Hawk's Nest Classic 200K -- Ride Report

 A day makes all the difference. What might have been a difficult, character building experience on Saturday, with the heavy rains and thick wildfire smoke,  became beautiful weather to experience this classic route through the Poconos and upper Delaware River valley. Twelve riders clipped in,  and all 12 finished for 100% finish rate. Preliminary results have been posted. Let us know if they agree with your memory. 

Scotty Steingart failed to improve on the course record he set in 2016. Although conditions were good, they weren't quite as perfect as they were back then. Maybe a little too windy, and the traffic lights didn't change exactly at the right time. Nevertheless, he did make quick work of the course so he could go home in time to watch the whole World Cup game.  

Although there were a few Hawk's Nest Classic 'anciens' (Scotty, Vadim, and the Gaffneys) present, the other 9 riders had never ridden this classic.  Some had seen the Nest on other routes, but most were new to this spectacular and unique road. There was an era when PA Rando offered this classic multiple times a year. I wouldn't say we were tired of it -- more that the route was a kind've PA Rando comfort food. So it was enjoyable to hear fresh impressions of the great Hawk's Nest from this latest bunch of randonneurs. 

We are offering yet another Pennsylvania North of 80 experience in the Grand Canyon of PA 200K gravel brevet on 8 August, visiting the big and little Pine Creek  Gorges, Colton Point, and the newly refurbished English Center bridge.  The route includes the always "interesting"  ford of Babb Creek. Don't miss it!

POSTPONED: Hawk's Nest Classic 200K -- Course Notes

Due to the forecast for very unhealthy air quality from wildfire smoke, we have made the decision to POSTPONE the Hawks Nest Classic 200K from Saturday, July 18, to Sunday, July 19.

The ride will begin at 7:00 AM from the same start location. While we know this change may be inconvenient for some riders, we believe postponing is the best decision for everyone's safety.

If you are already registered, please let Brad and Chris know whether you will be riding on Sunday. Riders who paid a registration fee and are unable to attend on the new date may request a full refund.

Registration will be re-opened until midnight on Friday, so if the new date works better for you, there's still time to sign up.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing everyone under healthier conditions on Sunday.

***ORIGINAL POST***

photo by G. Keenan

Now that summer's heat has arrived, Pocono venues continue to offer the best reprieve.  On  July 18th we head north for our July R-12 brevet with the Classic Hawk's Nest route.  This is the original route that follows the Broadhead Creek up onto the Allegheny Front through Canadensis and Promised Land State Park on its way to the headwaters of the Lackawaxen River.  The start is from the Delaware Water Gap Park-n-Ride near the I-80 exit, and the finish is at the Village Farmer. 

Patrick and Cecilie Gaffney completed a pre-ride of the Hawks Nest Classic Route on 10 July.  They found all roads in serviceable condition and all control locations open. 

 Here are some notes from their preride.

• The shoulder just past Hawks Nest, around mile 79 is in bad shape and there is some rough pavement on the right side of the lane. Riders should take the lane if they can. 
• Mile 91.6 there is a road closed sign. We were able to pass through and, get this, Old Mine Road has been repaved all the way to Jager road! 
• Mile 111.2 the barriers are still on Walpack road but they are easily passable. 
• Mile 112.7 the downhill on the backside of old mine road has some rough pavement and potholes descend with caution. 
• The first few miles of Old Mine just past Millbrook Village are in rough shape. Mike 115.2 is particularly bad. There is a pothole that crosses the entire width of the road and riders will be moving pretty quickly.  

At Eldred, the typical control location is not being used and instead there is an info control at the Hero’s Park in front of the Town Hall.  Pay careful attention to the question and ensure you select an answer based on the correct war.  Peck’s Market is open in Eldred, but if you’d like to stop earlier, the  Hungry Goat in Barryville  has excellent baked goods and will (fairly rapidly) make you a hot breakfast sandwich.

Although there is a big climb up the Allegheny front, peaking at Sky Top, this route is possibly the fastest ride in the PA Rando route library.  Speedier riders may arrive at the Riverside Creamery in Port Jervis before their 12:00 opening time.  Woogie’s Deli is 1 block off route at the corner of King St. & US 209/6. 

Please note that the ride finishes at the Village Farmer and not at the Park-n-ride.

 

Event registration is open on the website through midnight tonight (15 July).  Don't miss your chance to experience this PA Rando classic.