October 14th - PA Covered Bridge Ride

[Air]

Anyone doing this? (http://www.cbbikeclub.org/?body=covered_bridge_ride&nav=cbr&PHPSESSID=ebb865ff533c6487f46c7802c1236f0c)

Easier to get to from the city, NJ Transit to Trenton and a 30 mile ride. Go the night before, get a room, ride the next.

Also the same day as the MS Ride (http://nyn.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=NYN_events_2007msbiketour). Also the same weekend as the Oyster Festival on LI. Damn options!

[Lucky07]

Can't do that ride because of the MS conflict, but I just talked to someone who's done it the past couple of years. He says it's well-organized & a very pretty route. The 65 mile version is supposedly very hilly.

[papedaler]

This year will be the 7th or 8th time I've done this ride, it is by far my favorite of the year and the one I really look forward to.
That being said, I think that if you don't have a car you may have some problems. I believe that the CBBC web site lists places to stay in the area, but you might want to check to see how easy it would be to ride from those places to the rides starting point. If the place you're staying is ten miles from Tinicum park you're adding twenty miles to your ride. You should also contact someone from the bike club about any road closures from last years flooding. A road that looks good on a map could easily be closed.
If you can deal with all of that you will be rewarded with a great ride in some really pretty country at a good time of the year. The nice thing about the weather in October is that you can always count on it being hot/cold/sunny/rainy, or all of the above.

[RCBrust]

Couple questions about this ride. Are the shorter distances (20-30 miles) on all paved roads or do they also use canal paths? Also, are the routes of any past rides available anywhere?

Thanks,
Randy

[papedaler]

I've never done the shorter routes, but in the past I know that they did use the canal tow path, which isn't paved. I doubt you'll find this years cue sheets anywhere on line, if people could download them for free then there wouldn't be much reason to pay the registration fee. You could possibly find some sheets from previous years, but the routes do change somewhat from year to year.

[lrzipris]

The two short routes are part road, part crushed gravel path, mostly the latter. The 20 miler is almost entirely path; the 30 is the the 20-route extended, on two roads, one with a very wide shoulder and then onto a quiet country road with little traffic. However, the path on the NJ side parallels Rte 29 (the wide-shouldered road), and you can do the 20/30 routes on that instead of the path; your choice/option. Incidentally, you can do these routes (in cluding the paths) on a road bike, at least with 700x25 tires, as I did last year riding sweep.

As for places to stay, not far away is the county-run Weisel Youth Hostel: http://www.buckscounty.org/government/departments/ParksandRec/RecreationSites/WeiselHostel.aspx. There are dozens of nearby B&Bs, but they are typically pricey, as might be expected in a high-tourist area. The Quakertown area has a number of motels, but, to my recollection, there are none along the river, closer to the park. You might think about car-pooling, as folks did with the Lancaster CBR.

I think we're pretty good with flood-related road closures at the moment, but there are occasional problems with closures caused by bridge or road repairs. On the CBBC web site, there's a page on "road closures" but I don't know how current we actually keep it: http://www.cbbikeclub.org/?body=closures&nav=rides&PHPSESSID=4fa8f968793fa4e2ade4acc46fdfb5e4

And, yes, the metric route is indeed challenging and hilly.

Although routes are not available, our road markings remain, for the most part (except where neighbors paint them out!). On our club rides, Randy, we often get riders from up north towards the Lehigh Valley because, I've been told, we offer more weekend options than other clubs in that area.

I don't want to incur anyone's wrath by comparisons, and (disclosure) I am an active member of CBBC, but I do think this ride is a great event on all fronts--routes, roads, scenery, food, support. You'll probably pass me as you enter the park, as I'm usually one of the two "flaggers" at the entrance. If I can answer any other questions, please let me know. --Roy Zipris

[RCBrust]

Thank you for the reply Roy. I'm thinking about doing the 20 or 30 miler on my recumbent trike, which has 1.5" tires. I haven't had it on crushed stone yet. I mainly ride paved trails like the Schuylkill River trail. I just did Bike Philly, which was my first organized ride, and really enjoyed it. I've been on the Perkiomen trail on my mountain bike, which is also crushed stone. Is the Delaware canal path similar to that surface?

Thanks,
Randy

[Blue Jays]

Seeing about a flight into Philadelphia for this ride to make a long weekend of it.

[Little Darwin]

I rode it last year (my first) on a comfort bike (Giant Sedona), but I saw nothing to discourage anything but the most agressively narrow tires on a road bike. The crushed stone surface is better than many roads I have ridden on.

The worst part was the crossing of the Delaware river. bikes must be dismounted and pushed, but it is about a city block each way, so nothing to avoid the ride over. Safety was covered at major intersections, rest stops were well stocked with home made goodies and fruit, and the people were pleasant.

A definite ride to make if you are in the area, or to come to the area for if you are near the mid-Atlantic.

I will be riding again this year.

I rode part of the hills last year, got slightly lost, found the starting point then rode the 20 mile route. It was great fun!

[Little Darwin]

Multiple Post

[lrzipris]

I've been on the Perkiomen trail on my mountain bike, which is also crushed stone. Is the Delaware canal path similar to that surface?

Better, Randy. As I recall the Perkiomen Trail, it's rougher, larger gravel. I don't know what the paths would be like on a bent, but you could do the entire 20/30 miles on the road instead. The only part that might intimidate a less-experienced rider is the ~2 mile stretch from Tinicum Park (the start) to the Uhlerstown/Frenchtown bridge across the river to NJ--it's not bad, but not much shoulder. This first part of the route is officially on the PA path, for the most part hard-packed dirt, which you could probably do on the bent.

These two rides are really pretty flat and simple. The worst part about the paths? It can get crowded, especially when you add in the other cyclists and walkers who are not on the CBR ride. I think the wide shoulder of Rte 29 (it's as wide as the car travel lane) is safer and smoother (less rolling resistance).

Blue Jays, where are you flying in from? Can I help give you directions?

[Blue Jays]

Irzipris, thank you kindly. If I can pull it off I'm going to fly into either Philadelphia or Newark and I've got friends in both states (riders) who can help with directions and ground transportation. Thank you kindly! :beer:

[RCBrust]

... but you could do the entire 20/30 miles on the road instead. ... I think the wide shoulder of Rte 29 (it's as wide as the car travel lane) is safer and smoother (less rolling resistance).

Rte. 29 sounds nice, but do many of the 20/30 mile group use the road instead of the path? The one thing I like about group rides is... riding with the group. :) Thanks again for your help.

Randy

[lrzipris]

Rte. 29 sounds nice, but do many of the 20/30 mile group use the road instead of the path? The one thing I like about group rides is... riding with the group. :)

I couldn't give you hard percentages, but my guess is ~60% path, 40% 29. You will find groups on both. With riders (and walkers and other users) going in both directions on the path, it's more crowded and heavily trafficked than the Rte 29 shoulder, so Rte 29 is safer. And there are numerous places where you can go from one to the other, for even more variety!

[drewpyperc]

I'm also considering this ride. I'm torn between the 30 mile flatter ride and the 33 mile hillier ride. Is the hillier 33 miler on the paths as well or on roads? And, just how hilly is "hilly" on the 33 miler? Thanks!

[lrzipris]

I'm also considering this ride. I'm torn between the 30 mile flatter ride and the 33 mile hillier ride. Is the hillier 33 miler on the paths as well or on roads? And, just how hilly is "hilly" on the 33 miler? Thanks!

The difference between the flat 30 and the hilly 33 is significant. The 33 miler is on roads, mostly quiet back roads, not the path; the ride starts along the Delaware River, so you have to climb to get out of the valley.

I don't know how to quantify what "hilly" means, without some point of reference/comparison. The area is generally rolling terrain, with a couple of ridges to climb. What kind of riding do you usually do? How many miles? Are you in shape? What kind of bike?

[drewpyperc]

I live in Westchester county, just north of NYC. Can't go much of anywhere around here without riding some hills. I'll probably just decided that weekend whether or not I want to do the hills or the flatter ride.

Thanks for the info!

[drewpyperc]

You know, if I had just looked, I would've found a little more about the ride on the website!

Just saw this:
http://www.cbbikeclub.org/?body=covered_bridge_profiles&PHPSESSID=ebb865ff533c6487f46c7802c1236f0c

[RCBrust]

Roy,

My wife and I took a drive to Tinicum Park today (beautiful day) and brought the bikes. We parked in the back lot by the trail and cycled north on the trail about 1.5 miles to Uhlerstown Road (by a covered bridge), took a right on Uhlerstown and made a dogleg on Rte 32 and walked over the bridge to Frenchtown. We picked up the trail on the Jersey side and headed south. After about a quarter mile or so we jogged over to Rte 29 and went south for about 5-6 miles. The shoulder was very wide. Very nice road to cycle on. Is that basically the beginning of the 20-30 mile ride? If so, that worked out great. When we turned around to come back, we got back on the trail and tried that. The cinder is very fine and although I was no speed demon, I could hold about 11mph on the trike. We will probably be registering for the 30 miler soon! :)

Thanks,
Randy

[lrzipris]

Roy, My wife and I took a drive to Tinicum Park today [snip]

Well. you just did the flat route. It's pretty basic, isn't it? If you go about 8.5 miles south of Frenchtown, you come to a park called Bulls Island. That's the turn-around for the 20 miler and the rest stop for the two flat routes. The 30 miler continues south another 2.5 miles, then just before Stockton gets on a road called Lower Creek for about 4.5 miles to a covered bridge, then return. Both the 20 & 30 are out & back routes.

[Little Darwin]

The 20 miler is as close to dead flat as you can get without bein on a velodrome... there are some small rises and drops, but nothing that amounts to more than a slow down even for me, and I weigh over 300.

I started out on the 33 miler before I got lost, and got about 5 or 6 miles in, and it would be what I would call rollers, some hills got me into my granny gear, but that doesn't take much for me... Next year, after losing 100 pounds, I will be doing the long ride, unless a lady friend joins me.

I would agree that there are plenty of riders to ride with on the shoulder of the highway, and it is a nice ride out there.

[Jay68442]

I'm considering taking part in the covered bridge ride but I'm not sure what ride to register for. I'm new to cycling and recently purchased a road bike. Does anyone know what ride is best suited for a new rider on a road bike. I was thinking the 30 mile flat but someone mentioned part of the ride was on trails.
Thanks in advance.
Jason

[RCBrust]

Jason,

The majority of the 20 and 30 mile routes can be ridden on the road if desired. As Roy mentioned, the shoulder on Rte 29 is as wide as the car lane. Plus, my wife and I were on it last weekend and there were plenty of cyclists so I'm assuming that drivers are used to seeing bikes along that road.

That being said, the trail was fine to ride on too. It's a very finely crushed cinder surface and unless you have extremely thin racing style tires, you should be fine. I was riding my recumbent trike with 1.5" wide 75PSI tires and it was no problem.

We're planning on doing the 30 miler, going out on Rte 29 and coming back on the trail for something different.

Hope this helps.

Randy

[Jay68442]

Thanks for the reply Randy. The bike I have has 3/4" wide tires set at about 105 psi. I know my bike is better suited for the road.

[Stacy]

Easier to get to from the city, NJ Transit to Trenton and a 30 mile ride. Go the night before, get a room, ride the next.


The only downside is that you still have to ride 30 miles back to Trenton which makes for either a very long day or an extra night at the hotel. How about a Bike taxi to shuttle us city folk to the train?

[Jay68442]

Just registered. Looking forward to it.

[hurley.girl]

I just started to register on-line, but for some reason the active.com website is showing as not secure.

Looks like it'll be paper registration for me. Postmark deadline is tomorrow.

[Jay68442]

I registered for the ride about a week ago. I'm torn between doing the 30 flat or the 33 hilly. I'm new to cycling and only have 10 rides under my belt to date. Here is a little back round on me. I'm 35 and not is the greatest of shape but am active. I purchased a giant OCR3 about 3 weeks ago (first road bike). I've done 10 rides to date with a total mileage of 112 and 4395 ft of climbing. Ave speed of 13.5. Longest ride 16 miles with 900 feet of climbing. I plan on upping my mileage over the next 2 weeks but have never ridden 30 + miles. Do you think I am biting off more then I can chew. I feel confident that I could do the 33 mile hilly. Any feed back from those of you that have done this ride would be appreciated.
Thank You.
Jason

[rtruectoc]

doing the 60. driving in the morning of.

[guybierhaus]

I did the 30 flat last year, and the 20 flat the year before. Don't like hills, but the flat route was so boring I'm gonna try the 33 hilly this year. Worst case I walk a few. Signed up early enough to get my 3rd T shirt.

[The Historian]

I registered for the ride about a week ago. I'm torn between doing the 30 flat or the 33 hilly. I'm new to cycling and only have 10 rides under my belt to date. Here is a little back round on me. I'm 35 and not is the greatest of shape but am active. I purchased a giant OCR3 about 3 weeks ago (first road bike). I've done 10 rides to date with a total mileage of 112 and 4395 ft of climbing. Ave speed of 13.5. Longest ride 16 miles with 900 feet of climbing. I plan on upping my mileage over the next 2 weeks but have never ridden 30 + miles. Do you think I am biting off more then I can chew. I feel confident that I could do the 33 mile hilly. Any feed back from those of you that have done this ride would be appreciated.
Thank You.
Jason

Hi Jason,

I've never done this ride, but I'll attempt to answer your question anyway. How did you feel after the 16 mile ride with 900 feet of climbing? Were you wiped out, or did you have energy left? If you have energy left and you increase your mileage during the next two weeks 33 miles is a goal you can reach. You may be very tired, but you can do it.

[The Historian]

I did the 30 flat last year, and the 20 flat the year before. Don't like hills, but the flat route was so boring I'm gonna try the 33 hilly this year. Worst case I walk a few. Signed up early enough to get my 3rd T shirt.

I'm going to try the metric century. I'm scheduled to ride with another Bike Forums poster in Lancaster the day before, so I might need to switch to a shorter ride. I might be riding the 33 with you.

[lrzipris]

I registered for the ride about a week ago. I'm torn between doing the 30 flat or the 33 hilly. I'm new to cycling and only have 10 rides under my belt to date. Here is a little back round on me. I'm 35 and not is the greatest of shape but am active. I purchased a giant OCR3 about 3 weeks ago (first road bike). I've done 10 rides to date with a total mileage of 112 and 4395 ft of climbing. Ave speed of 13.5. Longest ride 16 miles with 900 feet of climbing. I plan on upping my mileage over the next 2 weeks but have never ridden 30 + miles. Do you think I am biting off more then I can chew. I feel confident that I could do the 33 mile hilly. Any feed back from those of you that have done this ride would be appreciated. Thank You. Jason

Jason, I belong to CBBC (and volunteer at this ride) and ride up there a lot, so I'm familiar with the local terrain. It's rolling and hilly, and would/will be quite challenging for you. Not only is the terrain a challenge, but consider the mileage: you'll be doubling the distance of your longest ride to-date. That will be a tough combination, I'd say.

However, as others have pointed out, you can walk up a hill, if necessary. There will also be at least one rest stop along the route where you can take a break and refuel. It's a ride, not a race, so you can take your time. And, if you ride with someone, you'll also have that companionship to motivate you. Regards, Roy

[Jay68442]

Hi Jason,

I've never done this ride, but I'll attempt to answer your question anyway. How did you feel after the 16 mile ride with 900 feet of climbing? Were you wiped out, or did you have energy left? If you have energy left and you increase your mileage during the next two weeks 33 miles is a goal you can reach. You may be very tired, but you can do it.

At the end of that ride I still had a little left. I have completed a few more rides since that one and they are getting easier. When I am tired and have to stop I seem to recover pretty quickly. After a few minutes and a little water I am good to go. I know I can complete the 33 hilly but it may take me a while and a bunch of rest stops.:) Thanks for the reply.

[Jay68442]

Jason, I belong to CBBC (and volunteer at this ride) and ride up there a lot, so I'm familiar with the local terrain. It's rolling and hilly, and would/will be quite challenging for you. Not only is the terrain a challenge, but consider the mileage: you'll be doubling the distance of your longest ride to-date. That will be a tough combination, I'd say.

However, as others have pointed out, you can walk up a hill, if necessary. There will also be at least one rest stop along the route where you can take a break and refuel. It's a ride, not a race, so you can take your time. And, if you ride with someone, you'll also have that companionship to motivate you. Regards, Roy

Hi Roy,
Thanks for the reply,
I will take what you have written into consideration. I plan to do a few rides in the 20 mile range this coming week. Depending on how I feel I will select my route accordingly. Any idea of the steepest grade on the 33?

[lrzipris]

Any idea of the steepest grade on the 33?

Sorry, Jason, I don't know. I seem to recall a topo kind of map, but I can't find it; if I locate it, I'll let you know. If you decide to give the 33 a try, let me know: I'm riding sweep on that route and will keep an eye out for you to make sure you get back with a smile on your face!

[guybierhaus]

Topo maps at BCCB web site. Here is link

http://www.cbbikeclub.org/?body=covered_bridge_profiles&PHPSESSID=9f39bb24c963d8aac92dd74b7d6c52af

Don't ask me to interpret what chart shows. I see at least 12 spikes of minimum 100 ft. I suspect chart looks worst then actual condition on ground. I usually manage on the worst hills to get at least 3/4 up. Once my biking speed drops below 4 I usually walk. Easier on my old knees. And I'm riding a cyclocross double crank with bottom gear of 36t. Not a real granny gear for this grandpop.

[guybierhaus]

I'm going to try the metric century. I'm scheduled to ride with another Bike Forums poster in Lancaster the day before, so I might need to switch to a shorter ride. I might be riding the 33 with you.

I welcome the company. Although I'm not an early riser, expecting to start at 9am. Maybe 8:50 if I do get there early. Probably at least 3 hours to ride a hilly 33 with a rest stop.

[Jay68442]

I'm pretty sure I will be doing the 33. I went out for a 16 mile ride tonight with 900 ft of climbing. Felt really good when I got home. If you see someone out cold on the side of the road aroung the 30 mile mark it migh be me. :D

[guybierhaus]

I'm pretty sure I will be doing the 33. I went out for a 16 mile ride tonight with 900 ft of climbing. Felt really good when I got home. If you see someone out cold on the side of the road aroung the 30 mile mark it migh be me. :D

Actually Jay, from the charts, if you make it to mile 27.5, it appears to be "down hill" from there. Last few 100 ft climbs, each appear to be almost a mile long, so no problem there. I wanted to mention in an earlier post, but server crashed. For longer rides you also need food. Eat carbs for breakfast, not Mickie D's fatmuffin and hash browns. Take a breakfast bar, banana or cookies with you, in case the break doesn't have something that appeals to you. My starting water bottle has a sport drink, then refill with water at break. I like to dismount and give the butt a break at least ever 10 miles. Gulp my water then. It's quite possible the 33 miler has one official break at half way point or a few miles later. So you may want to snack and drink at 10 miles, then power on to official break. Snack and drink, and you should be good to go to finish with just water.

[lrzipris]

It's quite possible the 33 miler has one official break at half way point or a few miles later.

In the past, the 33 has had a water stop at ~7½ miles, and a full rest/food stop at ~22½ miles. I haven't been paying much attention to this year's arrangements, so I don't know any details, but we'll have at least one real stop.

[Jay68442]

Actually Jay, from the charts, if you make it to mile 27.5, it appears to be "down hill" from there. Last few 100 ft climbs, each appear to be almost a mile long, so no problem there. I wanted to mention in an earlier post, but server crashed. For longer rides you also need food. Eat carbs for breakfast, not Mickie D's fatmuffin and hash browns. Take a breakfast bar, banana or cookies with you, in case the break doesn't have something that appeals to you. My starting water bottle has a sport drink, then refill with water at break. I like to dismount and give the butt a break at least ever 10 miles. Gulp my water then. It's quite possible the 33 miler has one official break at half way point or a few miles later. So you may want to snack and drink at 10 miles, then power on to official break. Snack and drink, and you should be good to go to finish with just water.

Thank You for the advice. I will certainly pay attention to my eating. What about the night before. Does everyone eat a pasta meal?

[The Historian]

Thank You for the advice. I will certainly pay attention to my eating. What about the night before. Does everyone eat a pasta meal?

That's traditional, but not required. But it is important to drink lots of water before riding, including the day before.

[drewpyperc]

My wife and I are planning to come. I'm riding, she'll likely be shopping (OK trade off, in my opinion). I'm also planning to do the 33-mile ride. Maybe I'll see you guys there.

Andrew

[MnD]

Sorry, Jason, I don't know. I seem to recall a topo kind of map, but I can't find it; if I locate it, I'll let you know. If you decide to give the 33 a try, let me know: I'm riding sweep on that route and will keep an eye out for you to make sure you get back with a smile on your face!

Hi Roy,

Seems like you know the area well; I wonder if you could answer a quick question...I ride from Warrington to Lumberville through Carversville and back fairly regularly, and have no problems with the Carversville hills. I would like to try the 33; please let me know how those hills compare to the Carversville route if you could. Thanks a lot and I'll see you there.

Any of you other 33 guys want to hook up to ride together, let me know...Mike

[RCBrust]

Hey Roy, while we're all buggin' ya with questions...

Didn't get around to pre-registering. If we decide to go next weekend, about how long before the start time (9:30) should we get there to register?

Thanks,
Randy

[lrzipris]

Mike: The terrain in Upper Bucks is hillier, with lots more climbing than the Warrington/Doylestown/Buckingham area. If you ride up Carversville Road (from the Carversville store) to Durham Road (Rte 413), the 33 will be much more challenging. If you mean going up Carversville-Wismer Road, now that's a real climb!

Randy: We usually start setting up ~5:30 am, and begin taking registration (if I recall) 7'ish. Last year, the first rider went out while it was still dark and foggy, so that will give you an indication of when registration may start to take forms & your money. My suggestion is to not worry about the official start time, come early and register and set out when you are ready--the only thing is not to leave so early that your rest stop won't be set up yet when you get there. Also remember that we get about 2800 riders (for all 5 routes), so you may want to beat the crowds; the first rush of cars is typically about 7:30-8. We have a big staff for registration usually, but with all those riders, there can be lines.

By the way, I just got home from leading the 50 mile/C+ volunteer ride, and I'm tired! Man, it's a beautiful but hilly route! The heat and humidity didn't help, but luckily the forecast is for cooler temperatures later in the week.

Anything else I can help with, just ask away. Regards, Roy

[MnD]

Mike: The terrain in Upper Bucks is hillier, with lots more climbing than the Warrington/Doylestown/Buckingham area. If you ride up Carversville Road (from the Carversville store) to Durham Road (Rte 413), the 33 will be much more challenging. If you mean going up Carversville-Wismer Road, now that's a real climb!

Thanks Roy...I have only done the Carversville Road route and it sounds like the hills on the 33 are more like Greenhill Road size. I am doing a shorter ride on the previous day, so I'll decide between the 30 (I think this is basically Frenchtown to Stockton, correct?) and 33 when I get there. Anyway, thanks again for the help.

[lrzipris]

Thanks Roy...I have only done the Carversville Road route and it sounds like the hills on the 33 are more like Greenhill Road size. I am doing a shorter ride on the previous day, so I'll decide between the 30 (I think this is basically Frenchtown to Stockton, correct?) and 33 when I get there. Anyway, thanks again for the help.

The 30 is really flat: it goes out the back of the park onto the canal path, to Uhlerstown, where you cross the river to Frenchtown, and head down either Rte 29 or the path to Bulls Island (the rest stop), then continue down 29 to 519 (just above Stockton & Prall's Mill), and a quick right onto Lower Creek Road (very pretty), and back. This route allows us to keep less-experienced riders and car traffic apart. The 33 is more like Greenhill. --RZ

[guybierhaus]

Well for the record, anybody wants to hook up with a slow rider on the 33 route, I'll be wearing my BikeForums 50+ Jersey. I hope to manage at least 11 mph average. Did manage 13 at Lancaster Covered Bridge. If you do join me, you will be required to snap a couple pics of me with Jersey, required for a 50+ posting. After which, if I'm too slow for you, you may move on. I can of course return the photo favor. Current forecast for Sunday is sunny. Starting temps should be in mid 50s, high 65. Sounds like shorts weather.