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

Hawk Mountain 300K Ride Report

Congratulations to all 46 riders who clipped in for the Hawk Mountain 300K, and especially to the 44 finishers (41 day-of riders and 3 pre-riders) producing an outstanding 96% finish rate. Together, we set a new club record for the most finishers on a PA Rando 300K. Results are posted. Take a look to make sure everything looks accurate.

We had a number of riders complete their first 300K: David Bacher Hicks, Anna Balchunas, Bing Dai, Peter Eby, Aaron Gemmill, Jimmy Karadagli, Sayantan Khan, Jasen Lo, Phil Luong, Peter McLoone, Sam Tarlow, and Erik Wright. Chapeau to all of you for reaching this milestone.

Chris Myers and Sawyer Rioux embraced a big challenge by making this 300K their first-ever brevet. Chapeau and kudos for jumping straight past the 200K.

Celia Feal Staub and Kristen Song completed their first PA brevets. Welcome, and we hope to see you back for another brevet soon.

Approaching Hawk Mountain (photo by Sayantan Khan)

Early morning shadows (photo by David Bacher Hicks)

Hawk Mountain summit selfie by Peter Eby

Riders were greeted with a stiff headwind in the morning hours, making the first half of the day feel a little tougher and colder than expected. Still, for many, memories of last year’s April 300K, which featured a cold rain that eventually turned to snow, made this year’s conditions feel almost ideal. After all, it would not be a proper spring ride in Pennsylvania without some wind. The most challenging stretch seemed to come between the Wanamakers General Store control and the Hawk Mountain climb, where the exposed valley and surrounding ridges create a bit of a wind tunnel effect. Thankfully, riders were rewarded with a tailwind for most of the ride back to Philly.

Photo by Daniel Steinberg

Wanamakers General Store (photo by Maria Thomson)

The Wanamakers General Store control once again stood out as a highlight of the route. The friendly staff were excited to see riders coming through and genuinely impressed that we had ridden all the way from Philly. It is a true gem in the area, with great made-to-order options, baked goods, and healthy choices, along with a relaxing outdoor spaces. Many riders commented on the jovial and welcoming atmosphere, which made it a memorable stop in the middle of a challenging day.

On-course support at Mile 113

Sean Martin and I set up an on-course support station near mile 113 at a park pavilion along the Schuylkill. It turned out to be a perfect spot to hang out and welcome riders with pizza, snacks, and drinks. Thanks to pre-riders David Coccagna and Pat Gaffney, who reported feeling parched and fatigued by the time they reached the Reading Wawa control at mile 131, we knew this would be an ideal section to offer some extra support.

Back at Chamounix, riders gathered around a taco and fajita bar, sharing tales of their adventures. Shout out to Jakub Piven for the taco inspiration. I’ve been trying to mix things up a bit with our usual food offerings, especially for dinner. If you have ideas for future events, feel free to reach out or share them through the anonymous Event Feedback Form. 

Nick Manta and David Bacher Hicks at the finish control

Taco bar at Chamounix

Bing Dai checks-in at the finish with his brevet card and series punchcard

Thank you to all of the volunteers who made this event possible. Ron Anderson was a gracious lead organizer, offering support throughout the weekend. He helped with Friday check-ins, and the start and finish for the 162K and 300K. David Coccagna and Pat Gaffney completed pre-rides and provided valuable route insights, and both helped at the finish for the 162K and 300K. Somehow, Pat even made it to the early morning start after his own early morning pre-ride the day before.

Simona Dwass was incredibly helpful as well, assisting with Friday evening check-ins, Saturday morning breakfast, and jumping in at the on-course support station after her ride ended in Kutztown. She then returned to help at the finish. Andy Spiers was also at the finish helping to cheer on riders. Andy has been attending the finish controls for the past several Philly brevets, so he deserves a big shoutout. The cheering zone at our Philly events is something special, and we love how every rider gets cheered in at the finish. 

And thank you to Sean Martin for the outstanding on-course support. His vegan oatmeal cookies have been a huge hit, and after back-to-back appearances at the March 200K and this 300K, he’s becoming a familiar and welcome sight on our routes. For many riders, his support showed up at just the right time.

Soph Lofaso and Gil Torres cross the Perkiomen Creek Bridge (photo by Phil Luong)

Riders stop to make a derailleur adjustment. Left to right: Simona Dwass, Erik Wright, and Kate Sparacio (photo by Dan Powers)

Congratulations to Jake Prosser for completing an R-12 with this ride!

Jake Prosser writes...

Was very excited to complete the 2026 rendition of the Hawk Mountain 300K. It was a beautiful course with good weather (minus the morning headwinds). This ride capped off my R-12 challenge, completing a 12 month streak of rigorous 200k and 300k courses. It was easily the most difficult thing I have ever attempted, requiring planning, dedication and mental toughness I didn’t know I was capable of. There were countless moments in the dark and cold I wanted to call it quits, but overcoming those moments makes success that much sweeter. I am so grateful for the opportunity to ride with everyone I have shared a road with over the year. Keep pushing yourself each day, have fun, and most importantly, keep your rubber down!! 🚲

Sayantan Khan writes...

What a great day for a ride: even the headwinds for the first half couldn't take away from how scenic the ride to Hawk Mountain was. This time I also decided to take it and socialize more on the ride, rather than gunning for the front group, and that paid off immensely. We had a large group of people having lunch together at Wanamaker's, and I got to meet so many new people, both at the controls, and on the many extended climbs out to Hawk Mountain: I got to witness many beautiful bikes and beautiful jerseys. 

Jakub Piven writes...

The headwind was brutal for the first half! But the consequential exhaustion in the second half was relieved by the mirage-like appearance of Sean's rando-support van, Sean & Brad & Simona, Domino's pizza, and iced cans of coke. Also, shout out to the delicious oatmeal cookies!

Loved weaving through Bill's(?) paperboy-ing up Hawk Mountain, with Joey's ever-vigilant shouts of "car!" warning him to momentarily abandon that strategy. It seemed like the extra mileage was worth it.

Grateful for Joey D.'s and Jacob P.'s company through most of the ride, especially in those last SRT sections where you just need to keep the momentum up to get to the finish.

The Reading hobbit hole (photo by Maria Thomson)

Maria Thomson writes...

Thanks to the PA Rando organizers & volunteers for putting together another beautiful and challenging ride. As usual, I was grateful for a thoughtful and safe route full of little surprises and delights (looking at you, Reading hobbit hole). Though we faced strong headwinds for the first half of the day, even blowing us around on some of the descents, seeing spring in full bloom and being surrounded by good company kept spirits high. Thanks to Sam from Bushwick for being my buddy up the grueling climb up Hawk Mountain and for helping me with a roadside derailleur fix soon thereafter. The bonus pizza stop at mile 115 was also a huge boost to break up the second-half climbing. Waiting for my knees to stop creaking and the amnesia to set in to push me on to 400k (maybe, probably...) 

Bill Scanga writes...

Amazing weather. Maybe the curse of the Pa 300k has been lifted? The things I learn from other riders along the route and the volunteers are always the highlight.  Seeing the strength, perseverance, and positive outlook of Pa Randonneurs is what gets me to the finish!

Ben Keenan writes...

Thanks to Ron, Brad and all the volunteers for a memorable day and a well-run event. I had a great time!  The stretch of the route from Kutztown to Hawk Mountain is one of my favorites ever, highlighted by the stately dog (to borrow a fellow rider’s apt description) at the top of the last hill before Wannamakers Store noting passersby with noble equanimity. I stayed over at Chamounix at the end and will remember the claps and cheers late into the night as the riders/heroes rolled into the finish. Well-done everyone and hope to see you next month at the 400.

Overlook in the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (photo by Jasen Lo)
Would make a great control in the future!

Jasen Lo writes...

Thanks to Brad and the other organizers and volunteers for their work in arranging a wonderful day of riding bikes. For someone nervous about tackling a 300k and extended riding in the dark for the first time, this route was ideal, testing me early with its severe climbs and headwinds, then delivering me home steadily on the familiar SRT at night. Between the support provided by the PA Rando organizers, my fellow riders who never ceased to encourage me, and the helpful strangers I encountered along the route, I knew I would be able to finish my longest ride to date.  A few days before the ride, PA Rando royalty CJ Arayata advised me, “Slow and steady finishes the ride in one piece!” I took his words to heart, making sure to make the most of my time allowance and rest my legs when needed. In that same spirit of stopping to smell the flowers, I decided to make a stop at the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary atop the route’s namesake mountain. A staff member encouraged me to take at least a short break at the lookout point, given my fatigue after what was a strenuous climb. At the viewpoint, fellow visitors and staff were fascinated by what our riders were doing that day. We spotted a few black vultures flying overhead while admiring the eastward view of Allentown and the surrounding Lehigh Valley, as well as the westward view of the Appalachian ridges. The climb up Hawk Mountain felt all the more rewarding, and I held on to that sense of accomplishment and adventure as I rolled back into Philadelphia. 

We are now halfway through the PA SR Series events, but only a third of the way through the total distance. The next event is the Four State 400K on May 9. This RBA was delighted to see several riders register for the 400K immediately after finishing their 300K, even before the 1 AM time cutoff had passed. Whether it is a case of rapid randonesia or simply the joy of being back on the bike this spring, the enthusiasm is strong.

As the distances increase, so does the need for volunteer support. If you are interested in helping out at a future event, please reach out. We would love to have you involved. Also, please take a moment to share your thoughts using our anonymous Event Feedback Form. Your feedback helps us improve rider experience, refine routes, and continue to provide safe and well-supported events.

The stately dog

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

Brad Layman
RBA, Pennsylvania Randonneurs

UPDATE #1: Ride Your Butt(er) Off 162K Course Notes

Cue Update:

Iwan Barankay took a close look through the cues and offered some helpful suggestions to improve clarity and add a few additional warnings. I appreciate the extra set of eyes, especially with this being a new route.

The route itself is unchanged. Only the cues in RWGPS and the cue sheet have been updated for clarity. The RWGPS file (last modified 2026-04-4 10:24:04 EDT) and cue sheet (Version 3) have been updated accordingly and can be found here.

__________________________________________

Original Post:

The Ride Your Butt(er) Off for a Cause 162K is coming up on April 11 and serves as the second leg of the Road-to-200K Series. This ride fits nicely between the International Women’s Day 107K held in March and the Tscheschter Kaundi 200K on May 9. It’s a good stepping stone that builds distance and confidence as you work your way toward 200K. 

I completed a pre-ride on April 2 and found the route to be in good shape. The RWGPS route (last modified 2026-04-3 07:41:43 EDT) and cue sheet (Version 2) have been updated and can be found here.

This ride starts and finishes at the Chamounix Carriage House. The start time is 8:00 AM, and the finish control closes at 6:49 PM, giving riders 10 hours 49 minutes to complete the course. If you are driving to the event, it is recommended that you park on Ford Rd or at Cadence Cycling Center and ride over to the start. Parking at Chamounix during the event is not recommended.

Club volunteers will have some light breakfast options ready at the start and snacks at the finish. They will also have your brevet cards ready, which include a unique code to activate the eBrevet app if you choose to use it.

You may have noticed that the distance changed from 161K to 162K. This came from a small adjustment after the pre-ride. Less than a kilometer was added, but it pushed the official distance over 162K. RUSA rounds distances down (161.8K is considered 161K). This change gives riders an additional four minutes. The finish control will close at 6:49 PM.

This route has a couple of well-loved café stops that many Philly-area cyclists will recognize. The first is The Buttery in Malvern (mile 23), followed later by the Butterscotch Pastry Shop in Birchrunville (mile 62). Both are great places to take a proper break if you need one, or just grab a pastry on the go. Both cafés have indoor and outdoor seating, along with restrooms. The outdoor seating at the Butterscotch is especially nice on a warm day, with picnic tables set alongside a trickling stream. 

About eight miles after the Butterscotch stop, there is a Wawa control that serves as the last on-route opportunity to stock up before heading back toward the city.

There is one small update to the controls. The French Creek State Park control (third overall) has been moved from the park welcome sign to the boat launch at Hopewell Lake. The main reason for the change is access to a restroom at that location. This control is designated as a photo control. You will take a photo of your bike with Hopewell Lake in the background, and your brevet card will include these instructions. If you are using eBrevet, you can check-in on the app as normal and treat the photo as optional, though still encouraged for the memory. As of the April 2 pre-ride, the water fountain there was not yet turned on for the season, but the bathrooms were open (and heated on a cool day).

I want to flag a section of the route in this area that could be easy to miss. Just after the French Creek State Park/Hopewell Lake control, shortly after mile 48, there is a right turn onto a grassy connector that leads to another park road called Entrance Rd. The grassy connector is not open to cars and can be easy to miss if you are not paying attention. Look for a “Service Road Do Not Enter” sign on the left. That’s your cue to turn right onto the grassy connector, then turn left on Entrance Rd. See images below for more detail.

"Service Road Do Not Enter” sign on the left side of road is cue to turn RIGHT

 Turn right onto the grassy connector, then left onto Entrance Road.

The course features rolling hills through the suburbs before opening up into some really nice countryside riding. The final 30 miles use the Schuylkill River Trail (SRT). While some riders are not fans of the extended trail riding, it helps keep the overall difficulty in check and avoids turning the end of the ride into a hilly grind.

One final note: take a few minutes to review the route ahead of time so you do not make a wrong turn on the loop at the far end of the course. The loop is ridden clockwise and is straightforward when you are expecting it, but can be confusing if you are not.

Remember to bring your Road-to-200K punchcards if you completed the International Women’s Day 107K. We will stamp your cards at the finish.

Registration closes at midnight on Thursday, April 9. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone on April 11. Thank you for supporting the Boys & Girls Club, which is the charity focus of this event.

Brad Layman
RBA, Pennsylvania Randonneurs

UPDATE #1: Hawk Mountain 300K Course Notes

***UPDATE: April 7***

Many thanks to David Coccagna for completing a pre-ride of the course on April 6 and sharing the following notes:

• Riders should use extra caution on descents throughout the course, as there is loose gravel frequently sitting in the middle of the road and in corners. Stay alert, control your speed, and choose your line carefully.
• At Wanamaker’s (control before Hawk Mountain), gallons of water are available on the shelf for a much better value than individual bottles—worth considering (and sharing) if you are topping off bottles.
• Be sure to fill bottles at Boyer’s Market (post–Hawk Mountain control). Warmer temperatures are expected, and the next stretch is longer than it may appear. A third bottle is not a bad idea.
• In the second half of the route, there are several metal grate bridges and rough railroad track crossings. These are noted in the cues on RWGPS and on the cue sheet. If your GPS unit does not display RWGPS cues directly, I recommend reviewing the cue sheet ahead of time. Metal grate bridges, railroad crossings, and busy intersections are all marked as “Danger” cues. Approach these carefully and call them out if riding in a group.
• Between approximately mile 123 and mile 131, approaching Reading, traffic may be heavier and more aggressive. Use heightened awareness through this section, especially at busy intersections. 

Pat Gaffney is also hoping to squeeze in a pre-ride later this week. We will post any additional updates here as they become available.

As always, ride safely, stay aware of conditions, and look out for one another.

***ORIGINAL POST***

The Hawk Mountain from Philly 300K, the second leg of the Pennsylvania SR Series, is coming up on April 11. I completed a pre-ride of the route on March 30 and found the course to be in good condition overall. There are more pre-rides planned by other event volunteers, so please check back on this blog post in the days leading up to the ride. I will continue to update this page with any new information.

There were a couple of road closures that required detours. These have been updated on RWGPS (last modified 2026-03-3113:02:17 EDT) and reflected in the latest cue sheet (Version 2). The most significant closure is on Spring City Rd between Spring City and Phoenixville due to bridge construction. With the detours, the route now comes in a bit long, closer to 305K.

If you’re feeling a bit unsure about the jump to 300K, that’s completely normal. The PA SR Series is set up with that in mind. The 200K to start the series is intentionally on the hillier side to build the kind of strength and stamina you need for longer PA rides. With three weeks between events, you’ve had enough time to recover while holding onto your fitness. You’re not starting from scratch here.

It also helps to look at how the climbing compares. The Ronde van White Clay 200K came in at about 70 feet of climbing per mile. The Hawk Mountain 300K is closer to 62 feet per mile. The total elevation of the 300K is higher because of the added distance, but the climbing is a bit less dense than what you’ve already handled.

The route is also set up in a way that works in your favor. The harder terrain comes early. If you split the ride at the control in Orwigsburg, the first half is 96.5 miles with 7,287 feet of climbing, including the Hawk Mountain ascent at just over 2 miles and 826 feet of gain at an average of 8.2 percent. The second half is 93.4 miles with 4,501 feet of climbing and follows the Schuylkill River Valley back toward Philadelphia. If you stay controlled over the early climbs, the back half tends to go more smoothly.

Source: https://www.hawkmountain.org/visit/events/spring-hawk-migration

A quick note about Hawk Mountain itself. By mid-April, the hawk migration is picking up, which brings more visitors to the area. The good news is that the bird-watching crowd tends to be very patient and courteous on the road, and there is not much through-traffic on the climb.

The bigger concern is the descent on the far side. We go down the steeper side of the mountain, and it is fast. The road has a number of twists and turns, so stay controlled and give yourself plenty of room. It is not a place to take risks, especially with the possibility of oncoming traffic.

Riding parallel to the ridge of Blue Mountain

Riders who have done the Water & Wind 300K will notice some similarities. There is a comparable amount of climbing, long stretches along the river, and some great views of the Appalachian ridgelines. This route has its own character though, especially with the direct approach over Hawk Mountain rather than working around it.

For anyone who rode this route on the first edition in September 2025, the scenery has a different feel this time of year. With less tree canopy, there are more open views and a chance to see parts of the landscape that were hidden before. It ends up feeling like a different ride in a good way, though the more open terrain can also mean some challenging wind conditions depending on the day.

For those who shared feedback at the March 200K about enjoying the non-SRT return into the city, I will apologize in advance. This route leans in the opposite direction. That said, there are some sections of trail that may be new to you, and it makes for a smooth and efficient way back.

The ride starts well before sunrise, so lights, reflective vests, and ankle straps are required and will be checked at the start.

Food & Controls

There is an early Wawa control at mile 30. Resist the temptation to keep moving without refuleing. Take breaks, drink, and eat throughout the morning.

Natural spring water available at mile 48 (marked in cues)

Wanamakers General Store, a control around mile 78, is a good place to plan for a longer stop. They have made-to-order sandwiches, baked goods, grocery items, restrooms, and seating inside and out. The picnic tables behind the store are a great spot to eat lunch on a nice day. It comes about seven miles before the Hawk Mountain climb, which makes it a good place to fuel up.

The next control after the climb is a grocery store near mile 96 (midway point) with solid options, though fewer ready-to-eat choices. There is a restroom in the grocery store, located between the cashiers and exit. 

Controls are spaced well, but a little planning will help keep things smooth. We visit two more Wawa controls (West Reading near mile 131 & Pottstown near mile 152) on the return to Philadelphia.

There are additional food and restroom options are marked on RWGPS.

Easter candy sale at Boyer Food Market

Start & Finish Logistics

The start is at the Chamounix Carriage House at 5:00 AM. Volunteers will be there by 4:00 AM to set up breakfast and start check-ins and bike inspections. The finish is also at Chamounix with a 1:00 AM cutoff.

If you’re driving, plan to park on Ford Rd or at Cadence Cycling Center and ride to the start. Parking at Chamounix during the event is not recommended.

Remember to bring your SR Series Punchcards! If you missed picking up an SR Series punchcard at the 200K, I will have extras available. These will include punchcards with a blank 200K spot so you can still complete your SR Series by riding another PA 200K later this season.

Post-Ride

We’ll have food at the finish at Chamounix. It’s always a good place to spend some time after the ride and connect with other riders coming in.

Remember to check this blog again for updates in the days leading up to the event. Registration closes at midnight on Thursday, April 9. Looking forward to seeing everyone on April 11. It should be a great day out on the bike.

Brad Layman
RBA, PA Randonneurs