RBA note and upcoming schedule
14 views
Skip to first unread message
RBA Pittsburgh
Sep 16, 2025, 11:52:41 AMSep 16
to pittsbur...@googlegroups.com
Hi, all.
Your RBA is currently in the initial stages of COVID, due to his daughter attending that plague-ridden environment known as "school", so will not be riding the Meanville Greenville 200K this weekend. We've already got one signup...I'll reach out to registered riders Friday with instructions, but basically it'll come down to "I'll trust those who've ridden with us before, and ask them to check in any riders new to the group."
After Meanville Greenville, we've got the Hickory Hills populaire on deck for October 4th. This route is back-loaded when it comes to climbing, and has several miles of somewhat exciting gravel roads out past Florence before descending to Imperial.
Then, on October 18th, we've got an away game...Tom Hovan has submitted his permanent route for use as a brevet, so the Splendid Isolation 200K out of Boalsburg is in the queue. Lots of remote roads and picturesque views...be sure to stock up on supplies, though!
Cristian Iordan
Sep 16, 2025, 1:06:40 PMSep 16
to pittsbur...@googlegroups.com
Have a good and quick recovery, Dan!
--
--
Using this list to formally or informally plan long rides among a growing group of ultra-friends is encouraged.
Any participant who diverts the discussion threads from riding a bike or other ultra-athletics may be removed from the list.
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Pittsburgh Randos" group.
To post to this group, send email to pittsbur...@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to pittsburgh-ran...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/pittsburgh-randos?hl=en
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Pittsburgh Randos" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to pittsburgh-ran...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/pittsburgh-randos/CAPKue54RPvkQstoTQsFGDjLTSrizmDARA%3Ds%2BCLZoW9r4Ohh-Eg%40mail.gmail.com.
Steven Kunsak
Sep 18, 2025, 3:57:51 PMSep 18
to pittsbur...@googlegroups.com
That's rough, hope you feel better soon Dan!
Message has been deleted
Tom Hovan
Sep 25, 2025, 5:10:35 PMSep 25
to Pittsburgh Randos
Hey Folks,
Regarding Splendid Isolation coming up on the 18th, a few items of note:
1 - First resupply is at mile 65 at Rutters in MIlroy. The next resupply is at mile 88 at Doan's Bones BBQ joint. https://www.doansbones.com/ Good food, but most people would say that's not ideal for randonneuring (not sure I agree, though - after 88 miles some brisket or ribs might taste pretty good). But after that, till the end at 134 miles, there's nothing. So, bring your favorite bike food, and I would recommend at least 3 bottles, even if we have cool temperatures. If it's going to be warm, then you'll need even more. I might be able to manage a secret control (for resupply more than anything) but that's not verified yet.
2 - It's already going to be hunting season, and we'll be riding through state forests on remote gravel roads, so wear some safety orange somewhere on our person. If not orange, neon green or pink will do.
3 - Minimum tire is 38mm. You could get by with less, but you'll have to be more cautious. Gravel in Bald Eagle and Rothrock is somewhere in the category 2 to 3 range. https://theunpavedhub.com/resources/industry-standard-guide-to-gravel/ I personally will be on either 42s or 48s - haven't decided yet.
4 - We'll be starting in the dark (and some of us finishing in the dark too), so bring front and rear lights, reflective vest and ankle bands, etc.
5 - I will be following up in a week or two with some recommendations on best where to park near to the start.
6 - This is an adventure route. Bring your best positive mental attitude and be aware that the effort to complete it due to the little extra length, higher than average amount of climbing, and most significantly, the 47 miles of gravel roads, is fairly close to what a normal 300K demands, rather than being like a typical 200K. I'd say it's roughly similar to the AMCUP 200K in overall difficulty.
Let me know if you have any questions.
-Tom
Regarding Splendid Isolation coming up on the 18th, a few items of note:
1 - First resupply is at mile 65 at Rutters in MIlroy. The next resupply is at mile 88 at Doan's Bones BBQ joint. https://www.doansbones.com/ Good food, but most people would say that's not ideal for randonneuring (not sure I agree, though - after 88 miles some brisket or ribs might taste pretty good). But after that, till the end at 134 miles, there's nothing. So, bring your favorite bike food, and I would recommend at least 3 bottles, even if we have cool temperatures. If it's going to be warm, then you'll need even more. I might be able to manage a secret control (for resupply more than anything) but that's not verified yet.
2 - It's already going to be hunting season, and we'll be riding through state forests on remote gravel roads, so wear some safety orange somewhere on our person. If not orange, neon green or pink will do.
3 - Minimum tire is 38mm. You could get by with less, but you'll have to be more cautious. Gravel in Bald Eagle and Rothrock is somewhere in the category 2 to 3 range. https://theunpavedhub.com/resources/industry-standard-guide-to-gravel/ I personally will be on either 42s or 48s - haven't decided yet.
4 - We'll be starting in the dark (and some of us finishing in the dark too), so bring front and rear lights, reflective vest and ankle bands, etc.
5 - I will be following up in a week or two with some recommendations on best where to park near to the start.
6 - This is an adventure route. Bring your best positive mental attitude and be aware that the effort to complete it due to the little extra length, higher than average amount of climbing, and most significantly, the 47 miles of gravel roads, is fairly close to what a normal 300K demands, rather than being like a typical 200K. I'd say it's roughly similar to the AMCUP 200K in overall difficulty.
Let me know if you have any questions.
-Tom
Tom Hovan
Oct 15, 2025, 7:50:39 PMOct 15
to Pittsburgh Randos
Just a reminder to sign up by tomorrow midnight if you want to do Splendid Isolation this Saturday. No fee, but you do need to complete the electronic waiver.
Also, I recently discovered that a bridge on the route is out of service for the next two weeks, so we had to do a minor re-route. Here is the necessary updated route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52976246
As for where to park in Boalsburg, I would recommend either:
1 - Blue Spring Park along Wagner St.
Or
2 - Along Main St.
Or
3 - Along Pine St., near the Fire Hall.
I'll be at the Kwik Fill at 6:45 or so on Saturday.
-Tom
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages