Ride Report: Rusty Rail 204

September 11th, 2021 is the 100th anniversary of the first Audax Club Parisien allure libre 200km brevet in 1921.  Twenty six riders earned a brevet on September 11, 1921 on a 200k loop that traversed Paris-Dreux-Chartres-Paris.  One hundred years later, fourteen riders who accepted the challenge of the Rusty Rail successfully completed the 2021 edition of The Rusty Rail 204 and earned 100th anniversary medals (pictured below).

Commemorative medal for the 100th anniversary of the first Audax Club Parisien allure libre 200km brevet in 1921! 

Weather conditions were perfect for this challenging ride that included over 9,000 feet of ascent, with cool morning temperatures to help prevent overheating on the arduous climbs over Jacks Mountain and Ulsh Gap, and welcome tailwinds out of the west assisting the riders to the finish after they turned the corner at Pine Grove Mills.

Seth powers over Ulsh Gap on his way to setting an amazing course record of 7:14

Angie rolls over Ulsh Gap with a smile

The Amazing Sneaker Squad

Ello cresting Ulsh Gap

The Georges conquer The Gap

Chris is not intimidated by 15% grades

Victorious at the finish!

And...after a great day of spinning the cranks, the Rusty Rail Brewery did not disappoint, serving up delicious food and finely crafted beverages.

Chris Nadovich writes:

What a beautiful, beautiful ride! Yeah, I know, The Climbs. But I don't think the big climbs define the ride -- they are the price of entry. What defines the ride are the many enjoyable miles of mild, river valley riding. And if occasionally we needed to do a 1000 ft climb to get to another valley, so be it. The scenery was amazing. It was big and small: from mountain vistas, to charming little streamside farms.  Much of this was missing last time when I rode the end in the dark. From the summit at Jo Hays Vista to the end, that ALL needs to be in daylight to be enjoyed. Thanks for a great course -- a masterpiece -- and thanks to Eric for the water and chat at Jo Hays.

Thanks to organizer Steve Schoenfelder for pushing the RBA for an earlier-in-the-season event date  which allowed daylight finishes, and then making it happen (including perfect weather).  Thanks also Eric Keller for his on-the-road moral support.  There is nothing better than seeing a friendly face offering a cold drink at the summit of a tough climb.  

Results have been submitted to RUSA and will become final pending ACP certification of the event.  If the posted results do not align with your recollections, contact the RBA--soon.

Next up is the Fall Classic on October 16th featuring routes of 200k and 150k starting and finishing at the Hugh Moore Park along the scenic Lehigh River in Easton PA. A cookout in the park will follow the event so plan to hang around and socialize with your fellow randonneurs/randoneuses after you finish riding.  Event details are on the website.  Registration is open and will close on Wednesday, October 13.  Hope to see you there!

Andrew Mead

Eastern PA RBA