12^th Annual

Scenic Schuylkill Century

A Philadelphia Cycling Weekend Event

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Rain or Shine

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As many of you know, there has been a lot of “bad behavior” by cyclist on various big event rides. BCP certainly does not want The Scenic Schuylkill Century to be characterized by such behavior. Please take a moment and read Share the Road and Ride Safely, to learn about the expectations we have of cyclists on our ride.

Ride Information

Ø Distances are approximate and are subject to change. Ø Roads will be marked and cue sheets will be available at the start - Cue sheets are not available prior to the ride as we make a final check days before the event to ensure all roads are accessible.             Ø Routes will be open to vehicle traffic - obey all traffic laws and regulations, keep right, do not block traffic. Ø Bicycling helmets are mandatory. Ø Ensure that your bike is in good working condition. Ø Bring water bottles, spare tubes, patch kit, tire pump and don't forget the sunscreen.

The Routes

	We have four scenic routes available that meander through the scenic and historic roads of Montgomery and Chester Counties. You will have the opportunity to decide which route to complete during the ride. For example, at the first rest stop, Cedar Grove Park, you can choose between the 25 or 38 mile routes, and at the second rest stop, Evansburg State Park, you can choose between the 65 mile metric century or 100 mile full century. We strongly recommend that you return using the shortest route if it is likely that you will not return to the finish by 5:00 pm when support ends.
The General Lafayette 25 miler
	This is a perfect course for riders of all abilities. It winds its way through lush park scenery along the banks of the Schuylkill River and includes one rest stop at Cedar Grove Park in historic Lafayette Hill, near the site where General Lafayette and 1/3 of the Continental Army narrowly escaped capture by British troops in 1778.
The George Washington 38 miler
	This route is an extension of the 25 mile route and offers a few hills that will challenge and reward the recreational weekend cyclist. It travels through scenic Ft. Washington State Park, where George Washington and the Continental Army set up camp in the fall of 1777 before moving on to more permanent quarters for the winter in Valley Forge.
The Valley Forge Metric Century (65 miles)
	This route continues on from the Cedar Grove Park rest stop and offers a panoramic view of center city Philadelphia from the top of Potshop Road before following the ridge line past the last farms of Montgomery County out to our Evansburg State Park rest stop. From there you will follow the Perkiomen Creek into Lower Perkiomen Park and the final rest stop at the Betzwood picnic area in historic Valley Forge National Park before returning to Philadelphia.
The Schuylkill Scenic Century (100 miles)
	This route offers a true challenge, featuring over 1,300 feet of climbing! Continuing from the Evansburg State Park rest stop, this route quietly winds though the colonial villages of Arcola and Spring City, passes the last Studebaker dealer in the world, over Sheeders Mill Covered Bridge and through the villages of Birchrunville and Yellow Springs. There are four rest stops on this route ready to re-energize and re-motivate.

The Food and Drink

Fuel your engine with breakfast served at the start including bagels, bananas, Philly soft pretzels, yogurt, juice and coffee. Each route offers bountiful rest stops featuring home baked goodies, sandwiches, cold drinks and other energy boosting snacks. For your final reward for a great day's effort in the saddle, join us at our traditional pizza bash at the finish.

The Support

All routes are clearly marked with road markings and signs. For last minute tweaking and on the road adjustments, the start location and most rest stops will offer expert mechanical support provided by volunteers from local bike shops. Each route will be supported by SAG patrols ready to provide assistance or a ride. Please bear in mind that the SAG drivers are not mechanics, but volunteers who will help bring you and your bike to a rest stop if needed. Support ends at 5:00pm.

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