UPDATE #1: Bleu Kaundi 600K Course Notes

***Pre-Ride Update #1***

The Bleu Kaundi 600K got a full pre-ride over Memorial Day weekend, and the route is looking good heading into the event.

For experienced riders who have completed the Blue Mountain 400K or New Bleu Redeux 400K, it will be nice to revisit parts of those routes. The section between Wind Gap and Orwigsburg is particularly memorable and has a real Pennsylvania wilderness feel to it. There are several other especially enjoyable sections on Day 1 as well, including the early morning riding through Bucks County and Hunterdon County, NJ, the SRT through the mountain gap (used on the Hawk Mountain 300K), and the rolling terrain of the Reading Prong later in the day.

Day 1 contains a good amount of climbing, but there are no truly major climbs. I think the most difficult section will be between miles 185 and 190, where riders encounter three steeper pitches while climbing into the Reading Prong. Mentally and physically, this may feel somewhat similar to the Staats Road climb on the Four State 400K. By this point in the ride, it will likely be dark or beginning to get dark, and riders will already have a long day in their legs. Fortunately, there is a very rewarding descent afterward as you approach the first day's penultimate control in Bally.

Day 2 is a delight. Traffic should be fairly light on a Sunday, and the Turkey Hills and Wawas along the route are spaced out nicely for steady refueling opportunities. After a long weekend on the bike, riders will also appreciate that the final 30 miles are flat and mostly car-free along the SRT.

One major topic I did not discuss much in the first post was nutrition. Staying on top of hydration and fueling becomes even more important during a 600K. On Day 1 especially, riders need to think beyond simply fueling for the miles immediately ahead. You are also fueling for the next day. Eat early and often throughout the ride and study the route ahead of time to identify where you would like to stop and refuel.

During my pre-ride, I made a longer stop at the Bowmanstown Diner close to the halfway point of Day 1. It was a cold and rainy day, so a bowl of soup and a waffle really hit the spot. About 50 miles later, I also appreciated taking another longer stop at the Sheetz control, where indoor seating provided a nice chance to reset. The weather for the actual event currently looks much warmer, so riders may prefer different food and hydration strategies. It might still feel nice to sit inside for a bit if it's a hot day.

Volunteers will have dinner ready for riders arriving at the overnight control, and additional volunteers will be helping with breakfast as riders head out for Day 2. They will encourage everyone to eat as much as possible before getting back on the bike.

I mentioned in the earlier post that there is a bathroom and water fountain along the Perkiomen Trail around Mile 214, located within one of the longer stretches without refueling options directly on route. During the overnight hours, the bathrooms are locked, but the water fountain remains available. I have marked a couple of porta-pots for along the trail on RWGPS. One other bathroom-related note: Skoogy's Deli (control at Mile 80) does not have one.

For riders attempting their first 600K, remember that nobody truly feels fully prepared for this distance the first time. The ride unfolds one control at a time, one sunrise at a time, one meal stop at a time. Trust the fitness and experience that got you here already. A month ago, many riders on this start list had never completed a 400K either.

David Coccagna and Matthew Willett are planning their pre-ride on May 31-June 1, so be sure to check back for any additional updates or observations. After their ride, I will also split the RWGPS route into separate Day 1 and Day 2 files and post those links here.

***Original Post***

The Bleu Kaundi 600K is coming up quickly, and riders are preparing for all kinds of goals and challenges. For some, this will be a first attempt at the 600K distance. Others are continuing their SR Series journey, building fitness for longer events later in the season, or simply looking forward to another big weekend on the bike. Last month, 15 riders completed their first-ever 400K, and we are hopeful that many of them will return to tackle the next milestone.

Time to earn the final stamp of the series!

If you rode the Four State 400K, it is completely normal if you are still feeling a bit sluggish. It has only been about two weeks since that ride. A hard 400K effort can take time to fully absorb and recover from, especially if it was your first time at the distance. Continuing to ride, while also prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and recovery, is usually better than trying to force yourself back to feeling “normal” immediately.

One reassuring thing for first-time 600K riders: many experienced randonneurs believe the 400K is actually the more difficult distance. The 400K sits in a difficult place where most riders are still trying to push through with very limited rest while riding deep into the night. Once you have a 400K under your belt, a 600K becomes more about managing your time, sleep, and energy across two days. In many ways, a 600K is simply adding another ride onto the following morning.

The biggest thing to think through ahead of time is your timing plan. How much sleep do you realistically need at the overnight control? How long do you expect the second day’s 200K to take, considering you'll have tired legs? Everyone approaches this differently. Some riders are comfortable with very short sleep stops while others benefit greatly from getting a few solid hours of rest before heading back out.

Event	Distance (K)	Climbing total (ft)	ft/mile
Ronde van White Clay	200	8,956	70.5
Hawk Mountain	300	11,703	61.6
Four State	400	15,268	61.2
Bleu Kaundi	600	22,282	59.4

As with all PA Rando SR Series rides, expect plenty of climbing. But riders should know that the Ronde van White Clay 200K earlier this spring actually had the most climbing per mile of any ride in the series. Day 1 of the 600K contains slightly less climbing than the Four State 400K while also being about five miles shorter overall. That should give riders a chance to reach the overnight control a little bit earlier and settle in for some rest before the final leg.

Day 1 does include two longer stretches without major refueling opportunities at the beginning and end of the route. The first intermediate control does not come until 57 miles into the ride. Riders should consider grabbing a couple to-go snacks at Chamounix before the start and make sure bottles are fully topped off. Fortunately, this section will likely be cool and dark for most riders, making it a good opportunity to settle in and complete a substantial portion of the route before the first stop. The first intermediate control is a bagel shop in Milford, NJ, and makes for a nice breakfast stop. There is also the Milford Market and a gas station convenience store in town and along the route.

At the end of the day, there is a 47-mile stretch between the Redner's Quick Shoppe control and the return to Chamounix. Riders should stock up well before leaving Redner's. There is a park water fountain and restroom (marked on RWGPS) along the Perkiomen Trail, approximately 18 miles after the Redner's control, providing a chance to top off bottles before the final 30 miles back to Chamounix.

The remainder of the Day 1 controls are fairly well spaced out. Riders should note that the Bowmanstown control at mile 118 is a postal control, though Relly’s Deli and the Bowmanstown Diner are nearby and directly along the route for anyone looking to stop for food or supplies.

Waffle with cherries at Bowmanstown Diner (Mile 118)

Day 2 follows the Tscheschter Kaundi 200K route. While no ride in southeastern Pennsylvania is ever truly flat, the second day is relatively manageable at roughly 7,000 feet of climbing.

Riders who have previously ridden the TK200 will notice a few changes to controls:

• The Wawa in Dilworthtown has been added as an official control. Previously, it was simply marked on RWGPS with a recommendation to stop.
• The Christiana control, which serves as the midpoint of Day 2, has changed from a postal control to a pizza shop that opens at 11:00 AM on Sunday. Since Day 1 already includes a postal control, there was no need for a second one. However, the Christiana control is now an info control, so riders who arrive before opening time do not need to wait for the pizza shop to open. Riders looking for alternative refueling options should note that there is a Turkey Hill approximately 7 miles before Christiana and another about 15 miles after; both are along the route and marked on RWGPS.
• The Ludwigs Corner Wawa has been added as a control, replacing the Sheeder-Mill covered bridge control. The goal here is to encourage riders to stop, refuel, and reset before the final stretch home. Note that the route does not pass the Wawa in Phoenixville anymore in order to use roads with less traffic.
• All of the Wawas and Turkey Hills along the Day 2 route are open 24 hours. This is especially noteworthy for riders planning to ride straight through.
• The intermediate controls on Day 2 are all info controls, meaning they do not have closing times listed on eBrevet. This gives riders a bit more flexibility if they get a later start on Sunday morning and need time to settle into the second day.

The final control at the Chamounix Carriage House closes at 8:00 PM on Sunday.

Two riders have already mentioned that they plan to ride straight through without sleeping at the overnight control. If you are considering riding straight through, please let me know ahead of time so we can make arrangements for volunteers to be available for your finish.

Pre-rides are also planned over the coming days. I will be completing a pre-ride over Memorial Day Weekend, and David Coccagna and Matthew Willett are planning a joint pre-ride for May 31-June 1.

Check back on this page for route updates after the pre-rides. I will also break down the RWGPS route into a Day 1 file and Day 2 file and post the links once the route is confirmed.

The registration fee increases this Saturday, May 23. Final registration closes on Wednesday, June 3, at midnight. Looking forward to seeing everyone back out on the road soon.

Brad Layman
RBA, Pennsylvania Randonneurs

Tscheschter Kaundi 200K Ride Report

A few hours after the Four State 400K riders rolled out into the darkness, another group gathered at Chamounix for a very different, though no less memorable, adventure. Seventeen riders, counting two pre-riders, clipped in for the 2026 edition of the Tscheschter Kaundi 200K, heading west toward the rolling roads of Chester County and Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

Caught in a downpour (photo by CJ Arayata)

Unlike last year’s sunny and windy edition, this year’s ride was defined by rain. Riders encountered multiple rounds of showers throughout the day, including a true downpour arriving at perhaps the least convenient moment possible, just before the Ludwigs Corner Wawa. Yet despite the wet roads, soaked gear, and muddy spray kicked up from buggy-worn farm roads, spirits remained remarkably high throughout the day.

Riders make their way up to the South Street Bridge (photo by Matthew Altea)

The route once again delivered everything that makes the Tscheschter Kaundi such a classic PA Rando ride: winding roads through quiet farmland, covered bridges, Amish buggies, smooth rollers through pastoral countryside, and long stretches where it feels impossible that Philadelphia is only a few hours away. Riders fueled themselves with convenience store snacks, Amish pretzels, and plenty of shared camaraderie while navigating the constantly changing weather conditions.

Snacks at the Maple Arch Farm Market (photo by CJ Arayata)

Of the 17 starters, 16 riders completed the route, an impressive 94% finish rate despite the challenging conditions. Chapeau to all the finishers.

One of the highlights of the day was seeing newer riders continue to build confidence and experience in the sport. Small groups formed naturally throughout the ride, with experienced riders helping newer participants pace themselves, manage the weather, and navigate the long miles back toward Philadelphia. We had three riders become official randonneurs by completing their first brevet: Josh Forrest, Jackie Means, and Jenine Pilla. Congratulations and welcome to randonneuring!

Jackie Means signs her brevet card, marking her first brevet complete! (photo by CJ Arayata)

The weather may have soaked riders to the bone, but it also created the kind of shared experience that tends to become part of randonneuring lore: waiting out storms at Wawas, testing improvised fenders, grinding through puddle-filled farm roads, and eventually rolling onto the Schuylkill River Trail muddy, exhausted, and smiling anyway.

The ride also served as another reminder of how much the Philadelphia randonneuring community has grown over the past few years. Riders spent much of the day discussing upcoming goals, including first 400Ks, 600Ks, and even future dreams of Paris-Brest-Paris. Many of the riders on this year’s 200K have already begun progressing rapidly through longer and more ambitious events, and it has been exciting to watch newer riders quickly become an important part of the community.

Jenine Pilla and CJ Arayata display their completed punchcards for the Road-to-200K Series

This ride also served as the finale of our Road-to-200K Series. Congratulations to CJ Arayata, Graham Lexie, and Jenine Pilla for being the first finishers of this new series, which included the International Women’s Day 107K and Ride Your Butt(er) Off 162K earlier this spring and was designed to build progressively toward the 200K. While it was not CJ’s or Graham’s first brevet, they still deserve a shout-out for seeing the full series through from start to finish.

Comparing stashes (photo by CJ Arayata)

Thank you to Patrick Gaffney, Travis Berry, Sean Martin, and Matthew Willet who helped support the event throughout the weekend. Sean and Travis were also our pre-riders who made sure the course was clear and ready for the event. Woody Felice made an appearance at the finish to cheer on riders. These rides only happen because people are willing to dedicate their time and energy to making them possible.

And finally, congratulations to all 16 finishers. Rainy brevets have a way of amplifying both the challenges and the rewards of long-distance riding, and this year’s group handled the conditions with resilience, humor, and a tremendous sense of community from start to finish.

Jackie Means writes...

So much rain but so much fun

Graham Lexie writes...

After a year of setbacks in 2025, feels great to finally complete my second brevet and I look forward to many more.

We got pretty well sogged in the afternoon, but at least my freshly jerry-rigged rear fender passed the test.

Looks like you had a big turnout with 100% finish rate on the 400k route results. Congrats!

Big thanks to everyone who made it happen

The shiny sticker makes it official (photo by CJ Arayata)

CJ Arayata writes...

Thanks so much to Brad, Pat, Travis, Sean, and others who organized and volunteered for this weekend's 200k (and 400k!).

I admit I felt a bit silly on Friday night packing everything in plastic bags and opting for my proper fendered-and-dyno'ed bike instead of my faster road bike, but once the actual ride started panning out, that silliness turned into appreciation. Myself, Jenine, Greg, Josh, and Olivia had a pretty steady and fun ride for most of the day, enjoying the very scenic route, Amish pretzels, and each other's company despite the multiple bouts of rain that turned the buggy-worn smooth roads into an E. coli filled water park!

It started downpouring right before we arrived at the Ludwigs Corner Wawa. Olivia made the tough decision to abandon while the rest of us decided to wait it out. It was worth the wait, as it quickly warmed back up and we picked up Jackie at the Sheeder Hall Bridge to grind out the last leg down a relatively empty SRT. It was a 'proud rando dad' moment for me leading the newer riders to eternal randonneuring glory and sharing in the accomplishment of their first brevet finishes!

Speaking of proud rando dad, I also wanted to give a few more shout outs:

1. The Rando Raccoons (Alexa, Jasen, Maria, and Tracey) for letting me talk you all (...tricking you?) into organizing yourselves into an all-rookie fleche team, absolutely crushing it, and THEN TAKING ON A 400K THE WEEK AFTER!

2. Everyone tackling their first 400 / their longest lifetime ride to date. So many buds on that list: Joey, Owen, Jasen, Phil, Dan, Jake, Alexa, Kate, Maria, Erik.... way to go!!

3. Basically the entirety of the 400k roster! It was awesome to see so many group photos, the tight check-in times, and knowing everyone was in the trenches together to finish a very challenging ride for a 100% completion rate brought a huge smile to my face when I woke up at 6:55AM to check the results on Sunday.

It's been awesome seeing the seeds of the Philly randonneuring scene truly blossoming lately, and I can't wait to witness folks tackle their first 600k and even PBP next year. Thanks again Brad for your leadership and creativity in your first few months to carry on the torch. Until next time!

Next month, the club has two events: the Bleu Kaundi 600K on June 6-7, which uses the Tscheschter Kaundi 200K route for the final 200K of the ride. The following week is the Keystone Brevet Co 200K on June 13. We hope to see you there. 

If you're not feeling ready for a distance like 600K but are interested, we encourage you to consider volunteering at the event. It is a great way to learn about how to tackle longer brevets while supporting the club. Reach out if you are interested or have any questions.

FYI, we are putting together an order for Woolistic PA Rando jerseys! We want to make sure everyone is prepared for PBP 2027 and any other big rides ahead. Check out the club store for more details. Ordering will remain open until 15 July.

There were too many good photos to include from this ride. Check out the rest in this Google Folder.

Brad Layman
RBA, Pennsylvania Randonneurs

Four State 400K Ride Report

A 400K is always an epic ride. It sits at the edge of what most randonneurs can realistically fit into a single day on the bike. But this year’s edition felt especially significant because for nearly half of the field, it was both the longest and hilliest ride they had ever attempted.

The sun came out in time to create long shadows in the evening (photo by Alexa Ringer)

Riders roll through Philly in the early morning hours at the start of the ride (photo by Doug McLerran)

31 riders, including five pre-riders, rolled out from Chamounix and into the darkness of Fairmount Park. By the time the final riders returned to Philadelphia, every single rider had completed the course within the time limit. A 100% finish rate on a route like the Four State 400K is extraordinary. Chapeau to all the riders for such an incredible accomplishment.

Riders approach the Ashland Covered Bridge in Delaware (photo by Doug McLerran)

15 riders completed their first 400K: Michael Burns, Joey Doubek, Celia Feal Staub, Jimmy Karadagli, Sayantan Khan, Owen Kobasz, Jasen Lo, Phil Luong, Dan Powers, Jake Prosser, Alexa Ringer, Kate Sparacio, Samuel Tarlow, Maria Thomson, and Erik Wright. Congratulations and chapeau to all of the first-time 400K finishers for tackling one of the most demanding milestones in randonneuring with grit, resilience, and an incredible spirit throughout the day and night.

We also had several very experienced randonneurs from other regions complete their first PA brevets: Chris Gross (DC), Doug McLerran (Illinois), and Brian Feinberg (Bay Area, CA). Welcome all, and we hope to see you back for another ride soon!

The nervousness at the start was palpable, not only because of the threatening forecast, but because everyone knew they were about to take on a challenging course. Yet that nervous energy was quickly overshadowed by the overwhelmingly positive attitudes and supportive atmosphere shared throughout the group. Having so many riders attempting the distance for the first time gave the day a special feeling, and the supportive culture of the club was on full display from the opening miles onward.

Joey Doubek and Phil Luong

The route delivered everything that makes riding in this region so special. Riders drifted through the rolling roads of Delaware at sunrise, crossed through quiet farmland and covered bridges in Amish country, climbed steep and remote roads deep in Pennsylvania hill country, and eventually returned home along familiar roads beside the Delaware River. Along the way, riders encountered foxes near Wawas, horse-drawn buggies, scooter-bikes, ponies, skunks, rabbits, llamas, and every variety of farm life imaginable.

Dan Powers changes into dry socks. Always good to be prepared! (photo by Alexa Ringer)

The weather added another layer to the experience. Mid-morning rain settled in as riders crossed Lancaster County and the Amish countryside, forcing difficult decisions about whether to stop and risk getting cold or continue pushing onward. Yet many riders described the rain as strangely beautiful, transforming the farmland into long sweeping bands of vivid greens, yellows, and browns beneath soft gray skies. By early evening, the clouds finally broke open into dramatic sunset colors as riders crossed into New Jersey and prepared themselves mentally for the final overnight push back to Philadelphia.

Riders tackle one of the gravel sections (photo by Doug McLerran)

One of the defining characteristics of this year’s ride was how interconnected the field remained throughout the day and night. Riders formed rotating groups, leapfrogged one another at controls, and shared miles with a constantly changing cast of companions. Nearly every control became a lively gathering point filled with stories, encouragement, and the collective relief of making it through another difficult section of the route. For the many riders tackling their first 400K, that shared experience proved invaluable. The event felt less like dozens of individual rides and more like one long communal effort unfolding across four states.

Luckily none of these dogs attempted to chase the riders (photo by Maria Thomson) 

The route itself remained as demanding as ever. The steep rollers through Amish country and the remote climbs beyond Birdsboro extracted their usual toll, while Staats Road, kicking off the final 100K, once again earned a reputation as one of the day’s most memorable challenges. Yet the difficulty of the route was balanced by moments that remind riders why they keep returning to events like this: endless sightlines across farmland after the rain, quiet descents beneath tree canopies, conversation carrying riders over climbs at sunset, pacelines forming in the dark somewhere deep in New Jersey, and the surreal final miles back through Manayunk in the middle of the night.

Cheers to late night soup (photo by Kate Sparacio)

As always, events like this are only possible because of the volunteers and community supporting them. Patrick Gaffney and David Coccagna welcomed riders at Chamonix on Friday evening. Pat returned early Saturday morning and was joined by Matt Willet as they checked riders in and sent them off into the pre-dawn morning. Travis Berry, who was at Chamounix to handle the finish control of the TK 200K, stuck around to cheer in 400K riders along with Jakub Piven. Iwan Barankay came to staff a late night shift at the finish and even returned to Chamounix the next morning to help clean up.

Riders cross the Lumberville Bridge (photo by Maria Thomson)

We were very lucky to have two experienced randonneurs - PBP anciens in fact - Ed Bernasky and Chris Nadovich out on the course for support. Chris provided a sweep between Coopersburg and Bloomsbury, while Ed staffed the Bloomsbury control. It was invaluable support as the riders entered their final 100K, with many riding in the dark. These volunteers certainly contributed to our amazing finish rate.

At the beginning of the series, Nick faced a lot of questions about his shoes. At this point in the series, it's mostly just looks of amazement that they're still going. (photo by Maria Thomson)

And finally, congratulations once again to all 31 riders. Whether this was your first 400K or your tenth, the Four State route demands patience, resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to keep moving forward long after comfort has disappeared. This year’s group met that challenge with remarkable positivity and determination from the opening miles in darkness to the final exhausted climb back up to Chamounix Drive many hours later.

There were too many good photos to include from this ride. Check out the rest in this Google Folder.

Bill Scanga and David Coccagna work on the event board

Ben Keenan writes...

Thanks to Brad, Pat, Cece, Matt, Dave, Ed and all other volunteers for this ride.  Truth: I may have cursed and whined on a few of the hills and whilst experiencing some unrequested “manure therapy” from the wet roads in Amish country.  But even more truth: That was a magnificent route and day.  Thanks to all the other riders for making this a great rendition of the Four State 400 and hope to see everyone next month for the series finale. 

Crossing the Riegelsville Bridge (photo by Kate Sparacio)

Kate Sparacio writes...

 Wow what a day! It kept the spirits consistently high that so many of us were riding in close proximity to each other all day, making every control a delight to roll into and creating opportunities to ride with a rotating cast of friends over the course of the day and into the night. It felt extremely special to be among such a significant number of riders who were pushing their first 400k. So much pride and stoke for this group's huge accomplishment! 

Sayantan Khan writes...

On long rides like these, my brain decomposes the memory of the ride into large distinct chunks with each having a different overarching theme or impression. For this ride there were the

- Swarthmore and Delaware section: I am delighted each time I ride into Delaware on a PA Randonneurs ride: beautiful undulating roads and trails, made prettier by riding through it as the sun rose.

- Amish country: Seeing horse drawn carriages and the Amish folk commuting on their bikes filled me with a sense of safety and camaraderie.

- The steep and remote hilly sections: While the steep hills in this section were punishing, they also immediately paid off as soon as I would crest each one: they were remote, wild, and extremely green.

- Fleecy Dale Road and home turf: As soon as we crossed back into PA, the reward was a delightful little climb (almost a digestif after the main course of all the other climbs), followed by the home turf of familiar PA roads.

With this sort of decomposition, the ride felt less like a 400k, and more like a sequence of four delightful but different 100k rides.

Riders nap before riding home after a long day and night

Alexa Ringer writes...

This ride delivers everything you love about the mid-Atlantic region: drifting in the nooks and crannies of pastoral land, flying through quiet wood covered bridges, and that awesome feeling of being instantly transported away from major cities even though we skirt the edges of several cities. I saw a lot of things on this ride just in the first few hours: lamas, a fox near a Wawa, more Amish buggies and scooter-bikes than I could count, bunnies, a skunk, ponies, and lots of farm life. Maria, Jasen, Nick, Owen and I also unfortunately witnessed a car crash at 9am and mile 60~ from a driver foolishly overtaking us at a blind spot when a car was coming just on the other side. Everyone was ok but it was a sobering reminder of our vulnerability, even when wearing lots of reflective gear and on seemingly quiet roads. Looking at the broken mirror on the ground after both drivers took off, we didn't know what else to do but keep riding. From then on out, I opted to take the full lane if it wasn't safe for cars to pass, and tried to signal to drivers when it was safe. 

Although the mid-morning rain made it hard to stop without getting cold, one of my favorite parts was meandering through sweeping Amish farmland and being so caught up in the long lush sightlines of colorful patched fields, vibrant greens, browns, and yellows from the rain...I forgot it was raining, until I realized it wasn't anymore. It's moments like that I remind myself to smile, even if I'm by myself and I'm wet, cold, or miserable. That's all it takes to make my body feel flooded with gratitude to be on a bike in spite of obstacles and challenges, physical, mental, weather, whatever. Rolled with different homies and it all felt pretty good overall despite some back pain and chaffing from wet bibs (ugh).

By the time I approached the Wawa near Allentown at mile 160, I was beginning to feel exhausted and that the task at hand was insurmountable. I stopped looking at the mile marker because I knew I wouldn't like seeing any number there unless it was 250. I had a breakfast burrito, brushed my teeth and washed my face, and set off again with speakers blasting Bad Bunny in sync with Tracey, feeling invigorated and riding with Dan, Jake, Owen, Tracey, Jasen, Andy...there were probably others. It was a good group. The sun was finally out and warming us up even though it was also going down, so we took it in as much as possible as it warmed our backs. The sky opened up into those perfect cotton candy clouds, dreamy expansive views of Appalachian plateaus in the distance and we danced our butts off to EDM music on the climbs and descents, and even crossing the bridge into NJ on foot.

Jasen Lo and Alexa Ringer at the finish

Lights were on by New Jersey and Jasen, Celia, and I took off together from the last control. We caught up to Andy and the four of us were cooking on a solid paceline until the pothole covered, washed out road gave Celia a flat. We did our best to help but the cold set in from standing still, sucking out morale. We warmed up with chicken noodle soup at the next Wawa. Only 30 miles from the finish but it felt like another 100. Jasen and I set off and just kept it steady, joking about our hallucinations and questioning why the heck we were out here at 3am. It felt easier than the fleche we did last weekend for some reason - whether the route, the 4am - 4am cadence (instead of 9am - 9am), or just that we were getting use to the sleep deprivation on these brevets....I got pissed at the final train track crossing in Manayunk near Port Royal and walked the steep pitch, cursing and telling Jasen surely this has gotten steeper since the last time we were here... We finished just after 4am blasting Sandstorm by Danube and despite having no gas left in the tank, sprinting up Chamonix anyway.

"RBAs sleep too" (caption & photo by Ben Keenan)

Next up is the finale of the Pennsylvania Super Randonneur Series: the Bleu Kaundi 600K. Join us June 6-7 for one more epic adventure. Registration is open until midnight on Wednesday, June 3. We need volunteers! Reach out if you are interested or have any questions. We also have the Keystone Brevet Co 200K on June 13.

FYI, we are putting together an order for Woolistic PA Rando jerseys! We want to make sure everyone is prepared for PBP 2027 and any other big rides ahead. Check out the club store for more details. Ordering will remain open until 15 July.

PS: I’m also looking for photos and stories about how the SR Series punchcards have added motivation to your rides. If you’ve been keeping your card in a special place, such as on your fridge, in your handlebar bag, pinned to a bulletin board, or somewhere else that keeps the challenge in sight, I’d love to collect some photos and stories to share. If you’re interested, please reach out!

Brad Layman
RBA, Pennsylvania Randonneurs

PA Flèche 2026 Ride Report

Seven riders, forming two teams, clipped in at 9:00 AM on Saturday, May 2, and set off on their journeys to Philadelphia. All seven starters finished within the 24-hour time limit. It was a small field for the 2026 Flèche, but the riding and the experiences were as strong as ever. Notably, five of the seven riders were women, with each team including one man, an impressive showing and one of the highlights of this year’s event.

Escargots Volants

The Escargots Volants team brought together a group of veteran randonneurs, led by captain Laurent Chambart and including Janice Chernekoff and Chris Newman. Starting from Montgomery, NJ, they traced a zigzag path across the state before turning toward Philadelphia for the final push.

The Rando Racoons

The Rando Raccoons, led by captain Alexa Ringer, included Jasen Lo and Maria Thomson, with experienced randonneuse Tracey Hinder providing a steady anchor. They rolled out from Manhattan, NY, worked their way through New Jersey, and crossed into Philadelphia over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

With a smaller field this year, the finish control was moved from the Chamounix Hostel to the Fishtown Diner. The change also proved practical, as the Broad Street Run would have made a cross-city ride to the hostel difficult for both teams.

Fishtown Diner

At the finish, riders were greeted by a cheerful group of supporters, including Nigel Greene and his wife Joyce, Maria’s partner Jon, and her teammates from the Whiz Kids Racing Team. It was a familiar flèche finish scene, with riders settling in somewhere between animated conversation and nodding-off kind of fatigue as the effort of the past 24 hours caught up with them.

Nigel and Joyce cheer on The Escargot Volants

A proper ride report for an event like this is best told through the riders’ own stories:

Laurent Chambart (Escargots Volants) writes...

A great full day (and night) was enjoyed on the bike in the excellent company of two Escargots Volants teammates on the 2026 Eastern PA Fleche. We were fortunate to be gently pushed Southwards all day Saturday by a rather cold wind, after what wind abated at the same time as night fell as and when we were changing direction towards Philadelphia. Along the way we visited altogether 5 Wawas and the Lower Bank Tavern, and had the surprise of bumping into the NJ RBA's NJ Fleche team at our first controle in New Egypt. What exactly is the probability for two teams heading respectively to Manhattan and Philadelphia to meet at exactly the same time, at exactly the same of the 270 Wawas to be found in New Jersey?

Traffic proved very light through the Pine Barrens, and rather light for a Saturday evening once at the Jersey Shore in Ocean City. We were able to leave the Shore still in daylight and night fell as we were making our way towards Mauricetown, where the smell of salty marshes was invigorating. Some bad road surfacing followed, fortunately only temporarily then roads became smooth and delightful as motorists were finally hitting the bed and vanishing from sight. The second half of the stage leading to Swedesboro proved to be my favorite moment of the ride, with the lovely countryside around us illuminated at times in the play of clouds with the full moon. If there were a reason to remind us why we ride at night and we actually love it, that was certainly such a moment.

After reaching Swedesboro with 2h30 to spare vs. a theoretical cut-off, and only 26 miles ahead of us for the following stage, we settled into a very relaxed and unhurried pace as we were entering a slightly more rolling part of New Jersey between Swedesboro and Cherry Hill. A Starbucks provided a table where to shut eyes for a little while, before we checked in and out of the penultimate controle in Cherry Hill as another day was emerging. We vigorously climbed the Ben Franklin bridge, quite possibly the biggest hill on our route, and after a bit of navigation struggles finally found the cycling track leading into the Arrivee in York Street where we crossed the finish line with 10 minutes to spare. We were then able to watch the arrival of the other team arriving from New York City, and everybody settled into the cafe for a joint breakfast after the satisfaction of a job well and pleasantly done.  

Special thanks to fellow Escargots Volants Chris and Janice, and to Eastern PA RBA Brad, for making this possible.

The Rando Racoons

Maria Thomson (The Rando Racoons) writes...

Our team came together in NYC Chez Ringer, where we loaded up on spaghetti, cake, and sleep. Saturday at 9am we made our depart but almost immediately faced a mechanical when Tracey got a flat. The morning continued to feel like a slog from there - city traffic was all around us for miles and miles, and we kept facing mechanicals and flats until we finally made a bike shop detour to replace Tracey’s tire entirely. Combined with the later-than-usual start time and hundreds of miles ahead of us, it was hard to shake the feeling that we were running behind. By mile ~70 we started hitting our stride, but around mile 127 we looked to the right and could STILL SEE THE NYC SKYLINE again leading us to feel that we had gone nowhere. It wasn’t until darkness set in and we finally started setting down the Jersey Shore that we really picked up speed and momentum; by that time, the mood had devolved into utter feral silliness. We trekked across New Jersey over the middle of the night, hitting up every Wawa possible as we now flipped the clock and were ahead of time without traffic to slow us down. After tackling our final mechanical boss (a 4:30am flat in utter darkness on an NJ main road) and our nth questionably necessary gravel “feature” we made it to our Beautiful 22-Hr Diner Controle where I promptly fell asleep while Jasen at soup. Indefatigable Tracey clocked the situation and heroically pulled my, Jasen, and Alexa’s tired butts through the final stretch to victory - 5 minutes to spare!  

Thanks to CJ Arayata and Brad Layman for giving us tons of guidance for all of our first fleche, and feedback on our route, timing, controles!

Alexa Ringer (The Rando Raccoons) writes...

The low point was also my high point. By 3am, it was dark and cold and harder to distract myself from the task at hand when there wasn't even scenery to look at. The flats of the pine barrens offered no mental clue as to where we were. No gear to shift into to change it up. Just trudging along, I tried to focus on turns as my next goal but they were increasingly miles apart and agonizingly slow to reach. Just 3.1 miles to the next turn...3...2.9.....  I was too tired to think about anything in particular, but needed something to keep me awake and my head was starting to hurt from too much caffeine. I've never been good at pulling all nighters for school or for partying. Typically in school I would give up on finishing the assignment, or leave the party despite promises that it would get better as the night went on. Looking up and seeing three friends pedal in unison in beat to the music we were blasting gave me a nameless gumption to just keep going. Just keep going. There was no grade or reward at the end, and it was certainly going to feel even worse the longer we went. Just keep going. It stopped mattering that we'd gotten to 200k, 300k, whatever. What mattered is that we were all embracing how ridiculous this task was, but pedaling, pedaling nonetheless. Pointing out the hazy moon behind the clouds and guessing at the scenery we would see in the light. My body was a chamber, emptied of all thought and emotion and in that rawness I loved seeing the Rando Raccoons persevere through the 24 hour fleche.

Jasen documents his fourth bowl of soup

Jasen Lo (The Rando Raccoons) writes...

Led by our captain A, three new flèche riders set forth home in Philly, accompanied by one adventurous New Yorker, via a circuitous route that guaranteed a thorough tour around North, Central and South Jersey.

We left A’s family home in NYC after a hearty bagel breakfast, towards the George Washington Bridge and stopping for a great view of the Statue of Liberty in Jersey City. After an early flat, we enjoyed a flown descent in the Watchung Reservation in North Jersey. A few brief gravel sections, including one on the D&L, and some suburban back roads took us to Bell’s Lab, a set piece of the TV show Severance. We hit the shore near Sandy Hook at sundown, seeing NYC on the skyline again after an entire day of riding. Only Wawa’s and quiet night riding remained, and I began consuming soups from various rest stops at a prodigious rate. T and M pulled for long sections, huge as sleep deprivation and fatigue took its steady toll. Another late flat at hour 22, but M’s calm mechanical skills prevailed and we made it past the Ben Franklin Bridge and the Fishtown Diner with only 8 minutes to spare following a heroic late pull from T. As T said, everything that could have gone wrong did, but we accomplished the journey anyways. Many thanks to A for stepping up to be a courageous CaptainI’ve come to understand this event as a cunning way to pair novice riders with more experienced randonneurs, and I’m grateful to T and A for showing me the ropes of tackling longer distances given their veteran randoneuring experience. I’ve no doubt that these experiences and the tricks of the trade that I’ve picked up will serve me well on the coming 400k.

Tscheschter Kaundi 200K Course Notes

Travis Berry and Sean Martin completed a pre-ride of the Tscheschter Kaundi 200K on Friday, May 1. They reported a clear route with no detours needed, always good news heading into event day.

Sean Martin in Tscheschter Kaundi (photo by Travis Berry)

Both Travis and Sean will be volunteering during the ride, so if you see them out there, be sure to thank them for taking the time to scout the course and share these notes.

The RWGPS and cue sheet did not need updated. Both can be found here.

Rough Road Caution

The route rolls out through West Philadelphia using bike lanes, but riders should stay alert for trolley tracks, especially at intersections. Call these out to riders behind you when possible. The good news: since this section comes early in the ride, traffic should be relatively light in the morning hours.

There is another section of rough pavement on Hollow Road around miles 93 to 94, just after passing the Butterscotch Pastry Shop (which some riders may remember from last month’s 162K). The right side of the lane is in particularly rough shape. This section is on a downhill gradient, so expect to carry some speed. Stay alert and scan the road surface ahead. Watch for cars and do not hesitate to take the lane when needed for safety. Most of the Saturday afternoon traffic here is headed to/from the pastry shop, so drivers are generally not in a rush.

Postal Control in Christiana (Approx. Mile 63)

There is a postal control in Christiana, roughly the halfway point of the ride. At the start, you’ll receive a stamped and addressed postcard along with your brevet card. Simply drop the postcard in the blue mailbox outside the post office.

If you’re so inclined, feel free to write a note or sketch something before sending it off—it’s part of the tradition.

Important: There is no convenience store at this control.

• The Whip Tavern (around mile 51; marked on RWGPS) has a water bottle filling station and bike tools located on the side of the restaurant, next to the parking lot. Cyclists are welcome to stop and use them.
• An Amish market is located a few miles before Christiana at mile 57 (marked on RWGPS)
• The next convenience store is a Turkey Hill at mile 78 (marked on RWGPS)

Plan your refueling accordingly.

Travis Berry pauses for a photo with the Giant Sequoia in Tyler Arboretum (photo by Sean Martin)

Control & Route Updates

A couple of small adjustments have been made to improve the overall flow of the ride. Each change was made before the pre-rides, so no updates needed to the RWGPS file or cues heet. 

• A Wawa in Dilworthtown (mile 31) has been added as a control. This is a good opportunity to refuel before a stretch with limited options.
• The approach into Phoenixville has been updated. The previous route used Kimberton Rd, PA-23, and Bridge Street. These are roads that tend to get quite busy in the afternoon. The new route follows quieter roads and connects to a section of the Schuylkill River Trail into downtown Phoenixville.
• This change makes for a calmer and more enjoyable finish, but it does mean we skip the Phoenixville Wawa.
• The Wawa in Ludwigs Corner (mile 89) is the last convenience store directly on the route before Phoenixville. There are several refueling options once you reach downtown, though the closest convenience stores will require a short detour off-route.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. Ride smart, stay fueled, and look out for one another. See you at the 7 AM start!

UPDATE #1: Four State 400K Course Notes

UPDATE #1

Cecilie Gaffney and Patrick Gaffney completed a pre-ride on their tandem on Saturday, May 2. David Coccagna and Matt Willet followed with a pre-ride on separate bikes on May 3. All reported a clear route with no detours and shared the following tips.

The RWGPS (last modified 2026-05-4 19:43:35 EDT) and cue sheet (Version 3) are available here.

All four riders will be volunteering at the event, so be sure to thank them for taking the time to scout the course.

Cece points out a bald eagle (photo by Pat Gaffney)

• Be alert for deer crossing the road at night and during twilight, especially on descents such as Staats Road.
• Use caution on roads departing Philadelphia. The first 90 minutes will be in the dark, and several streets include trolley tracks and potholes. Most hazards are noted in the cues, but stay alert and communicate with riders behind you.

Ditch nap (photo by David Coccagna)

• After the Birdsboro postal control and Turkey Hill, the route briefly uses U.S. Route 422 for about a quarter mile and requires a tricky left turn. There are limited alternatives for crossing, so be prepared to move through this section efficiently. Since it comes right after a control, you should be fresh and ready to get through quickly.
• Roads in New Jersey include some rough pavement. Pay extra attention here, as many riders will encounter this section in the dark.
• If you need to abandon the ride after Birdsboro, there is another option from Coopersburg. It is about a 20-mile ride, including some bike trail, to the Lansdale Regional Rail Station.
• Umbria Street (miles 243 to 245) is in rough condition, with several construction zones encroaching on the bike lane. Most riders will pass through this section late at night, which should make it easier to take the lane when needed.

Ride Your Butt(er) Off 162K Ride Report

Congratulations to all 25 riders who clipped in for the Ride Your Butt(er) Off for a Cause 162K, and especially to the 21 finishers. Results are posted. Take a look to make sure everything looks correct.

We had several riders who completed their first-ever randonneuring event: Nick Dalvano, Jacqueline Means, Ethan Mentzer, Ellie Wasserman, and Joe Zdichowski. Chapeau and a big welcome to the world of randonneuring. We hope this is the first of many rides with us.

Volunteer Pat Gaffney makes announcements at the start (photo by CJ Arayata)

Photo by Michael Reali

Riders rolled out into a steady headwind and a string of punchy hills that made it clear right away this was going to be a “earn your miles” kind of day. The reward for that early effort came at The Buttery, where most riders slipped in just before 10 a.m., narrowly beating the weekend brunch rush and enjoying a calm, well-timed stop. Along the way, riders paused to take in and photograph a notably peaceful Hopewell Lake at the control French Creek State Park, a quiet moment that felt worlds away from the grind of the city.

Checking in at The Buttery (photo by CJ Arayata)

James Mill Rd (photo by Michael Reali)

Hopewell Lake (photo by Nicholas Manna)

Of course, the route was not done asking questions. The climb out of Nantmeal Village on the Horseshoe Trail delivered a proper test, the kind that has you checking your gearing choices and perhaps questioning the route designer. What goes up, though, does come down, and riders were treated to a smooth, sweeping descent on Birchrun Road that carried them into the Butterscotch Pastry Shop control. Tucked into a scenic valley between some impressively large hills, it is about as ideal a pastry stop as you could design, complete with picnic tables and a trickling stream that encourages you to sit just a little longer than planned.

Butterscotch Pastry Shop (photos by Nicholas Manna)

From there, the tone of the day shifted. Riders found their rhythm, spirits lifted, and the route seemed to open up as they picked up a friendly tailwind along the Schuylkill River Trail. What had been a grind on the way out turned into smooth sailing on the way back, with miles ticking by and Chamounix drawing closer.

It was a great day on the bike, with steady riding conditions and a strong community feel throughout the route. As always, these rides come together because of the people willing to step up and make them happen, and this one was no exception.

Horseback riders sharing the road on Sheeder Mill (photo by Michael Reali)

Yellow Springs Village (photo by Michael Reali)

Ello Shertzer rolls into the finish at Chamounix (photo by Kostiantyn Maistrenko)

Thank you to all of the volunteers who made this event possible. Bella Kuhl played an important role in making the day run smoothly, helping keep things organized and stepping in wherever needed to support riders and logistics. She also coordinated our fundraising efforts, which benefitted the Boys & Girls Club.

Ron Anderson offered steady support throughout the weekend and helping ensure everything stayed on track from start to finish. Pat Gaffney and David Coccagna both contributed in meaningful ways on the ground, helping with event operations and rider support throughout the day.

As the day wrapped up, it was another reminder that these events are built on shared effort and a strong volunteer core. Whether it is setting things up, supporting riders, or helping at the finish, each role matters and adds to the overall experience that keeps people coming back.

CJ Arayata writes...

Thanks Brad, Pat, Ron, and all of the volunteers for the 162k/300k this Saturday. I had a great time on the 162k with excellent weather, a nice tailwind for the second half, and some fun controles. As a Chester County native, I didn't realize how much I had missed the riding around the Warwick and French Creek area. There were multiple stretches where I didn't see any cars or even other cyclists for miles. Being able to enjoy a beautiful day on smooth and quiet roads was a great contrast to the hustle (and potholes) of the city. Also, special thanks to Iwan for the additional cues; these really helped me know which descents I could bomb and which ones to be a bit more careful on. Aside, it was a pleasant surprise to have the oldest RUSA number on the 162k roster. It's exciting to see so many new faces lately and notice 'First 300!' and even 'First brevet!' notes in the results. Thanks again!

Ello Shertzer writes...

Thanks for yet another great route, Brad! I had a great day and really loved the scenery especially once we got out into the rural areas. On the animal sightings rating scale, this one gets a 10! Highlights included a really beautiful woodpecker, a very fuzzy long-horned cow, alpacas, and baby goats. 

George Retseck writes...

The route leaving the city was brilliant with low traffic, quiet roads and views of an amazing amount mansions. The country roads that followed were stunning with signs of spring and terrain that resembled scenes in Europe. The predicted headwinds on the way out were tolerable with plenty of protection provided by stone walls, barns and hills. I enjoyed sharing a few kilometers with many new members.

French Creek was a good halfway point and the turn back provided a slight bit of tailwind to assist the remaining climbs. The Butterscotch controle was awesome, especially the butterscotch cake warmed up. Big thank you to Jason for calling the controle out as I circled confused at the crossroads right before it. Michael, Joe and Jason and I leapfrogged a few times on the way back. Once on the SRT, I was content for an easy cruise back to Philly, but as Michael, Joe & Jason came by in paceline, I had to join in. It felt good to spin again after all the hills of Chester County. A gorgeous course and beautiful spring day made for a fantastic day on the bike. Thank you to the organizers and volunteers that made it possible.

Nick Manna writes...

Alpacas. A car stopping and asking if we were with PA Randonneurs. The beautiful weather once the wind died down. Rode with Andy greaser my friend since childhood and he completed his first 100 mile ride.

Kudos to everyone who has participated in the Road-to-200K Series

The Road-to-200K series continues with the Tscheschter Kaundi 200K on May 9. These events do not happen without the support of our volunteers, and we are always looking for more people to get involved. If you are interested in helping out at a future event, please reach out. Volunteering at a longer brevet is also a great way to learn what it takes to manage a long day in the saddle, without having to ride all the miles yourself.

We also encourage everyone to take a moment to share their thoughts through our anonymous Event Feedback Form. Your feedback helps us improve the rider experience, refine our routes, and continue to put on safe, well-supported events.

There were too many great photos to include here—check out the rest in the Google Photos folder.

Brad Layman
RBA, Pennsylvania Randonneurs