Long rides in W. Philly Burbs

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2013-03-08 8:46 AM

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Subject: Long rides in W. Philly Burbs

Hey everyone!  I'm charting out some of my longer rides in preparation training for Ironman Louisville.  Since this will only be my 2nd summer here in the W. Philly 'burbs, I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations on long ride routes 40mi+ in the area.  I live in Wayne and last year did a lot of training on the SRT and roads around the Wayne/Phoeniixville up to Red Hill.  Just looking for some variety and some recommendations from veterans in the area on some routes that might have some wider shoulders or less traffic than some of what I was doing last year.

Thanks!

2013-03-08 8:50 AM
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Subject: RE: Long rides in W. Philly Burbs
I know some people ride in French Creek state park. I have not personally been there so I don't have any details.
2013-03-08 9:04 AM
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Subject: RE: Long rides in W. Philly Burbs

If you don't mind heading west a little bit, there is lots of good riding out in Chester County.

Go to the West Chester Cycling Club website for organized rides and lots of cue sheets online.

link:  http://www.wccyclingclub.com/



Edited by datlas 2013-03-08 9:05 AM
2013-03-08 11:58 AM
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Subject: RE: Long rides in W. Philly Burbs
You could also check with High Road in Wayne. They do shop rides and should know the area pretty well. I bought my tri bike there.
2013-03-11 9:52 AM
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Subject: RE: Long rides in W. Philly Burbs

Hey Jeremy, 

West of Wayne has some decent places with not a lot of traffic.  I have been meaning to extend this route further west. The only trick was to get around West Chester

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/training/map.asp?routeid=157271

I was thinking of taking route 926 as I hear that road is just empty and seems to go on for a good bit.

2013-03-11 11:53 AM
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Subject: RE: Long rides in W. Philly Burbs
stilgarnaib - 2013-03-11 9:52 AM

Hey Jeremy, 

West of Wayne has some decent places with not a lot of traffic.  I have been meaning to extend this route further west. The only trick was to get around West Chester

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/training/map.asp?routeid=157271

I was thinking of taking route 926 as I hear that road is just empty and seems to go on for a good bit.

Link doesn't work for me?  Just takes me to my training log.

Thanks for the suggestions guys.  Brian, I'll check with High Road as they're my LBS that takes all my money.

2013-03-11 11:54 AM
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Subject: RE: Long rides in W. Philly Burbs
japewang - 2013-03-11 12:53 PM
stilgarnaib - 2013-03-11 9:52 AM

Hey Jeremy, 

West of Wayne has some decent places with not a lot of traffic.  I have been meaning to extend this route further west. The only trick was to get around West Chester

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/training/map.asp?routeid=157271

I was thinking of taking route 926 as I hear that road is just empty and seems to go on for a good bit.

Link doesn't work for me?  Just takes me to my training log.

 

I was hoping it wasn't taking everyone to my training log....

2013-03-11 1:21 PM
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Subject: RE: Long rides in W. Philly Burbs

I've been riding from home (Media, near Granite Run Mall) and have had some good rides west of 352, north of route 1.

Valley Road, Sweetwater Road, Creek Road are some of the roads.

This was my route yesterday

 

There's also a new feature on Garmin Connect, a "heat map", showing where people are running/biking.  You can select either sport, and it shows higher densities of activity (of course SRT shows up the hottest)

2013-03-11 2:14 PM
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Subject: RE: Long rides in W. Philly Burbs
mrbbrad - 2013-03-11 12:54 PM
japewang - 2013-03-11 12:53 PM
stilgarnaib - 2013-03-11 9:52 AM

Hey Jeremy, 

West of Wayne has some decent places with not a lot of traffic.  I have been meaning to extend this route further west. The only trick was to get around West Chester

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/training/map.asp?routeid=157271

I was thinking of taking route 926 as I hear that road is just empty and seems to go on for a good bit.

Link doesn't work for me?  Just takes me to my training log.

 

I was hoping it wasn't taking everyone to my training log....

Ha. 

2013-03-11 2:17 PM
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Subject: RE: Long rides in W. Philly Burbs
japewang - 2013-03-11 12:53 PM
stilgarnaib - 2013-03-11 9:52 AM

Hey Jeremy, 

West of Wayne has some decent places with not a lot of traffic.  I have been meaning to extend this route further west. The only trick was to get around West Chester

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/training/map.asp?routeid=157271

I was thinking of taking route 926 as I hear that road is just empty and seems to go on for a good bit.

Link doesn't work for me?  Just takes me to my training log.

Thanks for the suggestions guys.  Brian, I'll check with High Road as they're my LBS that takes all my money.

I think I linked to a private one...sorry...See if this works?

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/training/map.asp?routeid=142503

 

 

 

2013-03-13 12:58 PM
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Subject: RE: Long rides in W. Philly Burbs
Perfect!  Thanks!

2013-03-19 4:21 AM
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Subject: RE: Long rides in W. Philly Burbs
There is a lot of really great riding a bit to the west of you. You could check out the area around Valley Forge, or if you head west via Bryn Mawr Ave (or other back roads of your choice) to Darby Paoli Road then to Goshen Road, and head west on Goshen, you get out into some really nice riding territory.
2013-03-19 3:14 PM
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Subject: RE: Long rides in W. Philly Burbs

jsnowash - 2013-03-19 5:21 AM There is a lot of really great riding a bit to the west of you. You could check out the area around Valley Forge, or if you head west via Bryn Mawr Ave (or other back roads of your choice) to Darby Paoli Road then to Goshen Road, and head west on Goshen, you get out into some really nice riding territory.

I enjoy driving those roads but not sure I'd want to ride my bike on them. I don't mind riding on the road but if I recall, there's really not a lot of room for both cars and bikes.

junr

2013-03-20 3:43 AM
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Subject: RE: Long rides in W. Philly Burbs
junr - 2013-03-19 4:14 PM

jsnowash - 2013-03-19 5:21 AM There is a lot of really great riding a bit to the west of you. You could check out the area around Valley Forge, or if you head west via Bryn Mawr Ave (or other back roads of your choice) to Darby Paoli Road then to Goshen Road, and head west on Goshen, you get out into some really nice riding territory.

I enjoy driving those roads but not sure I'd want to ride my bike on them. I don't mind riding on the road but if I recall, there's really not a lot of room for both cars and bikes.

junr



I ride there all the time... never had any problem. The stretch of Darby-Paoli I'm suggesting is very short. Personally, I also tend to be on Goshen for a relatively short time (I'm usually getting on a little further west), and head off north or south from there, where there are really loads of choices for low traffic, scenic roads to ride. Not all have great shoulders, but most are quiet enough that cars can go around without a problem.
2013-03-20 6:48 AM
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Subject: RE: Long rides in W. Philly Burbs
Thanks Jenny!  I've rode out on Darby Paoli, but haven't much ventured west.  Will give it a go this spring!
2013-03-20 9:53 AM
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Subject: RE: Long rides in W. Philly Burbs

I ride there all the time... never had any problem. The stretch of Darby-Paoli I'm suggesting is very short. Personally, I also tend to be on Goshen for a relatively short time (I'm usually getting on a little further west), and head off north or south from there, where there are really loads of choices for low traffic, scenic roads to ride. Not all have great shoulders, but most are quiet enough that cars can go around without a problem.

 

that's good to know. I'll have to try and get out on them with the bike too...not just the car

 

junr

2013-03-20 7:28 PM
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Subject: RE: Long rides in W. Philly Burbs

I'm not sure how fast you are, but I used to drive those roads daily and I wouldn't bike unless I was fast enough not to off the commuters.  My dad rode it all the time training for his cross-country ride and it was dangerous for him (darby-paoli/goshen-area.  I think he rode Providence a lot too).   Drivers get really impatient and there's little room to pass safely during rush hour.   Then again, he shouldn't have been riding a narrow road slowly at peak driving times ;-).  926 is a popular biking route, but use caution.

 

Has anyone found a good cycling route from Philly-area to West Chester-area?  I do that commute all the time and was thinking it might be nice to leave some extra time and bike it instead since it's only about 30-40 miles.

2013-03-20 7:48 PM
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Subject: RE: Long rides in W. Philly Burbs
My staple for my ironman training was ride to Conshy to grab the SRT to Valley Forge then head Northwest. Go a little farther each weekend. Eventually found myself in French Creek and doing a 120 mile loop. Riding is epic, hilly, and low traffic. Enjoy!
2013-03-21 3:14 AM
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Subject: RE: Long rides in W. Philly Burbs
swimtochina - 2013-03-20 8:28 PM

I'm not sure how fast you are, but I used to drive those roads daily and I wouldn't bike unless I was fast enough not to off the commuters.  My dad rode it all the time training for his cross-country ride and it was dangerous for him (darby-paoli/goshen-area.  I think he rode Providence a lot too).   Drivers get really impatient and there's little room to pass safely during rush hour.   Then again, he shouldn't have been riding a narrow road slowly at peak driving times ;-).  926 is a popular biking route, but use caution.

 

Has anyone found a good cycling route from Philly-area to West Chester-area?  I do that commute all the time and was thinking it might be nice to leave some extra time and bike it instead since it's only about 30-40 miles.



I guess I'm not usually on those roads during peak commuting time - maybe that's why I've never had an issue... I haven't experienced a lot of traffic in that area mid-day or on weekends.
2013-03-23 10:28 AM
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Subject: RE: Long rides in W. Philly Burbs

gergzos - 2013-03-20 7:48 PM My staple for my ironman training was ride to Conshy to grab the SRT to Valley Forge then head Northwest. Go a little farther each weekend. Eventually found myself in French Creek and doing a 120 mile loop. Riding is epic, hilly, and low traffic. Enjoy!

Nice!  Do you have a map or cue on what roads you ended up on when you headed out to VF/French Creek? 

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