Rusty Rail
200K Brevet
Saturday 2 September 2023
07:00 EDT Start Time
07:00 EDT Start Time
The ONLY form of Electronic Proof of Passage (EPP) accepted for this brevet is the eBrevet cell phone app. (Version 1.2.4 minimum required.). Please write the app finish code and finish time on your paper card, and sign the card at the finish. If you used the app and don't write a finish code on your brevet card, you will be disqualified.
You are welcome to use a traditionaly paper brevet card instead of eBrevet, but if you choose paper you MUST provide traditional proof of passage as described on the brevet card for each control. Merchant controls require a signature and time written by merchant staff. Obtain a receipt for a small purchase or slip from an ATM and retain this in case of audit. Riders who do not properly complete a brevet card will be disqualified.
The ride begins at the Rusty Rail Brewing Company, located at 5 N. 8th Street in Mifflinburg, PA 17844. It is just a block to the north of PA-45 on the aforementioned 8th Street. There is a Sheetz and a McDonalds approximately a mile to the east (between Mifflinburg and Lewisburg) on PA-45 and would be a good place to stop if you require access to food, beverages, or restrooms before the start. The Rusty Rail Brewing Company WILL NOT open until 11 am.
PA-45 can be reached from I-80 by taking exit 210 A towards Lewisburg on US-15 south which intersects with PA-45 in approximately seven miles. Take a right turn at the traffic light after KFC in Lewisburg to head westbound on PA-45 for nine miles to reach Mifflinburg.
Enter the Rusty Rail parking lot by taking a left from N 8th St. Park in the gravel overflow lot on the other side of the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail to your right.
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.
Plenty of lodging options in the Lewisburg, PA area. Mifflinburg is approximately nine miles to the west of Lewisburg on PA-45. A camping option, a few rideable miles to the north of Mifflinburg is Hidden Valley Campground.
The Rusty Rail Brewing Company is PA’s largest brew pub featuring a fine selection of beers and quality fare.
The route passes through rolling farmland of the Buffalo Valley before arriving at the banks of Penns Creek, a stream well known to fly fisherman around the world. Crossing the creek nine miles into your journey brings you to the foot of Jacks Mountain, the first of four memorable climbs. You climb over 1,000 feet during the next two and a half miles and are rewarded with a screaming descent into Troxelville, once home to Euell Gibbons of Post Grape Nuts fame. There is a Harveys market about a hundred yards off the route in Troxelville, down PA-235 South that provides the last opportunity for resupply and civilized relief for the next 26 miles.
After a westward slog through prevailing headwinds, you arrive at Ulsh Gap, the second epic ascent of Jacks Mountain where you will encounter the steepest grades of the day. Although many long for death during this climb, try to suppress that urge as you negotiate the steep descent down the other side as loose gravel is invariably present on the sharpest of hairpin turns. Your hard work is now rewarded by a long gradual descent through Reeds Gap to the valley floor.
The first intermediate controle is at mile 41 in Milroy where you may feast at Rutters or Arbys. Don’t panic if you haven’t banked much time by this point.
After a rolling adventure along horse and buggy-infested Back Mountain Road you arrive at the foot of the least of the four epic climbs: Stone Mountain. At 760 feet of ascent though, your tortured quads will take notice. Greenwood Furnace State Park is on the other side where water and restrooms are available at the park visitor’s center on your right.
There are some ups and downs (but mostly ups) before you reach the next intermediate control at Doan’s Bones Barbecue (surprisingly, no vegan fare) where you can steel your nerves before confronting the challenge that is Tussey Mountain, the last of The Four. Weather permitting, great views of Happy Valley may be had from the summit. The descent takes you to Pine Grove Mills where theres is a small gas station store on the right. Then, onward to historic Boalsburg, followed by Centre Hall where you will find the next intermediate controle (Sheetz or Snappy's).
Take care for the next two miles down PA-144 where high speed traffic is common. A left turn onto Sinking Creek Road begins a peaceful sojourn through the rural roads of Penns Valley bringing you to Spring Mills, Coburn, and Woodward along the way. PA-45 provides a gentle climb out of Penns Valley and rewards the rider with a fun six mile descent back to Buffalo Valley where you started.
Your last resupply and restroom opportunity is at the Sunoco in Laurelton about ten miles from the end. In just a short while, you can kick back and enjoy the local brew and fare at the Rusty Rail.
| Date | Finishers |
|---|---|
| 2019-11-02 | 20 |
| 2021-09-11 | 14 |
| 2022-09-10 | 9 |
| 2023-09-02 | 6 |
This ride is a randonneur style bicycle event under the sanction of Randonneurs USA and Audax Club Parisian. Completing this event can help you train and qualify for Paris-Brest-Paris and earn RUSA and ACP 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. There is no sag wagon. Complete several ordinary century cycling events before starting a 200K brevet; complete several 200Ks before starting a longer brevet.
The online URL for this event info page is
https://parando.org/info/event/2023-09-02/200
For all other information about Pennsylvania Randonneurs, visit our web site https://parando.org/