PA150/200k Ride Report

Preliminary results for the October 22nd PA150/200k have been posted at:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/PA150200k_Results111022.pdf
...please let me know of any corrections or other issues.  Results will be sent to RUSA shortly, and then become final, pending RUSA approval.

The day started out clear and crisp, with fall foilage nearly in peak color.  Some low clouds materialized later in the morning; but given the recent stretch of rainy days, there certainly can't be too many complaints with the weather.  It was ideal temperature for the new PA wool jerseys, which were being sported by many of the riders.  There were 30 registered riders, with 5 riders opting for the 150k course and the others in for the 200k course and the challenging climb up Fox Gap. All 29 riders who clipped in at the start made it to the finish well before the cut-off, for another 100% finish rate -- congratulations to everyone for another excellent result. .

The field of riders was composed of a good mix of first-time riders and regular riders, as well as a handful of randonneurs who traveled from neighboring regions to ride with us again.  Of note, Jim Bondra, one of the riders from the NY Southern Tier contingent brought along Ernie Bayles for his first brevet.  Ernie writes: "...Just wanted to thank you again for a thoroughly enjoyable outing. Lucky for me I was able to hook onto Jan and Norman or else I would have had to navigate on my own for which I was poorly prepared (no cyclometer, and a cue sheet that's just a bit too small for my aging eyes) ...I don't know that I have what it takes mentally or physically to ride those really long rides, but this was encouraging. I'm sure this is the longest ride I've probably done in 30 years ...So I'll hope to continue with a 300 some time in the not too distant future...Please extend my thanks to your crew as well, what you all do is clearly a labor of love...."

Frederick Collins, Tim Carry, and Chris Roth were also first time riders, and are now freshly minted randonneurs.  Chris, however, is no stranger to  randonneuring: he was one of my key volunteers on the Endless Mountains 1240km, driving the SAG van and helping the over night crews at each of the three sleep stops.  Jan Dembinski from VT and Michael Anderson from MA, made the long trip down from New England to ride with us again.

Lew Meyer, a 3-time PBP ancien, completed his first Eastern PA brevet. Lew writes: "...Thank you Tom! Such work certainly must take a lot of your time...The most scenic 200k I've been on...You do great work!..."  I first met up with Lew near the finish of my very first 300k back in 2003; it was truly a pleasure to catch up with him again, after all these years.  

And speaking of PBP, there were a number of freshly minted PBP anciens on the roster, including Jan Dembinski, Chris Nadovich, Roy Yates, and  Ron and Barb Anderson.  First time riders take note: you have nearly 4 years to get ready for the next PBP in 2015!  Also, the first time 200k riders have one month completed, and just 11 more to string together for their R-12 challenge.

2011 Solo RAAM finisher Geoff Brunner made it around the 200k course in 8:25 as first finisher (and nearly beat the 150k first finishers to the hostel!!).  Geoff plans to ride RAAM again, in 2012.  Also of note, Jon Clamp made it around on his fixed-gear bike, making it up all the big climbs, including the very steep pitch at the end of Red Cliff Rd.

Special thanks to volunteers Doug Haluza (volunteer preride), Len Zawodniak (volunteer preride, course sweep), Shane Beake (also a freshly minted PBP ancien) and his daugther, Victoria (Fox Gap controle, BBQ at the finish).  I don't know how I ran this October event in previous years without all this help.  But you set the bar very high for excellent support, and made it very easy for the RBA this time around!  As usual, Shane has documented the event with many great photos, posted here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/45325491@N05/sets/72157627835131471/show/

Bob Dye writes: "...Thanks again for another great day of bike riding and bridge walking! You possess a unique ability to combine these two wonderful activities into one stellar event. I now consider myself an authority on Delaware River bridge walkways. I enjoyed it all immensely..."


Norman Smeal writes: "...Great ride Saturday...  Loved the snacks at the top of Fox Gap..."

Rick Carpenter write: "..Thanks again for another enjoyable season, and for my special PAR SR “DIY Award Kit” (some assembly required).  Thanks to Len, Shane, Victoria, and Doug for their efforts as well, and to the caretakers at Weisel who have been so good to us over the years..."
As many of you know, Rick is in the process of moving south of the Mason Dixon line, and will most definitely be missed as one of the regular riders on the Eastern PA series.  But hopefully, Rick will be able to find his way back to the Eastern PA region and join us for some rides when he can.  Rick's photos are posted at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rick_carpenter/6270973364/in/set-72157627832642207/

If you have any other comments or photos to share, you can post them on the message board or forward them to me.

Next up is the November R-12 in two weeks.  We'll be running the Stillwater 200k, and hopefully, some fall foilage will still be around.  With the closing of the Portland Diner, the start location will be the Portland Park and Ride.  There is another diner about a half mile away in Mount Bethel, where we can top off for breakfast before the ride.  The Mount Bethel Diner will also be the finish controle: after signing-in at the finish there, you can coast all the way downhill from there to the Park and Ride and your car.  PA members can join the roster by sending me an e-mail by the Thursday before the event.

Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA

PA150/200k

*** Update #1 (10/20) ***
Len Zawodniak and Doug Haluza completed a volunteer preride on Thursday, 10/20.  Doug reports: "...OK, we lived to tell about it (hills build strength, but headwinds build character, so you can say we are a couple of characters now). The cue sheet was great. All the roads were good. Just a few notes:

Mile 9.5: SS at bottom of hill. Blind curve left.
Mile 12.5: Caution pine needles on sharp turn on descent at Cascade Lodge.  
Mile 75.7: (not unmarked). River road goes right. 
In general, beware of fallen leaves and pine needles, especially if wet. Also watch out for sharp dropoffs at the edge of the pavement where rainwater runoff has eroded the shoulder.."


*** Original Post ***
The next event is on October 22 and you have a choice of either a 150k or 200k course.  The start/finish will be at the Weisel hostel, with breakfast served 1 hour before the start  We'll also have the traditional post-ride BBQ, where we can recap the accomplishments of the past year and look forward to the challenges of the coming year. 

PA Members can register by sending me an e-mail, and pay the $25 entry fee when they sign-in.  Non-members can register by mailing in the registration form posted at:

http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/PA150_200K_A.html

With only about 10.5 hours of daylight available, lights and reflective gear will be required, unless you have previously finished the course in less than 9.5 hours.

There are 2 bridges under construction and not passable. Unfortunately, one of those bridges is on Sweet Hollow Rd, one of my top 10 favorite roads -- there was a road crew ripping up the deck as I passed on through during a recent scouting trip (probably as the last cyclist to do so for the foreseeable future).  The other bridge out is on Headquarters Rd.  There's actually a third bridge out, also on Headquarters Rd, but that one is still passable.  I keep hearing talk about stimulus spending for our nation's crumbling infrastructure but see little evidence of any real progress with our roads and bridges!

Current Cuesheets:

200k: Draft 3 (updated 10/13/11)

150k: Draft 2 (updated 10/18/11)

Registered Riders:

http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/Registration150k200k_111022.pdf

PAR Wool Jerseys Have Arrived

*** Update 10/2/11 ***

Shane informs me that the jerseys are officially in the mail via USPS Priority Mail.  He's included a wool care document so you don't accidentally shrink it to a child's size.  One of the things it say is "DON'T USE WOOLITE"

A big THANK YOU, Shane, for your initiative and follow-through with this project --  PA Jerseys have been something a number of riders have asked about over the years, but I never seemed to get around to. 

-Tom Rosenbauer

Eastern PA RBA

*** Original Post ***

From Shane Beake:

Hey Folks,
Good news the PA wool jerseys are finally in! I'm going to be sending them out this Saturday (Oct. 1) via the struggling USPS (my way of trying to help out).
If you don't receive them by the following Saturday Oct. the 8th please get in touch with me.
Enjoy the jerseys,
Shane

Thanks for a great job Shane!

Hawk Mountain 200k

*** Update 9/24 ***
Keith Spangler's photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kspangler/sets/72157627714270022/


*** Original Report ***
The September edition of the Pennsylvania Randonneurs R12 series saw the second annual running of the Hawk Mountain 200k.  Twenty-three riders started and twenty-two finished.  Preliminary results have been posted at:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/PA200k_Results110917.pdf 
...Please let Tom R. know of any corrections or other issues.  Results will be sent to RUSA shortly, and then become final, pending ACP approval.

The weather provided nearly ideal conditions for cycling, though I'm certain a few riders wished it had been a little warmer at the start.  Fortunately, early afternoon rains that appeared in the Lancaster area didn't soak the riders.  I heard reports of wet roadways, but no rain.  After all the rainfall that has innundated the area in the past few weeks, a precipitation reprieve was quite welcome.

Six riders took advantage of conditions and bested the course record by a few minutes.  PA Randonneur regulars Bill Fischer, Matt Farrell and Gavin Biebuyck along with rando rookies Geoff Brunner, Jimmy Aspras, and Thomas Vendetta zipped around the course in 8:34 in spite of an extra two miles in course length and a bonus mile early on.  Rando rookies they may have been, but they are hardly new to cycling.  Geoff is a 2011 RAAM finisher while Jimmy and Tom are regulars in the NJ racing scene. 

The rest of the field completed the course in better than average times.  I saw lots of smiles as I checked in riders at the finish, though most were quite glad to be finished.  Even well-known controle dining connoisseurs Bill Slabonik and Keith Spangler finished with nearly an hour and a half to spare.  (See guys, you really did have time to go to the DQ in Lickdale for a Blizzard!). 

Peter Y & his Brompton

Rick Carpenter brought his Bianchi fixie to ride, a move which would usually garner a "most interesting equipment" mention on this route, but newcomer Peter Yuskauskas took the honors this year by completing the route on a Brompton folding bicycle.  Perhaps more impressive is that Peter took the train from his home in NYC to Lancaster Friday evening, rode to the start and camped out under the stars in the truest randonneuring spirit. 

Houston Joost took a spill in the first leg and eventually decided to withdraw.  He reports being fine with just some road rash to show.  Reports from the road indicate that Houston may have gone down in the same turn that claimed Len Z. last year.  I think a pre-cautionary note will be added when I get in to remove the stray TFL cue that frustrated so many.  [RBA Follow-up: I spoke to Houston on Sunday, and he assured me that he is OK, thankfully.  While he was able to keep riding after his spill, he prudently decided that it was better to call it day.  He also mentioned that contributing factors were 1) Not having his glasses, and hence, not seeing the gravel until he was right upon it and 2) A recent change of tires. - Tom Rosenbauer, RBA]

In what has become an informal "pictures per mile" competition, Nigel Greene shows that he's taking no back seat to Shane.  You can find Nigel's pictures on his Flickr site  and read his excellent report on his Iron Rider blog.  Rick Carpenter took a few pictures as well.  You can find them here. 

Next up is the fall classic populaire and brevet on October 22 at Quakertown.  Hope to see you then.

Andrew Mead

- organizer 

August R-12 Hawk's Nest 200k Ride Report

Preliminary results for the August 13th Hawk's Nest 200k have been posted at:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/PA200k_Results110813.pdf

... please let me know of any corrections or other issues. Results will be sent to RUSA shortly, and then become final, pending ACP approval.

Once again, there couldn't be too many complaints about the weather -- while it's been a very "Hazy, Hot, and Humid" all summer, we just got the "Humid" for Saturday's ride.  Overcast skies kept the Hazy and Hot at bay, although the sun did poke through the clouds a couple of times.   Some riders saw a couple of little rain spritz's at the end, but everybody made it in to the finish before the heavy rain moved in. 

All of the 16riders who clipped in for this event, including three riders who did a pre-ride last weekend, made it around the course in good time for another 100% finish rate.  Congratulations to everyone for an excellent result.  Of note, Geoff Brunner and Evan Crovo finished their very first brevets.  Geoff also arrived with fellow first finishers, Jonathan Clamp and Don Jagel.  But this was little surprise to me, since Geoff just happens to have completed RAAM this year as an official finisher.  You can read more about Geoff's remarkable accomplishment at:
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/06/geoff_brunner_of_allentown_off.html 




With their first R-12 event completed, Geoff and Evan only have 11 more to go!  And speaking of R-12's, volunteer prerider George Metzler has a streak of 11 going, and is looking to complete his series next month.  Also of note, Don Jagel, decided that 200k wasn't quite enough of a workout, so he rode the 50 or so miles from his home in Germantown to the start.  Of course, that meant another 50 miles to get back home after the finish.  And although we all know Don is a very fast rider, he wasn't quite fast enough to make it back home before the drenching rains started.  Don writes: "...Thank you for putting together The Revised Hawks Nest Brevet yesterday. The weather, route and good company made for a great day on the bike.  The route revisions definitely get two thumbs up!  It was nice to get the views of Lake Wallenpaupack.  The Eldred control (The Corner) seemed to be a good choice.  The girls working were quite pleasant and efficient.  They quickly made burgers for Geoff, Norman and Jon,and even delivered them outside.   It took afew minutes to get the pedaling rhythm back for the climb out of
Eldred after relaxing for awhile at the control.  However, the descent that followed certainly made it worthwhile.  I hope everyone made it back before the rain started.  I got a good soaking while riding home..."

Roy Yates writes "...yesterday was a perfect day for a perfect ride. Also, the modified route through Eldred with smooth roads, not too much traffic and a plethora of truck-on-cheese signs was very agreeable..."

Guy Harris writes: "...Great route change going up to Eldred.  I think it makes the route just  a little tougher but more pleasant and a bit safer to ride.  Barryville to Hawks Nest on 97 was my least favorite part of the old route.  The Eldred controle was friendly and fast as well - hamburgers were 
recommended by the group in just ahead of me and hit the spot.  Thanks to Bill for organizing and pre-riding the new route...."

Norman Smeal writes: "...Great day for a great ride.  Thank you Bill for putting on the show..."

Bob Dye writes: "...A great big thank you to you and Bill for a wonderful day in the saddle! Not only is the course beautiful but you guys did a great job on the weather, too. The cycling gods were smiling on me today and I don't believe I've ever had a more enjoyable ride.  BTW, I'm not so sure I believe Bill regarding the new extension around Eldred being no more difficult than the old route. I did like the change however. Thanks again and I can't wait to do it again..."

Geoff Brunner writes: "....Thanks for a great day!  The route was wonderful.  I would concur with others on the side trip to Eldred as it was an accommodating controle and a nice break from 97 - personally, I'll take hills over traffic any day.  The route was overall very well thought out, and made for an enjoyable time with certainly some significant challenges!  I particularly enjoyed the company of all of the riders in the group with whom I had the pleasure of riding with at various stages....Thanks again to you and Bill and the others who were involved in organizing the event.  I'll look forward to the Hawk Mtn ride next month!...."

Nigel Greene writes: "...Thanks for putting on this ride. It was a fast course and a challenging one, which made and interesting combination. I also enjoyed sharing the road with you (Tom) for a bit. I look forward to the next edition. If you are interested, my ride report is at:

http://eprider.blogspot.com/2011/08/hawks-nest-200k-through-promised-land.html

If you have any other comments or pictures to share, you can forward them to me or post them on the message board.

Special thanks to Bill Olsen for a superb job of organizing the ride.  In addition to preriding the revised route, he swept the course in his car, making sure everybody was safely accounted for.  Thanks also, to volunteers Bill Blank and George Metzler for joining Bill on the volunteer preride.

After two visits to Hawk's Nest, next up, we'll be headed out to Hawk Mountain for the September R-12 event.  As you can see from last year's ride report:
http://parandonneurs.blogspot.com/2010/09/september-r12-results-hawk-mountain.html
... this is an absolutely fantastic route that organizer Andrew Mead has put together.

Tom Rosenbauer 

Eastern PA RBA

August R-12: Revised Hawks Nest 200k

We'll be headed back to Hawk's Nest for the  August 13th R-12 event.  But this edition has some extensive route changes to avoid some deteriorating roads and some of the heavy traffic on Rt 97.  Organizer Bill Olsen, along with volunteers George Metzler and Bill Blank, completed a preride of the revised course last weekend, and  Bill's preride report below highlights the changes for you.


For those of you headed to PBP, this will be a good chance to get in a final shake down ride before heading to Paris .  Best of luck to all the PA Randonneurs clipping-in for the Big Ride -- I'm confident that the Eastern PA series has prepared you well.  Unfortunately, one long-time Eastern PA participant, John Fuoco, will not be making it to the starting line this year.  His medical condition that was recently diagnosed, is a sobering reminder of how tenuous life can be.  John is a two-time PBP finisher, and in the true Ancien spirit of leading the way for those to follow, has offered his insights posted at this link:
http://thedailyrandonneur.wordpress.com/
... Thanks John for your good insights, and on behalf of all the PA Randonneurs, we'll be pulling for you to have a complete recovery. 


So far, I've heard from the following riders who plan to clip-in:
- Bill Blank (volunteer preride)
- George Metzler (volunteer preride)
- Chris Nadovich
- Patrick O'Donnell
- Bill Olsen (organizer)
- Tom Rosenbauer (RBA)
- Lisa Sracatino


... if you'd like to join the roster, please drop me a note.


-Tom Rosenbauer, RBA


*** Volunteer Preride Report ***
George Metzler, Bill Blank and I completed a pre-ride of the revised Hawks Nest route on Saturday, 8/6. The humidity was near saturation for most of the ride but fortunately the temperatures held off until early afternoon when we were able to reach the shaded sections of Old Mine Road. George and Bill made it in before the rain but I found that the humidity gradually increased until it reached oversaturation and I was rewarded with a cooling drizzle for the last couple of miles into Water Gap.

For the August 13th Hawks Nest 200K those who are familiar with the previous route will be pleased to see the extensive revisions Tom has made to avoid some rough pavement between Promised Land and Hawley and avoid some rough pavement (and traffic) on Rt. 97. An added benefit of these changes is even more shaded roads and the additional climbing as one gets away from the exposed stretch of the Delaware south of Barryville is only 500 feet which really isn't all that bad (coming from someone who you all KNOW does not like climbing). I couldn't believe it but in checking Delorme after the ride I found that although one gains altitude leaving the new Eldred controle, the overall elevation gain is the same as the lumps on 97 that come on the section between Barryville and Pond Eddy. I especially enjoyed the long downhill as Rt. 31 rejoined Rt. 97 just before the Hawks Nest bump - but watch your speed as there is a stop sign at the end of the downhill. :-(

Although you'll still pass the River Market in Barryville, you need not worry about stopping for refreshments as The Corner controle 5 miles up the road in Eldred has a good selection of ice cream and beverages that will get you through to either Muller's Port Jervis Diner or the Layton Country Store. For those of you that didn't ride with us on July 30th, the Layton Country Store is under new management and in addition to having a better hours, a wider selection of items from the grill, the burgers and tuna subs will definitely fill you up!

Things to be aware of for Saturday:

- The 4-mile stretch of fresh chip seal starting at Canedesis that was being laid down when Tom rode the pre-ride on the 27th has been fully cleaned up. They must have used a roller on one of the warm days last week as the exposed stones that we experienced on the 30th have been smoothed into the pavement so that the resulting surface is just a "normal" chip and seal. They've also repainted the lines along the road and demarcated the shoulder for that section.

- The new route on Rt. 507 (Lake Wallenpaupack Road) has a couple of areas where the previous winter frost heaves have not yet been repaired. We're only on this road for a mile an a half and it isn't a problem if traffic is light but if you're riding in a group, you might want to give some additional spacing.
- At Hawk's Nest, road construction continues that has the road closed to a single lane with a temporary traffic light. The single lane is rather long and the light is a bit on the short side. But you'll have a enough time to clear the construction if you wait for the light to turn from red to green. I found that even when I waited to let all of the cars that were line pass me go ahead (so they didn't have to maneuver around me) I had plenty of time to make it though the construction and well out beyond the waiting line of oncoming traffic before the light changed.
- If you've never been across the Rt. 80 bridge near Water Gap, it's a little bit tricky. Please see the note that Tom provided for last month's ride for details on the crossing:
http://parandonneurs.blogspot.com/2011/07/hawks-nest-200k.html

The Water Gap Diner will be opening at 6AM if you'd like to top off with a good breakfast before the start. I've let them know to expect us.

We'll see you Saturday.

Bill Olsen, Organizer

Hawk's Nest 200k Ride Report

Preliminary results for the Hawk's Nest 200k have been posted at:

http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/PA200k_Results110730.pdf

... please let me know of any corrections or other issues. Results will be sent to RUSA later today, and then become final, pending ACP approval.

Given the very hot and humid weather this past month, there couldn't be too many complaints with the manageable weather conditions.  Temperatures were a couple degrees above normal, but the low humidity was a welcome relief, and the winds out of the northwest sped the riders along Towpath Rd and Rt 97.  All of the 20 riders who clipped in for this event, including yours truly who did the pre-ride earlier in the week, made it around the course in good time for another 100% finish rate.  Congratulations to everyone for an excellent result. 

Of note, first-time Eastern PA participant, Bryan Nelson completed his SR series -- congratulations, and well done!  Bryan was accompanied by fellow Maryland rider, Clint Provenza.  Over the past couple of years, Clint has done a great job of promoting our sport of randonneuring with his local Severna Park Peloton bike club: 
https://sites.google.com/site/severnaparkpeloton/


I originally had Mary Johnson also listed as a first-time Eastern PA participant, until Rick Carpenter pointed out " ...This is technically Mary’s 2nd PAR completion.  Mary and I rode-in together from Layton to the finish, and during one of our converastions found that she did her first brevet some four years ago with PAR.  Coincidentally, Mary and I rode our first brevets ever together on your 31 Mar 2007 Eastern PA ACP 200; how cool is that!..."

First finisher, Don Jagel writes: "...Thanks for putting together the Hawks Nest Brevet today.  Also, Great Thanks to Len for popping up everywhere throughout the day to sign brevet cards and provide much needed water, always with a smile.  ...The weather was about perfect for a late July ride.  I spent much of the day riding on and off with Rick C, Jon C, and John C, which allowed for some good company and conversation.  .... The best thing about the Old Mine Road climb today was the slight lowering of temperature and a cooling breeze at the top of the climb.  Unfortunately the cool breeze disappeared upon reaching the bottom of the hill on the other side. ... One final note for those that like cheeseburgers.  Rick got a burger at the Layton General Store.  The thing was a monster that had to be cut in half just to allow it to be picked up with two hands. ... Everyone's help in continually putting together and executing wonderful rides is really appreciated...."

Shane Beake writes: "...Thanks for another great running of the tried and tested Hawks Nest 200.  Big thank you to Lenny for taking his whole day to volunteer!!! ..."
And once again, Shane has posted a bunch of great pictures at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/45325491@N05/sets/72157627193939715/

... it seems that Shane manages to capture new details of the route, each time he rides it!

If you have any other comments or pictures to share, you can forward them to me or post them on the message board.

Special thanks to the volunteers who stepped up to help make this event a success:

- Len Zawodniak (on-road support all day!!)

- Bill Olsen (R-12 Organizer, finish controle)

... without volunteers like these who step up to the call for support, it would simply not be possible to run these events!

Next up, we'll be running the Hawk's Nest 200k again in 2 weeks on August 13th ... with the prospect of a continuation of the hot summer we've had, this is the best option for shaded roads and cooler temperatures.  However, I'm looking at some extensive route tweaks to:
- avoid some rough pavement between Promised Land and Hawley
- avoid some rough pavement (and traffic) on Rt 97

Drop me a note if you plan to clip-in, and stay tuned for updates.

Tom Rosenbauer 

Eastern PA RBA