200K .... Princeton .... March 29, 2003

Location ... Forrestal Village Center parking lot - Houghton Lane and College Road West. This is the same location as 2002, southwest corner of parking lot.

Registration ... Please try to register before March 29th. There will be a $5 fee - $30 on March 29th. Brevet cards and cue sheets will be given out at this time.

200K Make-Up Dates ... If March 29th is a conflict (especially for those applying for PBP), you must make this ride up BEFORE the scheduled date. Result processing will not be jeopardized after this scheduled date. CONTACT THE RBA immediately if you are planning a make-up. Last weekend to make-up is March 8th and 9th.

Ride in Summary ... The 200K is the SAME route as in 2002. It was advertised this year to be flatter but we've decided that it would be negative toward training for Paris-Brest-Paris to alter the elevation. This decision was based on conversations with randonneurs who rode in 2002 and my personal experience on the Florida 2003 series. Janet Magajna's comment "You can't take Adamic Hill out. I've been thinking of it all year." So, as you ride up Adamic, don't think of Sandiway who created this part of the route - think of Janet and myself. This is the most challenging hill on the route and the Voledam Windmill is your reward - sorry, no downhill here.

85 Miles ... This route follows the 200K until Frenchtown - making this the half-way point. Riders can continue for added mileage with a bailout point indicated on the cue sheet.

Elevation .... is around 8300 ft. The majority of climbs is the top loop of the route. When you leave Frenchtown with 45 miles, there's a three mile flatness until Milford along the Delaware River. Constant climbing is characteristic of this route.

Counties Crossed .... The following counties are used for the 200K route: Mercer, Middlesex, Hunterdon and Warren (the hilliest). Most cycling time is spent in Hunterdon. The route travels northwest until the Delaware River and turns north and then northeast making a loop in Warren county and south back to Frenchtown. The entire route is scenic and not trafficky.

Climbs .... Steep climbs include Adamic Hill and Bellis Road. Shire Road and 579/Church St (unmarked) are technical descents. All the above mentioned are in Hunderton County. Warren County is the most northern county of the 200K - not much climbing here. You might catch a glimpse of hot air ballons along a ridge or the dairy farmers at milking time. There's even a tunnel to go through (oooooh!) You'll even pass the oldest Dutch windmill in the United States.

Sorry no dogs! .... Amazingly, New Jerseans seem to keep the dogs inside or controlled. You'll experience quiet roads with lots of horses, sheep, llama, deer, cows, chickens, etc...

Scenery .... Don't miss checking out the Delaware River - Frenchtown and Milford are the best spots. In Milford - take a quick detour on Church St down by Chesterfield Inn (we have permission to take in the view). If you live in a metropolitan area (i.e. New York City), this is a good ride to forget about everything! It's a million times better than riding up to Nyack via 9W!

Controles ... At 45 miles there is a controle in Frenchtown - most likely Freeman's Bike Shop. Food and Hydrating beverages will be supplied. I'm planning a "Secret Controle" and hoping Asbury Willows (gourmet coffee shop) will become a standard, full-time control. In 2002, they were the "Secret Control" and loved us so much they invited us back!