Pre-rides of Ronde van White Clay 200k were completed by Pat & Cecily Gaffney and Kate Sparacio. The latest cue sheet is Version 4 and the RWGPS file was last modified 2026-03-17 10:49:53 EDT. The Ride with GPS file can be found on the route page here.
We’re excited to welcome you all this weekend for the kick off of the PA Super Randonneur Series with this new route. The route takes you through three states, passing through numerous state parks, nature preserves and natural land management areas, and rides alongside a seemingly never ending rotation of scenic creeks. This is a beautiful ride, and the route is already peppered with early signs of spring: daffodils, crocuses, and snowdrops. You’re in for a treat!
.jpg "Erik Wright on the Ridley Creek State Park Trail") |
| Erik Wright on the Ridley Creek State Park Trail |
The route is in good shape with no major issues or rough spots. A few things to be aware of:
That being said, the route still offers up an ample challenge to be ready for! Club RBA and route designer Brad Layman compiled some tips for you to get the most enjoyment out of your time on the bike for Ronde van White Clay:
1. Pace the first half conservatively
None of the climbs are huge on their own, but the accumulation adds up. It is easy to ride the first half too aggressively and pay for it later. Try to keep the effort steady and resist the temptation to attack every hill.
2. Use your easiest gears early
Do not be shy about shifting to your easiest gear even on the first few climbs. Saving your legs early in the ride will make the later hills much more manageable.
3. Spin instead of grinding
A higher cadence reduces muscular fatigue on a course with constant elevation changes. Grinding up each hill can feel strong in the moment but often leads to tired legs later in the ride.
4. Carry momentum when possible
On many of the climbs, the grade ramps up quickly after a short approach. Maintaining a little speed before the slope begins can help you get over the steepest section more efficiently.
5. Recover on the descents
Use the downhills to eat, drink, and let your heart rate come down. Those small recovery windows add up over a long day.
6. Fuel early and consistently
Repeated climbing burns energy faster than flat riding. Start eating early and aim for regular fueling throughout the ride rather than waiting until you feel hungry. There are multiple convenience stores noted on the RWGPS; make a plan to stop at several.
7. Settle into a rhythm
Think of the day as a series of small efforts rather than one big challenge. Find a comfortable climbing rhythm and repeat it throughout the ride.
- Your first hour or so winds through the western suburbs of Philly. The roads will be quiet and low-traffic early on Saturday morning. The ride gets better after that.
- Be prepared for three short sections of gravel. Each section is less than a mile, so no special gear is needed. The second section, around mile 71 when you enter White Clay Creek Preserve, has larger rocks, so ride cautiously. This section is chunkier than the others, but is also very short.
- While riding on the White Clay Creek and Ridley Creek trails, watch for pedestrians (and their dogs). Please be respectful of other trail users.
- Newark DE control: If you don't want to stop at the Drip Cafe, there is a 7-Eleven about a mile farther along the route. But be sure to check-in to the Drip Cafe control before riding on.
- The mushroom farms can be quite smelly, especially on a wet day. These start around mile 77.
- Watch for horseback riders on the road after mile 80. Slow down and give plenty of verbal warning. Horses often get spooked when they see a cyclist before they hear them.
- Traffic increases in the final 25 miles as the route returns toward Philadelphia. There is nothing especially difficult, but it is something to be aware of as you may be tired and daylight may be fading at this point.
- Riders who take advantage of the full 13.5 hour time limit and are riding through the suburbs at dusk should stay alert for deer, they are out in full force.
- Finish control: 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.
That being said, the route still offers up an ample challenge to be ready for! Club RBA and route designer Brad Layman compiled some tips for you to get the most enjoyment out of your time on the bike for Ronde van White Clay:
1. Pace the first half conservatively
None of the climbs are huge on their own, but the accumulation adds up. It is easy to ride the first half too aggressively and pay for it later. Try to keep the effort steady and resist the temptation to attack every hill.
2. Use your easiest gears early
Do not be shy about shifting to your easiest gear even on the first few climbs. Saving your legs early in the ride will make the later hills much more manageable.
3. Spin instead of grinding
A higher cadence reduces muscular fatigue on a course with constant elevation changes. Grinding up each hill can feel strong in the moment but often leads to tired legs later in the ride.
4. Carry momentum when possible
On many of the climbs, the grade ramps up quickly after a short approach. Maintaining a little speed before the slope begins can help you get over the steepest section more efficiently.
5. Recover on the descents
Use the downhills to eat, drink, and let your heart rate come down. Those small recovery windows add up over a long day.
6. Fuel early and consistently
Repeated climbing burns energy faster than flat riding. Start eating early and aim for regular fueling throughout the ride rather than waiting until you feel hungry. There are multiple convenience stores noted on the RWGPS; make a plan to stop at several.
7. Settle into a rhythm
Think of the day as a series of small efforts rather than one big challenge. Find a comfortable climbing rhythm and repeat it throughout the ride.
Looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday!
Kate Sparacio
Event Organizer
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