Hopewell Furnace Classic 63 (53 Shortcut) - Updated Route by Charlie B.!

##### Sat November 15, 2025 - Hopewell Furnace Classic with UPDATED ROUTE by Charlie B. CO-LEADERS WELCOME - SHORT-CUT OPTION AVAILABLE

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34361926
Level B-: 13-14mph, 63 (53 short-cut) miles. Meet at French Creek State Park, parking lot at Hopewell Lake, near the boat launch area. The ride leaves at 9:15 am. An incredibly scenic ride through the Oley Valley in Berks County. Thanks to Rich Wagner for the original version of this picturesque route, and thanks to Charlie B. to updating the route. Featuring the crossing of two covered bridges, Three rest stops. One at your standard convenience store. One at a great little deli/restaurant in the quaint town of Oley. And even one at a chocolatier. Terrain will consist of significant climbs for the first and last 15 miles , but this route has been adjusted, so that the beginning and ending climbs over the ridge are more gentle, less steep. The middle 30 is rolling to flat. This will be one of the prettiest rides you will do this year. Cue sheets will be available. Total climbing 3847 feet. We will stop to regroup as needed. DRIVING DIRECTIONS to French Creek State Park: Take the Main PA Turnpike (I-76) West to the Downingtown Exit. This is two exits beyond (west of) the Valley Forge exit. After leaving the Turnpike, take PA 100 North/Pottstown Pike for 4 miles. You will pass through the town of Eagle. Turn left onto Conestoga Rd/PA-401 West. Stay on 401 West for 6 miles, then turn right onto PA-345 North/Bulltown Rd. Follow PA-345 North for 4 miles. There will be signs on 345 for French Creek State Park, and Hopewell Lake. SHORT-CUT OPTION provided by Charlie B. (thanks, Charlie!): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44884572 This option is 53 miles, meeting at the SRT trailhead on Grosstown Rd in Stowe, just off 422. This option would cut off a few miles at both the start and the finish of the 63-mi route. At Mile 0.9, this shorter option joins the metric at Mile 9.8. Cue sheets will be available. The on-line route map is https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34361926
Preregistration is required, please preregister by Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 9:15 am.
Leader: Linda McGrane, mcgrane_linda_a@yahoo.com, 267-251-7862