August Events

*** Update 8/3/12 ***

We ran recently the Hawk's Nest 200k for the July R-12, the August 4th edition will be exactly the same and the previous course notes have been posted here:

http://parandonneurs.blogspot.com/2012/07/july-r-12-hawks-nest-200k.html

... the Rt 97 construction is completed, but those of you not familiar with the Rt 80 pedestrian bridge, the link above has some additional info to help you figure out how to get across.  Also, please take note of the parking directions -- the lot is right behind the dinner, around the corner, as shown on the map.

I spoke to the folks at the Water Gap Diner, and I made arrangements to have the cook there early, in order to get the grill warmed up -- so hopefully, they'll be ready for us this time and there won't be any delays in getting food ordered.

It looks like a hot numid day on tap, although the dew points today are several degrees lower in Hawley -- hopefully, that dry slot will hang in there for us tomorrow!  But I plan to pack an ice sock, just in case, along with a camelback to keep hydrated.

I have a couple of SPOT GPS trackers that I recently bought and have been evaluating them for use on brevets to help keep track of riders.  I'll be handing these out to a couple of riders at the start to carry along with them.

*** 200k Roster (as of 8/3/12)

1 Philip S Borba
2 Gerhard J.A. Dohne
3 Dawn M Engstrom
4 Kerin Huber
5 Eric Keller
6 William Olsen
7 Tom Rosenbauer
8 Norman Smeal
9 Bob Torres

*** Original Post ***
On August 4, we'll be headed back to Hawk's Nest for a 200k ride through the cool, shaded roads in Promised Land and along the Upper Delaware River.  Event details are at:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/R12ClubAug1.html
If you'd like to join the roster, please send me an e-mail by Thursday, August 2.

And two weeks later on August 17, the Endless Mountains 1000k offers you a truly epic challenge.  The Daily Randonneur's Ed Felker calls it the "...the toughest randonnee you'll ever love..." A link to Ed's ride report can be found here:
http://em1240k.blogspot.com/2010/09/em1000k-ride-reports-and-pictures-2011_29.html
Event Details have been posted here:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/PA1000K.html
Registration closes on August 10.

-Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA

July R-12 Hawks Nest 200k Report

Preliminary results for the July 14th Hawk's Nest 200k have been posted at:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/PA200k_Results120714.pdf
... Results will become final, pending ACP certification.  Note: Due to the delay at the start, caused by diner being slow with breakfast, 10 minutes was credited to each rider.


The 14 riders that made it to the start with all their necessary equipment finished well within the time limit for another 100% finish rate on this course.  Jud Hand also made it to the start but somehow his wheels didn't.  So Jud generously offered to support the ride as a volunteer by sweeping the course in his car and meeting all the riders at each controle -- thanks Jud, for your unexpected help and tremendous display of camaraderie and randonneuring spirit!


Special thanks also, to Organizer Bill Olsen (flying solo this time with the RBA on vacation in California).  And thanks also to volunteer Chris Roth for helping out at the start and finish controles.


Don Jagel writes: "..The ride was the perfect way to start the first day of vacation.  The weather, and company could not have been better.  I spent most of the day riding on and off with Norm and Bob.  The real "icing on the cake" was the surprise at Hawks Nest.  Now that the construction is done it is possible to relax and take in the views when passing through on glass smooth asphalt.  I was sorry that Jud was not able to ride, but I sure did appreciate the effort he put in to make to every control except Hainesville, and he was even there to greet us at the finish.  Thanks Jud! Tomorrow I am leaving for driving up to Canada to start officially start my vacation.  I will be riding up through northeastern Quebec, then across Labrador for several weeks.  I will start riding on 7/17.  If anyone is interested, I will be posting a log and photos as I go, whenever I can get web access.  I will also have real time GPS tracking as I go.  I will be posting at 
http://bike.talloakfarm.com./
 ..."


Ted Smith writes: "...Bill, I wanted to thank you for putting on a great ride.  As expected it was
challenging but very enjoyable.  Looking back, I don't remember the difficulties of the climbs or the cursing under my breath as I turned the pedals over in the sun.  I remember some great downhill segments over smooth pavement on roads free of cars.  I was even able to beat my top speed ever on two wheels as well!  Also, riding along in the paceline for many miles on the back half or the ride was thoroughly enjoyable. If I wasn't moving so soon I would definitely clip in more with the PA
Randonnuers.  The two rides that I have ridden with the group were some of the best rides I've been t on, period, since I moved to New Haven three years ago. Here are some pictures of the bear that I saw...."

Nigel Greene's  ride report has been posted at:
http://eprider.blogspot.com/2012/07/hawks-nest-200k-playing-in-street.html
... and his photo album is here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58781331@N07/sets/72157630582719340/


On August 4th, we'll be headed back to Hawk's Nest for the August R-12.  Drop me a note if you would like to be added to the roster.  Also, I've already have heard from a number of riders interested in the Endless Mountains 1000k -- please let me know by the end of July if you're planning to join the roster, too.


-Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA

Updated Rider List

Below is the list, as of this morning, of those who are planning to ride this Satuday.
I may have missed someone so if you aren't on the list and planning to ride, please let me know.

 The forecast looks great for this weekend, especially once we get up into the Poconos. Walk-ons are ALWAYS welcome and I'll have extra controle cards at the Diner on Saturday morning.

Bill

*** Rider Roster (as of 7/12) ***

- Bill Olsen (Organizer)
- Chris Roth (volunteer)
- Eric Keller
- Rick Collins
- Jon Clamp
- Ted Smith
- Nigel Green
- Don Jagel
- Jud Hand
- Clair Beiler
- Mary Johnson
- Bob Torres
- Norman Smeal
- Jimmy Aspras
- Rick Carpenter
- George Metzler

July R-12: Hawks Nest 200k

With the hot summer weather upon us, the Hawk's Nest 200k course will be heading north into Promised Land, where the temperatures are typically several degrees cooler.  Most of the route is shaded, which will also bring some relief from the heat.  Riders typically finish this course about an hour faster than other Eastern   PA 200k's.  Event details are at:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/R12ClubJul1.html

If you liked to join the roster, contact organizer Bill Olsen at:
randonnerd@gmail.com

Course Notes:
-At Hawk's Nest, there is road construction that has the road closed to a single lane with a temporary traffic light.  The single lane is rather long and the light is a bit on the short side.  But you'll have a enough time to clear the construction if you wait for the light to turn from red to green.  You should get at the end of the line of cars that will be waiting there, so they don't have to maneuver around you.
-If you've never been across the Rt 80 bridge near Water Gap, it's a little bit tricky.  You need to look for a sidewalk/ramp about 50 yards past the Rt 80 underpass which you will cross under.  The picture below shows the ramp on the left, which is in between the road you will be traveling (on the right) and Rt 80 (far left):

You will be facing on-coming traffic as you go across the bridge.

The Water Gap Diner will be opening at 6AM if you'd like to top off with a good breakfast before the start.

Reminder: Parking is behind the Water Gap Diner -  Directions are posted here:

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

*** Rider Roster (as of 7/2) ***
- William M. Olsen  (Organizer)
- Chris Roth (volunteer)