A pre-ride of the Stillwater 200K, was conducted on 21 January by Bob Dye and Chris Nadovich. As a result of the pre-ride, several small course updates and typo corrections were made to the cues. The latest cue sheet is Version 4, and the latest RWGPS route was modified 2023-01-22 08:12:51 EST. Both are available online. Full information and online registration link on the event web site.
The Stillwater 200K course, one of oldest and most ridden of all the PA Rando courses, was found to be in good shape. Things could change in two weeks, but during the pre-ride the shoulders were relatively free of debris and no road closures or detours were encountered.
Bob Dye comments that the GPS routing was spot-on with no glitches. This is certainly a more GPS friendly route than last month's H2NH. You'll encounter the flashing light only once and you'll TURN RIGHT.
Climbing is front loaded. First there's Jugtown Mountain via Sweet Hollow Rd, and then there's Mount Bethel. Both of these have long, fast descents following them. Be sure to manage your layers. Zip up or add a jacket as you summit -- or freeze your ass (or other body parts) on the descent.
The Quick Chek at mile 73 is a welcome respite from the cold. Indoor seating and hot soup is the ticket here. Unfortunately, the segment of NJ 94 after the Quick Chek control starting at mile 73 remains an annoying, trafficy segment. Please be cautious through this section, especially at the left turn 0.2 miles after the control.
Shortly thereafter you will encounter Twin Bridges, at mile 77.9. This is a terrific bit of road, a windy descent zooming through S-curves in a pretty glen and the namesake two bridges, and then a stiff climb immediately thereafter. The only problem is that this can be a trafficy section, and in winter there is the possibility of black ice. I'd recommend taking the lane on the twisty descent and descending with some caution. The speed limit is 20 mph -- please honor it. Be ready for the climb that suddenly appears at the end. Here you will need to move over and let the cars pass. Look out for debris and ice on the edge of the road.
This year, the control question at the Geo D Garris General Store has been adjusted so as to not require a calculator.
Other than the moderate climb approaching Belvidere and the hump at Harmony, the final miles of the course are generally flat or mildly rolling. If you are riding these miles after sunset, be sure to have reflective gear on, ride with a buddy, and look out for debris on the shoulders. Also look out for wildlife near sunrise and sunset. During the pre-ride we saw numerous foxes and some deer.
Have a great ride!
No comments:
Post a Comment