Pennsylvania Grand Canyon Update 8/11/24 (*** Pre-event gathering note)

***Nigel proposes a Pre-event Gathering

Anyone interested in an informal get together for dinner on Friday? Looks like Santino's Italian Cuisine

is a good option. The address is 100 S Main St, Jersey Shore, PA 17740. If someone with local knowledge has a better recommendation, let us know. Say 7ish?  (contact the organizer).

 

***Original Post

A partial checkout ride was performed on 8/11 by the ride organizer.  The Pine Creek Gorge was heavily damaged by the remnants of hurricane Debby but cleanup efforts have begun in earnest and the majority of the route is rideable.  The first significant gravel section from Cedar Run to Colton Pt (mile 32 to 52) has several areas that were washed out.  The road is passable but has some fairly deep ruts and areas of exposed bedrock.  I would recommend 38 mm tires at a minimum.  The second gravel section from Ansonia to Stony Fork is in pretty good condition other than some mud which should be gone by Saturday.  The most difficult gravel section from Hoytville to Liberty (Mile 76-85) was not damaged (but is still “memorable”).

 

Unfortunately, there are 2 issues that may necessitate a reroute:

Mile 72- Babb Creek is too high (and the water too swift) to cross safely.  Locals report that the water has receded about 2 feet since Saturday morning but this will need to be reevaluated.

Mile 107- There is a bridge out (and I do mean out) near the town of Carsontown on Little Pine Creek Road.  Although the bridge won’t be replaced for some time I’m hopeful the highway department installs some kind of temporary pass (hopefully workers reside on both sides of the bridge).

I’ll be revisiting these issues on Wednesday 8/14 and will post an update 8/15.