Please ensure you know what to expect have the latest route uploaded to your device (or printed out on cue sheets) and the latest eBrevet data (if using). The latest cue sheet is VERSION 5, and the RWGPS file was last modified on 2023-11-19 at  to12:56:37 EST. RWGPS file and cue sheets can be found here: https://parando.org/route/info/423 A pre-ride was completed by Pat Gaffney and yours truly.  This new route starts in Hollywood, PA which is part of Huntington Valley, PA.  We encourage you to take a SEPTA train to the start, which is about $5 one way. Coming from the city, you ..read more

Preliminary results for the Hopewell Furnace 200k have been posted to the website. Please review the results and let me know if I need to make any changes. A total of 52 riders clipped in for the ride on Saturday (in addition to two pre-riders) with a 100% finish rate and all but one finishing within the allotted time limit. For ten of the participants, this was their first brevet—congratulations! Not an easy one to start with.  Although the day started out chilly, the sun came out and the temperatures in the mid-fifties made for a great day of riding with lots of fall foliage and beautif ..read more

Please make sure you have the latest route uploaded to your device (or printed out on cue sheets) and the latest eBrevet data (if using). The latest cue sheet is VERSION 7 and the RWGPS file was last modified 2023-11-7 11:59:17 EST. RWGPS file and cue sheets can be found here: https://parando.org/route/info/394 Please make sure you have the required reflective gear and lights for riding in the dark (which many of you will have to do). You are required to wear a reflective vest and reflective ankle bands when riding in the dark, and you must have front and rear lights. It is recommend ..read more

Preliminary results for the 18th annual Fall Classic 200K brevet and 154K populaire have been posted on the website. Please review the results and inform me of any necessary corrections.  The results will be submitted to RUSA in the coming days and become final pending RUSA certification.  Twelve riders clipped in for the 200K,  and just one started the 154K.  All riders in both events finished in good time for a 100% completion rate of the very challenging brevet and populaire. Andreas captures the "non-peak" Fall foliage on the route    This was the thi ..read more

Make sure you have the latest cue sheets, RWGPS, and eBrevet data loaded. There have been significant changes. The latest Cue Sheet for the 200 K is VERSION 3, and the latest RWGPS was last modified 2023-10-20 10:39:15 EDT.   The latest Cue Sheet for the 154 K is VERSION 1, and the latest RWGPS was last modified 2023-10-20 10:38:15 EDT.   NIGHT RIDING may be required for many people on the 200K. You must have full reflective gear (vest, ankle bands) and adequate head/tail lights firmly attached to the bike. Backup lights are strongly recommended.  Riders without adequa ..read more

Foregoing family barbecues and football games, six intrepid cyclists clipped-in on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend to embrace the challenge that is the Rusty Rail 200K.  Temperatures were cool at the start, allowing the riders to crest the fist two epic climbs: Jacks Mountain, and Ulsh Gap before the heat and humidity set in.  Sadly, one rider sustained injuries after crashing at high speed while descending Ulsh Gap.  The five remaining riders finished in regulation time, documenting their passage with the new eBrevet App, and were able to enjoy the fine offerings of the Rusty ..read more

A pre-ride of the Rusty Rail 200K was conducted by the organizer on 8/22, and lord, did I pick a beautiful day to ride!  The route was generally in good shape, but stay tuned as there is a new detour for 2023.  After the Milroy control at mile 41, you will spend a fair amount of time on East Back Mountain Rd.  Do not let the massive piles of horse dung that litter this lane distract you from the potholes created by metal horseshoes in the middle and the longitudinal gouges cut by the buggy wheels along the sides of the pavement.  But do look up once in a while to enjoy the ..read more

  The inaugural running of The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania brevet was completed by 10 of the 11 starters for a 90% completion rate.  Although many PA events utilize “rail trails”, this was the first PA Randonneurs event that featured extensive sections of unpaved roads and was run in accordance with the RUSA “Rules for Unpaved Distance”. Riders had to endure a relatively brief but heavy rain squall early in the ride but were unperturbed by this minor inconvenience and enjoyed the unpaved climb through Letonia and arrived (although a little soggy) to enjoy the beautiful view at Colto ..read more

  On 8/6 a pre-ride of the entire course was completed by Bill Fischer and Gavin Biebuyck.  Temperatures were fairly pleasant and all the wet roads and mud seen last week were dry.  I completed the ride on 32 mm tires and, in spite of the dry conditions, I would highly recommend wider tires.  The loose gravel on Snyder Road (particularly the descent at ~mile 85) was less than pleasant. Gavin had 48mm tires and was much happier.  Some additional minor cue corrections were made so please use version 10 of the cue sheet which was updated on 8/7. Cell phone coverage was mo ..read more

The SR Series this year had a lot of rainy weather. That means it wasn't very hot during these difficult PBP qualifiers. Quite the blessing. But the heat always comes eventually, and it finally arrived at the Free Bridge 200.  Close to 90F with significant humidity and still some remnants of the smoke haze from fires in Canada, it was a tough day to ride a bike. Add to that the 8000+ feet of climbing on this challenging course, and you had a nice recipe for a soul crushing experience. An impressive 26 out of 30 riders  (87%) who clipped in day-of had sufficiently crush-resistant soul ..read more