Events: Fall Fondos 2021
Cover photo by Mike Mchugh.
(2021) It has been a while since we have compiled a list of events in our area. Today two events crowded the creakybottombracket social media feed: UnPAved and Covered Bridges Ride. With the 2021 cycling calendar redrawn, it is easy to miscalculate what is scheduled. Today’s cold rainy weather threw a damper on the Covered Bridges ride. UnPAved probably embraced it, saying it added to the experience.
Normally this is the time of year where we slow the momentum and embrace relaxation. Like 2020, 2021 is hardly normal. The summer racing season packed in as many races as possible. We joked about riders doing multiple races in one day in different areas. We didn’t hear about it actually happening but wouldn’t be surprised to learn that it did. It is entirely possible the fall events will have a robust pace and an expectation from some to keep the fires stoked through winter, ready for another campaign.
The remaining events featured include a gravel sector event, a retired race course, and a short new event. Have a read and consider any - or all - of the events to prolong the stressful year.
Brandywine Valley Roubaix Fall Foliage II
Back for a second time, Brandywine Valley Roubaix Fall Foliage II event tackles some of the quiet roads of Chester County. The fall edition is not a carbon copy of the spring event. It is a bit shorter and lacks some of the notorious portions. The event proclaims nearly 60% of the route rolling over unpaved roads. This is more about enjoying the view than flying through gravel sectors.
Brandywine Valley Roubaix is a great event because of the amount of charities it supports. Juniors ride free. One of the charities is Pennsylvania Interscholastic Mountain Bike Association which supports middle and high school students to explore mountain biking in the Brandywine region. The second charity supported by Brandywine Roubaix is Quest Therapeutics, a wonderful organization utilizing horse-riding as a therapeutic setting for children.
As with the challenges of 2021, Brandywine Roubaix will have a staggered start to help with Covid protocols. Organizers tout the historic rest stop at mile 25 - the Whip Tavern, signifying just how laid back the event is. And instead of regular donuts, Brandywine Roubaix will be bringing cider donuts. Presented by Piscitello Law, a cycling law group, the Brandywine Roubaix is a great way to finish off the season.
Kermesse Sport Oktoberfest
A lot has been thrown at event organizers over the past two years. Our last official event was the Sourland Semi-Classic in 2019, a couple of weeks before everything shut down. Two Hell of Hunterdons came and went without a ride. And when Hurricane Ida ripped up roads for Kermesse Sport’s Oktoberfest, it looked like the event was going to be erased from the calendar as well. But then Brian Ignatin sent out an email stating a reroute had occurred and only a few turns were altered.
Starting and ending at Blueprint Brewing in Harleysville, PA, this year’s Oktoberfest sends riders out to the old Univest race course. The ride features nearly all of the turns from that era, plus a few new ones to gain access to the start/ finish line. And yes, the Matterhorn of Montgomery County, Eichele Road, managed to stay on the cue sheet (imagine that). What can only be described as ‘never flat,’ the Oktoberfest Ride course explores some of the most beautiful countryside we can think of. The route winds through large tree stands with giant falling leaves all while exploding into the open remnants of Montgomery County farm fields. It’s up, it’s down, and it’s rarely flat. But it’s one of the most beautiful rides we know.
Once off the course, feel free to kick back at Blueprint Brewing where German-inspired food hangs next to quality libations. There is outside seating and - weather permitting - fire pits to cheer on those final finishers. Our last experience was a rainy wet affair. Be sure to bring a change of clothes and for some, we recommend actually putting sealant in their tubeless tires.
Guy Fawkes Ride
New for the Kermesse Sport calendar is a chance to remember the fifth of November by riding the Guy Fawkes Ride. In an event known throughout history, the Gunpowder Plot was a foiled attempt to blow up Parliament. The subsequent capture of one Guy Fawkes is what led King James to order Shakespeare to write Macbeth as a warning to anyone else interested in rebellion (he’d kill them). England celebrates Guy Fawkes’ Day by burning effigies and the like.
Starting and ending at Bucks County Brewery (our backyard!) the Guy Fawkes Ride winds simply for twenty-five miles before returning to libations and firepits. Be prepared to see roads we always hit whenever time is an issue or we simply want to get out to reliable beauty. It may not be London but it could be mistaken for British farmland. The ride rolls out after noontime so participants can take advantage of the early sunset for fires.
This small event is a great way to end the riding season before many venture indoors during the weeknights or shelve the bike entirely. What better way to enter the season of darkness than with a festival of firepits?
