Pittsburgh Randonneurs

Meanville Greenville 200K
2024-10-19 07:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Zelienople Park, Zelienople, PA, 124 N Main St, Zelienople, PA, 16063, United States
We offered this in the early spring…it was such a lovely ride that I wanted to offer it again as a fall foliage oppurtunity
Starting in scenic downtown Zelienople, we’ll head north, skirting New Castle and pausing in New Wilmington on the way to our first Sheetz stop in Greenville. Then, we head southeast through Mercer to our second Sheetz in Slippery Rock, before heading south through Portersville to return to the start.
UPDATE 04/16/2024: I (Dan) car-scouted the route from Zelienople (Mile 0) to Slippery Rock (mile 98) on 04/14/2024; Bill Huber was kind enough to verify the leg from Slippery Rock to Zelie.
There’s a minor detour at mile 22.7 due to road closure. Detour consists of a left on East Moffat Rd to a right on 168, then left on Eastbrook Neshannock Falls to rejoin the route. This adds roughly a mile of flattish riding.
Also, note that there are several long stretches with no services, especially in the first half of the route.
Registration closes: Thursday October 17th 2024
Inspection opens: Saturday October 19th 6:30 AM
Requirements: current RUSA membership, signed waiver
Ride start: Saturday October 19th 7:00 AM (13:30 time limit)
Route:

Mingo Creek Meander
2024-10-05 07:00 - 13:45 | Mingo Creek County Park Parking Lot, 6X2M+P23, Ginger Hill, PA, 15367, United States
This (relatively) gentle populaire lets us explore in the south a bit…starting with familiar roads through New Eagle and Monongahela (with the opportunity to visit the freshly rebuilt and reopened Sheetz), then up the Mon River through Charleroi and Belle Vernon to the tiny town of Roscoe and the first significant climb of the day. After the summit, we’ll drop to Coal Center (beware of distracting river valley views to your left as you plummet!) and head west away from the river to mostly quiet country roads for the next 25 miles, before heading north to Eighty Four and a familiar return to the park via Sugar Run Rd.
The route is back-loaded on climbing, but front-loaded on traffic; and, given our 7 AM start, even that nominal traffic should be fairly minimal while we pass along the more heavily traveled segment by the river.
Supply Controles:
Sunoco in Charleroi, mile 17
Padidle Donuts in Beallsville, mile 35
Coen Markets in Eighty Four, mile 55
Registration closes: Thursday October 3rd
Inspection opens: Saturday October 5th 6:30 AM
Ride start: Saturday October 5th 7:00 AM (06:45 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:
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(Away) Endless Mountains Liberty Bell 1240
2024-09-25 - 2024-09-29
Hosted by the PA Randonneurs

Hickory Hills 100K
2024-09-21 07:00 - 13:30 | Carnegie Park-n-Ride Lot, 338 Logan St, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Okay, first off, let me be clear…it’s actually 108K, if that deters anyone 🙂
This one has a mix of traditional and new segments, with the majority of roads smoothly paved (but a few miles of unpaved dirt and occasional gravel to keep it interesting).
Starting at the Park-n-Ride lot in downtown Carnegie, PA, we take advantage of the early hour to avoid the worst of the crazed shopper traffic on Rt 50 in Heidelberg, before taking classic cycling roads Thoms Run/Presto-Sygan/Millers Run to rejoin 50 in Cecil Township. After crossing under the Montour Trail in Venice, we’ll gradually climb to Hickory before enjoying a long fast descent to our first controle at the Avella Uni-Mart.
We’ll then do our best to avoid roads with any paint on them for the next twenty miles or so miles, until we join Steubenville Pike and head east to our next controle at the Florence Grab-n-Go.
After a very brief stint on trafficky Rt 18, we’ll try to avoid consistent pavement entirely as we pass through Hillman State Park, with a pause at the Lyle Covered Bridge for a photo controle.
Continuing eastward, we’ll pass through more country roads (as well as an enormous Amazon distribution facility) through Imperial PA to a short stint on the Montour Trail and another photo controle, this time at the Enlow Tunnel.
Finally, we’ll climb back up the ridge, then make our way to Carnegie via the reverse of our classic Ewing Rd/Ridge Rd/Bayer Rd route.
Registration closes: Thursday September 19th
Inspection opens: Saturday September 21st 6:30 AM
Ride start: Saturday September 21st 7:00 AM (06:45 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:
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(Away) Western New York Waterfalls - 400/600/1000/1200/1300 options
2024-09-11 - 2024-09-15
From RBA Pete Dusel:

If LEJO is full, and 1,400k is a bit much for you, formal registration is now open for the Western NY Waterfalls events. This is rather closer to most on the list, and still has space available.

Working with RUSA and LRM, we’re pleased to announce the addition of a 1,300k option.
The extra 100k takes us over a pace break point with the 1,200k having a 90 hour cut-off and the 1,300k having a 108+ hour cut off. Ride an extra 100k, get an extra 18+ hours.

This event has five options, 400k, 600k, 1,000k ACP sanctioned and 1,200k, 1,300k LRM sanctioned events.
This is a cloverleaf with all options starting together and riding the first 400k loop to Niagara Falls, and back, together.

For more information, including registration, costs, route, etc.:
http://distancerider.net/WNYWaterfalls1200-2024/

Cristian's LEL Prep 400K
2024-08-31 05:00 - 2024-09-01 12:00 | Comfort Inn Cranberry, 924 Sheraton Dr, Mars, PA, 16046, United States
Upon request, we’re re-offering our out-and-back 400K to Erie.
It’s being offered primarily to help local rider Cristian prepare for the next London-Edinburgh-London, but there’s no reason other interested riders shouldn’t join the party if they see fit.
IMPORTANT: This is a self-supported and self-managed event, offered in conjunction with the 300K the previous day; no controles will be staffed by volunteers. Electronic proof of passage is expected, although I recommend photos of controles and/or receipts as a backup in case your GPS track becomes corrupted.
I strongly recommend getting a room at the hotel to rest after the ride…however, if you don’t wish to stay at the hotel, there is a Park-n-Ride Lot roughly a mile away on-route at the intersection of Rt 19 and 228: you are welcome to use it as an alternative start and finish controle, so long as you include the quick loop into the Comfort Inn at the end to cover the route.
Registration closes: Thursday August 29th 2024
Requirements: current RUSA membership, signed waiver
Ride start: Saturday August 31st 5:00 AM (27:00 time limit)
Route:
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Cristian's LEL Prep 300K
2024-08-30 05:00 - 2024-08-31 01:00 | Comfort Inn Cranberry, 924 Sheraton Dr, Mars, PA, 16046, United States
This 300K is a new twist on an old route: an abbreviated version of our traditional 400K to Erie and back. It follows the same track through Meadville, then detours to a turn-around in Venango and follows the familiar route back through Mercer, New Castle, and Ellwood City.
It’s being offered primarily to help local rider Cristian prepare for the next London-Edinburgh-London, but there’s no reason other interested riders shouldn’t join the party if they see fit.
IMPORTANT: This is a self-supported and self-managed event, offered in conjunction with the 400K the next day; no controles will be staffed by volunteers. Electronic proof of passage is expected, although I recommend photos of controles and/or receipts as a backup in case your GPS track becomes corrupted.
I strongly recommend getting a room at the hotel at the start…however, if you don’t wish to stay at the hotel, there is a Park-n-Ride Lot roughly a mile away on-route at the intersection of Rt 19 and 228: you are welcome to use it as an alternative start and finish controle, so long as you include the quick loop into the Comfort Inn at the end to cover the route.
Registration closes: Wednesday August 28th 2024
Requirements: current RUSA membership, signed waiver
Ride start: Friday August 30th 5:00 AM (21:00 time limit)
Route:
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Kittens and Puppies Monaca 100K
2024-08-24 08:00 - 14:30 | Pump House Park, Monaca, 600 Atlantic Ave, Monaca, PA, 15061, United States
[Bill Huber has kindly offered to lead this ride; he’ll handle signing people in, but you may still send electronic proof of passage to Dan.]
Taking the pleasant Ohio-based portions of our classic Kittens and Puppies route, but skipping the ever-worsening segment on Rt 51, this is a pleasant jaunt into eastern Ohio and back.
The ride starts and ends in Monaca, PA, at Pump House Park. (Note that there is parking at several locations scattered around the park, all within a few hundred feet of one another).
Registration closes: Thursday August 22nd 2024
Inspection opens: Saturday August 24th 7:30 AM
Requirements: current RUSA membership, signed waiver
Ride start: Saturday August 24th 8:00 AM (6:40 time limit)
Route:
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(Away) Major Taylor 3-State Ride
2024-08-18

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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North Park 200K
2024-08-10 07:00 - 20:30 | North Park Boathouse, 10301 Pearce Mill Rd, Allison Park, PA, 15101, United States
This simple out-and-back route starts and ends at the Boathouse in North Park, where the discriminating eye may note the OTB bar and restaurant exists for post-ride refreshment.
Registration closes: Thursday August 8th
Inspection opens: Saturday August 10th 6:30 AM
Ride start: Saturday August 10th 7:00 AM (13:30 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.

Monongahela - Castleman's Run - Waynesburg 200K Brevet
2024-07-20 07:00 - 20:30 | Noble J. Dick Aquatorium, Monongahela, 200 Railroad St, Monongahela, PA, 15063, United States
Introduced last year, we’ll start at the Aquatorium in Monogahela. We’ll head west, skirting Washington PA, until turning southbound at the West Virginia border through the Castleman’s Run Nature Preserve, heading towards a controle stop at the bustling TA Travel Plaza near Valley Grove. From there, more country roads to the next controle at the Sheetz in Waynesburg, and a return to the start.
Registration closes: Thursday July 18th 2024
Inspection opens: Saturday July 20th 6:30 AM
Requirements: current RUSA membership, signed waiver, headlight/taillight/reflective gear
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.
Ride start: Saturday July 20th 7:00 AM (13:30 time limit)
Route:

Inaugural offering, Mingo Creek Meander 100K
2024-07-13 09:00 - 17:30 | Mingo Creek County Park Parking Lot, 6X2M+P23, Ginger Hill, PA, 15367, United States
Another new 100K for 2024. This one lets us explore in the south a bit…starting with familiar roads through New Eagle and Monongahela (with a sad tip-o’-the-helmet to the temporarily closed Sheetz), then up the Mon River through Charleroi and Belle Vernon to the tiny town of Roscoe and the first significant climb of the day. After the summit, we’ll drop to Coal Center (beware of distracting river valley views to your left as you plummet!) and head west away from the river to mostly quiet country roads for the next 25 miles, before heading north to Eighty Four and a familiar return to the park via Sugar Run Rd.
Supply Controles:
Sunoco in Charleroi, mile 17
Padidle Donuts in Beallsville, mile 35
Coen Markets in Eighty Four, mile 55

Registration closes: Friday July 12th
Inspection opens: Saturday July 13th 8:30 AM
Ride start: Saturday July 13th 9:00 AM (06:45 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:
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Seven Mountains 600K
2024-07-05 05:00 - 2024-07-06 21:00 | Holiday Inn Express Delmont, 6552 US-22, Delmont, PA, 15626, United States
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.

Registration closes: Wednesday July 3rd
Inspection and drop bag handoff opens: Friday July 5th 4:30 AM
Ride start: Friday July 5th 5:00 AM (40:00 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:
Cue sheet

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McConnells Mills 200K
2024-06-30 07:00 - 20:30 | North Park Boathouse, 10301 Pearce Mill Rd, Allison Park, PA, 15101, United States
(Since your RBA didn’t have a chance to ride it last time, we’re going to offer the McConnell’s Mills 200K again.)
The McConnell’s Mills 200K route has undergone a bit of revision since its inception: one of the controles (the Creighton Sheetz) no longer exists, and the final leg of the route passes through an area that has become quite trafficky and unpleasant later in the day.
So, we’ve moved the start to North Park, allowing us to get through the Glenshaw area early in the day (as well as to stop using RBA Emeritus Jim’s house as the start and finish controle).
Once escaping the city, we follow the Allegheny River upstream as far as Tarentum, before heading north through Butler on the way to West Sunbury. There, the traditional country market stop is no more, and has been sadly replaced with a photo control. Then we strike out westward through Liberty to Portersville and skirting McConnell’s Mill State Park. In Ellwood City, we make our first formal Sheetz stop of the day, before heading back to North Park via Brush Creek and Cranberry.
Route notes:

When crossing Bull Creek onto Thompson, you may see Road Closed signs ahead. The turn for Sun Mine Rd is before the closure, so don’t worry about them.
While there are plenty of supply options as far as Butler (around mile 50), there is little available on route until 45 miles later in Ellwood City. If you find yourself caught short, there are truck stops on 422 15 miles earlier, just off route(stay straight on Curry Rd at mile 80.5 instead of turning R on Fisher Rd)

Registration closes: Friday June 28th
Inspection opens: Sunday June 30th 6:30 AM
Ride start: Sunday June 30th 7:00 AM (13:30 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:
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Pittsburgh - Erie - Pittsburgh 400K
2024-06-15 05:00 - 2024-06-16 08:00 | Comfort Inn Cranberry, 924 Sheraton Dr, Mars, PA, 16046, United States
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:
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Inaugural offering, Hickory Hills 100K
2024-06-01 07:00 - 13:45 | Carnegie Park-n-Ride Lot, 338 Logan St, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Okay, first off, let me be clear…it’s actually 108K, if that deters anyone 🙂
This one has a mix of traditional and new segments, with the majority of roads smoothly paved (but a few miles of unpaved dirt and occasional gravel to keep it interesting).
Starting at the Park-n-Ride lot in downtown Carnegie, PA, we take advantage of the early hour to avoid the worst of the crazed shopper traffic on Rt 50 in Heidelberg, before taking classic cycling roads Thoms Run/Presto-Sygan/Millers Run to rejoin 50 in Cecil Township. After crossing under the Montour Trail in Venice, we’ll gradually climb to Hickory before enjoying a long fast descent to our first controle at the Avella Uni-Mart.
We’ll then do our best to avoid roads with any paint on them for the next twenty miles or so miles, until we join Steubenville Pike and head east to our next controle at the Florence Grab-n-Go.
After a very brief stint on trafficky Rt 18, we’ll try to avoid consistent pavement entirely as we pass through Hillman State Park, with a pause at the Lyle Covered Bridge for a photo controle.
Continuing eastward, we’ll pass through more country roads (as well as an enormous Amazon distribution facility) through Imperial PA to a short stint on the Montour Trail and another photo controle, this time at the Enlow Tunnel.
Finally, we’ll climb back up the ridge, then make our way to Carnegie via the reverse of our classic Ewing Rd/Ridge Rd/Bayer Rd route.
Registration closes: Thursday May 30th
Inspection opens: Saturday June 1st 6:30 AM
Ride start: Saturday June 1st 7:00 AM (06:45 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:
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(Away) Calvin's Challenge 2024
2024-05-18 07:00 - 2024-05-19 07:00
https://www.bikereg.com/calvins-challenge-2024

Castleman's Run 300K
2024-05-18 05:00 - 2024-05-19 01:00 | Noble J. Dick Aquatorium, Monongahela, 200 Railroad St, Monongahela, PA, 15063, United States
Originally, this was to be a revival of an old route into Ohio…the Minerva Cheese Ride, named for reasons that have faded into the mists of time. Sadly, after scouting, I decided that the route is not worth exhuming. So, we’re offering last year’s Castleman 300 as a far-less-hazardous substitute.
Registration closes: Thursday May 16th
Inspection opens: Saturday May 18th 4:30 AM
Ride start: Saturday May 18th 5:00 AM (20:00 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:
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McConnell's Mills 200K
2024-05-11 07:00 - 20:30 | North Park Boathouse, 10301 Pearce Mill Rd, Allison Park, PA, 15101, United States
The McConnell’s Mills 200K route has undergone a bit of revision since its inception: one of the controles (the Creighton Sheetz) no longer exists, and the final leg of the route passes through an area that has become quite trafficky and unpleasant later in the day.
So, we’ve moved the start to North Park, allowing us to get through the Glenshaw area early in the day (as well as to stop using RBA Emeritus Jim’s house as the start and finish controle).
Once escaping the city, we follow the Allegheny River upstream as far as Tarentum, before heading north through Butler on the way to West Sunbury. There, the traditional country market stop is now more, and has been sadly replaced with a photo control. Then we strike out westward through Liberty to Portersville and skirting McConnell’s Mill State Park. In Ellwood City, we make our first formal Sheetz stop of the day, before heading back to North Park via Brush Creek and Cranberry.
Route notes:

When crossing Bull Creek onto Thompson, you may see Road Closed signs ahead. The turn for Sun Mine Rd is before the closure, so don’t worry about them.
While there are plenty of supply options as far as Butler (around mile 50), there is little available on route until 45 miles later in Ellwood City. If you find yourself caught short, there are truck stops on 422 15 miles earlier, just off route(stay straight on Curry Rd at mile 80.5 instead of turning R on Fisher Rd)

Registration closes: Thursday May 9th
Inspection opens: Saturday May 11th 6:30 AM
Ride start: Saturday May 11th 7:00 AM (13:30 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:
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Pittsburgh 100K
2024-05-04 | Bud Harris Cycling Oval, 1401 Washington Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
(Contrary to usual 100K practice, we’re starting this one at 7 AM, to avoid the worst of the traffic on Allegheny River Blvd and Freeport Rd.)
Starting at the Bud Harris Cycling Oval, this suburban populaire follows the Allegheny River upstream to Oakmont (site of the notable Oakmont Bakery), then north through Rural Ridge and Russellton on the way to the infamous Sun Mine Rd climb and the first controle in Saxonburg.
From Saxonburg, we’ll head west to a photo controle at the intersection of Brownsdale Rd and Valencia Rd, just across the street from “a thing that isn’t there anymore”, the much-missed Brownsdale Market.
Finally, we’ll head south through Mars (PA, that is), with a stop at the 7-11, before returning via North Park and Shaler.
Registration closes: Thursday May 2nd
Inspection opens: Saturday May 4th 6:30 AM
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.
Ride start: Saturday May 4th 7:00 AM (6:45 time limit)
Route:
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(Away) Crush the Commonwealth
2024-04-26 - 2024-04-27

(Away) PA Fleche
2024-04-25 - 2024-04-29
Let’s put a team together to ride the PA Randonneurs Fleche.
The earliest start is April 25th; the recommended is April the 27th, with a finish on Sunday the 28th. (Note that there is a conflict with Crush the Commonwealth, which starts the morning of Friday the 26th.)
Details here: https://parando.org/info/event/2024-04-25/360

Meanville Greenville 200K
2024-04-20 | Zelienople Park, Zelienople, PA, 124 N Main St, Zelienople, PA, 16063, United States
It’s been a while since we’ve offered Meanville Greenville (A two-Sheetz ride, for those keeping score).
Starting in scenic downtown Zelienople, we’ll head north, skirting New Castle and pausing in New Wilmington on the way to our first Sheetz stop in Greenville. Then, we head southeast through Mercer to our second Sheetz in Slippery Rock, before heading south through Portersville to return to the start.
UPDATE 04/16/2024: I (Dan) car-scouted the route from Zelienople (Mile 0) to Slippery Rock (mile 98) on 04/14/2024; Bill Huber was kind enough to verify the leg from Slippery Rock to Zelie.
There’s a minor detour at mile 22.7 due to road closure. Detour consists of a left on East Moffat Rd to a right on 168, then left on Eastbrook Neshannock Falls to rejoin the route. This adds roughly a mile of flattish riding.
Also, note that there are several long stretches with no services, especially in the first half of the route.

Registration closes: Thursday April 18th 2024
Inspection opens: Saturday April 20th 6:30 AM
Requirements: current RUSA membership, signed waiver
Ride start: Saturday April 20th 7:00 AM (13:30 time limit)
Route:
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Kittens and Puppies Monaca 100K
2024-04-13 | Pump House Park, Monaca, 600 Atlantic Ave, Monaca, PA, 15061, United States
Taking the pleasant Ohio-based portions of our classic Kittens and Puppies route, but skipping the ever-worsening segment on Rt 51, this is a pleasant jaunt into eastern Ohio and back.
The ride starts and ends in Monaca, PA, at Pump House Park. (Note that there is parking at several locations scattered around the park, all within a few hundred feet of one another).
Registration closes: Thursday April 11th 2024
Inspection opens: Saturday April 13th 8:30 AM
Requirements: current RUSA membership, signed waiver
Ride start: Saturday April 13th 9:00 AM (6:40 time limit)
Route:
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Pittsburgh-Weirton-Monongahela 200K
2024-03-23 07:00 - 20:30 | Homestead, under the Homestead Grays Bridge, 149 West Bridge St, Homestead, PA, 15120, United States
Another classic early-season ride, starting in Homestead PA and striking east to Weirton West Virginia before returning via the south along the Mon River. Of some note is that the last 40-ish miles of this route are nearly flat (by southwestern PA standards, anyway), providing a welcome respite from our otherwise unrelenting hills.
Registration closes: Thursday April 18th 2024
Inspection opens: Saturday April 20th 8:30 AM
Requirements: current RUSA membership, signed waiver
Ride start: Saturday April 20th 7:00 AM (13:30 time limit)
Route:
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Near Pittsburgh, Mostly Paved Trails 100K
2024-03-09 09:00 - 15:40 | Millvale Riverfront Park, 70 Riverfront Dr, Pittsburgh, PA, 15209, United States
To shake off the wintry cobwebs, and in honor of the 5th year of the International Women’s Day Together We Ride , we’ll enjoy a tour of the trail system near Pittsburgh. Only one climb of note, and a simple, pleasant way to explore the city environs without needing to duel with traffic.
There’s some limestone, and the vast majority of the route is on paved trail.
Registration closes: Thursday March 7th 2024
Inspection opens: Saturday March 9th 8:30 AM
Requirements: current RUSA membership, signed waiver
Ride start: Saturday March 9th 9:00 AM (6:40 time limit)
Route:
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Heck Weekend, 400K ACP Brevet
2023-06-18 04:00 - 2023-06-19 07:00 | Homestead Hampton Inn & Suites, 301 W Waterfront Dr, West Homestead, PA, 15120, United States
Heck Weekend Day Three: Enjoy the Alleghenies, and the limestone on the way back.
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.
This route 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 back to the finish in Homestead.
Route Notes

Cheatsheet

Mile
Stop
Address

50
2-Sheetz/td>
610 US-22 W Blairsville

86
3-Dunkin/td>
542 S Center St Ebensburg

12
4-Fishertown Country Store/td>
2095 Quaker Valley Rd Fishertown

150
[last store for 60] Valero/td>
410 Broadway Berlin

181
5-Mitch’s (closes at 7)/td>
479 Latrobe Ave

209
6-Sheetz/td>
1002 W Crawford Connellsville

261
7-Hampton Inn/td>
301 W Waterfront Dr Homestead

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 150, 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 finish 50 miles later.
Registration closes: Wednesday June 14th 2023
Inspection opens: Sunday June 18th 3:30 AM
Requirements: current RUSA membership, signed waiver, headlight/taillight/reflective gear
Ride start: Sunday June 18th 4:00 AM (27:00 time limit)
Route:
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Heck Weekend, 300K ACP Brevet
2023-06-17 05:00 - 2023-06-18 01:00 | Homestead Hampton Inn & Suites, 301 W Waterfront Dr, West Homestead, PA, 15120, United States
Heck Weekend Day Two: 300K of adventure!
Another classic route, this 300K out-n-back includes everything from post-industrial urban neighborhoods to short steep stretches of unpaved trail…plus plenty of Sheetz stops.
Update 05/13/2022: As Bob Gregory noted, it is possible that water levels behind the Connemaugh Dam are high enough that the trail around mile 41 may be a bit more than merely damp. In that case, there’s a detour available starting at the trailhead at mile 38.6; it’s an on-road leg that adds one mile and 100′ of climbing. I will attempt to verify passability the day of the ride; but I will certainly accept GPS tracks that take the bypass.
Registration closes: Wednesday June 14th 2023
Inspection opens: Saturday June 17th 4:30 AM
Requirements: current RUSA membership, signed waiver, headlight/taillight/reflective gear
Ride start: Saturday June 17th 5:00 AM (20:00 time limit)
Route:

Heck Weekend, 200K ACP Brevet
2023-06-16 07:00 - 20:30 | Homestead, under the Homestead Grays Bridge, 149 West Bridge St, Homestead, PA, 15120, United States
Heck Weekend Day One: A 200K jaunt to Weirton.
This classic route takes us through downtown Pittsburgh and points west to a blistering descent into Weirton West Virginia. From there, we’ll climb back out of the river valley to Burgettstown via the Panhandle Trail, then southwest through Houston PA to the banks of the Monongahela River, and back to our starting point in Homestead.
Registration closes: Wednesday June 14th Thursday June 15th 2023
Inspection opens: Friday June 16th 6:30 AM
Requirements: current RUSA membership, signed waiver, headlight/taillight/reflective gear
Ride start: Friday June 16th 7:00 AM (13:30 time limit)
Route:
