Chamounix Classic
107K Populaire
Saturday 17 October 2020
09:00 EDT Start Time
09:00 EDT Start Time
There are special proceedures and restrictions on this event because of the COVID-19 safety plan. All intermediate controls are info controls so riders are not obliged to enter any convenience store.
Please do not forget to bring these items. Be alert for other announcements and instructions. The full set of restrictions and procedures are described in the PA Rando Blog. Please check often for updates.
Chamounix, also known as Montpelier, is a historic home located in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Federal-style house was built in 1802 by George Plumsted who was a wealthy Philadelphia merchant, then enlarged to nearly double its original size by subsequent owners after 1853.
We will use the Carriage House for our start, finish, registration, and lodging. The Carriage House is the building on the left before the eyelet loop at the end of Chamounix Drive. Do not confuse the Carriage House with the Mansion, which is partway around the loop on the right.
In our opinion, the safest place to park is the the Hilton/Homewood lot just off of city avenue. Here is a Google map link. Price is $13/day. As far as we know, this fenced-in lot is secure and it's a very short, easy bike ride from this parking area to Chamounix. There are free on-street parking alternatives a short distance away, including along W Ford Rd, that may be reasonably secure because of the residences and businesses nearby.
We believe that immediately outside Chamounix is a generally safe place to park, but there have been instances of petty theft in the area. Should you decide to park near Chamounix, do not leave valuables in your car. There should be nothing visible that might tempt thieves. If you must leave clothes and minor gear someplace during the event, it would be best to leave these inside the Carriage House, but please don't leave anything of great value. Thank you for your understanding. For Carriage House events, please park cars along Chamounix Drive in front of the Carriage House as shown in this diagram. Do not park back in the circle by the mansion or on the side alley to the left of the Carriage house. Park on the left side of Chamounix drive within easy view of the front porch of the Carriage house. Park end-in, not parallel to the curb.
Suggested parking locations for the start/finish are public places, with theft and vandalism a real possibility, especially in cities. Park during the event at your own risk. Please do not leave valuables in your car during the ride.
Riders are advised to make sleeping arrangements at or near the start/finish. Please don't try to drive a long distance before or after a tough brevet. Multiple options are available.
As you approach the finish control there are two buildings in the cul-de-sac eyelet. We are in the Carriage House on the left awaiting you with refreshments and eager to hear your tall tales, some of which might even be true.
This event needs volunteers for the following jobs:
Contact Organizer to Volunteer.
Recognizing the number of Pennsylvania Randonneurs that hail from Philadelphia, we are returning to Philadelphia for a newly designed Fall Classic populaire with a revision of the International Women's Day Populaire that was held in the spring. The starting point has been moved to the Chamounix Mansion located in Fairmont Park to coincide with the longer 200k brevet also being held on this day.
The populaire begins with a tour of Fairmont Park landmarks including the Horticultural Center and the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden before picking up the Schuylkill River Trail. We take the Wissahickon Creek trail and Forbidden Drive, one of the nicest urban trails in the country, to then turn North West into the suburbs. Soon surprisingly rural areas are reached, featuring Evansburg State Park. The returning route passes the interesting town of Ambler with the final approach via the Schuylkill River Trail. You'll need to cross the Falls Bridge and climb one last hill before returning to finish at the Chamounix Mansion on the west side of the river. At the finish you will have time and space to share tales of your epic adventure and get a better sense for the camaradie that is the sport of randonneuring (as best we can manage in these pandemic physical distancing times). If you hang around long enough you might be able to cheer for the returning brevet riders.
This populaire is open to all RUSA members.
| Date | Finishers |
|---|---|
| 2020-03-08 | 37 |
| 2020-10-17 | 13 |
This ride is a randonneur style bicycle event under the sanction of Randonneurs USA. Completing this event can help you train for Paris-Brest-Paris and earn RUSA awards. You need a current RUSA membership to ride this event. You can sign up for RUSA here.
First time riding with PA Randonneurs? Read an overview of what to expect on your first PA brevet. All participants are obliged to follow the rules for riders as well as local vehicle laws (PA, NJ, NY). Safety is a primary concern. All riders must sign a waiver. Please read these Safety Instructions.
To receive credit for finishing a randonneuring event you must complete a brevet card as required by the rules. PA Randonneurs accepts traditional brevet cards filled out with stamps/signatures and backed up with merchant receipts. PA Randonneurs encourages use of the eBrevet cell phone app. (Version 1.3 minimum required) as an electronic brevet card assistant. Nevertheless, you must check into all controls on the app -- or provide traditional proof for each control. Your finish time and finish code from the app must be written on the paper card, along with your signature, or you may be disqualified.
These events are not for beginners. The courses are hilly. You may face extremes of weather: heat, cold, wind, rain. The roads are unmarked and open to automobile traffic. There will be night riding in the longer events. Complete several ordinary century cycling events before starting a 200K brevet; complete several 200Ks before starting a longer brevet.
Socially distanced, boxed meals, drinks in cans and bottles, bananas, and fresh brewed coffee will be available at the Start/Finish.
The online URL for this event info page is
https://parando.org/info/event/2020-10-17/107
For all other information about Pennsylvania Randonneurs, visit our web site https://parando.org/
