PA204k (Nov. 7 R-12 event) - Preliminary Results posted

[Tom Rosenbauer]

The 204k is being offered on November 7, as part of the on-going Eastern PA R-12 series. Event details are posted at:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/R12ClubNov1.html

The course is the same as the one we did last November, but weather conditions look much better this time (at least there are no drenching rains and tornado warnings posted).

I've already heard from the following riders who plan to ride:
- Andrew Mead
- Paul & Naomi Scearce
- Bill Olsen
- Shane Beake
- Jack Brace
- Matt Farrell
- Don Jagel
... and your's truly, who will attempt to expunge my previous DNF last year, due to my spectacular mechanical.

If you are planning to join us as well, let me know via e-mail: trosenbauer@rcn.com

Regards,

-Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA

[Willie]

Tom -

Thanks for another great ride. A little chilly at the start but the sun quickly warmed things up.

It was nice to do the 6 miles up the Millbrook climb and know that I didn't have a 1100K ride ahead of me. The return down NPS 615 is always a treat - and as you'd agree, EVEN on an "improvised" fixie. (Note for others: a reference to Tom's interesting ride last November.)

And yes, the tuna sub at the Flats Deli was even better than I remembered it. Comparing it with the other "memorable" subs, I'd have to say that this is probably one of the BEST I've tasted - and I've sampled quite a few from around the country.

Bill

Tom R. Response: Without a doubt, the most amazing tuna sub I've ever had. Be sure to order one with cheese, tomato and sliced pickles. I think I'll be headed back there real soon, for another one!

[Tom Rosenbauer]

Preliminary results for the R-12 Nov 7 PA204k have been posted at:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/PA200k ... 091107.pdf

... please let me know of any corrections or any other issues. I'll be posting the results to RUSA within a day or so, and the results will become final, pensing RUSA certification.

It certainly was a chilly start -- the official temperature at the start was 24F. However, I'm pretty sure some of the on-road temperatures were a couple degrees colder. The long, fast descent into Portland certainly gave me a good dose of "brain freeze". But the plentiful sunshine quickly warmed things up to the mid 50's. It was just wonderful to finally have a spectacular day for riding, after the miserable stretch of weather we've had through October. Congratulations to the 9 hardy randonneurs who clipped-in for the first taste of winter conditions, as we close out the 2009 season. All 9 starters finished, for a 100% finish rate -- and for me personally, I've expunged my DNF last year, due to my mechanical mishap. I know several other riders where planning to ride as well, and last minute circumstances prevented them from clipping-in.

Thanks to Len Zawodniak and Don Jagel, who I believe shared the "sign-in sheet" duties. And special thanks to Bill Slaboniak for manning the Water Gap controle, sweeping the course, and being on-hand to handle any unforeseen eventualities (which thankfully did not arise).

Don writes: "...Thanks for the ride last weekend and today. You couldn't have ordered nicer weather than today. The views were great and the roads were wonderfully smooth (mostly) and had little traffic. I used to ride most of those roads for spring training rides many moons ago. It was good to get back up in that area again. Bill rode a couple of miles up Old Mine Road from the Water Gap Diner, so I got to cruise chat with him for awhile. I (and I'm sure everyone else) really appreciate the amount of time and effort you put into organizing the rides...."

Walt Pettigrew writes: "Tom, thanks again for a great route and ride. The route from Hainsville back to Phillipsburg is just incredible. no cars, great scenery. .... I also put your (loaner) tube thru the mail slot. It was a great insurance policy... thanks. Hope to see you on 12/5.

If you have any other comments, you can post them on the message board, or forward them to me.

Hope to see you in December!

-Tom Rosenbauer
Eastern PA RBA

[Tom Rosenbauer]

Len Zawodniak writes: You know, I tried to convince Don to take the sign in sheets, but he deferred. Shane and I managed to stay with him up to the Millbrook climb , at which point we said adios, and watched him slowly climb away into the distance. We were having such a good time chatting that we missed the turn after the general store and hit 202 before we turned around and arrived at the halfway point with 3 extra miles. By then Don was almost ready to go. We crossed paths again at the water gap diner, where he was climbing out as we descended. We stopped for pie as I was confident that we could still make Easton by sundown.(Shane had his doubts). With a determined effort, we did make the finish with daylight to spare and were pleased to see Bill again. Thanks Bill !!

I have to congratulate Shane for a really good effort. He is a strong new rider, and pleasant company.

Thanks Tom for organizing another wonderful event. Len Zawodniak

Attila Trungel writes: Thanks Tom, and all of you guys. It was another great day with PA randonneurs. (when the organizer suggest certain gear ratio, just listen, and follow! Never in my life I had to walk a hill. Well Saturday I learned how to do it.)