Events: Autumn Rides 2023
The past week involving a random September heat wave had our office flinging around ideas for the approaching autumnal events where seriousness is reduced and enjoyment on the bike is stressed. It’s officially Flannel Fridays around here. More often than not a second round of Chemex coffee is brewed, complete with arguments over correct methodology. Leaf rakes are readied to wisp colorful soloists into mounds of fallen leaf teams.
For those racing cross, the season has started. We’ve highlighted Fifth Street Cross in our recent post. The next-to-no need for a cycling license is reflected in our current calendar for the Pumpkin Spiced Latte season of 2023. Once the asphalt bike is hung in the service course hook for the season, and the cross bike is rolled out, you might find our bikes squeezed into the local coffee shop racks. Mid-ride coffee stops are back in demand for the season.
Fifth Street ‘Cross/ Pineapple Crush Cross September 17
We wrote about the ever-popular Fifth Street Cross, approaching its third week of racing. Located at the Emmaus composting facility, this unofficial cross race is actually kind of official looking. We highlighted the beautiful website. There are awesome SWAG as well as cloth numbers. There is even a devoted crowd of volunteers maintaining the course. While the race for overall is there, the most targeted place in the standings is fifth. Finish there at the end of the season and you’re a god.
Meanwhile, the facility will hold the Pineapple Crush Cross Sunday September 17th. It’s a way for those who practice Fifth Street on Thursdays to apply their fitness for PACX points on Sunday. Maybe we will show up just for the food truck.*
Carpenter Cross September 23
Another cross event, and another blend of seriousness with an invitation to try out cross for the first time, Carpenter Cross is one many local cross riders prioritize. There is a chance for the kids to try their luck on one of two courses, depending on age.
Those who live near Horsham have made the trek to Deep Meadow Park as well as adjacent Carpenter Park to try their luck on the cross calendar. Having grown since 2018, Carpenter Cross features eight races-within-races. Meanwhile there are three events set aside for first timers as well as a separate kids’ course for those under ten years of age. No wonder this event attracts many in the area- it provides a welcome mat for those looking to overland on a bike.
Maple City Century September 24
Maple City Century is an event we have wanted to do for numerous years. How can there be nearly one hundred miles of continuous unpaved roads in northeast Pennsylvania? However this is possible, the organizers of Maple City Century have strung together a route of exactly 100 miles with just over 8,000 feet of climbing. Based in Honesdale, PA, Maple City Century routes participants ever so closely to New York state and its picturesque Catskill Mountains by running along the Delaware River. This is definitely an event requiring at minimum a cross bike, though many pictures have shown luscious smooth gravel roads.
Unexplored and beckoning, NEPA (Northeast PA) has us daydreaming about riding a century on gravely roads for dozens of miles without interruption. That’s definitely an experience worth making the drive to Honesdale for.
Tour de Pines October 5 - 8
In tandem with Kermesse Sport, the Pinelands Preservation Alliance is back for its second year with Tour de Pines. The goal of this four-day event is to celebrate the Pinelands and all its resources. The event features four days of at least two distances. Each route is meticulously laid out to highlight the unique area of the Pinelands.
This event can be a one-day outing or an all-four-day affair. Each route will send participants past famous structures and notable landscapes. From munitions depots that aided in the Great War effort to cranberry bogs owned by Ocean Spray, Tour de Pines is truly a touring ride. Regrettably we have not gotten many miles in the Pinelands, but local lore is alluring. The Pinelands are a great place to hammer away at road miles without the concern of climbs. Further, even participating in one event supports the Pinelands Preservation Alliance. Riding all four long events means you can brag at the Grand Finale on October 8th.
Covered Bridges Ride October 8
The 42nd Covered Bridges Ride takes place the first full weekend in October and features five distances to choose from. Based in the beautiful Tinicum Park on the banks of the Delaware River, the Central Bucks Cycling Club’s flagship event explores the many unique covered bridges our area has to offer. With routes as friendly as the twenty-mile canal tow path distance or the metric century road riding distance, there are experiences for every ability. Routes offer nearly no climbing to the metric century’s 4,200 feet of climbing. Timed at the start of leaf peeping season, this is a great way to experience Bucks County cycling: covered bridges, country roads, and a great post-ride gathering at a beautiful park. This event is highly recommended and a great way to add one more large ride before the end of the season.
Crossasaurus Awesome October 12
Crossasaurus Awesome is one of the reasons we have pursued a cross bike. In yet another cross event where it’s kind of serious, but can be all for fun if necessary, Crossasaurus Awesome features numerous competitive events with encouraging names. The Master’s race is called Retirement Village. The women’s races are called Slay, Gurl,Slay and The Beyonce Race. There is even a SSCX series plus a tandem CX race which should be required viewing by those living within a five mile radius.
Happily the Haterz log has returned for another year of crushing dreams. Located a short distance from Spring Mountain and adjacent to a disc golf course, Crossasaurus Awesome is looking to give several firm handshakes to winners, even though their insignia is a T-Rex who would feel mocked if we offered to shake its hand.
Cross Mountain Crusher October 14
Proclaiming that riders could ‘enjoy views of the Catskills’ whilst suffering up the occasional 20% incline, Cross Mountain Crusher located in Arkville, NY, has all the chances to be a great conversation starter. With a single 55-mile course, featuring five ‘hefty’ hills, and elevation gain of approximately 5,000 feet, one can expect a lot of this so-called enjoying the view.
If we’re honest, that sounds just like the event needed to round out the year. Having made it a goal to explore more of the Catskills, more often than not our rides have expressed relief to have avoided some of the climbs, or, more specifically, some of the gravel climbs. Per the website, the Cross Mountain Crusher is limited to 350 participants, all of whom receive a free meal at the end. Naturally the photos of the Brew & Bike Company slinging nitro coffee has us reallocating funds to increase the chances of riding. And if you find yourself walking the bike up a 20% gravel incline, just remember to look around. At least you’ll be enjoying the views.
GuyToberFawkes November 4
In a normal year Kermesse Sport rounds out the calendar with Oktoberfest, the old Univest race course in neighboring Montgomery County, and Guy Fawkes ride, a new event to celebrate the British holiday of Guy Fawkes Day. But these are not normal times. Unfortunately the home base for Oktoberfest closed in the beginning of 2023. A new location was debated before altering the plan to return in 2024. Until then, the Guy Fawkes ride has a sort of portmanteau to it.
Based at Bucks County Brewing, literally a well-heaved Cipollini water bottle’s distance from our office, GuyToberFawkes will meander through upper Bucks County farm roads during the near-peak foliage. With two distances, the routes aim to highlight lesser-known roads for the local cyclist to consider for later rides. GuyToberFawkes is an approachable affair with a welcome to experience our roads. Last year saw warm weather accompanied by New York riders sharing stories over pints at Bucks County Brewing. With an earlier start, there will be time for more stories of not just 2023, but opinions on the roads around here.
Sly Fox Cross (November date TBA)
The latest event on our calendar takes place at Sly Fox Brewery in Pottstown, PA. In a unique twist, the event circles the brewery proper and involves a Belgian style uphill that crushes as many dreams as the brewery crushes aluminum cans. We’ve mentioned two cyclocross races plus Sly Fox. All three of these events were the inspiration to turn to the steeplechase of bike racing, and that should say something. Passionate people run Sly Fox Cross.
There was once a time when several breweries participated in hosting cross races. Sly Fox, to our knowledge, is one of the few remaining to embrace the race. With speedy paved sections and technical rooted sectors PA woods are known for, Sly Fox Cross is as serious as you make it. Some racers hammer at the uphill dirt climb and manage to remain clipped in. Others accept their fate and step off the bike the moment the hill starts. Either way, expect to see us complete one lap before filing a complaint with race directors about the steepness of the hill.
*Fifth Street Cross runs a Black Friday metric and imperial century race, which might be wise to skip if you like working equipment.
