Covered Bridges 200k Preride Report

The Covered Bridges 200K is back for a fourth edition as the 2025 PA Super Randonneur Series kicks off on Saturday, March 15.

A preride was completed on Saturday, March 1 by Pat Gaffney, Erik Wright and I [Kate Sparacio]. Erik and I rode together, while Pat rode ahead solo. We did not encounter any road closures or issues along the way, and the route was in good shape. The latest RWGPS route and cue sheets can be found HERE (dated 3/10/25) and the cue sheet is version 3. We encourage riders to use the ebrevet app to check in at the controls. Search for "ebrevet" by Chris Nadovich in the app store. Your brevet card will have a code to check into the app at the start. Then, you need to open the app at each control, hit “GPS Update” and check in at each control. You can close the app between controls and keep your phone in airplane mode if you prefer. This is not a tracking app - it just allows you to check and upload the time when you are at a control.

Those familiar with the route will notice that this year’s course features an updated route out of the city. Departing from the Chamounix Carriage House, riders will enjoy a peaceful ride along the Wissahickon Bike Trail followed by several miles of quiet suburban roads through Northwest Philadelphia before meeting back up with the classic route at the north end of Pennypack.

Gentle hills on the way to New Hope will help you warm up before the big climbs come. In New Hope, there is a Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts that open early enough (5:30am) for riders to take advantage of while passing through town & checking into the second control. Don’t stop for too long, as the brunch stop is only 20 miles away.

Leaving New Hope the route follows along the Delaware river and brings riders to the first real hills of the course.

Cabin Run Covered Bridge at mile 51.4

Brunch (including vegan options) will be provided at the Tinicum control by club RBA Chris Nadovich and volunteer Joe Ray.  Be sure to take advantage of the generously provided fuel! Following the control, riders will be on a very long stretch with limited resources and a LOT of climbing between miles 60-90. At the time of the preride, bathrooms were open and available at Tinicum. 

Shortly after brunch you will climb out of the river valley on the notorious Uhlerstown Hill Rd. This is the steepest climb on the route with a grade that reaches over 30%. There is a gate at the bottom that is possible to navigate without dismounting your bike. If you’re not already off your bike due to the oppressive grade at the top of the climb, you will most likely need to dismount anyway to navigate around the final gate. Now halfway through the ride, you only have a few more big hills and scenic descents before the bulk of the climbing is well behind you.

Erik going for a hike up Uhlerstown Road

The last control before the finish is Tabora Farm, where you’ll find all manner of baked goods and treats to fuel up on. An indoor bathroom at Tabora is unmarked and located behind the coffee counter, so you have to ask permission to use it. There are also outdoor bathrooms available around the side of the building.

On the way back into Philly riders will encounter some gently rolling hills and a stretch on the 202 Bike Trail. The most challenging parts of the route are now behind you, but the final miles definitely require patience at frequent traffic lights as you wind through the suburbs back towards the city.

Back at the Carriage House, volunteers and ride buddies will be waiting to welcome you and congratulate you on a big day. Be sure to stick around to wind down and recount your adventure over dinner, provided by the club.

This is a lovely route with no shortage of scenery and dynamic roads to enjoy along the way - have fun out there! Looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday.