resolved before you start.

I've included some postcards with address labels.  You will need to supply your own 32 cent stamps.  If you are using a postcard controle (which can always be used as a fallback if all of the stores are closed in a town), a single postcard with signatures of all team members will suffice.  If any team members get separated, they should mail their own postcards.

Also included are a copy of the Fleche Rules and Safety Instructions … read them, know them, and live them!

Please feel free to contact me during the event, if any issues arise (610) 417-7161.  On Saturday night, I may be at the hostel and you should be aware that cell phone coverage is very poor there… try the hostel phone number: (215) 536-8749  if I don't answer my cell phone.

Have a Safe ride, and see you in Quakertown!

-Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA

Blue Mountain 200k Results and Report

Preliminary results for the March 24th  Blue Mountain 200k have been posted at:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/PA200k_Results120324.pdf
...please let me know of any corrections or other issues.  Results will be sent to RUSA shortly, and then become final, pending RUSA approval.

Despite a rather wet and dismal weather forecast, the day started out clear and sunny with unusually warm temperatures in the 50F's.  By late morning, the increasing clouds were almost a welcome relief from the warm sun, as many riders tackled the climb up Little Gap.  By mid afternoon, the darkening clouds brought on the first couple of drops of rain, but little more materialized other than a few little spritzes that barely wet the roadway.  A pretty stiff east wind apparently did it's part to keep the bulk of the rain to our west.  And for the most part, the wind was more beneficial than not -- especially that downwind leg  from Wind Gap to Danielsville.

35 riders (including 1 preride volunteer) officially finished for another 100%  completion -- congratulations for another excellent result.  Of note, Christopher Knight completed his first brevet, and Steve Harding completed his first PA brevet.  Both of them hail all the way from Delaware, and hopefully, we'll see them clipping in again with us soon.

First finishers Len Zawodniak and John Fuoco made it around the course in 8:21.  John writes: "... it was truly a thrill to get back into brevets ... I realized how much I missed it all: the bunch, the hills, the wind, the potholes, and just how nice it feels to get to the end! I am still sore and tired but looking forward to the next one..."
Len writes: "...Thanks for a great course today!  Exceptional spring weather and Mother Nature was looking good. You know, there is an easier way back to the finish without that last hill... oh I speak heresy ! I meant thanks for helping us all get in a little extra training, which we undoubtedly could use in the spring ... I particularly appreciated the cooling mist that you provided just in time for a tired randonneur to climb that last hill. I did not actually see you doing it, so I presume that it was remote controlled in some fashion. I'll just call it Remote Activated Inundation ( or just "RAIN" for short)...."

Nigel Greene writes: "...I wanted to say thanks to you and the volunteers for another great job on the putting this ride together. The cue sheet route accuracy and road selection made for another memorable day. Even Staat Rd added that particular exclamation point I learned to expect from a Pennsylvania course..."  And once again, Nigel has put together another excellent ride report posted here:
http://eprider.blogspot.com/2012/03/blue-mountain-200k.html
... with a photo album posted here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58781331@N07/sets/72157629660735107/

Mary Johnson writes: "...Despite 2 flat tires -- the ride was great.  Nice course and great company along the ride.  Thanks for delaying the rain! ..."

Doug Haluza this time, had an uneventful ride, which is quite rare for him.  Doug writes: "...So nice to complete an unremarkable brevet for a change--sometimes you bite the bear I guess...."  Doug has created a website if you would like to post your GPS data:
http://www.strava.com/clubs/pa-randonneurs-5417

Joe Fillip writes: "...Very good ride yesterday -- I am particularly fond of the course (with the exception of the last big climb on Staats Road!). And the conditions were good -- wind helped us more than it hurt us, and only a few stray sprinkles along the way. All in all, a good day. ..."

Rick Carpenter returned from somewhere south of the Mason Dixon line to clip in again with us and reunite with some long-time friends.  Rick writes: "...The turnout of so many familiar faces made this ride quite special to me, particularly as it was almost exactly five years ago that I rode my first Brevet - Tom’s ACP “PA 200K”, hosted from the Weisel Youth Hostel back then.  Oh Boy, I can recall my nervousness, trepidation, and excitement leading into this event as if it was yesterday - this being my longest ride ever, and the start in meeting all my qualifiers for entering 2007 PBP.  And having Tom’s and Laurent’s guidance and support throughout made me realize how unique this sport of Randonneuring is.


As often happens during a new venture, a special camaraderie developed between a small group of us; Joe Brown, George Metzler, John Fuoco, and myself.  The four of us anxiously looked forward to seeing what Tom had planned next for us - all the routes were fresh, unknown, and exciting; and of longer and longer distances - yikes!  What fun we had battling rain and wind, rollers and steeps, barking dogs and those other nighttime ‘creature’ rustlings, Pavelka pulling us all through Hawks Nest, eagerly downing cheeseburgers in Wallenpaupack, yacking then losing track & getting lost, racing each other up hills, tucking into those daring descents on Millbrook & Little Gap.  Good stuff.


Seeing this same excitement and enthusiasm yesterday in our randonneurs is truly magical - what a great group!  Whether it’s watching Geoff’s amazing talent in action breaking every ride time, or enjoying Nigel’s & Shane’s essays and pictorial documentation, or cheering-on Ixsa’s tireless efforts and pleasing demeanor, the challenge, enjoyment, and camaraderie shines through.  I wish you all the same rich experiences I’ve come to know from this sport. ..."
Rick's photo album is posted here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rick_carpenter/sets/72157629660442699/


Special thanks to volunteer Don Jagel, who came up with the Blue Mountain 200k route concept.  Don also completed a volunteer preride and staffed the finish controle

And speaking of volunteers, I'm still looking for help on the following events:
300k (May 5)
400k (May 19)
600k (June 2)
1000k (August 17)
Volunteers may pre-ride an event up to 15 days in advance (which allows you to cherry pick a good day for riding, I might add).  Please drop me a note if you can step up to help out.

If you have any other comments or photos to share, you can forward them to me or post them on the message board.

The next event on the Eastern PA calender is the Fleche team event, scheduled for the week after Easter:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/PA_Fleche.html
And the week after that, will be the inaugural Silver Spring 200k, compliments of organizers Andrew Mead and George Metlzer:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/R12ClubApr1.html
George has kindly offered to host a post-ride BBQ at Cafe Metzler in Atglen.  In the the next week or so, the start/finish controles are going to be changed in order to make it more convenient to take part in the post-ride festivities; so be sure to check the message board and website for updates.

Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA

Blue Mountain 200k

*** Update 1 (3/19/12) ***

Don Jagel completed a volunteer preride this past weekend.  Don reports:

"...I could not have had better weather for a mid-March ride.  After the fog burned off, it was sunny with a light breeze for the remainder of the day. I hope the weather is similar next weekend.  When I left Milford in the morning it was quite foggy.  I would recommend that riders be prepared for morning fog in the river valley.  Lights may be a good idea, even for the fast riders that will finish well before dark. You must have spent a fair amount of time scouting the new sections of the route between Wind Gap and Danielsville.  The cue sheet was excellent along the new portions of the route, as well as the areas that you have used for previous brevets.
Items of note:


1)  I stopped in Miller's Market in Danielsville at the southeast corner of 946 and Blue Mountain Drive.  I spoke with Lynn (owner), and she was very nice and happy to accommodate us.  They open at 8:00 AM on Saturdays.  I think this is a better stop than the Shell Station. 


2) A portion of Cherry Valley Road is closed between Rt. 191 and Water Gap because of a road collapse (see attached photo).  Cherry Valley Road is blocked at the intersection of Cherry Valley Road and Greenbriar Road (Mile 80.7) (there is a street sign for Greenbriar Road at the intersection).  Riders should follow the detour by turning left onto Greenbriar Road, then turn Right onto Stone House Road, then left (SS) onto Cherry Valley Road.


3) Sweet Hollow Road is officially closed as you mentioned.  The actual barricaded section is very short, and it is no big deal to walk around the barricades.  When I went through I noticed quite a few bike tracks suggesting that a number of people do go around the barricades.  I think it would be OK to keep the route along Sweet Hollow Road, as long as you mention that riders will have to walk around the barricades."

The cuesheet has been updated to Draft 3 dated 3/19/12 with the following changes:

1) New controle location (Miller's Market) in Danielsville

2) Cherry Valley detour just before Water Gap

As Don noted, we're in a weather pattern with early morning fog, and there is a chance of some rain in the long range forecast -- both situations will require that you have lights and reflective gear.

I'm hoping to take one more look at the course on Wednesday for my own volunteer preride.  Be sure to monitor the website for any last minute changes or updates.

-Tom Rosenbauer

Eastern PA RBA 

*** Original Post ***

The Blue Mountain 200k is scheduled for Saturday, March 24.  Event details have been posted at:

http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/R12ClubMar2.html

The cuesheet has recently been updated to draft 2 with a couple of minor clarifications and corrections.  However, there is some major road construction on Sweet Hollow Road  -- there's a good chance we're going to have to reroute around this construction project, so be sure to check back on the website and message board for updates.

The start/finish is in Milford, NJ and as noted on the webpage, permission has been granted to us to use the parking lot off of Church St.  (The parking lot is owned by the Medical Supply business that moved into the old bakery location, and they are closed on the weekends).  Breakfast sandwiches and baked goods are available at the Bakery start controle.  The finish controle is next door at Pipolo's Pizza. 

If you're planning to join the Rider Roster, please let me know (via email)  by Thursday, 3/22.

*** Rider Roster as of 3/22 ***

Ron Anderson
Barbara Anderson
Gavin Biebuyck
Joe A Brown
Clar Beiler
Larry E Brenize
Geoff Brunner
Rick Carpenter

Laurent Chambard

Jonathan Clamp

Frederick R Collins
Dawn Engstrom
Matthew Farrell 

Joe Fillip

William Fischer

John Fuoco
Nigel Greene

Timothy Guscott

Doug  Haluza
Jud Hand

Steve Harding
Guy Harris
Cynthia Hearing

Donald Jagel
Mary Johnson
Eric Keller
Chris Knight
Robin C Landis
Mike Lutz
George Metzler
Chris Nadovich

Bill Olsen

Tom Rosenbauer
Chris Roth

Norman Smeal
Bob Torres
Len Zawodniak

-Tom Rosenbauer

Eastern PA RBA

Ready for Spring?

Spring is right around the corner, are you ready?

The first spring event on the Eastern PA 2012 schedule is a brand new course starting out of Milford, NJ on March 24th: the Blue Mountain 200k.  Special thanks to Don Jagel for suggesting the new route.  Event details and registration have been posted at:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/R12ClubMar2.html

And speaking of new courses, Andrew Mead has created a brand new one starting out of Gap, PA.  The Silver Spring 200k will be the April R-12 event.  Event details have been posted at:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/R12ClubApr1.html

Between the March and April 200k's, the Eastern PA Fleche will be offered the weekend after Easter.  I've already have heard from 5 teams that have started making plans.  Route submissions from team captains are due by April 1, so freshly minted PBP anciens looking to complete an R-5000 series still have a chance to complete their fleche event this year.  Event details have been posted at:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/PA_Fleche.html

Even though it's been a rather mild winter so far, there's nothing like a good solid week of riding to jump start your cycling season.  There's still time to register for a PAC Tour desert camp:
http://www.pactour.com/desert.htm
... these camps typically fill up pretty quickly, so if you're thinking of going, don't wait too long to register.

John Hughes and Dan Kehlenbach, authors of Distance Cycling, are presenting a free webinar: Kickstart Your Century and 200K Training

They'll provide detailed information about how you should prepare for a first or next century or 200K including how to improve performance. You'll learn how to build baseline endurance through cycling, cross-training, strength and flexibility activities. You'll then learn how to train specifically to peak for an event(s). Along the way you'll learn how to fuel your training and rides.  You can also ask questions.  The free webinar is:

Thursday, March 29
11:00 a.m. - 12 noon CDT

More information and register here:
http://tinyurl.com/7okek8f

One local PA Randonneur who definitely  is ready for spring is Geoff Brunner, who is busy training and making preparations for RAAM this year.  Geoff is looking for 2 additional crew members to round out his team, and is hoping to recruit someone from the randonneuring community.  If interested or have any questions, please contact me and I'll put you in touch with Geoff.

-Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA