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Sat November 15, 2025 - Hopewell Furnace Classic with UPDATED ROUTE by Charlie B. SHORT-CUT OPTION AVAILABLE
63-mi: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34361926
Level B-: 13-14mph, 63 (53 short-cut) miles. Meet French Creek State Park, parking lot at Hopewell Lake, near boat launch area. Ride leaves at 9:15 am. An incredibly scenic ride through Oley Valley in Berks County. Thanks to Rich Wagner for original version of this picturesque route, & thanks to Charlie B. for updating the route. Featuring the crossing of 2 covered bridges, 3 rest stops: 1 at standard convenience store. 1 at a great little deli/restaurant in quaint town of Oley, & 1 at a chocolatier. Terrain will consist of significant climbs for the first & last 15 miles, but this route has been adjusted, so that the beginning & ending climbs over the ridge are more gentle, less steep. The middle 30 is rolling to flat. This will be one of the prettiest rides you will do this year. Total climbing 3847 feet. Will stop to regroup as needed. DRIVING DIRECTIONS to French Creek State Park: Take the Main PA Turnpike (I-76) West to the Downingtown Exit. This is two exits beyond (west of) the Valley Forge exit. After leaving Turnpike, take PA 100 North/Pottstown Pike for 4 miles. You will pass through the town of Eagle. Turn left onto Conestoga Rd/PA-401 West. Stay on 401 West for 6 miles, then turn right onto PA-345 North/Bulltown Rd. Follow PA-345 North for 4 miles. There will be signs on 345 for French Creek State Park, and Hopewell Lake. SHORT-CUT OPTION provided by Charlie B. (thanks, Charlie!): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44884572 This option is 53 miles, meeting at SRT trailhead on Grosstown Rd in Stowe, just off 422. This option would cut off a few miles at both start & finish of the 63-mi route. At Mile 0.9, this shorter option joins the metric at Mile 9.8.
Leader: Linda McGrane, 267-251-7862, mcgrane_linda_a@yahoo.com