Events: Oktoberfest 2019

Photos by Lucy Thornton who captured the riders returning from a cold and wet Oktoberfest Ride to enjoy Blueprint Brewing beer and German-inspired food.

(2019) Several years ago, yours truly was prepared to graduate from an institution of higher learning. The school prided itself on its beautiful backdrop for outdoor graduation. As the date got closer, speculation swirled that festivities risked taking place indoors on account of the forecasted rain. This caused an uproar as whisper-down-the-lane informed graduates that only two representatives per student would be allowed to see the diploma handoff in person. All other members were to be ushered to an area to watch a closed circuit broadcast. It was hardly what hearing-down-the-lane wanted.

It is exactly that day, dug out of my memory as Eric and I rolled down some of the most gorgeous Montgomery County roads for the 2019 edition of Kermesse Sport’s Oktoberfest Ride. Rain was forecasted later in the day. A rolling start meant participants could leave as early as 8:30, a suggestion many took advantage of. Mathematically it was a stretch to complete all 58 miles before the rain, but motivation can help. It had only been two hours earlier Eric and I had left Blueprint Brewing Company in Harleysville, PA. It was raining harder by the minute.

Brats and ‘kraut did the trick to reheat finishers of the 2019 Oktoberfest Ride. Photo by Lucy Thornton.

Eric and I witnessed the roads go from dry just outside of Blueprint Brewing Company to humid a few miles out. All dots of rain were ignored in the opening miles, they were considered wayward droplets. The tropical storm remnants headed our way was scheduled for later, so these bits were skirmishers looking for a fight. More miles were added and so was the dampness. Despite the temperatures being in the forties, Eric and I remarked that we were quite comfortable. 

Because the 2019 Oktoberfest route started in a different location, the course was altered. This excited me very much at the prospect of seeing new roads and new sights. Montgomery County delivers in beauty with picturesque homesteads and flaming foliage. It may have been overcast and humid, but it was a day to be outside. The occasional leaf pile fire tickled the nasal passages to conclude fall was finally in command for the year. I could not look at everything hard enough along the route; the views were immensely serene.

There were many roads used by Oktoberfest and for good reason. The 2019 circuit rejoined the old route at the start of the three KOMs, Church Road. It is a winding road carved out of a Perkiomen Valley; it slices through old homes and leafy woods. Eric and I climbed it as a warmup to the middle climb in Green Lane Park: Eichele Hill. On our approach to the challenge we broached the sudden concerns that, not only would Eichele be wet from the precipitation, but it might be covered with fallen leaves, making a stroll with the bike more likely. I never want to add ‘walked my bike up Eichele’ to my cycling resume. Today seemed like an elevated chance.

With increasing rainfall we slowly approached the woody climb. In years past, homeowners along the steep ramp watched with curious wonderment as to why a cyclist would attempt such a hill. There were no such spectators today. The only people walking along Eichele were the riders who had been bested by the climb. As Eric and I approached, every single cyclist was walking. Seven or eight riders were negotiating the slippery surface, walking on hardened cleats, trying to look graceful in defeat. A couple of riders farther up stepped off at a driveway often used as momentum to regain some dignity and attempt to finish the climb atop the bike. Neither Eric nor myself gave audience to these participants. We were not going to let a wet Eichele affect the day. We went straight up the middle and topped the climb. My style featured loud wheezing and lurching pedal strokes. It couldn’t all be romantic.

We hammered down Swamp Creek Road, always a highlight of Oktoberfest, especially this time of year. Here the rain picked up and finally the shoes were penetrated by spray. Eric noted how much more enjoyable the road is with a group of ten and a dosage of motivation. Today we drank in the dramatic yellows and light greens dominating the roadside canopy. New structures were taking shape even in this weather. One guy working on a small dwelling was waiting in shorts. I thought how unnecessary that was.

Blueprint Brewing’s space was perfect for the after-party. Photo by Lucy Thornton.

We turned up Knockel Road, the last climb and least challenging. It always delivers with beauty. We ascended it while looking at nature creating art. How beautiful this area is even in rain. The finish line began to be discussed and we found our new motivation. 

We rolled up to the front door of Blueprint Brewing, slowly leaking accumulated rain and road grit. We both celebrated our dry bags by donning dry clothes for lunch provided by Lindingers. The savory sauerkraut and steaming brats warmed our bodies while the Blueprint Brewing libations took the edge off the effort. I sat with both Bikesport Bikes and Doylestown Bike Works mechanics who supported the ride and swapped cycling stories. Riders were returning shivering. Some tried to strike deals at the merch table for dry clothes. One rider who finished in a summer kit, disappeared into the bathroom for a considerable time, probably thawing out under the hand dryer.

As I prepared to leave I was stopped by the friendly volunteer who bakes the greatest cupcakes in the world. Eric and I missed the rest stop at Camp Garrison and wrote off my yearly pumpkin cupcakes with maple frosting. She stopped me as I was walking out, making the day complete. Riders were still rolling into the finish line as I started the drive home, no doubt excited for the finish area excitement. 

On my drive home I remembered the sentiment at the college graduation when rain did arrive, causing wet gowns and drooping mortarboards. The precipitation sent attendants into action by raiding the book store and handing out slickers to the graduates. I never got one. For a brief moment, four years of education could have been traded for a free tarp with a hood. But the braggart moment comes in saying the fact that despite the rain, the graduation was still beautiful. The backdrop, the execution, the experience all stood up to the fact that it rained. Oktoberfest Ride’s description mirrored that moment. The backdrop, the success, and the experience all outperformed the rain that showed up earlier than expected. Even when it rained, everything was enjoyable.