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BCP Ride List for October 2003
Saturday, October 4 - Greenwich, NJ. Class B, approx 90 miles, flat, 3 stops, about 15 mph. Leaves 8:00 from the Logan Twp building on Rt 44 in Bridgeport, NJ, across from the post office. Leaders: Doug Kennedy, 610-543-4664, dougkennedy7@yahoo.ca, and Debbie Wilson, 302-798-1243, djwbike@aol.com.
Saturday, October 4 - Hawk Mountain After the Swap
Meet. Class B, 15 mph, two groups: 55 and 63 miles. Rolling with a few
short hills and optional climb to the Hawk. After replenishing our equipment
with treasures from the Trexlertown swap meet, which starts at 9:00,
we'll head out to explore the fall colors and bucolic back roads leading
up to Hawk Mountain. Those who enjoy the challenge can climb the mountain
(63 miles), then come back down (much, much faster) to meet up with
the rest of the group (55 miles). Meet fed and hydrated outside the
velodrome track entrance at 11:30. Leaders: David Johnson, 610-828-3708,
david.johnson@lehigh.edu and Eduardo Ruchelli, 215-572-0753, edr@mail.med.upenn.edu.
Sunday, October 5 - Delaware Water Gap. Class B, 75 miles, rolling with a few hills at 15 mph avg. If you missed the Gap Gallop Century last month and prefer a shorter version to see the incredible foliage colors of the Blue Mountain ridge, this is the ride for you. Starts heading west along the south side of the ridge, then we'll find the main climb of the ride when we cross the ridge at Little Gap (Blue Mountain Ski Resort). After a fast long descent we continue east, parallel to the north side until we reach the Delaware Gap. No climb here, the Delaware river took care of carving our passage back to the south side of the ridge a long time ago! This very scenic area makes the trip to the start worth it (a little over an hour from Plymouth Meeting). Bring snacks and water since we may not find any open store along the first 45 miles. Starts 9:00 from the Jacosburg Environmental Center in Belfast, Pa. From Plymouth Meeting: I-476 North to Allentown exit; US 22 East towards Bethlehem for 17 miles; US 33 North for about 7 miles to Belfast exit. Go right at the end of the ramp, then first left (Belfast Rd) to parking lot on the left side of the road. Call if weather is questionable. Email if you want a cue sheet. Leader: Eduardo Ruchelli, 215-572- 0753, edr@mail.med.upenn.edu.
Sunday, October 5 - Quad County Revisited. Class B+, 16-17 mph, 53 or 65 miles. Leaves from Green Lane Park, Deep Creek & Snyder Roads, at 9:00. We revisit the route of the spring Quad County Ride in the fall. We will ride either the 44-mile + ICU (Intensive Climbing Unit) route, for a total of 53 miles, or the 65-mile route. Bring plenty of food and water and expect lots of climbing. Rain cancels. Call or e-mail with questions or for directions. Leader: Chris Beetham, 215-576-6514, beetham@snip.net.
Sunday, October 5 - Chesterbrook to West Pikeland. Class C, 26 miles. Meet 9:00 in front of Manhattan Bagels in the Chesterbrook Shopping Center. Rolling start, hilly middle, rolling end. Food stop at The Bakery at Chester Springs, Yellow Springs Road and Rt 113. No one dropped. Rain date Saturday, Oct 18. Leader: Matt Rice, 610-280-6195, mrice@dca.net.
Sunday, October 5 - Wissahickon. Class C, 20 miles. Starts 9:15 from the shopping center on Main Street, just west of the Main St./Ridge Ave split. Look for street parking across from shopping center. The ride will follow Forbidden Drive to Barren Hill, down to Spring Mill and return to Manayunk via the towpath. Rain cancels. Leader: Jim "Chip" Connor, 610.668.1840.
Sunday, October 5 - B Ramble. Class B, 15 mph, +/-
50 miles. Meet at the Italian Fountain behind the Art Museum at noon.
We will ride out to Devon, continue west to Sugartown, and then to Malvern
for a snack stop. The distance to Malvern is about 25 miles with hills.
Please do not arrive without food in your pocket. From Malvern, we will
return to the Art Museum, without passing through Manayunk. No cue sheet.
You must be able to maintain the pace. Leader: Jack Echols, 610-622-6997,
jackvortex@aol.com.
Thursday,
October 9 - Amish Tour. Class C+, 52 miles. Starts 9:00 from Bob LaDrew's
house near Coatesville. Bagels & juice before ride. Call or email for
reservation & directions. Leader: Bob LaDrew, 610-383-9327, 2ladrews@netreach.net.
Saturday, October 11 - Green Lane. Class B, about 15 mph, +/- 70 miles. Leave Bruno's at 9:00. Variety of scenic views from ridge tops to trout streams, including Little Road, Upper Ridge Road, Swamp Creek Road through Evansburg State Park. Bring food or pick it up at a convenience store. Eat at lakeside. Leader: Dave Phillips, 215-487-1505.
Saturday, October 11 - Mums & Maypoles. Class C, 11-13 mph, 30 miles. The ride will pick up riders at 9:00 at the Italian Fountain, about 9:30 at Spring Mill, and 10:30 at the Betzwood section of Valley Forge Park. 28 mm tires or wider are recommended for the fine hard-packed gravel that paves about half of the Perkiomen Trail; the other half is the same as the Schuylkill River Trail. (I am using 23 mm wide tires with no problem.) The mum mountain at Otts is about 20 feet high and about 50 feet long, covered with mums of assorted colors, and May poles are placed at the stairs entrance that climb the mountain. Inside the greenhouse are tropical plants and trees to view or buy; some citrus trees are bearing fruit. Leader: Bill Cotton, 215-559-2910 cell, billcotton@comcast.net.
Saturday, October 11 - Valley Forge to St Peters for Lunch. Class B, 13-14 mph, approx 50 miles. We'll do a wonderfully scenic ride through Chester County, winding through Yellow Springs, Birchrunville and on to St Peters Village for lunch. This will be an easy-paced B minus ride, fairly hilly on the way out and much easier on the return trip. Ride sign-in is at 9:15 for a 9:30 start. Leaves from the lower parking lot of Valley Forge Park, near the Visitors Center, off Route 23. Inclement weather cancels. Leader: Glenn Schreiber, 215 836-5754, glenn@theweatherguy.net.
Sunday, October 12 - Conshohocken Local. Class C, 20-25 miles. Starts 9:15 from the SEPTA R-6 Conshohocken station under the Fayette St. bridge, by the Schuylkill River Trail. Ride up to Betzwood then through the park before returning along the trail. Rain cancels. Leader: Jim "Chip" Connor, 610.668.1840.
Sunday, October 12 - Cherry Hill Fall Ride. Class B/C+, 13-17 mph, 30 miles. Ride leaves at 10:30 from the Woodland Falls Corporate Park (rear parking area near Church Road behind the Outback Steakhouse), Rte 38 & Lake Drive between the Cherry Hill and Moorestown Malls. Rain cancels. Leader: David Wender, 856-809-9194, dwender1@comcast.net, http://home.comcast.net/~dwender1/
Sunday, October 12 - Chesterbrook-Radnor and Beyond. Class C, 11 mph average, about 40 miles. From Chesterbrook, we will go through parts of Upper/Lower Merion Townships and continue thru Radnor, Newtown, Easttown, and finally back to Tredyffrin Township. It would not be Arnie's ride without a couple of challenging hills plus a few less cumbersome climbs. As required we will stop to regroup - no one left behind. Cue sheets will be available. You may need a snack, beverage and money. Meet at the Manhattan Bagel Shop in the Chesterbrook Center to start the ride at 9:00. Call for directions or weather concerns. A joint ride with the BBC and DVBC. Leaders: "Arnie" Roseman, 610-640-4529, biker73pa@msn.com, and Steve Trobovic, 610-687-9229 home, 610- 209-8259 cell on ride day, wildyugo@comcast.net.
Sunday, October 12 - B Ramble to Fort Washington.
Class B, 14-15 mph, 40 miles. Leaves from the Italian Fountain at noon.
Rest stop after 20 miles. Leader: Werner Carrieri, 215-680-2618, wernerman@aol.com.
Thursday,
October 16 - Raritan and Delaware Canal. Class C+, 13- 14 mph, 60 miles,
to Somerset County, New Jersey. We'll be riding through some of the
most beautiful areas of north and central NJ, with pristine roads, the
tree canopies, the historical town of Blackwell Mills and the Raritan
Canal State Park itself. Hills? At least three, but it is mostly rolling.
The ride leaves Washington Crossing State Park in New Jersey at 9:00
sharp. We'll stop for lunch. This is an invitation to our C level riders.
(It is also listed for Saturday, Oct 25 for our B level riders.) There
is a 45 mile cut-off if you don't want to do the 60 miles. North on
I-95 to the first exit in NJ, Rt 29. Go north for about 2-1/2 miles
to Rt 546, then make a left and an immediate right before the bridge
to the parking lot. Leader: Luis Figueroa, 215- 673-0785, luisbikefiggs@aol.com.
Saturday, October 18 - Monkey Hill. Class B, 15-16 mph, 75 miles. Leaving from Lloyd Hall at 8:30, we will ride the back roads from Philadelphia to Wilmington, Del, then retrace the time trial course of the original Tour Du Pont (as a group), including climbing the infamous Monkey Hill. Two WaWa-style refueling stops are planned. Leader: Richard Wagner, 610-964-1484, roadrich@hotmail.com.
Saturday, October 18 - My Doylestown Classic. Class B, 14-15 mph, 50+ miles. We ride to eat at the Bagel Deli or Internet Cafe. Flat to rolling with a few short climbs. Meet at Bruno's at 8:45 for a prompt 9:00 start. Leader: Jeff Bakely, 215-843-1093, jbake@snip.net.
Saturday, October 18 - Northeast Ramble. Class C-, 30-40 miles, all west of the Delaware river. Brunch/lunch stop along the way. All ride together. PLEASE NOTE: The pace will be C MINUS, about 10 mph. No cue sheets will be provided, so you will have to ride at the leaders' pace. Leaves at 9:00 SHARP from the Burger King, just north of Oxford Circle on Castor Ave. Call in case of inclement or doubtful weather. Leaders: Madge and Dick Trickey, 215-288-5907.
Saturday, October 18 - Cruise the Delaware Canal Towpath!
Class C-, 8-10 mph, 35-40 miles. Meet at the Riverside picnic area of
State Park at 9:30. Bring the family or just come yourself, but come
for one of this year's last paved trail rides. During the ride we'll
enjoy the fall foliage on the Delaware River and observe local wildlife
fly and scamper by. We'll meander our way along the trail (crushed stone)
north to Frenchtown, where we'll cross into Pennsylvania. From there
we'll head south to New Hope, once again crossing the river back into
New Jersey. Before departing to our cars we'll stop in New Hope at a
delicious French bakery. Bring a hybrid or mountain bike as the trail
is not paved. North on I-95 and then NJ 29 North immediately after crossing
Scudders Falls Bridge. Go about 2-1/2 miles to county Rt 546. Left,
then quick right. Go to the back of parking area. Or take Septa's R3
train to West Trenton and then bike NJ 29 or canal path, about 5 miles
to the park. Leaders: Frank Jackson, 610-534-3978 eve, 215-537-4299
day, fjackson@rohmhaas.com, and Pat Haggar, 610-896-1987 home, 610-517-8294
cell day of ride.
Sunday, October 19 - Terre Holland. Class B, 62 miles at 15 mph avg, rolling to hilly. The hills around French Creek State Park should be magnificent at this time of the year. Add to that a trip to Lancaster County and you get quite a nice tour. The three main climbs are Welsh Mt in Lancaster county, Yellow Hill in Berks County, and over French Creek State Park as we find our way back to Chester County. Very scenic roads. Starts at 9:00 from Warwick County Park. Pa. Turnpike to Exit 312 (Downingtown); SR 100 North; left on SR 23 West for about 3 miles; left on Park Road, then left into park (last time it was unmarked, so it's easy to miss. If you go as far as St. Peter's Rd, you just missed it). Call if weather is dubious. Leader: Eduardo Ruchelli, 215-572-0753, edr@mail.med.upenn.edu.
Sunday, October 19 - Valley Forge to East Coventry. Class C+/C, approx. 35 miles. Meet 8:45 for a prompt 9:00 start from Valley Forge National Park, Visitor Center, lower parking lot. Third in a series of breakfast rides; the breakfast locale and route will vary. We ride up river to Parker Ford and return along some good scenic roads that are adjacent to the planned Pottstown extension of the Schuylkill River trail. Breakfast after 25 miles at the Moose Lodge in West Phoenixville. Expect some hills before breakfast. Then, a mostly flat ride back to V.F. A cue sheet and a regional bicycle map will be provided for each rider at the start, so that we will all know where we are when we get lost. Joint ride with DVBC and BBC. Bring liquids, money and snacks. Leaders: Arnie Roseman, 610-640-4529, asr3pa@msn.com, and Steve Trobovic, 610-687-9229 home, 610-209-8259 cell on ride day, wildyugo@comcast.net.
Sunday, October 19 - Brandywine. Class C, 28 miles. Starts 9:15 from the parking lot across from Chadds Ford. Turn left at the first traffic light past Rt 100 in Chadds Ford. Rain cancels. Leader: Jim "Chip" Connor, 610-668-1840.
Sunday, October 19 - Elkstoberfest. Class B, 15-16 mph, 50 miles. Leaving from Carpenter State Park in Delaware (on RT 896, just north of Newark) at 10:00, we will traverse the rolling hills of Elk Neck in Maryland. Lunch stop will be on a bluff overlooking the Chesapeake Bay in Elk Neck State Park, after a brief stop at the park's camp store to pick up food & drink. Note: There is a $5/vehicle entrance fee for Delaware State Parks. Leader: Richard Wagner, 610-964-1484, roadrich@hotmail.com.
Sunday, October 19 - B Ramble. Class B, 14-15 mph,
40-45 miles. Probable destination is the Devon Whole Foods (formerly
Fresh Fields) Market. Sit-down food break. Meet at the Italian Fountain
at noon. Call if weather is questionable. Leader: Jeff Bakely, 215-843-1093,
jbake@snip.net.
Saturday, October 25 - Delaware and Raritan Canal. Class B, 15-16 mph avg, 60 miles, to Somerset County, New Jersey. See description at Thurs Oct 16. Leaves Washington Crossing State Park in New Jersey at 9 sharp. We'll stop for lunch. North on I- 95 to the first exit in NJ, Rt 29. Go north about 2-1/2 miles to Rt 546. Make a left and then a right before the bridge to the parking lot. Leader: Luis Figueroa, 215-673-0785, luisbikefiggs@aol.com.
Saturday, October 25 - Local Foliage Picnic Ride. Class C, 12-13 mph, 38 miles. For those who can't get to the Fall Weekend Event, we'll try to find some foliage nearby. We head up through Blue Bell (formerly Pigeontown), stop for water and necessity at Evansburg Park, then head over the Perkiomen and down the trail, stopping at Betzwood for a picnic. Some hills, but not too bad. Two water/drink/potty stops, no lunch 'cept what we bring. Bring goodies to share and be the most popular rider in the group. This is a C paced ride; there are hills, but the group will gather at the top of each one. Meet at Bruno's, Northwestern and Germantown Avenue, at 9:00. Leader: David L. Johnson, 610-828-3708, david.johnson@lehigh.edu.
Sunday, October 26 - Hike French Creek State Park. 8 to 10 miles. The hiking season is here. No mosquitoes, comfortable temperatures and low humidity. The hike goes through rocky trails and hiking boots are highly recommended. Trail sneakers may be OK. Call me if you want to know about what equipment to bring. This hike is the equivalent of a 50-mile hilly ride. You will get a good workout plus the enjoyment of the park's natural beauty. Must call if you are planning to come. Leader, Luis Figueroa, 215-673-0785, luisbikefiggs@aol.com.
Sunday, October 26 - Ride at the Races! Class B+, 15-16 mph. Ride will start and finish at the 2003 Mid-Atlantic Cyclo-Cross Championship Series at Prophecy Creek Park in Whitpain Township (295 W. Skippack Pike in Blue Bell - intersection of Narcissa Road and Rt 73). We'll leave promptly at 9:00, so let's meet at 8:45. Plan to drive to the start so you can have a dry change of clothes and a place to stash your bike. After our ride, which will go into Montgomery County, we'll stay and watch the races, presented by Club Wissahickon (the guys and gals in green and blue from Wissahickon Cyclery). The race will feature many local racers competing on the same course as UCI-ranked elite racers like Laura Van Gilder, Lynne Bessette, Todd Wells, and Tim Johnson. Races start at 9 and continue through the afternoon, with the elite men and elite women slated to start after noon. Rain/wet roads at the start cancels the ride but not the races; these folks ride in ANYTHING! Leader: Sally Poliwoda, 215- 753-2468, sturdygirl@comcast.net.
Sunday, October 26 - The Hills around the Oley Valley. Class B, 68 miles at 15 mph avg, rolling to hilly. This tour combines the farmlands of the Oley Valley with the great descents (and not so great ascents) from the surrounding hills, including Mt. Penn with its great view of the city of Reading. Berks County at its best! Starts at 9:00 from the Daniel Boone High School in Birdsboro, Pa. From King of Prussia, take SR 422 west and after the expressway ends, continue for about 5 miles and turn left onto SR 82 to Birdsboro. Once in town (about 1 mile) turn left onto Main St (SR 724), continue for about 0.5 mile and turn right onto Chestnut St (SR 345). Go another 0.5 mile and turn left into the school parking lot. Call if weather is questionable. Email if you want a cue sheet. Leader: Eduardo Ruchelli, 215-572-0753, edr@mail.med.upenn.edu.
Sunday, October 26 - B Ramble. Class B, 14-15 mph, 40-45 miles. Mystery Destination. Short stop for snacks. Meet at the Italian Fountain at noon. Leader: Dave Phillips, 215-487-1505.
Sunday, October 26 - Sunday Ramble. Class D, about 15 miles. Leaves at 12:30 SHARP from the Burger King, north of Oxford Circle on Castor Ave. This ride will take about 2 hours plus a stop for a snack. Call in case of inclement or doubtful weather. Leaders: Madge and Dick Trickey, 215-288-5907.
Sundays
Sunday Morning Breakfast Ride. Class C, up to 30 miles.
Meet 8:45 at the SE corner of 22nd & Spring Garden for a delightful
ride to a delightful place to have a delightful breakfast. Bring locks
and money for brunch in the middle of the ride. We always need volunteers
to lead us to delightful eating spots and pretty biking areas. Leaders:
October 5 - Marsha Hyman, 610-789-6938, queenmfk@aol.com; 12th - Henry
Lazarus, 267-259-6275 cell, hlazar@netaxs.com; 19th - Ben Sears, 215-844-3784,
bikerbenn@aol.com; 26th - Mark Helmus, 215-752-3731, mhelmus@comcast.net.
Bulldog Ride is canceled until further notice.
B Ramble. Class B, 14-15 mph, approx 40 miles. Meet noon at the Italian Fountain behind the Art Museum. Check the Monthly Calendar for leaders, ride descriptions, and cancellations.
Sunny Sunday Afternoon Ride. Class D, usually 12-22 miles. Meets every Sunday at noon in front of Lloyd Hall, #1 Boathouse Row, on Kelly Drive. For the beginner who wishes to improve his/her cycling skills, for those new to Philadelphia who want to explore the little-known, out-of-the-way places in the city and near suburbs. Leaders: October 5: Tom Stewart, 215-455-9168, stewart.tom@verizon.net; 12th - Henry Lazarus, 267-259-6275, hlazar@netaxs.com; 19th - Peter Rosenfeld, 856-792-9762, prosenfe@atl.lmco.com; 26th - Gary Fishbein, 610-324-8291, gary.fishbein@verizon.net.
Sunny Sunday Spin-Off Ride. Class C, usually 25-30
miles. A true C ride which cheerfully waits to regroup. All welcome.
Meets 12:15 at the rock near the Italian Fountain, behind the Art Museum.
Leaders: October 5 - Roy Blanchard, 215-985-1110. Roy is planning some
unpaved roads, but paved options will be available; 12th - Dave Johnson,
215-849-8013; 19th - Chuck Martin, 215-923-1887; 26th - Tom Witt, 215-977-2164.
Tuesdays
NightRiders. Class C. We spin around southern DelCo well in the dark. Bike lights front and rear are a must. You must call or e- mail the leader to confirm the start time and location. Very cold or wet weather will cancel ride. Most rides start at 6 PM. Leader: Dave Trout, 610-368-0760, dmtrout@usa.net.com.
MTB on the Pennypack Trails. Class B+/C. Starts from the Pine Road entrance to Pennypack Park at 6:30 PM. Lights are required. We ride for approximately 1-1/2 hours. Come enjoy the great outdoors after dark! Depending on weather and/or trail conditions, the day may change. Call or e-mail to confirm that the ride is on. Leader: Chris Beetham, beetham@snip.net, 215-576-6514.
Kolman's Evening Ride. Class C, 12-14 mph, 15-20 miles.
Starts at 6 from Lenape High School, Church & Hartford Roads, Medford,
N.J. Start easy and build miles. Leader: Kolman Kleinbord, 856-789-
9677, kolman39@hotmail.com.
Fridays
Wallyball. October 3, 17, and 31. Come to the Aquatic & Fitness Center at Riverside Racquet at 600 Righters Ferry Road in Bala Cynwyd at 7 PM for a fun and invigorating game of Wallyball. What is that, you ask? Good question - it's volleyball in a racquetball court. We play until at least 9:00. Cost is $7.50 per person. Bring your own lock for a locker. Call the club at 610- 664-6464 for directions. Call or email coordinator Nikki Marx, 215-963-9377, bcpwallyball@hotmail.com to let her know you are coming or there may not be a game. Also call or email Nikki if you would like to be on the Wallyball e-mail list to remind you of upcoming games.
Saturdays
MTB Belmont Plateau. October 4, 18, and 25. Class C/D. Meet at the Italian Fountain at 10:30 for a 3-hour tour. The area consists of packed dirt, loose & crushed rock, twisty single track, steep climbs. Perfect riding! No ride if rain. Leader: Paul Winkfield, 215-329-9830, paladin007@comcast.net.
