Three intrepid randonneurs pedaled 127 miles and climbed over 9,500 feet to meet the challenge that is the Rusty Rail 200K brevet. All finished well below the time limit for a 100% completion rate. Here are some photographs from that spectacular September day:
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| Gerry Racing Past the Corn |
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| Kostiantyn Ascends Jacks Mountain |
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| Haroon Climbing Jacks |
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| Ulsh Gap Climb |
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| Gerry Motors Up Jacks |
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| Jacks Mountain Looms in the Background |
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| Gerry Leaves Ulsh Gap Behind |
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| First Finisher Arrives at the Rusty Rail |
Update 1 ***
I've learned that the Dingmans Ferry bridge will possibly be open on the day of the Endless Mountains. You reach this bridge at mile 126.3 of the route. Since I can't know for sure that the bridge will be open day-of, I've NOT updated the route. The latest cues remain version 6. If you follow the current, official route you go straight across Dingman's Tpk, passing by the bridge, continue on Old Mine Road, cross the Del at the 206 bridge, on through the town of Milford PA with many replenishment options, and climb the Allegheny Front on Sawkill, a somewhat less steep road. On the other hand, Dingman's Bridge is pretty cool and the route up the Front on Raymondskill Rd is about 3 miles shorter. Bottom line, if you don't need to stop in town and want the shorter, steeper, quieter way that crosses a neat bridge, at mile 126.3 (assuming the bridge is open) turn left and use the Dingman's Short Cut.
Original POST***
A pre-drive of the course was accomplished Sept 10-11 by RBA Chris Nadovich. The following post combines those observations with notes from 2024 made by Pat Gaffney and Brad Layman.
These notes have been incorporated into version 6 of the official route that has a link to the RWGPS data last modified 2025-09-12 17:30:52 EDT. You should carefully study the cue sheet that is available on the the official route info page and carry a paper copy (or at least a PDF on your phone). Refer to it! It's OK if you mostly use your GPS for navigation, but the cue sheet contains important notes, including safety warnings that might not display on your particular GPS. Many cues have comments about nearby available services and riding strategy. Our volunteers have spent many hours curating this route and compiling detailed cues. Use their work to your advantage. Ignore the cuesheet at your peril. Don't ride blindly with only GPS.
The RWPGS file is larger than many GPS units can handle. The following are unofficial partial routes Day1, Day2, Day3, and Day4. These are for your convenience, based on Version 6. If there are last minute course changes we may not have the time to update these unofficial partial routes, so be aware and check the website often. Always carry a cue sheet of the latest version.
The course is very difficult, especially day1. If you have trouble, don't despair. It's not you. Keep riding. Many people hit their darkest times when they enter the namesake Endless Mountains region at around mile 166-210. It doesn't matter if you have to walk -- keep moving. If you have one goal for this event, it should be to get through this soul sucking section and arrive intact at the Flying J truck stop at mile 211.3 or so. When you see the Golden Arches through the notch in the trees as you summit that last climb, you've made it! Land at the "J". Eat something. Take a shower. Have a nap.
If you make it through those difficult miles to the Flying J, you will FLY on in relative ease to the first overnight. Then, if you somehow get your ass back on the bike day 2, you'll almost certainly finish the whole damn thing.
Based on our scouting and experience, generally speaking the course is in good shape and you should be able to get through everywhere without bonus miles. That said, closures on Pennsylvania roads appear and disappear daily. You should never enter an area illegally or ride where it is unsafe. Get off your bike to walk, or go another way.
Old Mine Rd (mi 112) is the oldest road still in use in the country.
Dating back beyond before the US was founded, this road has been long
in need of repair -- but seems to be forever ignored by it's federal
caretakers (blame the George Washington administration, I guess).
Nevertheless, this road travels through beautiful countryside along the
Delaware and is worth savoring. It's home to diverse wildlife, including
many black bears. Old Mine Road is fun to explore. The bears won't
bother you but the potholes could swallow a grizzly, so pay attention --
especially on descents. Even the smaller descents have
wheel-pretzeling-ditches hidden on them. There's a "closed" section
(noted in the cuesheet) blocked of with concrete barriers. You should be
able to carry over the barriers and continue without issue, but do be
careful. Look out for debris, potholes, and animals.
The Dingman's Ferry bridge (mi 126) is a gem -- and one of the few bridges across the Delaware you can legally ride. Unfortunately, it's often closed for maintenance and now seems to be one of those times. We don't believe it will be open so the cuesheet routes with a detour using even more of Old Mine Road, a bit of 206/209, and Sawkill Rd that climbs the Allegheny front in an equivalently "scenic" way as did the Dingmans route. This detour (and others) add some bonus miles making the total distance 1245K -- with cutoff time correspondingly increased (92 hours, 33 minutes).
The Traditions Hotel for the first overnight in Johnson City is a fascinating place with a lot of history. Built in the 1900’s as a private residence, it has been an IBM Homestead and a destination for notable figures of the 20th century including Dwight D. Eisenhower, Eleanor Roosevelt, Bing Crosby, Wernher von Braun and noted golf greats like Ben Hogan, Patty Berg and Sam Snead. Oh, and by the way: it's on top of a big ass hill.
Here's how Brad and Pat described the days from 2024, roughly the same as this year.
Each day ends with a relatively easy and quick ~20 miles.
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| Map of School Street Detour in Spring Mills |
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| Follow these signs in Spring Mills |
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| Take a LEFT at the stop sign, leaving the detour and you are back on course |
What a difference a year can make.
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| Photo by Jim Vreeland |
The 2024 running of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon 200k was
fraught with issues. A major storm had
caused extensive flooding along the Pine Creek in July of 2024. This flood destroyed the Carsontown Bridge
along the Little Pine Creek resulting in a reroute of the course on less than
interesting roads back to Jersey Shore.
The situation didn’t get better on ride day in 2024 as
another storm dumped over an inch of rain on riders shortly after the start,
turning the gravel roads into various stages of peanut butter and raising the
water levels to a point where a motorist warned riders not to attempt fording
the stream at Babb Creek.
Fortunately, 2025 was entirely different. The gravel was dry and fast, the bridges had
been fixed, we were back to the original course and riders barely got their
feet wet at Babb Creek.
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| Babb Creek at a manageable height (Photo by Jim Vreeland) |
All 8 riders completed the course in good time for a 100% completion rate. Ride results have been posted to the website, please review and advise if their are any inaccuracies.
Both first (Jim Vreeland) and second (Erin Fulton) riders crushed the course record and other than a little dust and worms on the bikes, thetir day couldn’t have been better.
David Stango completed his first ever brevet. Welcome to randonneuring, David. Be warned that the weather or the scenery might not be quite as nice in the future.
All riders agree that the section from Babb Creek (mile 72) to Liberty (mile 88) are the most difficult. The number and proximity of paved and gravel climbs on this section are a challenge for any rider. Fortunately, after the Control in Liberty, the remaining 35 miles are basically downhill; this gives riders time to rest, recover and forget about the pain in their legs so they do not inflict damage on the ride organizer at the finish.
As we were enjoying a post ride beverage and discussing the day’s events, I learned that we were in the company of some very accomplished trail runners. Unbeknown to me, our ride coincided with the Eastern States 100 Trail Race which was completed in 2016 by first time randonneur David Stango. I later learned that rider Joe Galioto has run in The Barkley Marathons (I believe he makes a cameo appearance in this movie). I’m happy these two discovered that 200k on a bike is a lot easier than 160k of running.
While waiting for the very happy riders at the bottom of
Colton Point, I even made a new friend:
On 8/1 under sunny skies and incredibly beautiful
conditions, the ride organizer completed a ride/drive of the course. I’m pleased to announce that the unfortunate modifications
to the route in 2024 will not be required as the bridges along Little Pine
Creek have been repaired after the flooding we experienced last summer. The route has been updated on the website and
will remain unchanged (barring a natural disaster). Please make sure you are using cue sheet
version 3 dated 8/1/2025.
Overall, the route is in excellent condition. Note that there is very limited cell phone coverage and somewhat limited services. Although there is a restroom at the ride start, it is sometimes locked in the morning.
Specific issues/notes follow:
Mile 4.9 and 12.2 – Two short sections of 1 lane road due to
construction. The road is narrow, wait
for the temporary traffic light.
Mile 27.2/Control – Wolf’s General Store has excellent
breakfast sandwiches and they generally make them fairly quickly. While you’re waiting, head down stairs and
check out their excellent fly fishing department.
Mile 45 – There are some sections of Painter Letonia Rd that
have received some fresh gravel, it’s not terrible but there are some areas
where the gravel is deep/loose
Mile 53 – After you enjoy the beautiful view at the Colton
Point Lookout, you’ll have a very twisty descent. There are generally oncoming cars and these
drivers are often looking at the beautiful scenery and not at the road. Stay in your lane, take it slow and keep a
sharp eye for knuckleheads.
Mile 57/Control 3 – The Burnin’ Barrel does not open until
12:00, I’ll be there with water but not much else. You can get food at the general store in Stony
Fork at mile 64.6
Mile 59 – Bear Crossing
Mile 72.6 – The annual “fording of the stream” should be
less “interesting” than last year. The
water is currently only about 12” deep.
The stream bottom has some sharp rocks; although I’ve done it barefooted
in the past, footwear is highly recommended.
It was a little deeper last year:
Mile 87.5 – After leaving the Exxon control, there is a section of Rte. 414 which is closed for construction. Fortunately, they have kept the sidewalk open for pedestrians and I was assured today that it would remain open next Saturday. Do not attempt to ride this, dismount and walk on the sketchy sidewalk.
Mil 103.3 – Sadly, the English Center suspension bridge has
been removed (although you can still see some remnants of it). A new (ugly and boring) bridge has been
installed.
It's been a few years since we've offered a 200K that flies across the Hawk's Nest. In the past, this was a mid-summer staple, as the routing through the Upper Delaware region tends to be a few degrees cooler than elsewhere. Even on the hottest days, the riding up there is tolerable. And ironically, despite the 1000 foot climb up the Allegheny Front, the detour climb to Glen Spey via Eldred (El Dread!) and the infamous OMR climb, this course always seems to allow rather fast times.
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| Hawk's Nest starters. (Photo by prerider volunteer Mike Riley) |
A lucky weather window graced us on Saturday for this event. Friday was super hot with some violent storms, Sunday was rainy, but Saturday was about as good as Pennsylvania gets in late July. Riders mentioned some heavy humidity and fog in the morning, and a few riders complained of heat cramps in the afternoon, but generally the temperatures were survivable, and might have even been almost pleasant for the heat acclimated in the group.
It was the first ever brevet for Dianna Lee, welcome to randonneuring. You picked a good one to start with. Mike Osborne rode his first PA brevet, welcome to PA Rando.
There were numerous unique wildlife sightings by riders, including reports of Black Bears, a fox, and even some kind of large bobcat (yikes!) Less interesting creatures were the gnats swarming the riders as they grinded up the Old Mine Road climb.
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| Andreas, I guess you DO have to be faster than the bear |
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| Not much auto traffic to worry about on this section of Old Mine Rd |
Mike Riley scouted the course and ran an excellent start control. Thank you Mike. Volunteer Rob DePaolis set up a much needed water stop at the 402/US6 fireworks control. Many riders said that this water was a lifesaver on the warm day in such a remote location. PA Randonneur Emeritus Super Supreme, Bill Olsen, staffed the finish for the early hours, before the RBA took over for the final finishers. Thank you to the day-of volunteers for making events like this possible.
Mike Riley completed a pre-ride of the Hawk's Nest Bushkill Falls 200K on July 21. He reports that the course remains in good condition The latest route cuesheet is Version 4 and the GPS route was last updated on 2025-07-22 10:45:20 EDT. Make sure you have the latest versions of everything. Follow the link above for the latest cues and RWGPS link.
I completed the preride of the Hawks Nest & Bushkill Falls 200k on Monday July 21. This was a ride I was very excited about once I saw it pop up on the event list, when the opportunity in my schedule allowed me to preride and volunteer I jumped.
The tone for the ride is set right away as you leave the start at the park and ride. Well maintained roads meander along woods, rivers, and cute cabins. Be aware that although the roads are mostly debris free and in good shape, there is almost no shoulder to ride in. Drivers were courteous and gave plenty of space the entire course.
The climbs begin almost immediately and I found them to be steady but not leg crushing climbs the elevation chart led me to believe. At mile 9.5 the cue sheet warns of pot holes and a mossy road, I found the descent to be a little slippery so take care. A bathroom at the Bushkill Meeting Visitors Center is about a mile up. A steady climb with a limited shoulder brings you to Control 2, an info control, continue on 9 more miles until your next turn.
The Pickerel Inn at mile 24.5 is your first resupply stop and your last one for sometime. They have great food and sandwiches. Continue on with some ups and downs, passing Big D's fireworks, control 3 is further down the road at a blinking light, another info control.
Leaving control 3 begins my favorite part of the route. Once on Kimbles Rd I really took in the beauty of the area. Turning on to Tow Path Rd I felt like any point would be a great spot for a photoshoot for an LL Bean catalog. Fisherman, rafters, tubers, all enjoying the river. At mile 50.4 , you come upon the Rowland Co-Op Market, a cute spot to resupply, your first resupply since the The Pickerel. Once again, inside seating and hotfood as well as some grab and go is available. At mile 54 there is a park with a field house with bathrooms and The Twin Rivers Deli. The Roebling Bridge is also photoshoot worthy, and more bathrooms. From here a nice level ride continues past some camp stores, a few restaurants, and views of the river.
Once you enter Barryville you will make a left and begin a long steady climb into the 4th Control. Once again the climb is steady but not crushing. I had a good meal at The Corner, an ice cream and luncheonette, Pecks Grocery is across the street and is another option to resupply. The steady climbs continues for a bit more but you'll be treated to a nice descent soon enough.
When approaching Hawks Nest and the lookout be sure to own your lane. There are a number of safe spots to pull over and take some pictures and enjoy the view.
Closing in to Control 5 you'll pass some field houses with bathrooms. These were locked during the preride but the Riverside Creamery control is just ahead. Like the Corner, they have more than just ice cream, a great refuel spot. Just up the road, just off course, & across the tracks is a Burger King and other shops to resupply should you choose. From here resupply options are very limited.
At mile 88.5 you cross 206 and begin riding on Old Mine Rd. This is a busy intersection and the road begins to get chunky. Be cautious especially on descents.
Control 5, The Hainesville General Store is a photo control as the store is closed for remodel. There are resources available within 2 miles North on 206 should you need them.
Following the route, you will be passing a road closed sign that you ignore. The sign says the road is closed in 2 miles, but the barriers you climb over are well past that. You can sneak by them to the right, but if you have a ride partner to help go over, it makes it much easier. From here a casual decent to the climb of the day.
The climb up Old Mine Rd is a classic, and one I have yet to stay in the saddle for. Yep, I admit it, walked up a portion on this attempt as well. Millbrook Village awaits at the top with bathrooms, water and a welcomed rest in the shade.
With difficult climbing behind you'll encounter a few punchy hills with some mixed surfaces on the descent. The scenery is amazing here and the amount of greenery is impressive. You'll approach a lone red light as the road become singleway traffic. Wait for the green and enjoy a fast downhill to the bridge back to PA. A photo opportunity of the state line awaits on the bridge. From here you are only a few turns away from the finish control.
The finish control has plenty of outdoor seating to recap your ride with the other riders or lookout and cheer for those behind you. It's an easy .3 mile ride back to the park and ride from here.
I will urge you to review the cue sheet. The cue sheet has a number of tips and advice.
I look forward to seeing you at the start!
