Hex Country
400K Brevet
Saturday 19 September 2026
04:00 EDT Start Time
04:00 EDT Start Time
Route Approval
This route is pending RUSA approval. While we do not anticipate significant changes, please check the event webpage before the ride for the latest route, GPS files, and cue sheets.
Not Sure Which Distance to Ride?
We are offering a 200K, 300K, and 400K on September 19, and the registration fee is the same for all three events. If you're deciding between distances, we recommend registering for the longer event. Riders may switch to a shorter distance at any time before the start, giving you the flexibility to make your final decision based on your training, fitness, or the weather.
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 not a safe place to park, as there have been instances of petty theft in the area. Should you decide to park near Chamounix anyway, 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. 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.
The Hex Country 400K begins and ends at the Chamounix Carriage House in Philadelphia. Named for the colorful Pennsylvania Dutch hex signs that adorn barns throughout the region, this route is a tour through the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Riders will encounter these distinctive symbols—traditionally believed to represent good luck, prosperity, and protection—as they travel through the rolling farmland of Lancaster and Berks Counties before venturing into the wooded hills of the Reading Prong and returning to Philadelphia along miles of scenic rail trails.
The opening 140 miles follow the same route as the Lancaster Loop 300K. Departing Chamounix, the route winds through the quiet neighborhoods of the Main Line before descending into the Great Valley and joining the Chester Valley Trail. After leaving the trail near Downingtown, riders enter the Brandywine Valley, following winding roads alongside the Brandywine and Doe Run Creeks before continuing west into Lancaster County. Controls in Cochranville, Quarryville, Ronks, and Lititz showcase the region's scenic farmland, picturesque villages, and quiet back roads. The Lititz–Ephrata Rail Trail provides a welcome break from the road before the route heads east toward the Schuylkill River Valley.
At approximately mile 140, shortly after the Turkey Hill control in Gibraltar, the 400K parts ways with the 300K. Rather than turning toward Philadelphia, riders continue north into Berks County, exploring the historic Oley Valley and the wooded ridges of the Reading Prong. This additional 100-kilometer loop adds a different character to the ride, trading open farmland for rolling hills, forests, and quiet rural roads.
The final leg follows the Perkiomen Trail and Schuylkill River Trail back toward Philadelphia, providing nearly 40 miles of mostly car-free riding to finish the event. After a long day through Pennsylvania Dutch Country, the final miles along the river offer a peaceful and memorable return to Chamounix.
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.
A light breakfast before the start and food at the finish will be provided.
The online URL for this event info page is
https://parando.org/info/event/2026-09-19/400
For all other information about Pennsylvania Randonneurs, visit our web site https://parando.org/
