Pittsburgh Randonneurs

Ridge and Valley 600K
2025-07-12 04:00 - 2025-07-13 20:00 (America/New_York) | Comfort Inn Duncansville, 130 Patch Way Rd, Duncansville, PA, 16635, United States
Another new route from Tom Hovan for this year’s 600K! Per Tom:

The name Ridge and Valley offers a clue to what the riding is like. The ridge climbs on this ride aren’t easy, but the valleys offer relatively flat terrain. In a technique employed as much as possible, we route through water gaps and around the ends of ridges to stay in the valleys, but some ridge crossings can’t be helped.

We start the 1st day heading northeast, leaving Pleasant Valley, as we shoot through the water gap at Canoe Creek and take the Lower trail up to Alexandria. The Lower Trail is a gentle start to the day and very usefully cuts through the hills of Morrisons Cove, and isn’t too terribly long (17 miles or so), and even some of it is paved. Near its northern terminus it cuts through the Williamsburg Mtn water gap, and leaving the trail, we enter Stone Valley.

Stone Valley is pretty lumpy, but there are no big climbs. But, then the first ridge climb arrives over Barrville mountain on PA-305 instead. On the flip side we enter the Amish paradise of Big Valley (aka Kish Valley, aka Kishacoquillas Valley) for a rolling run to the first control in Milroy. From Milroy, we skirt past the 7-Mtns region by continuing northwest through a very quiet “lost” Lancaster valley (a place only visited by campers and hunters) where you slowly gain elevation, and you jump over the ridge with a spiky, but relatively low elevation gain (400 feet) ridge climb at the end of the valley. We pass through the little towns of Troxelville and Penns Creek, skirt around New Berlin Mountain and enter Buffalo Valley. We will turn around at the Purple Cow Controle (with a great ice cream and fast food menu). If their fare doesn’t please, there is a Sheetz on the route just a few miles later.

Now heading SW we make our way through Buffalo Valley on PA-45 to our 3rd ridge climb of the day past the Hairy John Picnic area (the local version of the BigFoot legend). If you can hear something other than your own breathing you might catch a mysterious hoot or howl coming from the woods. Now in Penns Valley, we follow some very mellow creek roads till we are forced away from them and back into the rolling hills that take us into State College. We control at a Sheetz in SC (at this point, most likely eating a later afternoon or evening meal of sorts). The route then follows more rolling terrain through Half Moon Valley to a stop in Warrior’s Mark, and onto Spruce Creek. Here, we have to address a short spiky climb to get us back over to the Lower Trail. Most of us likely in the dark at this point, the route retraces its steps back to the overnight control in Duncansville.

On Day 2, we head south, cutting through a water gap in Lock Mountain to Roaring Spring, then running south through the idyllic farmlands of Morrisons Cove. Just 18 miles into the day, we tackle the first of two ridge climbs of the day – or actually what is an elevated gap between Evitts Mtn. and Tussey Mtn. It’s not very long, but it’s pretty steep. Notable here at the summit are remnants of trenches that the Union Army prepared for a possible advance towards Altoona by the Confederates to take the railroad hub there that never happened. This brings us into the northern Friends Cove, then a stop in Everett for our first major control. Stock up well, because it’s going to be a difficult 50 miles before you can resupply.

Heading south between Polish Mtn. and Warrior Ridge, the terrain is fairly lumpy, but not extreme, and extremely quiet. Then after a short climb up to Warrior’s ridge, we follow that ridge till the hamlet of Chaneysville. The road into Chaneysville isn’t even quite two lanes in a lot of spots since it sees so little traffic. We cut through Black Mtn water gap at Sweet Root creek and tackle a ridge climb up Tussey Mountain. This climb is probably the hardest of the entire 600K. It has a respectable 700 feet of elevation gain, but most significantly, it has a few steep bits in the 14-15% range. With that behind us we have a rolling run down Beans Cove into MD and Rocky Gap Park. . A fast downhill to the west shuttles us to the southern end of Cumberland valley and we start heading north again. We pass Lake Koon and tackle some fairly large hills, but thankfully no more ridge climbs for the time being, and finally reach a resupply point at Mom’s Quick stop – an oasis in the middle of a mostly empty Cumberland valley.

Leaving Mom, we continue on very quiet roads with some large hills, some over a mile long, but none very steep. Most of them are pretty well shaded, which no doubt will be welcome given the time of day they will be traversed. Then we pass through Bedford, and are forced out of the valley up a short, very steep climb into Briar Valley. The last big hill of the day awaits, a partial climb up Evitts mountain. Luckily we will turn off the climb about halfway up. Another resupply in Claysburg Sheetz, and it’s mostly sunshine and rainbows for another fairly flat 20 miles to the finish.

By the numbers, the first day at 229 miles is 19 miles short of a 400K and has a relatively modest 52 feet of climbing per mile. The second day is then, of course, 19 miles longer than a 200K, and climbing is higher at 63 feet per mile. The 2nd day is also a bit more remote, with fewer opportunities to stop. So, the 2nd day is closer to being equal in difficulty to the first compared to how most 600Ks are structured (the 2nd day is still easier, but we’re talking relative differences here). The somewhat benign 1st day is meant to help give people (well, me) the ability/confidence to start the 2nd day. At least that’s the story I am sticking with.

Summing it up, most of the route is rural, there are only a few busy connectors here and there for limited mileage. Pavement quality is good overall – no need for fat tires. There are some big gaps in resupply spots, so you need to be able to bring at least 75oz of water on board – 90 or 100 would be better if it ends up being hot.

Details
With a start, overnight, and finish at the Comfort Inn in Altoona, this pleasant 600K offers easy self-support…so much so that we’re waiving all fees for this one, since there’s no need for drop bag transport or extra hotel rooms.
Full route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51072979
Day 1: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50577351
Day 2: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51073052
Registration closes: Thursday July 10th
Inspection opens: Saturday July 14th 3:30 AM
Requirements: current RUSA membership, signed waiver, headlight/taillight/reflective gear
Ride start: Saturday July 12th 4:00 AM (40:00 time limit)
Route:
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Seven Mountains 600K, late summer edition
2024-08-17 04:00 - 2024-08-19 22:45 | Holiday Inn Express Delmont, 6552 US-22, Delmont, PA, 15626, United States
Re-offering of the Seven Mountains 600K. This is a RUSA brevet, using gravel rules, so extra time is allotted.
The Seven Mountains 600K is a new, ‘adventure style’ mixed surface route, combining 72% pavement, 21% rail trail, and about 7% gravel road. It starts in Delmont and follows a familiar route to Ebensburg using the Westmoreland Heritage, West Penn, and Ghost Town trails. From Ebensburg you head mostly south towards Bedford, reaching the highest point on the route as you climb up the Allegheny Front through a wind farm just west of the village of Blue Knob. You then tackle a swoopy, nicely paved descent of the Front through Blue Knob State Park. After controlling in Bedford, you follow the PA Bike Route S / Crush the Commonwealth route for 11 lumpy miles to Everett. At Everett you turn north and eventually make your way into Morrisons Cove, riding through rolling farmland, where you controle in Williamsburg. After taking the Lower Trail to its northern terminus in Alexandria you will enjoy what should be a quiet ride through Stone Valley before a challenging gravel climb and descent over Barrville Mountain into Big Valley. The penultimate controle of the 1st day is in Milroy. Do your best to freshen up for what may be the hardest part of the brevet which includes the 12 gravelly and mountainous miles through the Seven Mountains area of Rothrock State Forest (although you will only climb 3 of them), before stopping for at least a couple hours of sleep in State College.
The second day brings a gentle start through the rolling hills of Half Moon Valley. The climb up over Brush Mountain at the western edge of Sinking Valley is a warm up for the day’s main challenge – the climb back up the Allegheny Front past and under the historic Horseshoe Curve and a section of road locally known as The Wall. Upon reaching Ebensburg, we reverse our previous day’s path through the Allegheny Highlands, on what is mostly a downward trending profile.
For those keeping track of such things, this is a minimum 2, but optionally as many as 5, Sheetz, ride.
Route notes:

Drop bags will be available in State College at the Ramada Inn (pending confirmation) . There are 3 other hotels within a one block distance to choose from, as well. Plus a 5th option another 3 miles further down the route.
Most of the non-pavement is pretty benign rail trail, which you can roll pretty fast on, but about 20-25 miles of it is more challenging, chunky gravel that really slows you down. For these sections, a tire width of at least 35mm is recommended, with 38 or 42mm not a bad idea. This is especially true since this part will likely be done in darkness.
Roads are marked in Rothrock on painted wood posts that are not reflective and do not particularly stand out, even in daytime. Bring a good headlamp to help you find them. The use of a GPS device (or at least a cell phone with downloaded maps) is highly recommended, as well.
There is no cell phone coverage in Rothrock SF and parts of Stone Valley and even in some areas between Everett and Williamsburg. The use of a satellite tracker would not be a bad idea, if you have access to one.
The controle in Warriors Mark doesn’t open till 6AM, so for those early risers or those riding straight through, note that there are no other places to resupply till you get to Altoona 50 miles away. Stock up in State College accordingly.
The 50 miles between Williamsburg and Milroy is also devoid of any re-supply opportunities.

UPDATES 08/12/2024:
The overnight controle in State College has been switched from the Courtyard (Courtyard Hotel 1730 University Dr, State College, PA 16801) to the Super 8 just across the street (1663 South Atherton St, State College, PA 16801).
Registration closes: Thursday August 15th
Inspection and drop bag handoff opens: Saturday August 17th 4:30 AM
Ride start: Sunday August 18th 10:45 PM (42:45 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:
Cue sheet

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Spring Series, Ghostly GAP Gallivant 600K
2023-05-27 04:00 - 2023-05-28 20:00 | Homestead Hampton Inn & Suites, 301 W Waterfront Dr, West Homestead, PA, 15120, United States
For 2023, we’ve added a brand spanking new 600K route. It’s a traditional pair of 400k and 200K loops with a hotel control (the Hampton Inn in Homestead) in the middle.
As this is emphatically not a daylight-only ride, lights and reflective gear are mandatory. In addition, a significant portion of the route is on unpaved or poorly maintained roads and trails, so choose your tires wisely.
The first day takes us east through Turtle Creek and Trafford, picking up the Westmoreland Heritage Trail through Murrysville and Saltsburg, where it becomes the West Penn Trail. After passing through the Conemaugh Lake recreation area (including a US Army Corps of Engineers dam and a blocked-off tunnel resembling a side door into Mordor), we’ll make our way to the next controle, the Sheetz in Blairsville. A steady gradual climb over the next 30 miles (much of which is on the Ghost Town Trail) takes us to the Dunkin controle in Ebensburg.
Forsaking trail for roads over the next 80 miles or so, we’ll head south, traversing state game lands on our way to the Fishertown Country Market controle before heading southwest through Berlin(see note for mile 151 below) to pick up the GAP trail in Rockwood, at which point it is (almost literally) downhill for the next 100 miles to the overnight controle. The GAP will take us all the way back through Confluence, Connellsville, and McKeesport to the starting point in Homestead, where we can optionally nap, shower, change into fresh clothes, or whatever before embarking on the next leg.
The second day is a slightly kinder variation of our Weirton 200K route, made nicer by simply removing the Weirton bit :). From the overnight controle, we’ll follow the trail into Station Square (just across the river from downtown Pittsburgh), then over the hills through Carnegie and Robinson to a long rolling stretch on Old Steubenville Pike. In Florence, we’ll controle at the Grab-n-Go, then head south through Burgettstown to a classic jaunt through Hickory and Houston to Mingo Creek State Park. Mingo Creek will funnel us down to New Eagle, on the banks of the Monongahela River. East and south to the penultimate controle at the Donora UniMart, before crossing the river to return on the low-traffic Bunola River Rd side. Finally, we’ll re-rejoin the GAP in McKeesport, for a familiar and easy 10-mile trail return to the hotel.
There will be a room reserved at the Hampton Inn, which will be available for showers and (limited) napping space at the overnight controle on the 27th. If we have significantly more participants than I expect, we’ll look into reserving multiple rooms.
Route Notes
At mile 42, the route follows a causeway across the Conemaugh River. If the water levels are too high, the causeway may be impassable; in which case, an on-road route from mile 39.5 to mile 46.1 is as follows: Leave westbound trail, L on Auen Rd for 1 mile to R on Quick Rd for 1/2 mile to R at T on Clarksburg Rd for 3 miles to R at T on Newport Rd to rejoin route at mile 46.1
At mile 151, there lies a 24-hour Valero convenience store. That is the last 24-hour store on route until the Sheetz in Connellsville at mile 210, so stocking up here is encouraged.
At mile 181.5, the controle is at Mitch’s Fuel and Food in Confluence, PA. Mitch’s closes at 7, as do the majority of the other businesses in Confluence. If the store is closed, feel free to take a selfie if needed for proof of passage.
At mile 192, you’ll be passing through Ohiopyle. Historically, the park rangers have discouraged through travel after dark, so I’d suggest avoiding them if possible.
At mile 210, you’ll controle at the Sheetz in Connellsville. This is the last obvious opportunity for resupply until the overnight control 50 miles later.
At mile 275.6, a 24-hour GetGo convenience store is two blocks off route in Carnegie. This is the last 24-hour store for the next 65 miles, so, if you’re riding quickly, you may wish to restock here, as most subsequent stores along the route are not open until 7 AM.
At mile 297.4, the Grab-n-Go controle is closed from 8 PM to 7 AM. Feel free to take a selfie if needed for proof of passage.
At mile 342.2, the UniMart control is closed from midnight to 6AM. Feel free to take a selfie if needed for proof of passage.

Details
Registration closes: Thursday May 25th 2023
Hotel and parking: We have a room reserved Saturday night at the Hampton Inn (c0ntrole 1, 7, and 10) for pizza/showers/changing/napping. That said, the hotel lot is fairly small, so I’d suggest that those not reserving a room at the hotel park at any one of the nearby public lots.
Inspection opens: Saturday May 27th 3:30 AM
Requirements: current RUSA membership, signed waiver, headlight/taillight/reflective gear
Proof of passage: Electronic proof of passage is strongly encouraged. No brevet cards will be available unless requested in advance.
Ride start: Saturday May 27th 4:00 AM (40:00 time limit)
Checking in from the road: Please be kind to your easily-worried RBA and send me a quick text (412 915-6206) when you arrive at each controle, if you encounter any significant problems, and when you complete. This is especially important for the timing of pizza orders and similar crucial matters.
Overnight Controle: The overnight controle room will be manned by volunteer Jim Logan from 5PM Saturday to 5AM Sunday, then there will be a brief gap in coverage until I arrive around 6 or 7AM; I’ll keep the room open until 10AM or so.
Ride end: I will be in the area, within half an hour’s drive if anyone is in need of support. Otherwise, please just text me when you’ve completed, and send me your proof of passage within the next couple of days so that I can submit the results ASAP.
Cue sheet: Credit to Tom Hovan, Ghostly-Galavant-600K-Cuesheet.xlsx
Route:
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