July's Hawks Nest Ride Report: There's always a learning lesson ...

Gavin's new ride for the BWR1200k - a Swiss Army Bike

13 riders clipped in for July's Hawks Nest 200k. Preliminary results have been posted at
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/PA200k_Results130713.pdf
... please let me know of any corrections or other issues.  Results will be submitted shortly, and become final, pending RUSA/ACP certification.

As visiting DC Randonneur Maile Neel noted: "...We could not have been more fortunate with weather, threading the needle between sweltering heat and pouring rain ...".  Although the heat and humidity started to kick-in the last 20 miles or so,  there hardly can be any complaints, given the steamy June and July we've had so far, and the 1-week heat wave in the forecast as I write this.

I know there's always first time for everything, but quite remarkably, after 9 editions going all the way back to 2009, the string of 100% completions for the Hawk's Nest 200k was finally snapped.  The streak was broken by no other than Gavin Biebuyck who typically is among the first finishers, but this time recorded his very first DNF ever on a PA brevet.  But he did so with a spectacular mechanical.  In looking at the bright side, if something like this had to happen, better now than up in Alaska on the BWR1200k which is where Gavin will be headed this week.  And he is certainly to be commended on his resourcefulness on figuring out a way to get back on your own power, as detailed in the following account from Gavin:

"... From what I can tell my rear derailleur broke at the plastic body surrounding the upper pivot mounting bolt (the bolt/spring was still attached to the frame hanger after the incident) and the derailleur then hit the fender stay (breaking it) and then the frame seat stay (bending it).  The rear tire exploded immediately after the derailleur break with a 6" tear in the tire and inner tube - the tire could not be booted and I had to DNF after a couple hours of searching for a replacement 650B tire size.  See attached photo showing damage to frame (steel Boulder Bicycle frame built by Waterford), showing dropout/hanger still aligned (with replacement SRAM Apex deraileur we found at store) and showing the broken Campy Champ Triple derailleur on the floor next to the bike (plastic body on a Campy - what is the world coming to!).

Gavin's "Catastrophic" Mechanical

I was riding fairly fast down the hill from the Promised Land Exxon controle and I rolled over the rumble strips in the road when the incident occurred.  I don't think I ran over any debris but looking at the damage I have to believe that I hit something to have caused this or something got caught in the chain causing the derailleur cage to stick/rotate/break.  The chain was intact - we had to use pliers to remove the master link at the shop when replacing the derailleur.  The derailleur jockey wheels were both attached so not a failure here.  I had replaced the chain Friday - brand new SRAM with connex link so chain does not seem to blame.

Found a nice bike shop in Hawley (Sawmill Cycles) - manager Mike Johnson was nice enough to spend lots of his time trying to track down tires in my 650B size, selling me a derailleur that had to be removed from a bike for sale, meeting me at 6 pm to exchange the rental bike for my bike which I left behind at their other store in Honesdale. After I found the bike shop after walking/scootering the bike a few miles into Hawley we spent some time evaluating options - no Campy stuff so ended up using a SRAM Apex which surprisingly actually shifted OK with the Campy 10-speed bar-end shifters - at least 5-6 cogs seemed to be usabe - I only was counting on having the 2 chainring gears after this workaround.  Surprisingly no spokes broke (some were bent) and I managed to true the wheel sufficiently to fit it with some bending of the rear steel triangle. The shop then had their sister shop in Honesdale deliver a spare 650 tire which turned out to be wrong size followed by a mountain bike 28.5" tire - too fat for the frame.  All this took 2-3 hours so by the time I decided to rent a bike it was too late to make the next controle - the rental was at their Honesdale shop.  The owner of the stores, Dan Corrigan likes to restore antique bikes so I got to see a most interesting 1950 Swiss Army bike (single speed, built like a bomb with a wheel lock, drum brake, all kinds of bags, old style dyno front/rear lights, etc.)

The trip back to the Water Gap was about 50 miles from Honesdale but was quick because mostly downhill - Route 6 to Route 402 - rental was an old Redline cross bike (the owner used to race on this bike and was kind enough to lend to me) with skinny tires that flew.  Route 402 was a little busy until I-84 but was then a nice ride south all the way to Route 209.

I learned a few things: (1) carry a spare tire when you use obscure tire sizes other than 700C!; (2) a 650 tire (like the small tires some Tri bikes take) is smaller than 650B; (3) some new mountain bikes have wheels sized at 28.5" and these are in fact 650B but the knobby tire they had could not fit between the chainstays on my frame (unlike the 29ers that are really 700c); and, (4) carry an extra derailleur!

...Thanks to Don Jagel for helping me track down a bike store and being patient while my SPOT tracker probably threw him for a loop as it traveled 15 miles northwest to Honesdale as I got a ride to the other bike store to pick up the rental..."

Special thanks to organizers Don Jagel and Bill Olsen  who ran the whole show from start to finish, and handling the "Unexpected Circumstances".  This allowed me to to catch up on EM1240 preparations and keep several other balls I'm juggling right now, from dropping on the ground.  Bill is of course, is headed out to the Big Wild Ride 1200k which is starting next weekend -- you can follow his progress with PA SPOT Tracker #5 at this link:
http://bike.talloakfarm.com/spot_map.html

And the following Eastern PA participants will also be riding with Bill on the BWR1200k:
Chip Adams
Clint Provenza
Gavin Biebuyck
Gregory Conderacci
Kelly Smith
Matt Farrell
Sam Collins
William Fischer

PA Randonneurs Bill Olsen, Bill Fischer, and Gavin Biebuyck ready to start the BWR 1200k
Photo compliments of Gavin B.

Best of luck to all them for a successful, and safe ride.

Next up, is the Endless Mountains 1240k -- Volunteer opportunities have been posted at:
http://www2.mysignup.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?datafile=em1240k_2013



Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA

July R-12: Hawks Nest 200k

*** Update #2 (7/12)  ***
Hopefully, the cold front that came through last night and pushed out some of the humidity will hang in there for Saturday. Although the forecast is calling for some scattered showers and increasing humidity, it certainly promises to be one of the better days for a bike ride than we've had in a long time.  And looking ahead to next week, more heat and humidity is again headed our way.

The Water Gap diner has promised to have the grill fired-up by 6AM, so you can top off with a good breakfast before the start.  Organizer, Don Jagel will be meeting you there at the start to send you on your way.  And fellow organizer Bill Olsen will be meeting you at the finish.  Please note the parking instructions posted on the event website:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/WaterGapParking.pdf

And of course, the message board should **always be monitored** for any last minute updates or changes.

Have a safe ride!

*** Update #1 (7/8)  ***
Don Jagel completed a volunteer preride this past weekend and sent the following ride report:

Overall, road conditions were good, with no major obstructions, or detours.  During my ride, traffic was light, even in Port Jervis.  Several locations riders should take some extra caution include:

Mile 0.0: A construction zone at the very beginning of the route on Broad Street, before turning onto River Road.  The traffic is squeezed into a single lane, so be aware of any inattentive drivers.

Mile 19.4: Deli is closed for business.

Mile ~43.0 On Kimble/Martin Road (about 43 miles), which is the road that passes all the big satellite dishes, I did notice a pothole/collapse starting to develop over a culvert.  This hole is currently only about 8 inches in diameter and more than 1 foot deep, and will probably grow over time.  No big deal, and easy to avoid.  Most riders will probably not even notice it.

Mile ~95:  Along Jager Road (about mile 95) a partial road collapse has traffic squeezed to the left side of the road for a short distance.  Be aware of traffic coming down the hill towards you as there is limited space.

Mile ~125.1  At the end of the ride, as Old Mine Road passes under Rt. 80, there is a construction zone that is set up with concrete Jersey barriers.  Be careful passing through this area and be sure you stay in the travel lane (towards the left), as it is possible to end up on the wrong side of the barriers.  Also be aware that there are several grooves in the concrete roadway that could potential catch the tire of an unsuspecting rider.  There is no shoulder to the road in this area making the sharp left hand turn onto the sidewalk over the Delaware River a bit more difficult if traffic is heavy.

Based on what I saw, the upcoming ride should be quite an enjoyable July ride.  A good portion of the route is shaded keeping hot temperatures somewhat bearable.

*** Original Post ***
With the hot summer weather upon us, the July 13th Hawk's Nest 200k course will be heading north into Promised Land, where the temperatures are typically several degrees cooler.  Most of the route is shaded, which will also bring some relief from the heat.  Riders typically finish this course about an hour faster than other Eastern   PA 200k's.  Event details are at:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/R12ClubJul1.html

If you liked to join the roster, please send me an e-mail by Thursday.  A volunteer preride is planned for this weekend, so be sure to monitor the website and PA message board for any updates, as always.

Course Notes:
-If you've never been across the Rt 80 bridge near Water Gap, it's a little bit tricky.  You need to look for a sidewalk/ramp about 50 yards past the Rt 80 underpass which you will cross under.  The picture below shows the ramp on the left, which is in between the road you will be traveling (on the right) and Rt 80 (far left):

You will be facing on-coming traffic as you go across the bridge.

The Water Gap Diner will be opening at 6AM if you'd like to top off with a good breakfast before the start.

Reminder: Parking is behind the Water Gap Diner -  Directions are posted here:

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

*** Rider Roster (as of 7/11) ***
-1 Robert Baney
2 Clair Beiler
3 Gavin Biebuyck
4 Jeffery S Butt
5 Judson L Hand
6 Steve Harding
7 Donald Jagel (Organizer)
8 Robin C Landis
9 Maile Neel
10 William Olsen (Organizer)
11 William Reagan
12 Norman Smeal
13 Ivan M Umble
14 Leonard Zawodniak

PA600k/200k Ride Report

Amish bicycles, complete with milk crates, parked at church yard for Sunday service
Photo compliments of Nigel Greene

16 riders clipped in for the PA600k and 8 additional riders came out for just the 200k loop on day two of the 600k.  13 finished the 600k and 7 finished the 200k: Preliminary 600k results have been posted at
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/PA600k_Results130601.pdf
... and the 200k results are at:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/PA200k_Results130602.pdf
... please let me know of any corrections or other issues.  Results will be submitted shortly, and become final, pending RUSA/ACP certification.

A week before this event, we had temperatures in the lower 40F's.  So the low 90F's and first heat wave of the year was truly a shock to the system for the participants this weekend.  A mere two weeks ago, at the end of the PA400k, Ed Dodd remarked about having trouble with the chilly and wet conditions of the last 70-miles into the finish -- but by the end of the 600k on Sunday, I bet those chilly conditions didn't seem so bad after all!

Of note, 8 riders have completed their Eastern PA Super Randonneur series:
1 Gavin Biebuyck
2 Ed Dodd
3 Guy Harris
4 Donald Jagel
5 Robin C Landis
6 William Olsen
7 Paul D Scearce
8 Norman Smeal

And for the first time ever on the Eastern PA series, Guy Harris and Paul Scearce distinguished themselves further by completing the entire series on a fixed-gear.  Congratulations to all and well done!  The Eastern PA terrain can be tough, but these hardy riders proved they were even tougher for all the challenges they faced over the course of four events.  All the SR finishers can look forward to receiving their Eastern PA Super Randonneur plaque at the October event:

.

Also of note, Robert Baney not only completed his first brevet ever, he joins a growing list of first-time participants who also were first finishers -- well done! Robert just needs to complete 11 more 200k or longer events over the next 11 months in order to complete his R-12 series.

Special thanks to volunteers Jon Clamp, Bill Slabonik, Bill Olsen, and Andrew Mead.   Andrew manned the start controle, cooked breakfast, and signed in riders while Bill Olsen helped out with bike inspection.  Thankfully, everybody was mostly paying attention at the rider meeting when Andrew instructed everyone to have "A Safe Ride." Jon Clamp helped out at the overnight controle and also got the 200k riders registered and on their way Sunday morning.  Bill Slabonik also not only manned the overnight controle, but went way beyond the call of duty and stayed to the very end of the event -- a total of 24 hours at the hostel.  Bill has given me advanced warning that due to a conflict, he won't be able to help out again for next year's 600k.  By my estimation, I'll need at least 3 volunteers to do all that Bill did this year!

Nigel Greene writes: "...What a day! What a ride! Much thanks to Jon, Bill and you for putting the New Holland 200k on. I enjoyed the course. The routing through and around French Creek Park was shady and scenic and the back roads to Lancaster are always enjoyable, especially with a tailwind . An unexpected bonus was having the chance to chat with many of those on the 600K. A tip of the hat to them. What an achievement under really hot weather. They just keep upping the bar of accomplishment....
  We rode fast before the day had begun
  in 200k we'd be done
  I'm writing real quick
  in the town of Limerick
  because OH OH here comes the sun..."

You can read Nigel's eloquent ride report at:
http://eprider.blogspot.com/2013/06/new-holland-200k-skipping-rocks-over.html
and his photos at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58781331@N07/sets/72157633887363613/

Gavin Biebuyck writes: "...That was a hot one – I must have drank more than 3 gallons of fluids Saturday!  Brief thunderstorm on Old Mine Road cooled me off for half an hour or so and was much appreciated.  My plan to ride through the night to stay cooler seemed to work but humidity levels rose at night.  Got to see some wildlife ranging from deer/fawn on Old Mine Road to a fox sprinting for 50 yards or so in front of me near the hostel to a few Saturday evening partiers on Ridge Road!  The course tweak along Rt 724 to Shed Road was nice riding at night with only 3 cars passing me on Rt 724 and no cars at all along Shed and through French Creek to Morgantown.... As I was leaving the New Holland control at 4:30 am I heard a voice saying “you must be a through rider” and looked back to see a bike with a light.  It was Patrick O’Donnel (he lives in New Holland) returning from a 24-hour training ride!  He had ridden to Philly to Cape May, NJ, taken the ferry to Cape Henlopen, DE and ridden home (308 miles).  He is training for the National 24 Hour Challenge in Michigan in two weeks.  He switched from his Long Haul Trucker and jeans to a new Surly Pacer, bike shorts and clip-in shoes but was still wearing a T-shirt!  Patrick rode with me to Churchtown before returning to his house.  Helped keep me awake in that pre-dawn hour when I usually fell sleepy. ...Great talking to the Pittsburghers Jim and Dan and nice of them to cross the state for the 600.  Thanks to Andrew, Jon, and Bill for helping out and serving food to us all night and all day.  Once again a wonderfully organized series with beautiful challenging rides....
  I am soon turning fifty
  I thought this ride would be nifty
  My arms a bit burnt
  But I think I have learnt
  Riding in pain is shifty..."

Larry Midura writes: "..Just want you to know how very much I enjoyed your 2013 600K route past weekend.  The French Creek outbound leg with the PA Bike S route starting on Churchtown Road was a great tweak for the 2013 version.  I enjoyed that much better than the straight shot on Rt. 23 to the New Holland Control from last year.  As usual, your brevets attract a great group of experienced cyclists - the camaraderie of which I really enjoy. Riding through French Creek State Park has always been a most enjoyable segment of your rides...."

Guy Harris writes: "...The route tweaks for the second day 200K part were perfect. I had forgotten just how nice Shed and Park are to ride, especially early morning. The longer time on route 724 was good - especially just before sunrise. Using Limerick Ctr Road to avoid Linfield Rd was much  appreciated. Thanks to Andrew, Jon, and Bill S. for all the help and many thanks to Tom for organizing another great series...."

Bill Olsen has notched his 5th Eastern PA SR series, and will be clipping in for his 2nd 1200k this year, riding the Shenandoah 1200k, starting on Thusday.  You can follow his progress on SPOT tracker PA5 at this link:
http://bike.talloakfarm.com/spot_map.html
... as of Friday night, it looks like Bill has managed to dodge most of the rain from tropical storm Andrea.  Bill writes: "...Thanks for another great SR season!  It is great that you were able to offer route options for the 200 and 300s and perhaps we can include additional 400 and 600 option in the future... Thanks also to the volunteers, Andrew for greeting the Friday night arrivals, and seeing us off on Saturday morning and Jon and Bill for taking care of us Saturday night and Sunday morning, and Bill for spending the day waiting for all of us to return.  Having them wait on us as we arrived in on Saturday helped to keep us going for what was ahead of us Sunday.
  There once was a biker named Bill
  Who to him, the 600k was a thrill
  So imagine his surprise
  When he opened his eyes
  And saw the 200k riders still at the bottom of the hill..."

Victor Urvantsev unfortunately had his 600k ride come to an end with a complete rear wheel failure near Port Jervis.  Victor writes: "...Thank you very much for organizing this weekend's brevet. The course was scenic and well balanced. Kate and I were looking forward to earning our PA Super Rando badges but alas, it was not to be. I was thinking about stopping at Port Jervis bike shop to try and convince the owner to sell me a wheel off one of his bikes (he had no spare wheels, I called up the shop before) but decided to go on since the wheel was not getting any worse. Well, it got a lot worse, and quickly! I certainly appreciated that we didn't end up being halfway between the controls and could wait for our rescue wagon in the comfort of Dunkin Donuts sipping coffee as opposed to sitting on the roadside in the middle of nowhere watching cars go by. ... It looks like I'll be firing my wheel builder (that's me). What's interesting is that the wheel held up for the last year without a problem or even need for truing and then blew up in such a spectacular fashion within 80 miles. Anyway, lesson learned. Kate and I will be heading for NJ 600k next weekend to complete our qualification for the Endless Mountains..."

Kate Marshall, Victor's riding partner, writes: "...
  There once was a cyclist named Kate
  Who rode in brevet with her mate.
  She cried out, "Let's Ride"
  "Make it Quick" he replied
  We have to get rolling by eight! ..."

David Eisenberg writes: "...I just wanted send a quick thank you for running the New Holland 200K this past weekend.  The route was beautiful.  I enjoyed the journey through Amish country with the horses and buggies as well as all of the Amish cyclists....Unfortunately, as you know, the heat and some stomach issues delayed my progress over the numerous ups and downs of the ride and caused me to miss the time cutoff in Limerick on the way back...
  There once was a sad clown from Morristown
  He would often pedal around town
  He would huff
  and he would puff
  Finally, all the pedaling would take away the frown..."

Norman Smeal writes: "...The weekend was a bit on the warm side, but it could have been worse... Great ride though....I want to thank all of the Volunteers for devoting their time to the cause, Andrew Friday night, John and Bill Saturday overnight and into the wee hours of the morning and Bill again for the finish.  I had the chance to ride with a little bit of every group along the way.  I got a chance to ride with Victor, Kate, Bill, Don and Gavin in the morning, then the afternoon with Dan, Jim, Robin and Bill, picking up Guy in the evening to get back to the Hostel.  Then Sunday spending lots of time with Robin, caught up to Ed, then Dan caught up to me, then we flipped flopped the afternoon, cashing in on some extra bonus miles before New Holland.  Seeing all of the 200k folks is always fun, they seem so full of energy....Thank you Tom for puling the whole event and all of this year brevets together...
  $95 dollars to Tom is still due
  For the 600k, which is attempted by a few
  The ride was success
  I, as well as the others who rode with little rest
  Are happy the brevet series is through..."


Don Jagel writes: "... I just wanted to let you now how much I appreciate all of the work you put into making the Eastern PA series happen.  Also, a great thanks to Andrew, Jon and Bill for there extraordinary efforts.  I cannot begin to even say  enough great things about the effort from all involved! ... As you, and I think most of the volunteers know, I had a gravity challenged day....It was good to see you on my way south from Portland.  ... Again, I appreciate your concern about potential injuries.  Wearing a new white arm coolers (which work great by the way) really soaked up the blood, and made a minor abrasion look like my entire forearm had been ripped off....Overall, Saturday was a very good riding day.  The temperatures, although warm, were a nice change from the recurring cold weather well into the end of May.  I ran into a brief thunderstorm south of Port Jervis, but my timing was perfect, as I dove beneath an overhang in front of a church for 15 minutes to take in some food, drink, and miss the rain....On Sunday, there was a headwind on the way out to New Holland, which meant a welcome tailwind on the way back to the Hostel.  I was glad I got an early start, as Sunday seemed to me to be much warmer than Saturday.  About 1.5 miles from returning to the Hostel, just before getting to Route 313, my rear tire starting getting soft.  Being sooo... close to the finish, I just topped off the tire with some air to get me back to the Hostel (who really feels like repairing a rear tire flat so with less than 10 minutes to completion of a 33+ hour ride).  When I got back to the Hostel, there was Bill to greet me, feed me, and take care of all my needs... This 600K was not the easiest one I have completed as a result of my minor personnel challenges, but it could have been much worse ... and the important part was that I really did enjoy the ride!  ...Thanks again to all involved...."

Dan Aaron writes: "...Thanks for another great route.  And thanks again for lunch and cue sheet replacement at the diner. 
  From Weisel to Limerick by night;
  could be such a hair-raising fright,
  Alone in the dark,
  but a walk in the park,
  thanks to my Dinotte light!

Here's another one:
  Really bad heat and humidity.
  A rainstorm with no visibility.
  Pulled off at that juncture
  with a front tire punture.
  This 600 just proves my stupidity. 

... and one more:
  Though Susan's been riding quite well,
  She skipped the 600 from hell.
  She looked pretty smart
  by not taking the start.

  She'll find another this year I can tell.
..."

Mike Anderson writes: "...
  I come from Mass
  then sweat up Little Gap pass
  my friends ask me why
  what, are you high?
  I say only Randonneurs know its a gas..."

Dan Blumenfeld writes: "...
  While roaming the town Limerick
  I slather my fanny rather thick
  My efforts of rhymn
  Were not worth the time
  And likely will just make Tom sick ..."

Robin Landis writes: "...
  There once was a man from New York
  Who set out to cycle a 600k, oh what a dork!
  He thought its not possible
  But when he got to the hostel
  He said see I'm all done, just stick in a fork ..."

Paul Scearce writes: "...
  Fixed gear brevets are easy
  Except when my stomach gets queasy
  Or the sun gets to hot
  Or the hills go up a lot
  It all doesn't make any sense now, up ahead I think I see a dwarf called sneezy ..."

Grace Pineda writes: "...
  There once was a Randoneuse
  who imagined herself a chanteuse
  When she became sore in the saddle
  She sang a song as she pedaled
  Be gone, you pain on my caboose! ..."

Len Zawodniak writes: "...
  Our RBA, Tom Rosenbauer
  Had us riding for hour after hour
  We had many thrills
  Going up and down hills
  And because of all that, we finished the ride a little bit narrower ..."

This concludes the busy spring series of events -- whew, I'm ready for a little break!  As a bit of a diversion, I'll be blogging along with fellow PA Randonneurs Andrew Mead and George Metzler for Mark Pattinson as he races in the 2013 RAAM.  You can follow all the action at:
http://markpattinson.com/
Mark is looking to improve upon his 2nd place result from 2011 -- with the competitive field, it should be a very exciting race. 


The summer series kicks off in July with the Hawk's Nest 200k.  And of course in August, there's the Endless Mountains 1240k -- there's still time to either register as a participant or help out as a volunteer.  Volunteer opportunities have been posted at:
http://www2.mysignup.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?datafile=em1240k_2013

Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA

New Holland 200k

*** Update 1 (5/31) ***
The current cuesheet is draft 4, dated 5/29/13, with a number of course changes from the 2012 edition.  Previously, there was a long stretch on Rt 23 after crossing the Schuylkill River outbound to New Holland.  This year, you'll head into French Creek State Park via Rt 724, Red Corners, and a climb up Shed. You'll then travel along Lancaster valley back roads after passing through Morgantown.  This is actually a route option we used in previous years which some of you may remember.  On the way back, the controle in Limerick has been changed to avoid afternoon traffic on Linfield Rd.

Additional Course Notes:
-Mile 23.9: The first controle after the sleep stop is an un-timed post card controle in Limerick.  You will be given a postcard to mail at sign-in, and I'm expecting you to write me some really good limericks on the card before you mail it.  So start working on one now.  For some good ideas, you can read last year's limericks at this link:
http://parandonneurs.blogspot.com/2012/06/pa600k200k-recap-and-limericks.html
About 0.3 miles after the Limerick controle, you'll be passing the Limerick Diner which would be a good place to stop and have a nice sit-down meal.
-Mile 37.4: You'll be traveling a rather long way on Rt 724 and this turn is easy to miss.  There is a spotting cue before this turn that will help you find it.  If you find yourself in Birdsboro, you've gone too far!
-Mile 99.4: Course tweak to get you off of Linfield Rd, which is narrow in spots and carries a lot of afternoon traffic.  Along with this change, the controle is now a Dunkin Donuts, located in a strip mall 3 miles down this road.
-Mile 129.5: Hostel Finish: There will be another large function going on at the hostel and they will be using the big common room.  For the finish, we'll have use of the living room on the right as you walk in the front door, where the volunteers will greet and feed you.

Reminder: the bike inspection checklist has been recently updated:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/BikeInspectionCheckList.pdf

You will now need to have 2 taillights securely mounted to your frame -- not to a fabric loop on a bag, and not to the back of your jersey (which I've been seeing more of, lately).  I also want you to have some sort of redundant headlight but this doesn't need to be permanently mounted.  You can carry your spare in a bag.  In general, a head lamp attached to your helmet is not sufficient for a backup, unless you have a way of securely mounting it to your bike.

As you are probably well aware, the weather forecast is for lots of heat and humidity for this weekend.  Given the below average temperatures we've recently had this past weekend, there certainly has not been much time acclimate to the above average heat you'll be facing -- so please take extra caution to keep hydrated and your electrolytes balanced.  Bringing along an ice-sock is highly recommended, along with plenty of Endurolytes.

Volunteers
Jon Clamp will be signing you in, cooking you breakfast, and sending you on your way. Bill Slabonik will meet you at the finish.  Vegetarian chili is on the menu for the post-ride meal.

Roster (as of 5/31)
1 Clair Beiler
2 Dan Brown
3 Jeffery S Butt
4 David C Eisenberg
5 Nigel Greene
6 Althea Grace Pineda
7 Leonard Zawodniak

Please note that the registration fee is $25 for this R-12 event, to offset the additional expense of the hostel rental, breakfast, and post-ride meal.

Have a safe ride!

-Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA

PA600k

*** Update #2 (5/31) ***
Rider Roster with hostel reservations has been posted at:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/Roster.pdf

Hostel Dorm assignments:

Family Dorm:
- Kate Marshall
- Victor Urvantsev

Men's Dorm
- Friday night arrivals before 10PM

Women's Dorm
- Friday night arrivals after 10PM

If you are staying at the hostel, please get your bunk ready as soon as you arrive, to minimize disturbing anyone trying to sleep.

After the event, I encourage you to at least take a nap and rest before getting into your car for the drive home.

*** Update 1 (5/29) ***
The cuesheet has been updated to draft 6, dated 5/29/13, with a number of course changes from the 2012 edition.  In addition to some minor course tweaks and clarifications, the biggest changes are mainly to day two's 200k out-and-back loop from the overnight controle to New Holland.  Previously, there was a long stretch on Rt 23 after crossing the Schuylkill River outbound to New Holland.  This year, you'll head into French Creek State Park via Rt 724, Red Corners, and a climb up Shed. You'll then travel along Lancaster valley back roads after passing through Morgantown.  This is actually a route option we used in previous years which some of you may remember.  On the way back, the controle in Limerick has been changed to avoid afternoon traffic on Linfield Rd.

Additional Course Notes:
-Mile 30.8: Course tweak that puts you on Indian Trail, which is a bit quieter than Kreidersville Rd
-Mile 74.3: There is bridge construction on Rt 191 that unfortunately is diverting traffic onto Rt 447, where you will be riding.  However, it appears that many of the locals were ignoring the "official" detour upon Rt 447 which is very long, and instead using some alternate backroads.
-Mile 118.4: As noted on the cuesheet, there is a restaurant here that you can top off your water bottles and maybe pack your first ice sock, as the mid-day heat starts to kick in.
-Mile 126.9: You should top off your supplies in Barryville -- you have a 20-mile stretch on Rt 97 that is exposed to the afternoon heat.
-Mile 162.6: As noted on the cue sheet, there is a good general store to top off your supplies midway between controles.  There isn't much else between Port Jervis and Water Gap.
-Mile 202.5: Course tweak that keeps you on Rt 519, instead of the hillier option along Foul Rift Rd.
-Mile 240.7: Overnight controle: food and a bunk bed await you at the hostel. If you are staying at the hostel on Friday night, use the same bunk.  Otherwise, a volunteer will assign you one.  You should plan to be out the door and back on the road for day two no later than 5AM.  But leaving earlier would be even better in order to take advantage of the cooler temperatures in the morning.
-Mile 265.3: The first controle after the sleep stop is an un-timed post card controle in Limerick.  You will be given a postcard to mail at sign-in, and I'm expecting you to write me some really good limericks on the card before you mail it.  So start working on one now.  For some good ideas, you can read last year's limericks at this link:
http://parandonneurs.blogspot.com/2012/06/pa600k200k-recap-and-limericks.html
About 0.3 miles after the Limerick controle, you'll be passing the Limerick Diner which would be a good place to stop and have a nice sit-down meal.
-Mile 279.2: You'll be traveling a rather long way on Rt 724 and this turn is easy to miss.  There is a spotting cue before this turn that will help you find it.  If you find yourself in Birdsboro, you've gone too far!
-Mile 342.8: Course tweak to get you off of Linfield Rd, which is narrow in spots and carries a lot of afternoon traffic.  Along with this change, the controle is now a Dunkin Donuts, located in a strip mall 3 miles down this road.
-Mile 373.7: Hostel Finish: There will be another large function going on at the hostel and they will be using the big common room.  For the finish, we'll have use of the living room on the right as you walk in the front door, where the volunteers will greet and feed you.

Reminder: the bike inspection checklist has been recently updated:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/BikeInspectionCheckList.pdf

You will now need to have 2 taillights securely mounted to your frame -- not to a fabric loop on a bag, and not to the back of your jersey (which I've been seeing more of, lately).  I also want you to have some sort of redundant headlight but this doesn't need to be permanently mounted.  You can carry your spare in a bag.  In general, a head lamp attached to your helmet is not sufficient for a backup, unless you have a way of securely mounting it to your bike.

And with the extended amount of riding in the dark that is typical for most riders on a 600k, there is safety in numbers -- so please make an effort to find a riding partner at night.

A selected number of you will be given SPOT GPS trackers to carry with you -- this helps the volunteers to be in right place at the right time.  If you are given one, your friends and family can follow your progress at this website:
http://bike.talloakfarm.com/spot_map.html

As you are probably well aware, the weather forecast is for lots of heat and humidity for this weekend.  Given the below average temperatures we've recently had this past weekend, there certainly has not been much time acclimate to the above average heat you'll be facing -- so please take extra caution to keep hydrated and your electrolytes balanced.  Bringing along an ice-sock is highly recommended, along with plenty of Endurolytes.  While temperatures are expected to reach 90F in Quakertown, at least the first 200k should be manageable as you head into the cool forests of Promised Land (which typically has temperatures 5 degrees cooler than the surrounding areas).

Volunteers
Andrew Mead will be signing you in at the start controle, cooking you breakfast, and sending you off on your way.  Jon Clamp and Bill Slabonik will be running the overnight controle.  Vegetarian lasagna is on the menu.  You'll also see Bill at the finish.

Have a safe ride!

-Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA

Blue Mountain 400k Ride Report

18 riders clipped in for the Blue Mountain 400k, including 2 volunteer preriders.  All finished in good time for another 100%  -- congratulations to all for an excellent result on a challenging course. Preliminary results have been posted at
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/PA400k_Results130518.pdf

... please let me know of any corrections or other issues.  Results will be submitted this week, and become final, pending RUSA/ACP certification.

In past years, the weather for the PA400k has been warm and humid, making those climbs up those Blue Mountain ridges even tougher.  But this time, the overcast skies and moderate temperatures made for nearly ideal riding conditions in the daytime.  But those clouds eventually turned to rain during the evening hours -- while the faster riders managed to stay dry, some of the later finishers ended up with a 70 mile slog through the rain.  But all-in-all, there can't be too many complaints, especially in light of the 85F temperature and high humidity on top of some rain in the forecast for the next couple of days.

Of note, a number of riders have completed at least a PA200k, PA300k, and PA400k and thus are just a PA600k away from completing their Eastern PA Super Randonneur series:
1 Dan Barbasch
2 Gavin Biebuyck
3 Ed Dodd
4 William Fischer
5 Guy Harris
6 Donald Jagel
7 Eric Keller
8 Robin C Landis
9 Kate Marshall
10 Chris Nadovich
11 William Olsen
12 Hugo Safar
13 Paul D Scearce
14 Norman Smeal
15 Victor Urvantsev

... I'm looking forward to making Eastern PA Super Randonneur plaques for all of them:

.

Special thanks to volunteers Norman Smeal, Jon Clamp, Bill Fischer, Janice Chernekoff, Bill Olsen and Andrew Mead.   Norman and Bill Fischer completed a check-out ride and provided detours for the road construction.  Janice manned the start controle, cooked breakfast, and signed in riders while Bill Olsen helped out with bike inspection.  Thankfully, everybody was paying attention at the rider meeting when Janice instructed everyone to have "A Safe Ride."  Andrew manned the Brownsville controle while Norman spent many hours sweeping the course at Limerick and making sure all the riders were accounted for.  And finally, Jon Clamp spent many hours manning the finish controle and making sure all the finishers were well fed.  This was a fantastic volunteer crew and the first time the PA400k has been run from beginning to end entirely with volunteers -- a big thanks from an appreciate RBA for all that help!

Chris Nadovich writes "...It was a nice change, arriving at Blondie's with some water left in my bottle.  Remember that 2010 death march 400K? Yeesh! I'll take cool drizzle over oppressive heat any time.  
Thanks to the volunteers, especially to Norman who graciously invited me into his warm car at the Limerick controle. Thanks to him, I was able to recharge, warm up, and somewhat dry out before slogging through the final segment with my soggy guardian angel walking along side. .."

Bill Olsen writes: "...Thanks again for staging this event, and especially the volunteers - Janice who saw us off at the early-hour start, and Jon who kept a light on for us as we arrived in through the night, and into the morning, and Norman and the others who were out monitoring our progress throughout the day out on the course..."

Guy Harris writes: "...Norman told Dan, Robin, and me at the Limerick control that we were your missing 3 all day. Seems we were in the crack between the fast crowd and the slow crowd. We did ride together for safety at night though. ... It  occurred to me that this 400K route is long enough to have a little bit of all eastern PA rides - the Delaware River, the little ups and downs, Blue Mountain, the little ups and downs, Lancaster and the Amish, the little ups and downs, Quakertown. I particularly noticed the little ups and downs on the fixed as you can tell. Many, many thanks to Janice (for doing her best Tom impression), Norm (for encouraging the last 30miles), Jon (for keeping the club house fire going), and you for the great organization...."

Hugo Safar writes: "... great ride, thanks for putting it together!!  It was a perfect day, and a truly beautiful course. And thanks for the volunteers that did the pre-ride, and noted the construction on 309...with the pictures they sent it was clear what to do for a safe crossing.  It was also great to have their friendly faces and conversation in the last stops, when every bit of energy and encouragement counted ..."

Ed Dodd writes: "...Thanks once again for organizing another great brevet. It is always an exhausting pleasure to leave the flatlands and come to the land of up and up and up. And, of course, thanks to Janice, Norm, and Jon for all their help before, during, and after the event. ..."

Lane Giardina writes: "..Belated but heartfelt thanks for a great event Saturday.  An excellent route, wonderful support from start to finish, and the chance to ride with some folks who'd been familiar names but not so familiar faces made for another special ride.  And the chili at the finish was excellent -- after 248 miles I had just enough energy to stop myself from going face down in it. ..."


Next up is the PA600k on June 1st.  Again, the start/finish is at the Weisel hostel, where the usual preride breakfast and postride meals will be available.  Event details have been posted at:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/PA600K.html
... as usual, PA members in good standing can register via e-mail by the Thursday before the event.  The cuesheet currently posted is from last year, but I'm looking at making some course tweaks to avoid some busy areas near Shawnee and Lancaster.  Be sure to check the website and message board for updates.


Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA

Blue Mountain 400k

*** Update #3 (5/17) ***
Rider Roster with hostel reservations has been posted at:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/Roster.pdf

Hostel Dorm assignments:

Family Dorm:
- Kate Marshall
- Victor Urvantsev

Men's Dorm
- Friday night arrivals before 10PM
- Lane Giardina

Women's Dorm
- Friday night arrivals after 10PM
- Hugo Safar

If you are staying at the hostel, please get your bunk ready as soon as you arrive, to minimize disturbing anyone trying to sleep.

If you are not staying at the hostel after the event, I encourage you to at least take a nap and resting before getting into your car for the drive home.

*** Update #2 (5/15) ***
The cuesheet update posted earlier this week (draft 12)  is final -- so you can go ahead and laminate it to keep it dry from the chance of showers, currently in the forecast.

Reminder: the bike inspection checklist has been recently updated:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/BikeInspectionCheckList.pdf

You will now need to have 2 taillights securely mounted to your frame -- not to a fabric loop on a bag, and not to the back of your jersey (which I've been seeing more of, lately).  I also want you to have some sort of redundant headlight but this doesn't need to be permanently mounted.  You can carry your spare in a bag.  In general, a head lamp attached to your helmet is not sufficient for a backup, unless you have a way of securely mounting it to your bike.

And with the extended amount of riding in the dark that is typical for most riders on a 400k, there is safety in numbers -- so please make an effort to find a riding partner at night.

A selected number of you will be given SPOT GPS trackers to carry with you -- this helps the volunteers to be in right place at the right time.  If you are given one, your friends and family can follow your progress at this website:
http://bike.talloakfarm.com/spot_map.html

Please note that the SPOT trackers automatically turn off after 24 hours, so the later finishers will need to cycle the power and enable the tracking feature at some point during the event.  Norman will be double checking the SPOTS near Limerick, to make sure they have all been reset near the end of event.

We have a fantastic crew of volunteers to support you:
- Janice Chernekoff will be checking you in at the start, cooking you breakfast, and sending you on your way.
- Norman Smeal will be sweeping the course near Limerick
- Jon Clamp will be greeting you at the finish and he'll be serving my new vegetarian chili -- hope you like it!

And most importantly, be sure to have a ***Safe Ride ***!


*** Update #1 (5/12) ***
The cue sheet has been updated to draft 12, dated 5/12/13, with corrections from a volunteer pre-ride completed by Norman Smeal and Bill Fischer on May 11th.  In following their progress with Norm's GPS SPOT tracker and looking at the weather radar, it looks like they encountered some heavy downpours between the Blondies controle and Lickdale.  Bill reports:

Mile 68.4 - West Bowmans Rd is now signposted

Mile 82.6 - Zions Stone Church is closed with a hard barrier and the signpost is laying on the ground.  It's unclear why it is closed (we believe they are trying to limit turns during the Rte 309 construction).  In any event, riders will need to dismount and walk around the barriers of this unmarked road.

Zions Stone Church construction barrier

Zions Stone Church road marking 

Mile 99.0 - Rte 61 has construction and a hard barrier has been erected in the center lane of Rte 61 which cannot be crossed.  The best option:
As you approach Rte 61, walk up dirt path to your Left which leads to the Geisinger Medical parking lot.  Cross to the end of the parking lot which will get you beyond the barriers and allow a safe crossing of Rte 61.  Riders can then proceed Right in the (closed) shoulder of Rte 61 to make the turn onto Rte 2010.  The Adamsdale Rd signpost is down but there is still a Rte 2010 signpost visible.  The map below shows a bird's eye-view of this detour (click on the image to bring up a larger view):

Detour around construction barriers

Construction barriers on Rt 61 median

Dirt Path to parking lot

Crossing Rt 61 beyond construction barriers

Mile 202.4 - The Harmonyville Rd. bridge construction is complete and is no longer a detour.


-Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA