Pittsburgh – Erie – Pittsburgh 400K

It’s been a few years, so let’s dust off one of our kinder, gentler 400K routes.

Starting at the Comfort Inn in Cranberry, we head north through Evans City (passing the world-famous Evans City Cemetery used in the filming of the original Night of the Living Dead) and Slippery Rock on the way to Grove City and the first controle. After narrowly avoiding financial disaster in the nearby outlet stores, we’ll continue through Sandy Lake and Meadville on the way to the turnaround in Erie.

For variety’s sake, we’ll take an alternate route south through Edinboro back to the Sheetz in Meadville, before the return via Mercer, New Castle, and Ellwood City.

Intermediate controles are at Sheetz (Grove City, mile 41), Sheetz (Meadville, mile 82), Sheetz (Erie, mile 121), Sheetz (Meadvillle again, mile 164), Sheetz (Mercer, mile 196), and Sheetz (Ellwood City, mile 227).

Yes, that’s a full Shweep: 6 intermediate controles at 5 distinct Sheetzen, for those keeping score. (And no, your RBA does not get a kickback from Sheetz, why do you ask?)

Route notes:

• Little is open for refueling on-route until Slippery Rock at mile 32. (There is a Kwik Fill 3/4 mile off-route east on 422 around mile 20)
• The vast majority of the route is well-maintained pavement. There was some milled road surface just outside Grove City around mile 41, and a short dirt stretch on the return leg around mile 155.
• There are quite a few RR track crossings throughout the route. Please be cautious, especially at night and if tired.
• On the very last leg to the hotel, you’ll be on Rt 19 in Cranberry for half a mile. Be very careful, as traffic merging from your right from the PA turnpike in that section can be fast moving and oblivious.
• I’ve reserved a room at the Comfort Inn for Saturday night, so those who wish to nap or shower may do so.

Registration closes: Thursday June 13th
Inspection opens: Saturday June 15th 4:30 AM
Ride start: Sunday June 15th 5:00 AM (27:00 time limit)

Requirements: current RUSA membership, signed waiver

EPoP: Due to abject laziness on the part of your humble RBA, we default to electronic proof of passage (e.g Strava or other GPS track) in the Pittsburgh region brevets. That said, if you prefer olde-schoole printed paperwork such as cue sheets or brevet cards, I’m happy to provide them…just let me know at least three days in advance of the event, so that I have time to prepare and print.

Route: