Pa Grand Canyon 200k Pre Ride Notes

 

On 8/1 under sunny skies and incredibly beautiful conditions, the ride organizer completed a ride/drive of the course.  I’m pleased to announce that the unfortunate modifications to the route in 2024 will not be required as the bridges along Little Pine Creek have been repaired after the flooding we experienced last summer.  The route has been updated on the website and will remain unchanged (barring a natural disaster).  Please make sure you are using cue sheet version 3 dated 8/1/2025.

Overall, the route is in excellent condition.  Note that there is very limited cell phone coverage and somewhat limited services.  Although there is a restroom at the ride start, it is sometimes locked in the morning.

Specific issues/notes follow:

Mile 4.9 and 12.2 – Two short sections of 1 lane road due to construction.  The road is narrow, wait for the temporary traffic light.

Mile 27.2/Control – Wolf’s General Store has excellent breakfast sandwiches and they generally make them fairly quickly.  While you’re waiting, head down stairs and check out their excellent fly fishing department.

Mile 45 – There are some sections of Painter Letonia Rd that have received some fresh gravel, it’s not terrible but there are some areas where the gravel is deep/loose

Mile 53 – After you enjoy the beautiful view at the Colton Point Lookout, you’ll have a very twisty descent.   There are generally oncoming cars and these drivers are often looking at the beautiful scenery and not at the road.   Stay in your lane, take it slow and keep a sharp eye for knuckleheads.

Mile 57/Control 3 – The Burnin’ Barrel does not open until 12:00, I’ll be there with water but not much else.  You can get food at the general store in Stony Fork at mile 64.6

Mile 59 – Bear Crossing

Mile 72.6 – The annual “fording of the stream” should be less “interesting” than last year.  The water is currently only about 12” deep.  The stream bottom has some sharp rocks; although I’ve done it barefooted in the past, footwear is highly recommended.

It was a little deeper last year:

Mile 87.5 – After leaving the Exxon control, there is a section of Rte. 414 which is closed for construction.  Fortunately, they have kept the sidewalk open for pedestrians and I was assured today that it would remain open next Saturday.  Do not attempt to ride this, dismount and walk on the sketchy sidewalk.

Mil 103.3 – Sadly, the English Center suspension bridge has been removed (although you can still see some remnants of it).  A new (ugly and boring) bridge has been installed.