HigherGround

The Lancaster (PA) Bicycle Club's Covered Bridges Metric Century has been a traditional "meet & greet" for members of Bike Forums in the past. It's nice to be able to put faces to names of Bike Forums members. Who is interested this year? I may not be able to attend due to work, but I figure I can at least get the thread about it started.

The ride is a scenic 62 loop, but options of 31 and 15 miles are also available. The course is predominantly flat to rolling, although the wind, heat, and humidity can make it more challenging as the day wears on.

Please note that the registration will be capped at 3,000 riders, or July 5 at 9:59 pm, whichever comes first.

2009 thread

2008 thread

2007 thread

Another 2007 thread

2006 thread

2005 thread

If you're planning to attend, please send me your name via PM and I'll add your name to the roll call list below:

HigherGround
Consularrider
TrekDen
telebianchi (definite maybe, kind of)
KevinB
BillyBob
cornflakes

Consularrider

I've signed up, but don't know if I'll actually attend.

TrekDen

I'm going to be asking some of my club members if they would be interested. I personally love doing this ride, and have enjoyed meeting other BF members over the years. BF interest has seemed to fade a bit, but I'll bet there will still be a few of us showing up. I'll probably reserve a room just in case.

pgoat

I'd like to do this one again....was also considering the Ramapo Rally in NJ on the same day.

HigherGround

I live about 90 minutes away, so I'll probably force myself to be a morning person and drive out that day. Of course we know how well that worked out last year when I overslept.

pgoat

I think we're doing this again.

Standalone 

This is the part of the world where I grew up-- the beauty of the land led me into long distance cycling when I was very young, 11 and 12 years old.

indyfabz

Took this ride off my calendar last year and probably won't ever be doing it again after having done it more times than I can remember. Just getting into the parking lots can be a nightmare. (Glad to see that they are limitting the number of riders.) The heat, humidity, wind and lack of shade can combine to create what I think are misrable riding conditions. The route has not changed much since I first did it back in the mid or late 90s. And the same ham and cheese and BP&J and cookies and grapes and oranges lunch has not changed at all. I am close enough to Lancaster Country that I can ride there any time I choose.

IMO, spring is a much nicer time to ride out that way. Just did a fabulous 73 mile ride out of East Earl (Shady Maple Market) to the storybook town of Mount Gretna in Lebanon County and back last Saturday. Did a portion of it back in May. Saw lots of horse-drawn plowing activity and so many of those cute Amish kids that I swear must be turned out in a secret factory somewhere.

papedaler

When you were in Mt Gretna did you stop at Jiggers for some ice cream? That makes the trip all the more worth while.

RobE30

I did close to 40 miles in and around Mt. Gretna this past Tuesday (week ago today). My in-laws have a cottage in Mt. Gretna so it is a great place to use as home base for some fun riding. The Jiggershop is a mandatory stop for me after the ride.... so good

indyfabz

Go there every year as part of that ride. Had a frosted mug of birch beer and a burger. Last year I had a milkshake and it didn't sit well climbing up Pinch Rd.

pgoat

Is this it so far?

We're still debating and the deadline to register is coming up fast.

TrekDen

Just registered, and booked a hotel for Saturday night.

hally

I did this ride two years in a row and the pal I went with said enough for her. Too hot, no shade. Wayyyyyyyyy too many people many of whom don't ride with any type of etiquette. However I really liked the lunch stop. Carbs, protein and fruit and plenty of water and Gatorade to refill bottles along with packaged trail mix to throw in your jersey for later. Plus if you didn't want a sub you could have PB and J. What would you have them serve? It's a bike ride, you need to fuel for the finish, not gorge on pizza or hamburgers

That said I heard someone from a local club needed a roomie and was thinking about it till I had a heat/dehydration episode 3 weeks ago. I think I'll pass on the August ride through farm country where there is no shade. It is a beautiful ride, for early May or late September.

HigherGround

Consularrider and TrekDen are the only two who have replied to me so far. I'm expecting to be there, as long as I don't have a work conflict. I think that posting this in the Northeast forum has contributed to less exposure, so I'll create a thread in the road forum referencing this one. I used to live in Lancaster County, and I still have friends there, so I always enjoy going back for this ride. Yes, it is often hot and humid, but that's riding in PA in the summertime.

telebianchi

Just saw the post in the Road forum. I've wanted to do this ride in the past but never made it. Consider me a maybe; need to check with gf who is a non-rider (as of today at least ).

Any tent camping options other than the one campgrounds listed on the Lancaster Bike Club website?

HigherGround

Here you go, hope to see both of you in August!

baj32161

Have a great ride everyone. I will not be able to make it as it is a long drive from Toronto, and I will have friends up for that weekend. I would love to give this ride another go since my firsat experience did not go so well.

Cheers,

Brian J.

TrekDen

You'll get back for the ride one of these years Brian. Hopefully mishap free this time out.

On another note: Registration is up over 1500 folks last time I checked. Not a bad idea to cap the amount of riders, but I think they should have made the deadline August 1st instead of July 1st. That would still have given the club a full 2 weeks of available pre-ride time to do the prep work.

grahny

I'm considering going again, but probably won't be able. I just have a bunch of things going on around that date that would make it logistically difficult, and physically draining. The ride though is a good time and if I had nothing else happening, I'd be out there again no question.

If anyone wants the route from last year for a saturday social ride (20'ish miles), just PM me and I can send garmin files.

indyfabz

Something different for a change would be nice. After about 15 years of the same thing I have become bored. Probably the only other event I have done more frequently is the City-to-Shore. This year will be 19 in a row. That event has changed over the years. Markedly different routes and rest stop locations. Varying food and drink options.

TrekDen

Over 1700 registered riders as of 6/27. Only a couple days left to register. I wonder if they will extend the cutoff date if they dont reach capacity!

HigherGround

According to Active.com, the registration cut off has been extended to Monday July 5, 9:59 pm. (The club's web site still lists July 1st as the cut off though.)

BillyBob

I am in!

Cornflakes

Me too! Hope to meet some of y'all there.