Four State 400K Course Notes

I spent April 26 on a full pre-ride of the 400K route, and it’s in good condition. If you’ve ridden this event before, much of it will feel familiar. If this is your first time, you’re in for a long, scenic day that eventually turns into a long, scenic night.

This ride has a way of sneaking up on you. The ride starts quietly out of Philadelphia, then gradually opens into farmland and creek valleys. Before long, you’re in the kind of terrain that rewards patience and a steady pace. Riders who go out too hard in the first 100K often feel it later.

There are a few other event volunteers planning pre-rides the weekend of May 2-3, so be sure to check back on this blog for more updates.

What’s New This Year

A few adjustments were made to the route this year that should help the first half flow more smoothly.

• Most notably, there is a new control at the Bird-In-Hand Bakeshop, located about a mile north of town. This is not to be confused with the Bird-in-Hand Bakery in the center of town.
  
  
• The slight extension of the route to include the bakeshop control allowed for another improvement: a different control location in Elkton, MD (a High's convenience store). This change lets us avoid the old truck stop control and should make for a more pleasant trip to Maryland.
  
  
• Another change is the route now uses the US-202 trail for about 8 miles between Doylestown and Gwenydd, which makes for safer nighttime riding through the suburbs on the return to Philly.

As always, be sure you are using the most up-to-date cue sheet (Version 2) and RWGPS file (last modified 2026-04-28 05:42:30 EDT). Both can be found here.

The Shape of the Ride

The Four State 400K is a climber’s route. There is no way around that. The second and third 100k are where the ride really shows itself, with sustained climbing that can wear you down if you go out too hard.

This is not a route to chase a personal best. It is a ride to manage. Take your time on the climbs. Eat early and often. Stop and sit down at controls if you need to. Throw out any expectations about pace and focus instead on moving steadily forward.

And remember, every climb eventually gives way to a descent. Some of the descents on this route go on long enough that you can truly rest, coasting for minutes at a time through winding roads and quiet valleys. You’re usually better off taking them easy and using that time to recover rather than trying to make up time.

In case it turns out to not be your day, the midway point in Birdsboro is the best place to abandon the ride. From there, it is a flat 48 mile ride on the Schuylkill River Trail back to the start.

Road Notes and Hazards

A few specific notes about the route:

• In Philadelphia, bike lanes and shoulders can have debris and glass. Traffic is usually light early morning and late at night, so take the lane when needed.
• After a cold and snowy winter, there are potholes everywhere, and gravel and debris in intersections - be careful in turns.
• There are potholes on the Sweet Hollow descent (mile 187) - this is a lovely long descent, but be very careful if descending in the dark.
• Between Milford and Frenchtown, NJ, miles 193-197, traffic can be busy with limited shoulder space. Once through Frenchtown, the road widens and gets less busy.
• Fleecy Dale Road at mile 210.4 remains closed to cars but open to bikes. The surface is rough in places, with a major washout on the left side of the road. It is slightly uphill, so speed is not an issue, but still use caution, especially in the dark.
• Use caution in the intersections along the US-202 trail. Watch for turning cars.
• There are several covered wooden bridges and steel grates along the route. All are noted in the cues; approach uneven surfaces with caution.

None of these are ride-stopping issues, but they do reward attentiveness, especially as fatigue sets in later in the day.

Walk your bike across the Riegelsville Free Bridge (crossing into NJ)

 
Food & Controls

There are plenty of opportunities to refuel along the route, from convenience stores to bakeries and small markets. There are multiple Wawas and Turkey Hills along the way. 

The new Bird-In-Hand Bakeshop control is a highlight in the first half. Expect a nice variety of baked goods and ice cream, plus a homemade soft pretzel stand in the parking lot. The breakfast pretzel wraps are my personal favorite, available until noon if you can make it in time. The welcome sign above the entrance is... memorable.

There is a postal control at the midway point in Birdsboro (you will receive a stamped postcard with your brevet card at the start). The route still passes the Birdsboro Turkey Hill about a half mile up the road (used as a control on previous editions) and a Rita's Water Ice across the street.

Later in the ride, the penultimate control in Bloomsbury, NJ, often feels like a turning point. There is still 100k to go, but you can sense the finish pulling you forward. We are planning to have a volunteer or two stationed here. The control is a Citgo station with a convenience store. There is also a Subway and Burger King across the street at a truck stop. There is a Wawa on the route in Doylestown, roughly halfway between Bloomsbury and Philly, making it a good spot for one last refuel.

Night Riding

This ride does not end when the sun goes down. In many ways, it begins again.

The final 100K is almost entirely in the dark for most riders. Lights, reflective gear, and preparation are essential. Make sure everything is charged, working, and properly mounted before the start. Inspections will be conducted. If you need some help figuring out if your gear meets requirements, check out RUSA's Reflectivity Guide. Or feel free to reach out to me with any questions.

If possible, leave the Bloomsbury control with other riders. There is comfort and safety in numbers, especially on the long return to Philadelphia.

Weather and Feel

Spring riding in this region comes with variety. Cool air settles along creeks overnight. The farmland can feel warm and exposed in the afternoon. And after a full day on the bike, even mild nighttime temperatures can feel sharp.

Dress in layers. Give yourself options. You will likely use all of them.

Final Thoughts

Ride it patiently, keep a steady pace, and take care of yourself. Eat before you are hungry. Rest before you are exhausted. Ride your own ride. Have fun on the descents.

See you at the start. We'll have coffee and breakfast ready around 3AM.

Brad Layman
RBA, Pennsylvania Randonneurs