There are special proceedures and restrictions on this event because of the COVID-19 safety plan. Riders must
Please do not forget to bring these items. It would also be good to have food, water in an insulated container, and a thermos of hot beverage in your car as you will be passing your car at the 100K point. 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.
A generic Park-n-Ride lot. No facilities. On the right immediately past the railroad crossing south of town.
Park at the Portland Park 'n Ride located here.
Numerous lodging options are available in East Stroudsburg, for example, the modest Days Inn. Also nearby in Stone Church is the modestly priced yet highly rated Chelsea Sun Inn.
A possible option for a post-ride meal is at Theresa's Pizza, just south of Portland on 611S. Directions.
This event needs volunteers for the following jobs:
Contact Organizer to Volunteer.
The Southern loop of this figure 8 course begins with an easy spin on River Rd along the Delaware South of Portland. This brief warmup soon ends when you reach the challenging gravel climb up Marshfield Dr followed by the scenic (but also gravel, suitable for most tires) descent on Shady Lane that returns to the river. After a few rollers approaching Riverton, we switch to the NJ side at Belvidere and ride by Foul Rift using yet another rolling "River Rd". Eventually we return back to PA at the Free Bridge into Easton.
Rather than using the usual College Ave / Cattell St climb over Paxinosa Ridge, we take the more strenuous direct route through Lafayette College up and over the ridge summiting near St Anthony's Nose. After a scenic descent along the ridge, we turn North up along Mud Run towards a controle stop in Wind Gap. Next, we turn East to ride along the southern base of Blue Mountain through Pen Argyl and eventually past Lake Minsi. A long gradual descent leads to Portland. Not quite halfway done (mi 55) you now are in close proximity to your car. If you'd like, you can reprovision now to avoid the need for entering any businesses.
The North loop then begins as we cross the Delaware River pedestrian bridge. The pedestrian bridge offers a classic view of the Delaware Water Gap off to our left -- which is where we are headed. But first, we make a control stop in Blairstown and then tackle the Millbrook climb. After an exhilarating descent, we enter the Delaware Water Gap recreation area at Millbrook Village to climb again on the freshly paved (sic) Old Mine Road into the Walpack valley. From there it's basically flat roads as we head north to the turn-around controle in Hainsville. After crossing the only private bridge on the Delaware (no toll -- ride your bike across!) the return trip is down the "Ho Chi Minh trail" (local name for Rt 209), past the Shawnee Ski area and on to Delaware Water Gap. We then continue south along River Road to the finish in Portlasd.
As shown in the route profile, there are several steep, extended climbs. A triple or 39x27 is highly recommended.
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.
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.
The online URL for this event info page is
https://parando.org/info/event/2021-03-13/200
For all other information about PA Randonneurs, visit our web site https://parando.org/