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13th Annual Scenic Schuylkill Century A Philadelphia Bicycling Weekend Event
Saturday, September 12, 2009 Rain or Shine |
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SSC Home Registration Info Routes Volunteer Opportunities
Ride Information
- Cue sheets will be provided during our confirmation, 7-10 days prior to the event
2009 Changes
If you take a look at our survey you will see that the 2008 Scenic Schuylkill Century was tremendously well received. Even so, we are always looking to listen and improve. Based on the feedback we received, we’ve made some changes to enhance everyone’s enjoyment of the ride.
Cue sheets
We’ve been reluctant to make our routes available prior to the day of the ride as we conduct a final check just days before the event to ensure all roads are accessible. This year we provide a link to all of our routes as part of our confirmation process, 7-10 day prior to the ride. Please keep in mind, the routes may change due to road conditions.
Signage
We will increase the number of signs placed on our routes. However, we are limited in three respects; 1) we are solely volunteer staffing – this limits the resources available to place and pick- up signs for well over 100 miles of roads, 2) we are prohibited from placing signs or road markings in some areas and 3) limited purchasing budget –we do not accept paid sponsorship.
Routes
We had overwhelmingly positive comments about our routes, but they were laced with comments on areas we could improve upon.
One common concern was areas people thought were too heavily trafficked, narrow or difficult to cross. Another was the use of the Lower Perkiomen and Schuylkill River Trails that were used on our longer routes. Many commented they rode on the trails too long, didn’t like the gravel/dirt portions, and SAG support was inaccessible. Additionally, many mentioned the danger of so many people riding alongside a high number of recreational cyclists, joggers, and skaters.
To address this feedback, we’ve made some changes on our routes. Our goal is to
have as scenic a ride as in the past, but eliminate as many of the congested/less safe portions of
the route as we can, plus keep the ride off the Lower Perkiomen and Schuylkill River trails.
Additionally, the changes will help make our rest stops, SAG, and road marking much more efficient.
The Metric and Full Centuries will ride the identical route to the Evansburg State Park rest stop, and then return to Philadelphia directly from Evansburg via the Cedar Grove rest stop, meeting up with the 40 mile route cyclist on the way back to Cedar Grove. This will eliminate the Betzwood rest stop (one less stop for our volunteers to set up and break down), create a final rest stop much closer to the finish and keep the 40 mile, Metric and Full Century routes on the same roads for the maximum number of miles. This will also maximize our use of our rest stops, help improve SAG coverage and reduce the number of miles of roads we need to mark.
The new return is also a great compromise between having to choose between a very flat or relatively hilly return to Philadelphia (it’s neither flat nor extremely hilly, mostly rolling hills). It is still very scenic and has much less traffic and dangerous roads than our prior return route. The Full Century will do an exciting new loop out towards Schwenksville and beyond before returning to the Evansburg rest stop for a second time.
The Routes
Choose one of our four scenic routes that meander through the scenic and historic roads of
Philadelphia and Montgomery County. You will have the opportunity to decide which route to
complete during the ride. At the first rest stop, Cedar Grove Park, you can choose between the
25 or 40 mile routes, and at the second rest stop, Evansburg State Park, you can choose between the
Metric and 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 SAG support ends.
25 miles
Being our shortest, flattest and most traffic-free route, this is the perfect course for riders of all
abilities. The route winds its way through lush park scenery along the banks of the Schuylkill River,
heading to our Cedar Grove rest stop 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.
Some commented last year that they did not want to ride a longer distance, but did not necessarily
want to ride a flat route either. In response, this year we’re offering the option of taking the same
route the other distances take to our Cedar Grove Park rest stop. This will be entirely on open roads,
and will include some hills.
40 miles
This route is an extension of the 25 mile route and adds some hills that will challenge and reward the
recreational weekend cyclist. It heads from the Cedar Grove rest stop to 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 at Valley Forge.
In response to last year’s feedback (some found the split between this and the Century routes was
difficult to see and maneuver) we will take a more direct route to Ft. Washington State Park. After
leaving the park, you’ll head out to one of the prettiest roads just outside of the Philadelphia
border, and then hook up with those returning to Philly on the Metric and Full Century routes.
This will improve SAG on this route, a real need based on feedback from our survey. Also new, we’ve
added an additional rest stop. You will head back to the Cedar Grove rest stop for a second time,
giving you the opportunity to replenish once more before heading back to Philly.
The Metric Century
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 farms of Montgomery
County out to our Evansburg State Park rest stop.
You’ll then take a new scenic route back to
Philadelphia (see 2009 Changes above), returning a second time to our Cedar Grove rest stop. This
route is moderately hilly on the way out, with the return being a little easier, and features three
fully stocked rest stops to keep you refueled and hydrated.
The Scenic Schuylkill Century
This route offers a true challenge, being our longest and hilliest. The ride to the Evansburg State
Park rest stop from the Cedar Grove rest stop and back is identical to that of the Metric Century
(see 2009 Changes above).
We’ve added a very scenic and moderately hilly loop from the Evansburg rest
stop and back. You’ll head north of Schwenksville, a favorite club long-ride destination, cross over
the Perkiomen Creek and loop around some pretty country roads to our furthest rest stop at the Upper
Frederick Township pavilion. You’ll then head back towards Schwenksville, cross the Perkiomen Creek
once more, head down hilly Perkiomen Creek Road and then back to Evansburg. There are five rest stops
on this route ready to provide some well deserved energy and motivation.
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.
In 2009, we’ve added an
additional rest stop to both the 40 mile and full Century routes, to keep you hydrated and energized.
All routes will now stop at Cedar Grove Park for a second time on their return to Philadelphia.
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. SAG support ends at 5:00pm.
The changes that we’ve made to our routes this year (see 2009 Changes above) will help increase our
SAG presence as follows:
Please contact us at century@phillybikeclub.org for additional information or questions.