A SS1K in PA

[With_him]

Anyone out there run an in-state SS in the state of PA yet?  If so would you be willing to share your route and experience with someone who currently has neither.

I was playing with a few routes mostly looking to run I-80 and I-76 from one end of the state to the other, but that doesn't offer enough miles in a loop. I want to avoid an overly complicated submission for verification and would rather not have to explain why part of the loop was done more than once.  Also any free (online ?) software that you may know off for planning purposes would be greatly appreciated. Currently I use Google maps and it gives me an idea but I am not sure about the accuracy, if others want to comment I would appreciate it.

[bpg]

First thing, where do you want to stop/start?

For some good E-W roads that are much more interesting than superslab, US 6 across the entire northern tier of the state, and PA 120 from Saint Marys to Lock Haven are awesome on a bike...  6 Does have some small towns/traffic to contend with depending on when you'd be riding through; 120 is mostly wide open flyin', very easy to hold superslab (or higher!) speeds...

US 6 has some websites dedicated to it, it's one of my favorite "Americana-type" roads; you'll feel like you stepped back in time 50 years..  On 120, it'll feel maybe 100 years or more!

[With_him]

Well I live just outside of State College, but I have family in NJ just outside of Philly.  I don't really care as much for the start, only to finish in my own bed.  Even that is negotiable.  I am certainly open to other roads I was just figuring that superslab was faster and therefore a little easier for a first timer if something goes wrong or I realize my limits sooner than ego would allow.

[DNA]

There was an all PA ride in the MD 2020 last year - look here...someplace.
http://www.masondixon20-20.org/-DNA

[With_him]

I did a little poking but I didn't see anything that looked useful.  There was a ride report posted, but it started with ramblings of how hard it was just before the ride and things they had learned as a result of the the ride.  Is there a part of the site that I am missing that talks about routes?

[Tony T]

Ya can’t count on the MD 20/20 if you want to do a SS1000 within the borders of PA, ya just don’t know where the bonuses locations are going to be. I would just plan it on my own and zigzag the state a few times using the turnpike and other roads. And don’t worry about “overly complicated submission for verification” just make sure to get a receipt at each of your turns and you should be golden.

[DNA]

Sorry - it ould have been on the MD2020 yahoo group.
There was an option last year - there might be one next year.
Why not sign up and see??
-DNA

[With_him]

I went out and purchased Microsoft Streets and Trips 2007 and that has proved most useful in planning my Future ride.  I don't think I am ready for rally yet and I certainly know that my current bike isn't.  I also really like the idea of starting and ending in my bed.

Given that I live outside of State College, PA and a stones throw away from I-80 I was planning on superslabbing Using i-80 and the Turnpike for most of the ride (as much as possible anyways).  My problem is that this state either isn't long enough or tall enough.    

I was planning on making a loop starting in state college and then running up to Towanda on 220 -> Across to Erie  on 6-> down to Pittsburgh on 79 -> across to Philly on Turnpike 76 -> Up the northeast extension to just beyond Wilkes-Barre -> 80 back to my neck of the woods.  Grand total of 1016 miles according to streets and trips.

Does it make sense, do I need to have any sort of fudge factor built into the trip or is Streets and trips fairly accurate?

[The Innovator]

Streets and trips should be very accurate especially since you are staying on major highways.

[With_him]

Thanks for the help with the accuracy part.  Since I have the added GPS device with the software could I use something like motionbased.com click this for an example http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/256860 for part or all of my full submission?  

If I still needed starting and ending receipts and all gas receipts I could understand but the all the other logging just seems like a pain if I have a digital record being stored though the GPS anyways.

[Qkslver]

Here is an option for you. Routing, and all paper work submited for you.


http://www.mctourer.com/rides/2007/SS1K/index.html

All you have to do is ride.

[squeezer]

Let me push that Mason Dixon 20-20 idea again.  The rallymaster always sets up a specific SS1K route for newbies.  You don't have to set up witnesses or hassle with the paperwork.  Just ride the SS1K route, turn in your stuff at the scoring table, and Rick will send you all the documentation you need for the IBA.  You just sign it and add your check.  It doesn't get any easier, and you'll also meet a great group of riders.

And, by the way, Howdy Neighbor!  I live in State College.

[iXXion]

On an '83 Virago, you'd best stick to the highway.  You'll lose a ton of time on routes 220 and 6.  If you don't have the oomph to pass truck traffic on short straights, it will be slow going.

I presume you are dedicated to keeping this entirely inside of Pennsylvania.  This route is a little busy, but might work for you.  Keep in mind that Streets and Trips is only a guide, and you should always add at least 5% for a cushion unless you know the road very well.  With the highways, you can check the Penndot website for construction schedules as well.  Check this route.

80 east, 476 south, 33 east, 209 north through East Stroudsburg to Milford. 84 west, 81 south, 78 east, 476 south, 76 west to 70 west and 79 north on the western side of Pittsburgh, 80 east to home.  Scope it out and add a few small detours to ensure the mileage.  

You need to watch your start times to make sure you are not in metro areas at peak usage times.  

[Cablebandit]

One more dude in State College here.  Us Central PA'er should get together someday.

[squeezer]

There's a meet and eat in Clearfield next Sunday.  Check the region board.  I think I'll head up there, depending on how lousy the weather is.

[Cablebandit]

Looks like next weekend is going to be great, once the snow blows through tomorrow.