Water Gap 300k/200k Ride Report

Fog blankets the valley from atop Little Gap (photo compliments of Greg K.)

Preliminary results for the Water Gap 300k have been posted at:
http://www.parando.org/PA300k_Results150418.pdf
and for the 200k at:
http://www.parando.org/PA200k_Results150418.pdf
...Please let me know of any corrections or other issues.  Results will be submitted shortly, and become final, pending ACP certification.

Going all the way back to last November, we've had weather conditions with freezing cold, wind, snow, icy roads, and some wet thrown in as well.  But in the category of "Careful of what you ask for", the +80F temperatures for the Water Gap 300/200k was almost too much heat too soon, after such a long spell of cold weather riding.  21 of the 22 300k starters made it around the course in good time. All 4 of the 200k riders made it to the finish, with one rider finishing beyond the time limit.  Of note, there were a number of first time Eastern PA participants, including Alfred D., Jim R., and Joseph R.  Jim also finished his very first 300k -- congratulations on that accomplishment.

Jim R writes: "...Thanks again for organizing such a great 300! I am very glad that such a great and beautiful ride was my first 300, and my first ride with the PA randos..."

Joe F. writes: "...Tom: It would be hard to imagine a more perfect weather day than the one we had yesterday for the 300 Km. A tough but fair course, good company throughout the ride -- what could be better? (Well, I could do without Gallows Hill Road, but I quibble.) ;-) Thanks to Norm for seeing us off in the morning, and to you for greeting us with a smile at ride's end!.."

Jim H.  writes: "...Although I was parched at times, the weather could not have been much better for my first PA 300k brevet.  A tough and challenging course although my reunion with Old Mine Rd., which I rode on my very first brevet, was none too favorable. :-)  A spectacular 'valley fog' view from the top of Blue Mountain as well as great river views for a significant portion of the course.  And nice folks to ride with. Thanks for yet another great ride.  Thanks also to Eoghan and Norm for greeting us at the start, Norm for signing us in, and to Pat and Cecilie for their course intelligence. ...."

Chris E.  writes: "...thanks for organizing the 300k on Saturday (along with all the other brevets), it was a beautiful route and a fun ride. . ...."

Greg K.  writes: "...Thanks for another great ride.  The spring weather finally showed up along with a perfect pattern of rain on Friday... sunny riding...rain on Monday.  Among the many memorable moments was crossing the top of blue mountain to find the valley filled with a think fog.  Thanks again. . ...."

Joe R. writes: "...Thanks again for being such good company on my first Eastern PA brevet.  
I was pretty sure when I started a few minutes after the main group left the hotel that it was going to be a long solitary day, but instead I had the ultimate intro to the route courtesy of the organizer himself,... That hot-dog-and-pie special is worth every bit of $2.95 plus tax...."

Photo compliments of Joe R.

Larry B writes: "...I went into this ride not knowing what to expect. Physically I thought I was ready for the ride with lots of miles of training before the ride. Mentality I just wasn't there ... I think I know why Tom gave me the SPOT tracker because if anyone can get lost on a ride, it's me. Thank goodness that didn't happen since I was with riders all day who knew the course. Chris E. was the real work horse out on the course. It's been sometime since I have been around a rider that strong who just puts his head down and keeps cooking. He finished 10 minutes behind the lead group only because he took a break 10 miles from the finish line. He could have finished way ahead of everyone.  You see all kind of bikes on a rando ride and I was super impressed with Tom O's custom built bike he made out of mismatched steel. Jim H. was one tough climber, next time he can use  hand signals pointing up which means we climb again lol ... Thanks again to all the riders I rode with ... without them my ride wouldn't have been as easy. And thanks to all the volunteers and to those who did the pre ride. This was a great ride and a chance for me to get back the rando fever once again. ..."

If you have any other comments or pictures to share, you can forward them to me for inclusion on the PA Message board.

Your safety is the number priority on an Eastern PA event. Please mention any safety hazard you might have spotted, or near-miss incident you saw. We value this feedback highly and it will help PA Randonneurs improve the next edition of the event. Although the preride scouting report highlighted the rough roads to watch out for, I was absolutely mortified at how bad some of the roads were in Bucks County. On my way home from the hotel finish, I looked at some of the alternate roads.  But instead of having just potholes, the alternate roads had no shoulder and busy traffic in addition to potholes.

Special thanks to organizer  Norman S. for signing in the riders, cooking the oatmeal, and sending the riders on their way at the start.  And thanks also to volunteer  Eoghan B. for helping out with the bike inspection.

The Eastern PA 2015 spring schedule continues with the Blue Mountain 400k on May 2nd. Event details have been posted at:
http://parando.org/PA400K.html
... use the on-line registration form by the Thursday before the event if you'd like to join the roster.


-Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA

Water Gap 300k/200k

*** Start/Finish ***
Organizers Norman Smeal and Eoghan Barry will be signing you in at the Hampton Inn start and performing the bike inspection. The hotel will be putting out coffee, bagels, danish and fruit one hour before the start, and Norman will have some hot oatmeal for you as well.  Your RBA will be greeting you at the finish -- if you don't see me in the lobby, I may be in the volunteer room,  #108 which is right off of the lobby.  If you arrive at the finish before I do, you can get your card signed at the front desk and leave it there for me.  The volunteer room is available for you to take a shower, if you like.

*** Course Notes ***
A volunteer preride was completed by Patrick and Cecili G. this past weekend.  Patrick reports: "...Thanks again for another great route.  It was clear and cold when we started out.  Probably a little too cold, but by the time we made to the top of Blue Mountain the sun, and the climb, had warmed things up considerably.  There is not too much to report on the first leg; some random debris on the shoulder of 378, but nothing you can't get around quite easily.  
There is still a fair amount of gravel on the shoulder up Blue Mountain Drive and Cherry Valley Rd from 191 to 611 still has some rough patches.  Other then that the second leg was pretty smooth.
After leaving control 3, River Road has some rough patches along the shoulder.  The routing up Hollow Rd and Hidden Lake Drive was a nice change of pace to River Rd.  There was certainly less traffic than River Rd, but it was not car free.  There is a lot of gravel on the turn onto Community Dr.  The road itself is not in bad shape, but there is a lot of debris (branches and sticks).  After that it was pretty easy going all the way to Flats Deli.
The next section is fine, until you reach Old Mine Rd.  The road is in its usual bad shape up the climb, but no worse than years past.  There are a few rough patches that riders should watch out for on the stretch to the river crossing, particularly on the one lane section just before the bridge.
There is nothing to report from Water Gap to Belvidere.  The roads there are all in pretty good shape.
Heading to the final control the bear left at mile 166.6 joining Durham Rd is just before the stop sign.  Gallows Hill Rd is in pretty bad shape.  Being that it is a long slow uphill, you can pick your way around the potholes and what not, but it is a little rough.  There is some gravel in the turn onto Maple Rd and Stoney Garden Rd is still pretty rough, as it was last year.  Riders coming through after dark should be cautious.  Once you hit Saw Mill Road the roads are in good shape the rest of the way.
Thanks again, we really enjoyed this ride. ..."

-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 walkway.

*** Ride Safely ***

Your safety is the number priority on an Eastern PA event.  While the risks outlined in the event waiver cannot be completely eliminated, the following will hopefully help keep you as safe as possible.

Your responsibility as the rider includes:

- Showing up in reasonable physical condition for the event

- Bringing a reliable bike in good working order

- Complying with all traffic laws along the course 

- Respecting the rights of all other users of the route (including pedestrians)

- Planning for the situation where you can’t finish the ride

Although every effort has been made to provide you with a scenic route that minimizes car traffic and other hazards, the following list highlights some areas to take some extra care:

- With the rough winter we just had and as outlined in the pre-ride report above, you should be extra vigilant for potholes and rough road surfaces.

- One of the most dangerous thing you will encounter on the road just might be another cyclist.  Keep a safe following distance when riding with other cyclists you are not familiar with.  Please avoid forming a large bunch at the start of the ride.

- The descent from the top of Little Gap is long and steep and it is easy to reach speeds of +50 MPH.  But just because you can go that fast, doesn't mean it's a good idea. There are a couple of turns that could have loose gravel and the winds off the mountain can be unpredictable. Please don't go any faster than your guardian angel can keep up with!

Equipment

- Helmets are mandatory.  Riding without a helmet will result in an immediate disqualification.

- Please note that the bike inspection checklist includes redundant lighting for both the front and rear lights.

- Bringing along a cell phone is highly recommended.

- Mechanical assistance is not provided.  

- SPOT trackers will be handed out to selected riders. If you are given one, they have a feature to call for help if you need it and are out of cell phone range -- if you are unfamiliar with how to use this feature, a volunteer will be happy to explain it to you.  If you have a personal unit not already listed on the PA Randonnerus SPOT Tracking webpage:  http://www.parando.org/SPOT_Links.html

please send me a link to your SPOT webpage.

Food / Hydration

- In general, the route heads you into some desolate areas, with limited opportunities for food and water.

- There are limited services available between Little Gap and Water Gap.

- There are limited services available on the Water Gap loop.

- Plan on replenishing supplies at the controles stops.  The controles are typically at a store or restaurant.

Abandon  

- If you feel like abandoning the ride, it may be an indication that you are not eating and drinking enough.  Take a break, eat something, and it's likely that your outlook will improve.  Before you know it, you'll be making that last turn back to the finish.  And remember the golden rule of "… eat before you're hungry and drink before you're thirsty."

If you are still riding past the ride time limit or if you intend to abandon the ride, please contact me on my cell phone: (610) 417-7161

- It is your responsibility to make arrangements for alternate transportation

In case of accident  

Should you become injured, or arrive just after an accident resulting in an injured person (rider, motorist, or passer-by):

- Call 911 for an ambulance, describing where you are and the condition of the injured person(s)

- Contact me along with any other organizers listed on the cuesheet 

- Be sure to carry identification along with your emergency contact information in case you are knocked unconscious

Driving after the event

If you are very tired, it may be a good idea to take a nap before a long drive home.  Rooms are available at the finish hotel.

Near-miss

Please mention any safety hazard you might have spotted, or near-miss incident you saw. We value this feedback highly and it will help PA Randonneurs improve the next edition of the event.

Have a safe ride! 

-Tom Rosenbauer

Eastern PA RBA

*** 300k Roster (as of 4/17) ***
1 Eoghan Barry - Volunteer
2 Gavin Biebuyck - 
3 Larry E Brenize - PA1
4 Jonathan Clamp - 
5 Alfred Dolich - 
6 Dawn M Engstrom - 
7 Chris Errico - 
8 Matthew Farrell - 
9 Joe Fillip - 
10 J Scott Franzen - 
11 Cecilie Gaffney - Preride
12 Patrick Gaffney - Preride
13 James P. Holman - 
14 Greg Keenan - 
15 Eric Keller - 
16 Alexander Kojevnikov - PA2
17 Gil Lebron - 
18 William Olsen - PA3
19 Tom Oswald - 
20 James G Reilly - PA4
21 Gilbert Torres - 
22 Bob Torres - 

*** 200k Roster (as of 4/17) ***
1 Joseph Ray -
2 Christopher Anson Knight -
3 Donald Jagel -

Fleche

The newly-built Princeton Wawa, replete with the train station's *heated* waiting lobby, was an overnight oasis. Photo compliments of CJ A.

Preliminary results have been posted at:
http://www.parando.org/PA_Fleche_Results150412.pdf
...Results will be submitted this week, and then become final pending ACP/RUSA certification.

All 8 teams made it safely to the Quakertown finish for a 100% team finish rate -- congratulations to all the captains and their teams for another excellent result.  The Eastern PA Fleche is now in it's 8th year, and after some pretty rough years with stormy weather, we now have a 4-year streak of good weather going. However, as teams headed northwest will attest to, there were some pretty stiff winds to deal with.  And overnight temperatures dipped below freezing as teams headed toward their 22-hr controle.

3 Rivers of Guiness

On previous fleches, Bill F. has led a 2nd team of all fixed-gear riders.  But this year, they decided to ride with gears as team '3 Rivers of Guiness' on a course through the rolling terrain of Lancaster.  Having ridden a similar course with Bill F.and Rick C. in 2010 on team Squadra Bricconi, they get my vote as this year's over achievers.  Bill F. is one of a handful of 7-time PA Fleche finishers.

Cumberland County Cruisers

Team Cumberland County Cruisers was back again, this time under the leadership of  Bill R. They have participated in all but one edition of the PA fleche and have a pair of 7-time finishers: Dawn E. and Rick L. With a course that generally headed northwest, they get my vote for having the most adverse conditions with stiff headwinds for most of their ride.

Escargots Volants and Les Vieux Clebards

The Escargots are another long-time participant of the PA Fleche, and this year, they attracted so many riders that they formed a second team of "Old Dogs" to compliment the "Flying Snails".  But early in the roster planning process, they were divided into an 'A' and 'B' team -- this of course made me think of Mr "T"  http://tinyurl.com/kh9phl9 and the "B" Ark. http://everything2.com/title/B+Ark
CJ A. writes: "...I thoroughly enjoyed myself on my first flèche. Great weather, great teammates (on both squads!), a great and semi-familiar route... what more could I ask for? ...  Paul, Jon, and Katie provided the comedy, Captain Chris kept us in line, and Janice kept me going with her own silent resolve.  The newly-built Princeton Wawa, replete with the train station's *heated* waiting lobby, was an overnight oasis.... a thing randonneurs dream about (or dream in!). I can now see why the Flèche is a fan favorite. Definitely on my calendar for next year.  ..."
Once again, the Escargots get my vote for the best documented ride with CJ's photo album posted here:
http://goo.gl/ksvJma

Now You've Gone Too Far

Team "Now You've Gone Too Far" under the leadership of Eric K. has in past years, earned my "Overachiever" vote.  Their course generally follows the last day of the Endless Mountains 1240k.  But this year they managed to avoid bonus miles, and once again enjoyed some favorable tail winds.  Larry M. writes: "...It was  very good to see you again early Sunday morning at our 7:45 am arrival!  Riding with Eric K & Greg K worked out just perfect as our average pace of about 13 MPH kept us together at all times, especially during the cold (28F) hours of the early morning - it was 43F Saturday morning 8 am when we started from State College.  What made the fleche route special for me was seeing the daylight versions of what I had cycled at night during the EM 1000 & EM 1240, especially on rt. 192 from State College to Lewisburg.  And the opposite was true about riding at night what I cycled in daylight during the EM rides - like the endless double whammy climbs up Ruth Road, and then Church Road up to the glimmering Big White Church on the steep hill in the vicinity of village of Hereford. It had an erie feel as we did the steepest climb of our fleche route  in the dead of night with the village lights all reflecting off the church steps, steeple and front doors.  It was at this point I reflected on the New Jersey fleche route I did a few years ago which seemed like a powder puff roll in comparison.  As always, kind regards for your hard work organizing these RUSA events, ..."

Sinister Nuts

Team Captain Bill O. leading the way (photo compliments of Bob T.)

Sinister Nuts captain Bill O. has finished all 8 editions of the PA Fleche - quite a remarkable feat indeed!  Guy H. is another 7-time finisher, and but for a certain volcano that erupted in Iceland one year leaving Guy stranded in the UK, he would most likely have 8 finishes as well.

Sins of the Fleche

Team Sins of the Fleche, under the leadership of Dan A., is another long time PA Fleche participant.  They were one of a total of 5 teams that converge upon Muellers Too for their 22-hr controle.  Patrick C. writes: "...A wonderfully-run event, as always. Thanks for doing what you do, ..."  And you can view his Sinners photo album at:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/84651613@N00/sets/72157651490562927/

Super Unknowns

With a team of all first-time participants, team "Super Unknowns" under the leadership of Gil L. gets my vote for rookie of the year.  They also get my vote for the most exciting 25k to the finish, arriving at the hostel with just a handful of minutes to spare.  With a 22-hr controle near New Hope, they faced many sharp rollers through Bucks County as they headed to the finish.

Thanks to all the team captains for all their hard work in coordinating their teams and planning.  And special thanks to volunteers Jane and Joe B. for preparing the soup and chili, and all their help at the hostel finish. With so many teams this year, I couldn't have managed it without them.

The spring calendar continues on April  18th with the Water Gap 300/200k,  Event details have been posted at: http://www.parando.org/PA300K_B.html
As usual, use the electronic registration on the website by Thursday if you want to join the roster.

-Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA

Blue Mountain 200k Ride Report

Even the horses, still with their winter blankets, are wondering when spring will finally arrive.  Photo compliments of Nigel G.

Preliminary results for the Blue Mountain 200k have been posted at:
http://www.parando.org/PA200k_Results150321.pdf
...Please let me know of any corrections or other issues.  Results will be submitted shortly, and become final, pending ACP certification.

According to the calendar, it was a spring event, but it definitely still felt like winter, as the 25 riders will attest to. Temperatures were below freezing at the start, and never made it out of the 30F's.  Gusty winds out of the northwest made it feel much colder all along the leg from Wind Gap to Little Gap.  Last December's ride was balmy in comparison.  Despite the very chilly conditions, all 25 riders made it to the finish for a 100% completion -- congratulations and well done to all!

First finisher Ed B. writes: "...Thank you (and Eoghan) for a wonderful 200k... Yesterday was hard. The first 70 or so miles into a 20+ mph wind with 25-28F temperatures froze my one lone container of "emergency use only" Goo solid and the fact that I reached for that vile "food" and that it was rock solid says it all.  The Blue Mountain is one of my favorite rides because it has everything a rider could want and despite the challenging conditions, it was perfect.  It has two good manageable climbs, lots of rollers, flat sections, rivers, valleys that are all wrapped up in quiet, low volume country roads with spectacular scenery.  Nice riders.  Finishing up at the Ship Inn with others was a treat and a perfect personal celebration marking my 1 year anniversary of returning to randonneuring..."

Jim H. writes: "...This was one of those rides that I was very glad to be finished with.  Needless to say, it was a cold one, especially before the Blue Mountain crossing.  Not long after that crossing, I began to feel flat on the bike ....  But, as always, thanks to you and Eoghan for another great ride; and to Pat and Cecilie for their scouting report.  A challenging course, terrific mountain and river views, great riding companions and excellent brew and chew at the finishing controle..."

Nigel G.  writes: "...Thank to you and Eoghan for putting on this ride. I've grown quite fond of this particular route and yesterday's quiet roads and bucolic setting did not disappoint. The wind and the cold on the other hand, certainly upped the ante...Spending four hours riding uphill into a freezing headwind gives you lots of time to question your decisions ...."
You can read the rest of Nigel's ride report at
http://eprider.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-season-starts-anew.html

Eric K. writes: "... I  must have been so excited to ride my first 200k since October that I didn't feel that the headwinds were too bad.  We did run into a few tough stretches -- one before Phillipsburg, and then the approach to Wind Gap. But I guess that's why the call it Wind Gap. We seemingly had tailwinds on both stretches paralleling Blue Mountain, which was a welcome surprise. I was concerned that I was under-gloved, but I didn't have serious hand freezing issues until the end. Overall, I like the course a lot, and the change involving Turkey Hill was very nice. Other than being cold and windy, the weather cooperated.  On the way in from State College, I hit quite a bit of snow. It must have veered north..."

Tim C. writes: "...Thanks to you and the rest of the PA randos for organizing this.  It was a very pretty ride, and the weather held out.  That wind was terrible for the first part, but the ride from the ski resort to Water Gap made up for it.  I stopped at that bakery on my way out of the park a year and a half ago with my touring bike, tent, and supplies.  I was pleasantly surprised when I pulled up to it, and the other riders who were there got an earful about how I had been there before.  That's a great place for a controlle...."

Rudi M. writes: "... I was very impressed by the route; the many beautiful roads, near perfect cue sheet, friendly controle people, and so on, all really great..."

Special thanks to organizer,  Eoghan B. for sending the riders on their way at the start and greeting them at the Ship Inn finish.  Thanks also, to volunteer preriders Cecilie and Patrick G. for their course checkout. And thanks also, to Bill O., Chris N. and Chris' dad for helping to greet all the riders at the Ship Inn finish with a warm welcome after a very chilly ride.
 It's volunteers these who make a big difference on the Eastern PA series.  There are still plenty of opportunities for other volunteers to step up an make a difference on future events, which are listed here:
http://www1.mysignup.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?datafile=pa_volunteers2015

The Eastern PA 2015 spring schedule continues with the Fleche on the weekend after Easter.  This year, there are a total of 8 teams that will be converging to Quakertown.  Team rosters have been posted at:
http://www.parando.org/FlecheRegs.pdf
 -- hopefully, spring weather will arrive by the time teams take their start.  And the following week the Eastern PA SR series continues with the 300k, along with a shorter 200k for those of you just looking to keep an R-12 streak going. Event details have been posted at:
http://www.parando.org/PA300K_B.html.


-Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA

Blue Mountain 200k

Blue Mountain as seen on the 2014 edition, compliments of Nigel Greene

*** Postponed (3/20) ***
Due to snow and icy road conditions, the Blue Mountain 200k originally scheduled for 3/21 has been postponed until Saturday, 3/28.  Hopefully, we'll have some spring weather conditions by then.  Please let me know if you plan to ride on the rescheduled date.

 *** Update 1 (3/19) ***
With a winter storm forecast calling for 3-6" of snow on Friday along with the below freezing temperatures overnight into Saturday morning, there's a good chance that the Blue Mountain 200k will need to be postponed.  An assessment will be made around midday on Friday on whether it will be safe for us to ride or not.  Be sure to check back on the website and message board for updates.

*** Course Notes (3/17) ***
The Eastern PA spring calendar kicks off with the Blue Mountain 200k on March 21st out of Milford, NJ. The start is at our favorite bakery.  But due to the limited parking spaces at the Milford Station Bakery, please do not park your car there. Parking is available in a parking lot off of Church St (across the street from the Bakery).  There are "No Parking" signs but PA Randonneurs has permission from US Health Care: to use the lot for our event.  The March event typically has a pretty good turn-out - there is additional seating at the bakery start controle in a room down the hallway past the bathrooms.
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 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.

The finish controle is at the Ship Inn, at the other end of Bridge St, where organizer Eoghan Barry will greet you.  Eoghan is also riding as a participant, so if you finish before he does, you can leave your signed brevet card with the hostess if you leave before he arrives.

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.

A volunteer preride was completed by Pat and Cecily Gaffney this past weekend.  Pat reports:
"...Thanks again for a wonderful route.  Despite the fact that the temperatures never seemed to get anywhere near their advertised highs, a pretty stiff headwind through the first two controls and some sleet and freezing rain we had a great time.  
As with all the Eastern PA rides, the route was a fantastic mix of interesting terrain and beautiful scenery.  We didn't find any issues with the cue sheet, and given the winter we had, we thought all the roads were in pretty good shape.  There were no real problems with any roads, though I must say there was a fair amount of gravel and cinders over the entire course, which i think could be expected. It was never a real big concern, but there were a few spots that we thought you may want to make note of.
- At mile 16.3 - right turn onto Abbott St - there is a pothole in the turn that could cause some pinch flats
-Mile 21.7- N Delaware Dr - - There is a fair amount of gravel on the shoulder
-Mile 34.3 - QR - Eighth St - There is a metal grate in the turn
-Mile 34.6 - Roosevelt St is unmarked
-Mile 44.6 - Delps RD is probably one of the roughest roads on the route.  It is not horrible, but there a few spots along the whole stretch of Delps that have to be picked through with a little extra caution, particularly if a large group is moving through.
-Mile 49 - Red Maple Drive - Gravel in this turn
-Mile 52 - There is a lot of gravel on the shoulder of the climb up Blue Mountain Drive.
-Mile 79.1 -Cherry Valley Rd - This stretch has some rough patches between 191 and 611.
-Mile 93.3 - Sandy Shore Dr. - Gravel in this turn
-Mile 119.1 - Sweet Hollow Road - Gravel and rough road in this turn.


Other than these spots the course was in pretty good shape, as we mentioned before.  The climb up Turkey Hill was not too bad.  We made it up without any issues and the 3 mile descent down Sweet Hollow with out turning the pedals over was worth it.

Hopefully the weather will be a little better for the group this weekend, but I am sure everyone will enjoy the ride regardless..."  -Pat and Cecilie

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.  There's another round of winter weather in the forecast late in the week that I'm keeping a close eye on.
...And most importantly, be sure to have a **safe ride***!

-Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA

**** Roster as of 3/27 ***
1 Glenn Ammons -
2 Whit Anderson -
3 Dan Barbasch -
4 Eoghan Barry - Organizer
5 Ed Bernasky
6 Gavin Biebuyck -
7 Ronald Burdalski II - unconfirmed
8 Janice Chernekoff -
9 Jonathan Clamp -
10 Tim Conway -
11 Timothy Creyts -
12 Ed Dodd -
13 Alfred Dolich - unconfirmed
14 Chris Errico -
15 Matthew Farrell -
16 William Fischer -
17 J Scott Franzen -
18 Cecilie Gaffney - Volunteer
19 Patrick Gaffney - Volunteer
20 Zachary R Goodrich - unconfirmed
21 Nigel Greene -
22 James P. Holman -
23 Greg Keenan -
24 Eric Keller -
25 Alexander Kojevnikov - unconfirmed
26 Robin C Landis -
27 Gil Lebron -
28 Gary Mass - unconfirmed
29 Rudi Mayr -
30 William Olsen -
31 Tom Oswald -
32 Keith A Spangler - unconfirmed

Hopewell 200k Ride Report

Photo compliments of Keith Spangler

Preliminary results for the Beyond Hope to Hopewell 200k have been posted at:
http://www.parando.org/PA200k_Results150207.pdf
...Please let me know of any corrections or other issues.  Results will be submitted shortly, and become final, pending RUSA certification.

Temperatures at the start were in the low 20F's but managed to briefly make it into the low 40F's by mid afternoon.  The skies were mostly cloudy all day and there were some snow flurries on the northern extent of the course.  However the sun did manage to peek out a couple of times during the mid afternoon hours. With plenty of snow still on the ground from last week's storm, it certainly was a winter day's ride.  But we were very lucky to squeeze this one in without any postponements or cancellations given the recent weather pattern of weekly storms arriving like clockwork followed by a deep freeze.

With the limited number of days that have been safe for riding, it was surprising to see 25 registered riders looking to ride 200k on a cold winter day -- about twice the number of riders last Februrary.  Perhaps this was a sign of pent-up cabin fever after weeks of indoor training.  22 riders took the start and 21 finished.  Of note, CJ A. completed an Eastern PA R-12 series, and joins the Eastern PA Honor roll.  The Eastern PA R-12 is still a very select distinction, with only 8 other riders who have accomplished this feat.  With the cancellation of Janurary's Beyond Hope to New Hope 200k brevet, riders were able to keep their Eastern PA R-12 streak going  thanks to organizer Bill O., who agreed to run the event as a permanent in January. Also of note, Eric Q. completed his very first brevet.  Congratulations Eric; one down, and just 11 more to go for your own R12 streak!

CJ writes: "...I started last March. Little did I know back then that I would come back the next month, and the next month, and the next month....The ride yesterday was a roller-coaster for me. Freezing and hungry while it's snowing, feeling better heading south, over-eating and stomach problems the second half of the day, and the cherry on top: a slow leak 6 miles out from Milford while coming back up 29. But, the knowledge that I would make it to the finish trumped all worries. Thanks to Zach and Keith, as they proved once again to be great riding partners and 'wingmen'. Most of the day, on the busy roads, we didn't get much chance to ride side-by-side and chat, but the stretch from Runyon Mill to 607 was a wonderful and refreshing change. Makes me miss the rural farm roads back in Chester County. And, of course, I can't go without mentioning the greatest controle ever, Brick Farm Market!
Thanks to Jon for the send-off, and to him and Guy for awaiting our safe return. And special thanks to Gilbert for sticking around at the finish to celebrate the end of a long and arduous journey...."

Larry M from Syracuse, NY also completed an R-12, which is quite an accomplishment with the challenging winter conditions where he lives.  Larry writes: "...Often wondered what was beyond Bloomsbury, NJ on Rt. 173 in the other direction, and wow, what a nice surprise.  The climb up Tunnel Road and the subsequent ridge hopping into Hopewell, NJ was a nice variation.  And thanks for helping me earn my second R-12 RUSA Award as completion of your 200K on Saturday helped me achieve that. Nice gathering of riders for a quick meal at the Ship Inn concluded a great day on the road! See you all again sometime in 2015!..."

Keith S.. writes: "... Hats off to the volunteers who supported the Hopewell 200k!  Thank you for a warm welcome and send off for a day of riding that saw a lot of weather change.   From the snow showers and drop in temps that greeted us to the north, to the peak-a-boo cloud / sun that warmed us to the south - what a ride!   I even had the opportunity to change into my fingerless summer gloves for a short time.  The glove change didn't last too long, but neither did the 38 degree temps that were forecasted.  If I recall, the warmest temps came around 3:30 or so - nice for February.  Anyway, I had a great ride and conversation with CJ and Zach, thanks!  Note:  CJ finished his R-12 nursing a flat for the final miles into Milford.  Congrats my friend  ..."

Peter M. writes: "...Thanks for setting up a great course today. It was nice to be out for a long ride ..."

Bob D. writes:
"Noses are red
Toes are blue
I had a good ride
Thanks to Jon, Guy and you..."

Special thanks to organizer,  Jon C. This was Jon's first time running an event,  but you wouldn't know it given his perfect execution and attention to detail. Besides running the start and finish controles, Jon also suggested the Brick Farm Market controle in Hopewell, which I understand was a very popular respite after all those rollers through the NJ Sourlands.  Thanks also to volunteer Guy H. for keeping Jon company on the volunteer preride and at the finish controle.  Guy also delivered the brevet cards to my house which saved me a 40-mile round trip to Milford.   Thanks also to Don J., for the course routing between Hopewell and Stockton, which worked out much better than my original ideas.  It's volunteers like Jon, Guy and Don who make a big difference on the Eastern PA series.  There are still plenty of opportunities for other volunteers to step up an make a difference on future events, which are listed here:
http://www1.mysignup.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?datafile=pa_volunteers2015

This concludes the Eastern PA 2015 winter schedule -- whew!  It certainly has been a rough stretch of months, going all the way back to the November 200k.  I for one, am looking forward to the spring brevets which will kick off on March 21st with a 200k out of Milford.  And after that, the PA Fleche is on the weekend of April 11th: now would be a good time to be getting your teams and route together.

-Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA

Beyond Hope to Hopewell

*** Update 1 (2/6) ***
Organizer Jon Clamp will be meeting you at the start to send you on your way, and he'll be joined by volunteer Guy Harris to greet you at the finish. The start 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 is at the Blairstown Inn just a couple of stores away from the Bakery.

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

Guy Harris checked out the course on Friday morning and reports: "... I drove the section of the course from Rt173/Tunnel Rd to Rileyville Rd./518 today. Right side of the fog line is mostly ice and snow so not usable. **In general** the road is clear of ice to the left of fog line and to dry pavement. There is however the occasional melt water / ice at driveways, mailboxes, and shaded areas which can provide a few icy spots to the left of the fog line. Tunnel Rd. and the detour are fine. I suspect that this will be the worst section of ride. Generally 519 is plowed better but I haven't seen it. I am sure Rt29 coming up the river will be great - it always is..."

On Thursday afternoon, I checked out the course between Hopewell and Rieglesville, and found that the roads were generally clear of ice and snow as well.

-Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA

*** Original Post ***
A volunteer preride was completed this past Sunday by Jon Clamp and Guy Harris.  The cuesheet has been updated to draft 2, dated 2/2, for a detour around a closed bridge at mile 88.  Guy reports : "...The fixies kept us pretty warm all day! South Hunterdon HS sign even showed 35 degrees! The only snow was just a few flurries coming up Rt29. Certainly warmer than the forecast for next Saturday. Bridge on Wertsville is definitely out - gone. Detour is right at road closed barricade onto Runyon Mill Rd, about 0.5mile to left on Saddle Shop Road, about 1mile to Rileyville Rd./607, then right and back on course. The detour is really just the other two sides of the rectangle.  Roads were in pretty good shape overall. The right side of the road on the descent into Hopewell on Rileyville Rd was a little chewed up.  Leaving Hopewell on 518 about 0.3mile past the BR at mile 94.7 there is a somewhat bad angle RR track crossing. Probably worth noting although there are many worse ones on our rides. The crossing itself is good but the groove seems a bit wider and deeper than normal. Fortunately most people will be going slower here anyway since it is on the climb out of Hopewell.  The Brick Farm Market is a nice control. Great food, warm place to sit. A welcome stop after the climbs over the ridges from Bloomsbury ..."

Jon adds: "... the only thing I would add is that a good deal of the shoulders are littered with winter debris of salt and gravel so end up being a little rougher than normal. There are also the usual pot holes that Winter provides so a keen eye should kept for these..."

As usual, drop me a note by Thursday afternoon, if you'd like to added to the roster.  And be sure to monitor the website and this message board for any last minute updates or postponements.

*** Roster (as 2/6) ***
1 Charles J Arayata -
2 Eoghan Barry -
3 Gavin Biebuyck -
4 Jeffery S Butt -
5 Janice Chernekoff -
6 Jonathan Clamp - Organizer
7 Tim Conway -
8 Alfred Dolich - Guest
9 Robert Dye -
10 Matthew Farrell -
11 William Fischer -
12 Zachary R Goodrich
13 Doug Haluza -
14 Guy Harris - Volunteer Preride
15 Donald Jagel -
16 Robin C Landis
17 Gil Lebron -
18 Lawrence A Midura
19 Peter C Phillips -
20 Christopher C. Slocum -
21 Keith A Spangler -
22 Bob Torres -
23 Gilbert Torres -