PA200k Ride Report

Tinicum farmhouse in the fading sunlight.
Photo compliments of Christine Newman

Preliminary results have been posted at:
http://parando.org/PA200k_Results140412.pdf

...Please let me know of any corrections or other issues.  Results will be submitted shortly, and become final, pending RUSA certification.

There could hardly be any complaints with the weather for this event. Temperatures at the start were in the high 40F's, and with the plentiful sunshine, it quickly warmed up to a pleasant 70F. But despite the recent warm-up, some piles of snow were still hanging on all along Riverton Road, just north of Belvidere.   The winds for much of the day were gentle but picked up later in the afternoon -- adding to the challenge of all those rollers through Bucks County on the last segment to the finish.

All 28 riders on the roster finished in good time for another 100% finish -- congratulations to all the participants for that excellent result on arguably, one of the toughest 200k's you'll find anywhere.  And adding to the difficulty, a cuesheet error had a number of riders logging bonus miles riding up and down a ridge looking for River Road atop of the Lommasson's Glen/Buckhorn/Castner climb.  I heard reports of one rider going part way down Fiddlers Elbow, which of course, is one of the steepest roads around the area.

Also in the category of bonus miles, of the hilly variety: Don Jagel must have had last October's 200k route in mind when he arrived at Geigle Hill Road.  Instead of taking the left turn to the covered bridge, he instead turned right and traversed the Geigle Hill ridge and eventually arrived at Creamery Road in Ottsville the same as everybody else.  But then realizing his error at that point, he retraced his route all the way back to the covered bridge in order to get to Creamery Road the correct way,  logging nearly 13 miles and two crossings of Geigel Hill in the process!  Don explains: "...When Jim H. and I got to Geigel Hill Rd., being such a nice day, and with plenty of time to spare we turned right so we would not miss getting in the last good climb of the day.  Only after we crossed Durham Rd. in Ottsville, and passed below the Route 611 over pass did I go to flip over my cue sheet and realize that we were really supposed to turn left at Geigel Hill Rd. and follow Headquarters Rd. to Ottsville.  So, we made the trip back down Geigel Hill Rd., and got back on the proper course eventually ending up on Creamery Rd. again, where we had turned around earlier.  I think we deserve the 10% bonus mileage award for that one (yep, it was a full 12.6 miles detour)!  That was definitely a personal record for me.  To make matters worse, Jim and I had been talking about Geigel Hill earlier during the day, and Jim even pointed out the Geigel Hill cue to me when we were in Milford.  Oops! ..."

In light of that exemplary adherence to the rules, Don and Jim win the Honest Abe 10% Bonus award.


Don additionally writes: "... Once back on track, Craig M. caught up with us.  Craig had his bonus mileage up by Brass Castle Rd. where went down to hills by mistake before finally finding the right way.  As we closed in on Lake Nockamixon we picked up Robin L., so we finished as a group of four, as Jim and I congratulated each other on completing the long 200k.  When we got back to the hostel Patrick had the lasagne warm and waiting, which was well needed.  Thanks Patrick!...Looking forward to the PA300 (without the 10% bonus mileage)..."

Jim Holman adds: "...Extra miles or not, it is always great to ride with Don.  I also enjoyed riding with CJ up to the Milford controle where we split up... the route was beautiful!  Challenging and scary :-) at the same time.  The food and refreshments at the hostel were most welcome after such a difficult ride. Many thanks to you and your volunteer crew (Patrick and Cecilie)! And Thanks also for the Honest Abe Award...."

Nigel Greene writes: "...When I saw the route profile, I was expecting a challenging course, but reality exceeded the expectations. I am glad I had a great-granny gear as good balance to keep me from falling over as I was riding at walking speeds up those many rides. Great weather, beautiful course, good food at the beginning and end. All in all another PA pleaser and good confidence builder...."
You can read Nigel's complete ride report at:
http://eprider.blogspot.com/2014/04/2014-april-200k-change-in-perspective.html
... I always look forward to the interesting perspectives Nigel comes up with. Reading his write-ups and looking at the gorgeous shots he takes (posted here):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/58781331@N07/sets/72157643924446103/
... is one of the things that helps me keep going as an RBA!

Ed Bernasky writes: "... When trying to decide whether to do yesterday's 200k or drive down to DC for a 300K, I was torn.  Needing a good hard ride and previewing the cuesheet illuminated that you "took" Blue MOUNTAIN from us sending us over the Appalachian trail the easy way THAT time but we were ultimately compensated with the smattering of those cute little rollers along the way over the last 2/3 of the route.  Seriously.... beautiful, challenging route with just the right amount of gravel sprinkled in.  The long, difficult stretch from the Portland to Milford Controles was good training (nutrition and hydration) for any (new) randonneur.  Is there a more challenging and beautiful 200k routes out there?  Is there?  Thank you.  (I think) ..."

Chris Newman writes: "..Thanks for a challenging ride - all of my favorite hills in one 200K!
And thanks to Patrick for manning the finish. ..."
Chris also took some fantastic photos, which have been posted here:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.783782574973205&type=1
... her Garmin ride data has been posted here:
http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2476187

First finisher Norman Smeal writes: "... yesterdays ride was for sure a test. ....  Again, the weather gods were watching over us and gifted the PA Randonneurs another perfect day.  I want to thank you, Patrick and Cecilie for the pre-ride notes and Patrick for being there at the finish....."

Bill Olsen writes: "...Thanks for running this "old standard" route again this year.  It always brings back fond memories of my riding this as my second brevet, ever.  The hills keep coming, and although your ears may have been burning from all of us out on the route today, we'll all thank you later in the season for providing this opportunity to kick start our training for the events of the upcoming season.  Thanks also to Patrick and Cecilie for pre-riding the course and also for Patrick for volunteering to check us all in at the finish....."

Special thanks to both Cecilie and Patrick Gaffney for checking out the course with their volunteer preride. Patrick also ran the finish controle, provided the postride meal, and helped with the cleanup at the end.  Having all that good help allowed me to enjoy a fantastic day on the road with all the others -- thanks!

The Eastern PA spring series continues in two weeks with 6 Fleche teams headed to Quakertown from various starting points. And the week after the fleche, you have the choice of either a 300k or 200k on May3rd.  Details will be posted shortly.

-Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA

PA200k

*** Update 1 (4/8) ***

"...the PA200K was my favorite route in PA so far. Not only challenging, but also scenic..." -- Juan Salazar commenting on the 2009 event.  This is the event with several big climbs including: Fox Gap, Lommasson's Glen, Staats, and new for this edition, Dogwood Lane on our way to Easton.  Along with all those climbs, there are of course some long, steep descents -- while it may be possible to reach 50 MPH on some of these descents, please don't go any faster than your Guardian Angel can keep up with.  Especially in light of the rough winter we've had, which has left behind many potholes and rutted pavement that has yet to be patched up.  There are several stretches of road where you'll need to pick your way around these hazards, so please keep a safe distance from the rider in front of you, especially early on when riders tend to be bunched together.

A volunteer pre-ride was completed by Patrick and Cecilie Gaffney.  Patrick reports: "...Cecilie and I had a great time yesterday, though the stiff head winds for about the first 60 miles were as formidable as any of the climbs.  Wind Gap really live up to its name! Overall we found the roads of the course to be in pretty good shape given the winter we had.  I would say that the worst stretch of roads were in the first 13 miles; lots of potholes and gravel.  Once you make the left on to Dogwood Ln there were noticeably less potholes.  The first 13 miles were not so bad that you couldn't pick your way through, but we were one bike going pretty cautiously. It may be more difficult for a pack of riders to get through as easily.  You may want to warn everybody to leave plenty of space for maneuvering. There was a lot of gravel on the right turn onto Cherry Valley Road as well as on some other turns. I liked the new routing ... While the climbing on Dogwood Lane seems to sneak up on you I thought it was a more pleasant way to the top of the ridge than the old routing up Lower Saucon Road.  There will certainly be less traffic which is always nice and it doesn't seem to be a steep a grade. ..."

The current cuesheet is draft 1, dated 3/26/14 (there were no edits from the voluteer preride).

The start/finish is at the Weisel Hostel in Quakertown, our "rando clubhouse".  There are dorm rooms available for $25/night on both Friday and Saturday nights -- if you are traveling far, this might be a cost effective option to consider to avoid a lot of driving right before and after the event.  A breakfast buffet of hot oatmeal and other breakfast items is available 1 hr before the start, in the hostel's great room.  This is also where the sign-in area is.  After the ride, there are 2 showers available in the upstairs bathroom.  Also included is a postride meal, where you can swap your war stories and share your goals for the 2014 season.

Please note that the hostel is located in a "rustic" area -- cell phone coverage is poor, if you need to reach me, be sure to try the hostel phone number (listed on your cuesheet and brevet card) if I don't answer my cell phone.  Also, the dirt driveway has a lot of potholes and rocks -- take caution.  You should park your car in the large parking area on the right of the long driveway between the road and hostel.  If it is wet, be sure to park on the gravel area, NOT the grassy areas -- it is easy to get your car stuck if you wander into a soft grassy area.  The few parking spots next to the hostel are reserved for event personnel and the hostel parents: John and GerriAnn.

*** Roster (as of 4/10) ***

1 Daniel Aaron -
2 Ronald Anderson -
3 Barbara Solis Anderson -
4 Charles J Arayata Registration with Friday Night Hostel Reservation
5 Dan Barbasch Registration with Friday Night Hostel Reservation
6 Ed Bernasky
7 Jeffery S Butt -
8 Blaine L Chamberlain -
9 Jonathan Clamp -
10 Ed Dodd -
11 William Fischer -
12 Cecilie Gaffney Volunteer
13 Patrick Gaffney Volunteer
14 Nigel Greene -
15 Guy Harris -
16 James P. Holman -
17 Donald Jagel -
18 Eric Keller -
19 Robin C Landis Registration with Friday Night Hostel Reservation
20 J Michael Lutz -
21 Craig Martek Registration with Friday Night Hostel Reservation
22 Christine Newman -
23 William Olsen -
24 Susan Rodetis -
25 Tom Rosenbauer -
26 Norman Smeal -
27 Bob Torres Registration with Friday Night Hostel Reservation

Please drop me a note by Thursday, if you want to join the roster.

Have a safe ride!

-Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA

Blue Mountain 200k Ride Report

Photo Compliments of Christine Newman

Preliminary results have been posted at:
http://parando.org/PA200k_Results140322.pdf
...Please let me know of any corrections or other issues.  Results will be submitted shortly, and become final, pending RUSA certification.

The spring weather so far has been a continuation of the wild roller coaster ride of this winter's extreme conditions.  But luckily for us, our ride coincided with temperatures hitting the mid 60F's with plentiful sunshine for a nearly ideal, early spring day.  The rain that was in the ominous forecast for several days never amounted to more than a few drops that barely got the road wet.  And as a bonus, the winds held off until riders turned the corner at Danielsville.  And then the wind obligingly kicked-up out the west with gusts over 30 MPH to speed everybody along to Water Gap.

All 33 riders on the roster finished in good time for another 100% finish -- congratulations to all the participants for that excellent result.  Of note Greg Keenan completed his very first brevet -- that's one down, and 11 more to go for an R-12 series.  Several other riders were first time Eastern PA participants: Ed Bernasky, Kenneth Herbert, Michelle Nguyen, and Wade Wegner -- welcome, and well done!

It's been about 15 years since Ed Bernasky rode his last brevet, and is one of RUSA's earliest members with a 3-digit RUSA number.  At the other end of the spectrum, CJ Arayata, back for his 2nd PA event, is one of RUSA's newest members, and the numbers are now approaching the 10,000 mark.  Ed writes: "... Don and Tom, Thank you very much for providing an excellent route yesterday and for the work putting this Brevet together. I do not think you could have selected better or more scenic roads for a 200k in this area.  Pretty much perfect says it all...."

Jim Holman writes "...Thanks to you and organizer Don Jagel for another excellent and challenging ride.  Terrific river and mountain views, great riding companions and improving weather conditions as the day wore on made for a fantastic early spring day.  All topped off with some brew and food at the Ship Inn...."

First finisher Norman Smeal writes: "...Thank you and Don for putting in the show yesterday.  Another great day for a ride and a great turn out.....That Stats hill is a killer.  Love the finishing location and always love those Milford Starts...."

Bill Fischer writes: "...thanks to you and Don for a wonderful ride yesterday.  After a horrendous winter, it was great to finally get outside and enjoy some sunshine with friends on a beautiful route.  I was privileged to be towed through the course by Jim, Matt and Gavin who were kind enough let me regain contact with the group on the descents (I'd rather forget about the climbs...."

Nigel Greene writes: "...The ride was a fun way to start Spring.  The great scenery provided some much needed distraction and a decent reward for all that climbing and it was good to see so many people I haven't seen for a while. I took a few pictures along the way. ....Last but not least, please thank Don again for all the time and work he put in to make the ride happen. Looking forward to another season of PA Rando adventures!..."
Nigel's photo album is posted at:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/58781331@N07/sets/72157642802062694/
... and he got a great shot of that big tom turkey, "...staking a claim to his hens:"
https://www.flickr.com/photos/58781331@N07/13358990554/in/set-72157642802062694
Nigel has also posted another one of his eloquent ride reports at:
http://eprider.blogspot.com/2014/03/pennsylvania-blue-mountain-200k-riding.html

Christine Newman writes: "...Thanks for a great ride and thanks to Don too for managing the event.
The route was beautiful, the tailwind was perfect and the hills manageable with gears. The gathering at the Inn was the perfect finish. way too many pictures taken with my new camera:
www.facebook.com/chris.newman.125760/media_set?set=a.10151909735511853.1073741835.696631852&type=1&l=d3aa52beaa
[with over 200 pictures, that works out to about one shot for each km ridden! This one showing the long shadows and silhouettes cast by the fading sunlight:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151909748196853&set=a.10151909735511853.1073741835.696631852&type=3&l=d3aa52beaa&theater
... is one of favorites -Tom R.]

Special thanks to organizer,  Don Jagel, for checking out the course ahead of time, signing everybody in at the start, sending us off on our way, and then checking in on everybody at the Danielsville controle. And then Don was back again at the finish, to make sure everybody was safely in.  It's volunteers like Don, that make it possible to put on events every month though out the year.  And with a busy spring series underway, I'm looking for a few more volunteers to help out -- remaining opportunities to help out are posted here:
http://www1.mysignup.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?datafile=pa_volunteers2014

The Eastern PA spring series continues with another 200k on April 12th.  We'll be headed back to our rando-home-base at the Weisel hostel in Quakertown -- details have been posted at:
http://parando.org/PA200K.html


-Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA

Blue Mountain 200k

*** Update 2 (3/21) ***
As you can see from the current roster posted below, we have a pretty good turn-out for an early spring event.  Please note that there is additional seating at the bakery start controle in a room down the hallway past the bathrooms.  There are a number of first-time participants, and I trust that the vetern riders will help welcome the newcomers.  I know a couple of you are still sitting on the fence -- if you decide not to clip-in at the start, please drop me a note.

The controle in Water Gap is at another bakery.  But right next door, there is the Water Gap Diner if you would like a more substantial sit-down meal.  You may get your brevet card signed at either location.

I want to emphasize taking extra care with those RR crossings early on, as noted on the message board and cuesheet -- especially if you find yourself in a large, fast bunch as you approach these hazards.  The second one at mile 7.2 will be extremely treacherous, especially if it is wet.

SPOT GPS Trackers will be handed out to a couple of riders at the start. The webpage with links to the trackers is here:
http://parando.org/SPOT_Links.html
... if you have a personal SPOT tracker not listed, please send me a link to your tracking webpage.

And a couple of other important reminders:
- Lighting and reflective gear will be inspected at the start
- Print out a cuesheet for yourself
- Monitor the message board and website for any last minute updates

...And most importantly, be sure to have a **safe ride***!

*** Update 1 (3/18) ***
The current cuesheet is draft 5, dated 3/14/14:
http://parando.org/BlueMtn200k_A_cue.pdf

Hopefully, the rain in the forecast for Saturday morning will hold off until at least the temperatures warm up a bit. The bakery opens at 6AM, so you will be able to top off with coffee and breakfast before the 7AM start.  Organizer Don Jagel will be meeting you at the start and sending you off on your way.  You should park your car in the big lot off of Church St, which US Health has granted us permission to use.

*** Course notes ***
As noted on the cuesheet, there are a couple of RR crossings early on.  The one at mile 7.2 is particularly hazardous, with a bad angle, and will be extra treacherous if wet.  Please take extra caution here, especially if you are in a large group.

Don Jagel completed a volunteer pre-ride this past weekend and reports: "...My ride on Saturday started out chilly at about 30F degrees.  There were some small ice patches encountered where water had seeped onto the road while riding up along the Delaware River to Phillipsburg.  I also ran into some larger ice patches between Wind Gap and Danielsville, particularly near mile 41, with two ice patches completely covering the road and being about 20 feet long.  Also, West End Road, starting at mile 41.2, has had some severe asphalt deterioration over the winter, so riders will have to be careful to avoid the soft, muddy portions that are mainly towards the center of the road. 

Since we had such a good winter, ski traffic was plentiful while climbing and descending Blue Mountain, and I would expect a number of cars to be present on March 22, as the ski area still has quite a bit of snow.  After passing over Blue Mountain, the roads were pretty dry and ice free for the remainder of the day, but that could all change by next weekend.  The roads throughout the ride, except for intersections, were relatively gravel free considering the winter we had.  Gravel patches can also pop up anywhere at this time of year, so descend steep hills and sharp bends with caution.

Wildlife was plentiful indicating that spring can't be far away.  During the ride I saw squirrels, deer, racoons, hawks (in winter plummage), two flocks of turkeys, several large flocks of snow geese, ducks (of course), mergansers, and a blue bird (a sure sign of spring).

All in all, it looks like the route is in very good shape and ready to be ridden. ..."

And as always, be sure to check the website and message board for any last minute updates.

**** Roster as of 3/21 ***
1 Barbara Solis Anderson
2 Ronald Anderson
3 Michael Anderson
4 CJ Arayata
5 Ed Bernasky
6 Gavin Biebuyck
7 Jeffery S Butt
8 Janice Chernekoff
9 Jonathan Clamp
10 Dawn M Engstrom
11 Matthew Farrell
12 William Fischer
13 Nigel Greene
14 Judson L Hand
15 Steve Harding
16 Kenneth E Herbert
17 James P. Holman
18 Donald Jagel
19 Greg Keenan
20 Eric Keller
21 Christopher Anson Knight
22 Robin C Landis
23 Jonathan Levitt
24 Chris Nadovich
25 Christine Newman
26 Michelle Nguyen
27 William Olsen
28 Peter C Phillips
29 Tom Rosenbauer
30 Norman Smeal
31 Christopher C Solarz
32 Bob Torres
33 Gilbert Torres
34 Wade Wegner

-Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA

Beyond Hope Retour Ride Report

Preliminary results have been posted at:
http://parando.org/PA200k_Results140201.pdf
...Please let me know of any corrections or other issues.  Results will be submitted shortly, and become final, pending RUSA certification.

Unlike last month, the scheduled date for the February R-12 event aligned nicely with a break in this winter's messy weather pattern.  Temperatures at the start were a chilly 23F, and remained below freezing for the first 40 mile leg to Blairstown.  But with plentiful sunshine and some warm air blowing from the south, temperatures rose up into the mid 40F's.  The weather gods smiled upon us this time -- and looking ahead to next week, 3 more storms are in the forecast, so we're very fortunate we were able to take advantage of this opportunity to ride.  I've seen recent news reports of NJ getting low on their road salt supplies.  I think at least half of the annual stockpile must have been laid down on Rt 29 -- that stretch of road was more akin to the Bonneville salt flats!

All 22 riders who clipped-in on Saturday morning made it around the course in good time.  Of note, Christopher Maglieri, Larry Midura, Bill Olsen and Eric Keller all completed an R-12 series.  Congratulations to them all, for finding a way to string together all those months of results.

And if you think the weather in Eastern PA has been bad this winter, it's been much worse for Larry Midura who lives in Syracuse -- that part of NY has been absolutely buried with lake effect snow all winter.  Larry writes: "... Over the years, I have been on many  of your different routes into Blairstown, but never the direct, main Rt. 519 &  Rt. 521 roads to Rt. 94 into the Diner Control.  Those are perfect winter roads to ride.  And the start from Milford was great - a quaint village with a neat bakery and pizzeria with super Sicilian pizza!..."

First-time Eastern PA participant, Mark Lockwood is also working on an R-12 series, and decided to make the long trip up from Virginia to join us for his fourth brevet.  Mark writes: "...That was a great ride, very scenic with the frozen waterfalls.  That was my best 200k time so far to boot; I was motivated by an awesome group of riders ..."  With four of the toughest months in the bag, Mark is well on his way to an R-12 series that started with his first brevet ever -- best of luck, for this rare achievement!

Eric Keller actually has back-to-back R-12 completions, for a streak of 24.  Eric writes: "...Thanks for all your efforts in making the R-12 possible.  I would have had a PA rando R24 if it weren't for pesky work obligations in October.  I really like the route starting in Milford.  That stretch of 521 into Blairstown offers a few too many moments of terror in the dark, but it was OK in the morning.  And the practical advantages of riding past your car at mile 80 are obvious. ..."

Bill Olsen has a monthly streak of 41 Eastern PA finishes and also has completed an R-12. Bill writes: "... we Sure got lucky with Saturday. ... Once the results are entered, and formally recognized/recorded by RUSA I'll also plan to apply fo my RUSA R-12 award.... I would also bet that Ron had a hand in helping to convince you to make the Ship Inn the final controle. It is one of his favorite stops, although with the clientele that frequents such a high class joint as that, I'll need to ride one of my Bob Jackson or other English steeds. Thanks again for making the R-12 possible for all of us through the PA series. ..."

Christine Newman  writes: " ...Thanks for organizing another great ride. Many thanks to Len for his support throughout the day and to Bill for his support and patience at the finish. I uploaded the photos to the NJ Rando Facebook page so everyone should be able to access them that way. If someone has trouble viewing them, I can send them a different link through their e-mail address...."
You can see Christine's wonderful photo album at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/700683049949825/

The February event is one of the tougher months on the R-12 calender.  But Bob Dye has now completed 4 consecutive years of brevet finishes in February.  Bob writes: "...Another good day in the saddle thanks to you and the ubiquitous Lenny Z. He popped up more often than a whack-a-mole. I had the unique experience of dodging a small falling boulder on Rt. 29 North. The adrenaline surge was good for a couple extra MPH. ..."


Special thanks to volunteer,  Len Zawodniak.  Len certainly took one for the team with his volunteer pre-ride on Friday.  The temperature at his start was in the teens, and never quite made it to the freezing mark. Len not only manned the start controle, but was also an encouraging, friendly face to greet riders all along the northern loop.   Thanks also, to organizer Bill Olsen for manning the finish controle

This concludes the winter schedule -- whew!  I don't know about you, but I've had more than my fill of Rt29 these past 2 months, and I don't plan on going down that long stretch of road again until next January. The Eastern PA spring series kicks off on March 22nd with a return to quieter roads.  Organizer Don Jagel, will be running his Blue Mountain 200k out of Milford.  The start will again be at our favorite Bakery there, but riding companions, Christine Newman and Chris Nadovich introduced me to the Ship Inn this past Saturday, and talked me into making that the finish controle instead of the pizzeria.  Event details have been posted at:
http://parando.org/R12ClubMar2.html


-Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA

Beyond Hope Retour 200k

*** Update 2 (1/31) ***
There is an icy seep at mile 65 that covers the shoulder and part of the travel lane.  This is on a downhill, just before you turn left to remain on Rt 519 (after the long climb up Marble Hill).  Although temperatures are expected to be above freezing when you pass through here, the ground has been very cold, so please look out for this hazard and take extra caution here.

*** Update 1 (1/30) ***
Just a reminder that the start/finish is in ***Milford, NJ***.

A volunteer preride is planned for Friday, so any updates will be posted on Friday evening.

The weather forecast looks promising for above freezing temperatures -- something we haven't seen very much of this winter.  Some of the forecasts are still calling for a chance for some early percipitation -- and with the ground still very cold, this of course would present a hazard for any untreated surfaces.  But hopefully, anything that falls will be north and west of where we'll be riding, and if my neighborhood roads are any indication, there's still plenty of salt on the roads.

*** Original Post ***
The Eastern PA winter schedule continues with the Beyond Hope Retour 200k Saturday, February 1st. Event details have been posted at:
http://parando.org/R12ClubFeb4.html
This is based on the Beyond Hope to New Hope course we ran in January, but this time we'll be starting in Milford.  In addition to changing things up a bit, you'll never be further than 40 miles away from the start/finish if conditions take a turn for the worse.  As before, the course routing mainly uses primary roads, since these have the best chance of being cleared and treated for winter conditions.  However, there is still some uncertainly with the weather forecast,  so please be sure to monitor this message board and PA website for updates, as the weather forecast firms up -- especially since we seemed to be in an extreme winter weather pattern this year.

The start/finish is at the Milford Bakery, but you should park your car in the big parking lot on Church St -- there is a sign indicating private parking, but PA Randonneurs has secured permission from the owner, US Health (which will be closed).

The Bakery will be open by 6AM and in addition to baked items, breakfast sandwich are made to order. The finish controle at Pipolo's Pizza is just a couple of stores away from the Bakery.  But if you are looking for something a bit more like the Blairstown Inn for post ride refreshment, the Ship Inn across the street can accommodate you.

Reminder: With the limited daylight, lights and reflective gear will be checked at the start.

*** Roster as of 1/31 ***
1 Barbara Solis Anderson
2 Ronald Anderson
3 Michael Anderson
4 Gavin Biebuyck
5 Janice Chernekoff
6 Robert Dye
7 Matthew Farrell
8 William Fischer
9 Donald Jagel
10 Eric Keller
11 Robin C Landis
12 Mark N Lockwood
13 Christopher Maglieri
14 Lawrence A Midura
15 Chris Nadovich
16 Christine Newman
17 William Olsen
18 William Reagan
19 Tom Rosenbauer
20 Paul G Shapiro
21 Norman Smeal
22 Bob Torres
23 Leonard Zawodniak

If you'd like to join the roster, please drop me a note by Thursday, Jan. 30th.

-Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA

Beyond Hope to New Hope Ride Report

Preliminary results have been posted at:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/PA200k_Results140112.pdf
...Please let me know of any corrections or other issues.  Results will be submitted shortly, and become final, pending RUSA certification.

The weather has been a wild roller coaster ride this winter: plunging below zero with wind chills around -30F one day, and then rising into the 50F's a couple of days later.  After two postponements, we managed to find a dry, safe day to ride and one with temperatures about 10F above normal -- but one with stiff winds that gusted over 20 MPH and not nearly as much sunshine as predicted.

Despite the blustery winds, all 16 participants made it around the course in excellent time for another 100% finish -- well done!

Doug Haluza took some nice photos that can be viewed at:
http://instagram.com/dhaluza
... be sure to check out the picture of Len Zawodniak's recumbent, complete with hard shell and fairings.  Doug writes: "...I really wanted to come, but I think I should stick to shorter rides until I can complete them pain free. Since this is an out and return course, there really is no mid way bail out option to return to the start. So this probably isn’t the best test. Hope you have a good... So that’s the email I had composed yesterday morning at 4am, before I decided to just do it and see what happens. Glad I did, though my knee might beg to differ. ... Thanks again for putting so much time and effort into coordinating these rides, especially under the challenging winter weather conditions. You always seem to find a way to get in a good one! ..."

Norman Smeal writes: "...Good job with the postponing the January R-12 event. Sunday did turn out to be the better day.  No complaints about the weather, especially for a January ride.  A little cooler than Saturday, but a good to be out on the roads.  I also like to thank Steve H. for spending that day looking after us.  Lets hope that February is just as nice. ..."

Greg Bullock writes: "...Just wanted to say "thanks" again, for the good ride Sunday. I really enjoy riding with you and the group. The rides are very well organized, which shows how much you put into them ..."

DC Randonneur, Chip Adams came all the way up to ride with us again. He writes: "... Thanks, Tom.  Looking forward to seeing you again, as well, and those other hearty PA Randos...."

Special thanks to volunteer extraordinaire,  Steve Hallett. Steve is a regular volunteer on the NJ series but has also helped out with EM1240 by manning the secret controle at the top of Fox Gap in addition to his all-day effort on this event.  Besides helping out at the start, Steve swept the entire course and was a welcoming friendly face at all the controles.  With the uncertainty of winter conditions, it's reassuring to have volunteers like Steve as safety back-up.  Thanks also, to organizer Bill Olsen for helping out at the start and sending us on our way.  And thanks also to RUSA-HQ for their quick action on getting the postponement rescheduled for Sunday.

The winter schedule continues in 3 weeks with an R-12 event on February 1st out of Milford, NJ.  If we have winter weather conditions again, we'll run the same course as Beyond Hope but start in the middle at Milford.  If the back roads are all clear and we get a nice break in the weather, we might instead run the Blue Mountain 200k.   Please drop me a note by the Thursday before the event to join the roster.  As always, be sure to monitor the website and message board for updates.  And most importantly, be safe out there on the road!

-Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA