The Hawk Mountain 300K, the second leg of the Pennsylvania Super Randonneur 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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 refuel throughout the morning.
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| Natural spring water out of the Reading Prong available at mile 48 (marked in cues) |
Wanamakers General Store, around mile 78, is a good place to plan for a longer stop. They have sandwiches, baked goods, grocery items, and seating inside and out. It comes just 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 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.
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| 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. The finish is also at Chamounix with a 1:00 AM cutoff.
If you’re driving, plan to park on Ford Rd or 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. Looking forward to seeing everyone on April 11. It should be a great day out on the bike.
Brad Layman
RBA, PA Randonneurs
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