THE 2020 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 as safe, and viable, as possible for you, your fellow unPAvers, the volunteers and the communities we’ll be in. Wear your masks when not riding, wash your hands, and stay home if you’re not feeling well (you’ll get refunded or deferred, no questions asked).
In order to be fair and flexible this is the plan:
  • 200 PARTICIPANTS Guidelines for large events in Pennsylvania is a max of 250 people, which includes staff, volunteers, mechanics, medics, marshals, everybody. 
  • FULL-120 ONLY We are only having one field this year, so it's for the full 120-mile length. That said, 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, just means you won't get an official race time.
  • NEW: CHOOSE YOUR OWN START TIME Because the forecast calls for rain, riders can head out on the route anytime between 7:30–9am. 
  • SEGMENT RACING In order to keep our Aid Stations manageable we are turning the clock off through those, and some of the busier roads (and the rail-trails). More on the segments below.
  • 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 heading west on the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail for the first 8 miles until the route is on quiet roads.
  2. The next 7 miles of the route follows farm & country roads north of Mifflinburg towards the Bald Eagle State Forest.
  3. At mile 15 riders begin the 3.5 mile Jones/Brandon Mountain climb for Segment #1, 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. Segment #2 is mile 49-70 of this section, and there will be mechanical support at Aid Station #3 "Dutch Corner" at mile 54 (just after the Longwell Draft descent). 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. for 4 miles which is Segment #3. 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 take on Segment #4 for 5 miles until Hobo Vista. Then it's the big descent back (use caution!) 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 8 tranquil miles on the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail back to Lewisburg where unPAved comes to the end!

Course Profile

We spent a good bit of time to make legit, yet safe, segments to time this event on. They will definitely be “Hard on the Legs” but that’s so you can relax on some of the “Easy on the Eyes” parts. Even though we’re only timing these segments you must ride the Full-120 course, on the same bike, in order to be part of the race results.

The race times will be the combined total of these 4 segments:
  1. Jones/Brandon Mtn: 3.5 mile climb (15.5-19)
  2. The Difference: 20 miles with 4 climbs & 3 descents, including Longwell Draft (49-70)
  3. Pine Creek Rd: 4 mile climb (77-81)
  4. Stony Run to Hobo Vista: 5 mile climb (98-103)
Reminder that the clock will be off on the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail, Penns Creek Rail Trail and all the Aid Stations so take your time through those, and also follow all the rules of the road, our rules, and those of the State Forests.

Before you Head to the SRV

How to Use Your Drop Bag

In order to reduce touch points, for you and our volunteers, we’re encouraging you to #packyoursnacks and they’ll be delivered by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council out on course. This segment is brought to you by the number 2!
  • You’ll get 2 reusable grocery bags with your number on them
  • They’ll be at 2 spots that you’ll go by each 2 times each
    • The beige bag will be at mile 27 and mile 97
    • The green bag will be at mile 44 and mile 74
  • Drop both bags off at the Start/Finish venue by 8am on Sunday
    • Put them in the proper bin for the proper spot!
  • Bags will be in numerical order at the Aid Stations
  • Put your bag back in bin when you’re done with it at that Aid Station
    • It’s ok to cut off part of the course, but make sure you put your bag away and tell the marshal (this means you will not be scored as part of the race).
  • Bags will return to same spot at the Start/Finish venue in Lewisburg
    • Hopefully by the time you get back, but you might need to go grab a bite to eat and then come back to get it
There will be water, hydration mix, and prepackaged nutrition from GU Energy Labs and Floyd’s of Leadville at the aid stations, as well as mechanical support.

Weekend Schedule

Get un(G)raveled in Lewisburg
Friday night, downtown Lewisburg
The bars & restaurants are open and following Pennsylvania’s protocols, and it looks like it will be a nice evening to sit outside, fuel up and unwind. Here is a list of establishments, their hours and setup for dining or take-out.

Sign-In and Rider Bag Pickup
Saturday, 10am-8pm, Hufnagle Park in downtown Lewisburg
While there’s no Fall Festival this year, we’ll still be spaced out in the park to get you ready for the race. 
  • Line up (and mask up!) six-feet apart and you’ll need to get a temperature check (and be below 100.4 degrees) and successfully answer the COVID-19 pop quiz.
    • Riders who can not pass these conditions will be deferred to 2021.
  • Give your signed waiver to get your 2 Drop Bags
    • We love our sponsors and our sponsors sure do love you! Dig through your drop bag for some sweet swag and, if you’re lucky, a special prize! Without the DONEpaved Party this year we’re doing the random drawings before the start. Good luck!
  • Get your race numbers and timing device
    • 1 number on the front of your bike
    • 1 number on the back of your body
    • Timing device attaches to fork leg (and don’t forget to make sure we get it back at the finish, or be ready to pony up $250!)
  • Rider Meetings and Q&A Sessions at Noon, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm
If you want to go out for a spin on Saturday (or Monday) we have a collection of routes in the region that you can explore!

unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley
Sunday, Lewisburg Farmers Market
  • There’s plenty of parking at the venue and porta-johns, but there will not be food, water, or coffee available at the start.
  • Drop off your drop bags in the proper bins by 8am to go to the proper place.
  • You’ll need to get a temperature check (and be below 100.4 degrees) and successfully answer the COVID-19 pop quiz.
  • Riders can start on the course at 7:30am until 9:00am.
    • Want to try and beat possible rain? Start early.
    • Want to wait for it to warm up? Start late.
  • There’s 15.5 miles of tranquil rail trail and farm roads to ride before the first timed segment. 
    • Do not try to win the rail trails! There are gates, bollards and families riding on them.
    • Do not try to win the open roads! There are cars, horse & buggies, and intersections on them.
    • Do not pee on the side of the road! There are Porta Johns at all the Aid Stations and you aren’t being timed in those.
  • Course Cut-Off Times
    • 2pm: Riders must get to Aid Station 2 (mile 44) or will be rerouted onto a 90-mile course. Can continue riding.
    • 3pm: Riders must have lights to leave Aid Station 4 (mile 74) or will shuttled back to the finish.
    • 4pm: Riders must get to Aid Station 4 (mile 74) or will shuttled back to the finish.
    • 7pm: Riders must get to Aid Station 5 (mile 94) or will shuttled back to the finish.
  • When you Finish
    • Make sure we get your Timing Device back (or pay us $250!)
    • Pose at the Podium—if you’ve got the fastest time so far!
    • Grab your Drop Bags
    • Go refuel, relax and recover!

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!
  • ​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 other racers, volunteers, staff and the local community in shops, gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, 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 every 30 seconds. Here's the Start List.
  • AID STATIONS Masks required, keep 6' apart and follow all directional arrows, wash hands before entering and after leaving, pre-packaged food only, and your water will be poured by a volunteer into your bottle or bladder. 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 prize, 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 here's a list of local restaurants.

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 this is a timed event 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 3pm (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.​

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!
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

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