It was cold of course -- staying in the 30s all day -- and the strong wind created extra challenge, but the good news was that the drizzle late Friday was not frozen into black ice when riders clipped in at dawn. It was above freezing, about 38F, at the start. Although the temperature fell all day, when it reached freezing (at around 5PM) the roads were mostly dry and the lanternes rouges arrived safely. During the bulk of the day, the sunshine and beautiful countryside make it all fairly pleasant.
Newly minted randonneurs, Michael Burns and Scott Holjes, had solid finishes -- it's great to see new riders showing up for the Winter brevets. These cats obviously have what it takes to be tough randonneurs. Welcome to our sport!
On the veteran end of the spectrum, first finisher Jim Vreeland looked strong as he prepares for his fifth Iditarod Trail Invitational, a 350 mile race in Alaska later this month. Prerider Chris Newman and day-of finisher Nigel Greene accumulated early season miles as they train for London Edinburgh London. Chris Newman was also the finish control volunteer, thanks!
With this 200K finish, Mike Riley completed his very first R-12. I believe the R-12 is one of the more difficult randonneuring awards to achieve, as it requires consistent commitment over a long period. Chapeau Mike and ride on to R-24!
The Stillwater 200K is one of the most popular PA Rando routes. This course has been used for an official 200K brevet sixteen times since 2011. It was invented by Tom Rosenbauer and is one of several brevets exploring the Great Meadow region of NJ, in and around the Lackawanna Cutoff earthworks and bridges.
Mac Vergara writes...
Chris, thank you for organizing yesterday’s brevet, which as an absolutely beautiful route, even in the dead of winter.
In March the Pennsylvania randonneuring 2025 season begins in earnest with two great events.
The International Women's Day 107K Populaire on March 8th starts at the Joan of Arc stature near the Art Museum and this year has an exciting finish at the Philadelphia Bike Expo. 100% of the entry fees for this event will go towards fundraising for Little Bellas, a mentorship program that gets girls on bikes.
The Pennsylvania Super Randonneur Series starts March 15th with the Covered Bridges 200K start/finishing at Chamounix.
Hope to see you all at one or both of these great events.
