CHANGES FOR 2020

THE unPAved FULL-120 RACE

This has been a "different" year, to say the least. Thus, this is going to be a different unPAved. We feel it's safe, and viable, and it may change again between now and October 11th. In order to be fair and flexible this is the plan:
  • 200 PARTICIPANTS Current guidelines for large events in Pennsylvania is a max of 250 people, which includes staff, volunteers, mechanics, medics, marshals, everybody. If restrictions lift between now and October we will adjust this as well.
  • FULL-120 ONLY We are only having one field this year, so it's for the full-length. Though if take a quick look at the route, you can see that it's still possible to do a 90 or 54-mile ride if you aren't having the day you were hoping for. That's ok!
  • INDIVIDUAL START TIMES All riders will get a time to arrive in the start area and called up when it is time for them to begin their 120-mile race, or ride. Depends on if you want to call it a "time-trial" or not.
  • SEGMENT RACING In order to keep our Aid Stations manageble we are turning the clock off through those, and some of the busier roads (and the rail-trail). Still working on the sections that will be timed, but yes—Longwell Draft will be one!
  • SIGNIFICANT COVID-19 PROTOCOLS Including temperature checks, mask-mandatory zones, no indoor venues, and no DONEpaved Party. This won't be the unPAved of the past, nor the future. It's the unPAved of this "different" year.

THE COURSE (TWEAKED FOR 2020)

  1. unPAved 2020 will begin with individual starts at the Lewisburg Farmers Market before crossing the timing mat on the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail for the first 5 miles until the route is on quiet roads.
  2. The next 10 miles of the route follows farm & country roads north of Mifflinburg towards the Bald Eagle State Forest.
  3. At mile 15 riders begin the Jones Mountain climb, and then head down to Aid Station #1 "The Ranch" at mile 27. Drop bags, food & hydration here.
  4. Some pavement relief for riders until they head up out of Woodward. This is a new climb for unPAved and leads to a long & pretty descent down Cherry Run to the Rail Road Tunnel Rail Trail, and into Poe Paddy State Park for Aid Station #2 at mile 43. Drop bags, food & hydration here.
  5. Miles 43-73 of the Full course is known as “The Difference” for good reason with 4 climbs, the infamous Longwell Draft chunky B-Grade road, two absolutely delightful descents and mechanical support at Aid Station #3 "Dutch Corner" at mile 54 (just after Longwell Draft). Riders will return to Poe Paddy State Park for Aid Station #4.
  6. After the Aid Station riders will take on another new climb for 2020, up Pine Swamp Rd. After a reward riding down S-M Pike riders will get some relief on the roads to Coburn and then a long-stretch of pavement back into Woodward. The course then back tracks a little from the early part, returning to “The Ranch” for Aid Station #5 and the 2nd time to access these drop bags.
  7. Riders then head towards Hobo Vista and the big descent back towards Mifflinburg and civilization.
  8. Aid Station #6 is in Mifflinburg at mile 115 with tasty treats and if you bring your ID & credit card you could swing into The Rusty Rail Brewing Company!
  9. Just 9 tranquil miles on the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail back to Lewisburg where unPAved comes to the end!

Go for Your Own Ride!

If a large event, or a 120-mile course, isn't for you this year, you're still welcome to spend some time riding these beautiful farm roads & big forest hills. The Susquehanna River Visitors Bureau has worked with a number of hotels in the region on special weekend packages—complete with unPAved Swag Bags and special offers from sponsors when you check in. Including: 
  • unPAved Tote Bag, Mug & a Buffalo! 
  • GU Energy Labs Water Bottle
  • Samples from Floyd's of Leadville, GU Energy Labs and ​Chamois Butt'r
  • Coupon Codes for:
    • Free shipping on Stan's NoTubes DART tool
    • 20% off Floyd's of Leadville products
    • 10% off R.E. Load Bags
    • 15% discount on Purple Lizard Maps
    • Special offer from GU Energy Labs
    • 10% off unPAved Gear
  • Summer Shopping Pass with exclusive discounts to over 20 regional merchants—including restaurants, wineries and breweries!
  • Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau Outdoor Recreation Guide and Mountain Biking Maps
  • Brochure for Earl’s Bicycle Shop

ROUTES TO WORK FROM
We made a collection of some of the best ways to ride our course, and some parts that aren't part of it ... yet!

unPAved COVID-19 PROTOCOLS

  • STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK OR CURRENTLY UNDER MEDICAL EVALUATION FOR COVID-19 Contact us directly and we will work with you!
  • THE EVENT COULD BE CANCELLED AT ANY TIME If the state or CDC stop recommending outdoor activities the events will be cancelled. Read the policies on the registration page for refund & deferral schedules. 
  • MANDATORY SATURDAY CHECK-IN Will include a temperature check and COVID-related questionnaire. Keep 6' apart in lines, follow the directional arrows, wash hands before entering and after leaving, and wear a mask in venue.
  • MANDATORY SUNDAY CHECK-IN Will include a temperature check and COVID-related questionnaire. Keep 6' apart in lines, follow the directional arrows, wash hands before entering and after leaving, and wear a mask until starting your ride.
  • RIDER CAN NOT START WITH TEMPERATURE ABOVE 100.4 DEGREES, OR FEELS ILL.
  • WEAR YOUR MASK Pull mask on when you are interacting with the local community in shops, gas stations, grocery stores, restuarants, coffee shops, bars, any time you're in public. 
  • PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING Keep 6' away from people not in your travelling party whenever it is safe to do so, including when passing on a bicycle.
  • WASH YOUR HANDS Practice proper personal hygiene guidelines (hand washing with soap & water and/or use of hand sanitizer) constantly.
  • KNOW PA's PROTOCOLS If you are traveling from outside of Pennsylvania, check the COVID-19 Information for Travelers page for pertinent information.
  • NON-MASS START AT RACE Riders will be called up individually. There's a question during the registration process to help sort by time you expect to need to finish the 120-mile course. 
  • TIME-TRIAL TIMING Because if COVID is going to ruin gravel, we're here to double down on that. More information about this will come in rider communications.
  • AID STATIONS Masks required, keep 6' apart and follow all directional arrows, wash hands before entering and after leaving, pre-packaged food only, probably going to be single-serve water bottles only (please recycle at the aid stations!), use your drop-bags for specific needs (will go by each twice, see below). If you start feeling ill during your ride stop at the Aid Station and transportation back to the finish will be arranged.
  • FINISH Pull mask on to receive your finisher prizes, and if you have the fastest time so far you'll be asked to sit in the Hot Seat! No podiums or DONEpaved party, but the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau will help you find a table at a local restaurant.

PARTICIPATION RULES

  1. Don’t be a Dick!
    Or, in the words of the Queen of Pain…Be a Gravel “S.h.a.r.k.”     Safe- Honest-Accountable-Responsible-Kind
  • Safety first! While these are timed events the prizes aren’t worth injury, or worse. Take care of yourself and each other out on course.
  • ​Course is open roads, with car & horse traffic. Abide by the rules and laws of the road, and treat cars & horses with respect. They are bigger than you. Failure to do so will result in disqualification and permanent ban from future events.
  • Safety third! Do not crash on the big descents! 
  • Crossing the “yellow line” (mid-point of unmarked roads) will result in disqualification & permanent ban from future events.
  • No urinating or defecating on course! There are porta-johns at every Aid Station. Will result in disqualification & permanent ban from future events.
  • No cutting the course or creating your own shortcut. Will result in disqualification & permanent ban from future events.
  • No bottle feeds at Aid Stations. If you want support you must come to a stop and put your foot down or dismount.
  • No spectators, team or staff allowed on course. 
  • You are expected to fix your own equipment in case of mechanicals.
  • No littering on course, at aid stations or in town. Will result in disqualification & permanent ban from future events.
  • Must wear an approved helmet at all times.
  • Racers must have a number afixed to the front of their bike, and a number fixed to the back of their body, during the event.
  • You must finish on the same bicycle you started on.
  • No e-bikes or fixed-gears.
  • ​Failure to return a timing device will result in a $250 fine.
  • Race directors, medics and aid station captains may remove any rider from the event that they feel is a hazzard to other participants or themselves.

EQUIPMENT THOUGHTS

  • While most of our gravel roads are better than paved roads, sometimes  “unpaved” means it can get rowdy or loose. Bring your good tires (ex. 700x35-40 set up tubeless with fresh Stan’s NoTubes sealant at 30-45psi) and all you need to fix flats & mechanicals. 
  • The descending on this route is legit, and disc brakes (with fresh pads) are strongly recommended. BE CAREFUL for the corners you could take too fast and end your day in a bad way.
  • The weather is unpredictable in the hills & valleys of this region. It can be sunny & warm one one side of a ridge, cold & wet on the other, and anything goes as you cross them. Do not skimp on clothing & gloves, and be prepared to pack extra layers. 
  • Riders will be provided 2 bags to pack their own snacks and specific gear or hydration needs. They will each be available twice on course (the first at mile 27 and 96, the second at mile 44 and 74).
  • Lights will be mandatory for any rider leaving the GU Energy Oasis at Poe Paddy Aid Station after 4pm (mile 44 & 74).
  • Aero bars are allowed, but they are not recommended as most of the courses are climbing or descending. If you ride with them please do not when in a group of other riders, and definitely do not ride in them on the descents. Thanks.
  • The course will be marked but a GPS device is the best navigation method for gravel events. Do not plan on using your cellphone as a communications device on course. There is little to no coverage for much of the route. If you are using it as a navigation device make sure you have downloaded the course and set your phone to Airplane mode.​
The Susquehanna River Valley offers an authentic experience that combines everything that’s great about rural Pennsylvania: Breweries, award-winning wineries, outdoor recreation, family fun, wildlife, dining and welcoming hospitality. The rocky slopes, grassy hillsides and dense woodlands of the Susquehanna River Valley will challenge your fitness, test your equipment and bring a smile to your face.

THE ORGANIZERS

Dave Pryor

Mike Kuhn
Dave has ridden some of the big ticket items on many people's bucket lists: The cobbles of Paris-Roubaix & Tour of Flanders, the gravel goodness of Dirty Kanza & Rebecca's Private Idaho, up Mount Washington and down the Wildcat Trail at SSWC 2005, and more. Then he's gone on to run some seriously fun events like SSCXWC13Philly, Junkyard 'Cross in 2013 & 2014, and the Monkey Knife Fight. In good news, he's way better at running events than riding them.
Mike went to school at Bucknell University, and as a member of the cycling team was training on the dirty roads outside of Lewisburg without ever knowing those roads were "gravel." Since graduating Mike has created some of the best cycling events in the region, such as the Trans-Sylvania Mountain Bike Epic and Iron Cross. Most recently he helped launch the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League and has been named to the Board of Directors for the National Interscholastic Cycling Association to help get #MoreKidsOnBikes.

SPONSORS

unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley

Copyright © 2018