Opulent Outhouse Course Notes

A route checkout was conducted on 7/23.  I’m hopeful the weather will be cooler on 8/6.  Overall, I think riders will enjoy the route although it has a little more traffic than some other PA events.  It should also be noted that this is a very challenging route that probably rides harder than the advertised 8,800 feet of elevation gain would imply.

 There is essentially nothing open in Portland before the ride starts.  Although the Dunkin Donuts opens at 5:00, it ONLY has drive-through service.

 You’ll want to start the ride with adequate provisions to last you through the first 54 miles. The only water you’ll find before Barryville is at the Millbrook Village Historic Site at mile 17.9.  Sadly the eponymous Raymondskill Falls “opulent outhouse” is essentially closed and has 3 portable toilets on its porch therefor no water is available.  You’ll still need to stop at the opulent outhouse to answer the control question which can be seen on the “Forest Restoration Project” sign. 

Road Notes (these are documented on the cue sheets):

Mile 3.8: The Station Road Bridge is closed to traffic and an impenetrable concrete barrier has been installed.   You’ll need to lift your bike over this and a second barrier after crossing the bridge.

 

Mile 17: After crossing the Appalachian Trail, the Millbrook Rd. descent is littered with pot holes (some quite deep).  Take extra precautions on this steep descent and don’t outrun your guardian angel.

Mile 20.1: Walpack Flatbrook Road remains closed and you’ll have to squeeze by the 2 barriers as we did last month.

Mile 30.8: This is a seldom used (by PA Randonneurs) stretch of Old Mine Road that has not been resurfaced.  Much like Millbrook Road, take care on this descent as you slalom around the pot holes.

Mile 31.8: Although cyclists do not pay a toll when crossing the Dingmans Ferry Bridge, please remember to slow/stop as you approach the toll takers lest you draw their ire.

Mile 85: A section of Pa390 has been chip sealed.  The chip seal is relatively well compacted in the lane but some loose gravel is still present along the shoulder.

Mile 116.8: You’ll be crossing a fairly busy stretch of US209 with limited site lines.  Although the speed limit is 35, it appears that the locals think it’s an interstate.  It may be best to walk if (like me) you sometime have trouble clipping in under duress.