There is some gravel? What tire size do you recommend?

Yes, the 75 mile course is 14% gravel. The gravel is manageable and can be done on 25mm road tires. For a smoother ride a gravel bike with 32 - 36mm tires will be perfect. Durable tires always win. There is 4% gravel on the 52 mile course and 2% gravel on the 30 mile course.

 What kind of bike do you recommend?

The choice is yours. A road bike with 25mm or 28mm tires will work to create a smoother overall ride. Gravel bikes also work well with 34-40mm tires for the longer course with some technical descending on gravel. 

This 75 mile route sounds difficult. I’m hesitant to commit.

Fortunately when you register you can select on the day what route you would prefer. So that means if training isn’t going as you planned for the 75 mile journey you can drop to the 52 mile or 30 mile course on the day of the race. You can even change courses while out on the ride depending on how you are feeling. You must complete the course in the allotted time but each aid station will be keeping track and let you know your time and if you are close to the time-cut.

What will the format be like?

We’ll have three different options. The first option will be the 75 mile route with 4 timed segments. The second will be the 52 mile route with 3 timed segments. The third option will be the 30 mile route with 2 timed segments.

When will the route be released?

The Back Roads route will be released a week prior to the event. 

Where and when is number pick-up? 

You have two options. Friday night, September 20, at the velodrome from 5p-7p or Saturday morning, September 21 from 6a to 8:30a.

Riders who pick up on Friday night can attend the rider meeting at 6p for details about the course, safety, and meet the staff to ask questions.

Will there be feed zones or support along the course?

We have three aid stations provided for the 75 mile route, three for the 52 mile route and two in our 30 mile route. The wonderful thing about our aide stations is you will also be able to purchase goods and merchandise from our aide station sponsors. Once you purchase the items we will shuttle them back to the finish for you to enjoy post ride.  

I’m coming from out of town. Where should I stay?

There are numerous ways to experience all that is Lehigh Valley PA. Hotel, Camping, Airbnb, etc. A complete guide to lodging in Lehigh Valley can be found here